Contemplation

Nanjing Green Light House

Archiland International would all like to produce more ‘green’ buildings with lower energy consumption or low carbon emission.. The challenge is at the same time to make this necessary new buildings even more attractive than buildings of today and not just making engineering technology driven machines. With this lighthouse we aim for no less than this. 

A Stadium for Retail

Set in the heart of the Guangzhou’s Central Business District, Parc Central by Benoy opened in 2016 as China’s new ‘Stadium for retail’. Developed on the site of a former square, Parc Central embodies the future of civic space and public realm design.

It will introduce a multi-level, above and below ground retail concept which will integrate with the surrounding landscape. As a true Transit Oriented Development, the 110,000 m2 scheme also establishes a new public transport interchange for Guangzhou. Seamlessly connected above and below ground, Parc Central will be accessible via China’s metro system and bus network and is linked by walkways to the district’s neighboring developments.

A World of Wonders

From now until the end of August, Japanese collective Teamlab presents its largest digital art exhibition to date. In Tokyo, the 3000 square meter showcase is structured as a labyrinth of virtual experiences, where visitors engage in a sequence of immersive artworks. major pieces — both new and previously exhibited — are scaled up to larger-than-life proportions, inviting the audience into a kaleidoscopic and multi-sensory expanse of color and light. Viewers can experience works like ‘Wander Through the Crystal Universe’ — the largest of its kind to date; ‘Floating in the Falling Flowers’, held within an enormous dome space; and the infinitely stretching water artwork ‘Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People — Infinity’.

LOST LANDSCAPE Luiz Eduardo Lupatini | Carrara Thermal Baths Competition Location: Carrara, Italy | Learn More: freundevonfreunden.com

A Curved Library Reflected by the Floors Like Water

Architecture firm XL-Muse has completed ‘Yangzhou Zhongshuge’, a library located in Zhen Yuan, China. the concept was based on the idea of water and how it is the cradle and breeding ground of the Yngzhou culture. Another important element was the arch bridge—an indispensable traditional element used as a guiding factor of commerce, which will represent in the bookstore the connection between human and books throughout history. As visitors walk in, they are welcomed by the arched walls which turn into ceilings that contain the books. the use of a black mirrored glass as floors reflects the bookshelves while giving a feeling of water.

Check out the design by XL-Muse of another magical bookstore: Hangzhou Zhongshuge.

Design of this structure consisted of taking on the challenge of creating a medium scale wood structure built by combining small sections wood members (6cm x 6cm) based on a traditional wooden toy from the Hida Takayama region in Japan. No glue was used to build the structure. The wood grid supports the structure, and also serves as display space for the items exhibited in the museum. The structure protrudes out on the upper part of the structure to protect the wood members from rain, and white paint is used to protect the wood members on the edges.

Architecture tents to evolve in spurts and jumps not in a gradual development of design. For many the recents development in 3D printing represents one of those moments when technology serves as a trigger for a jump in the evolution of architecture.

Unveiled this week at  the 2015 Beijing Design Week: VULCAN consists of 1023 different 3D printing constructive units. This system is a complete breakaway from the traditional method of arch construction, and will be used in creating the core space of the Parkview Green at the Beijing Design Week. It will be the world’s biggest 3D printed architectural space to date (a piece of architecture by academic standard, which is to take up nearly 100 sqm, and can be taken apart or assembled at will).

The System by Nick Hart-Woods Design