General Projects’ Post

Read my story on the Cooltoren in the latest issue of Inside Rotterdam.

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

Beaulieu: Harmony between Demolition and Conservation   Atenor and AG REAL ESTATE in collaboration with the BMA Brussels are delighted to present a real estate initiative designed by a2o, VELD and Kollektif Landscape for their project Beaulieu.   This challenging development for residential housing balances demolition and preservation. The southern bays of the building retain the original architectural elements, while the northern bays benefit from new openings and volumes. The atrium is transformed into an interior street. Vis-à-vis between dwellings is avoided thanks to an ingenious double orientation.   The residential typologies are diversified, with adaptable programming for flats, offices, and co-living spaces.   The building's post-modern architecture has been reinterpreted with brick accents, giving it an attractive residential character. A large bicycle storage area on the ground floor provides easy access to the future urban boulevard.   This development is highly praised for its coherent integration of constraints and its adaptive reuse approach. We look forward to seeing this initiative contribute to a sustainable and dynamic urban future.   #AdaptiveReuse #Preservation #Sustainable #DynamicUrbanFuture

Faster urban sketch analysis How has Amsterdam created its own city branding? In Amsterdam, every corner tells a story—a story of culture, and connectivity. The city's architecture theme isn't just about buildings; it's a living canvas that shapes its identity and branding. From the historic canals to the building skyline, Amsterdam's architectural heritage is the backbone of its narrative. Each building, with its unique design and history, contributes to the city's brand as a vibrant and inclusive destination. But it's not just about preserving the past; it's about leveraging it to create memorable experiences. Public spaces, meticulously curated and designed, invite locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the heritage of city. And the iconic waterways—the veins of the city. These meandering pathways not only offer scenic views but also serve as conduits for exploration, connecting people to Amsterdam's history. So, whether you're strolling across pedestrian-friendly bridges or admiring the gabled rooftops from a canal boat, Amsterdam's architectural tapestry is more than just a sight to behold—it's a reflection of a vibrant brand waiting to be discovered. #Amsterdam #CityBranding #Architecture #Heritage #Sketch

Excited to share my research article, "Trafalgar Square, London: Norman Foster's Urban Redevelopment Masterpiece" on Urban Design Lab. This article tackles urban development strategies, objectives, and challenges that balance historical preservation and modern urban design in Trafalgar Square, the historic heart of London. Foster's sensitive approach preserved Trafalgar Square's architectural integrity, as well as its symbolic and cultural significance. Since then, the square has served as a model for urban redevelopment projects around the world, demonstrating how a thoughtful and multidisciplinary approach can revitalize historic urban spaces. #urbandesign #urbandevelopment #historicalpreservation #urbantransformation #urbandesignlab #TrafalgarSquare #Norman_Foster #urbanandregionalplanning #urbanplanningstudent #urbanplanninganddesig #landscapearchitecture #city #development #planning #architectural #landmark #community #architectureproject #architecturehunter #cityplanning #placemaking #masterplan #academics #publicspacedesign

📈Ever wondered how Florida’s skyline has changed over the years? Here’s a look back at Florida’s tallest buildings and the architectural marvels that defined each period: 🔹1925 – Freedom Tower At 289 feet, Miami’s Freedom Tower became an early symbol of resilience, known for its Mediterranean Revival style and historical significance. 🔹1984 – Southeast Financial Center It rose to 764 feet, becoming a landmark in Miami’s financial district with its sleek, modernist design 🔹2003 – Four Seasons Hotel Miami This 789-foot tower redefined luxury in Miami, blending hotel and residential spaces with stunning city views 🔹2017 – Panorama Tower At 868 feet, Panorama Tower set a new record for height and is still Florida’s tallest residential and mixed-use building! 🔹2027 – Waldorf Astoria Miami (Under Construction) Coming soon! The Waldorf Astoria Miami will stand at 1,049 feet, ready to become the tallest and most futuristic addition to Florida’s skyline These buildings aren’t just tall — they’re snapshots of Florida’s growth and architectural innovation. Stay tuned for more milestones in the Sunshine State’s ever-evolving skyline! #structuralengineering #construction #constructionprofessionals #floridaconstruction #floridarealestate #buildingdesign #buildingahouse

🔹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.

👷♂️ Community Little Hulton has teamed up with Architecture Unknown Ltd to regenerate The Peel Park Pavilion using low-energy design and local people to create one of the greenest buildings in Salford. The £950,000 project, which has been constructed by the local community, will boast a vibrant new community space with a park café, offices, meeting rooms and a BMX pump track. Read more 👉 https://lnkd.in/gdk-fNEX 📸 Architecture Unknown #GreenSpace #Sustainability #SustainableDesign #Salford #GreaterManchester

🌟 Exploring the Iconic Woodward's 43 in Vancouver 🌟 Standing tall at 122.3 meters, Woodward's 43, also known as W43 or simply the W Building, is a striking example of modern urban design in the heart of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. This mixed-use skyscraper seamlessly blends residential, commercial, and community spaces, redefining the skyline and the spirit of the neighborhood. The W Building is more than just its height and architecture—it represents a vibrant hub of activity and a symbol of revitalization for this historic area. Its innovative design combines cutting-edge engineering with thoughtful urban planning, creating a space where people live, work, and connect. We at Hingeneering Consulting draw inspiration from projects like W43, which showcase the power of engineering and architecture to transform communities. Here's to shaping cities where innovation and inclusivity thrive! What are your favorite examples of transformative urban design? Let’s discuss in the comments! 👇 #Architecture #Engineering #Vancouver #UrbanDesign #Innovation

Beautifully restored Union Terrace Gardens, #Aberdeen’s central green space, is a RIBA Journal cover star 📷 The story makes for a great read, setting the scene before LDA Design was commissioned to bring life back to the Gardens. As LDA Design Director Rory Wilson explains, our brief from Aberdeen City Council was to reimagine the park but respect its historic nature, as well as create a green heart for the city and open it up as a venue for public events. Our first move? To get the people of Aberdeen involved, to find out their hopes and concerns and to help them to fall in love with the space all over again, and to believe in its potential. There's interesting detail here which reveals some of the complexities of making UTG more welcoming and accessible. Key moves included better connecting the park to street level, creating a public plaza that acts as a new gateway, and making the grand staircase into the Gardens – 69 steps over six flights that were steep and difficult to use – more accessible. Our proposal allowed for the steps to be re-laid using the original stones on the same axis but over a deeper area to reduce the incline, making a much more leisurely and comfortable experience. A new embankment-height accessible route now weaves between, providing a gentle route to the lawns. There are details too about the three new pavilions by architects Stallan-Brand which are inspired by the city’s trams and are designed to draw people to the Gardens from day through to evening. Engineering and lighting design by Arup. In short, “The project hits every necessary aspect of the brief and recreates Union Terrace Gardens for the better and the long term.” Here, here! 👏 Have a read of May's issue (subscription): https://lnkd.in/dZGZdqw Rory Wilson Kirstin Taylor Joanne Walker RIBA #landscapedesign #parks #landscapearchitecture #architecture #greeninfrastructure #placemaking #poweroflandscape #wellbeing #community