Buildings for Bicycle

Source: designtoproduction

Groningen Stadsbalkon, Groningen, The Netherlands, 2003 designed by KCAP

A «forest of columns» supports the concrete roof of a parking facility for 3,000 bicycles underneath the Groningen Stadsbalkon by KCAP. Defining the necessary number of pillars as well as their exact location, diameter and inclination proved to be impossible using a top-down design approach.

designtoproduction developed a software based on artificial-life methods, which optimized the exact position, inclination and strength of some 150 irregularly placed columns according to functional and constructional requirements, and which could be utilized by the architects to generate alternative design solutions.  -- designtoproduction

Source: Michael Burns archdaily.com

Gregg’s Cycles, Washington D.C, USA designed by / Weinstein A|U

The small site and its limited access challenged the ability to have street level retail and parking, which led to the solution of lifting the primary retail spaces above the street level, thereby creating covered vehicle parking below the store. -- ArchDaily

Source: KGP design archdaily.com

Union Station Bicycle Transit Center, Washington D.C, USA designed by KGP design

At the cusp of a livable cities movement, this facility is a highly visible catalyst promoting bicycle use and alternative transportation options by providing secure parking, rental, and retail uses. At the doorstep of Washington’s major transportation hub, Union Station, the sleek veiled form reflects the technology of its contents while complimenting its eminent Beaux Art neighbors. Echoing a bicycle wheel’s elegance and efficiency, arched steel tubes are stabilized by a series of “spokes” or stainless steel tie rods in order to lighten up the structure. An energy efficient “skin” optimizes transparency while further moderating temperature. Further minimizing heat gain, denser graduated ceramic frit low-e glazing, opens up progressively to views of the plaza level. -- ArchDaily

Source:Nathan Kirkman & Robert Murphy archdaily.com

McDonalds Cycle Center at Millennium Park, Chicago, Illinois, USA designed by Muller&Muller

This project was constructed on three levels on top of and below the northwest corner of Chicago’s Millennium Park. The facility includes secure storage space for 300 bicycles, individual day use lockers, private shower stalls, and a bike repair area. The purpose of the new facility is to encourage and promote commuter bicycle transit into downtown Chicago. The building also houses the Chicago lakefront bicycle patrol and rents bikes for hourly use. -- ArchDaily

Source: Kraaijvanger archdaily.com

Bicycle Parking De Snelbinder, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands, 2011 designed by Kraaijvanger Urbis with Donald Osborne Architect

The building’s volume is part of the industrial face. The coloured facade of expanded metal creates a robust, light-absorbing volume. The expanded metal is used in such way that the garage from the outside appears to be a massive volume; the inside, however, is light and transparent. The compact volume accommodates 400 bikes, distributed over two floors. A staircase in the middle of the building offers access to the second floor, which on one corner is cantilevered, thus creating a canopy above the entrance. -- ArchDaily

Source: Sergey Kuznetsov archdaily.com

Electra BikeHub, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 2012 designed by Andrey Ukolov + Ekaterina Osipova

Pavilion consists from combination of three factors: space, light and transformation. Exposition was formed according vertical principle with the purpose to give more space for people and bicycles. The internal space was emptied for visitors. Vertical exposition gave an opportunity to allocate rather large amount of the bicycles and at the same time highlight unicity of the models. -- ArchDaily

Source: Timmerman Photography archdaily.com

Bicycle Haüs, 7113 East 1st Avenue, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA, 2013 designed by Debartolo Architects

Bicycle Haüs combines a sleek, modern building with traditional elements including an entire wall skinned in reclaimed barn wood and stairs re-purposed from high-school bleachers. -- ArchDaily