Designing an Urban Village / Brenac+Gonzalez

The building is composed of several layers assembled on the vertical axis, over a base that provides properly anchored natural and use-related services. It is designed ​​according to the needs of each housing site, thereby defining the overlay districts. As a village, the high-rise is organized and structured around common areas such as meeting places and places of exchange. It includes characteristics of individual housing, offering to its inhabitants large living areas with more than 3 meters high ceilings and customizable spaces through use of mobile partitions.

The green element of the design is realized by introducing natural environment to high-density housingconditions. In order to achieve an optimal level of comfort, the building accommodates gardens and play areas for children. The gardens allow up to 80 cm of natural soil layers with width of at least 3 meters. They play a fundamental role: they act as sunscreens, protection against wind, noise and pollution.

The project offers a development alternative that reconciles density and quality of life through a return to the fundamental concept of individual homes and rehabilitation of a fallen icon: the village.

Mountain Zhu Pedestrian Street \ Gerardo Mingo Arquitectos

Mountain Zhu Pedestrian Street, render courtesy Gerardo Mingo Arquitectos

The aim for the competition proposal to design a commercial pedestrian street with offices business, club houses and hotels, has been to become part of an active process that involves the appropriation and exploitation of a natural space with a powerful presence, creating an opportunity for a dialogue with the existing territory. The site has strong landscaping characteristics which need to activate new functions. There is an opportunity to create an urban magnet.

Mountain Zhu Pedestrian Street, render courtesy Gerardo Mingo Arquitectos

It is an area with a great potential; its privileged location connecting natural and cultural significant points and the sensory experience: scent, colours, shadows, water.

The intervention tries to recover its natural ecosystem (such as the traditional commercial street) and provide a new content – “programmatical spaces” which encourage the people to:

Move and connect on foot and by bicycle between the different parts of the site as an alternative to the car routes.

Take part of an active social environment with public spaces/meeting spaces which integrate different programs (commercial, leisure, office and hotels).

Mountain Zhu Pedestrian Street, render courtesy Gerardo Mingo Arquitectos

Its lack of centre, its inability to define a start and an end point (there are many starts and ends) changes the traditional notion of landscape.

The streets are routes that always keep a degree of curvature that makes the walk somewhat serpentine and surprising, looking for different perspectives. The squares appear as nodes, with different sizes and orientations, in some cases just mere extensions of the streets. This produces a sense of permanent compression-decompression and the apparition of different activity poles, where the emblematic shops appear.

Mountain Zhu Pedestrian Street - Concept, drawing courtesy Gerardo Mingo Arquitectos

Mountain Zhu Pedestrian Street - Concept, drawing courtesy Gerardo Mingo Arquitectos

Mountain Zhu Pedestrian Street - Concept, drawing courtesy Gerardo Mingo Arquitectos

+ Project facts

Project: Mountain Zhu Pedestrian Street

Designer: GERARDO MINGO ARQUITECTOS + CCTN Arch

Floor Area: 200.00 sqm

Location: Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China

Status: Restricted competition

+ About GERARDO MINGO ARQUITECTOS

GERARDO MINGO ARQUITECTOS is a multidisciplinary office practising architecture, and urbanism. It is led by two partners with offices in Spain and China.


via : http://plusmood.com/2012/03/mountain-zhu-pedestrian-street-gerardo-mingo-arquitectos/

Urban Forest by MAD

Beijing architects MAD have designed a skyscraper for Chongqing, China, with gardens at each level.



Rather than consider the project vertically, the architects envisage a stack of floors, each slice shifted horizontally to create spaces for gardens and patios.



The 385 metre-high building will be called Urban Forest.



Here’s some text from MAD:

–

Urban Forest

By the end of 2009, MAD has completed the concept design of a 385 meter high metropolitan cultural complex in the city center of Chongqing – The Urban Forest.



This is the third skyscraper designed by MAD following the Absolute Towers in Toronto and the Sinosteel International Plaza in Tianjin, China.



MAD proposes a new architectural concept for the course of Chinese urban development – to actualize a sustainable multidimensional high-rise within China’s youngest municipality, where nature reincorporates into the high-density urban environment in the near future, to evoke the affection for nature once lost in the oriental ancient world and bring to the modern city dwellers.



In the year of 1997, Chongqing became the fourth direct municipality in China.



As an important pole of the growing economy in western China, the city area of Chongqing is more than twice of those of Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin combined.



Such macro-scale urbanization should not only pushes economic growth and material prosperity, but also foster the evolution of the city’s cultural essence. Chinese cities have gone through the process of once starting from nothing, to following contemporary Western civilization urban pattern. Now, the overall economic infrastructure has oriented the direction of future development towards inland China.



What lies in the future of cities? How should one grasp the concept of emerging high-density cities of China in the context of a scenic town such as Chongqing? How does one discuss the future of architecture in Chinese cities on the base of Eastern Naturalist perspective and in the new context of China’s unique economic, social environment and globalization background? How to engage the city dwellers with an experience of nature when its presence of steadily diminishes in the face of the ever intensifying concrete jungle.



