Duvall Decker的动态

Heatherwick's "Humanize" - in Review In Thomas Heatherwick's new book "Humanize," he passionately argues against the monotony of modern glass box architecture, emphasizing the need for more human-centric and visually stimulating urban designs. As a counterpoint to Pat Finn's review on Architizer, we find Heatherwick's crusade both timely and crucial in the context of contemporary urban planning. Heatherwick rightly identifies that the sterile, repetitive nature of modernist architecture contributes to increased human stress and urban anxiety. His perspective resonates deeply with our observations: the cities that attract people are often historic, characterized by their unique architectural elements and winding streets that invite exploration and engagement. The charm of these cities lies not only in their aesthetic appeal but also in their ability to adapt and evolve with technological advancements such as rapid transit systems and new working arrangements. One of the book's most compelling arguments is the importance of adaptability in urban environments. The best cities are those that can integrate new technologies and accommodate the changing needs of their residents while maintaining an interesting and engaging urban layout. Heatherwick's work, which he humbly notes is not rooted in formal architecture training, exemplifies this balance beautifully. His designs prioritize human experience, creating spaces that are not only functional but also visually and emotionally enriching. We particularly appreciate Heatherwick's emphasis on creating urban environments that offer both easy access and interesting vistas. This dual focus ensures that cities remain practical for daily use while also providing the visual and experiential variety that makes urban living vibrant and enjoyable. "Humanize" is a thought-provoking manifesto that challenges the status quo of modern architecture. Heatherwick's vision for more human-centric, adaptable and visually engaging cities is a necessary antidote to our present urban monotony. We can do more. https://loom.ly/6dD7LxA #architecture #design #urbanplanning Heatherwick studio

We were recently challenged by writer and architecture critic Justin Davidson with Curbed (New York Magazine) to develop a speculative but realistic design for a public school project in Brooklyn using mass timber. This exercise was part of a larger effort to visualize what New York might look like if it embraced mass timber technology. Our conceptual design for this K-12 school in Red Hook, Brooklyn, utilizes mass timber construction to create a sustainable and user-focused learning environment that integrates with its urban context. A prominent timber arcade, extending a nearby park onto the site, serves as a welcoming community threshold and recognizable landmark. The design thoughtfully responds to the existing context by incorporating a preserved brick warehouse facade, housing the natatorium, and echoing the area's warehouse typology with masonry detailing on the western facade. In contrast, the southern and eastern elevations of the mass timber structure feature expansive openings to maximize natural light and offer views of the park and surrounding streetscape, showcasing the material's biophilic qualities and creating a vibrant and engaging learning environment. Our design is featured alongside projects by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, SHoP Architects, and ZGF, all ranging in size and function. This endeavor underscores modus studio's commitment to innovative and environmentally conscious design. We're proud to be part of a movement to push the boundaries of what's possible with mass timber. Check out the full article to learn more about our vision and the exciting possibilities of mass timber in New York: https://lnkd.in/gJ-3f-_t #modusstudio #architecture #interiordesign #design #research #architectureresearch #masstimber #CLT #woodarchitecture #sustainability #curbed #newyork #brooklyn #redhook #schooldesign #k12design #k12schools #k12architecture #educationspaces #learningspaces #learningenvironments #educationalarchitecture #schoolarchitecture #learningfacilities #biophilicdesign

Thomas Heatherwick's Crusade Against Boring Architecture ? Thomas Heatherwick, the esteemed designer of buildings like The Hive in Singapore and Zeitz MOCAA in South Africa, argues that modern architecture has become too flat, shiny, and angular, lacking the texture and visual complexity that makes people feel at ease. ? He believes that the modernist International Style, which has dominated architecture since the end of World War II, has turned cities into ugly and monotonous places, pushing out the unique visual identities of different locations. ? Heatherwick draws on environmental psychology research to support his claims, highlighting that humans are drawn to environments with complexity and that the lack of such features in modern buildings can increase stress levels and negatively impact mental and physical health. ? He criticizes the vogue for minimalism and efficiency in architecture, arguing that it has come at the expense of human well-being and that architects have failed to consider the perspectives of those who live near and experience buildings from the outside. ? Heatherwick proposes a formula for designing "human" buildings based on the principle of fractals, emphasizing the importance of visual complexity and interest at the city, street, and door levels. ? He provides examples of inspiring projects that exemplify this approach, such as The Parkroyal Collection Pickering in Singapore and Edgewood Mews in London. ? Heatherwick's book offers an original and compelling critique of modern architecture, combining psychological principles with practical design solutions to promote healthier urban environments. Good Read: Article about the topic; Full Story https://lnkd.in/gSkJWj_U

