june 2010
DESCRIPTION
VOL 23 (10)TRANSCRIPT
VOL
23(1
0)
JUN
2010
Rs
.150
Exploring Sustainability
Free
CD:
Dr.
Fixit’
sInt
erac
tiveG
uide
toH
ealth
yCon
stru
ctio
nw
ithJu
ne‘1
0IA
&Bis
sue
Presented by
IA&B
- JU
N 20
1018
A proponent of sustainable design for more than 30 years, Bob Berkebile, FAIA, a principal of BNIM Architects, is a leading architect on sustainability. He is the founding chair of the American Institute of Architect’s Committee on Environment. In a tête-à-tête with Sarita Vijayan, Editor & Brand Director Indian Architect & Builder Magazine, Bob Berkebile reveals his green ideologies that make a difference.
Photograph: cour tesy SEWC
Reviving Sustainable Cultures
let’s partner
Reviving Sustainable Cultures SV. In your career, you have launched a lot of initiatives. What are your current initiatives to change the perception of sustainability? BB. The things that are holding my intentions at the moment are community based initiatives so we are still designing and building buildings. But we are focusing more and more on clusters of building that could be described as neighbourhood or a city or a region. We are right now doing a master plan and design project for a place called Oble in Ohio and it is a partnership between the college that is located there and the city. We agreed into an agreement that we are developing this plan for them and that we will make the place into the first post-carbon economy in North-America, which basically requires everything to change. Building design changes sources of energy, changes how we grow, prepare and consume our food and all the other materials that are required to support human life, all of those systems need to be re-analysed and re-designed and changed.
SV. In your career, you have achieved so much but have you been able to change people’s attitude towards their life and towards this planet through architecture?BB. We find in well designed environment, particularly where the participants, the stakeholders have a direct role that when they create a future that is truly beautiful and regenerative it does in fact increase human potential because it is a part of them, their place and in that environment we can measure increase in human health and in productivity. We can measure the increased test scores in school, in health care facilities, we can determine that people actually go back home sooner with fewer drugs. What is more difficult to measure is the real important part and that is how our hearts and spirits and our sense of community are affected by the designs of buildings and communities that we are creating.
SV. Does architecture make people or do people make architecture?BB. It is interesting that we have always thought that architects create spaces and those spaces celebrate a culture and I think that is true but I think that we are more and more aware that this is an on-going creative multi-generational dialogue. I believe good architects are listening to the emerging culture and to the ear th and are beginning to help our society and culture develop strategies that will take us far into the future more successfully, rather than creating objects on the landscape that are not connected to the genius of a place or a culture. It is, I think, a collaboration between the designer and all the stakeholders and that includes subtle voices of nature and not just human beings.
SV. Do you think sustainability is a new term considering it has gained precedence due to growing global warming? How is the world connecting with this attitude of life and living? BB. First of all I think sustainability is a temporary word, we are all referring to it because we don’t have a better word. But if we think about it, other important errors have been identified after the fact. We now refer to the period in history as the industrial revolution but it wasn’t the case when it was born. And so this term sustainability will disappear and a better term will arrive. For me personally the reason for this is that sustainability implies maintaining the current system, sustaining what exists and that would be
a disaster strategy. So we are seeking a new approach and a new strategy that would be more about thriving than sustaining. It is not important what the term will be, what is really important for all of us as human beings is to connect in a new way and to build an environment and a community that not just allows us to survive but also thrive and really realise our full potential as human beings.
SV. O n o n e s i d e, we s p e a k o f s u s t a i n a b l e l i fe. O n t h e o t h e r s i d e we m a ke t h o u s a n d d e ve l o p m e nt s. How d o we re a c h b o t h p h e n o m e n a l i v i n g o n t h e s a m e p l a n e t ?BB. There is something about human spirit that wants to be the fastest or the tallest or the richest or something. And this urge to build the tallest building is attached to that. It is all ego in my mind and its too much money in the wrong places and I think it is an extraordinary move at the time when, the current way of life on this planet is obsolete. That is why we are finding that the resources are more and more expensive because if everyone lived like the western world we need 5-6 planets of resources and that is a broken obsolete idea but we are still moving in that direction. And the real magic is for all of us to simultaneously or in thousands of places people waking up to the reality that it is a failed system and when you look at large pattern science, when failure occurs you find more radical behaviour, especially amongst the people who have been controlling the existing system. In a way you can take this as a good thing because as this gets more radical it means that there is more change taking place so it is the old system flexing its muscles and showing it can still build even taller building. But when you start looking at it, it means that people just waste a lot more time just going to their office or their home when they are going half a mile in the air to get there and when they are bringing in resources from all over the planet to make that system work it is enormously expensive, it separates people from one another and from nature, which is the most fundamental quality of life. So hopefully by this contrast between this absurd obsolete system and this new sense of more healthier, appropriate better quality of life, as the contrast gets better it will be easier to choose which direction to take.
S V. Wh at a re yo u r v i e w s o n t h e I n d i a n i n i t i at i ve s towa rd s a b e t te r l i fe a n d a s u s t a i n a b l e f u t u re ?B B. What inspires me most about India is the beauty of the people and the resilience that I have experienced here, under pretty tough conditions, in terms of, community infrastructure and economic resources. I consider that people even under dire circumstances have a very good disposition and are optimistic about what can happen. And I find that really exciting because it is that spirit and that attitude and that culture that is available here that could transform this system and could leap forward over many of the mistakes that the western society has made. Our part of the world holds all the record for consumption waste and pollution. So, right now in India in my mind there is a tug of war going on between being seduced by this obsolete way of thinking and developing a western approach to city building or taking the best of this culture that exists and taking the portions from us in terms of technology, resource management, things of that nature and creating a new society and a new economy and a new sustainable, healthier model for a design and community building.
dummy copy dummy copy
Cover Image: © Andreas G. Gjertsen
& Tyin Tegnestue
Value Add: Complimentary CD - Dr.Fixit
Healthy Construction Practices
POST EVENT60 ‘Avant-Garde’ Visions Lafarge presented an exclusive fully-paid opportunity to visit the World Expo
2010, Shanghai to architects as its special invitees, through a simple contest.
61 Healthy Construction Dr. Fixit Institute arranges a lecture on ‘Sustainable Construction & Green
Buildings’ as a part of its Healthy Construction Lecture Series.
62 BOOK REVIEW Romancing the Red Stone Highlighting the best of Mughal architecture, especially their love for the red
stone, is Yashwant Pitkar’s book—The Romance of Red Stone: An Appreciation Of Ornament on Islamic Architecture In India
FOCUS63 EXPLORING SUSTAINABILITY64 Conserving African Heritage The Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre by Peter Rich is a classic specimen of
sustainable architecture combined with the rich traditional heritage of the African continent.
70 ‘Energie’ Heritage Rising from a defunct industrial wasteland, the Bio-Towers in Germany
showcase a sustainable and di�erent perspective, framing them as impressive pieces of architecture.
18 LET’S PARTNER Sharing over three decades of experience and insights on pioneering the
sustainable design movement with Sarita Vijayan, Editor and Brand Director,
Indian Architect and Builder Magazine is Bob Berkebile.
26 CURRENT Au courant updates on architecture exhibitions, competitions and news.
32 PRODUCTS Featured are contemporary, innovative and state-of-the-art products from around
the world.
CONSTRUCTION BRIEF Apprise of the world’s �ve most fascinating construction projects.
44 ‘Discovery’ in Bühlau A harmonious and eco-friendly learning environment using natural materials.
46 Delwara Community Toilets, Rajasthan Sustainable community toilets designed by Vir. Mueller Architects in Rajasthan.
48 Bella Vistaâ in Italy The energy conservation techniques of underground hotel complex designed by
Matteo Thun.
50 Earthe Towne, Greater Noida The LEED certi�ed residential township ‘Earthe Towne’ in Greater Noida.
52 Yeosu Oceanic Pavilion, Korea A marine system that explores the ecosystem of oceans.
56 TECHNOLOGY Saving for a ‘Rainy Day’ A slender mechanism, conforming to the shape of a water tower that would
generate rain on its own, is conceptualised by French architects Ramdam.
Chairman: Jasu Shah
Printer & Publisher: Maulik Jasubhai
Editor & Brand Director: Sarita Vijayan
Deputy Editor: Sujatha Mani
Senior Writers: Hina Nitesh, Ritu Sharma, Hema Yadav
Writers: Renuka Singh, Maanasi Hattangadi
Visualiser: Mansi Chikani
Web Designer: Sandeep Sahoo
Editorial & Events Co-ordinator: Abhay Dalvi
Subscription Co-ordinators: Sunita Lumba (Delhi), Abhijit Mirashi, Sheetal Kamble
Production Team: V Raj Misquitta (Head), Prakash Nerkar, Arun Madye
Brand Manager: Sudhanshu Nagar
Head Key Accounts: Meha Shrivastava
Editorial & Marketing O�ce:JMPL, 210, Taj Building, 3rd Floor, Dr. D N Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001
Tel : +91-22-4213 6400, Fax : +91-22-4213 6401
General Manager - Sales: Sandeep Chauhan
Mumbai:Sr. Sales Executive: Viresh Pandey
Asst. Manager Sales: Manish Naik
Sales Executive: Kavita Jharolia
Sales & Accounts Co-ordinator: Manoj Gorivale
Bangalore: JMPL, Sales Head - South: Christopher Gnanaraj
Nanda Gokula, # 96, Osborne Road, Ulsoor,
Near Lakeside Hospital, Bangalore 560 042
Tel: 080 2554 6371, Mob: 99647 47819
Chennai: JMPL, Assistant Sales Managers: Senkhadir Balu
Saena Circle No 31/6, Ist Floor, Duraiswamy Road,T.Nagar Chennai 600 017
Tel: 044 - 42123936, Fax: 044-42427728, Mob: 98407 05981
Email: [email protected]
Secunderabad: JMPL, Cabin No. 37, Reliance Business Centre, 303, Swapna Lok Complex,
92 Sarojini Devi Road, Secunderabad – 500 003
Tel: 040-5522 1050
Delhi: JMPL, Assistant Regional Managers: Rohit Chhajer, Preeti Singh,
803, Chiranjeev Tower, No. 43, Nehru Place, New Delhi 110 019
Tel: 011-2623 5332, Fax: 011-2642 7404
Pune: JMPL, Suite 201, White House, 1482 Sadashiv Peth,
Tilak Road, Pune 411 030
Telefax: 020 - 2448 2059
Ahmedabad: JMPL, 64/A, Phase I, GIDC Industrial Estate, Vatva,
Ahmedabad 382 445
Tel: 079 2583 1042
Processed at M.B. Graphics Tel: 91 22 2413 8980
Printed & Published by Maulik Jasubhai on behalf of Jasubhai Media Pvt. Ltd (JMPL),
Taj Building, 3rd Floor, 210, Dr. D. N. Road, Mumbai 400 001.
Printed by him at M.B.Graphics, B-28 Shri Ram Industrial Estate, ZG.D.Ambekar Marg,
Wadala, Mumbai 400031and Published from Mumbai.
Editor: Sarita Vijayan
JMPL, Taj Building, 3rd Floor, 210, Dr. D. N. Road, Mumbai 400 001.
Indian Architect & Builder: (ISSN 0971-5509), RNI No 46976/87, is a JMPL monthly
publication. Reproduction in any manner, in whole or part, in English or any other
language is strictly prohibited. We welcome articles, but do not accept responsibility
for contributions lost in the mail.
72 Energy Roof Capturing the sun’s rays and wind’s breath, is a sculpturesque twisting canopy of
steel ribbons by COOP HIMMELB(L)AU.
74 Biomorphic Styling Greek architectural �rm dARCH Studio drapes a fashion store in Athens using recycled
corrugated cartons.
78 Sustainable Multiplicity HOK Architects substantiate a university campus design rooted in vernacular
strategies certi�ed as the world’s largest LEED Platinum project.
84 Paradise Island A high-pro�led, zero-energy homes by Berlin-based Graft Lab Architects is creating
waves for its sustainability quotient and alluring design.
88 Evolved Courtyard House Pune-based �rm Design Praxis has realised a contemporary house be�tting the
vernacular courtyard house typology and Laurie Baker’s material innovations.
91 The Learning Curve Led by architect Sami Rintala and Associate Professor Hans Skotte, a team of
architectural students outline a humanitarian project for Safe Haven Orphanage.
94 Bridge of Dreams Atelier Li Xiaodong interprets the vernacular essence of China to lease a new life into a school
project which is an eclectic symbiosis of the traditional and the contemporary.
100 Green Dynamism Danish Architects 3XN have delineated a 100 per cent self-su�cient pavilion that
is an interactive trend-setter in the emerging sustainable technologies.
104 Misty Perceptions French architects Nicolas Dorval-Bory and Raphaël Bétillon have conceived a misty
edi�ce built on the lines of climate responsive design approach.
112 Rain, Reserve, Recycle Polish architectural students Ryszard Rychlicki and Agnieszka Nowak make use of rainfall
capturing techniques in a skyscraper design as an answer to the depleting water resource.
116 The Intangible Sustainability Tracing the roots of ‘Eastern Naturalistic Philosophy,’ the Taichung Convention
Centre, China, embraces nature and culture with a modern eco-skin.
122 Extracting Hope, Changing Lives Applying the technique of pumps to create an arti�cial lake in Sudan, Hugon Kowalski
renders a water tower skyscraper to resolve the drought-stricken problems of the region.
dummy copy dummy copy
Cover Image: © Andreas G. Gjertsen
& Tyin Tegnestue
Value Add: Complimentary CD - Dr.Fixit
Healthy Construction Practices
Pidilite Green Print
POST EVENT60 ‘Avant-Garde’ Visions Lafarge presented an exclusive fully-paid opportunity to visit the World Expo
2010, Shanghai to architects as its special invitees, through a simple contest.
61 Healthy Construction Dr. Fixit Institute arranges a lecture on ‘Sustainable Construction & Green
Buildings’ as a part of its Healthy Construction Lecture Series.
62 BOOK REVIEW Romancing the Red Stone Highlighting the best of Mughal architecture, especially their love for the red
stone, is Yashwant Pitkar’s book—The Romance of Red Stone: An Appreciation Of Ornament on Islamic Architecture In India
FOCUS63 EXPLORING SUSTAINABILITY64 Conserving African Heritage The Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre by Peter Rich is a classic specimen of
sustainable architecture combined with the rich traditional heritage of the African continent.
70 ‘Energie’ Heritage Rising from a defunct industrial wasteland, the Bio-Towers in Germany
showcase a sustainable and di�erent perspective, framing them as impressive pieces of architecture.
18 LET’S PARTNER Sharing over three decades of experience and insights on pioneering the
sustainable design movement with Sarita Vijayan, Editor and Brand Director,
Indian Architect and Builder Magazine is Bob Berkebile.
26 CURRENT Au courant updates on architecture exhibitions, competitions and news.
32 PRODUCTS Featured are contemporary, innovative and state-of-the-art products from around
the world.
CONSTRUCTION BRIEF Apprise of the world’s �ve most fascinating construction projects.
44 ‘Discovery’ in Bühlau A harmonious and eco-friendly learning environment using natural materials.
46 Delwara Community Toilets, Rajasthan Sustainable community toilets designed by Vir. Mueller Architects in Rajasthan.
48 Bella Vistaâ in Italy The energy conservation techniques of underground hotel complex designed by
Matteo Thun.
50 Earthe Towne, Greater Noida The LEED certi�ed residential township ‘Earthe Towne’ in Greater Noida.
52 Yeosu Oceanic Pavilion, Korea A marine system that explores the ecosystem of oceans.
56 TECHNOLOGY Saving for a ‘Rainy Day’ A slender mechanism, conforming to the shape of a water tower that would
generate rain on its own, is conceptualised by French architects Ramdam.