Throughout the process of contemporary Western urbanization, skyscrapers were the symbol of technological competitions, prime capitals and the formal enslavement of the powerful and the rich. Sustainable ecology became more of a demand for comfort; while the yearning of a return to nature was left ignored. The Urban Forest draws inspiration from the perspective of nature and the man-made in Eastern Philosophy, and ties the urban city life with the natural outdoor experiences.



The shape of the architecture mimics mountain range, shifting in a dynamic and yet holistic rhythm, and becomes a continuation of nature. Unlike its preceding counterparts, The Urban Forest no longer emphasizes on vertical force, instead it concentrates on the multidimensional relationships within complex anthropomorphic spaces: multilayer sky gardens, floating patios and minimal and yet well lit nesting spaces, the architectural form dissolves into the fluid spatial movements between air, wind, and light. In this environment, people encounter nature filled with unexpected surprises.



The fusion between Eastern humanism spirit and urban public spaces pioneers in the making of a sustainable multidimensional city – The Urban Forest will not be a piece of mediocre urban machinery, but an artificial organ that lives and breathes new life in the steel-and-concrete-filled city center.



Chongqing, the youngest municipality in China, holds great potential in its urban planning and construction and has the capability to be built into a most livable city, a city of pleasant environments, a traffic-jam-free city, even into a city that runs into a complete urban forest. A city with aspiration and vitality shall be courageous in envisioning and designing its great future. – Bo Xilai (Mayor of Chongqing)



In October 2009, The Urban Forest from MAD debuted in the Heart-Made, Europalia exhibition at the 2009 Europalia China. It represents the most challenging dream of the contemporary Chinese architecture — a type of urban landmark that rises from the affection for nature. It is no longer a static icon but an organic form that changes all the time with people’s perception.



Director in Charge: Ma Yansong, Dang Qun
Design Team: Yu Kui, Diego Perez, Zhao Wei, Chie Fuyuki, Fu Changrui, Jtravis B Russett, Dai Pu, Irmgard Reiter, Rasmus Palmqvist, Qin Lichao, Xie Xinyu

Location: Chongqing, China
Typology: Commercial, Office, Hotel
Site Area: 7,700 sqm
Building Area: 216,000 sqm
Building Height: 385 m
Architectural Design: MAD Ltd
Structural Design: ARUP Group Ltd

Vertical Expansion

Tonight’s Picture of the Day comes from the rising Chinese commercial hub, Shanghai, taken by photographer Toffiloff using a Canon EOS 5D Mark II, the image photographs downtown Shanghai in a monochrome tone that delivers a feeling of comfort and calmness to a relitavely hyperactive city. It was snapped from the top of the World Financial Center (492.0 meters – The 4th tallest tower in the world) looking down at the rest of thePudong peninsula including the Jin Mao Tower (421 meters – The 9th tallest tower in the world) and the Yangtze River. Fantastic shot!

[Photographer's Flickr profile]

Master Plan of Los Angeles Union Station \ Ben van Berkel/UNStudio and EE&K, with Jacobs and Buro Happold

UNStudio and EE&K a Perkins Eastman company, and Jacobs Engineering have submitted a proposal for a scope of work to develop a Master Plan of Los Angeles Union Station.

Ben van Berkel of UNStudio, along with Jonathan Cohn of EE&K, presented their ‘Vision Board’ – a conceptual rendering in the year 2050, showing Los Angeles Union Station as a multi-modal transit hub with a mix of uses, new development and outdoor spaces. The intent of the Vision Board was to explore visionary possibilities for Union Station and surrounding areas. The vision submitted does not portray the final design issues that will be examined in the Master Plan, however it does show a hint of the possibilities for the city and the regional transit hub of the future.

Courtesy UNStudio

The Master Plan will be developed by an integrated team with UNStudio leading on architecture, EE&K leading on large scale design, and Jacobs leading on rail and infrastructure engineering.

One of the six teams to finalize for this submission will be selected at the end of June to undertake a 24-month Master Plan.

Courtesy UNStudio

The conceptual launch pad for the design of the ‘vision’ for the L.A. Union Station Master Plan was focused on integrating the transit experience with new outdoor park spaces, providing a much sought after amenity in downtown L.A.. At a large scale, the vision creates a ‘green loop that includes plans for the revitalization of the L.A. river and possible park extensions connecting Union Station across the 101. Key to the future architectural development of the site is the maximum preservation of the historic Union Station building and gardens. City and regional transit will be given the stage, with a focus on increased ridership and transit connections, as well as considerations for the introduction of high-speed rail. A uniquely programmed urban park with large-scale open spaces, extending the ideas of the existing historic courtyards, is envisioned as being integrated into the transit experience. The introduction of a vertical, layered strategy for the transit program show the possibility of an open-air station that takes advantage of city’s light and climate, creating a distinctly L.A. response to the future of this important transit hub.

