Earthitects’ Post

What are your favourite blogs on urbanism, placemaking, and otherwise inventive use of space, place and people in our cities? #urbanism #placemaking #innovation #blogs #magazines #recommendations #architecture #design Photo by Marek Lumi on Unsplash

Our Urban Renewal ✡️ Journey in Jerusalem Behind Jerusalem's iconic String Bridge in the Kiryat Moshe neighborhood stands an elegant residential building that could easily be mistaken for a heritage structure. While the building itself isn't designated for preservation, something equally valuable is - the distinctive urban character of this unique district. As high-rises emerge around it, this particular building and its adjacent row have been thoughtfully designated for moderate vertical expansion of 6-7 residential floors above ground level. Our design incorporates a green roof, creating an urban oasis that offers residents a village-like atmosphere while being just moments away from Jerusalem's bustling center. Experience the perfect blend of urban convenience and pastoral tranquility - a rare find in today's rapidly developing cityscape. #ArchitectureRestoration #HistoricPreservation #JerusalemArchitecture #SustainableDesign #RealEstateInnovation #InternationalStyle #UrbanRenewal #HeritageConservation #ModernLiving #ArchitecturalHeritage #UrbanPlanning #ArchitecturalVisualization #SustainableArchitecture

The Elegant Brutality of the City Atrium. As the world’s population continues to rise, the solution lies in building upwards. Our concept represents the potential of vertical urbanism, where cities evolve vertically to accommodate growing populations without compromising on openness, green spaces, and community needs. Neo-brutalism finds its elegance in the unadorned and the raw. The city atrium becomes a focal point of this architectural expression, where the stark beauty of exposed concrete is complemented by life, creating a magical and welcoming space. #verticalurbanism #neobrutalism #futurecities #urbanretreat #sustainablearchitecture #smartbuilding #urbaninnovation #greenurbanism #highrisefuture #ecoarchitecture #urbanrefuge #brutalistdesign #architecturalharmony #citysanctuary #futurevisions #ianfulgar #futurism #atrium

The Elegant Brutality of the City Atrium. As the world’s population continues to rise, the solution lies in building upwards. Our concept represents the potential of vertical urbanism, where cities evolve vertically to accommodate growing populations without compromising on openness, green spaces, and community needs. Neo-brutalism finds its elegance in the unadorned and the raw. The city atrium becomes a focal point of this architectural expression, where the stark beauty of exposed concrete is complemented by life, creating a magical and welcoming space. #verticalurbanism #neobrutalism #futurecities #urbanretreat #sustainablearchitecture #smartbuilding #urbaninnovation #greenurbanism #highrisefuture #ecoarchitecture #urbanrefuge #brutalistdesign #architecturalharmony #citysanctuary #futurevisions #ianfulgar #futurism #atrium

🌍Observations from the field🌍 What makes a place truly vibrant, livable, and full of life? 🤔 Is it the people and density? 🏙️ The balance between public and private spaces? 🏡 The functions and uses at a pedestrian level? 🚶♂️ Or maybe it's how buildings cast shadows over public spaces on a warm summer day? 🌞 Could it be the history and heritage embedded in a place? 🏛️ Without a doubt, it’s a combination of all of the above! 🙌 But what fascinates me the most is how these beautiful, livable places have evolved over centuries. ⏳ Thanks to our respect for heritage, history, and the people, we get to enjoy them today. 🌿 How can we keep building heritage for the next generations to come? #UrbanDesign #Placemaking #CityLife #Architecture #SustainableDesign #Heritage #PublicSpaces #PeopleFirst

We are developing an urban landscape draft with the goal of harmoniously blending modern elements while honoring local cultural values, creating a modern and sustainable city. This design focuses on maintaining a balance between green spaces and architecture, using natural materials such as wood, stone, and bamboo to create a connection with the surrounding environment. Terraced pools, Koi ponds, and winding pathways are skillfully integrated to naturally create communal and private spaces. The landscape is enriched with diverse types of greenery, improving the living environment and fostering a close connection with nature. Typology: Masterplan Size: 51.000 m2

