Month: December 2017

In a composition of volumes and plans, the building fits between openings and closings, respecting the functional needs of the family and the natural characteristics of the surroundings. The main functions of the house are concentrated on a single plan, providing a single floor house aspect, sharing abundant lighting and ventilation integrated by a central pool. The upper and lower floor contain spaces of sporadic and private use.

Ever wished you had superpowers and could fly through cities like Superman? Now is your chance! Well, kind of. The new XLine Dubai Marina lets you zipline at speeds up to 80 km/hr through the “City of Gold.” An upgrade from its first XLine on the Dubai Fountain, its new sequel is twice the distance, twice the time and, of course, twice the thrill, excitement, and adventure.

Are we going to follow a model of unsustainable building and construction similar to what I witnessed in China—or can we develop a uniquely African model of sustainable, and equitable development? I’m optimistic we can.

The first phase of the western extension of the Helsinki metropolitan area subway line, the West Metro, opened for traffic on November 18, 2017, connects Ruoholahti, Helsinki to Matinkylä, Espoo. The West Metro will service over 170,000 passengers per day. The objective that has been set for the architecture of the eight new stations along the first, and the five new stations along the second phase of the extension is to create distinctive, location-specific identities for them on both urban and interior scale. At the same time the metro will act as a link between the various urban centers of the City of Espoo and in a way create its new backbone.

Located in the city centre of Guarda, this is an urban typical house of the first half of the 20th century, presenting 3 sides and a garden.

Located in the city centre of Guarda, this is an urban typical house of the first half of the 20th century, presenting 3 sides and a garden.

A few years ago a couple approached us, more or less our age, to design their second home. The new lot they purchased was 2500 square meters, right next to their existing lot. The couple’s old house was built and planned while they were very young. It didn’t suit their current needs nor their current taste. When asked for some general design guidelines we were told that they knew what they didn’t want, but couldn’t point out what they did want. However, they definitely wanted a spacious house that could host a lot of people at any given time, as well as an overall design that wouldn’t be too flashy.