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


Tuesday, 7 June 2011

crunch time!

It's portfolio time and the labs are full of stressed out people!

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!!

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

green green green