Chairman: Jasu Shah
Printer & Publisher: Maulik Jasubhai
Editor & Brand Director: Sarita Vijayan
Deputy Editor: Sujatha Mani
Senior Writers: Hina Nitesh, Ritu Sharma, Hema Yadav
Writers: Renuka Singh, Maanasi Hattangadi
Visualiser: Mansi Chikani
Web Designer: Sandeep Sahoo
Editorial & Events Co-ordinator: Abhay Dalvi
Subscription Co-ordinators: Sunita Lumba (Delhi), Abhijit Mirashi, Sheetal Kamble
Production Team: V Raj Misquitta (Head), Prakash Nerkar, Arun Madye
Brand Manager: Sudhanshu Nagar
Head Key Accounts: Meha Shrivastava
Editorial & Marketing O�ce:JMPL, 210, Taj Building, 3rd Floor, Dr. D N Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001
Tel : +91-22-4213 6400, Fax : +91-22-4213 6401
General Manager - Sales: Sandeep Chauhan
Mumbai:Sr. Sales Executive: Viresh Pandey
Asst. Manager Sales: Manish Naik
Sales Executive: Kavita Jharolia
Sales & Accounts Co-ordinator: Manoj Gorivale
Bangalore: JMPL, Sales Head - South: Christopher Gnanaraj
Nanda Gokula, # 96, Osborne Road, Ulsoor,
Near Lakeside Hospital, Bangalore 560 042
Tel: 080 2554 6371, Mob: 99647 47819
Chennai: JMPL, Assistant Sales Managers: Senkhadir Balu
Saena Circle No 31/6, Ist Floor, Duraiswamy Road,T.Nagar Chennai 600 017
Tel: 044 - 42123936, Fax: 044-42427728, Mob: 98407 05981
Email: [email protected]
Secunderabad: JMPL, Cabin No. 37, Reliance Business Centre, 303, Swapna Lok Complex,
92 Sarojini Devi Road, Secunderabad – 500 003
Tel: 040-5522 1050
Delhi: JMPL, Assistant Regional Managers: Rohit Chhajer, Preeti Singh,
803, Chiranjeev Tower, No. 43, Nehru Place, New Delhi 110 019
Tel: 011-2623 5332, Fax: 011-2642 7404
Pune: JMPL, Suite 201, White House, 1482 Sadashiv Peth,
Tilak Road, Pune 411 030
Telefax: 020 - 2448 2059
Ahmedabad: JMPL, 64/A, Phase I, GIDC Industrial Estate, Vatva,
Ahmedabad 382 445
Tel: 079 2583 1042
Processed at M.B. Graphics Tel: 91 22 2413 8980
Printed & Published by Maulik Jasubhai on behalf of Jasubhai Media Pvt. Ltd (JMPL),
Taj Building, 3rd Floor, 210, Dr. D. N. Road, Mumbai 400 001.
Printed by him at M.B.Graphics, B-28 Shri Ram Industrial Estate, ZG.D.Ambekar Marg,
Wadala, Mumbai 400031and Published from Mumbai.
Editor: Sarita Vijayan
JMPL, Taj Building, 3rd Floor, 210, Dr. D. N. Road, Mumbai 400 001.
Indian Architect & Builder: (ISSN 0971-5509), RNI No 46976/87, is a JMPL monthly
publication. Reproduction in any manner, in whole or part, in English or any other
language is strictly prohibited. We welcome articles, but do not accept responsibility
for contributions lost in the mail.
72 Energy Roof Capturing the sun’s rays and wind’s breath, is a sculpturesque twisting canopy of
steel ribbons by COOP HIMMELB(L)AU.
74 Biomorphic Styling Greek architectural �rm dARCH Studio drapes a fashion store in Athens using recycled
corrugated cartons.
78 Sustainable Multiplicity HOK Architects substantiate a university campus design rooted in vernacular
strategies certi�ed as the world’s largest LEED Platinum project.
84 Paradise Island A high-pro�led, zero-energy homes by Berlin-based Graft Lab Architects is creating
waves for its sustainability quotient and alluring design.
88 Evolved Courtyard House Pune-based �rm Design Praxis has realised a contemporary house be�tting the
vernacular courtyard house typology and Laurie Baker’s material innovations.
91 The Learning Curve Led by architect Sami Rintala and Associate Professor Hans Skotte, a team of
architectural students outline a humanitarian project for Safe Haven Orphanage.
94 Bridge of Dreams Atelier Li Xiaodong interprets the vernacular essence of China to lease a new life into a school
project which is an eclectic symbiosis of the traditional and the contemporary.
100 Green Dynamism Danish Architects 3XN have delineated a 100 per cent self-su�cient pavilion that
is an interactive trend-setter in the emerging sustainable technologies.
104 Misty Perceptions French architects Nicolas Dorval-Bory and Raphaël Bétillon have conceived a misty
edi�ce built on the lines of climate responsive design approach.
112 Rain, Reserve, Recycle Polish architectural students Ryszard Rychlicki and Agnieszka Nowak make use of rainfall
capturing techniques in a skyscraper design as an answer to the depleting water resource.
116 The Intangible Sustainability Tracing the roots of ‘Eastern Naturalistic Philosophy,’ the Taichung Convention
Centre, China, embraces nature and culture with a modern eco-skin.
122 Extracting Hope, Changing Lives Applying the technique of pumps to create an arti�cial lake in Sudan, Hugon Kowalski
renders a water tower skyscraper to resolve the drought-stricken problems of the region.
IA&B
-JUN
201
026
Design Williamsburg Waterfront Performance Venue
Category : InternationalType : Professionals and students in architecture and designersDeadline : Registration: August 13, 2010 Submission: August 16, 2010
suckerPUNCH invites applications for the integrated design of an innovative music venue in the East R iver State Park located in Will iamsburg, Brooklyn. The new park is the place for free per formances by progressive independent ar t ists at the JELLY Pool Par ties’ summer concer t series that draws 10,000 fans to the spot on Sunday afternoons. suckerPUNCH challenges designers to build a network of stages and faci l i t ies which can accommodate these per formances through an advanced design strategy. Being the epicentre of avant- garde music, ar t and fashion, Will iamsburg looks for ward to an architectural inter vention that incorporates the most groundbreaking design ideas, techniques and processes. The stages are meant to be temporar y as they can be renewed and reused in future events. The design needs to be cl imate responsive and f lexible to changing weather condit ions.
For fur ther information, contact:Web: www.suckerpunchdaily.com
Solutia World of Color AwardsCategory : InternationalType : Architects, interior designers, glass fabricators, furniture designers, glazing engineers and other industry professionalsDeadline : August 15, 2010
The first ‘Solutia World of Color Awards’ is a global design awards program for honouring architects, interior designers, glass fabricators, furniture designers, glazing engineers and other industr y professionals. The awards will recognise the innovative application of coloured laminated safety glass in building design and interior spaces across the world.
For fur ther information, contac t:Web: www.worldofcolorawards.com
Category : InternationalType : Open to allDeadline : Registration: August 31, 2010 Submission: September 28, 2010
With the competition Opengap aims to redefine the concept of ‘market’ as a commercial space, reinforcing the value of handwork and to promote direct contact between the artist/craftsman and the client. The competition invites proposals that provide a contemporary vision of urban markets, adequate to current way of life, without loosing its traditional, social, historical and cultural essence. The competition is open to all architects, designers, architecture students and to people around the world interested in the topic. Competitors may subscribe individually or as a team of maximum of 5 people.The proposal submission should include two digital images in .jpg format, not bigger than 4MB. The images should have a horizontal format.
For further information, contact:Web: www.opengap.net
m_ART Competition
Category : NationalType : Architects & designersDeadline : July 15, 2010
Design concepts that would make a difference to the urban skyl ine, are invited for building iconic structures. Skyl ines can be seen as infusions of perception, imagination and desire that are embedded in a building. It is not about changing the skyl ine but transforming it with innovative designing ideas.
For further information, contact:Web: www.aecworldxp.com/hpskyline2020/brief
HP Skyline 2020
currentCO
MPE
TITI
ON
Category : InternationalType : Architects and designersDeadline : Registration: September 01, 2010 Submission: September 03, 2010
Freegreen.com seeks to redefine the design concept of affordable luxur y. The competition challenges designers to come up with livable, aesthetically pleasing and plush homes executed in smaller and affordable housing. This oppor tunity opens doors for the design community to create new home designs and deliver y methods that meet today’s restraints and needs. Competitors will choose from two user profiles and design a single family home that suits their requirement. In this contest, the focus will be on affordability and constructability so all entries should be aimed at a final construction cost of $220,000 to $410,000.
For further information, contact:Web: www.freegreen.com/whosnext/
Who’s The Next 2.0?
Category : InternationalType : Architects, space-architects, scientists, engineers, urban designers, landscape designers, ar tists and futuristsDeadline : September 03, 2010
SHIFTboston is calling on to submit most provocative ideas for the moon. It seeks to collect visions that will provoke thought on the moon as a new destination. The call is for radical ideas for new lunar elements such as rovers, growing pods, inflatable structures and lunar habitats. The honorary recipient will receive a cash prize and be present at the Moon Capital Forum at the Cyclorama in Boston, Massachusetts on Thursday, October 21, 2010.
For further information, contact:Web: www.shiftboston.org
SHIFTboston Moon Capital Competition
Date : September 16 to September 17, 2010Venue : Atlantic City, USA
East Coast Green 2010 conference wil l set a standard for meeting the Architecture 2030 objectives. As sustainabil ity being the priority for AIA and cl imate changes crossing state and regional boundaries, the conference wil l f ind solutions for fur ther measures. Legislation, codes/metrics, planning, buildings and tectonics are among the tracks to be covered in the conference. Projects in categories from residential to historic preser vation wil l be selected.The keynote speakers wil l be Bil l Reed, Regenesis, Delving Deeper, Integrative Design Collaborative; Ed Mazria, Architecture 2030; Rober t F. Kennedy, Jr. , R iverkeeper and Waterkeeper All iance.
For further information, contact:Web: www/aia-nj.org/ECG
28
Natural VentilationDate : September 15, 2010Venue : Cardiff, UK
This seminar wi l l ta lk about the pr inc iples and prac t ice of natural vent i lat ion us ing advanced laborator y and computer model l ing techniques and case studies. I t wi l l br ing together archi tec ts and engineers interested in us ing des ign concepts for low energy loads for bui ld ings. I t wi l l a lso introduce the concepts of natural vent i lat ion in bui ld ings and the chal lenges of i ts implementat ion.
For further information, contact:Email: [email protected] (0) 2920 228987
IA&B
- JU
N 20
10
EVEN
TScurrent
Date : Au g u s t 0 2 to Au g u s t 1 2 , 2 0 1 0Venue : Bengaluru, India
AA School of Architecture, London, Zaha Hadid Architects Computation and Research Group (ZHACDRG), Autodesk Inc and Depar tment of Architecture and BMS College of Engineering, Bangalore, bring an exclusive architectural workshop and one day conference to Bengaluru. The workshop will discover the association between modern software technology, design techniques, creative expression and manifestation of all within India’s evolving economy and prehistoric built traditions and encourage architectural creativity to respond to the intricate spatial and material per formance constraints of the new age.
For fur ther information, contact:Web: www.bangalore.aaschool.ac.uk
AA Bangalore Summer School 2010
Date : August 26 to August 28, 2010Venue : Auroville, India
Th e i nte rn at i o n a l tow n s h i p n e a r Pu d u c h e r r y, Au rov i l l e i s re n ow n e d f o r i t s g re e n t h i n k i n g a n d s u s t a i n a b l e p ra c t i ce s. O ve r 3 0 Au rov i l l e ex p e r t s a re g o i n g to p re s e nt t h e i r l ate s t p ro j e c t s a n d ex p e r i e n ce s i n t h e f o r t h co m i n g s e m i n a r cove r i n g to p i c s o n l a n d s ca p i n g, o rg a n i c f o o d, re n e wa b l e e n e rg y, wate r h a r ve s t i n g, wa s te m a n a g e m e nt, a p p ro p r i ate b u i l d i n g te c h n o l o g i e s a n d e co l o g i ca l awa re n e s s i n c l u d i n g v i s i t s to d e m o n s t rat i o n s i te s. . Th e e ve nt i nv i te s p ro j e c t d e ve l o p e r s, co n s u l t a nt s, a rc h i te c t s a n d d e c i s i o n m a ke r s i nvo lve d i n t h e p l a n n i n g o f e co l o g i ca l tow n s h i p s a n d re s i d e nt i a l co m p l exe s.
For fur ther information, contact:Web: www.auroco.in/greenpractices
Auroville Green Practices Seminar
Da te : Now to September 06, 2010 Venue : Chicago, USA
Although futuristic architecture has often inspired new age ar t photographers and video ar tists, Stanley Greenberg is the first to introduce a documentar y-style lens on the subject. Greenberg’s radiant large-scale black-and-white photographs discover advanced structures in the process of being constructed. Greenberg focuses on views that are rarely seen in the final building. He highlights the intricacy of modern-day construction and the residual visual unfolding of spaces ensuing from these feats of structural gymnastics. His pictures are able to highlight the technologies and disciplines applied in building incredible structures.
For further information, contact:Web: www.artic.edu/aic/
Stanley Greenberg: Architecture under Construction
Date : August 26, 2010Venue : Birmingham, UK
Th e s e m i n a r w i l l f o c u s o n s u s t a i n a b l e f e a t u re s a n d t h e p r a c t i c a l i t i e s o f ze ro c a r b o n h o m e s. Th e re w i l l b e d i s c u s s i o n s a b o u t s u s t a i n a b l e c o n s t r u c t i o n m e t h o d s a n d t h e s t a n d a rd s f o r b e s t p r a c t i c e i n s u s t a i n a b l e d e s i g n s e t b y B R E E n v i ro n m e n t a l A s s e s s m e n t M e t h o d ( B R E E A M ) . Ze ro Ca r b o n w o u l d b e a n i n s i g h t i n t o d e t a i l i n g, u s e o f m a t e r i a l s , s u s t a i n a b l e t e c h n o l o g i e s , e n e rg y u s a g e a n d g e n e r a t i o n . A l s o, i d e a s a n d s o l u t i o n s f o r re t ro f i t t i n g p re s e n t d o m e s t i c a n d c o m m e rc i a l b u i l d i n g s t o b e c o m e m o re s u s t a i n a b l e w o u l d c o m e f o r w a rd .
For further information, contact:Sue SpencerEmail: [email protected] (0)121 233 2321
Zero Carbon
East Coast Green 2010
30
Winners for 2010 Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) awards have been declared. RIBA Awards for architectural brilliance will be given to 102 buildings in the UK and Europe. From a small rounded loo for bus drivers in London to the Neues Museum in Berlin, from a zero-carbon house to the energy substation for the 2012 Olympics, RIBA honour has been bestowed on a range of architectural works. The high arts bagged several awards for some great work with galleries, museums, theatres and auditoriums. Educational buildings shone with securing 17 out of 93 UK awards. The RIBA Awards, which have been celebrated since 1966, have been given to all the public spaces like pavilions, monuments, Liverpool Pierhead and the Infinity Bridge in Teesdale have fetched an award. RIBA Awards honour buildings that have made a significant contribution to the local environment.
David Chipperfield bags 2010 Wolf Foundation Prize
David Chipper f ield has received the 2010 Wolf Foundation Prize in the Ar ts (Architecture) from the Wolf Foundation, Israel for his work on the Neues Museum in Berl in. The project has also received the BDA (Association of German Architects) ‘Grosse Nike’ overall award for ‘remarkable achievement in terms of architecture and use of urban space’. The Wolf Foundation ex tolled David Chipper f ield for being an ‘ex traordinar y architect, who has instated signif icant ref inement and quality to a contemporar y interpretation of classical architecture, as a profound principle, rather than just an image.’ David Chipper f ield and Peter Eisenman jointly received the prize from the President of the State of Israel in a ceremony at the Knesset, Jerusalem, on 13 th of May 2010. The award recognises innovative architect and educator, for advancing the discipl ine of architecture through both theoretical tex ts and outstanding buildings of profound consequence.
AS + GG’s energy-positive Masdar HQ as part of 2010 National Design Triennial
Masdar Headquar ters is par t of the 2010 National Design Triennial, which is being held from 14 th May to 9th Januar y 2011, at the Smithsonian Institution’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York City. Masdar Headquar ters is designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gil l Architecture.
The Triennial series focuses on the most innovative, progressive designs at the centre of contemporar y culture. The exhibition spotlights design solutions that suppor t ecological stewardship, social equity, accessibility and creative capital in 134 projects from 44 countries.Presently in the early stages of construction outside Abu Dhabi, Masdar Headquar ters has been par ticularly designed to produce more energy than it consumes. Its signature aspects comprise the world’s biggest solar panel array and eleven soaring cone-like structures to give natural ventilation, bring in natural daylight into the interiors and offer structural suppor t for the roof canopy. Design for Masdar Headquar ters is catered to suit this year’s Design Triennial theme, ‘Why Design Now?’
High Solar Rotterdam Tower by Monolab
S k y - h i g h R o t t e rd a m To w e r b y M o n o l a b a i m s t o a c h i e v e s o l a r p o w e r t o i t s f u l l e s t w i t h a s k i n o f p h o t o v o l t a i c p a n e l s . Wi t h a h e i g h t o f 4 5 0 m , t h e R o t t e rd a m To w e r d e s i g n w o u l d c o n n e c t Eu ro p e’s b i g g e s t p o r t t o t h e c i t y b y re a c h i n g i n t o t h e v e r t i c a l l a n d s c a p e . D e s i g n a t e d a s a m i xe d - u s e s t r u c t u re , t h e t o w e r w i l l i n c l u d e p u b l i c , c o m m e rc i a l a n d re s i d e n t i a l s p a c e s . A c o m p l e x s e r i e s o f g o n d o l a s , w h i c h m o v e u p, d o w n a n d d i a g o n a l l y a c ro s s t h e t o w e r, w i l l g i v e p a s s e n g e r s s l i g h t v e r t i g o w h i l e o f f e r i n g t h e m a b e a u t i f u l v i e w o f t h e c i t y.