BD's building studies delve deeply into the design processes, contextual considerations, and architectural ambitions behind some of the most significant projects shaping the UK’s built environment. From reimagining council housing to revitalising mid-century modernist icons, the featured projects of 2024 offer lessons in innovation, sensitivity to context, and the power of architecture to repair and elevate its surroundings. In his commentary on Rowan Court, Ben Flatman examines Satish Jassal Architect’s transformative approach to council housing, describing it as a “blueprint for council housing that repairs the urban fabric and elevates its context.” The project reimagines an under-utilised edge site with sustainable homes that integrate seamlessly with the existing council estate. Other highlights include Thomas Lane’s exploration of the refurbishment of Richard Seifert’s Space House, a project that celebrates 1960s modernism while giving the building a new lease of life. Witherford Watson Mann’s River Wing for a Cambridge college, reviewed by Ben Flatman, exemplifies how contemporary architecture can sensitively balance tradition and innovation. Elsewhere, Thomas Lane covers Allies & Morrison’s new campus for the London College of Fashion, which unites its six sites under one roof for the first time. From Mole Architects’ collaborative hub for Forest School Camps to AHMM’s sensitive redevelopment of Norton Folgate, these studies underline the diversity and ambition of UK architecture today. https://lnkd.in/e9R9aWbe #architecture

Modern architecture has removed all forms of delight from Vitruvius’ ten books of architecture. There, I said it! Permission is now granted to strip me of my “Modernist Architect’s Card.” To this end, one only need to look no further than the 4th and King Caltrain station, a hideous 1970s single story concrete waffle slab turd of a building that is undeserving of the title of “rail entry” to a world class city such as San Francisco.?I, to my great disappointment, have the misfortune of passing through this…thing eight times during my +20-hour weekly commute and it indeed dampens ever so slightly my spirit of returning to my beloved City late in the evening.? The only silver lining to come from this miserable and drab little building and my personal weekly interactions with it, is my rededication to classical architecture, a passion that was hammered out of me during undergrad as I attended a university that was heavily influenced by the mid-century modern architect, Louis I. Kahn. Please don’t misunderstand, Kahn is one of my favorite architects of the latter half of the 20th century; however, in my heart I’ve longed to return to classical design for this is truly the highest form of design, which is why I have decided to dedicate the remainder of my career, however long that may be, to reestablishing McKim, Mead & White, Architects, a firm that will be dedicated to classical architecture and further, dedicated to rebuilding not just MMW buildings, such as Penn Station in NYC and the William G. Low residence in Bristol, IR, structures that were lost to modernism, but other architects’ classical works that were demolished with a whim only to be replaced with mere “buildings” rather than works of architecture.??

Cape Town's architecture is as diverse as its history. The ongoing evolution makes Cape Town a fascinating case study in architectural innovation. It’s no wonder I love diving into Cape Town architecture every other week. From the indigenous structures of the Khoi and San to the imposing Cape Dutch designs, the city's buildings show its eclectic cultural fabric. There’s a blend of traditional designs influenced by European settlers and the unique geographical features of the region. One striking aspect of Cape Town’s architecture is its adaptation to the local climate and topography. The traditional Cape Dutch style, with its ornate gables and thatched roofs, was functionally adapted to the region's weather, providing insulation against both summer heat and winter chills. Then there are the indigenous influences like the use of natural materials and sustainable practices, which were essential in the nomadic lifestyles of the Khoi people. Their dome-shaped structures, crafted from flexible saplings and covered with reed mats, represent an early form of environmentally conscious design, catering to the need for mobility and durability. The integration of these traditional elements with modern design requirements offers a unique challenge to contemporary architects. The city's architecture has evolved, embracing modernity while respecting historical contexts and balancing aesthetic values with environmental sustainability. Architects continually draw on the city’s past to inspire future designs that respect and reflect its rich history and diverse cultures. The architectural journey of Cape Town is far from complete, as it continues to adapt and respond to the needs of its people and the pressures of urban development. For professionals and enthusiasts like me, Cape Town offers endless lessons in design.

Good design can solve almost any problem.

