Building/Ground: On Sticks 7

Source: construction.com

Kanagawa Institute of Technology Workshop, Kanagawa, Japan, 2008 designed by Junya Ishigami + Associates

305 columns of various sizes support the stripped roof of skylights, yet their white color keeps the focus on the space and the view, not the structure.  The columns, although seemingly random, as specifically placed to create the sensation of zoned spaces, but their nonrestrictive quality provides a flexible layout to suit the changing needs of students. -- ArchDaily

 Read an article from Architectural Record

Source: Pedro Pegenaute archdaily.com

Spanish Pavilion Expo Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain, 2008 designed by Francisco Mangado

Evoking the space of a forest, or of a cluster of bamboos on a surface of water, was the project’s underlying idea. Forests are changing spaces, full of hints and nuances, where concepts like verticality and depth play a key role. -- ArchDaily

Source: dezeen.com

Stonehenge Visitor Centre, Wiltshire, UK, 2013 designed by Denton Corker Marshall

The building comprises three enclosures, all finished with different materials, which are sheltered beneath a undulating steel canopy and surrounded by a forest of over 200 angular steel columns. -- dezeen

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Source: Peter Bennettsarchdaily.com

Abedian School of Architecture, Queensland, Australia, 2013 designed by CRAB Studio

....the building is airy and folds over upon itself in a series of fan-like roofs and slits with advantage is taken of the east-west axis to clarify a very climate-controlled development of the building envelope that includes sunshade ‘eyebrows’ on the sundrenched north side. -- ArchDaily

Source: Shinkenchiku-sha archdaily.com

Myoenji Columbarium, Iizuka, Fukuoka, Japan, 2014 designed by Furumori Koichi architectural design studio

With the random-placed timber column and sunlight which comes down from skylight through multiple-piled lattice timber roof, internal space has quite unique and impressive atmosphere. -- ArchDaily

Source: Stéphane Cuisset archdaily.com

Community House of Lorient, Lorient, France, 2014 designed by Jean de Giacinto Architecture + Duncan Lewis Scape Architecture

Piling up a ring at the periphery of the building. It consists of metal posts of square section, arranged every 3 meters, assisted by a random series of posts. These form the solid support but also structural elements of the base. They can release the public space at the court, thus favoring open spaces for the public. Pilings create an interface between the public and most private offices spaces between the base and the foundation. This reveals the great emptiness of the open court, from the rising of the base space. -- ArchDaily

Climbing Gyms

Source: G.R. Wett archdaily.com

Indoor Rock Climbing, Brixen, South Tyrol, Italy, 2012 designed by W. Meraner & Lanz + Mutschlechner

Nature and landscape are transported into the building through a transparent façade design; at the same time, the inside remains visible to the outside. The multi-layer facade creates a moiré effect, generating always new impressions for the moving observer and both the users inside as also the viewer outside in a dynamic relationship to the climbing gym provides. -- ArchDaily

Source: Stéphane Brugger archdaily.com

Allez UP Rock Climbing Gym, Rue Saint-Patrick, Montreal, QC, Canada, 2013 designed by Smith Vigeant Architectes

The climbing wall formations within the main building actually resemble sugar cliffs, reminding visitors of the original function of the Redpath silos. These pure-white, angular climbing walls offer many different routes for both beginners as well as seasoned climbers. The multi-coloured climbing-holds speckled across the walls add to the dynamic charm of this unique interior space. -- ArchDaily

Floating Roof

Source: dailymail.co.uk

Umbrella Sky Project, Agueda in Portugal designed by Sextafeira Produgues

The sea of umbrellas brings a shower of colour over the town's narrow lanes and creates a beautiful scene - while also protecting passers-by from the baking sun.

While they appear to be floating magically in mid-air, the umbrellas are actually held up by string. -- Daily Mail

Source: John Linden archdaily.com

Pico Place, 430 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, California, USA, 2013 designed by Brooks + Scarpa Architects

The project provides a connection between the tall Sheraton hotel to the east and the beach to the west by placing the building volume on each side of the property and opening up the project’s center to create an enclosed, residential interior courtyard. Strips of fabric floating above the courtyard offer a variation in material and a sense of place while shading the courtyard and providing privacy from the hotel overlooking the building. -- ArchDaily

Source: Yang Chaoying archdaily.com

Guodian New Energy Technology Research Institute Beijing, Changping, Beijing, China, 2013 designed by BIAD 3A2 Studio

....enclosure courtyard layout formed by eight standardized research building and a conference center. Solar photovoltaic panels cover the roof as one of the building elements strengthen the effectiveness of collective enclosure. -- ArchDaily