Lodha presents the World’s Tallest Residential Tower
Lodha Developers, Mumbai’s largest and India’s No. 1 unlisted real estate company, announced the launch of World One – the tallest residential tower in the world. Located on a large 17 acre site in Upper Worli, Mumbai, this masterpiece will stand close to half a kilometer tall and 117 storeys high.
At over 450m when ready, it will comfortably dwarf Q1 in Gold coast, which at 323m, is currently the world’s tallest residential tower. True to its global stature, World One will be concurrently premiered across the globe in New York, Tokyo and Mumbai.
IA&B
-JUN
201
0
The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) has inked a contract with Studio Daniel Libeskind and Siemens AG to design and build the ‘Innovation City’. It’s a high-tech educational and technological center, which will be the future abode to Abu Dhabi Men’s College, CERT and HCT’s Central Ser vices division. Studio Daniel Libeskind’s other university projects include the Creative Media Centre for the City University of Hong Kong, the London Metropolitan University Graduate Centre, and the campus master plan and research centre for Leuphana University in Germany. Siemens, as the technology associate of choice, will contribute to the project with solutions that add more value and competence in buildings through sustainable technology. Siemens will incorporate sub-systems of newest technologies like building automation and security systems, smar t grid, students and faculty processes, e-learning, connectivity and prospective green energy production.
‘Innovative City’ by Higher Colleges of Technology with Daniel Libeskind and Siemens
RIBA Awards announces 2010 winners
NEW
Scurrent
Zaha Hadid’s Maxxi opens in Rome
Zaha Hadid’s National Museum of Twenty First Centur y Ar ts, Maxxi opened in the Roman suburb of Flaminio. The completed building is the first exemplar y series of interconnected buildings proposed by Hadid in her winning competition entr y of 1999. The museum’s opening programme will have a retrospective of the Italian architect Luigi Moretti. Also, an exhibition named Spazio will showcase site-specific installations by global architects like Diller, Scofidio & Renfro, Lacaton & Vassal, R&Sie and West 8.
Image: © Rene van der Hulst
Shine: Wall Washing Machine
32 productsIA
&B -
JUN
2010
INTE
RIOR
S
Reminiscent of old world, designer Siba Sahabi has created a unique series of vessels made with black wallpaper. The series known as Bucchero consists of nine pieces comprising of carafes, goblets and cups. The hand-crafted pieces are made from black wallpaper used for its strength and resistance to light. The paper vessels are inspired by characteristic black Etruscan ceramics, which emerged from Etruscan, a folk which lived during 800 to 100 B.C. in Toscana. Bucchero ceramic is black in colour due to the potter y being fired in an atmosphere charged with carbon monoxide in place of oxygen. Such a technique is called ’reducing firing’ and brings out a shiny metallic appearance. The designer has formed a relationship between histor y and the new age with ongoing significance of cultural melting pots.
Bucchero
Contact:Email:[email protected]+31 (0)6 141 734 37web:www.sibasahabi.com
Heated FurnitureStudio Vraay designed a family of electric heaters that reduces the differences between object, sculpture and furniture. The objects are heated up electrically through a condensed electrical heating component, which is conceived to meet the new age ecological standards. The objects are mobile in usage due to their ‘plug and play’ design. The range titled ‘I am furniture’ is divided into four pieces, namely: Little sister, Big brother, Siamese twin and Parents.
Contact:Bas van Raayweb:www.vraay.comEmail:[email protected]
IA&B
- JU
N 20
1034 products
SURF
ACES
Contact:Katie Deedy RobisonOwner/designerT: 770.883.2709F: 718.228.6157Email: [email protected]: www.growhousegrow.com
Story Telling Green Wallpaper
BKLYN Designs 2010 showcased beautiful wall-coverings by designer Katie Deedy from Grow House Grow. Deedy’s ‘Naturalist’ collection of wall coverings depicts intriguing tales of past female scientists. The entire collection is in a narrative form and is also high on the eco-quotient. The designer reuses leftover ink, paper from cer tified trees and ensures that the product is manufactured in an energy efficient manner. The papers for wall coverings are made with sensibly sourced fibre, which are chlorine free. All suppliers adhere to one of the internationally recognised forestr y or chain of custody programs. Their paper supplier creates around 50 per cent of its electricity through low-impact hydroelectric generators, while 100 per cent of the mill’s shor t paper fibre is retrieved and used in the agricultural industr y for nutrient rich compost or animal bedding.
FibreC is a thin-skinned glass-fibre reinforced concrete panel, which can ser ve as a cladding material on the façade. It can also be used for uniquely designed interior spaces. It is available in ten different colour shades. The variety ranges from light white (bianco) over different grey shades to red, brown and green. It is a material with high-strength and flexibility, which can be used for flat, cur ved and various other shapes and forms. Formed par ts and 2D elements are custom-built to meet flowing transitions from interior to exterior sur faces and a smooth covering for edges.
Contact:Tel: +43 6542 690 329Email: [email protected]
FibreC
36 productsIA
&B -
JUN
201
0
INN
OVAT
ION
S
SnowflakePainting an emotion in the air is designer Tokujin Yoshioka’s vision that got its meaning in the form of hundreds of transparent plastic sticks. ‘Snowflake’, which was showcased at the Kartell showroom in Milan, is part of ‘Invisibles’ collection of clear plastic furniture. Tokujin Yoshioka, along with Claudio Luti thought about this collection of furniture that expresses invisible or formless style of seating. The designer is inclined towards bringing forth designs with the essence of natural phenomena and invisible elements. Snowflake wipes out the idea of an object and creates scenery of a sitter floating in the air. Such furniture gives an impression that it is invisible. However, the object takes form as soon as it is touched by light. The designer has created a surreal world with several crystal clear prism plastic sticks. Transparent sticks altogether have been given a dash of white colour to exude a snow-like appearance to the visitors.
Contact:Kei UedaTokujin Yoshioka Design9-1 Daikanyama-cho Shibuya-ku Tokyo150-0034 JapanTel: +81-3-5428-0830Fax: +81-3-5428-0835Email: [email protected] Web: www.tokujin.com
LED Light FixturesWith LED Light Fix tures, Daniel Rybakken’s idea was to integrate elements of his work and theories related to daylight into architecture. Titled ‘Daylighting,’ it keeps a human mind balanced and refreshed with the help of ar tif icial l ights. Due to lack of natural l ight in interior spaces, the designer has used natural l ight reflection with LED lights. These l ights will create ar tif icial sunlight reflections on interior walls. Designer Rybakken has used more than 3,000 LED lights that radiate the natural tint of sunlight through lighting fix tures in the shapes of parallelograms, which give the impression of sunlight sneaking in through a window.
Contact:Daniel Rybakken Design StudioKarl Johansgatan 152 414 51 gothenburgSWEDEN (new address)Tel: +47 911 45 600Email: me@danielr ybakken.com Web:www.danielr ybakken.com
Image: © Kalle Sanner and Daniel Rybakken
IA&B
-JUN
201
038
MAT
ERIA
lS
Novacem
Imperial College London has invented Novacem, which has changed the traditional technique of Por tland cement. Novacem is a green cement system, based on magnesium oxide and exceptional mineral additives, eradicating the usual heavy CO2 producing bases like limestone and calcium carbonate from the mix. The production of this new brew reduces CO2 emissions than Por tland cement, as it requires lower temperature processing. Novacem focuses to reduce global warming by locking atmospheric CO2 into construction materials. The cement hardens even in application by absorbing greenhouse gas and continues to do so as it gets older. This new technology strengthens the development of varied ‘carbon negative’ construction products. Ever y ton of Por tland cement substituted by their product will save nearly three-quar ters of a ton of CO2.
Contact:Tel: +44 (0) 20 7594 3580Fax: +44 (0) 20 7594 1333Email:[email protected] web:www.novacem.com
Spider Silk Material
Researchers from the Technische Universitaet Muenchen and the University of Bayreuth have discovered a material that is five times stronger than steel. Known as Spider Silk the elastic fibre of the material looks delicate resembling the way spiders weave their web. The researchers are in process of envisioning an ar tificial spinning tool that will imitate a spider’s silk glands, which would eventually form a material that could have innumerable applications from medical to construction. Spider Silk is formed through protein chains that consist of stable connections. Scientists have been tr ying to find out the way the molecules in the silk are knit together closely within the silk gland without plodding.
Contact:Dr. Andreas BattenbergTechnische Universität MünchenCorprate Communications CenterCampus GarchingBoltzmannstr. 17 R 30185748 Garching, GermanyTel.: +49 89 289 10510Fax: +49 89 289 10512E-Mail: [email protected]
Image: © Luc Viatour
Image: © Tanakawho
42 productsIA
&B -
JUN
201
0
SPAC
E SA
VERS
WaltzerThe BBQ Walzer was designed with a purpose that the air for heating the charcoal ascends from the base and flows through the tube body. MOM’s BBQ Waltzer is made of steel and stainless steel, which weighs just 24KG. Though, it has a big roller at the front of the base, it can be easily moved and carried over smooth surfaces like grass. The grill can be taken off and used in a dishwasher.
Contact:Email:[email protected]:www.MOM.eu
Milton Rack
Grain, a designing firm has introduced a bicycle rack named Milton. In fact, it is a functional piece of street statuette for all New Yorkers. It is likely to inspire rider-ship by creating visibility and interest for bicycle commuting.It references Milton Glaser’s iconic 1977 ‘I Love New York’ logo to become a modern cycling icon for the city. Its clean and incessant form enables it to fit into any neighbourhood with ease. The unique and slim three-dimensional text design aims to promote bicycling while also connecting with the uncompromising, avant-garde nature of the city. Milton has the ease of installation, security and comfortable functionality for cyclists. The original Milton Rack can accommodate a minimum of five bicycles. Milton Slim is a constricted design for installation in areas with space limitations.
Contact:James MinolaGrainWeb : www.graindesign.comT: 2069659302
IA&B
- JU
N 20
1044 construction brief
Project : Childcare Center ‘Discovery’Location : Bühlau, GermanyStatus : UnbuiltArchitect : Gerd Priebe Architects & ConsultantsPhotographs : courtesy the architect
FACT FILE:
Gerd Priebe Architects & Consultants have designed a sustainable Childcare Centre ‘Discovery’ in Bühlau, which emphasises on applying eco-friendly materials and design structure for a spacious and harmonious learning environment.Compiled by: Renuka Singh
1. Emission of light through open and closed roof spaces in the egg-like form of the ‘Childcare Centre’.2. Site Plan.
‘Discovery’ in Bühlau
Childcare Centre in Bühlau, Germany will materialise Gerd Priebe Architects& Consultants’ (GPAC) dream to build a pre-school that symbolises
a sustainable approach towards resources and energy through its form,construction and material. They aim at designing a creative and spaciouschildcare centre that could provide emission free energy, recycle rainwaterand waste water and offer a pleasant environment. The ‘egg’ is the main formapplied in designing the childcare centre. Space has been given an interestingmeaning with exterior views by the form of ‘eggs’. The interaction of ‘open’and ‘closed’ roof spaces invite sunrays and light up mythical creatures on thewalls and floor spaces. Ground floor consists of all the rooms required forthe childcare centre. Entrances from the east and the west are located onthe north side of the building. There is a central cloakroom and the parkingarea directly adjacent to the entry. The upper floor has a conference room,lounge space, a sanitary tract and staffs’ dressing rooms. Basement has thetechnical and maintenance work space. Individual rooms for the infant groupsare located near the entry area. GPAC conceptualises the building to be adouble wall textile reinforced concrete (TRC) shell construction. Usage of TRCenhances the construction by lessening mass that eventually minimises theuse of raw materials that are used in usual structures. Such a double-curvedconstruction brings out the perfect ratio of stability to material thickness.As the structures are drawn from just one form, they allow serial productionof the same design, which is economically viable. The construction does nothave any conventional roofing, wind and waterproofing or drainage. Nearly90 per cent of surface water can be stored in near-ground water gutters. Thereis a ‘discovery zone’ situated in the middle of the ‘eggs’, which is designed as asolar collector. Frameless triple-glazed glass panels make the roof, which aresupported by tension cables between the glass layers. The glass surface has alittle slope to help the drainage system. High-tech technology allows nearly35 per cent of the glass roofing to be clad in semi-transparent photovoltaicmodules. For heat storage, the solid concrete slab composed of a lightweightconcrete with clay aggregate ‘Liaporbeton’, is bedded on lava gravel. A hot andcold air forced ventilation system with heat recovery is the energy concept forthe building, which is according to the operational hours of the building. Thesystem is vir tually free of maintenance, highly efficient and functions withoutCO2 emissions. The ventilation system simply recirculates the air beyond theoperational hours. Integrated semitransparent photovoltaic roof modules ora fuel cell can provide electrical power to pumps, filters, ventilation system,lighting needs and the kitchen appliances.
Delwara Community Toilets, RajasthanThe dry climate of Rajasthan supported the idea of dry-composting Delwara Community Toilets,.Designed by Vir.Mueller architects, the toilets will meet the sanitation needs of the villagers and eventually sustain the environment.
Vir.Mueller architects and partners have decided to build communitytoilets in Delwara, Rajasthan. Dearth of public toilets, especially
for women prompted this project, which is commissioned by the NGO—A National Foundation of India and Seva Mandir (a social welfare andcommunity development organisation in Rajasthan). The project aims atproviding necessary sanitation services through dry-composting toilettype. It will be locally constructed without any waste, prevent groundwatercontaminationandwillsavewaterunliketheexistingseptictankbasedtoilet.The plan allows the waste to be recycled; collected in sealed drums, driedandusedasfertiliserintheorchardonsite.Themainhighwaybisectingthevillage is the chosen site, hence the orchard serves as a community spacefor village meetings. Also, at the village community’s behest, the architectsincorporatedasmallshopfortoiletriesinthedesignplan.Thearchitectshaveenvisaged that the rainwater collected from the metal roofs would propelthe design, for which beaten oil cans will be used as metal shingles overtrusses fabricated from locally-grown bamboo. The toilets are supposed tobe built as a frame structure with reinforced concrete columns and beamsand local sandstone infill. Stone craftsmen from the village have proposedto carve stone window screens and wash basins.The water will be gravityfed to the washbasins.The overspill from these basins would be utilised forthe planter beds irrigation.The concept of this low-tech, water conservingsystem has received encouraging response from the villagers of Delwara, asit’s apparently suitable for the parched desert climate of Rajasthan and itbooststheenvironment,aswell.
Project : DelwaraCommunityToiletsLocation : Delwara,Rajasthan,IndiaStatus : UnbuiltArchitect : Vir.MuellerarchitectsPartners : ChristineMueller/PankajVirGuptaProjectManager : HarshvardhanJainProjectTeam : SaurabhJain,SarahGillandHelenaWesterlindPhotographs : courtesythearchitect
1. Courtyard at Delwara community toilets2. Interior view of community toilets.
1
2
FACT FILE:
IA&B
- JU
N 20
1046 construction brief
Model of the Community Toilets
48
Project : BellaVistaâLocation : NationalParkofStelvioinItalyStatus : UnbuiltArchitect : MatteoThunPhotographs : courtesythearchitect
NowthestrikingItalianAlpswillhaveaneco-friendlyhotelattheNationalParkofStelviofromarchitectMatteoThun.Thehotelisdesignedinaway
thatitwillhaveachainofundergroundbuildingsandtheserieswillbejoinedtogether by surging green roofs.The complex strives to be environmentallysuitableduetoitsmodestdesignideologiesthatincludeground-sourceheatpumps that help in energy conservation. Besides, the choice of materialsusedintheconstructionoftheunitsiscarefullyconsideredinordertoreducethe complex ’s impact upon the atmosphere.The hotel consists of elevenseparate units and each unit is designed to rise slightly in the ground witha huge, south-facing window that overhangs from the hillside.To keep thetemperaturemoderateinsidetheunits,theyarefixedintotheearthandhaveavegetable-claddingon the roof.Eachwindowhasadeepextensionaboveto provide cool shading in summers.There is also the earth sheltering thatkeeps the noise levels low. Energy efficiency is maintained with the help of
construction brief
1. Surging windows of the underground hotel.2. Underground hotel set in the Italian Alps.3. Night view of the underground hotel.4. The artist’s rendtion of the hotel.
Bella Vistaâ in ItalyArchitect Matteo Thun designs a green hotel on the mountainside in Italy. It’s the underground complex that uses all natural resources for energy conservation that preserves the environment.
