The Architecture of the City

The traditional fully-glazed façade so common in towers throughout the Middle East has been reinterpreted by students at the University of Nottingham who were tasked with designing a skyscraper for Abu Dhabi.

 

The proposal, by Alexandre Carrasco and Omelmominin Wadidy of the Masters in Sustainable Tall Buildings Course at the Department of Architecture and Built Environment instead combines a mixture of thin transparent and opaque elements aimed at emphasising the building’s elegance and vertical nature while improving environmental performance.

 

 

The overall design is inspired by sikkas, the narrow alleys between buildings in old Middle East cities. It aims to create comfortable spaces which are shaded from the harsh desert sun and wind while providing suitable areas for circulation, leisure, social and communal activities.

Via Lauren Moss

JAJA shared their latest proposal, which was awarded third prize, for a new public library in Daegu, South Korea.

 

Pushing the boundary of the notion that a library must be a contained, quiet and nearly isolated space, JAJA’s proposal treats the library as massive public zone for the fostering of communal creativity, and dissolves the separation between inside and nature.

JAJA, typically noted for their form making abilities, have opted for a minimialistic formal language of the architecture, so that the streamlined library can capture the textures of the existing trees and the books within to create a cohesive experience that celebrates both.

 

“We propose to merge the spatial qualities of the trees and the potential of the library into one cohesive identity. The library will merge the exterior and interior through a series of spatial transitions within an inclusive environment for the local community,” explained the architects.

 

View additional images and read more about this design that integrates building and nature, on both an aesthetic and functional level, creating a unique experience with light, form and space...

Via Lauren Moss

One of the largest prefabricated straw bale buildings in Europe will be officially opened at The University of Nottingham tomorrow Wednesday 8 February 2012.

 

Designed by Make Architects the new Gateway Building has been constructed with straw bale panels harvested on the University’s very own farmland – just 200 yards from the site. Make Architects have produced the video Story of Straw about the technology behind the £5.2m development.

 

“Our aim is to create an inspiring and harmonious place to study and work reflecting the University’s impressive ‘green’ credentials. This innovative new building is part of a multi-million pound drive to expand and upgrade the University’s teaching and learning facilities.

 

This building, along with many other new facilities on our campuses both in the UK and Asia and will enhance the institution’s position as one of the most popular destinations among applicants to UK universities.”

Via Lauren Moss