Building Archives

Using fallen city trees for greener urban building – Springwise

Spotted: According to one study, rural and urban communities across the US lose around 36 million trees every year, whether that’s due to felling, disease, or weather-related damages. Once they’ve fallen or been cut down, the majority of these trees are chipped, burnt, or simply sent to rot in landfill. This represents a huge waste of potential resources and economic opportunity. One startup that’s hoping to change that is Washington-based Cambium Carbon.

Instead of allowing fallen or cut-down trees to go to waste, Cambium partners with local sawmills and other organisations to turn them into Carbon Smart Wood – a high-quality, carbon-negative building material with various purposes, including decking, siding, fencing, millwork, and lumber. To regenerate land and ensure the long-term of America’s forests, the company allocates 15 per cent of its profits to the planting of new trees, targeting historically underserved and low-canopy areas.

Cambium Carbon also tracks all incoming material through its transparent supply chain software, Traece. With the Traece system, end users can also access information on their Carbon Smart Wood manufacturing, as well as helpful data on the carbon impact, which can be used in a company’s climate reporting as they work to meet sustainability goals.

Numerous companies have seen the potential in Cambium, with Carbon Smart Wood already incorporated across various sites like Maryland’s Guinness Brewery, the Patagonia store in Baltimore, and the National Geographic headquarters in Washington. Furniture retailer Room & Board has also used the material to craft unique coffee and side tables.

There are many other innovators making use of wood to create beautiful, eco-friendly products – including a waterproof wood composite for use in bathrooms and another material made from wood waste.

Written By: Lauryn Berry and Matilda Cox

Reference

Architecture

Building Health: How an Old Jailhouse in Toronto Became the Heart of Patient-Centered Care

By Zarkon Group,03/04/2024

The judging process for Architizer’s 12th Annual A+Awards is now away. Subscribe to our Awards Newsletter to receive updates about Public Voting, and stay tuned for winners announcements later this spring.

In the realm of healthcare, where compassion intersects with cutting-edge medical science, lies a crucial element of healing: the environment itself. The Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital stands as a testament to the transformative power of architecture in nurturing wellness. Described as a “Village of Care,” this facility transcends being merely a structure of concrete and steel; it is a sanctuary meticulously crafted with the singular aim of nurturing healing and well-being, catering to individuals grappling with complex chronic diseases and disabilities.

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit the building and chat with a couple of nurses. One of them guided me through the building to the rooftop garden and shared an intriguing observation: patients who frequented the outdoor garden tended to experience faster healing. I found this insight quite fascinating.

The hospital’s design fully embraces the healing potential of nature and the surrounding landscape, with intentional efforts aimed at immersing patients in their surroundings. The hospital is intricately linked to prominent features of some of Toronto’s finest neighborhoods, including the Don River Valley, Riverdale Park, the downtown skyline, and Riverdale itself.

The site where the building stands holds its own narrative waiting to be told, embodying a narrative of transformative rehabilitation that mirrors the very mission of the hospital. Right next to the hospital, and central to the project’s significance is the historic 148-year-old Don Jail, occupying a prominent position on the site. Remarkably, the theme of wellness has been woven into the fabric of this site since its inception. From its inception as a reform prison in 1864, the liberal view of physical and mental wellness embedded in the building’s design led it to be nicknamed “Palace for Prisoners.”

Bridgepoint Active Healthcare by Diamond Schmitt Architects, HDR Architecture, KPMB Architects, Stantec Architecture

The historic Don Jail, adjacent to the new hospital, was restored and repurposed into the hospital’s administrative offices.

While a jail is not a flawless representation of wellness, and this theme may not have endured throughout its entire operational history, it is evident that a lasting theme has persisted over time. Fast forward to the present day, the Don Jail has undergone a remarkable transformation, now serving as the administrative and educational hub of the hospital — a key facility central to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to address patients’ physical and emotional needs.

The design and layout of the hospital was driven by the aspiration to establish a unique community hub — a hospital that not only prioritizes healthcare and wellness but also fosters a deep sense of connection to the community. This vision aimed to create an urban center that served as a beacon for health and well-being. It was intended to evoke a strong sense of belonging for both the patients and the surrounding neighborhood. While hospitals often carry weighty connotations, Hennick Bridgepoint was purposefully designed to embody an open, airy and, above all, welcoming community village for its patients.