2 4
31
FACT FILE:
triple-pane windows that also control sound. Heat pumps preserve heatingandcoolingthroughtheconstantwatertemperatureofalocalnaturalspring.The hotel at the mountainside is aimed at making the most of the greenfeaturesofourplanetearth.
The architecture of the eco-friendly hotel reflects the local culture andinterpretsitinatrueItalianway.
IA&B
- JU
N 20
10
EMERGENT and KOKKUGIA have teamed up to design a floating marineExpo Pavilion, Yeosu for 2012 Expo in Korea. The designers have applied
intricate computation that represents a loose, indefinite way of workingthat favours effects over self-justifying processes.The pavilion is beingdesigned as a space that marks the ocean as a living organism. Oceanecosystems and human culture merges with this pavilion. Active re-organisation of matters and energies around and underneath the buildinghas been added by the architect, where the species choose its environmentas much as the environment chooses its species. Yeosu has a theme of theliving ocean and her coastlines. The structure is founded on a collectionof soft membrane bubbles fused together with a solid monocoque shell.Specific to their materiality, the two systems are distinguished by patternsof sur face ar ticulation. Nonetheless, features are likely to migrate, hybridiseand become super fluous. Fiber-composite shell in the form of deep pleatsand mega-armatures give structural stiffness, while the vaulted ETFEmembranes are stabilised by fine, double-pleated ‘Air-beams‘. Micro-armatures, known as Mohawks contravene between shell and membrane,forming the structural and patterned continuity between systems. Colouris used to visually strengthen transformations in structural behaviour.However, colour gradients are neither totally indexical nor are they entirelysmooth. Thus, colour usage is an active and extensive source of architecturalsur feit. Natural daylight sneaks into the interior of the building with thehelp of the ETFE membrane bubbles, which also offer a bit of a thermalbarrier and insulation. Due to its extreme lightweight quality, the structurecan be easily deconstructed after the celebration is over.
Yeosu Oceanic Pavilion is designed under the partnership of EMERGENT and KOKKUGIA for the 2012 Expo in Korea. The marine pavilion Yeosu explores the ecosystem of the ocean.
Yeosu Oceanic Pavilion
Project : Yeosu Oceanic PavilionLocation : KoreaStatus : UnbuiltArchitect : EMERGENTPartners : KOKKUGIA, Roland Snooks and Pablo KohanProject Manager : Tom WiscombeProject Team : David Stamatis, Chris Eskew, BrentLucy, Graham Thompson and Zeynep AksözPhotographs : courtesy the architect
1. Overview of Yeosu.2. Yeosu structure seen across the ocean.3. Sunlight emits through the ETFE membrane bubbles.
FACT FILE:
IA&B
- JU
N 20
1052 construction brief
IA&B
- JU
N 20
1056
Saving for a‘Rainy Day’
French Architects Ramdam conceptualises ‘Castle in the Sky’ in the form of a water tower that would generate rain on its own. The mechanism to produce rain is another initiative towards eco-friendliness.
Text: Renuka SinghPhotographs: courtesy the architects
The castle has a public garden, a sky deck and a unique mechanism to create rain.
technology
Ramdam Architects from France have gone beyond building castles in the air and have introduced an interesting concept of creating rain! The architects
have envisaged a water tower known as ‘Castle in the Sky’ for Latina, Italy that would have a public garden area, a sky deck and a unique mechanism to vaporise water. The lean architecture of the water tower leads a territory that is traditionally devoted to water management. The first step towards producing rain would begin with infiltration that leads to evaporation, followed by vaporisation and precipitation. The infiltration method is processed in an area of 2000sqm of tertiary activities, which amounts to the water tower’s semi-buried foundation. Entrance to the reservoir unlocks the first pavement from the street to the underground that includes a pond. The tower’s shaft is encrusted with exceedingly reflective metal so that it vanishes as it ascends to the sky. It mingles with the water reservoir, the sky deck and gardens. Visitors can access the place through an elevator in the shaft. Vaporisation takes place on the rooftop of the tower. The sky deck can be used for festivities or simply enjoying the landscape. There is a huge landscaped public park at the bottom of the tower that filters rain and storm water into the water tank. Water is inflated into the pool to dampen the sky gardens and as moisture accumulates in the air around the tower it is supposed to precipitate onto the park beneath.
58
diagRam
SECTiON
Currently, ‘Castle in the Sky’ is at a conceptual stage. It was designed for a competition idea called ‘Prix W’, which is conducted by Foundation Wilmotte every two years. By this design and concept, the architects wanted to reflect the water towers in the seventies in the city of Latina. The idea of producing rain is backed by a new age recreational programme that aims at becoming an icon for ecological matters.
VEgETATIonVEgETATIon
VAPoRISATIon
PRECIPITATIon
EVAP
oRAT
Ion
InFILTRATIon1
2
3
4
Creeping vegetation and shrubs
Wall watering vegetationAutomatic goutle by drop
Caillibot metalSprinkler
Detail Sectional Terrace 1:50with tall trees
guardrail fall protectionconcrete slab high performance
Structural steel postponing efforts on the outskir ts of water tower
80 cm topsoilcomplex drainant sur bac collaborantrubber shoe Plan walkway level
offices
offices
Visitor’s Reception Area
offices
+64.68
+50.27
+0.00
14.4
1
-1.50
-4.70 3.20
1.50
+64.68
+63.88+63.47
59
Recreation space on the top.
Project : Castle in the SkyLocation : Latina, ItalyClient : Foundation Wilmotte & City of LatinaStatus : ConceptualArchitect : Ramdam ArchitectsArea : 3000sqmVerdant setting on top of the tower.
FACT FILE:
L afarge Global Architect Campaign init iates an endeavour ‘Avante -Garde,’ the Indian ver tical, to conceive a platform for recognition
through the Lafarge Hall of Fame Awards and to promote innovations in architecture and construction. As a par t of this init iative, Lafarge promoted a contest that would present an exclusive fully-paid oppor tunity to visit the World Expo 2010, Shanghai from 8th June to 11th June 2010. Profi l ing its theme, ‘Better City, Better Life,’ the Expo ex tending form 1st May to 31st Oct, 2010, wil l be a rhapsody of city cultures, urban l i festyles and future city blueprints. Lafarge offered this chance to attend this renowned fair as its special invitees through a quiz contest. The contest was factored into four simple phases wherein the architects were invited to identify landmark projects pic torial ly al igned by Lafarge in its contest form. The form replete with a f i l led questionnaire was the key to win this fabulous trip. Aftab Rasool, Sr. Architect, Pragrup, Bengaluru; Bi jan Kumar Chakrabor ty, Director, Acme Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata; Deepak Pant, Sr. Designer, Adrianse India Pvt. Ltd., Delhi and Sanjay Singh, Director (Projects), Arcop Associates Pvt. Ltd., Delhi forged the f inal selected architects who earned the chance to ‘f ly ’ to the Expo. Mr. Olivier Chaudet, CEO, Lafarge Boral Gypsum India (LBGI) accompanied the winners as the
‘Avant-Garde’ Vis ions
principal host through the trip. The team convened in Delhi on June 8th to begin their excit ing journey. The schedule laid out over three days commenced with a visit to the exhibit ion and a conference including talks by Jacques Ferrier, Architect of the France Pavil ion. The special invitees attended lectures and workshops on variegated tracks such ‘Affordable housing and sustainable cit ies’, ‘Housing and cit ies, outlook for the future’, ‘France - deconstructing the home’, ‘Morphology’, ‘Policies’ , ‘Durabil ity ’, ‘Society,Diversity ’ and ‘Typologies and construction systems;. Privi leged to be a par t of this informative excursion, the invitees and speakers summarised the workshops with a conclusion session on June 10th 2010.
This contest was a par t of a continuous effor t on par t of Lafarge as a collaborative venture with the architecture and design community to encourage innovative interactions globally. Last year, Lafarge Global Architect Campaign sponsored an al l expense paid trip to BATIMAT, Paris. BATIMAT was an exemplar y oppor tunity for the architects to attend the world’s leading construction exhibit ion featuring a variegated range of products, ser vices and equipments related to the AEC industr y.
IA&B
- JUN
201
060
Lafarge frames an exclusive opportunity to ‘fly’ its winning participants to World Expo 2010, Shanghai through an elementary contest, as a part of its Lafarge Global Architect Campaign.
D r. Fi x i t I n s t i t u te o f St ru c t u ra l Pro te c t i o n a n d R e h a b i l i t at i o n ( D F I -S P R ) h ave o rg a n i s e d t h e He a l t hy Co n s t ru c t i o n Le c t u re S e r i e s to
p ro m o te t h e G l o b a l B e s t Pra c t i ce s a m o n g s t t h e I n d i a n co n s t ru c t i o n i n d u s t r y. Th e s e r i e s m a n i f e s te d a p l at f o rm f o r i nte ra c t i ve exc h a n g e o f i d e a s re l ate d to co n s t ru c t i o n a n d ava nt - g a rd e te c h n o l o g y a dva n ce s. A s a p a r t o f t h i s s e r i e s, l e c t u re s o n ‘ S u s t a i n a b l e Co n s t ru c t i o n a n d G re e n B u i l d i n g s’ co m m e n ce d o n 4 t h J u n e 2 0 1 0 i n B e n g u l u ru a n d 5 t h J u n e, 2 0 1 0 i n M u m b a i . Le d by D r. G a j a n a n M . S a b n i s , P h . D. , P. E a n d Em e r i t u s Pro f e s s o r - Howa rd U n i ve r s i t y, t h e s y n o p s i s o f t h e l e c t u re p ro gre s s e d ove r d e r i ve d p o i nt s f ro m t h e s p e a ke r ’s ow n ex p e r i e n ce s f ro m h i s ex p a n s i ve ca re e r. D r. G a j a n a n M . S a b n i s i s h i g h ly re n ow n e d a s a te a c h e r, re s e a rc h e r a n d a m e nto r, d e m o n s t rat i n g h i s m u l t i -f a ce te d exce l l e n ce i n t h e co n s t ru c t i o n i n d u s t r y.
He b e l i e f l i e s i n t h e f a c t t h at i f we wa nt to s u s t a i n o u r u r b a n f u t u re t h e re i s n o o p t i o n b u t to b u i l d i n way s t h at n o t o n ly re d u ce e nv i ro n m e nt a l d a m a g e b u t w h i c h i m p rove t h e h e a l t h o f e co s y s te m s a n d p ro te c t n at u ra l re s o u rce s, by a d o p t i n g gre e n b u i l d i n g p ra c t i ce s. D e l i n e at i n g h i s i nte nt i o n to a dvo cate gre e n p ra c t i ce s, t h e ove ra l l b re v i a r y re v i e we d s u s t a i n a b i l i t y p r i n c i p l e s l i ke o p t i m i s e s i te p o te nt i a l , m i n i m i s e e n e rg y co n s u m p t i o n , p ro te c t a n d co n s e r ve wate r, u s e e nv i ro n m e nt a l ly p re f e r re d p ro d u c t s , e n h a n ce I n d o o r Env i ro n m e nt a l Q u a i t y ( I E Q ) , a n d o p t i m i s e o p e rat i o n a l a n d m a i nte n a n ce p ra c t i ce s. Th e co re a b s t ra c t ex p l o re d t ra c k s l i ke En e rg y Ef f i c i e nt Ho m e, B u i l d i n g B l o c k s o f a n En e rg y Ef f i c i e nt B u i l d i n g, En e rg y Ef f i c i e n c y i n B u i l d i n g s,
Healthy Construct ion
G e o t h e rm a l He at Pu m p (G H P ) R e c yc l e s a b u n d a nt gre e n e n e rg y, Co m p o s i te Co n s t ru c t i o n Eco n o m i c s i n S u s t a i n a b i l i t y a n d M a s d a r C i t y I n i t i at i ve s. Th i s cove ra g e co n s i d e re d p r i m a l f a c to r s s u c h a s re d u c t i o n o f e n e rg y wa s te a n d m ate r i a l a s p e c t s o f s u s t a i n a b i l i t y. A s a n i l l u s t rat i ve exe m p l a r h e s h owca s e d M a s d a r C i t y, Ab u D h a b i a s a n i n i t i at i ve t a ke n by o t h e r co u nt r i e s to l e ave b e h i n d t h e l owe s t e nv i ro n m e nt a l f o o t p r i nt s . E x p re s s i n g a p p re c i at i o n f o r g e n e s i s f o r s u c h a gre e n a p p ro a c h , D r. G a j a n a n S a b n i s s a i d, ‘ I t i s g o o d to kn ow t h at p r i vate o rg a n i z at i o n l i ke P i d i l i te p a r t n e r i n g w i t h t h e co n s t ru c t i o n i n d u s t r y to co m e u p w i t h gre e n s o l u t i o n s f o r b u i l d i n g s l i ke ‘ P i d i l i te G re e n p r i nt ’. Pro f i l i n g D r. F i x i t I n s t i t u te’s g re e n m i s s i o n s, A . K . Ch at te r j e e, D i re c to r, D r. F i x i t I n s t i t u te s a i d, “ Th e v i s i o n o f D r. F i x i t I n s t i t u te i s to e n s u re t h at co r re c t co n s t ru c t i o n p ra c t i ce s a re a d o p te d i n I n d i a .
Th i s t i m e t h e f o c u s i s o n i m p a r t i n g kn ow l e d g e to i n d u s t r y p ro f e s s i o n a l s o n t h e n e e d to b u i l d w i t h t h e f u t u re o f t h e g l o b e i n m i n d. Fo r t h i s we h ave c h o s e n M u m b a i a s t h e ve n u e s i n ce t h i s i s a c i t y w i t h t h e h i g h e s t p o p u l at i o n d e n s i t y a n d m a x i m u m co n s t ru c t i o n a c t i v i t y. Th ro u g h t h e He a l t hy Co n s t ru c t i o n Le c t u re S e r i e s, we b r i n g i nte rn at i o n a l ex p e r t s i n t h e f i e l d o f Wate rp ro o f i n g, St ru c t u ra l Pro te c t i o n , R e p a i r a n d R e h a b i l i t at i o n , S u s t a i n a b l e Co n s t ru c t i o n , to s h a re t h e i r ex p e r t i s e w i t h t h e l e a d i n g l i g ht s o f I n d i a n co n s t ru c t i o n i n d u s t r y, t h e re by e n a b l i n g t h e I n d i a n a rc h i te c t s a n d e n g i n e e r s to b e t te r f a c i l i t ate exe c u t i o n o f g l o b a l b e s t p ra c t i ce s i n t h e co u nt r y.”
Dr. Fix i t, the wa terproofing exper t, one of the most trusted brands and renowned in the Indian Construc t ion Industr y ha s promoted the concept of Healthy Construc t ion in India through the Dr. Fix i t Inst i tute over the la st decade. The aim is to encourage best prac t ices in the construc t ion industr y through educa tional courses, exper t lec tures and publ ica t ions.
O utl ining this objec t ive; Pidi l i te ha s c rea ted spec ial interac t ive sof t ware for the Bui lders Communit y. The “ Interac t ive Guide to Healthy Construc t ion” not only covers the entire gamut of solut ions provided by Dr. Fix i t but also includes appl ica t ion of other Pidi l i te brands l ike Fevicol, Mseal, Roff etc. The informa tive package is exclusively avai lable a s a complimentar y gif t with this issue. The aim is to provide r ight solut ions and a s a proper guide to the designing communit y in their endeavours.
post event
As a part of its ‘Healthy Construction Lecture Series,’ Dr. Fixit Institute convened a series on ‘Sustainable Construction & Green Buildings’ to define a new angle to sustainability.
The journey of Islamic ar t and culture is the assimilation of various influences. The Mughal Empire in India is known for its rich tradition and
architecture. The lineage of Mughal emperors were prolific commissioners of monuments and their architecture is the finest representation of ornamentation in structures. The highlight of the Mughal architecture was the usage of the native red sandstone inlaid with white marble and all the sur faces ornately car ved on the outside and sumptuously painted inside. Extensive use was made of the low arches and bulbous domes, slender minarets with cupolas at the four corners, large halls, massive vaulted gateways and delicate ornamentation characterise the Mughal style. The ateliers of the Mughal kings patronised all type of ar tisans, who displayed a rich palette of natural colours and created over whelming geometries and patterns. A delicate elegance and refinement of detail, illustrate the magnificent palaces featured in the book.
