prechteck: NYbillboard

'NYbillboard' by prechteck in manhattan, new york
all images courtesy prechteck


architect chris precht has sent us images of 'NYbillboard', a proposal for a new urban structure in
manhattan, new york. recognizing the necessity for architects to address the issues of density
and sustainability in the city, the design seeks to reorganize the conventional solution of a high-rise
by creating a horizontal layer that provide elevated links between towers.

the preliminary research done on the project saw a list of social problems around continuously building
vertically: a sense of isolation due to its distance from the public and urban conditions as well as
inefficiency in cases of emergency. by limiting its structural height, the design aims to refocus
the attention back to the users' experience. the ground level hosts a number of public functions,
providing direct access to a grid of linking walkways, elevated gardens and facilities. 



street view


distinguished by a crystal-like skin, the project serves as a gateway to brooklyn, liberty and staten island.
20% of the facade area allow algae bio cultivation to take place within the building's double skin facade.
this will help with internal air quality as well as produce bio-diesel which could be used by the integrated
nycarshare system. solar and photovoltaic panels cover a total area of 14,000 m2 on the top and side of
the structure, producing 7,200,000 kWh per year. 110 wind turbines attached to the west side of the tower
have the potential to generate an additional 1,400,000kWh per year, which accounts for roughly 13%
of the building's energy use.



facade detail






interior view












in context



scheme



horizontal layer



section



programs



model

GSI Tower in Cancun / Sanzpont Arquitectura

By: admin | May - 19 - 2011

GSI Tower is designed by Sanzpont Arquitectura, and will be located in Cancun, Mexico. This 20-storey building will house a shopping mall, hotel and offices, and consists of 2 vertical bodies that meet at the top by 2 habitable bridges with an interior garden to form a large frame of the natural landscape.
The Building is protected from the sun on the western face with a ventilated façade made of alucobond in the form of fish scales, indirect natural light is filtered inside between the horizontal louvers of its perimeter. In the eastern façade, the building skin is designed with a set of serigraph, sandblasted and transparent glass that take advantage of the natural views of the Golf Course and the Caribbean Sea. It gives the city an elevated public square that generates an urban green balcony. As an added value, the building allows the public to continue to rise even more, because it has a restaurant lounge at the top level. With all this, the vertical infrastructure integrates with the city life and urban environment.

uarchitects: maasberg juvenile detention living

'maasberg juvenile detention living' by uarchitects, overloon, the netherlands
images courtesy of uarchitects


eindhoven-based practice uarchitects has completed 'maasberg juvenile detention living', a project that looks to
establish a new and more intensive interaction between the youth and the surrounding, natural environment.
converted from an adult prison in an autonomously  functioning juvenile detention center, the development includes
the renovation of an existing unit and a new pavilion at the center of the site.

open and transparent, the new building aims to stimulate the daily shifts between living, learning and recreation.
an expression of temporality - like the stay of the offenders themselves - the design assumes a respectful relationship
with the detainees, the visitors and its environment. a dialogue between containment and freedom, expressed in the
porous boundaries between indoors and out, aims to prepare the youth for their transition back into society,
while also communicating a sense of trust.



side elevation of new pavilion


steel, aluminum and wood integrates the structure with its surrounding context, its light appearance and orientation
seemingly floating above the landscape. composed of modular panels and elements, the design allows for flexibility in
accommodating future changes in the program and treatment.



modular panels alternate between wood slats and fully glazed



the pavilion sits above the landscape on a series of low pillars



detail of facade



south elevation



stairways at the north and south end of the structure



stairway and entrance



classroom



evening view



floor plan / level 0



floor plan / level 1



east elevation



west elevation



(left) south elevation
(right) north elevation



section

design spirits co.: nautilus project

'nautilus project' by spirit design co., singapore
images courtesy of spirit design co.


japanese studio design spirits co. has created 'nautilus project', a restaurant located on the fourth floor
of the ION shopping center in singapore.

nest like volumes encircle semi-private dining spaces, separating them from the rest of the restaurant
while acting as sculptural installations. organic and natural in their appearance, the delicately spun objects
alter the perception of light and space as they gradually untangle and reveal activity within.
transforming the simple overall shell, the cylindrical forms softly divide the large room into a series of
intimate and porous spaces.



slats of wood transform the overall space, creating an internal nest-like environment


overlapping layers of light wood create a textural and ethereal environment. the strong, swooping forms
are softened by the materiality and application of wood, appearing as warm and comfortable rather than
frenetic and chaotic. light filters through the organic structures, casting shadows and patterns onto the
monochromatic surfaces.



bulbous forms on the ceiling add further detail to the space



detail



semi-private dining space



detail of enclosure



tables line the curving walls and surround the pod-like volumes in the center of the restaurant


solid contrasting pods in the center of the restaurant dictate the overall arrangement of space and provide
a controlled glimpse into the art and preparation of their food. curving inwards at the entrance, the units
highlight the beginning of the transition inwards and sets the tone for the overall focus.



kitchen



view of kitchen and entrance



entrance from shopping center



floor plan