Upon entering, the space greets visitors with an abundance of natural light streaming through expansive windows and glass panels, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere — feelings often associated with health and vitality. The light and bright atmosphere undoubtedly establishes a strong connection to the outdoors. Coupled with the incorporation of warm hues and natural materials, the space evokes feelings of comfort and tranquility.

As I toured the building, I learned additional finer details that underscored the thoroughness of the building’s design and attention to detail. I discovered that ensuring indoor air quality was a top priority throughout the design process, with the architects making extensive efforts to maximize it. This included implementing measures such as controlling scents within the building, utilizing low-to-no VOCs in adhesives, sealants, paints, and coatings, and enforcing a strict no-smoking policy in the vicinity of the building.

Furthermore, the hospital’s layout has been fine-tuned to encourage physical activity and mobility. Wide hallways and spacious areas encourage patients to navigate freely, thereby supporting their rehabilitation journey. The incorporation of accessible design features guarantees that individuals of varying abilities can effortlessly navigate the building, promoting a feeling of independence and empowerment. Moreover, every detail of the architectural design, ranging from the placement of amenities to the selection of materials, has been intentionally chosen to enhance the patient’s experience.

But perhaps the most profound impact of the Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital, lies in its ability to instill hope in its patients. The very sight of the building serves as a beacon of optimism, a symbol of possibility in the face of adversity. By creating a space that is conducive to healing, the architects behind Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital have given patients more than just a place to receive medical treatment, but a sanctuary that truly supports their journey towards wellness.

At its core, this building is a refuge of healing, exemplifying a commitment to patient-centered care that has been designed to address the holistic needs of its residents — both physical and emotional. Its environment is designed to inspire patients to leave their rooms, instilling motivation to confront their illnesses directly. The building has been thoughtfully crafted to facilitate patients’ access to nature, offering design elements like outdoor terraces, rooftop gardens and adjacency to a sprawling public park, all aimed at reconnecting them with the natural world.

Each individual room design includes 40% glazing, featuring a distinctive vertical window that subtly projects from the building’s exterior, spanning floor to ceiling in every treatment area. From the corridors to the corners, this intentional architectural decision strengthens the connection to nature, granting patients an unobstructed view of the outdoors, even from their beds, giving them direct access to the outside world. A patient can step up and into the window and feel as though they are virtually outdoors. Patient rooms are generously spaced to provide privacy, while communal areas are strategically positioned to promote social interaction and support among patients.

Bridgepoint Active Healthcare by Diamond Schmitt Architects, HDR Architecture, KPMB Architects, Stantec Architecture

The building’s design demonstrates a profound comprehension of the hurdles individuals encounter on their journey toward healing, encompassing everything from navigating intricate medical procedures to coping with chronic illness. This is where the healing garden and rooftop terrace truly demonstrate their power. As highlighted in this article, abundant research has showcased the therapeutic benefits of exposure to nature, ranging from stress and anxiety reduction to expediting healing processes. Indeed, each element spotlighted in that article represents design features that have been integrated into the hospital’s layout in their own unique manner, striving to harness the healing potential that architecture holds for its occupants.

In my opinion, the rooftop terrace at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital stands as the apex of the building, harmonizing many of the aspects of healing and wellness into one space — a meticulously landscaped green roof covering 50% of the rooftop’s surface area. With lush gardens and pathways, patients have daily access to the outdoors, fostering a semblance of normalcy in their lives. The direct access to nature creates a highly therapeutic environment for both patients and staff alike, enabling them to engage not only in physical activity but in daily social interaction.

Rooftop Garden and Terrace at the Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital with views over the city of Toronto, Canada

While many gardens rely on chemicals and fertilizers, the building employs native and highly resilient plants that require minimal maintenance, thus eliminating the necessity for additional chemicals. Having the opportunity to spend time outdoors in a nurturing garden environment, akin to one’s own backyard, can offer patients a comforting sense of familiarity and routine during their hospitalization. In fact, in 2013, Bridgepoint succeeded in reducing the average stay for rehabilitation patients by 20%, with a remarkable 100% of patients expressing their willingness to recommend the hospital to their friends and family.