Eco Cities

Source: SOM.com

Treasure Island, San Francisco, California, USA designed by SOM

SOM has created a bold new vision for Treasure Island, a 393-acre manmade island in the heart of the San Francisco Bay. Upon completion, the area will boast a diverse community with access to unprecedented open space, resource-conserving technologies, and a robust network of transportation options. -- architect's web site

Source: tianjinecocity.gov.sg

Tianjin Eco-city Development, Tianjin, China

On 18 November 2007, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao signed a Framework Agreement for Singapore and China to jointly develop Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city. The Tianjin Eco-city's vision is to be a thriving city which is socially harmonious, environmentally-friendly and resource-efficient – a model for sustainable development".  -- Official web site

Source: arup.com

Wanzhuang eco-city, Langfang, China designed by Arup

Agricultural land is rapidly disappearing in China following rapid urbanisation and desertification. Wanzhuang provides a unique opportunity to explore eco-city development with a focus on agriculture as a starting point. Located halfway between Beijing and the port city of Tianjin, the 80km² site, the area has been selected by the Chinese Government for development into a city that will accommodate approximately 400,000 people by 2025. -- architect's web site

Source: TIM JOHNSON MCT/Landov

Dongtan, Chongming Island, Shanghai, China designed by Arup

Dongtan will produce its own energy from wind, solar, bio-fuel and recycled city waste. Clean technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells will power public transport. A network of cycle and footpaths will help the city achieve close to zero vehicle emissions. Farmland within the Dongtan site will use organic farming methods to grow food. -- treehugger

Source: fosterandpartners.com

Masdar, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates designed by FOSTER + PARTNERS

The 640-hectare project is a key component of the Masdar Initiative, established by the government of Abu Dhabi to advance the development of renewable energy and clean-technology solutions for a life beyond oil. The city will become a centre for the advancement of new ideas for energy production, with the ambition of attracting the highest levels of expertise. -- architect's web site

Primitive Hut 4

Source: Matías Silva & Arquitectos archdaily.com

Bascuñan House, Lago Panguipulli, Puerto Montt, Los Lagos, Chile, 2010 designed by Matías Silva Aldunate Architect

A house that could exploit the space as efficiently as possible, resulting in a cottage-style house. -- ArchDaily

Source: Mike Sinclair archdaily.com

The Shed, Missouri, USA, 2010 designed by Hufft Projects

The construction method is an exercise in celebrating the logic and clarity of prefabrication. Conceived as a kit of parts, the elegant building’s steel frame combines modular wall components, roof trusses, and battens, all of which were assembled on site and clad with a rain-screen of White Oak taken from the property. This rain-screen wraps the walls, roof, and soffit and is expressed as a singular element. A galvanized metal fascia speaks to the structure beneath the skin. Polygal end walls with large operable doors complete the tripartite material composition. -- ArchDaily

Source: Sergio Camplone archdaily.com

D Opera, 65024 Manoppello PE, Italy, 2011 designed by Studio Zero85

The formal purity takes the shape of barns and houses land extensively in the area. -- ArchDaily

Source: Steve Maylone archdaily.com

The Matchbox House, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, 2012 designed by Bureau for Architecture and Urbanism

The concept for the house is a matchbox in which the four inner quadrants (cedar siding) slip past one another within the outer sleeve (standing seam metal wrapper).  By doing so, each end of the inner quadrants either juts out past the outer sleeve, or is pushed into it, thereby creating outdoor space that is still within the confines of the sleeve. -- ArchDaily

Source: Alison Andersen archdaily.com

Warburg House, Warburg, Alberta, Canada, 2012 designed by bioi

Supported by two steel frames, the simple form creates a singular interior volume. The exterior skin is draped in black corrugated steel sheets long enough to extend the full length of the house. Both the east and west end-walls are punched into the form to create an announcement of entry and provide a small weather break for the entry doors on either side. -- ArchDaily

Source: 2by4-architects archdaily.com

Island House, Loosdrechtse , The Netherlands, 2012 designed by 2by4-architects

The house is a subtle frame that captures the view from the inside out and outside in. Completely anticipating on the client’s needs 2by4 has designed the house in such a way that it can customize the interaction with the surrounding nature. One of the glass facades can be completely opened so that the wooden outdoor terrace becomes part of the interior. -- ArchDaily

Source: Søren Harder Nielsenarchdaily.com

Split View Mountain Lodge, Buskerud, Norway, 2013 designed by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter

The extruded form of the structure frames the spectacular views from within the cabin, while strategically positioned smaller openings along its volume provides glimpses of the immediate surroundings. -- ArchDaily