Capturing the intricacies and technical skill of Mughal ar tisans is architect and photographer Yashwant Pitkar. His photographs allow the reader to appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship of Islamic architecture in India in his book—The Romance of Red Stone. The text, provided by his fellow
Romancing the Red Stone
Book: The Romance of Red Stone: An Appreciation Of Ornament On Islamic Architecture In India. Photographs: Yashwant PitkarText: Mustansir DalviPublisher: Super Book HouseLanguage: EnglishISBN: 978-81-900809-4-1
– Reviewed by Hema Yadav
colleague at Sir J.J. College of Architecture, Mustansir Dalvi, is precise and compliments the visual treat offered by Pitkar. The pictures reflect the Mughal’s love and treatment for shape, form, beauty and red stone, capturing the essence and minute ar tistr y of the Mughal era. A must have for any avid traveller or explorer of Indian architecture, the monuments featured allow reflections of the past, giving an almost sensual experience of places visited and an effective feel of the intricate craft. The breath taking calligraphy, which forms a par t of the ornamentation of Mughal architecture, is also captured by Pitkar. With the help of landmark structures like the Qutub Minar, Moti Masjid, Itmad-ud-daulah, Jami Masjid and Red For t, Pitkar traverses the rich heritage of Mughal architecture. His camera captures the geometrical complexities abstracted over entire sur faces and the tapestr y of intricate patterns. Fur thermore, Pitkar’s images work at a deeper philosophical level. The viewer is made aware of the inner meaning of aesthetic representation, the different ways of inducing the immeasurable, the plays of multiple superimposed levels and of patterns that continue beyond the photographer’s frame suggesting the infinite. The content is classified into the categories of : Symbolism in Indian Islamic Architecture, Aspirations of the Muslim Ar tisan Islamic Ornament, Formal Balance and Symmetr y, Geometr y, Calligraphy Common Forms in Islamic Ornament, Vegetal/Floral, The Niche, The Arabesque, Water Motifs Mughal Architecture, The Mughal Karakhana, Akbar’s Architecture and Syncretion at Sikri. Pitkar’s photographic gaze identifies with that of a Mughal
miniature painter, shuting out dominating forms, taking the viewer close to the buildings, into the aesthetics of surface. Dalvi’s text reveals various intricacies and the grace of Islamic architecture, guiding the reader in understanding the symbolism of ornamentation in Mughal architecture. The book elucidates how artisans and patrons came together in India, integrating two divergent views and cultures to create lasting imprints of a fusion of Islamic and Hindu traditions at its zenith.
IA&B
- JUN
201
062 book review
‘They designed like giants and finished like jewellers’ — this analogy for Mughal architecture in India has been explored in the book ‘The Romance of Red Stone: An Appreciation Of Ornament On Islamic Architecture In India,’ a formal compilation of photographs depicting Indian Islamic culture at its best.
Sustainability is multi-dimensional
As cities grow
, complexities grow
Simple sensibilities give you answ
ers
My buildings are not green but yet sustainable
Status of the city is based on the flyovers
It is easy to say one should conserve
Connect yourself with the earth not with the world
Exploring Sustainablity
Man proposes CPW disposes
based on the flyovers
IA&B
- JUN
201
063 focus
Conserving African Heritage
Text: Hema YadavPhotographs: courtesy Robert Rich
IA&B
- JUN
201
064
Part of a poverty relief program for one of the most complex hierarchical systems in Southern Africa, architect Peter Rich’s Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre ingeniously imbibes traditional sustainable concepts, while conserving the local and artistic heritage of the country.
Conserving African Heritage Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the important archaeological discoveries made here—the picturesque landscape of
Mapungubwe National Park is dotted with fast tracks of veldt with rifts of beautiful native trees such as the fever tree and the baobab tree, flat-topped hills, jagged horizontal ledges and groups of rounded stony hillocks. A site of historical importance as graves containing artifacts from the 9th to 12th
centuries were excavated here indicating the site’s occupation by traders of Egypt, Persia, India, Malaysia and China. In order to preserve these priceless treasures, the present owners South Africa National Park (SANP) hosted a The building nestles in the picturesque landscape of the Park.
focus
66
siTe Plan
67
KeY Plan sKeTcH
The timbrel vaulting is carried out using 600-year-old traditional method.
9068
cRoss secTions
The stark African sunlight creates mesmerising patterns with the help of rusted steel screens and fused coloured glasses, while a huge oculus lights up the entrance. The cavernous first hollow cairn marks the arrival point of the building followed by the spacious second cairn, which is the exhibit area of the centre and houses the Southern African icon—the golden rhinoceros. The structure is divided into upper and lower volumes and visitors to the centre can navigate their way around with the help of ramp and stairs, leading to the highest point of the site providing a view of the rugged Mapungubwe hill and the flowing Limpopo River.
While the centre has proved to be a structure rooted in sustainability and its traditional location, the project has served as a boon to the unskilled labour of the region. During the construction process of the centre, unemployed local people were trained in the manufacturing of stabilised earth tiles and in building the timbrel vaults. This knowledge has been accepted into the culture of the region, with the masons continuing the skills they have learned by using the remaining tiles for their houses in nearby villages. The structure has been nominated for several awards including the Holcim Award for Sustainable Construction in 2008. It also, won the World Building of the Year at the World Architecture Festival in Barcelona, 2009. Reminiscing of days gone by, the centre is the lifeline for the people of Mapungubwe, while it is a poetic ode to the concept of grassroot sustainability.
69
Project : Mapungubwe Interpretation CentreLocation : Mapungubwe National Park, South AfricaClient : South African National ParksArchitect : Peter Rich ArchitectsDesign team : Peter Rich, Heinrich Kammeyer, Anne Fichett and Desrae Dunn Initiation of Project : October2007Completion of Project : June 2010
FACT FILE:
competition in 2005 for the design of an Interpretation Centre on a plot set away from the main archaeological site. Won by South Africa-based Peter Rich Architects, the design brief outlined an imaginative exhibition space for displaying the historical relics of civilisations, who have occupied the area from the 9th century till the present time, while simultaneously raising awareness of the vulnerability of the local ecology and of its preservation.
Situated at this ancient site where the rivers Limpopo and Shashe converged, the dome shaped structure juts out of the hilly landscape in a series of cluster formations. The entrance to the centre is lined through a valley where the building merges naturally with the surrounding rocky plateau. Built on the side of a mesa using ecological methods and materials, the 1,500sqm Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre stands in view of the original archaeological site. The centre provides a stunning vista of the site’s unique flora and fauna and one experiences the sequence of changing directions, the orientation and variety of structures, from lightly covered walkways to vaulted spaces, all punctuated by open courtyards landscaped with rocks, plants and pools. The beatific structure is proof of the ingenious organisation of a complex and of its historically potent site.
The centre of the structure is visually contained by two hollow cairns that evoke the route-markers found in Southern African cultures. A series of stone cladded vaults form the interior of the centre, allows free space for interaction and storage of precious artifacts. The economical and environmentally sound timbrel vaulting, used to construct the billowing forms that expose the arched edges of their thin shells, is the highlight of the design. A 600-year-old local traditional method was used to construct the vaulting by pressing soil cement tiles, thus allowing the design to be materialised with minimal framework and devoid of steel reinforcements. The domical language of the structure is punctuated by delicate walkways that create a zigzagging ramped route throughout the complex.
Locally sources stone and rubble are used for the outer surface of the building, giving it an authentic rustic look and also blending it with the topography.
IA&B
- JUN
201
049
The Bio-Towers are the final relic, rising from a green industrial wasteland of Lauchhammer like a castle in the Scottish highlands.
Photographs: courtesy Biotürme
‘Energie’ Heritage
L aunchhammer is a town in southern Germany, which has an unusual development structure, with distric ts distributed l ike islands amid
a landscape of trees, meadows and industrial wastelands. The closure and demolit ion of the many briquette factories, power plants and coking plants has removed the fabric that glued the town’s distric ts together. One of the casualt ies was an entire coking plant, which produced coke suitable for smelting from l ignite in a technologically demanding procedure, which vanished from the cityscape. Not many of us would think of industrial towers as impressive pieces of modern architecture but a closer look reveals that they are, in fact, amazing structures. They have to be able to not only do the job they were built for– guiding smoke or
steam, storing agricultural products or cooling f luids–but to withstand all of the surrounding environmental stresses placed upon them. These fantastic industrial towers are often overlooked but stand as proof of impressive industrial achievements. These amazing bio-towers at Lauchhammer once f i l tered phenol r ich wastewater from the coking plant with the help of bacteria but they were taken out of ser vice in 2003. Once doomed to destruction, they have since been saved and are now used to teach visitors about the industrial histor y of the area. The IBA and the monument preser vation authorit ies believed that demolishing the Bio-Towers would represent a huge and irreplaceable loss to Lauchhammer’s identity and to the memor y of the f irst l ignite coking plant in Germany.
IA&B
- JUN
201
070
Originally the bio-towers were used to purify wastewater from the town’s coking plant by way of internal trickling filters.
focus
‘Energie’ Heritage
Feeling that this industrial rel ic had great potential for a new cultural use, the IBA banded together with the l isted building authorit ies in a year-long f ight to preser ve this unique industrial monument, working strategically with city and local associations and groups l ike the Tradit ionsverein Braunkohle, the Heimatverein, the Lokale-Agenda-Gruppe and other bodies. In 2005, the Biotürme Lauchhammer Gmbh, specially created by the foundation itself, took over the complex and, as contractor, began extensive renovation work.
The renovations and conversions took about two years. Based on a plan by the Cottbus f irms Jähne & Göpfer t and Zimmermann & Par tner, one of the towers was also equipped with two glazed building turrets to give visitors a special view of the towers and of the former coking plant site. In the area directly around the towers, the coking plant’s old geometrical grid structure has been recreated in concrete crosses to show visitors how the Bio-Towers were once par t of a much larger faci l i ty. The Bio-Towers industrial monument was f inally opened for visitor tours and events in 2008. The Bio-Towers have now been given a new lease of l i fe as a place of remembrance and a venue for cultural events.
focus
Bio-towers represent the memory of the first lignite coking plant in Germany.
The towers was also equipped with two glazed building turrets to give visitors a special view of
the towers and the former coking plant site.
The coking plant’s old geometrical grid structure has been recreated in concrete crosses to show visitors how the bio-towers were once part of a much larger facility.
I t is a structure that could be easily mistaken to be a sci-fi monster character eating away the historical city of Perugia, Italy. But hold on, there is more
to this new paradigmatic designed roof than what it appears to be. It is an ‘Energy Roof ’ designed by COOP HIMMELB(L)AU with an aim of generating energy for the entire city of Perugia. Conceived as an energy sponge capturing the sun’s rays and the wind’s breath, this roof not only serves as a canopy along Via Mazzini in the centre of Perugia, the bustling ancient city, but at the same time creates the entry point to the archaeological underground passage leading through the history of Perugia. The passage connects the city centre with the mini metro station Pincetto. Historical documents show the existence of the old Etruscan city wall in the area below Piazza Giacomo Matteotti which COOP HIMMELB(L)AU proposes to excavate as part of an underground
Power Roof
Photographs: © COOP HIMMELB(L)AU
COOP HIMMELB(L)AU developed the design of the roof with the goal to generate energy for the city.
IA&B
- JUN
201
072
Serving both as a canopy and a gateway to visitors of the popular archaeological underground passage at Via Mazzini, the Energy Roof by COOP HIMMELB(L)AU, is conceived as an energy sponge capturing the sun’s rays and the wind’s breath.
public gallery space exhibiting the history of Perugia. Openings in the ground of the Piazza Giacomo Matteotti visually connect the underground passage with the ‘Energy Roof ’.
The ‘Energy Roof ’ is self-sufficient and is powered by both wind and the sun. While the orientation of the west wing is optimised in relation to solar radiation, the east wing captures wind. The west wing of the canopy is covered in transparent solar cells, which are oriented to optimise energy production. The east wing captures the wind and generates energy through five wind turbines places within the structure of the canopy. The roof consists of three layers: the energy generating top layer, the structural layer in the middle and a layer on the bottom as a combination of laminated glazing and translucent
pneumatic cushions. The top layer includes transparent photovoltaic cells to generate electricity and shade the sun. The orientation of the individual cells is generated and optimised by a computer driven scripting program. Furthermore five wind turbines that are placed inside the structural layer are generating additional energy. Both the roof and the underground passage are energy self-sufficient.
It is certainly a crazy looking architectural addition to the city, but it’s really quite creative and serves as an example for other cities to incorporate renewable energy generation into architectural icons and urban sculptures. Currently in the planning process, the designs have many hurdles yet to jump, but if approved the ambitious concept would bring not just an ultra-modern icon to the city but a reawakening of the city’s own history.
The new paradigmatic design of the ‘Energy Roof ’ creates a distinctive and highly recognisable icon for the city and a statement for aesthetic sustainability corresponding with the ancient buildings of Via Mazzini.
focus
Fashion vistas are the new realm that is exploring sustainable avenues by forging
creative exchanges within brands and contemporar y architecture. Designers are discovering the synergies between architecture and fashion through techniques of pleating, stapling, cutting and draping; from traditional tailoring to designing buildings that are flexible, interactive, inflatable and even por table. Devising an eclectic inventive style with a touch of stagecraft to it, Greece-based firm dARCH Studio has refurbished a fashion store ‘YEshop in house’ ar ticulating cardboard sheets. The
Synthesis of cardboard cartons and sheets was used to style the biomorphic interiors.
IA&B
- JUN
201
074
Biomorphic Styling
Text: Maanasi Hattangadi Photographs: courtesy Vassilis Skopelitis and Elina Drossou
Greece-based architectural firm dARCH Studio showcases a collaborative venture ‘Papercut’ with fashion designer Yiorgos Eleftheriades to face-lift a fashion store using corrugated packaging cartons.
project is a thoughtful s ite strategy conforming to the cl ient’s requirements. Comprising of an exhibit ion space, lounge area, par ty space and an area for small scale fashion shows, the 90sqm ‘in house’ shop had to be contrived as a cohesive profi le.
The star ting point of this renovation stemmed from the resourcefulness of the architects to build on the client’s ephemeral requirements. Fashion and architecture—both disciplines remain rooted to the basic task of enclosing space around the human form. Shadowing this thought, the
architect’s concept plays with the same spatial framework of imager y and techniques as a designer’s way of creating garments by studying the anthropometrical aspects of a human body. The approach was formulated by repurposing hand-made paper and corrugated car tons into architecture. Expressing an idea that was rooted in sustainability, the interiors are made by recycling 1500 sheets of corrugated car tons in combination with 2000 blueprint patrons (horizontal sections of the cur ved par ts) and low cost OSB wood into walls, displays and sitt ings. The exist ing furniture was arranged
in a multi-uti l i tarian way, in order to bring for th the two new constructions. The walls, a crucial element of the design were viewed as singular syntheses as they weave the space into a homogeneous entity. The southern wall ‘Synthesis 1’ is draped in 5mm thick corrugated car ton in stripes. The corrugated side of the car ton is exposed as the front f inish implying the furniture to be visually unif ied with the wall. To accentuate the open spatial ity, the massive units are mounted on the walls wherein the tables dually function as l ightings, the bookcase as a coffee table stand and display
Indirect lighting illuminates the corrugated surfaces.
focus
76
case. Intensifying natural l ight and faci l i tating a free circulator y space, the metallic hangers spiral out in a radial composition. ‘Synthesis 2’, the eastern wall is outfitted with a fluid connectivity of corrugated car ton sheets display, responsive to ‘Synthesis 1’. As a human body is adorned with accessories, the wooden rectangular displays are niches within the biomorphic mass highlighted by built-in concealed soft lighting. The cur ves in the cardboard trace the human body profile enabling a relaxed posture in the seatings. The layered wall configurations act as transposing components that modulate the space into a visually interesting element. The whole existing area unfolds into a new experience owing to the interplay of materials, value and texture. The project, a challenging prospect of an experimental adventure with paper, renders a sculpturesque mood to the place.
Emerging from a contrast of luxurious designs and sustainable solutions, the shop is an exemplar y juxtaposition of two ver y different ways of life. Both architectural and fashion
The form of the walls convulates to accomodate accessory displays and seatings that trace the human body curves.
The existing furniture was rearranged in a multi-utilitarian way to emphasise open circulation space.
77
Project : PapercutLocation : Athens, Greece Architect : Elina Drossou (dARCHstudio)Client : Yiorgos EleftheriadesCollaborators : Nikos Karkatselas and Chrysa Konstantinidou
FACT FILE:
language merge in these interiors to suggest a new type of dynamic space that will not only be a gateway for commercial endeavours but also introduce a sculpturally sustainable perspective to interior design.
The tables and bookstands doubly function as lightings and display cases.
Rectangular wooden boxes that will display accessories are recessed within the walls.
The concept directly expounds on the same principles that a fashion designer uses to create his garments.
IA&B
- JUN
201
078
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology(KAUST) by HOK Architects, multiplies the goal of sustainability from environment, function, design and execution perspective.
KAUST campus integrated together with its landscape like Arabic cities.