This hospital is a shining example of the transformative power of architecture in healthcare. Through thoughtful design and careful consideration of the needs of its inhabitants, it has redefined the concept of what a hospital and healing space can be. From fostering a sense of calmness and serenity to promoting physical activity and social interaction, every aspect of the building has been optimized to nurture wellness. As we continue to explore the connection between architecture and health, the Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us of the profound impact that the built environment can have on the lives of those who inhabit it.

Reference

Exterior of Masná 130 house in Český Krumlov, Czech Republic by ORA

Interior Design

ORA creates modern home in 500-year-old Czech Renaissance building

By Zarkon Group,29/02/2024

Czech architecture studio ORA has renovated a Renaissance-era house in the town of Český Krumlov, preserving original features like its carved wooden beams while adding free-standing contemporary furniture.

Local entrepreneurs Petra Hanáková and Radek Techlovský purchased the dilapidated house in the town centre in 2016 and asked ORA to oversee a modernisation process that retains the interior’s historical character.

The 500-year-old building, now called Masná 130, had been neglected for decades and was not even connected to the town’s sewage system. It also had flood-damaged foundations and a roof in need of major repairs.

Despite its issues, the owners saw potential in the property and spent two years transforming its ground floor into a cafe that has become a gathering place for the local community.

Entrance of Masná 130 house — The architects added bespoke furniture made from dark-stained birch plywood

The latest phase of the project involved renovating the first-floor living spaces. The original intention was to redevelop them as rental flats, but Hanáková and Techlovský eventually decided to create a single apartment that they could occupy themselves.

ORA’s design for the apartment reveals aspects of the building’s past while introducing modern features that reflect the owners’ love for contemporary design and minimalist style.

Living room of house in Český Krumlov, Czech Republic by ORA — The building’s original carved wooden ceiling beams are left exposed

“We did not want to create a historical ‘museum’ interior, nor a design showroom,” said Hanáková and Techlovský. “We wanted to organically connect the historical and contemporary layers.”

The architects began by removing an existing partition wall in the main living space and reinstating the original open layout. This created a large salon that reveals the full splendour of the Renaissance-era wooden ceiling.

Kitchen of Masná 130 house — The kitchen was designed as a standalone unit that is raised above the floor

The restoration process also uncovered original stone walls that were painted a deep crimson colour. Together with the wooden rafters, this informed a material palette that complements these dark, saturated tones and creates a cosy atmosphere.

The apartment’s bedroom features a small remnant of the original ceiling fresco. The rest of the room is painted a cream colour to lend the space a calm and relaxing feel.

In the bathroom, ORA chose to combine cool colours with white tiles and large mirrors to brighten the space. Playful details such as the irregularly shaped bathtub, curved sinks and tiles with rounded edges help to soften the overall aesthetic.

Throughout the apartment, the architects added bespoke freestanding furniture that performs the necessary functions without disturbing or concealing the existing heritage features.

View to bedroom of house in Český Krumlov, Czech Republic by ORA — The bed is dominated by an oversized headboard

“The interior design is approached as a collage of motifs,” said ORA. “The furniture is inserted into the historical space in the form of separate objects that create distance from the historical elements.”

The kitchen, for example, was designed as a standalone unit that is raised above the floor and stops well short of the ceiling. Its sink, hob and countertop occupy a central void, with all other functions concealed within the cabinetry.

Bedroom of Masná 130 house — It takes pride of place in the centre of the bedroom

The bed features an oversized headboard that connects with a wardrobe on its reverse side. It is placed in the centre of the bedroom and is angled to provide the best view of the window and the original painted ceiling.

Custom-made furniture is built from dark-stained birch plywood with contrasting brass legs that help to enhance the sense of separation from the existing spaces.

Lighting is either freestanding or integrated into furniture such as the kitchen unit and bed. An overhead light above the dining table is mounted on a bracket so it does not touch the historical ceiling.

