D5 Architects LLP’s Post

Design that effects a single person, family or entity is highly nuanced to their specific purpose. Design that concerns public spaces take on proven design principals that are time tested. Why things work have a long standing of effecting lives in seemingly unrecognized ways. City planning and plaza spaces is where this traditional understanding thrives...!

Designing shared spaces in residential complexes: A guide

Check out the new blog post about our house project!

Today in History (TIH): Opening day for the Empire State Building in 1931. The Empire State Building, an iconic 102-story Art Deco giant in Midtown Manhattan, wasn't just another skyscraper when it shot up between 1930 and 1931. Designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon, it snagged its name from New York's nickname, the "Empire State." Towering at 1,250 feet, or 1,454 if you're counting the antenna, it ruled the skyline as the world's tallest building until 1970 when the World Trade Center nudged ahead. As of now, it's still one of the tallest buildings in the city and globally, ranking seventh in NYC, ninth in the U.S., and 54th worldwide. Originally the spot for the Waldorf–Astoria Hotel back in 1893, the Empire State Building's plot saw a dramatic shift when Empire State Inc. grabbed it in 1929 with visions of a record-breaking tower. After 15 design revisions to secure its tallest title, construction kicked off on March 17, 1930, and wrapped up quickly by May 1, 1931. Despite the buzz it created, the Great Depression and WWII meant it wasn't a money-maker until the 1950s. Today, it's more than just an office building; it's a star attraction, drawing millions to its observation decks and recently added indoor observatory. Beyond tourism, it's a cultural symbol, featured in over 250 movies and TV shows since King Kong climbed it in 1933. It's also a yardstick for comparing the height of other structures globally. Recognized as a marvel of modern engineering and a New York City emblem, it's topped lists of America's favorite architecture and earned landmark status both locally and nationally.

Touching the sky has never been just about height. The Wilshire Grand Center in Los Angeles stands as a testament to this, not merely scraping the sky, but weaving into the fabric of urban development and technological innovation. Beyond its impressive stature as one of the tallest buildings in the U.S., it's the story of ambition, resilience, and pioneering spirit. This architectural marvel showcases cutting-edge construction techniques, with a top that defies the traditional spire, marking a new era of skyscraper design. But it’s not just what meets the eye. Its foundation, deeply anchored into the earth, represents the unseen strength and foresight that goes into such grand creations. The Wilshire Grand is more than a building; it's a beacon of sustainability, boasting energy-efficient systems that challenge the norms of high-rise constructions. It’s a hub of commerce, hospitality, and leisure, all while being an integral part of Los Angeles' skyline and identity. As professionals, we can draw inspiration from the Wilshire Grand Center. It reminds us that reaching new heights in our careers isn't just about the accolades or titles. It's about the foundation we build, the innovations we bring to our fields, and the legacy we leave behind. What architectural feat inspires you in your professional journey? Share your thoughts below.

Nicoll Russell Studios Ltd - SUSTAINABILITY Nicoll Russell are involved in a broad variety of projects across Scotland, its islands and in England. Many of these are major projects where sustainability in all its forms is increasingly important. We therefore offer Passivhaus Design inhouse via our accredited Passivhaus Designer Adam Staniland. Adam and our team work alongside others in the practice who have delivered Passivhaus schools, care homes, and have developed proposals for leading zero carbon developments. For more than a year our green group has facilitated learning across the practice via an intensive series of CPD seminars focussed on Passivhaus, EnerPHit, Net Zero and other related subjects. Alongside stage by stage hands on practical examination by some of our architects of building envelopes, retrofit, insulation, membranes and taping via thermal imaging. In the last twelve months we worked on major venues, sports, theatre, residential, retail, church, food and beverage, regeneration, office, visitor attraction, education, conservation, station, transport and infrastructure projects, regularly collaborating with major consultancies and Tier 1 Contractors. With the onset of the New Year what will our next project be? If we can assist you with your project and help realise your sustainability targets get in touch. #regeneration #office #sport #leisure #interiordesign #education #sustainability #retrofit #passivhaus #enerphit #netzero #conservation #retail #foodandbeverage #placemaking #urbandesign #theatre #venue #residential #station #church #visitorattraction #bridge #railway #architect #architecture #bridgearchitect #conservation #conservationarchitect #building #transport #conservationarchitecture #networkrail #nicollrussellstudios

Yesterday, I found myself amongst many others interested in façade construction, and fortunate to be at the Zak World of Façades conference held in London. (Photograph taken outside Old Billingsgate where the event was held on the misty 6 November 2024)   A discussion between Fred Pilbrow (Pilbrow & Partners) and Lloyd Lee (Yoo Capital ) on "The Role of Culture in Contemporary London Regeneration" left me with four insights that I'd like to share: 1. If you’re interested in culture in architecture, you’re lucky if you're working London, which is already an established cultural attraction centre, and continuing to invest in cultural infrastructure like market places, theatres, film studios and conference facilities. 2. In a cultural sphere and projects contributing to the public realm, building shouldn't be designed for a 10-4 opening hours, but hopefully aspire to 24/7 operation. 3. Which connects to how the workforce of today is not the workforce of decades past, and that more is expected from our jobs than a cubicle life with a packed lunch. A workplace that engages with the other necessities of life can also contribute to communication, transparency and learning from mentors. 4. And finally, when you're considering council involvement on a project in the public realm, embrace that you’re automatically in partnership with them and should set out to work that way from the start.    These insights manifest the way Yoo Capital approach cultural projects such as The Camden Film Quarter, Shepherd's Bush Market and Olympia's development and regeneration, which is set to be opening some of its newer doors within the next year! Olympia's façade was later delved into during a later panel discussion between with Olympia Events, SPPARC, Heatherwick studio and Eckersley O'Callaghan.

It’s inspiring to see how creative design can transform these unique spaces into vibrant community centres, arts spaces, and even offices. Each project shows the challenges of balancing preservation with modern functionality, from structural repairs to accessibility adaptations. These efforts highlight the power of sustainable construction approaches in saving cultural landmarks that might otherwise be lost. More insights on adaptive reuse are available in the full article: https://lnkd.in/ehZpnuH9

💡 S7 EP2 - How can we design more sustainable and efficient cities? Underground spaces and urban design is Joyce van den Berg's forte. She plays a vital role in the Netherlands development as Chief Design/Landscape Architect at the City of Amsterdam. Making the transition from a designer into her work in sustainable cities, Joyce has integrated a systems approach to her work. Gain great insights from Joyce: ➡️ How Amsterdam's streets are managed more efficiently ➡️ The innovative Integral Design Public Spaces (IOOR) ➡️ Prioritising themes in the design process ➡️ Better soil management - "what is below the pavement" Don't miss the chance to hear from a world leader, with an excellent eye for design and passion for sustainability! 🎙️ Full episode in the comments

🔹In the design of the Vitry Centre metro station in Paris, only the Fancy Fence system could meet the specific technical requirements, becoming a key element in the integration of technology with urban aesthetics. The designed gate consists of five independent sections that lower into the ground, which can be controlled both individually and collectively. This modular design not only provides flexibility in access control but also allows for adaptation to varying ground heights, which was crucial for this project. Additionally, the system offers the option to open only the central section, which is particularly useful in cases requiring increased access control. 🔹The Vitry Centre station project sets new standards in integrating technology with urban aesthetics, demonstrating how a transfer space can become a significant urban element. The introduction of the Fancy Fence system allows for seamless integration of the station with its surroundings, highlighting the importance of thoughtful integration of practicality with aesthetics in designing modern public spaces.