Source: Paul Kozlowski archdaily.com

Individual House, Montferrier-sur-Lez, France, 2013 designed by N+B Architectes

Three built undulating bodies take place in the slope and stretch as slender overhanging the landscape. Interconnected by a simple entity, new spaces are made possible by the establishment of protected terraces and outdoor spaces. -- ArchDaily

Source: Kjetil Nordø archdaily.com

Hunter´s Hall, 830 15 Duved, Sweden, 2013 designed by Bergersen Arkitekter

The architecture is given a masculine expression, founded on a clear form and precise and refined detailing. The building interprets and translates into a modern language the medieval longhouse and the archetypical historic halls of the area. -- ArchDaily

Source: José Campos archdaily.com

House in Bela Vista, Av. da Bela Vista, 3830 Gafanha da Encarnação, Portugal, 2013 designed by RVdM Arquitectos

The relation between volumes and spaces takes place both inside and outside, dismantling the apparent stability that the stereotypical shape of the house features. The main volume floats over the surrounding walls. -- ArchDaily

Source: Whitt Preston archdaily.com

Farmhouse, North Island, Waikato, New Zealand designed by RTA Studio

Drawing from the rural vernacular, a collection of forms was conceived to engage the local environment. Three open ended pitched roofed pavilions were arranged to accommodate the three distinct functions of the house: living, family sleeping and guest sleeping with flat roofed service pods linking them together. This arrangement serves to capture views, both intimate and vast as well as provide a variety of sheltered outdoor living spaces, either private or communal. This allows the house to offer a variety of separated private spaces or communal entertainment spaces. -- ArchDaily

Source: Francesco Mattuzzi archdaily.com

Courmayeur Ski & Snowboard School, Courmayeur AO, Italy, 2015 designed by LEAPfactory

Thanks to the new LEAPs3 construction system, the building was assembled in only one week, right in the middle of the winter season. It offers high-performance construction technology, sophisticated design and customized interior finishes. -- ArchDaily

Source: Sergio Grazia archdaily.com

Louise Michel and Louis Aragon High Schools, Gisors, France, 2015 designed by archi5

The bridge building gives access to the Louise Michel high school playground from the Louis Aragon main playground. It creates a link contributing to the unity of the whole site. -- ArchDaily

EcoDistrict

Source: ecodistrict.org

EcoDistricts.org

Our new name, EcoDistricts(formerly Portland Sustainability Institute), sums up our shared vision for creating sustainable cities from the neighborhood up. Our larger scope is designed to better serve you, the growing number of innovative practitioners and policymakers who are making a demonstrable impact in your communities and helping to grow the global green neighborhood movement. -- official web site

Source: ncpc.gov

SW Ecodistrict, Washington D.C., USA

The SW Ecodistrict Initiative is a comprehensive effort to transform a 15-block federal precinct just south of the National Mall into a showcase of sustainable urban development. In addition to accommodating the future space needs of the federal government, the Ecodistrict will extend the civic qualities of the National Mall, create new places to live, and promote a vibrant, open, and walkable neighborhood and workplace. The Initiative involves 17 federal and district agencies and is being led by the National Capital Planning Commission. -- official web site

Source: linneansolutions.com

Innovation District, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

This area of South Boston’s waterfront, also known as the Seaport, has thrived because of elements most valued by the EcoDistricts organization, such as public-private partnerships, the entrepreneurial spirit, and an emphasis on collaboration. -- Linnean Solutions

Source: ecolloyd.org

Lloyd Eco District, Portland, Oregon, USA

In the inner Northeast Portland area known as the Lloyd District, there’s an innovative, thriving coalition of businesses, residents and organizations that have come together with one audacious goal: to become the most sustainable living-and-working district in North America.

We’re working to achieve that goal using a “triple bottom line” approach that emphasizes people, planet and profit in equal consideration.  -- official web site

Source: northparkecodistrict.com

North Park EcoDistrict, San Diego, California, USA

North Park EcoDistrict is a community-based initiative in the historic North Park neighborhood of San Diego, Ca. Founded and supported by North Park Main Street’s sustainability initiative, North Park EcoDistrict aspires to cultivate and celebrate North Park as a livable, mindful and inspiring neighborhood with a thriving green economy. North Park is a bustling urban center characterized by its thriving arts community, farm-to-table restaurants, locally focused businesses, historic charm, and thoughtful inspired community. -- official web site

Source: austintexas.gov

Seaholm Development District, Austin, Texas, USA

In 2013, the Office of Sustainability led a collaborative exploration of how EcoDistrict strategies and criteria apply to the entire Seaholm Redevelopment District – including both private- and public-sector projects. Opportunities have been identified for advanced, integrated green building, mobility, watershed and ecosystem protection, economic development, climate action, and community well-being. -- official web site

