Pablo van der Lugt is an architect, author and speaker. His research focuses on the potential of materials such as bamboo and mass timber for the construction sector, and their positive impacts on the world. “Throughout my professional career both in university (including my PhD research on the carbon footprint of engineered bamboo and wood) and industry the past 15 years I have found there are many misconceptions about these materials which hamper their large scale adoption. For this reason I ‘translated’ my research findings into two contemporary books for designers and architects about the potential of bamboo: Booming Bamboo, and engineered timber: Tomorrow’s Timber. They aim to dispel these myths and show the incredible potential of the latest generation of biobased building materials in the required transition to a carbon neutral, healthy and circular built environment.” We recently had the opportunity to talk with him about these topics. Read more below.
The Potential of Bamboo and Mass Timber for the Construction Industry: An Interview with Pablo van der Lugt
Palicourea House / BLOCO Arquitetos
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Architects: BLOCO Arquitetos
- Area: 650 m²
- Year: 2021
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Professionals: Pórtico Empreendimentos, Fonte Solar, Fluxus
Applying Bricks to Facilitate a Sustainable Project
Generally made from kiln-fired clay, it is estimated that bricks have been used since 7000 BC, as examples were discovered in the ancient city of Jericho. Since then, bricks have been omnipresent in the history of architecture, combining constructive ease, aesthetics and comfort. Nowadays, with the growing concerns around the environment and the larger impact of materials used and decisions taken on a project, there are ways to modernize an ancient material such as brick through a few updates to its manufacturing process, making it even more eco-conscious. Brick can already be considered a sustainable material because of its durability and recyclability, but there are ways to further improve it. The new project for the headquarters of the food manufacturer Danish Crown, under construction and developed by CEBRA office, is a good example of how to apply this product in a more sustainable way.
Vibrant Intervention by The Urban Conga and Hive Public Spaces Sends Love Notes to Long Island City
The Urban Conga has collaborated with HIVE Public Space and Long Island City Partnership on a new urban intervention titled "Ribbon", a vibrant and interactive installation for people to connect, share, and learn about each other's experiences in Long Island City, New York. Each unit includes kinetic pieces that rotate, reflecting the surrounding context and revealing different love notes written by locals to the city.
House PMJ 2.0 / An Schoenmaekers
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Architects: An Schoenmaekers
- Area: 188 m²
- Year: 2021
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Manufacturers: Wienerberger
European Artist and Architects Propose Eight Designs for the First European Pavilion at the Venice Biennale
EU Pavilion, a research practice exploring the relationship between architecture and European institutions, presents eight proposals for the first European Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. European architectural and artistic practices were invited by curators Anna Livia Friel, Marco Provinciali, Benjamin Gallegos Gabilondo, Nicolò Ornaghi and Francesco Zorzi to reimagine the national pavilion, the defining spatial and symbolic paradigm of the Biennale. The speculative project aims to explore architecture’s potential in supporting the European project and helping define the identity of this culturally diverse transnational organization.
Discover Lebanese Architecture With These 7 Design Firms
Lebanon is known for its millenary culture, and Lebanese architects are a part of it, using their projects to communicate with the environment and with the current challenges in architecture. To celebrate Lebanon’s Independence Day on 22 November, we have selected seven offices to learn more about contemporary Lebanese architecture.
Building History: How the Old War Office was Reimagined as a New London Landmark
The Grade II listed Old War Office building has been reimagined in central London. As a new destination for the city and rebranded as The OWO Residences, 85 homes are available in the Old War Office, which has been closed to the public for over a century. EPR Architects are working to restore and convert the building into residences and the first Raffles hotel in London.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library / Mecanoo + OTJ Architects
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Architects: Mecanoo, OTJ Architects
- Area: 39600 m²
- Year: 2021
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Manufacturers: Saflex
Cap Leeuwin Mixed-use Development / Marjan Hessamfar & Joe Vérons architectes associés + Moon Safari
When Nature and Architecture Become One: A Conversation with Dara Huang
Transcendentalist philosophers have long shared the idea that humans and nature are equal forces that should coexist in harmony. The notion has since expanded to the architecture world, with Frank Lloyd Wright shedding light on the term “organic architecture” as early as the 1900s. In recent years, driven by an increased interest in living closer to nature, architects continue to delve into the concept of integrating interior and exterior, blurring out visual and physical boundaries to bring landscapes indoors.
In Sky-Frame’s latest film, part of the series “My point of view”, a conversation with architect Dara Huang explores this notion, questioning how architecture can merge nature, sustainability and lifestyle within its form, without relying on more technology or materials to do so.
Marea House / Rieuldorang Atelier
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Architects: Rieuldorang Atelier
- Area: 100 m²
- Year: 2020
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Professionals: SDM Partners, Manbul Construction
Private Ye San Po Holiday Homes / PaM Design Office
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Interior Designers: PaM Design Office
- Area: 250 m²
- Year: 2021
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Professionals: Jing Lin Yu Shu
Guomangyuan 20# Ferry Hall Reconstruction and Lougne Suit Custom Store / FANAF
Pintasan Saloma Bridge / VERITAS Design Group
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Architects: VERITAS Design Group
- Area: 370 m²
- Year: 2020
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Manufacturers: A&E Steel Solutions, Axalta, JS Aluminium Extruder, K3 Metal Service, Nippon Paint, +2
Roo-Dar-Roo House / Gera Studio Architects
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Architects: Gera Studio Architects
- Area: 250 m²
- Year: 2020
TheatreSquared / Marvel
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Architects: Marvel
- Area: 50000 ft²
- Year: 2020
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Manufacturers: David Weeks Studio, Delta Millworks, Kawneer, Kirwin and Simpson, Pablo Lighting, +1
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Professionals: Silman, Jim Conti, Code Consultants Professional Engineers, Dharam Consulting, Baldwin & Shell