HOLST ARCHITECTURE-Panic.inc

Friday, May 29, 2009

Panic, Inc a software development firm seeking Holst Architecture to design their workspace and gallery. The idea of the workspace reflects the mantra of "creating a design that was fun. but not zany...."cool" but not austere" . The work studio using open concept is supplied with controlled lighting while the gallery has skylights which open to the sky. the 7500 sf open plan is subdivided by a series of folding, flipping planes . The planes are laser-cut birch plywood which are able to filters light, views and create a warm environment for the firm.

All above images and info from : http://www.holstarc.com/

Introduce: Urban Sketchers

Monday, May 25, 2009

Introduction: Urban Sketchers is a network of artists around the world who draw the cities where they live and travel to. We have this blog, which is by invitation, a Flickr group, where anyone can share their location drawings, and a Google group to stay connected and foster discussion. USk was started on Flickr by Seattle journalist and illustrator Gabi Campanario in November of 2007. The blog was launched in November of 2008.

This is a wonderful website full of sketches of artists of many locations around the world. http://www.urbansketchers.com/

All above sketches from : UrbanSketcher

American Society of Architectural Illustrators (ASAI)

The American Society of Architectural Illustrators (ASAI), is a non-profit international professional organization of architectural illustrators, whose goals are to foster communication among architectural illustrators, to raise the standards of architectural illustration and to acquaint the public with the importance of such drawing as integral to the practice of architecture.
The principal means of achieving the organization’s goals is Architecture in Perspective, an annual international competition, exhibition and catalogue which has included work by many of the most accomplished contemporary architectural illustrators from around the world.

By providing not only award recognition, but also a forum for the practitioners of this art form, the American Society of Architectural Illustrators has focused attention on an increasingly diverse, yet refined level of work.

The American Society of Architectural Illustrators also assists in the advancement of the profession in a number of significant ways. It serves as a referral agency for those seeking the services of a illustrator, as a network for practitioners and affiliated organizations from around the world, as a clearing-house for ideas and discussions about architectural illustration, and as a sponsor of regional and local member activities.

The central purpose of ASAI remains the improvement of architectural drawing worldwide. By recognizing and celebrating the highest achievements in the illustration of our built environment, the organization — together with the dedicated, committed and passionate efforts of its international members — continues to further the quality of the work of all who have an interest in architectural illustration.

In 1995, ASAI was recognized for its excellence in achieving its mandate and purposes with an American Institute of Architecture Honor Award which commended the organization for its work in strengthening collaborative associations with the communities of architects, designers and other professionals, as well as for its programs dedicated to educating the public about architectural drawing.
All above sketches are Sketches done by different artists during the sketch tour to Yellowstonw 2008.

Sketches, Yellowstone 2008
The Sketch Tours at each ASAI annual conference are always a popular event with attendees visiting significant and/or historical sites around the venue, this year, Yellowstone. The sketches from these sketch tours and others previously executed are offered for auction at the Cocktail Reception preceeding the Awards Dinner and are keenly bid for.

All above text from ASAI

Architype Review

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Architype Review was created as a means through which to advance the discussion of design within specific building typologies and explore the influence that type has on the design process. Architype’s prime goal is to honor those projects that are challenging the limits and redefining the norms of a certain building type.

Architype was created in 2006 by a group of architects, academics and designers seeking a forum through which to promote discussion and evaluate architectural projects that are responding to a similar set of challenging issues. We strive to find work that represents a wide range of voices within the profession. In addition, Architype seeks to become a design resource for architects, students, clients and educators promoting innovation in the field.

Above images and text from : http://www.architypereview.com/index.php

Thanks Architype Review to include my blog address into their link: http://www.architypereview.com/ar_extra.html

Tolo House by Alvaro Leite Siza Architects

I read about this holiday home from BuildBlog blog post entitled : On Assignment. They introduced a few Barcelona holiday homes through their blog. I found the Tolo house by Alvaro Leite Siza is very attractive by the way how the building sited on a steep slope.

The project consists of spaces such as: three bedrooms, a social bathroom, a living room, a dinning room, a small kitchenand outdoor area with a small swimming pool. All spaces are fragmented into small compartments and are linked up with outdoor and indoor staircase. The concrete roof terrace become an intimate outdoor space for a family.

The terrain is long, narrow and steep. It faces south which allow the building obtain optimum sunlight and natural view. The design respond well to the surroundings with its natural form which seems to flow with the terrain and it tried not to disturb the vegetation and trees on site.

The models photos above show clearly the configuration of the building to the site.

All above Photos taken from : http://www.fernandoguerra.com/tolo/

Read more at ArchDaily

Greutmann Bolzern designstudio -Swiss Architect

Friday, May 22, 2009

Greutmann Bolzern designstudio is Swiss Architect firm. The project shown here is messestand für lista office.

Images from Greutmann Bolzern website (the website is not in english)
other info about this architect: e-architects

Introduce MAKE architects and their projects

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Make is a studio of highly creative and imaginative architects and designers, committed to designing buildings, spaces and places which are as striking and innovative as they are socially, economically and environmentally responsible.
The practice was founded by Ken Shuttleworth in 2004 and has already established itself as one of the UK's foremost architectural firms, with studios based in London, Birmingham and Beijing.

Nevis, Caribbean / 2005

Nevis Resort

In a 600 acre site at Caribbean isle of Nevis, the architects designed to locate two different elements : a spa resort and deluxe private residences. Presented in a crescent shaped lagoon, the hotels are nestled around the coconut and jungles foliage. Every villa is designed to get maximum views, sun and sea breezes.

Sheaf Square

The Digital Campus Phase III in a triangular geometry plan will be an unique addition to the Sheffield city centre. The curveous form is inspired by the weathered rock of the Peak District

The mix use building means to animate the surrounding area and it is elevated on a structural legs. The spaces underneath become a public space and pedestrian zone.

Nottinghamshire, UK / 2007

Sherwood Forest Visitor Complex
The Sherwood Forest Visitor Complex is designed to become a new landmark of Sherwood Forest. The scheme is inspired by tree houses past and present, the structure is composed of dramatic trunks that emerged from a podium structure and it rises 20 meters.
The ground level housed most of the visitor facilities, a staircase lead to spectacular restaurant and platform set.

London, UK / 2005 – 2008

55 Baker Street

Renovation of 1950s office building into a new sensation of urban ground and high effeciency of office spaces. The architect tried to enhance the activity at street level by infills the void between 2 existing blocks while devoting the ground level as retail units, cafes and restaurants.

Awards:

2009 Winner/British Council for Offices - Refurbished/Recycled Workplace - London and South East Region/55Baker street

2008 Commendation/IStructE Structural Awards – David Alsop Sustainability Award

2008 Certificate of Merit/Structural Steel Design Awards

2008 Winner/Concrete Society Award - Sustainability

All above info and images from MAKE ARCHITECTS