Source: midtownatl.com

The Midtown EcoDistrict, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

The Midtown EcoDistrict was created in 2013 as the platform to achieve the goals outlined in the Greenprint Midtown sustainability action plan.  Through this platform, we are communicating the many “green” assets and initiatives underway in Midtown, encouraging all sectors of the community to work together to achieve even more, and developing new partnerships that result in innovative solutions to district-wide challenges. -- official web site

Source: gglo.com

Capitol Hill EcoDistrict, Seattle, Washington, USA by GGLO

In March 2011 the Bullitt Foundation awarded Capitol Hill Housing a grant to spearhead the creation of a new “EcoDistrict” on Capitol Hill, allowing them to work with GGLO to conduct the research and outreach efforts detailed in the "Capitol Hill EcoDistrict" report. -- architect's web site

Source: landezine.com

Bottière Chênaie Eco-district, Nantes, Loire Atlantique (44), France designed by Atelier des Paysages Bruel-Delmar

An urban park that goes hand in hand with and balances the new densities, its mainly indigenous vegetation will contribute to the expression of a nature regained. The wish to uncover the Gohards brook comes from wanting to express the memory of these places and in particular of their geography. It becomes the heart of the park and the collection point for the new neighborhood’s rainwater, which makes its way here, via channels and canals. -- landezine

Ottawa Centre EcoDistrict (OCED), Ottawa, Canada

Ottawa is the first city in Canada to officially create an EcoDistrict. The Ottawa Centre EcoDistrict (OCED) is a not-for-profit organization and its mission is to make the downtown core more sustainable, socially vibrant and attractive to progressive businesses and organizations looking to relocate or expand. -- official web site

Source: smartecocity.com

Smart Eco City(SEC), based in China

SEC is a leading know-how community and advisory company focusing on China’s 8 Smart Eco-City pillars (renewable energy, smart services, green building, e-mobility, water, health, recycling and financing). We have a team of local and international professionals based in China, Japan and South-Korea with backgrounds in engineering, marketing, manufacturing, consulting, policy, government relations and finance. In addition to deep advisory capabilities in the pillars of sustainable urbanization, we have proven capability to invest in and accelerate the development of smart eco-companies, SMEs and start-ups. -- official web site

Cube 8

Source: Adrià Goula archdaily.com

Plan, Source: archdaily.com

Beach Modules, Barcelona, Spain, 2010 designed by Màrius Quintana Creus

The cube is proposed as a common form to all the elements that have to conform the various programs. The cube as minimal and simple form that requires a discipline in the design of all its parts and its layout, repetition and aggregation strategies. -- ArchDaily

Source: Domyjinak archdaily.com

plan, Source: archdaily.com

Train Stop Varnsdorf – Pivovar Kocour, Liberec, Czech Republic, 2013 designed by Domyjinak

The concept of the simple volume, two intersected open cubes, found the inspiration in wooden brewery boxes – beer basses. From the interior of these boxes a massive wooden bench with names of train stops on, protrudes into the space. The bench is carried by the logo of the brewery – steel „statue“ of the tomcat (“kocour” in Czech). -- ArchDaily

Source: Arunas Skrolis archdaily.com

plan, Source: archdaily.com

Parallelepiped Rectangle House, Vilnius, Lithuania, 2013 designed by Devyni Architektai

....strict-shaped house with echoing of the rectangular. Therefor lots of glass framed in concrete construction and decorated with fine polished stone exterior.... -- ArchDaily

Source: Javier Callejas archdaily.com

Plan, Source: archdaily.com

Mixed-Used Leisure Complex, Montrond-les-Bains, France, 2013 designed by DATA architectes

Composed of six blocks containing the differents entities of the program and arranged mainly on a single level, this new complex offers a clear and simple internal route through the large glass-roofs taken between these six volumes. This formal and organizational system allows the addition of new volumes and thus easily integrate possible future expansion of the complex. -- ArchDaily

Source: Javier Agustin Rojas archdaily.com

Plan, Source: archdaily.com

Buenos Aires Contemporary Art Museum, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, 2013 designed by Monoblock

A system of independent structural modules, which ensures that each of these can be completed in itself, allows the building to open with only 2/7 of the total building completed. A building with modular growth provides great flexibility for the developer to have large variations in the stages of completion, as this is a building with an open functional structure. -- ArchDaily

Source: Harunori Noda archdaily.com

Plan, Source: archdaily.com

Tohogakuen School of Music, Chofu, Tokyo, Japan, 2014 designed by Nikken Sekkei

....new arrangements of lesson rooms has been developed in which it’s not a typical campus style, nor dispersive location of schools.It has a look of a city observed in Quartier Latin. -- ArchDaily