Bathroom of house in Český Krumlov, Czech Republic by ORA — ORA combined cool colours with white tiles in the bathroom

ORA, which stands for Original Regional Architecture, was founded in 2014 by Jan Veisser, Jan Hora and Barbora Hora. The studio is based in the small town of Znojmo, with previous projects including the conversion of a 16th-century home in Mikulov to create a modern guesthouse.

Other recent attempts at revamping the historical residences of the Czech Republic include a 1920s villa in Prague that was renovated by No Architects and a 100-year-old apartment in Karlovy Vary, where Plus One Architects uncovered the building’s original paintwork.

The photography is by BoysPlayNice.

Reference

A spiraling ramp replaces the need for stairs in this modern office and adds a sculptural element.

Interior Design

Instead Of Stairs, A Spiraling Ramp Was Designed For This Office Building

By Zarkon Group,27/02/2024

PAULO MERLINI architects has designed the offices of E-GOI & CLAVEL´S KITCHEN in Portugal, and one of the main design features central to the interior is a spiraling ramp.

The former warehouse, which has now been transformed into offices that span multiple floors, includes a ramp that replaces the need for a staircase.

The elegantly curves of the concrete form is accentuated by the use of white bars and edges.

The circling ramp connects the floors of the office and adds a sculptural element that doesn’t block the light from traveling throughout the interior.

A white frame and supports connect the top of a spiraling ramp with the ceiling.

Here’s a glimpse of the ramp looking down from the top floor, and up from the ground.

A spiraling ramp replaces the need for stairs in this modern office.

Let’s take a look at the rest of the office…

The exterior of the office has walls of glass providing a glimpse of the interior for the pedestrians on the street.

The exterior of this modern office has walls of glass providing a glimpse of the interior for the pedestrians on the street.

There’s a variety of different seating areas in the office interior, including spaces for casual meetings in house-shaped alcoves.

There's a variety of different seating areas in this modern office interior, including spaces for casual meetings in house-shaped alcoves.

More private work rooms with glass walls that keep the sound in or out.

A modern office interior with a variety of work areas.

A larger meeting room with a blue curtain that’s filled with beanbags and has LED lighting in the ceiling.

A large meeting room with a blue curtain that's filled with beanbags and has LED lighting in the ceiling.

Other more traditional work spaces exist too, with desks that include multiple work stations.

A modern office with floor-to-ceiling windows.

There’s also a photo studio with a minimalist white kitchen with floating wood shelves. Adjacent to the kitchen are tall wood shelves filled with photography props and kitchen equipment.

A modern office has a photo studio with a minimalist white kitchen with floating wood shelves. Adjacent to the kitchen are tall wood shelves filled with photography props and kitchen equipment.

Wood shelves frame a spiraling ramp in the center of this modern office.

When it’s time to take a break from working, there’s a communal area with long wood tables, a kitchenette, seating by the windows, and an outdoor space.

A modern office with a communal break room.

A modern office with seating by the windows that take advantage of the natural light.

A modern office with plants that hang from a metal detail.

Photography by Ivo Tavares Studio | Architecture Office: PAULO MERLINI architects | Main Architects: Paulo Merlini/ André Santos Silva

Instead Of Stairs, A Spiraling Ramp Was Designed For This Office Building

Architecture

Wavy Balconies With Overhanging Plants Are A Design Feature On This Apartment Building

By Zarkon Group,26/02/2024

A modern building with curved balconies and overhanging plants.

Architecture firm K.A Studio has designed the remodel of an apartment building in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, that included the addition of green space.

In an area filled with concrete and hard lines, this updated apartment building, which is now used for staycations, has been designed as an oasis in the city, with the curved balconies creating a soft edge on the facade.

Overhanging plants cascade down the side of the building, while taller plants add different layers and grow up between the voids created by the balconies.

The underside of the balconies is lined with wood, adding to the natural look of the building.

The underside of these balconies is lined with wood, adding to the natural look of the building.

At night, uplighting creates shadows on the balconies above.

The balconies overlook a pool that’s located on the ground floor and has curves that mimic the exterior of the building.

A curved swimming pool complements the curved balconies above.

Throughout the building materials like woods, local split stones, concrete, terrazzo, and rattan are featured.

The interior of this building features materials like woods, local split stones, concrete, terrazzo, and rattan.

