HASTINGS’ Post

Navigating Architectural Discourse: Tradition, Rebellion, and the Digital Evolution In the realm of architecture, the clash between traditionalism and modernism is not just a debate about aesthetics; it's a reflection of broader societal tensions, historical legacies, and cultural revolutions. King Charles's advocacy for traditional architectural principles, epitomized by Poundbury, has ignited a fervent debate that spans generations and ideologies. The historical context of architectural critique cannot be ignored. King Charles's denouncement of modernist projects, such as the proposed addition to the National Gallery, evokes memories of past controversies, including the Palace of Whitehall commissioned by Charles I. The rejection of certain architectural styles often transcends mere aesthetic preferences; it symbolizes power struggles, cultural identity, and societal values. The 1980s witnessed a confluence of radical philosophies and architectural experimentation, amidst the backdrop of the digital revolution. While traditionalists like King Charles championed timeless design principles, the punk movement and avant-garde architects rebelled against convention, challenging the status quo and questioning the very essence of architectural truth. In this tumultuous landscape, architecture became more than just physical structures; it became a battleground for competing ideologies and narratives. The digital revolution added another layer of complexity, blurring the lines between reality and virtuality, tradition and innovation. Science, technology, and art converged in a quest for meaning and relevance in an increasingly complex world. Yet amidst the chaos, there remains a longing for authenticity and cultural continuity. King Charles's vision for Poundbury, with its emphasis on community, heritage, and sustainability, resonates with those who seek refuge from the relentless march of progress. However, his critics argue that such nostalgia risks stifling creativity and diversity, relegating architecture to a mere reflection of past glories. As architects navigate this multifaceted landscape, they grapple with existential questions about their role in society. Are they mere servants of tradition, guardians of the past, or agents of change, catalysts for innovation? Can architecture transcend its material form to address deeper societal issues, from inequality to environmental degradation? In the end, the debate over architectural styles is not just about aesthetics; it's about identity, values, and aspirations. King Charles's legacy, whether celebrated or contested, reminds us of the enduring power of architecture to shape our lives and our world. As architects, we must embrace diversity, dialogue, and dissent, recognizing that the true beauty of architecture lies not in its conformity to tradition, but in its capacity to inspire, provoke, and transform. #ArchitectureDebate #TraditionVsInnovation #ArchitecturalIdentity #CulturalRevolution

Mental health in the architecture community Read Full Article>https://ow.ly/l6XY50QJIvr A term used to refer to housing and shelter, architecture and design are associated with designing spaces that improve the overall quality of daily human life and experience. As such, it has become an encompassing tool that can shape the social, emotional, and economic aspects of human life. #urbanplanning #urbandesign #construction #landscapearchitecture #interior

"The ultramodern architecture bubble has burst. Today, in much of the world, new public buildings are no longer designed by the ‘starchitects’ who dominated in the late 1990s and 2000s, including Zaha Hadid, Herzog & de Meuron, Rem Koolhaas and Frank Gehry. Cities are no longer filling with vaulting, flowing, gooey, non-orthogonal buildings engineered through advanced computing power. Architecture has been hit by a new sobriety. Tradition, apparently, is back. The reaction against ultramodern architecture arrived slowly at first, but accelerated with the financial crash of 2008, as the world economy and many political systems became increasingly unsteady. Amid this apparent chaos, the stability of neoclassical architecture was advocated from the very top. In 2020, the United States president Donald Trump signed an executive order advocating ‘classical’ architecture, including ‘beautiful’ traditional styles such as Greek Revival, Gothic, Georgian and neoclassical. This followed the British Conservative government appointing the late philosopher Roger Scruton to head a 2018 commission ensuring that new housing would be ‘built beautiful’, which Scruton made clear meant ‘traditional’. Even earlier, in 2014, the Chinese president Xi Jinping issued an edict demanding an end to ‘weird architecture’ in China – likely a reference to buildings such as Guangzhou’s curvaceous Opera House (designed by Hadid), the gravity-defying cantilevers of Beijing’s CCTV headquarters (by Koolhaas/OMA) or the nearby ‘bird’s nest’ Olympic Stadium (by Herzog & de Meuron and Ai Weiwei). Also in Beijing, the traditional alleyways known as ‘hutongs’, many of which were swept away by the Olympics in 2008, have been carefully restored over the past few years as tourist attractions. And in the European Union, particularly Germany and Poland, projects of historical reconstruction – the kind that, in a previous decade, might have involved ultramodern non-orthogonal CGI-optimised arts centres – now feature new traditional-style buildings with gables and pitched roofs, set along winding lanes." https://lnkd.in/dN6rVUpp

