Thursday 9 June 2011
Wednesday 8 June 2011
The Architect’s Relationships - by SquareFoot
At this side of my bed
there is a sliver of space
where I can lay down
and rest my head
And yet, from that space
I think and I care;
for there emanates
thoughts clean and fair
they travel through rooms
into various buildings
up and down they zoom
building space relationships
my thoughts go full swing
on users’ lives; their spaces
never on drawings dwellings;
as I focus on their faces
I’d imagine them at their work:
oh, those lovers’ fleeting glances
hear them youths’ loud mirth
and other uses of spaces
I’d imagine my users activities
their comforts, their lives
I’d modulate the sceneries
I’d hear each every sigh
my mind’s eye will light
all through those spaces
I’ll forecast tears; slight;
as time walks her paces
the walls then appears
to give space final form
but never to overpower
nor state who I am or not
and on the handing over
filling my joyous cup
my work’s gentle to my users;
my child has now grown up
I’ll then pass on; silent lips,
my bed would lie empty
yet I will leave behind me
all my space relationships
http://www.squarefoot.org/2007/07/19/the-architects-relationships/#comments
there is a sliver of space
where I can lay down
and rest my head
And yet, from that space
I think and I care;
for there emanates
thoughts clean and fair
they travel through rooms
into various buildings
up and down they zoom
building space relationships
my thoughts go full swing
on users’ lives; their spaces
never on drawings dwellings;
as I focus on their faces
I’d imagine them at their work:
oh, those lovers’ fleeting glances
hear them youths’ loud mirth
and other uses of spaces
I’d imagine my users activities
their comforts, their lives
I’d modulate the sceneries
I’d hear each every sigh
my mind’s eye will light
all through those spaces
I’ll forecast tears; slight;
as time walks her paces
the walls then appears
to give space final form
but never to overpower
nor state who I am or not
and on the handing over
filling my joyous cup
my work’s gentle to my users;
my child has now grown up
I’ll then pass on; silent lips,
my bed would lie empty
yet I will leave behind me
all my space relationships
http://www.squarefoot.org/2007/07/19/the-architects-relationships/#comments
Tuesday 7 June 2011
Monday 6 June 2011
anti-smog buildings: clean air through architecture
http://gukurup.wordpress.com/2008/11/23/anti-smog-buildings-clean-air-through-architecture/
"A new type of architecture is gaining in popularity, thanks to visionaries such as architect Vincent Callebaut that blend design and technology to create a new definition for the term “green building”. Callebaut’s latest project uses green technologies and systems that are more than just examples of sustainable design; the structure actually improves the environment just by sitting there.
Callebaut’s prototype project, being built in Paris, is covered with 250 square meters of solar photovoltaic panels and coated in titanium dioxide (TiO2). The PV system produces electrical energy for the building, with the TiO2 coating working as a catalytic system to clean the air. The TiO2 works with ultraviolet radiation to interact with particulates in the air, break down organics and reduce airborn pollutants and contaminants.
The structure also has a large green space on top for further air purification and rainwater catchment for use within the building. The other part of the building, is a ‘wind tower’, a cylindrical structure that has a spiral pattern that alternates between vertical gardens and embedded vertical axis wind turbines, that generate electricity from prevailing winds."
Vincent Callebaut Architectures via Inhabitat
This is amazing! architecture that can change the world!!
"A new type of architecture is gaining in popularity, thanks to visionaries such as architect Vincent Callebaut that blend design and technology to create a new definition for the term “green building”. Callebaut’s latest project uses green technologies and systems that are more than just examples of sustainable design; the structure actually improves the environment just by sitting there.
Callebaut’s prototype project, being built in Paris, is covered with 250 square meters of solar photovoltaic panels and coated in titanium dioxide (TiO2). The PV system produces electrical energy for the building, with the TiO2 coating working as a catalytic system to clean the air. The TiO2 works with ultraviolet radiation to interact with particulates in the air, break down organics and reduce airborn pollutants and contaminants.
The structure also has a large green space on top for further air purification and rainwater catchment for use within the building. The other part of the building, is a ‘wind tower’, a cylindrical structure that has a spiral pattern that alternates between vertical gardens and embedded vertical axis wind turbines, that generate electricity from prevailing winds."
Vincent Callebaut Architectures via Inhabitat
This is amazing! architecture that can change the world!!
Monday 30 May 2011
wind-flowers!
http://blog.cleantechies.com/2011/03/06/power-flowers-make-peace-with-wind-turbine-critics/
"A Dutch architectural company wonders if wind turbines can be transformed into objects of desire.
As desperate as the world is for consistent, renewable energy, some people have voiced opposition when the construction of a wind farm is proposed in their area. Apparently, everyone wants to reap the benefits of wind energy, but no one wants to look at the turbines.
As a result, wind farms are typically built in the middle of nowhere, and these remote locations make it difficult to get the power to the traditional grid and power plants where it can be used.Dutch design house NL Architects believe that wind turbines need to be erected much closer to urban settings, so to overcome resident objections, they made the turbines more efficient and beautiful in the process.Dutch design house NL Architects believe that wind turbines need to be erected much closer to urban settings, so to overcome resident objections, they made the turbines more efficient and beautiful in the process.