Bright hallways with lighting embedded in the concrete floors, and in the ceiling, guide guests to their private apartments.

Bright hallways with lighting embedded in the concrete floors, and in the ceiling, guides guests to their private apartments.

The apartments are minimal in their design, with simple wood furniture in the living room, and a kitchenette.

A minimalist apartment interior with LED lighting and a small living room.

A minimalist apartment interior with LED lighting, a small living room, and kitchenette.

In the bedroom, a horizontal wood accent above the bed hides LED Lighting, which also complements the lighting on the opposite wall. There’s also a floating wood desk that lines the wall, and a sliding door opens to a balcony.

In this bedroom, a horizontal wood accent above the bed hides LED Lighting, which also complements the lighting on the opposite wall.

Photograph: Hiroyuki Oki | Architects: K.A Studio | Lead Architects: Doan Quoc Khanh | Design team: Dang Anh Khoa, Hoang Anh Dung, Tran Quoc Nhat, Le Duc Duy | Construction: La Maison Du K

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Architecture

UNstudio slashes kyklos building carbon emissions by 80%

By Zarkon Group,23/02/2024

beyond net-zero: the future of architecture in luxembourg

UNStudio, in collaboration with HYP Architects, has been selected as winners of a design competition for the Kyklos building, the final piece of Luxembourg‘s Belval redevelopment project. This visionary project prioritizes sustainability, pushing boundaries by aiming for the lowest possible carbon footprint through innovative design and material selection. While net-zero operational buildings are a commendable goal, UNStudio recognizes that the majority of a building’s carbon footprint (90%) arises from the materials used, not its operation over the years. This understanding fuels their mission to create buildings with minimal embodied carbon. As the architects say: ‘Only timber is not the answer. UNStudio calculates the lowest carbon footprint for the new Kyklos building in Luxembourg…and the result is hybrid.’

images © Play-Time Barcelona

unstudio’s hybrid steel-concrete structure

In the design of Luxembourg’s Kyklos Building, the architects at UNStudio and HYP Architects have developed the Carbon Builder tool, empowering designers to analyze and optimize the carbon impact of their projects. This tool played a crucial role in the Kyklos design, leading to an impressive 80% reduction in embodied carbon compared to a standard Luxembourg office building. The building will take shape with a hybrid steel-concrete structure, carefully selected for its superior long-term carbon performance. Using 100% recycled steel and optimized concrete mixtures further minimizes the project’s environmental footprint. This approach translates to an expected embodied carbon footprint of 115kg CO2 equivalent/m2, a significant improvement compared to the 580 kg/m2 of a typical Luxembourg office building.

the final piece of Luxembourg’s Belval development aims for lowest carbon footprint with hybrid design

a Sustainable Connection: The Kyklos and its Place

The Kyklos building in Luxembourg is on track to achieve BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum certifications, reflecting UNStudio’s commitment to both environmental and human well-being. This dedication ensures a healthy and sustainable environment for its occupants, aligning perfectly with the values of Belval and its residents.
‘Kyklos,’ meaning ‘circle’ in Greek, embodies its symbolic role as the final loop completing the Place des Bassins design. This central square, featuring two interconnected basins, represents the transformation of the former industrial site into a vibrant urban space. The Kyklos building, with its sustainable design, becomes the third loop, signifying the future of Belval’s development and its commitment to a greener tomorrow.

UNStudio develops an optimized, hybrid steel-concrete material for lasting impact
Kyklos’ carbon footprint will be slashed by 80% compared to standard buildings
the project is on track to achieve BREEAM Outstanding, WELL Platinum certifications

Reference

Images created by Architizer via Midjourney

Architecture

Building Boundaries: Counter-Surveillance Architecture in the Era of Smart Cities

By Zarkon Group,12/02/2024

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletters.

“You had to live—did live, from habit that became instinct—in the assumption that every sound you made was overheard, and, except in darkness, every movement scrutinized.” — George Orwell, 1984.