Text: Fatema KabirPhotographs: JB Picoulet; courtesy of HOK
Sustainable Multiplicity
focus
W hile the Arabian architecture is stepping away rather than evolving from its roots; King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
project integrated local strategies in innovative formats to befit the contemporar y needs while holding f irm grounds with the vernacular of Saudi. The project wil l eventually be a landmark of an environment fr iendly design; rooted in vernacular foundation. Its f i rst step towards its goal was achieved when it got cer t i f ied by Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) and was also real ised as the world’s largest LEED Platinum project.
To substantiate its roots in the vernacular incorporation; the HOK team employed vernacular design techniques to solve environmental issues. Similar to tradit ional Arabic cit ies, the university campus has been compressed to reduce heat loss through ex tensive ex terior sur faces. Inspired from the Arabic Bedouin tent system, the campus is given a combined roof system that ex tends across al l building masses discarding the physical boundaries between different labs and academic areas, blocking the sun from facades and covering pedestrian areas. This f lexibi l ity of the system accommodates ever y type of lab and academic depar tment hence reducing the function specif ic, multiple roof designs. The circulation areas are shaded and semi- closed to control temperatures
Aerial view showing Arabic Bedouin Tent System.
mASTer PlAn
KAUST cAmPUS1 Applied mathematics2 Research Laboratory3 Research Laboratory4 Research Laboratory5 Research Laboratory6 Greenhouse7 High Bay Laboratory8 Engineering Sciences Hall9 KAUST Library 10 KAUST commons & Dining Hall11 Data center 12 campus mosque13 Administration Building14 Student centre15 conference centre16 Auditorium17 North & South Garage
Arrival ro
ad
KAUST campus within development
Red sea
Red sea
Town center
0 10 20 40m
Research park
Key PlAn80
energy eFFiciency diAgrAm
KAUST sustainability diagram
Sustainability Diagram - Laboratories and Pedestrain Spine
1 High performance roof2 Solar tower 3 Passive ventiation4 High performance glazing5 Integrated shading 6 Local evaporation7 Passively cooled courtyards8 Filtered daylight
81
campus of buildings brought close gardens and pools connection devices shaded with big roof ventilated with towers section diagram
Formatives environmental straegy
highly insulated metal roof
terracottarainscreen
campus interpretation of cultural references
mashrabiya
solar screening
the souk
courtyards with dramatic light
arabesque ornament
diagrid structures
nocturnal culture
buildings transformat night
stone plinth
common matrial approach
monumentalglass
integral screening
KAUST integral shading (mashrabiya).
KAUST passive cooling courtyard (Arabic Bedouin tent system).
KAUST filtered daylight (mashrabiya effect).
KAUST: covered walkway due to the common roof system.
4 2 p e r ce nt wate r re d u c t i o n ) , e n e rg y ( 2 7 . 1 p e r ce nt a n n u a l e n e rg y co s t s av i n g s, 7 . 8 p e r ce nt o n - s i te re n e wa b l e e n e rg y, 8 0 p e r ce nt o f g l a z i n g s h a d e d ye a r - ro u n d ) a n d m ate r i a l s ( 2 0 p e r ce nt re c yc l e d co nte nt, 3 8 p e r ce nt re g i o n a l m ate r i a l s , 9 9 p e r ce nt wo o d f ro m Fo re s t Ste wa rd s h i p co u n c i l s o u rce s, 8 0 p e r ce nt co n s t ru c t i o n wa s te m a n a g e m e nt ) . K AU S T ’s ove ra l l e n e rg y s av i n g s i s 2 7 . 1 p e r ce nt b e t te r t h a n A S H R A E 9 0 . 1 - 2 0 0 4 s t a n d a rd s.
The design evolves from cultural roots to attain its environmental requirement is not yet a surprise against the multiple layers of sustainabil ity achieved by it. Preser ved coral-reef ecosystem for use as marine sanctuar y and research areas, lays the foundation of researchers in cultural and site roots. The l ightning speed of one year in which the project was f inished uti l is ing maximum available resources and manpower makes the project economically sustainable from the design and execution perspective. The project used a deser ted undeveloped land as its s ite reviving the countr y ’s wasted resources. Hence, one can call i t multiplying sustainabil ity.
82
inspired from Arabic markets or tradit ional souk . At the same time by use of varied fenestrations and “mashrabiya” (Arabic screening) methods the pedestrians achieve an interesting play of dappled and or dramatic l ight at t imes. As a resource eff ic ient design these l iveable circulation areas are made profound use of. The circulation spine is made into an active outdoor concourse that houses conference areas, meetings points, off ices and retai l spaces.
Even though the concept for sustainabil ity is laid in the roots of the culture, the design team had to adopt couple of active measures to respond to the cl imate demands. most eff ic ient mEP systems were used to make it fur ther energy resourceful namely; chil led beams, heat recover y wheels, displacement venti lation, smar t l ighting controls, variable frequency drives and low-flow duct design. The strategic single roof is covered with photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic cells and solar thermal arrays suppor t the domestic hot water requirement for the lab buildings. The project in a nutshell del ivers outstanding per formance in the areas of water ( 7 8 p e r ce nt re c l a i m e d wate r, 1 0 0 p e r ce nt wa s te wate r re u s e d a n d
KAUST Solar Tower.
KAUST interior of the Solar Tower serving technologically and culturally.
83
Project : King Abdullah University of Science and Technologyclient : ARAmcOLocation : Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaArchitect : HOKSustainable certification : LEED-Nc 2.2 Platinum
FACT FILE:
A t a glance, it might look like a huge space-ship anchored at bay but in reality the billowing white design is a par t of a striking urban renewal
project in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Designed by Berlin-based Graft Lab the modern, sustainable ‘Bird Island’ project is composed of an eco-friendly bamboo frame wrapped in a sustainably sourced silicone glass fabric which lets the structure sway with the wind, while giving residents a unique and constantly changing view of the sky. Designed for the exclusive gated community of Sentul Island, the futuristic shape wrapped in sub-Asiatic flora will cater to the elite and niche consumers. The 35-acre site will house six bio-homes with negligible environmental impact. With attention to the environment, the firm has applied integrated strategy to develop zero-energy homes.
The airy voluminous structure has transformed the traditional relationship between open and closed spaces by using natural vegetation as part of
Paradise Island
Text: Hema YadavPhotographs: courtesy the architect
A t a glance, it might look like a huge space-ship anchored at bay but in reality the billowing white design is a par t of a striking urban renewal
project in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Designed by Berlin-based Graft Lab the modern, sustainable ‘Bird Island’ project is composed of an eco-friendly bamboo frame wrapped in a sustainably sourced silicone glass fabric which lets the structure sway with the wind, while giving residents a unique and constantly changing view of the sky. Designed for the exclusive gated community of Sentul Island, the futuristic shape wrapped in sub-Asiatic flora will cater to the elite and niche consumers. The 35-acre site will house six bio-homes with negligible environmental impact. With attention to the environment, the firm has applied integrated strategy to develop zero-energy homes.
The airy voluminous structure has transformed the traditional relationship between open and closed spaces by using natural vegetation as part of
Paradise Island
Text: Hema YadavPhotographs: courtesy the architect
IA&B
- JUN
201
084
Exclusive, swanky and majestic, Graft Lab’s ‘Bird Island’ is a dynamic amalgamation of natural materials with modern technology that transports ‘sustainability’ to a new high.
The futuristic shape of the structure is composed of a bamboo frame.
t a glance, it might look like a huge space-ship anchored at bay but in reality the billowing white design is a par t of a striking urban renewal
project in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Designed by Berlin-based Graft Lab the modern, sustainable ‘Bird Island’ project is composed of an eco-friendly bamboo frame wrapped in a sustainably sourced silicone glass fabric which lets the structure sway with the wind, while giving residents a unique and constantly changing view of the sky. Designed for the exclusive gated community of Sentul Island, the futuristic shape wrapped in sub-Asiatic flora will cater to the elite and niche consumers. The 35-acre site will house six bio-homes with negligible environmental impact. With attention to the environment, the firm has applied integrated strategy to develop zero-energy homes.
The airy voluminous structure has transformed the traditional relationship between open and closed spaces by using natural vegetation as part of
architecture. Inspired by nature, plants are used to divide the living area, while the most innovative method is adopted in material used. Therefore, while bamboo framed structure, lemon grass as mosquito repellent, rain-harvesting, grey water recycling system are in place, the main attraction for the structure is its white billowing sustainably sourced skin, which creates shadows and fasc inat ing patterns, whi le provid ing pr ivac y to i ts res idents. Wrapped around a bamboo f rame the t ransparent s i l i cone tens i le fabr ic i s a key e lement in energy recover y system. The silicone, PVC preferred for its resistance to high humidity and UV rays of the South Asian territory, becomes a tool for collecting rain water and for temperature control and ventilation of the interior, reducing the need for air-conditioning. The house has been designed to optimise the use of building materials, thereby reducing cut-offs and keeping construction waste to a minimum. The construction materials have been chosen where appropriate from renewable or recycled materials. The design also utilises many environmentally preferable materials
and methods. Special attention has been paid to select materials either for their low embodied energy or for their superior durabil ity and per formance. Because of the house’s location above a small water way the sky is reflected in the materials and water surrounding the proper ty. The spectacular structure provides an expansive outdoor l iving deck to enjoy the water’s sur face. The rooms are naturally insulated to prevent heat gain and are cooled by har vesting cold rainwater in collection spaces in the cei l ing during the day and by using cross venti lation during the night. A maximum amount of economical and energy eff ic ient f loor area is created and the construction materials have been chosen when appropriate from renewable or recycled materials. This attention to detail has earned the island more than 90 credits of LEED ratings. Dubbed as the ‘test bed for sustainable l iving and responsible development,’ the ‘Bird Island’ is paving the way for enhanced sustainable architecture in Malaysia and hopefully, the whole world.
architecture. Inspired by nature, plants are used to divide the living area, while the most innovative method is adopted in material used. Therefore, while bamboo framed structure, lemon grass as mosquito repellent, rain-harvesting, grey water recycling system are in place, the main attraction for the structure is its white billowing sustainably sourced skin, which creates shadows and fasc inat ing patterns, whi le provid ing pr ivac y to i ts res idents. Wrapped around a bamboo f rame the t ransparent s i l i cone tens i le fabr ic i s a key e lement in energy recover y system. The silicone, PVC preferred for its resistance to high humidity and UV rays of the South Asian territory, becomes a tool for collecting rain water and for temperature control and ventilation of the interior, reducing the need for air-conditioning. The house has been designed to optimise the use of building materials, thereby reducing cut-offs and keeping construction waste to a minimum. The construction materials have been chosen where appropriate from renewable or recycled materials. The design also utilises many environmentally preferable materials
and methods. Special attention has been paid to select materials either for their low embodied energy or for their superior durabil ity and per formance. Because of the house’s location above a small water way the sky is reflected in the materials and water surrounding the proper ty. The spectacular structure provides an expansive outdoor l iving deck to enjoy the water’s sur face. The rooms are naturally insulated to prevent heat gain and are cooled by har vesting cold rainwater in collection spaces in the cei l ing during the day and by using cross venti lation during the night. A maximum amount of economical and energy eff ic ient f loor area is created and the construction materials have been chosen when appropriate from renewable or recycled materials. This attention to detail has earned the island more than 90 credits of LEED ratings. Dubbed as the ‘test bed for sustainable l iving and responsible development,’ the ‘Bird Island’ is paving the way for enhanced sustainable architecture in Malaysia and hopefully, the whole world.
and methods. Special attention has been paid to select materials either for their low embodied energy or for their superior durabil ity and per formance. Because of the house’s location above a small water way the sky is reflected in the materials and water surrounding the proper ty. The spectacular structure provides an expansive outdoor l iving deck to enjoy the water’s sur face. The rooms are naturally insulated to prevent heat gain and are cooled by har vesting cold rainwater in collection spaces in the cei l ing during the day and by using cross venti lation during the night. A maximum amount of economical and energy eff ic ient f loor area is created and the construction materials have been chosen when appropriate from renewable or recycled materials. This attention to detail has earned the island more than 90 credits of LEED ratings. Dubbed as the ‘test bed for sustainable l iving and responsible development,’ the ‘Bird Island’ is paving the way for enhanced sustainable architecture in Malaysia and hopefully, the whole world.
focus
SITE PLAN
Dining room
Kitchen
Bedroom
On suitebathroom
Bedroom
Lounge
Living room
Utility room
On suitebathroom
Master bedroom
Guest toliet
Waste recycling cabinet
Vehicle charging station
architecture. Inspired by nature, plants are used to divide the living area, while the most innovative method is adopted in material used. Therefore, while bamboo framed structure, lemon grass as mosquito repellent, rain-harvesting, grey water recycling system are in place, the main attraction for the structure is its white billowing sustainably sourced skin, which creates shadows and fasc inat ing patterns, whi le provid ing pr ivac y to i ts res idents. Wrapped around a bamboo f rame the t ransparent s i l i cone tens i le fabr ic i s a key e lement in energy recover y system. The silicone, PVC preferred for its resistance to high humidity and UV rays of the South Asian territory, becomes a tool for collecting rain water and for temperature control and ventilation of the interior, reducing the need for air-conditioning. The house has been designed to optimise the use of building materials, thereby reducing cut-offs and keeping construction waste to a minimum. The construction materials have been chosen where appropriate from renewable or recycled materials. The design also utilises many environmentally preferable materials
plan roof plan
DeTail of THe sKin
SKIn
The skin is a tensile, environmentallyfriendly fabric through which the outside world is seen. The skin turns and twists along the facade changing its transparency and guiding the view of the residents out to the landscape and views of the area. Viewed together, the individual strands of fabric create patterns which flow naturlly over the skin
86
Project : Bird IslandLocation : Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaClient : YTL Land DevelopmentYear : Design Competition 2007Materials Used : Structural concrete with fly-ash Cellulose rigid insulation Blockwork structural walls with fly-ash Permeable concrete access paving Recycled rubber roofing with recycled rubber tire granulates Hardwood timber cladding sub-frame Teak exterior decking Bamboo tent structure Privacy curtains from organic materials Hardwood Glu-Lam timber floor joists Bamboo plywood Local natural stone cladding Local natural stone flooring Local natural stone wall finishes Aluminum window framing: Thermally broken window and door frames. Low-E argon filled double glazing for optimal insulation Reflective vapour barrier Sliding tinted single glazed doors in timber frame Metal grid parking platform, minimum impact lightweight structure Mosquito nettingArea : 16,000sqft
FACT FILE:
The house is located above a small waterway providing an outdoor deck.
sKin sTrucTure
87
IA&B
- JUN
201
088
Dhayari Bungalow by Pune based architectural firm Design Praxis evolves courtyard house typology and adopts Laurie Baker’s innovations to befit the contemporary, yet holding on to its roots.
Text: Fatema KabirPhotographs: courtesy the architects
Evolved Courtyard
House
E nv i ro n m e nt f r i e n d ly d e s i gn s we re ca l l e d ru ra l a rc h i te c t u re u nt i l to d ay w h e n i n t h e n a m e o f s u s t a i n a b i l i t y, t h e l o ca l i n f l u e n ce s
h ave e vo lve d to b e f i t t h e co nte m p o ra r y. Lo cate d i n t ro p i ca l c l i m ate ; t h e D h aya r i B u n g a l ow a d o p t s a ve rn a c u l a r re s i d e nt i a l h o u s e t y p o l o g y o f a co u r t ya rd h o u s e a n d La u r i e B a ke r ’s m ate r i a l i n n ovat i o n s to e vo lve a n d b e f i t t h e co nte m p o ra r y. Prov i s i o n o f p h o tovo l t a i c ce l l s f ro m f u t u re p e r s p e c t i ve m a ke s t h e d e s i gn m o re e n e rg y e f f i c i e nt. Th e
ro o f s h e e t i n g i s a l s o o f w h i te co l o u r, w h i c h re f l e c t s m o s t o f t h e h e at. Arc h i te c t La u r i e B a ke r h a s b e e n a p i o n e e r i n i n n ovat i n g w i t h m ate r i a l t h at b i n d s t h e c u l t u re to t h e co nte m p o ra r y e ve n to d ay. Us e o f h i s ‘ R at t ra p’ b o n d s ave d 7 5 p e r ce nt o f b r i c k i n t h e d e s i gn i n co m p a r i s o n to a s t a n d a rd b r i c k l ayo u t i n t h e s a m e l e n g t h wa l l . Us e o f h i s f i l l e r s l a b ro o f i n g i s a n o t h e r s u c h ex a m p l e f o r s i m p l e e co n o m i c d e s i gn . D e s i gn Pra x i s te a m d i d n o t e n d at La u r i e B a ke r ’s i n n ovat i o n . Th e y
Dhayari Bungalow: Facade reflecting material efficiency.
roots
s u cce s s f u l ly re c yc l e d t i m b e r a n d ex p l o i te d t h e o b t a i n e d s to n e to i t s f u l l e s t . 4 0 m m t h i c k p ly wo o d f o r m u s i c ro o m f l o o r wa s o b t a i n e d f ro m t h e d e e p f re eze r o f t h e s h i p w re c ke r. Wh i te p i n e / c h i l t i m b e r b e a m s o b t a i n e d f ro m s h i p p i n g ya rd s e r ve d a s s u p p o r t s y s te m f o r t h e f l o o r. O l d d o o r s we re a l te re d to f i t n e w d i m e n s i o n s. Th e l o u ve r s, d o o r f ra m e s a n d t h e w i n d ow f ra m e s we re m a d e o u t o f re c yc l e d wo o d f ro m t h e s t r i p s. Tra d i t i o n a l b a s a l t f e tc h e d f ro m B e l g a u m re g i o n o f Ka rn at a k a ,
wa s u s e d f o r ex te rn a l wa l l i n co nt ra s t w i t h t h e w h i te l i m e s to n e a n d t h e c h i p p e d l e f tove r s o f t h e w h i te s to n e we re u s e d f o r l a n d s ca p i n g.
