Michael Firsich, CPP, CPSM’s Post

Last Thursday we presented our research and design studio 'The (Un)Common Room' at Rotterdamse Academie van Bouwkunst. Very excited to share that we will kickstart next week with a full house of 12 enthousiast architecture and urbanism students! So what is our studio all about? Current trends such as demographic shifts, the growing need for circular resource use, the scarcity of building plots, and rising real estate prices present significant densification challenges in Dutch cities and abroad. These challenges call for inventive housing types where reduced individual space is balanced by greater privacy within the home, alongside new forms of shared collective spaces between dwellings. In the coming decades, the next generation of urbanists and architects will act as “spatial directors,” navigating the complexities of urban transformation while creating livable connections between the larger urban scale and the most individual interior spaces. In assuming this role, it is crucial to recognize that designing the bridging ‘in-between’ spaces is far from value-free. Studies of historical collective housing schemes reveal that while some have proven resilient, others have failed over time. In our studio, we will explore and grasp the conceptual essence of robust collective housing typologies. We will dive deeply into the concept of ‘territorial depth’ – or the spatially configured relationship between the public street and the private apartment. We will also grasp the added value of various types of ‘in-between’ spaces. And furthermore, we will investigate what happens when successful collective housing types are relocated to a new, vacant plot within the Rotterdam Metropolitan Area. Inspired by Pieter de Hooch’s 17th-century paintings or Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window scenography, we will capture resilient urban an architectural qualities in eye-level snapshots, taken from private interiors in 1:33 scale model settings. Tutors: Koen Pauwels & Glenn Lyppens Tutors communication: Karin Borghouts (photography) & Arthur De Keyser (modelling) Stay tuned the upcoming months, we will definitely share the process and results! image: "Cardplayers in a Sunlit Room" by Pieter de Hooch (1658) #collectivehousing #territorialdepth #urbandesign #urbanism #architecture #theuncommonroom #studio #education i.s.m.architecten Karin Borghouts

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

CHARMING POSTMODERN ARCHITECTURE? Aldo Rossi's postmodern masterpiece, the Quartier Schützenstraße, is a bold and polarising statement against the bland uniformity of contemporary urban design. Composed of several interlinking yet visually different buildings, the complex sports a confusing mix of garish colours, neoclassicism and postmodernism. Similar to Rossi's other famous buildings, its unique character challenges our preconceptions about what architecture can be. While most seem to find it a tad too unconventional, I for one believe it's a valuable addition to Berlin's architectural landscape. It serves as a great antidote to the ubiquitous glass facades which are cropping up all over our city centres all over the world. Like Potsdamer Platz round the corner, for instance. What are your thoughts on this polarising piece of architecture? #architecture #postmodernism #berlin #design #urbanplanning

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

This project amazingly combines advanced engineering with urban design. Its management requires careful planning and coordination between disciplines, but effective risk management and stakeholder engagement are key to its successful execution. #awp #leanconstruction #workfaceplanning #advancedworkpackaging #constructionmanagement

Acme site visit today "The Haydon: A Brutalist Overture in Urban Grey" The Haydon emerges as a formidable symbol of new brutalism, transcending the conventional notions of urban architecture. A defiant presence in the cityscape, it challenges the dominance of steel and glass, opting for a distinctive shade of grey that evokes strength without the austerity of concrete. Its exterior, a masterpiece in itself, boasts a fusion of industrial might and artistic finesse. Perforated folded screens weave a mesmerizing tapestry between expansive sheet glass, effortlessly concealing every joint and corner. In this intricate dance of materials, The Haydon transcends mere construction; it becomes a sculptural homage to defiance and resilience. The architects' bold choice of grey, far from mundane, paints The Haydon with a unique character. It's a hue that resonates with the city's heartbeat, capturing the essence of modernity with a touch of rebellion. This isn't just a building; it's a visual symphony, an ode to brutalism's rugged elegance. As the curtain wall stretches skyward, it becomes a tangible metaphor for the metaverse. The perforations, like digital portals, hint at unseen realms beyond. The Haydon isn't just a structure; it's a gateway to architectural transcendence, inviting inhabitants to step into a realm where form meets the futuristic. In this fusion of strength, subtlety, and symbolism, The Haydon stands tall—a living, breathing testament to the evolution of urban aesthetics. #TheHaydon #BrutalistElegance #ArchitecturalMetaverse #UrbanInnovation #ModernismRevived ACME London

Wide Open Spaces: The Secret Places in Architectural Races 🧐 Space is a crucial element in architecture. This wide-open landscape of Manchester made me reflect on how open spaces can evoke a sense of freedom and community! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Architectural design often focuses on the tangible—the walls, the roof, the materials. But the space within and around these structures is just as important, if not more so. Space shapes our experiences, influences our emotions, and dictates how we interact with our environment and each other. In Manchester, for example, the vast open areas provide a rest point from the urban hustle, offering a place for people to gather, relax, and breathe. These spaces foster a sense of community, encouraging social interactions and communal activities. They also provide a canvas for events, markets, and festivals, turning a simple area into a vibrant hub of activity. As architects and designers, we must remember that our work is not just about creating buildings but also about shaping the spaces around them. These spaces are where life happens, memories are made, and communities grow. So, the next time you're exploring a city or working on a project, pay attention to the spaces in between. They might just be the most important part of all. ✨ #Architecture #UrbanDesign #OpenSpaces #CommunityPlanning #ArchitecturalDesign #UrbanDevelopment #PublicSpaces #Manchester #ArchitectsOfLinkedIn #DesignMatters #WellBeingByDesign #BuildingCommunity #SpaceMatters