Back in 1949, when George Orwell’s 1984 was first published, it was regarded as a powerful warning about the dangers of totalitarianism and omnipresent government surveillance. The best-selling book speaks of a reality where everything you do, say, and even think is observed, analyzed and meticulously evaluated for compliance. Yet, even though it ranks among the most extensively read novels in history, it appears that, in the 75 years since the text’s publication, Orwell’s stark warnings didn’t quite resonate with some readers, and as a result, our modern cities are increasingly resembling his dystopia to an extent that may have surprised even him.

With political and social instability fueling crime, corruption and chaos around the world, apprehension and perceived peril are consistently driving demand for safer cities. It was and remains a technology hailed as a savior to the plight. CCTV, monitoring and oversight are being lauded as the answer to all our troubles. However, it is clear that as technology has become increasingly sophisticated, our freedoms have gradually eroded, and while for some, this might seem a fair trade for safety and stability, there are many reasons why a surveillance state is counterproductive for society and why certain architects are likely to begin advocating for counter-surveillance measures to be included in their designs in the near future.

When it comes to surveillance rights, the fundamental question is this: How much surveillance is too much, even in the name of security?

Images created by Architizer via Midjourney

Cities like London, Beijing, Singapore and New York are all criticized for their extensive use of CCTV and surveillance for reasons such as crime prevention, anti-terrorism and public order. However, the extent and nature of such surveillance have spawned advocacy organizations and sparked debates over privacy rights, the potential for state overreach, the impact on civil liberties and the effectiveness of this technology. With projects like NEOM, Amaravati and Telosa increasing trepidation about how much the cities of the future will know about its inhabitants.

In today’s cities, cameras have been installed to reduce crime and urban planning has been established to support the most continuous views possible. However, their effectiveness in achieving this goal remains unproven. In the United Kingdom, where public surveillance cameras are widespread, London being one of the most heavily surveilled cities in the world, expert sociologists found that they have not led to a decrease in overall crime rates. In one study, criminologists found that while there were reductions in some categories, they generally failed to establish a significant impact of cameras on reducing either crime or the public’s fear of crime.

A big issue is that surveillance is often disproportionately targeted at specific communities, particularly communities of color or religion. This problem highlights ethical concerns about discriminatory practices and the misuse of surveillance tools for racial profiling. A pertinent example is the use of facial recognition technology in public spaces. This technology can track individuals in real-time and is often utilized for identifying criminals. However, weaknesses in the technology mean it is particularly prone to errors when identifying people of color, trans persons and nonbinary individuals, and can often lead to misidentification and wrongful accusations. Additionally, there are many recorded instances where surveillance tools have been misused for personal gain or political oppression. Examples include law enforcement using surveillance databases for stalking or harassing individuals or the targeting of political activists during periods of social unrest.

Images created by Architizer via Midjourney

The omnipresence of surveillance technologies in urban spaces has raised concerns that almost every movement of an individual can be tracked, recorded and analyzed, infringing on personal privacy and autonomy, with many privacy experts confirming that mass surveillance can lead to a chilling effect on human behavior, causing individuals to modify their actions and speech out of fear of being watched. In democratic societies, freedom of expression, association and movement are fundamental, and pervasive surveillance can inhibit these freedoms, creating a society where people feel constantly monitored and judged. Historical examples illustrate how surveillance can suppress dissent and erode democratic freedoms.

With ever more being understood about the level we are being monitored on and offline, many people are calling for measures that allow individuals a right to privacy. In recent years, personal data has become a highly valuable commodity bought and sold to corporations for any number of reasons, mostly without our knowledge or consent. Proponents of democratic values and civil liberties argue that the implementation of counter-surveillance strategies in our urban environments would reduce the transactional value of our personal information and the exploitation in the name of our data.

In addressing the challenges of privacy, autonomy and social ethics of surveillance, architects and designers are exploring a range of innovative counter-surveillance measures. These measures extend far beyond the evasion of surveillance cameras and are designed to uphold fundamental human rights and promote social equity.

Images created by Architizer via Midjourney

A central aspect of these strategies involves the use of materials that disrupt surveillance technologies. Maintaining anonymity in public spaces can be vital for some individuals, for their own safety, if they are well-known or public figures, or for people who work in particular industries. By designing façades with anti-reflective coatings or patterns that confuse facial recognition software and incorporating infrared-blocking materials to counter thermal imaging, architect consciously aim to safeguard the freedom of individuals to live without the constant unease of being watched. This is significant as psychological studies indicate that the sensation of being monitored can lead to self-censorship and altered behavior.

