Anthony Laney, AIA’s Post

When designers stretch material capabilities to the limit, one must respect the law of physics. Some Gothic cathedrals stretched stone capabilities to the limit and used every detail, including decorative elements, for structural function. A Pinnacle is an element used at the top of the flying buttress in gothic architecture. The structural function of the pinnacle is to add compressive stress (pinnacle weight) to shift the thrust downward instead of sideway and contain the stress.

Alum Peyman Office Center Seeking an object that symbolizes the company's activities and captivates the audience has led us toward diverse geometries and various materials. Among all the alternative models, we opted for the one with significant contrast with the main framework of the space.  Regarding manufacturing, due to the inadequate construction facilities, we tried to take innovative, self-invented approaches to address the needs of this project. As for the material, the skeleton is made of iron and metal mesh. Plaster is used to form the model. Finally, aluminum plates have formed a modular geometry throughout the outer layer of the surface. #architecture #interiordesign #officedesign #parametricarchitecture #parametricarchitecture #aluminum

If metal fabrication is an art, then the metal fabricator is the artist. ✨💫 At Metalight Façades ,we transform ordinary sheets of metal into extraordinary works of art. #facadeengineering #metalight_façades #Alexform #perforated_metal_sheet #perfection_is_perforation #architecture #architecturalmetal

Introducing Limassol Del Mar - a symphony of sinusoidal elegance, where concrete and steel become fluid waves, innovatively designed to mirror the gentle undulations of the endless Mediterranean vistas that extend from every luxurious aspect as far as the eye can see. Photography: spyroshoundphotography #udsarchitects #architecture #design #architecturedesign #architecturelovers #architect #architectural #cyprus #limassol #architecturecyprus

This architectural design is unique because it integrates an unconventional combination of organic and geometric forms. The central pyramid-like structure made of what appears to be hewn stone gives a nod to ancient construction techniques and monumental architecture, serving as a solid foundation from which the rest of the building emanates. Surrounding this are glass-enclosed volumes that seemingly float, defying traditional expectations of support and structure. This combination of stone with transparent elements creates a dialogue between the enduring and the ephemeral. The cascading waterfalls add movement and a sensory experience, which, together with the reflective water body, doubles the visual impact of the architecture. This design manages to be both a sculptural statement and a functional living space, merging the boundaries of art and architecture in a captivating way.

Tollway art and architecture play a significant role in enhancing the aesthetics of infrastructure design. Tollways are not just functional but can also be visually appealing and culturally significant. Art in tollways can include sculptures, murals, mosaics, or other artistic elements integrated into the tollway's design. These artistic features can reflect the local culture, history, or natural surroundings, adding a unique touch to the infrastructure. Architecture in tollways involves the design of toll plazas, bridges, tunnels, and other structures along the road. Architects can blend functionality with aesthetics, creating structures that are not only efficient but also visually striking. The use of innovative materials, shapes, and lighting can transform tollway structures into landmarks. By incorporating art and architecture into tollway design, infrastructure projects can become more than just roads; they can become cultural landmarks that enrich the travel experience and contribute to the beauty of the surrounding environment. #ArtisticInfrastructure #ArchitecturalDesign #TollwayAesthetics

🌀 The Enigmatic Staircase of Loretto Chapel: A Marvel of Engineering and Mystery 🌀 In the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico, stands a structure that has baffled engineers, architects, and historians alike for over a century—the miraculous staircase of the Loretto Chapel. This architectural masterpiece not only showcases exquisite craftsmanship but also embodies a tale that blurs the lines between the divine and the domain of advanced engineering. Constructed in the late 1870s, the Loretto Chapel's spiral staircase is a marvel of design, featuring two complete helixes, without a center column for support. Its origin story adds to the intrigue: when the chapel was completed, there was no way to access the choir loft, and conventional solutions were deemed unsuitable. Legend has it that after a novena (prayer for nine consecutive days), a mysterious carpenter appeared, offering to build the staircase. He worked alone, using minimal tools, and upon completion, vanished without a trace, leaving behind a structure that defies conventional engineering wisdom. What makes the staircase even more fascinating is its construction. It was built with no nails, only wooden pegs, and, originally, lacked handrails. It's said to be made of a wood type not native to the region, adding layers to the mystery. This staircase not only stands as a testament to the chapel's rich history and cultural heritage but also challenges our understanding of historical construction techniques. It prompts us to question the limits of traditional engineering and architectural methods and the possibilities that lie beyond. As professionals in the fields of engineering, architecture, and history, how do we reconcile such anomalies with our modern understanding? Does the staircase at the Loretto Chapel inspire us to look beyond conventional wisdom and explore the unexplained with an open mind? Let’s discuss the intersection of religion, mystery, and engineering principles. How can understanding and exploring historical anomalies like this inspire innovation in our work today? #engineering #architecture #history #mystery #innovationinconstruction #lotettochapel

You think good architecture is expensive, don't you? Try giving bad architecture a shot and reap the 'inexpensive' benefits. P.S. - The artist/architect has taken a decent approach while painting/architecting this landscape. Crayons + creativity and of course, KISS! #architecture #kiss #keepitsimplestupid #humor

"When it comes to lifting CLT panels during the assembly stage, we prioritize efficiency and aesthetics. While slings are commonly used for heavier elements, they can leave holes in the CLT, impacting the visual appeal of the exposed surfaces. Architects understand the importance of preserving the visual impression of CLT structures, which is why alternative solutions are sought to maintain the integrity of the design. We strive to balance functionality and aesthetics in every project, ensuring that the beauty of CLT remains uncompromised", our CEO Dusan Milutinovic shares some behind-the-scene facts in timber construction. #CLT #Construction #Innovation

On the IE University campus in Segovia, a group of researchers from IE University, Princeton University, and the Università degli Studi di Bergamo built an unreinforced masonry structure called innixAR that demonstrates how digital technologies can enhance craftsmanship. This pavilion explores the intersection between the latest augmented reality (AR) innovations and 4D funicular design to allow vault craftsmen to build masonry structures without the need for physical guides and costly temporary moulds. The project led by the architects Wesam Al Asali and Sigrid Adriaenssens is composed of three curved vaults that use fixed wooden ribs for support. The construction uses the technique of Guastavino tile, which uses quick-setting plaster and lightweight terracotta pieces to create thin compression structures. The form was created using an innovative 4D funicular design method developed at Princeton University. This method uses a sequence of assembly and restricted form-finding to generate compression-only structures. In this case, inspired by the study of vernacular vault construction. Here, they worked closely with Salvador Gomis Aviño, an expert in vault construction from Valencia with 20 years of experience in his trade. #blessedarch #architecture #design #ar #augmentedreality