Th e a rc h i te c t s ex p l o i te d t h e s l o p i n g s i te to e vo lve s u s t a i n a b i l i t y n o t o n ly w i t h m ate r i a l b u t a l s o i n d e s i gn . O w i n g to t h e i m m e d i ate co n s t ra i nt s o f n o m u n i c i p a l w a t e r s u p p l y l i n e s o n t h e s i t e t h e d e s i g n t e a m w a s f o rc e d t o a d o p t r a i n w a t e r c o n s e r v a t i o n a s a d e s i g n
focus
Dhayari Bungalow: louvers made from shipwreck wood Lauri Baker’s filler slab implemented
in the bungalow.
Interior view showing play of light.
e l e m e n t . Th e r u n o f f r a i n w a t e r w a s c a p t u re d i n a n u n d e rg ro u n d t a n k o f 2 0 , 0 0 0 l i t re s c a p a c i t y. Th e n t h e w a t e r w a s p u m p e d t o o v e r h e a d t a n k i n t h e l o f t s p a c e o f t h e h o u s e . S o l a r p a n e l s l o c a t e d o n t h e ro o f s u p p l i e d e n e rg y t o h e a t t h e w a t e r. A l s o t h e m u l t i p l e f e n e s t r a t i o n s a t l o w e r l e v e l s a n d p ro v i s i o n o f l o u v e r s a t u p p e r l e v e l s a l l o w s t h e c o u r t y a rd c o n c e p t t o w o r k i n a f l u i d m a n n e r c o m p l i m e n t e d b y t h e c o n t o u re d c h a r a c t e r i s t i c o f t h e s i t e t h a t l e t s t h e c ro s s v e n t i l a t i o n w o r k b e t w e e n t h e l e e w a rd a n d w i n d w a rd s i d e s e n c o u r a g i n g p l a y o f n a t u r a l l i g h t a n d v e n t i l a t i o n .
W h i l e b e i n g e n e r g y e f f i c i e n t t h e o p e n i n g a l s o c a p t u r e s s t r a t e g i c v i e w s o f t h e s i t e . S t r a t e g y o f j u x t a p o s i t i o n p l a y e d i n c a p t u r i n g t h e v i e w s i s a l s o s e e n t o c r e a t e a m b i g u i t y i n t h e f a ç a d e . O n e c a n k e e p g u e s s i n g t h e f r o n t f a ç a d e , i t c o u l d b e a n y o f t h e f o l l o w i n g ; t h e e l e v a t i o n s e e n f r o m t h e r o a d w h i l e a p p r o a c h i n g t h e h o u s e , t h e o n e o p p o s i t e t h e m a i n g a t e , t h e o n e f a c i n g t h e s i d e l a n e o r t h e o n e v i e w e d f r o m t h e g a r d e n . W h i l e t h e f r o n t f a ç a d e r e m a i n s a m b i g u o u s , D e s i g n P r a x i s a n s w e r s m u l t i p l e q u e r i e s o n r o o t b a s e d s u s t a i n a b l e d e s i g n .
Project : Dhayari BungalowsClient : CS ShekarLocation : Dhayari, PuneStatus : Completed Architect : Design Praxis: Shivendu Jauhari, Neha Saxena and CS Shekar (owner)
FACT FILE:
Dhayari Bungalow: interior view showing use of local matrerial and natural light.
The ambiguous external facade of the bungalow.
90
91 focusIA
&B -
JUN
2010
The Learning Curve
Text: Hema YadavPhotographs: courtesy Andreas G. Gjertsen & Tyin Tegnestue
For a team of f i f teen Nor wegian student architec ts from the Nor wegian Universit y of Technology and Science (NTNU), headed by architec t Sami R intala and Associate Professor Hans Skotte, their projec t for Safe Haven Orphanage proved to be a learning cur ve in sustainable l iv ing.
Creating a vivid rainbow in the lives of Safe Haven Orphanage kids is a two-storey structure constructed by a team of architects. Situated at the
Thailand-Myanmar border, in the Ban Tha Song Yang region of Thailand, the orphanage provides refuge to 42 children of varying ages. Supporting them in their endeavour is TYIN Tegnestue—a non-profit organisation working for humanity through architectural projects. As the orphanage was in dire need of a library for the children, TYIN organised a workshop inviting fifteen students from the Norwegian University of Technology and Science (NTNU) to build the required structure. Under the tutelage of Associate Professor Hans
Skotte (NTNU) and architect Sami Rintala of Rintala Eggertsson Architects, the students embarked on creating a structure, which was sustainable, cost-effective and most importantly merged with the surrounding landscape. The designing brief called for a structure made of local material, as this would be easy and affordable to maintain and local building techniques to create a structure that would solve the problems of learning in a practical way. This provided a great opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience of real problems on site and make decisions with real consequences. The team traced the design roots to traditional architecture, making use of available natural
The bookshelves run the full height of the concrete walls.
92
The building utilises local material and building techniques.
plAn
Stone from the site is used for the foundations and stairs
Trenches filled with gravel ensure sufficient drainage during the rainy season
The floor area ofthe main room isleft open
Entrance area
Computer area
To tasanees house
Plan 1 : 100
North
To the kitchen and bathhouse
Project : Safe Haven Orphanage LibraryLocation : Ban Tha Song Yang, ThailandClient : Safe Haven OrphanageProfessors : Hans Skotte and Sami RintalaOrganiser : TYINSponsors : Norsk Betongforening, Bygg uten grenser, Minera Norge Spenncon and Norwegian University of Technology and Science (NTNU)
FACT FILE:
93
lava stone from the site, concrete bricks, wood and bamboo. Working on a stringent budget, the team had to research various methods of natural ventilation systems and sunshades, which was incorporated in the form of an open bamboo façade, which provides ample sunlight and ventilation. Keeping the construction process simple, the architects used a bed of large rocks gathered on-site as the base for concrete. The structure is divided into two floors, with the upper floor reser ved for activities like lounging, reading and group discussions. The entrance at the lower level creates a buffer between the outdoors and indoors and divides the ground floor into a small computer area on one side and a larger librar y room on the other. Bookshelves run along the full height of the concrete walls, while the floor is left unfurnished for the different activities of the children like practicing games and crafts. A comfor table floor for the children to play on is provided by the solid construction made of iron and wood. The architects have managed to create a flowing space, ideal for interaction and learning, while educating the people on the benefits of sustainable living. The librar y is a welcome addition for the Safe Haven community; providing an ideal refuge for the children of the orphanage.
The upper floor is reserved for lounging or playing games.
The ground floor comprises of the library and the computer room.
Bridge of Dreams
Text: Hema YadavPhotographs: courtesy Li Xiaodong
Retaining the old world charm and leasing a new life to centuries of tradition is a school
designed by Atelier Li Xiaodong. Located in the remote village of Xiashi, China the school is an effort to invigorate the village community with respect to their traditions and beliefs. The architectural brief specified the need to sustain the traditional architecture through a contemporary language. This was achieved by combining different functions into one space—a bridge that connects two ancient castles from across the creek and a school to provide education, a playground and a stage for the community. The bridge is
symbolic in connecting the past with the present and also the future. The culmination of school and bridge in a single design is the highlight of the project. The steel structure is supported on concrete piers and covered in thin wooden slats, which also acts as a small shop. Keeping in mind the rise and fall of the terrain the school is designed like a box girder, giving the building its twisting shape. The interiors are almost identical with wedge shaped classrooms tapering towards the middle of the structure, where the public library is situated. The two classrooms can also be used as a theatre by the community by sliding and folding the doors. The steel frame is wrapped in a veil of slim timber slats, which filters light and tempers the interior with cooling breeze. Although people can use the school as means of crossing the creek an alternative narrow walkway anchored by tensile wires is suspended underneath the school structure as a second and direct means of crossing the creek. The design is punctuated by physical lightness and spatial fluidity, catalysing a sense of history.
The bridge is a symbolic structure connecting the past with the present.
IA&B
- JUN
201
094
Traversing the timeworn root of sustainability is the school built by Li Xiaodong in Fujian province of China. Nominated for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, the school is an eclectic assimilation of traditional with the contemporary.
siTe pLan
focus
96
The combination of school and bridge in a single design is the highlight of the project.
The design of the school is like a box girder.
97
The structure uses sustainable local material like wood and bamboo.
The classrooms can be used as a theatre by folding and sliding the doors.
98
Project : Xiashi SchoolLocation : Xiashi Village, China Client : Xiashi VillageCompletion : 2009Architect : Li Xiaodong/atelierProject team : Chen jiansheng, li ye, Wang Chuan, Liang Qiong, Liu Mengjia and Nie junqiCollaborator : Hedao architecture design (Fujian and Xiamen)Contractor : Zhangzhou SteelSite area : 1,550sqm
FACT FILE:
The school is not just a school but also acts as the social and spiritual centre for the entire village. Nominated for one of the highest honours in the architectural field, the nominee for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture blends in with its rustic setting and is an intelligent contemporary take on the archetype of the inhabited bridge.
The school also acts as a spiritual and community centre.
The bridge school merges with its rustic setting providing an educational hub for the local children.
Green Dynamism
Text: Hema YadavPhotographs: courtesy Adam Mørk and Steven Achiam
The pavilion comprises of cutting edge technology and intelligent materials.
IA&B
- JUN
201
010
0
Danish architects 3XN have defined new paradigms by testing the limits of what is possible to construct out of biological materials. Their ‘Learning from Nature’ —a 100 per cent self-sufficient pavilion is a trend-setter in the field of ‘green.’
Green Dynamism
The möbius strip with its twisted frame and flaming green colour resembles a playing
surface for kids. Designed by Danish architecture firm 3XN as part of the ‘green architecture for the future’ exhibition for the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, the simplistic structure is a pavilion designed by using cutting edge technology within the parameters of sustainable design and intelligent materials. For, building sustainability is not just a matter of learning from nature but also creating architecture that integrates in our behavioural pattern and even in our culture. The result is a striking pavilion built of bio-composite materials, which creates a dynamic interaction with its physical surroundings and its users.
Aptly titled, ‘Learning from Nature,’ the pavilion is inspired by nature, while its shape symbolises the biological cycle, expressing the continuity and eternal cycles of nature. The concept for the pavilion was evolved for addressing three basic human needs: need for shelter, for rest and for contact. Encompassing these attributes the strip is designed as both roof and a bench, where the user can experience nature and space simultaneously. Created using materials in a recyclable and fully bio-degradable physical framework, the pavilion acts like a humidifier; purifying air by utilising energy from the sun to break down pollutants. What distinguishes the pavilion from its contemporaries is the innovative use of materials in its structure formation. For the outer shell glass fibre composites have been substituted with bio-composite from flax fibers cast in biological resin. Highly compressed cork sheets replace polystyrene foam for the inner core.
The phenomenal structure was constructed within a span of four months with the involvement of 20 different companies and produces its own energy with the help of visitors. A dynamic interaction between the visitors and the pavilion is achieved by the kinetic energy generated by the feet of thousands of visitors walking on the floor of the pavilion. The floor is piezoelectric, which absorbs energy from people walking on it and converts it into electricity, while flexible solar panels power LED light fittings. The mode of expression and material consumption is digitally designed to meet the exact needs, i.e. 14 layers of fibre and
focus
The phase-changing material used in the pavilion slashes energy cost up to 15 per cent.
102
84mm of cork are specifically designed to meet the dynamic forces arising from wind load and the load from people walking on the surface. The coating of nano particles keeps the surface clean and the use of phase-changing materials results in an exchange of energy during the daily shifts in temperature. The phase-changing materials cut costs up to 10 to 15 per cent on heating and cooling of buildings, providing the pavilion the ability to retain heat. When heated by the sun, the material changes from a solid to liquid form, retaining the energy and releasing it again when the temperature drops to exactly 23°C. When the temperature drops the material solidifies and releases energy. The process helps the pavilion to remain cool when the temperature increases and vice versa. The thermo-chromatic surface treatment shows the tracks left by the visitors when they touch the ribbon. At the end of its life, the whole pavilion can be broken down and can enter into the biological metabolism of nature. Charting a new course in the field of holistic architecture, the recipient of JEC Innovation Award 2010 emphasises that bio-degradable materials require less energy than aluminum or concrete by utilising complex mode of expression, pushing the limit of what is obtainable and achieveable with sustainable materials and is proof of the innovative architectural design of tomorrow.
(Above) Materials like PCM, cork and natural fibres were used to develop the pavilion.
103
Project : Learning From NatureLocation : Louisiana, USAClient : Museum of Modern ArtArchitect : 3XNStructural Engineer : Bill Lynch, BerkeleyEngineer : COWI Producer : StageOne Partners : BASF, Ashland Inc., Amorim, Cork Composites, Libeco- Lagae, Flex Cell, Phillips, Scenetek, Noliac Motion, Optima Projects Limited, NetComposites Ldt, Nano-X GmbH, Teknologisk Institut, 3M, Risø and DTU Design Team : Kim Herforth Nielsen, Kasper Guldager Jørgensen, Rasmus Møller, Christian Bundegaard, Stian Lenes and Morten Myrup.
FACT FILE:
Misty Perceptions
Text: Maanasi HattangadiPhotographs: courtesy the architect
Green Energy is the way of the future. Elements like imaginative architecture and modern technology are shaping the face of future designs. Climatic
responsive designs have accentuated the thinking of today’s designers. The proposed art museum ‘Water from the Sun’ designed by Paris-based architects Nicolas Dorval-Bory and Raphaël Bétillon is one such project that explores the emerging concept of climatic and energy analysis used in buildings. Sited on the main axis between the north bank and Koroska street in the city of Maribor, Slovenia, the art gallery defines a new landmark for the city. Echoing its climatic orientation, the building is a shimmering water film with reflecting glass tubes.
The architecture is visualised as a temporal dimension dissolving the lines between the structure and landscape. An amphitheatre tracing the natural contours of the land announces the access to the museum centre. Shrouded in a misty haze, the spatial volume floats above ground materialising into a cultural plaza. Designed around the three parameters: volume, circulation and climate, the project outlines the sustainable factors in simple yet emphatic
way. The centralised cube is structured as a Rubik’s cube about 54x54x27m, poised over the ground. Three modules of 27 boxes accommodate the museum’s functional needs. An interplay of innovative technological aspects and minute detailing profile the green credentials of the building. The architects illustrate climate performance as an important tool for architectural expression. The outer envelope encases the building as a double skin with visible multilayer aluminum foils on the underside enabling over-insulation. An innovative solar cooling technique has been contrived as a new meteorological dimension to the architectural setting. The vacuum tubes of the south facade heat the water to a temperature of 80ºC, which is then sent to an adsorption machine wherein silica gel is used as the adsorbent. Cold water flow is routed through a separate heat exchange process. The north façade conceals tubes that contain the coolant necessitated in this process. This technology integrates the total cooling essential in the museum. The heat collector tubes dually function to preheat the buildings in winters. To ensure proper diffusion, the water system is articulated within the thick concrete slabs. The exterior of the museum also showcases a cooling misting system unique to this building.
Shrouded in a misty haze, the form will crystallise itself in an abstract volume as a floaitng landmark in the city of Maribor.
IA&B
- JUN
201
010
4
French architects Nicolas Dorval-Bory and Raphaël Bétillon have conceptualised climate responsive design approach to be the new architectural dimension for an art museum for the city of Maribor, Slovenia.