One of my favourite patterns from Christopher Alexander’s famed work "A Pattern Language" (1977) is #112: Entrance transition. It has been a while since I have last read this book, but this is one principle from it which has always stuck with me - perhaps because it is so common to see it violated, especially in modern apartment bocks (laughs). Alexander observes that the experience of entering a building influences the way that one feels inside it. Often we find a complete lack of a transition between an entrance and a street, or one which is much too abrupt: doors open directly off of the street, or maybe you walk off a sidewalk, perhaps follow a wide open path along a driveway or some dilapidated bicycle parking, and all of a sudden you just appear directly in front of an entrance door for all to see. Front gardens can become wonderful transitional spaces. Below are some illustrations of a carefully considered entrance transition in a recent house project in Hamar. Here a graceful transition between the street and the inner rooms is established in an entrance garden, where one is first welcomed by sheltering plants into an intimate outdoor room partly enclosed with recycled glass blocks and open to the sky. There is a change in ground material underfoot, a change in the character of the light, a change in view, and most of all a change in sound and atmosphere inside this tranquil space, where the opportunity is created for one to adjust from public behaviour and collect oneself before one enters the private domain that is the home. It would also be a lovely space in which to hang out outside in the spring or summer and think, without being forced to interact with eager neighbours (smile). Alexander’s ideas were often criticized as being too traditional or «romantic» by contemporary modernists, but his explanation is simple and is in my opinion still insightful: these patterns are not a matter of style; it is rather simply the case that traditional buildings often embody much more insight into basic psychological needs and care for the finer experiential qualities of space than many modern buildings do. #design #architecture #biophilic #bolig #houseideas

Unrolling the Blueprint: Shigeru Ban's Architectural Alchemy Welcome back to "Unrolling the Blueprint," where today we explore the artistry of Shigeru Ban, an architect who masterfully transforms everyday materials into architectural marvels. Ban's approach is an alchemy of sorts, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary with designs that are as innovative as they are elegant. Ban is perhaps best known for his ingenious work with paper and cardboard, but to focus solely on the materials would be to miss the essence of his vision. His designs, characterised by a seamless blend of function and form, invite us to reconsider the very foundations of architecture. The nature of his work lies not in the materials themselves but in how they are transformed and utilised to create dynamic and harmonious spaces. One of the hallmarks of Ban's architecture is its transcendent simplicity. His buildings, including the iconic Curtain Wall House and the serene Metz Pompidou Center, are studies in clarity and minimalism. They challenge our expectations, using transparency and open spaces to dissolve the barriers between inside and out, between structure and surroundings. Ban's architectural signature can be seen in the Nomadic Museum, a space as adaptable as it is striking. His ability to manipulate light and shadow, to play with the juxtaposition of private and communal spaces, speaks to a deeper understanding of how humans interact with their environment. In Ban's work, there is a profound respect for the aesthetic potential of structural elements, which often remain exposed, becoming integral to the visual experience. This design choice is not merely practical but a deliberate celebration of the structural artistry at the heart of his buildings. Shigeru Ban stands as a luminary in the world of architecture, not because he chooses unconventional materials but because he sees the inherent beauty in simplicity and the potential for materials to speak. His work is a reminder that at its best, architecture is a blend of innovation, intuition, and, most importantly, a deep respect for the space and those who will inhabit it. Join us as we continue to roll out the blueprints of those architects who defy the ordinary, crafting not just buildings but legacies of design. #UnrollingTheBlueprint #ShigeruBan #ArchitecturalArtistry #DesignLegacy

Denver's skyline is evolving with buildings that look like they've been carved by nature itself, blending urban living with the great outdoors. 🌿 #Biophilic design, inspired by humans' innate connection to nature, takes root in #Denver's architecture. The city's new One River North apartment tower features a dramatic "canyon" cutting through its facade, terraced balconies, and even a waterfall. Meanwhile, the Populus Hotel boasts an exterior mimicking a grove of aspen trees, #Colorado's iconic natural symbol. These nature-inspired designs aren't just for show. They aim to enhance residents' well-being by bringing elements of the natural world into urban spaces. However, realizing these visions requires innovative #engineering solutions. From prefabricated panels creating canyon-like walls to specially designed concrete mixes for tree-inspired facades, these projects push the boundaries of traditional #construction techniques. The trend extends beyond individual buildings. The Denver Art Museum's "Biophilia: Nature Reimagined" exhibit showcases how designers across various disciplines incorporate natural elements into their work, from furniture to kinetic sculptures. As cities become denser, biophilic design offers a way to maintain our connection to nature. It's not just about aesthetics - biophilic design transcends that. It's about creating urban sanctuaries that satisfy our deep-rooted connection to nature, even amidst the concrete jungle. TL;DR #1 - Biophilic design, inspired by human connection to nature, is emerging in Denver's architecture #2 - One River North features a "canyon" facade, while Populus Hotel mimics aspen trees #3 - These designs aim to enhance well-being by bringing nature into urban spaces #4 - Innovative engineering solutions are required to realize these complex biophilic designs #5 - The trend extends beyond buildings, as shown in a Denver Art Museum exhibit on biophilic design #BiophilicDesign #UrbanArchitecture #DenverSkyline #NatureInspired #InnovativeEngineering