I am currently visiting Haarlem, the Netherlands. One of my favourite buildings is this beautiful cottage, located in the Vijfhoek neighbourhood. It was built ~350 years ago, seems to be a functional dwelling, and with ongoing maintenance, it should last for centuries more. My question is, do you find this home beautiful? And, would you live there? For me it's yes and yes! When Vitruvius, the Roman military architect, wrote De Architectura, he said that buildings must have Firmitas (built to last), Utilitas (must be useful), and Venustas (must be beautiful). These simple principles (in my view) were definitely applied to this charming home. I find that many modern buildings forget these basic Vitruvian principles, I.E. the design lacking a mindset to last graciously and usefully for say 500+ years. It's understandable. The current demands for seemingly endless code and regulatory compliance, building for right now's utilisation and technology, cost minimisation, short-term profit maximisation, and to maximum allowable volumes/ areas seems to often result in today's buildings that won't always be useful, won't last and lack enduring beauty. It would be hard to argue that this 350 year old building isn't/ wasn't built sustainably. This building will have needed ongoing maintenance, periodic rejuvenation and occasional renovation to adapt over the centuries. However, it stands the test of time. My call out is: If you really want to show off your "green" kahunas, build buildings that last and will still be loved in 500 years. Thank you for your time. #sustainability #architecture #green #building #500years #Haarlem #Vitruvius

🏞️ Escadinhas Footpaths: Revitalizing Matosinhos' Hidden Urban Spaces 🌿 Architect: Paulo Moreira Architectures, with Verkron 📍 Monte Xisto, Matosinhos https://lnkd.in/ddZ45ZAW The Escadinhas Footpaths project showcases how low-budget urban interventions can breathe new life into neglected spaces. Situated in the hilly neighborhood of Monte Xisto, this network of pedestrian footpaths links the community to the serene banks of the River Leça. By blending architecture, art, and nature, the project highlights the potential of small-scale efforts to create meaningful social and environmental impact. 👷 Restoring Urban Connections A multidisciplinary team of architects, local builders, and artists rehabilitated the iconic Rua das Escadinhas steps, an unusual urban feature that connects the upper and lower levels of Monte Xisto. The steps were repaired, and a new boundary designed as benches offers a place for rest, further encouraging pedestrian use. Further along, an old ruin was rebuilt into a peaceful seating area, reconnecting the site to its natural surroundings and inviting residents to engage with their environment. 💡 Small-Scale, Big Impact Supported by the Bairros Saudáveis initiative, Escadinhas Footpaths demonstrates the power of thoughtful, low-cost urban revitalization. These interventions have transformed forgotten corners of the city into communal gathering spaces, restoring the area’s original charm while enhancing its accessibility. This project, promoted by INSTITUTO and supported by InResidence/Ágora, proves that even modest urban improvements can create lasting value for both residents and the environment. 🌳

Port City Gardens, an ambitious project by PWA Architects that was shortlisted in a competitive selection, was led by architects Ravi and Gayan, with design guidance from Architect Philip and design support from Kavindu Kularatne. The project reimagines modern tropical living, drawing inspiration from Sigiriya’s ancient urban planning. The master plan blends classical garden design with contemporary urban life, aligning villas along a central axis to optimize ocean views and connectivity, while seamlessly integrating communal spaces and pedestrian networks. PWA’s design emphasizes sustainability and ecological balance, incorporating passive cooling, strategic shading, and green belts to refine the microclimate. The villas, set within verdant landscapes and tranquil water features, foster a sense of community and environmental stewardship. Port City Gardens exemplifies future-oriented urban tropical living, rooted in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, and sets a new standard for eco-conscious development in the region. #PortCityGardens #PWAArchitects #ModernTropicalLiving #SustainableArchitecture #EcoConsciousDevelopment #SigiriyaInspired #SriLankanArchitecture #GreenLiving #UrbanPlanning #OceanViewVillas

Ever notice how certain suburban homes seem to transcend time, effortlessly blending modernity with comfort? The house in this image demonstrates exquisite use of materials. Light-colored siding and dark wooden accents create a warm yet sophisticated palette. One couple's feedback on a similar project revealed that these choices not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also necessitate low maintenance—truly merging beauty with practicality. Interestingly, the U.S. green building market is expected to be worth $99.8 billion by 2023, emphasizing eco-friendly choices. How do you see materials influencing future suburban architecture? Let's chat about it!