??Celebrating Architectural Excellence: The Elizabeth Line Wins the Stirling Prize The Elizabeth Line, London’s newest train line, has just achieved a remarkable milestone - winning the prestigious?RIBA Stirling Prize. Usually, this prize is reserved for a singular building, but this year, the honour goes to the entire?62-mile rail network?and its?10 new stations.????And we are so proud of our clients EQUATION Lighting Design who were part of the winning design team.??? ???Does this win challenge how people perceive architecture’s role in public infrastructure? Or does it just further embed the subjectivity of design? ???For us at BAND, this win reinforces the idea that?great architecture isn't confined to standalone buildings - it can shape the experiences of millions who move through a city each day. It highlights the fact that architectures place is to not just transform skyline but to also impact the?everyday lives of its people and commuters, offering spaces that are more than just transit hubs - they are?architectural experiences?in their own right. But it also clearly highlights the very divisive nature of architecture - as while some fully agree?with RIBA’s decision, others have been quick to point out the Elizabeth Line’s ‘flaws’ and ‘faults’. Whatever your opinion, this is a reminder that?well-designed infrastructure serves to elevate and improve urban life and is so much more than aesthetic design. Just one of the many reasons we love working in this space.??? #weareBAND #StirlingPrize #Architecture #UrbanDesign

"Chicago does not like to learn its lesson twice", said Megan Clarke, our docent [teacher in Latin] when four members of the Chief Architect Forum met to listen, watch, study and learn from the fascinating evolution of architecture across the beautiful Chicago skyline. Clarke was referring to the fire of 1871 where the raging inferno decimated a third of the city in 36 hours, with 300 people passed away with the city incurring damages of about $3.5 Billion. "Chicago shall rise again" were the bold headline in the Chicago Tribune the day after. And rise it did with steel replacing wood as the material used for the buildings .. towering high in the sky almost thanking it for the opportunity to rise again. In 22 years after this fire, chicago hosted the World Fair in 1893. Grant Ecker, Sandeep Nema, Anthony Huffman and yours truly listened intently to what Clarke from Shoreline Sightseeing had to share -- pearls of wisdom that map to techniques and best practices that Chief Architects continue to adopt or should adopt in their profession. Read on .. #Contextualism -- an architecture method that is non intrusive and blends into the surroundngs -- such buildings have an architecture that reflects the river or maps to the structures next to it and does not stand out separately #Sustainability - The Corn-on-the-Cob look that Marina City --architected by Bertrand Goldberg was an experiment for a self-sustaining ecosystem where you could live, work, eat and play in your backyard in the twin towers -- an introvert's paradise #Agility -- Red Brick Building -- 6 windows on the right and 5 on the left because LaSalle street had to be widened and they had to lob off a portion of this building #Modernization - Fulton House -- was used for meat packing and had to be thawed for three months when it was repurposed to a building with porches, windows, patios etc. #Balance - Stilleto effect Buildings can sway 6 to 8 inches in the wind -- to nullify this swaying buildings have tuned mass inertial slosh dampers -- to balance this out #Innovation The Willis [Sears] Tower architected by Dr. Fazlur Rahman Khan uses a concept of bundled tubes .. think of a bunch of unsharpened pencils standing its ground versus a single pencil -- it is actually made up of 9 buildings .. is supposed to withstand 400 mph winds .. the speed of the wind could be gauged by how much the water in the toilet sloshed around !! #Equity - Chicago houses the St. Regis -- the tallest building by a female Architect .. Jeanne Gang using the concepts of Bundled Tubes .. Tanks of water sloshing around .. wind blowing through holes in the floors .. tuned mass inertial slosh dampers Thus, the Enterprise of Chicago is a well-knit network of systems that are connected seamlessly through 37 interconnecting bridges [next only to Amsterdam] continuously humming like a well oiled machine -- just like our boat did on this tour! Kelly Switt :: Anil Choudary :: Carlos Chivardi :: Lisa Dykstra

Forbes' analysis of American residential architecture spotlights regional trends, climate adaptation, and the growing influence of social media on design. ?The Forbes Top 200 residential architecture list prioritizes authenticity, climate resilience, and locality in architectural evaluations. ?U.S. regions reflect distinct architectural challenges, from climate-specific designs to blending historical styles with modern needs. ?Social media has fueled a globalized approach, often prioritizing aesthetics over locally resonant designs. Forbes' initiative emphasizes the importance of architecture that respects place, embraces sustainable practices, and adapts to climate realities. Article: https://bit.ly/4eix5Ak