Evolution diagraM of tHE floating ElEvation SitE plan
kEy plan
garden coffee
exterior gallery
outdoor auditorium
exterior gallery
ECC 2012information
centre
focus
lowEr lEvEl plan
uppEr lEvEl plan
Clockroom lockers
Clockroom 100m2
Groupdrawerschest
coat hangers
galery shop150m2
CiTy DAily RooM
multipurpose entrance hall/open space 415m2
meeting room150m2
managers office25m2
PR marketing event management 25m2
cuators andeducatiors 80m2
accounting 20m2
waiting room 35m2 secretariat 10m2
sanitation82m2
sanitation25m2
tea room24m2
sanitation26m2
kitchen52m2
RESTAuRANT
restaurant230m2
storage10m2
bar 24m2coffeeroom
100m2
CoffEERooM
liBRARy AND ARCHiVE
information
ECC informationB B
AA
book storageroom 45m2
B B
A
storageroom
study room 22m2
reading club 22m2
projectioncabin
translatorcabin
Educationworkshops
ceramics
photography
graphicscomputer
Club Bar
storage room
residental apartment
110m2
106
The streamlined technical façade supports hundreds of high pressure nozzles that conform to an occasional misting system. The filtered sprays spewed by these nozzles create an artificial cloud leaving the building in a foggy blur. This outstanding creation envelopes the museum and can be mechanised to forge dynamic situations incase of events or to refresh the ambience. The roof of the cubic volume is composed of shading and photovoltaic panels which contribute to the energy flow.
following the example of Pompidou Centre, all the services are regulated in a peripheral alignment highlighting the programmatic, climatic and ecological functioning. Transparent cylindrical tubes evolved from corrugated glass impart spatial connectivity to the different areas of the museum. The two tubes in the east cater to the museum staff while the tubes in the west are open for the visitors use. The entire sequence converges at the central tube that is cultivated as a meeting space. oriented centrally in the tubes, the
structural core also houses the elevators. The glass towers not only support the circulatory functioning but also embody ventilation ducts in its system. A geothermal heat pump extradites the heating/cooling air through an underground air channel, thus taking care of the entire ventilation of the whole museum. The interior functioning of the building is zoned according to the inter-climatic assessment, like the storage areas are drafted in the basement where the climate is more constant. This new atmospherically sound understanding enables the genesis of an evolution of spaces and materiality based not on the traditional architectural values but dictated on the influence of technological foundations. The museum’s exhibition spaces are extended over two levels of large open spaces. The second level which is screened against light and temperature variations is used as a permanent gallery space. An ‘Architecture Centre’ is also encompassed on the second level which allows the allocation for temporary
the technical services have been pushed outside the core onto the outer facade.
Clockroom lockers
Clockroom 100m2
Groupdrawerschest
coat hangers
galery shop150m2
CiTy DAily RooM
multipurpose entrance hall/open space 415m2
meeting room150m2
managers office25m2
PR marketing event management 25m2
cuators andeducatiors 80m2
accounting 20m2
waiting room 35m2 secretariat 10m2
sanitation82m2
sanitation25m2
tea room24m2
sanitation26m2
kitchen52m2
RESTAuRANT
restaurant230m2
storage10m2
bar 24m2coffeeroom
100m2
CoffEERooM
liBRARy AND ARCHiVE
information
ECC informationB B
A
107
Building coMponEntS diagraM iSoMEtric viEw
SolARPANElS -1400m2
TuBulARfACADE-solar thermal cooling-solar water heating-mist/snow production-sun shading
GlASSfACADE-low etriple glazing
STEEl fRAME STRuCTuRE-super structural box
ouTDooR TERRACES-4000m2
EXHiBiTioNS RAMP-5% ramp-perm to temp exhibition
VERTiCAl CoNNECTioNS-central elevators-concrete stuctural columns-helicoidal stairs/escalator-corrugated structural glass
MAiN PlAZA-building programatic base-vehicle access
STAiRS To RiVER-scaffolding stairs
108
SEctional pErSpEctivE
iSoMEtric viEw of cliMatic zoning
109
exhibits. Capitalising on the natural light and appropriate coverage of the roof, the temporary exhibition setups are provided on the top levels. upto 3000sqm in the outdoor terraces can be adjusted to include the exhibition space. The flooring in these modules is redeemed with offsets of +/-4m in order to gain a 12m ceiling height advantage. These elemental considerations help in accommodating large artworks in a dual level exposure. The transition of these works to the upper level is facilitated by electric elevators laid in the glass tubes.
SEction of cliMatic zoning
cliMatic diagraMS
sun shade tubes
solar thermal collector facade
micro-climate exterior terrace
artificial mist sprinkler
artificial mist sprinkler
extracted stale air
solar panelssun shade beams / matural exhibition rooms lighting
adsorption chiller water cooling facade
cooling/heating through concrete slab
cool water flow(solar thermal cooling)
heat exchange between stale air and fresh air
fresh air income
adsorption chiller machine
geothermal heatpump
SolAR THERMAl CooliNG
WATER
GRouND -CouPlED HEAT EXCHANGER
AiR
CooliNG ARTifiCiAl GRouND -CouPlED HEAT EXCHANGER
SolAR + GEoTHERMAl WARMiNG GEoTHERMAl HEAT PuMP
GEoTHERMAl WARMiNG GEoTHERMAl HEAT PuMP
110
the central glass tube convenes into a meeting space defining a cultural plaza.
the interior spaces open out to the core shafts that house the elevators.
the temporary exhibitions are aligned on the top floors to take advantage
of the maximum natural light.
111
Project : Water from the Sunlocation : Maribor, SloveniaClient : City of MariborArchitect : Nicolas Dorval-Bory, Raphael BétillonDesign team : Dorval-Bory, Raphael Bétillon, Guillaume freyermuth and Paula Gonzalez Balcarce
FACT FILE:
Encased in a heat exchange interface, these innate volumes act like an isolated refrigerator ensuring a fluid climatic control.
Not dictated by a conventional architectural language, the architects have framed a program centric to climatic parameters to build an urban catalyser. An active tubular heat-exchange interface, double-skin insulation, photo-voltaic panelled roofing system and cooling mist culminates into a regenerative meteorological mechanism evolving into a blurred building proffering new perceptions.
Raineserveecycle
Text: Maanasi HattangadiPhotographs: courtesy the architects
W ater conser vation has been one of the main standpoints in green architecture. The new conser vation responsive architecture is
striving towards fairer and more sustainable al location of resources. In perspective of this data; rainfal l har vesting can be patterned into a radical conser vation technique to fuel the ever- growing need. A sur vey suggests that 150 l itres of water is consumed daily by an individual out of which 85 l itres can be replaced by rainfal l. Over a mil l ion years, plants have per fected a fool-proof mechanism to capture this rainfal l. Mimicking these bio- diverse oppor tunit ies, Polish architectural students of H3AR bring into focus a technological aspect in designing a skyscraper ‘Capture the Rain’ for a skyscraper competit ion for eVolo. The architects employed numerous modell ing and shaping experiments to outl ine the outer façade inter face in order to optimise the collection of rainwater. Improvising on this process, they contrived a skin mechanism that transforms the building into a cohesive rain collecting machine.
Evolved from this comprehensive analysis of rainfal l directions; the building takes the form of an indented cyl inder wherein the roof and ex ternal shell capture the rain. The dist inctive cur ved roof, that houses
IA&B
- JUN
201
011
2
The structures indented form has been specially designed to formulate a cohesive rain-collecting technique.
Exploring new realms of water conser vation, Polish architectural students Ryszard Rychlicki and Agnieszka Nowak have put for th a skyscraper design using avant-garde technology.
a hydro botanic water treatment unit, caps the wave -like building. An assimilation of water reser voirs are channelised as a funnel and reed f ields to form this f i l tration unit which conducts the usable water to the spaces below. The tubular structure is profi led with catchments that capture the rain. The streamlined per forated envelope is structured to forge a network of gutters transmitting the f lowing water. This f i l tered water is used to fulf i l the requisite needs of the inhabitants. The surplus of this har vested water is fur ther sent to reser voir storage under the building. The water captured and processed by the building may be used for f lushing toi lets, feeding washing machines, watering plants, cleaning f loors and other
Rendition of the model outlining the rainfall capturing technology.
The concept of the tehcnology traces the rain capturing process that the plants have perfected for years.
ANALYTICAL DIAGRAMS FOR EVOLUTION OF FORM
focus
114
secTion
4000m2
115
Project : ‘Capture the Rain’ SkyscraperLocation : New York City, USAClient : Skyscraper Competition, eVoloArchitect : Ryszard Rychlicki and Agnieszka Nowak
FACT FILE:
domestic applications. The architects have creatively adapted ecological realities to shape a lifestyle which is low on environmental impact and yet highly productive. Befitting the cutting-edge complexities integrated in the building, the architects have also obtained a formula which shows the daily water usage percentage that can be replaced by rainwater har vesting.
Th e p ro p o s a l u n d e r s t a n d s t h e wate r co n s u m p t i o n o f i t s i n h a b i t a nt s a n d d e v i s e s m e a n s to co nt r i b u te towa rd s i t s s o l u t i o n s. D e v i at i n g f ro m t h e co nve nt i o n a l , t h e a rc h i te c t s h ave co n ce p t u a l i s e d a s p e c i a l m e nt i o n awa rd - w i n n i n g s k y s c ra p e r n o t a s b u i l d i n g b u t a s a i nte ra c t i ve i nte r f a ce t h at e n ca s e s a p e r f o rm a n ce m atc h i n g i t s l o f t y g o a l s f o r s u s t a i n a b l e d e s i gn .
diagRaM of HydRo boTanic waTeR TReaTMenT uniT
deTail of guT TeR
Hydro Botanic Water Treatment Unit
Out
The Intangible Sustainability
Text: Fatema KabirPhotographs: courtesy the architects
IA&B
- JUN
201
011
6
Evolving from the ‘Eastern Naturalistic Philosophy’, Taichung-Convention Centre by MAD Architects; rebinds culture and nature in the essence of sustainability.
The Intangible Sustainability E astern Natural ist ic Philosophy is exemplar y in reviving the most primitive theories
on l i fe. When MAD Architects conceived the Taichung-Convention Centre to be developed in Taiwan, China; they were conscious of the city requiring a metropolitan landmark that would renew the urban l i fe while holding on to the cultural arenas f irmly. Though each building on the campus varies in height from 39m to 85m constituting several f loors yet s imply achieving height was not the aim. The idea was
to bring Taichung into the realm of world class cultural cites, hence they adopted ‘The Eastern Naturalistic Philosophy’ as their concept.
Charles A. Moore (1901–1967), professor of comparative philosophy at the University of Hawai mentions in his book ‘Philosophy East and West’ about the natural ist ic philosophy of the Chinese. The philosophy emphasises on equality, common identity and synthesis of multiples. I t is best described by the word
Aerial view depicting the mountainous buildings covered by their volcanic lava.
focus
118
‘empty’. When a mind is free of al l thoughts it travels from the tangible world to the inf inity of the cosmos. The vacuum at that level treats multiples as a single and hence there is no multipl icity or inequality in the inf inite. The philosophy exalts nature by believing in spontaneous transformations, as reflected by nature in itself.
Based on the philosophy, the project aimed at creating an amalgamation of architecture of nature of human. The campus consists of multiple mountain shaped buildings weaved into a common innovative urban skin that appears to grow from the ground, travel to the peak and vice versa. The pleated characterist ic of the skin also makes the structure appear as active volcanoes with f lowing lava around, blurring the cit ies physical boundaries.
In the quest of manmade and nature concord the campus implements landscape ideas from tradit ional Chinese gardens, which were characterised by manmade landscape e lements.
Master plan reflecting common roof system growing from the earth.
Night view: Mountainous structures on fire.
119
Hence on s i te we see; a s ingle t ree, a patch of bamboo or a pond, as centra l f igures of the gather ing spaces. I t i s not a surpr ise i f these manmade e lements are successful ly b lended into the natural envi ronment when a l l the mountainous st ruc tures on s i te have been graceful ly merged to the ground. Whi le the st ruc ture i s amalgamat ing i tse l f with the surrounding landscape, the open cour t yards, common balconies and ver t ica l c i rculat ion b ind the inhabitants with the st ruc ture and within themselves.
The philosophy when evolved, can see gl impses of technology incorporated in the design. The common skin is integrated with photovoltaic panels, which use solar power reducing energy consumption. Owing to the continuous pleats and transparency on one side, the skin also provides natural l ight and venti lation.
This project yearns for a greater meaning in sustainabil ity than just local material and cl imate responsive interpretations. It is the
Manmade landscape integrated with the manmade buildings
Interior view of the pleated volcanic roof system
120
Project : Taichung-Convention CentreLocation : Tai Chung, TaiwanDirector in Charge : Ma Yansong, Dang QunDesign Team : MAD Architects: Jordan Kanter, Jtravis Russett, Irmi Reiter, Diego Perez, Dai Pu, Rasmus Palmquist, Art Terry, and Chie FuyukiType : Office, Hotel, Retail, Exhibition, and Convention HallsSite Area : 70,318sqmBuilding Area : 216,161sqmBuilding Height : 39m-85mStructure : Vertical Circulation, Enclosure SystemSkin : Pleated Skin System with Double Photovoltaic Glass
FACT FILE:
Interior view reflecting the massiveness of the manmade structure.
intangible qualit ies that conceptualise the sustainabil ity approach of the centre. The centre with its philosophy based design looks for ward to evoking quests to know the truth of l i fe and evolve from there. It is a modest attempt at reviving and sustaining a long lost tradit ional philosophy by influencing other up- coming projects of the city, to adopt the tradit ional philosophy and thereby formulate the urban landscape of the city so as to enter the world class cultural cites.
Interior space opening and integrating with the external landscape.
IA&B
- JUN
201
012
2
Addressing the growing need of water in Dafur, Sudan, Polish architectural student Hugon Kowalski of architectural firm H3AR has profiled a multi-purpose building that will pump water from an underground lake.
The water-pumping technological skyscraper shows a ray of hope to the drought-stricken region of Sudan.
Changing Lives
Text: Maanasi HattangadiPhotographs: courtesy the architect
Extracting Hope,
focus
The towers are planned as a trinity that will stabilise the micro-climate and enable the creation of
an artificial lake in their midst.
plan, building 1, floor, 0
scale 1:250
12
3
4
56
7
8
I n the African countr y of Sudan there has always been a struggle to f ind a new source of fresh water, a struggle that has caused many
confl ic ts in the past. However, with the recent discover y of an immense underground lake, many are hoping these confl ic ts wil l soon come to an end. Designed as a par t of eVolo’s skyscraper competit ion, Poland-based Hugon Kowalski ’s skyscraper proposal in Dafur, Sudan defines a means not only to pursue a viable water source but also to sustain l i fe. Kowalski ’s scheme takes the water cris is into account and has developed a tower to aid in the f inding of underground water and creating an ar t i f ic ial lake.
Drawing inspirations from the basic concepts of a water tower and ‘Baobab,’ the African ‘upside down’ tree from Savannah, the building is conceived as a towering structure of 7120m which wil l be a focal point
for the formation of a whole new vil lage. The concepts of the building align itself to eco-friendly architectural principles. The structure employs alternative sustainable and construction techniques by stacking compressed sun-baked clay bricks, made on site, composed of a rough mix ture of ear th, cement and water. The choice of this technology simulates minimal energy use and low environmental impact. The structure embodies a multi-functional aspect—housing water pumps, a treatment plant, a hospital, a school and a food storage centre. Introducing a calculative technological facet, the design contrives ex traction of water from subterranean resources through application of pumps. These pumps faci l i tate an integration of two water circulation processes that have been developed for the heating/cooling exchange of the building. They ex tract the water from the aquif ier and pump through the building, enhancing
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
plan, building 2, floor, +4
scale 1:250
+ 4 LVL FLOOR PLAN
the heating and cooling. The water wil l be treated and reser ved in the core of the building as a water provision meant for domestic usage. The architect has managed to tap the available resources through good design and effective water management. “This building is meant to provoke economical development but also st imulate cultural exchange and the coexistence of the three different rel igions and languages,” says Hugon Kowalski . The planning involves a symmetrical tr iad of towers that wil l stabil ise the micro- cl imate, shading the area created by them and enabling a creation of an ar t i f ic ial lake as a solace for locals to escape the arid cl imate. Sti l l a concept, the project features outl ine its immense possibi l it ies to have far-reaching consequences. It showcases a spectrum of hope, for the drought-stricken region, interspersed with social responsibil ity on one ex treme and an innovative architectural technique on the other.
Project : Watertower SkyscraperLocation : Dafur, SudanClient : Skyscraper Competition, eVoloArchitect : Hugon Kowalski, H3AR
FACT FILE:
Masterplan of the envisioned triad of towers.
SecTion
light filters into the interiors through the patterned sun-baked clay bricks.
The brick composition of natural materials which outlines the facade.
WaTer PuMPinG TecHnoloGy deTailS
124