Articles by Fernanda Castro

Minima | Maxima, the latest Structural Stripes ‘Crawling Assembly’ from MARC FORNES / THEVERYMANY, provides a moment of contemplation amid the busy grounds of World Expo 2017.

This project was commissioned by two twin sisters and their families who are going to use this house both for living and working. Thus, the project combines two houses and a workshop within one single volume. The plot borders on the road in the south, while in the east and in the west it is bordered by neighboring residential properties.

This project was commissioned by two twin sisters and their families who are going to use this house both for living and working. Thus, the project combines two houses and a workshop within one single volume. The plot borders on the road in the south, while in the east and in the west it is bordered by neighboring residential properties.

Located a few meters from the terminal of Naoshima, the Japanese island better known as the “Art Island”, Sou Fujimoto‘s Pavilion appears as a translucent and lightweight diamond perched on the coastal edge of Kagawa, visible from SANAA‘s ferry terminal welcoming the visitors to the island. 

Located a few meters from the terminal of Naoshima, the Japanese island better known as the “Art Island”, Sou Fujimoto‘s Pavilion appears as a translucent and lightweight diamond perched on the coastal edge of Kagawa, visible from SANAA‘s ferry terminal welcoming the visitors to the island. 

ONE@Tokyo is a new type of hotel situated near Tokyo Sky Tree in the dense urban district of Oshiage. Formerly one of the liveliest districts in Tokyo, Oshiage developed quickly due to light manufacturing industry. To recall the rather rough but still approachable quality of this area, we employed extruded cement panels with a wooden screen for the façade, evoking the former small factories standing side by side.

When working in an urban area with a complex topography, one of the biggest challenges is urban integration. Worldwide, many socially deprived neighborhoods are situated in complicated geographical locations surrounded by steep slopes. Such areas complicate mobility for pedestrians, cyclists, and the elderly, with a lack of accessibility often excluding them from taking part in city life effectively.

In this context, urban elevators can be a novel solution which combine elements of both functional connectivity and sculpture. With some rising up to 30 meters in height, they become urban and touristic landmarks, creating new viewpoints and walkways. Additionally, in many cases, they can help to uphold the historic legacy of the city.

Below we have collected some interesting examples of urban elevators that have been key in the spatial planning of the urban environment.

The Norman Foster Foundation, which officially opened its headquarters in a heritage-listed residential Palace by Joaquín Saldaña in Madrid on 1 June, has opened a new pavilion in its courtyard that will show a changing display of objects and images that have, over the years, been personal references for Foster. The flexible space will also be the setting for talks and discussion groups, and features a façade that can open to the courtyard for outdoor events.

The Norman Foster Foundation, which officially opened its headquarters in a heritage-listed residential Palace by Joaquín Saldaña in Madrid on 1 June, has opened a new pavilion in its courtyard that will show a changing display of objects and images that have, over the years, been personal references for Foster. The flexible space will also be the setting for talks and discussion groups, and features a façade that can open to the courtyard for outdoor events.

The Centro Botín, a space for art, culture and education, projecting into the Bay of Santander, will restore to the city the immense dockland site of the Albareda mole, used until now as a parking lot. This is a strategic area, overlooking the sea, near the old city centre and enhanced by the historic Jardines de Pereda. The centre was strongly supported by Emilio Botín (1934-2014), president of Banco Santander and financed by the Botín Foundation, one of the most important private foundations in Spain, established in 1964 with the aim of fostering the social, economic and cultural development of Cantabria.