Inspired by the efficiency, silence and small size of Eddy, a vertical-axis wind turbine created by Urban Green Energy that can be mounted almost anywhere. NL Architects decided to see if they could ‘densify’ the grid by giving Eddy a more compact and desirable tower design.
The result is the Power Flower: an urban turbine featuring a hollow steel column with branches at the top. These branches would be home to either three or 12 Eddy-like turbines and could be deployed closer to, or even within, urban environments such as parks, streets or roadways.
It’s estimated that the Power Flower’s structure would generate over 13,000 kWh of power every year at an average wind speed of 5 meters per second and generate as little as 42.8db of noise at 12 meters per second. Each 12-turbine structure’s annual power output for the same average wind speed is calculated at 55,000 kWh.These are only conceptual images (practical and engineering issues still remain), but what if every house had a Power Flower in the yard? Renewable energy would be generated in the heart of residential areas, where it’s needed most, and serve as a constant reminder of the beauty and utility of wind power."
Article by Beth Buczynski, appearing courtesy Crisp Green.
A slide show on this power flower can be seen on the: NL Architects website
Sunday 29 May 2011
Thursday 26 May 2011
Monday 23 May 2011
Strange & Freaky
Strange & freaky finding whilst looking for spacial diagrams!
Try reading the text on the image.
The research for our DSW documents continues
Types of Green Roofs (http://www.rooftoplandscapes.co.za/types.php)
"The choice of rooftop landscape type relates to the type of plants that can be grown on the roof. The choice is limited by the loads that your roof can withstand."
"Intensive Rooftop Landscapes
"The choice of rooftop landscape type relates to the type of plants that can be grown on the roof. The choice is limited by the loads that your roof can withstand."
 |
Intensive Rooftop Landscapes |
"Intensive Rooftop Landscapes
Intensive Rooftop Landscapes replicate ground level gardens on roofs.
Typically, these roof gardens have a growing medium depth of 200 mm or more and can sustain large plants and even trees. The weight requirements for intensive green roofs are such that they are normally installed over concrete roof decks. Such roof gardens typically require a level of maintenance comparable to that of a similar ground-level garden.
 |
Extensive Rooftop Landscapes |
Extensive Rooftop Landscapes
Extensive roof gardens are typically covered with low-growing plants.
These roof gardens have a growing medium depth of less than 200 mm. They usually require less maintenance than intensive roof gardens.
 |
Biodiverse or Brown Rooftop Landscapes |
Biodiverse or Brown Rooftop Landscapes
Biodiverse roof gardens recreate pre-existing ground ecosystems.
These are constructed in a similar way to the other types green roofs, but are designed with specific biodiversity objectives in mind, such as providing a habitat for a specific species. To maximise biodiversity, a wide range of growing mediums will normally be distributed around the roof surface (usually sourced from the local area).
Biodiverse roof gardens emphasise evolution over design. Thus, very little maintenance is required. In most cases, these are either left alone to allow the germination of wind-blown seeds, or alternatively, seeds collected from the local area are scattered over the roof area. Over time an ecosystem of plants and animals will develop on the roof." The idea of roof gardens will and is bringing nature back to concrete jungles! genius!
Thursday 19 May 2011
| TOD’S Omotesando Building | |
| Location | Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan |
| Period | 2002.4~2004.11 |
| Structure | reinforced concrete, steel frame |
| Scale | 7 stories, 1 basement |
| Site Area | 516.23m2 |
| Building Area | 401.55m2 |
| Total Floor Area | <><>2,548.84m2 | <><><>
I love how the skin of the building looks like flat-pressed branches!
Something new and fresh for this city space.
Sunday 15 May 2011
Thursday 12 May 2011
Curtain Wall Claddings
We have been doing our DKD presentations at the end of last week and the beginning of this week.
There are some amazing high-tech clads, that make it seem as if buildings are becoming live mechanical bodies. It was very interesting seeing new systems and how they work.
There are some amazing high-tech clads, that make it seem as if buildings are becoming live mechanical bodies. It was very interesting seeing new systems and how they work.
Tuesday 10 May 2011
Masdar City in Abu Dhabi
Foster and Partner's carbon-neutral Masdar City is springing to life in Abu Dhabi, and we recently had a chance to take a first-hand look inside this ambitious sustainable development! Just last Friday we checked out the city's first eco street fair and Organic Market -- a family affair complete with cotton candy, clowns, and princess fairies that also gave locals and visitors their first glimpse of some of the world’s most advanced architectural and cleantech developments. It also gave eco-businesses and organizations, such as the Land Art Generator Initiative, an opportunity to strut their good green stuff - read on for a first look!
Read more: PHOTOS: A First Look Inside Masdar: Foster + Partner’s Carbon-Neutral Eco City Masdar City Market Street Fair – Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World
Read more: PHOTOS: A First Look Inside Masdar: Foster + Partner’s Carbon-Neutral Eco City Masdar City Market Street Fair – Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World
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