Month: May 2021

the dwelling adopts an open character to form a close bond with nature, remaining unaffected by the high humidity thanks to its elevated position. 
The post rodas cordero arquitectos cantilevers steel residential structure over verdant site in ecuador …

Popularly known as the lotus, the aquatic species Nelumbo nucifera has a useful particularity. Its leaves are self-cleaning, or ultra-hydrophobic. This means that no particles of dirt or water adhere to its leaf, which is especially useful in the humid and muddy environments where the plant typically grows. However, this effect does not derive from a perfectly smooth surface or a resinous layer on the leaves. The lotus is, in fact, full of tiny folds that reduce the area of the contact surface and repel all the particles that try to adhere there. The lotus effect has been studied by nanotechnologists in order to apply this same effect to products, such as surfaces, paints, fabrics, and tiles that can easily clean themselves. As trivial as this may seem, when we think of the resources applied to cleaning skyscraper glass or even of the reduction in photovoltaic energy generation due to dust on solar panels, we can get a sense of the infinite possibilities that hydrophobic surfaces could represent.

Smart Tree was born from a research project of the University of Malaga with the objective of recycling elements from the demolition of campus buildings to improve teaching environments college. Smart Tree is conceived as a biotechnological tree whose mission is to rehabilitate the outdoor spaces of the university, promoting its use through the creation of green environments and connective services. Located at the back of Sciences School, this intervention transforms a disused place to provide users with different buildings in the environment of an open-air co-working space, relaxed and friendly, which provides a microclimate of environmental and sensory comfort, and technology for access to renewable energy and information.

Titled “The Blessed Fragments”, the Egyptian Pavilion at the 17th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, sheds the light on local Egyptian laborers and their value to the community, in a space designed with optical illusion fragments. Curated by Algorithm Architecture’s Mostafa Rabea Abdelbaset, Mohamad Riad Alhalaby, Amr Allam, and Ahmed Essam, the pavilion will be on display at the Giardini from May 22nd until November 21st, 2021.

Located in Denmark’s Lolland-Falster region, Henning Larsen‘s New School in Sundby marked the commencement of a historic project for the country’s sustainable educational-facility architecture. The primary school is set to be the largest construction project in Guldborgsund Municipality that ensures high sustainability parameters and community engagement. The school is expected to open its doors at the end of summer 2022, welcoming over 580 students in a nature-oriented premises.

Light on the land and no more than necessary – these were the first principles that guided the development of a 400-square-foot bunkhouse adjacent to the iconic Decatur Island Cabin designed by Robert Hull, Miller Hull’s late founding partner, in 1986. A deep respect for the natural condition of the site drove all decisions made by the design team. By elevating the enclosed volume above the site, the building massing amplifies the sloping topography while minimizing site disturbance. Foundations were reduced to six-point loads puncturing the natural landscape. A timber exoskeleton pays homage to the neighboring cabin while supporting a simple “sleeve” of interior space. These rooms are arranged with sensitivity to exposure and views, allowing the bunkhouse to sit near the cabin while maintaining privacy.