Whimsical Metaphors: Hans Hollein's Architectural Collages The Vienna-based architectural magazine Bau: Magazine for Architecture and Urban Planning, during its transformative period between 1965 and 1970, represented a radical departure from conventional architectural discourse. Under the editorial leadership of influential figures like Hans Hollein, Walter Pichler, Günther Feuerstein, and Oswald Oberhuber, Bau became a platform for avant-garde ideas that transcended the boundaries of traditional architecture, delving into the realms of art and politics. In the groundbreaking 1968 issue of Bau, Hans Hollein provocatively declared "Everything is Architecture," challenging the rigid confines of pre-war modernist architecture. This bold assertion sparked a paradigm shift, urging architects to reconsider their role in society and embrace a more holistic approach to design. The magazine itself was a departure from the norm, resembling a glossy fashion publication rather than a conventional architectural journal. Its creative use of advertising and vibrant imagery, drawn from a diverse range of sources including art, urbanism, and popular culture, set it apart from its contemporaries. One of Hollein's most iconic collages, depicting a traditional city juxtaposed with a towering high-rise made of Swiss cheese, epitomized this innovative spirit. In a contemporary reinterpretation, the Swiss cheese high-rise transforms into a square bar of Ritter Sport chocolate, with its corner playfully deconstructed and scattered throughout the city at a smaller scale. The metaphorical link between modern architecture and Swiss holey cheese, and its whimsical replacement with chocolate, serves as a humorous commentary on our cultural predicament. It highlights the absurdity of rigid architectural conventions and celebrates the potential for creativity and playfulness in the built environment. Today, as we navigate a world dominated by technological giants like Uber and Amazon, Hollein's assertion that "Everything is Architecture" takes on new meaning. Contemporary art and architecture have the power to comment on and critique our evolving cultural landscape, challenging us to rethink our assumptions and embrace innovation and diversity in all its forms. In this light, the playful reinterpretation of architectural symbols becomes not only a source of amusement but also a catalyst for critical reflection. By subverting traditional notions of space and form, contemporary artists and architects invite us to question the status quo and imagine new possibilities for the future of our cities and society at large. #WhimsicalMetaphors #HansHollein #ArchitecturalCollages #BauMagazine #ViennaArchitecture #EverythingIsArchitecture #ContemporaryArt #CulturalCommentary #HumorousAnalysis

Beyond the Glass Box: Architectural Innovation in Modern Skyscrapers We continue to move beyond the era of dull glass boxes. Visionary architects are breaking away from traditional designs, introducing non-linear observation decks and cascading waterfalls of greenery that redefine urban landscapes. Büro Ole Scheeren's latest project in Shenzhen is a prime example of this trend. His innovative design transforms the concept of a high-rise into a scenic masterpiece that not only offers stunning views for those inside but also creates an inviting resting place for the passing eye. Other notable examples include: - MAD architects' One River North in Denver: A breathtaking structure that incorporates nature seamlessly into its design. - Foster + Partners' The Star in Hollywood: A striking building that combines modernity with organic forms. It's fascinating to witness what mature architectural minds can dream up, pushing the boundaries of creativity and functionality. This latest trend continues to captivate and inspire, offering new perspectives on urban living and design. Read more here: https://loom.ly/nRIVov0 #architecture #design #construction #realestate

What is the effect of architecture on our mood, brain and wellbeing? As we embark on creating new developments, the importance of architecture cannot be overstated. Renowned designer Thomas Heatherwick warns of a crisis in the construction industry, citing a pervasive trend toward boring architecture. He believes this monotony isn't just uninspiring but actively harmful, likening the psychological deprivation of boring buildings to the physical effects of starvation. Heatherwick’s insights, backed by cognitive research, reveal how our built environment profoundly impacts our moods and mental health. He emphasises that our brains crave complexity and fascination, much like the restorative effect of nature. This need for engaging architecture is supported by the Kaplans' Attention Restoration Theory, which highlights the cognitive benefits of natural environments. Heatherwick criticises the industry's focus on internal spaces at the expense of exterior design, arguing that buildings' exteriors shape the daily experiences of countless passers-by. Furthermore, he highlights the environmental impact of short-term architectural thinking, with vast amounts of carbon emissions and frequent demolitions contributing to a significant ecological footprint. To humanise our urban spaces, we must prioritise both aesthetic appeal and long-term sustainability. Heatherwick calls for "thousand-year thinking" in architecture, where emotion is recognised as a vital function. It’s time to move beyond the notion that "less is more" and embrace designs that truly enrich our lives. Read the full article to explore Heatherwick’s compelling vision for the future of architecture and how we can create developments that inspire and endure. What do you think? Is boring bad? https://lnkd.in/d76bDtqc #Architecture #UrbanDesign #Sustainability #EnvironmentalImpact