The strategic planning of urban layouts and spatial organization has also become integral to counter-surveillance architecture. Where previously open and easily monitored spaces were preferred, architects and urban planners are now designing cities with irregular, complex layouts that naturally limit long sight lines and large open spaces favorable to surveillance. This includes introducing winding streets, varying building heights and incorporating dense foliage. These designs not only impede the effectiveness of surveillance cameras but also enrich the urban environment in terms of aesthetics and biodiversity. By crafting urban spaces that inherently limit surveillance capabilities, architects are promoting a sense of security and freedom among city residents, thereby enhancing their mental well-being and fostering a sense of community autonomy.

Finally, with conversations about Smart Cities on the rise, incorporating secure communication and data networks within the urban infrastructure is a critical measure. This kind of integration, encompassing encrypted WiFi networks and secure data centers, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the digital aspect of residents’ lives. Encrypted WiFi networks, employing advanced cryptographic protocols, ensure that personal information transmitted over public networks is protected against unauthorized access and cyber threats.

Images created by Architizer via Midjourney

Secure data centers, functioning as the backbone of urban digital infrastructure, utilize robust security measures like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and physical security controls to safeguard sensitive data. This approach helps build a commitment to the digital rights and privacy of urban residents. In smart cities, where digital connectivity is as fundamental as physical infrastructure, these secure networks and data centers are indispensable. They provide a shield against unwarranted surveillance and data theft.

These architectural and urban planning strategies represent a shift in how cities are soon to be designed and experienced. They are not ways to evade the gaze of surveillance cameras that will be celebrated by criminals; they are ways to create urban environments that respect and protect individual privacy, promote social equity and strive to foster a sense of community and well-being. By focusing on these broader societal benefits, architects and urban planners can address the concern of surveillance and can also contribute to the creation of more humane, dynamic and livable urban spaces.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletters.

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Architecture

Dezeen Agenda features apartment building made from Lego-like blocks

By Zarkon Group,24/01/2024

The latest edition of our weekly Dezeen Agenda newsletter features an apartment block in California constructed like a “real-life Lego-kit”. Subscribe to Dezeen Agenda now.

Florida-based manufacturer Renco has completed a Palm Springs apartment complex that was made using Lego-like blocks made of repurposed materials and designed by architecture studio Arquitectonica.

Constructed from a composite blend of glass fibres, resin, and stone, the blocks were designed to be stronger, less energy-intensive and more affordable than conventional materials.

Portrait of Lesley Lokko — “Revolutionary force” Lesley Lokko wins 2024 RIBA Royal Gold Medal

This week’s newsletter also featured Ghanaian-Scottish architect Lesley Lokko being named the recipient of this year’s RIBA Royal Gold Medal, the reveal of plans and the architect for this year’s Serpentine Pavilion and a “first aid kit” for furniture designed by Yalan Dan.

Dezeen Agenda

Dezeen Agenda is a curated newsletter sent every Tuesday containing the most important news highlights from Dezeen. Read the latest edition of Dezeen Agenda or subscribe here.

You can also subscribe to our other newsletters; Dezeen Debate is sent every Thursday and features the hottest reader comments and most-debated stories, Dezeen Daily is our daily bulletin that contains every story published in the preceding 24 hours and Dezeen In Depth is sent on the last Friday of every month and delves deeper into the major stories shaping architecture and design.

Reference

Hotel San Fernando with lettering and entrance corridor

Interior Design

Bunkhouse and Reurbano convert Mexico City building into boutique hotel

By Zarkon Group,17/01/2024

American hotel brand Bunkhouse and interior design studio Reurbano have used motifs derived from the history of a Mexico City structure when converting it into a boutique hotel.

Hotel San Fernando is located in the Condesa neighbourhood of Mexico City, a largely residential zone that in recent years has seen an influx of national and international travellers.

Bunkhouse worked with local interior design studio Reurbano to take a 1940s apartment building and convert it into a 19-room hotel, with finishes informed by the neighbourhood.

