The most recent version of “Architizer: The World’s Finest Structure” — a surprising, hardbound ebook celebrating essentially the most inspiring up to date structure from across the globe — is now obtainable. Order your copy right this moment.
One of many greatest questions architects and designers face is: what will we do with the buildings we inherit? Whereas demolition yields a clean slate, it erases the historic roots of our constructed environments and is an entirely unsustainable apply. Extending the lifecycles of current constructions dramatically reduces the power consumption and carbon emissions generated by establishing anew.
The advantages of adaptive reuse are deeply social in addition to environmental. Imbuing the material of the previous with a goal for the long run is a particular form of alchemy. This collision of architectural timelines can lead to astonishing areas that revive a area’s distinctive cultural heritage.
These seven profitable business initiatives from the 11th A+Awards exemplify how radical reuse can elevate our skylines. Combining reverence for the previous with pioneering designs, there’s a lot to study from these extraordinary constructions…
The Press
By Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects, Costa Mesa, California
Jury Winner and Widespread Alternative Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Industrial Renovations & Additions
Left to languish since 2010, the previous Los Angeles Occasions printing plant has been masterfully reincarnated as a daring business office. Exact incisions have unfurled the monolithic concrete quantity, drawing in daylight, air and views of the picturesque surrounding panorama.
Modern diversifications to the constructing are considerate and restrained. Within the atrium at its middle, an architectural metallic staircase pays homage to the unique material. Historic components comparable to paint chips and conveyor belts have been preserved in situ, but these emblems of business are softened by biophilic particulars. Shrublands pepper the flooring of the communal areas and one of many website’s current timber now grows by way of the metalwork of the construction itself.
Ombú
By Foster + Companions, Madrid, Spain
Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Sustainable Industrial Constructing
In one other life, this magnificent early Twentieth-century edifice provided power to its native district in Madrid. Having fallen into disuse, it was bought and saved from the wrecking ball, in contrast to lots of its contemporaries within the area who weren’t so fortunate. Fittingly, it’s now the places of work of Spanish infrastructure and power firm ACCIONA.
Designed by architect Luis de Landecho, the beautiful constructing envelope has been preserved in all its glory and sensitively reworked with out compromising the unique material. In a stroke of architectural genius, a free-standing construction crafted from sustainably sourced timber was inserted beneath the breathtaking pitched metal trusses to accommodate new places of work. The platform is recyclable and will be dismantled, so the spatial structure will be effortlessly rewritten sooner or later. In comparison with the lifecycle influence of a brand new development, this compassionate design reduces the constructing’s embodied carbon by 25%, whereas saving a culturally important native landmark.
SEE MONSTER
By NEWSUBSTANCE, Weston-Tremendous-Mare, United Kingdom
Widespread Alternative Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Pop-Ups & Momentary
After 30 years within the North Sea, this retired oil rig was introduced ashore and remodeled into an astounding public artwork set up. A difficult feat, the formidable venture channeled the experience of scientists, engineers and artists. Now, it stands as a poignant catalyst for conversations about our remedy of inherited constructions and the potential for artistic regeneration.
Whereas it might be anchored on dry land, the rig’s origins are articulated through a 32-foot-high (10 meter) waterfall, which cascades right into a shallow pool on the construction’s base. The platform itself is encircled with kinetic wind sculptures and artworks, in addition to wildflowers and timber that stability out the angular, metallic kind. This unconventional house evokes unconventional circulation. A playful slide snakes by way of the center of the rig, providing an alternate solution to navigate the platform.
DB55 Amsterdam
By D/DOCK, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Coworking Area
Previously a timber warehouse within the Houthaven neighborhood of Amsterdam, the ethereal proportions of this huge constructing have been utilized to create a blended business and leisure venue. Flexibility is on the core of the exceptional venture – multipurpose work zones and elevated platforms characteristic furnishings on castor wheels for a fluid and simply adaptable flooring plan.
It’s not simply the warehouse that’s been given a brand new lease of life. The inside aesthetic was led by the provision of reclaimed supplies. The wooden flooring planks comprise home roof boarding, and the concrete and glass partitions had been recycled, whereas the tiling from the bogs was salvaged. 70% of the furnishings is second-hand too, together with the audiovisual and kitchen gear.
Kabelovna Studios
By B² Structure, Prague, Czechia
Widespread Alternative Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Industrial Interiors (<25,000 sq ft.)
This ground-breaking venture is setting a brand new precedent for the design of recording studios and post-production areas. Nestled within the bustling coronary heart of Prague in an previous manufacturing unit constructing courting again to 1908, the construction has come full circle. As soon as a spot the place electrical cables had been manufactured, considerably poetically, it’s now occupied by professionals who make the most of an abundance of cables every single day.
The scheme fuses the economic previous with fashionable performance. The unique restored brickwork envelops the work zones is wealthy in historical past and texture, providing a great acoustic setting for recording. Fashionable interventions are sensitively negotiated. Giant skylights and modern glass partitions flood the studio with mild and permit the bones of the manufacturing unit to shine.
Casa Pich i Pon. LOOM Plaza Catalunya
By SCOB Structure & Panorama, Barcelona, Spain
Widespread Alternative Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Coworking Area
This extraordinary coworking house in Barcelona is an eloquent train in unearthing the previous. The empathetic rework is the most recent within the constructing’s lengthy historical past and sought to create a palpable connection between previous and current.
The unique heritage pores and skin of the construction has been rediscovered and introduced into focus as soon as extra. Compelling inside home windows supply a portal again in time by way of the constructing’s historical past. Overhead, coffered ceilings and undulating ribbons of brick body the work zones in an enigmatic cover. Elsewhere, the prevailing crisp white partitions give solution to pockets of uncovered brickwork. The previous is a placing presence on this enchanting reuse venture.
GRiD
By Spark Architects, Rochor, Singapore
Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Retail
Older business buildings are sometimes threatened with demolition within the identify of city growth. Nevertheless, this whimsical reuse scheme is a masterclass in reinvention. As soon as a uncared for construction on the nook of a busy thoroughfare, its story has been drastically rewritten.
Removed from enterprise as typical, this retail house is now a pulsing hub that pulls in content material creators and the digital era. Threads of vibrant neon lights define the graphic, cubic construction, making a glowing beacon amid the melee of grey tower blocks. Avenue meals retailers and social zones occupy the staggered ranges, whereas an outside staircase, dubbed the ‘social stair’, carves out an area for stay performances and screenings.
The most recent version of “Architizer: The World’s Finest Structure” — a surprising, hardbound ebook celebrating essentially the most inspiring up to date structure from across the globe — is now obtainable. Order your copy right this moment.