BKK's Cirqua Apartments have made the Architizer Journal's list of buildings contributing to Melbourne’s cultural capital status. “Architecture should not be about objects. Good housing is about the space between, where we live, the spaces we inhabit.” - Simon Knott BKK Architects has a long history in residential design, passionate about how people occupy space and the impact good design has on quality of life. We worked with the macro, city-scale developing an Urban Design approach to the site, capitalising on the rich context of Ivanhoe East to deliver an integrated, connected housing design. We understand human scale design detail and user experience. Getting these aspects right is critical to the success of these living environments along with the ability to deliver fit for purpose and appropriate housing that enhances the resident’s quality of life though good design. BKK Architects believes in a human-centric approach, focusing on community and social outcomes. This shift doesn't dismiss aesthetics but moves beyond the architect’s ego, prioritizing spaces that benefit the community. At BKK Architects projects like Cirqua Apartments reflect our commitment to community-building and better social outcomes, ensuring vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable cities. Photography - Peter Bennetts #Architecture #CommunityBuilding #BuildToRent #ForeverHome #MelbourneArchitecture #CulturalCapital #BKKArchitects #Architizer https://lnkd.in/e6yZkEgB

I came across this insightful article from ArchDaily, shedding light on how neon lights shape architectural spaces. It's beyond the narrow association of neon with commercial signage; it's about embracing its potential for creating modern yet nostalgically infused spaces. A fusion of science, aesthetics, and history makes neon a fascinating element in contemporary architecture. #NeonLights #Architecture #DesignInnovation

One of my favorite columns to write for Urban Land is on emerging design firms, and this time is no exception: "Design firms led by Gen X and Gen Y principals are coming into their own in an era of aging cities and industrial parks, rising housing costs, increasing wildfires and floods, continuing urban sprawl, and the lingering dominance of the automobile. The 10 firms profiled here, led by men and women in their 30s and 40s, have responded creatively to these challenges, devising cost-effective approaches to the designs of residences and green spaces, shortening construction times by deploying prefabricated structures, and transforming brownfields for community use." Sibley Fleming Brett Widness asap/ adam sokol architecture practice Argeniz Martínez González Latent Design Corporation Katherine Darnstadt Ishtiaq Rafiuddin Klara Opatrilova KOGAA FRPO Pablo Oriol Wittman Estes Matt Anderson SO – IL Lorena Darquea GO'C Landing Studio Daniel Adams Marie Law Adams, AIA TERREMOTO LANDSCAPE David Godshall Jennifer Jones #architecture #Commercialrealestate #design

Framework Friday / The Valley Architects: MVRDV System: Schüco International KG Technical Brochure: https://lnkd.in/e8qfUJCv Goedemorgen (again) LinkedIn, Grab your morning brew and join me in drooling at another glazing marvel that underscores why I cherish the architectural glazing realm so deeply. Today, we're venturing into the ambitious and visually striking project known as The Valley, situated in the vibrant heart of Amsterdam's business district. This project underscores the breathtaking potential of mixing modern design with natural elements, a blend that has always resonated with me. The Vision: The Valley is not just a building; it's a vertical village that integrates residential, offices, and retail spaces in a spectacularly tiered arrangement. This multi-use complex was designed with the idea of creating an urban oasis, where the lines between natural landscapes and urban living are beautifully blurred. The mission: To encapsulate vast, irregularly shaped glass facades that not only challenge architectural norms but also promote an immersive experience in comfort and style. The Engineering Marvel: The complex geometry of the glass panels, some tilted and others flat, required precise engineering to ensure structural integrity and aesthetic grace. This is a testament to how cutting-edge technology can transform an architectural vision into reality. The Outcome: The Valley stands as a testament to innovative design and engineering prowess, where each tier offers a unique view of the bustling city below while maintaining a serene, garden-like atmosphere. It's a place where the community can thrive amidst green terraces and cascading water features, all enveloped in a transparent veil that invites daylight into every corner. This project is more than just a structure; it’s a dynamic habitat that redefines urban living, marrying the essence of nature with the sophistication of modern architecture. #FrameworkFriday #ArchitecturalGlazing #StructuralGlazing #Glass #Glazing #Facades #Facade #FacadeEngineering #Schuco #Shueco #InnovationInGlass #Fenestration #WindowsAndDoors