The face of the structure was restored and painted a light green, with darker green used on the awnings that provide coverage for seating attached to the hotel’s lobby and restaurant, which open to the street through glass-paned French doors.

Chandelier on bar top — It features renovated spaces that maintain details of the original structure

An art deco-style logo spells out the name of the hotel above the door. Saint Fernando is known as the patron saint of engineers, and the team wanted to highlight this by maintaining the name of the original building in the branding of the new structure.

“We wanted to honour this building,” said Bunkhouse senior vice president of design Tenaya Hills.

“We love the story and the history and like to imagine what it has been for people over the decades.”

Woman on spiral staircase at Hotel San Fernando — A spiral staircase leads from the lobby to the rooftop

This primary entrance features a metal door with glass panes informed by the original stained glass of the building.

The entry corridor leads past a lobby lounge, with lighting by Oaxaca studio Oaxifornia and furnishings by local gallery Originario; and design studios Daniel Y Catalina, and La Metropolitana, which also created custom furniture for all of the guest suites.

At the far end of the lobby lounge is the restaurant’s bar, which features a large semi-circular cabinet with mirrored back to hold the spirits. A chandelier by local sculptor Rebeca Cors hangs above the clay-clad bar.

French doors with black and white tile flooring — French doors feature at the entrance and on some of the rooms

The entrance corridor has green encaustic concrete tiles from the original building. Other original details include the wainscotting and casement windows.

A reception area is located at the end of the corridor and behind it is a circular staircase with metal-and-wood railing that leads all the way up through the building, with landings on each of its five floors, terminating at a terrace on top of the building.

The guest rooms range from single-room setups to multi-room suites, the largest of which are accessed through French doors with opaque windows.

Here the studio departed from the greens used on the exterior and the lobby and utilised soft orange, pink and white paints.

Room at Hotel San Fernando — Light colours and hand-crafted goods fill the rooms

Floors in the rooms are either tile or wood and furniture made from light-coloured wood is covered by locally derived textiles. Three rooms on the rooftop level feature furniture designed by Bunkhouse and fabricated by local design outfit B Collective Studio.

Pendant lamps and sconces by local ceramicist Anfora are found in the kitchens and bathrooms.

Sculptural breezeblocks on hotel terrace — The rooftop features sculptural breeze blocks

The rooftop features a tiled dining and lounge area surrounded by sculptural breeze blocks, designed to mimic the original building’s patterned stained glass.

Mexican design studios Mexa and Comité de Proyectos contributed furniture pieces for the rooftop.

Other hotels in Mexico include a tile-clad structure in San Miguel de Allende by Productora and Esrawe Studio and a hotel in Mexico City with wooden lattices by PPAA.

The photography is by Chad Wadsworth.

Reference

Sustainable News

The future of construction: building with CO2

By Zarkon Group,26/12/2023

Spotted: The global carbon capture and storage (CCS) market has increased significantly in recent years, and is projected to continue growing as the world looks for more ways to decarbonise. Often though, these solutions focus on storage underground, offering no commercial value. Paebbl’s technology, by contrast, turns carbon dioxide into a useful building material.

Paebbl took the inspiration for its technology directly from nature. Carbon dioxide mineralisation, the process by which CO2 solidifies and turns into stone, is naturally occurring, but takes centuries to complete. Paebbl has found a non-energy-intensive way to accelerate mineralisation to make it over one million times faster, taking just 60 minutes.

The company takes CO2 captured from the air or directly from polluting industrial sites and combines it with abundantly available silicate rocks to produce a carbon-negative raw material.

This end product can be used as a filler in construction, as a replacement for parts of a concrete mix, and as paper, among other purposes. Unlike many methods of carbon storage or carbon-negative materials, the company also states that its material can be competitively priced.

Paebbl recently commissioned a 500-litre batch production unit, called Obelix, which has enabled the company to boost production capacity by 100 times in just half a year. With Obelix, Paebbl can create 100 tonnes of sustainable construction materials every year. The company expects to start shipping samples early 2024.

It’s not just the construction industry that’s using carbon to create new materials – Springwise has also spotted innovators turning it into chemicals and E-jet fuels.

Written By: Matilda Cox

Reference

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The future of construction: building with CO2

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