Global Design News’ Post

At NPU, we're more than just event venue specialists. We're architecture nerds at heart, fascinated by the stories woven into the very fabric of our iconic heritage sites. So when we heard about the Sharjah Architecture Triennial, our hearts skipped a beat. This exciting exhibition is a celebration of innovative design and technology, showcasing the unique perspectives and hidden gems of the global south. It's a chance to delve deeper, beyond the familiar voices and solutions, and discover the ingenious ways people thrive in the face of scarcity. With its theme, "The Beauty of Impermanence: An Architecture of Adaptability," the Triennial shines a light on the creativity and resourcefulness that blossom in challenging environments. It's an optimistic exploration of how we can build a more sustainable, accessible, and equitable future, learning from the wisdom of the past and embracing innovative solutions for the present. From time-tested traditions to cutting-edge technologies, the Triennial showcases the nuanced hybridity that is essential for shaping our future. It's a reminder that the most beautiful and inspiring solutions often emerge from unexpected places, and that the global south has a wealth of knowledge and stories waiting to be discovered. We hope that this post inspires you, too, to celebrate the beauty of impermanence, explore the possibilities of adaptive design, and discover the hidden gems that await us in the vibrant world of the global south. https://lnkd.in/gXHg_JZm

In architecture anything is possible.

"Embracing tradition with a modern twist! Aedas' Al Bahar Towers captivate with a responsive facade inspired by Islamic design. The Al Bahar Towers, designed by Aedas, boast a cutting-edge responsive facade that combines architectural ingenuity with environmental sustainability. Comprising 2 geometrically striking towers in Abu Dhabi, the facade features a dynamic shading system inspired by traditional Islamic mashrabiya screens. These responsive panels automatically adjust throughout the day, optimizing solar exposure while minimizing heat gain and glare. The system not only enhances energy efficiency but also creates a visually captivating interplay of light and shadow, echoing the region's cultural motifs. Aedas' innovative approach not only showcases aesthetic brilliance but also addresses the practical challenges of climate control, exemplifying a harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity in architectural design. The Al Bahar Towers stand as a testament to sustainable, adaptive architecture in the heart of the UAE. #architecture #construction #civilengineering #civilengineer #construction #civilconstruction #mechanicalengineering #engenhariacivil #engenharia

The rapid architectural development of the UAE in recent decades has entirely transformed the perception and vision of cities and improved the living conditions of the indigenous population. The presence of Zaha Hadid, a revolutionary architect, who opened the way for signature architecture in the Middle East with her Sheikh Zayed Bridge in Abu Dhabi, has been fundamental in the Middle Eastern landscape. Read the full article The dune in the desert by Ivan Parati.

"Embracing tradition with a modern twist! Aedas' Al Bahar Towers captivate with a responsive facade inspired by Islamic design. The Al Bahar Towers, designed by Aedas, boast a cutting-edge responsive facade that combines architectural ingenuity with environmental sustainability. Comprising 2 geometrically striking towers in Abu Dhabi, the facade features a dynamic shading system inspired by traditional Islamic mashrabiya screens. These responsive panels automatically adjust throughout the day, optimizing solar exposure while minimizing heat gain and glare. The system not only enhances energy efficiency but also creates a visually captivating interplay of light and shadow, echoing the region's cultural motifs. Aedas' innovative approach not only showcases aesthetic brilliance but also addresses the practical challenges of climate control, exemplifying a harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity in architectural design. The Al Bahar Towers stand as a testament to sustainable, adaptive architecture in the heart of the UAE. #architecture #construction #civilengineering #civilengineer #construction #civilconstruction #mechanicalengineering #engenhariacivil #engenharia