Courtesy UNStudio

With our vision for the LA Union Station area we envision not simply a train station, but a new, flexible and lively transit location, catering for bikes, bus, train, cars and taxis for a wide variety of users. The mixed use programme would ensure a 24 hours cycle of activity and liveliness for residents, tourists, students and business people alike. Along with the preservation of the existing station, the extension of its open air courtyards into a large public landscape would guide and orientate all the various user groups by means of one large gesture.

Ben van Berkel

+ Project facts

Los Angeles Union Station Master Plan, Los Angeles, USA, 2012

800 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA

Client: Metro

Building site: 40 hectares

Programme: train station, bus station, mixed use, parking, park

Status: RFP submission

+ Credits

UNStudio: Ben van Berkel, Caroline Bos, Wouter de Jonge, and Imola Berczi, Aurélie Hsiao with Martin Zangerl, Stefano Rocchetti, Elisabeth Brauner, Qiyao Li

Primary Team Composition

EE&K a Perkins Eastman company: Large Scale Design

UNStudio: Architecture, Iconic Places

Jacobs: Rail and Infrastructure Engineering, Constructability

Buro Happold: Facility Engineering, Energy, Sustainability, Performance Modeling

Extended Team Composition

EE&K a Perkins Eastman company: Large Scale Design

UNStudio: Architecture, Iconic Places

RAW International: Local and Existing Architecture and Planning

Jacobs: Rail and Infrastructure Engineering, Constructability

Buro Happold: Facility Engineering, Energy, Sustainability, Performance Modeling

Fuscoe: Civil Engineering

WORKSHOP: Ken Smith Landscape Architect: Landscape Design

Patricia Smith: Landscape Architecture

The Robert Group: Public Outreach

HR&A Advisors, Inc.: Financial Planning

Kosmont Companies: Land Use & Entitlements

Pentagram: Wayfinding and Identity Branding

Historic Resources Group: Historic Preservation

KOA: Transportation Engineering

Ducibella Venter & Santore: Security

Lenax: Cost Estimating

Zuma Pacifica: Surveyor

via : http://plusmood.com/2012/05/master-plan-of-los-angeles-union-station-ben-van-berkelunstudio-and-eek-with-jacobs-and-buro-happold/

Dongjiang Harbor Master Plan Competition Holm Architecture Office + Archiland Beijing

Dongjiang Harbor Master Plan Competition, render courtesy Holm Architecture Office & Archiland Beijing

Dongjiang Harbor Master Plan Competition, render courtesy Holm Architecture Office & Archiland Beijing

The Dongjiang Master Plan site is situated within the Binhai area, 60 kilometers outside of the city of Tianjin in Northern China on a newly developed section of the coastline. The plan includes 280,000 square meters of residential development, with 40,000 square meters of mixed-use office, retail, and public space.

Dongjiang Harbor Master Plan Competition - Diagrams, drawing courtesy Holm Architecture Office & Archiland Beijing

Dongjiang Harbor Master Plan Competition, render courtesy Holm Architecture Office & Archiland Beijing

Dongjiang Harbor Master Plan Competition - MLP, drawing courtesy Holm Architecture Office & Archiland Beijing

The design evolves around the prime beach location with a central pedestrian boardwalk that services both the low and midrise residential housing blocks. The central boardwalk runs parallel to the beach, creating views of the water while taking the visitor through areas of gardens and retail within the new development.

Dongjiang Harbor Master Plan Competition, render courtesy Holm Architecture Office & Archiland Beijing

Dongjiang Harbor Master Plan Competition, render courtesy Holm Architecture Office & Archiland Beijing

The dune-shaped residential development is designed to maximize sunlight, assuring that each apartment receives a minimum of two hours of direct sunlight daily, while optimizing views from the individual apartments as well as natural ventilation.

Dongjiang Harbor Master Plan Competition, render courtesy Holm Architecture Office & Archiland Beijing

The western edge of the site provides vehicular access with drop offs as well as access to below-ground parking areas freeing up the interior of the site to pedestrians, while the northern part of the site is developed as a mixed-use office and retail development.

Dongjiang Harbor Master Plan Competition, render courtesy Holm Architecture Office & Archiland Beijing

With the Dongjiang Masterplan we aimed to develop a housing typology that allows for high density while emulating the natural surroundings of the site. The dune shape buildings create unique apartment layouts, all with direct sunlight, natural cross ventilation and direct connections to the adjacent sea and beach.

Jens Holm, founder HAO / Holm Architecture Office.

+ Project facts

Dongjiang Harbor Master Plan

Tianjin, Binhai, China

Program: Residential, Office, Commercial and Landscape.

Type: Invited Competition.

Size: 280.000 M2 residential, 40.000 M2 Mixed Use Office & Retail.

Team: HAO/Holm Architecture Office and Archiland Beijing.


via : http://plusmood.com/2012/07/dongjiang-harbor-master-plan-competition-holm-architecture-office-archiland-beijing/