Hello friends! "Architecture is a visual art, and the buildings speak for themselves." - Julia Morgan Julia Morgan's perspective resonates with the essence of integrating traditional architectural elements into modern designs, especially in a city like Dubai. Buildings like the Burj Khalifa and the Burj Al Arab become eloquent expressions, blending modernity with traditional influences, creating a visual narrative that speaks to the cultural richness of the region. "Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness." - Frank Gehry Frank Gehry's words reinforce the importance of capturing the spirit of the present while incorporating enduring qualities. In Dubai's architectural landscape, the incorporation of intricate lattice work in modern office buildings not only adds a touch of cultural identity but also provides functional benefits, embodying the idea of architecture speaking to both its contemporary context and a timeless aesthetic. In conclusion, the integration of traditional architectural elements into modern designs in Dubai aligns with the wisdom of renowned architects like Julia Morgan and Frank Gehry. It becomes a harmonious dialogue between the past and the present, creating a visual language that speaks of cultural pride, aesthetic richness, and a commitment to sustainability. Iconic buildings in Dubai stand as living examples of this fusion, showcasing the coexistence of progress and tradition in the architectural legacy of the city. I would love to read your thoughts on it.... #FrankGehry #architecturedesign #Fusiondesign #Opinions

The Evolution of Mosque Architecture in Qatar: Blending Heritage with Innovation #5 Shift to Contemporary Interpretations Additionally, new large contemporary mosques in Qatar are the pet projects of some of the world's top architects, including Pritzker Prize winners. Designing a mosque is now potentially as influential as designing an airport, a museum, a university, a sports stadium, or any iconic public structure. With this shift, there's also increasing evidence of the transnational flow of Islamic aesthetics and identities. Full utilization of contemporary technology has allowed for newer interpretations of traditional design elements. For example, we now witness experiments with architectural features hidden behind glitches in scale and mass, in the scale of individual elements and proportions, in facing systems, as well as the use of screens and specialized lighting bringing in more tectonic compositions. Each carefully considered gap, folded, or elongated shadow, hollow, or texture creates a unique identity for these structures. Such a reinterpretation goes well beyond the traditional styling of the mosque. Today, in Qatar, mosque architecture has witnessed a gradual departure from traditional designs. Mosques are now viewed as part of a larger urban narrative, integrating the traditional and the modern, and touching upon a range of styles, theories, philosophies, and elements of design. New mosques express the synthesis of rationalism and pluralism, tradition merged with innovativeness, which is also integral to the Qatari identity. They speak of the interplay and dialectics of the new—be it in form, aesthetics, or technology—with old cultural and social activities. Such construction bears not just a religious or spiritual meaning but also a social and political meaning. Additionally, many large new mosques being constructed (or which have been recently constructed) make use of a variety of construction materials, including concrete, glass, and steel, in innovative ways.

‘A circular wooden structure with a diameter of 700 metres is under construction off the coast of Japan …Architect Sou Fujimoto….has designed the wooden ring as a contemporary interpretation of traditional Japanese timber construction, such as that used to construct the Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto.’ If you have visited Japan you will have seen the high quality craft skills they have developed over the centuries utilizing timber as a primary building material, partly so their buildings can ‘flex’ as Japan is effected by earthquakes. A few years ago I taught a Japanese student who served his apprenticeship under a Master Furniture Maker who worked exclusively for the office of the Japanese Prime Minster. His skill level was amazing. One of the elements of this article was the temple in Kyoto which reminded me of one conversation I had with this student who said he was related to a family in its sixth generation of temple builders. If you like a personal challenge look up Japanese Dovetail joint and have a go at marking out and cutting one. It does seem impossible but with patience and practice you will make one. Tip - I advise you use a fine toothed Japanese dovetail pull saw. As for the Wooden Structure I look forward to visiting it after completion. #architecture  #interiorarchitecture #interiordesign #interior #construction #timberconstruction #timberengineering #civilengineering #projectmanagement #quantitysurveying #costmanagement #constructionprojectmanagement #structuralengineering https://lnkd.in/ep3Tb_cg

In the Middle East, architects are increasingly turning to a blend of ancient and modern design techniques to combat the sweltering temperatures and annual summer heat while still promoting sustainability. By integrating traditional Islamic architectural elements like courtyards, wind towers, and shaded alleyways with contemporary building technologies, we can create more energy-efficient structures. For one, the Dubai International Financial Center's Grand Mosque employs perforated panels reminiscent of traditional mashrabiyas to shield buildings from the sun, and Masdar City utilizes elevated areas and natural wind patterns for cooling. With this fusion of old and new, the goal is to design buildings that harmonize with the harsh climate, ultimately fostering more sustainable urban environments. #uaearchitecture #islamicarchitecture #sustainabledesign #sharpminds #abudhabi