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Space Group: The Latest Architecture and News

Call for Entries: The 33rd Space Prize, Warmth in Architecture / Humanity

The 33rd Space Prize for International Students of Architectural Design

Theme
Warmth in Architecture: Humanity

Thoughts on the theme
Architecture is about creating space for human beings. The efforts self-evident and no one would doubt would raise a question on its endeavors. But modern architecture is engrossed in its functionality; presenting all its aspects it further gives way to amazing forms and efficiency in lieu of fundamental architectural value. Therefore, criterion for judgement for its success and failure relies on data and eye-opening exterior forms. Architecture slowly become a machine which has no warmth and introspection. No, rather it strives to resemble a machine.
Breakthroughs

"Forms of Freedom: African Independence and Nordic Models" - The Nordic Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2014

From the Curators. The exhibition at the Nordic Pavilion has been titled FORMS OF FREEDOM: African Independence and Nordic Models. The exhibition explores and documents how modern Nordic architecture was an integral part of Nordic aid to East Africa in the 1960s and 1970s. The resulting architecture is of a scope and quality that has not previously been comprehensively studied or exhibited.

"Forms of Freedom: African Independence and Nordic Models" - The Nordic Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2014 - Image 1 of 4"Forms of Freedom: African Independence and Nordic Models" - The Nordic Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2014 - Image 2 of 4"Forms of Freedom: African Independence and Nordic Models" - The Nordic Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2014 - Image 3 of 4"Forms of Freedom: African Independence and Nordic Models" - The Nordic Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2014 - Image 4 of 4Forms of Freedom: African Independence and Nordic Models - The Nordic Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2014 - More Images+ 16

Proposals for Statoil's Norway HQ from OMA, Foster + Partners, Snøhetta and More

Norwegian energy corporation Statoil has revealed proposals for a new corporate headquarters from the five architecture firms that were shortlisted last October: OMA, Foster + Partners with Space Group, Snøhetta, Wingårdhs, and Helen & Hard with SAAHA. The competition--announced in September of 2013--called for a project that would "take into consideration a number of new measures in the region regarding public transport, parking, roads and other types of infrastructure." The winner will be announced in April/May.

Statoil hasn't disclosed which project belongs to which firm, but the ArchDaily editors have had some fun trying to put a name to each model. What do you think? Let us know your guesses in the comments!

Ruten Competition Winning Proposal: 'Lysning' / Space Group + Superunion Architects

Ruten Competition Winning Proposal: 'Lysning' / Space Group +  Superunion Architects - Image 5 of 4
Courtesy of Space Group + Superunion Architects

Designed by Space Group + Superunion Architects, their winning proposal for Ruten competition reflects the city of Sandnes’ development and establishes Ruten as a natural center and Sandnes as a future city with strong roots and a proud local history. The proposal, titled ‘Lysning’, consists of a ring that connects and creates the new transport hub and public space below for an attractive unifying roof. As the Central Park in New York was built before the Manhattan grid was condensed around it, Ruten has remained as a buffer in the urban development in anticipation of something bigger. More images and architects’ description after the break.

Space Group Completes Lexington Master Plan

Space Group Completes Lexington Master Plan - Image 10 of 4
© Space Group

Space Group, based out of Oslo, Norway, recently completed the master plan for Lexington, Kentucky’s new Arena, Arts and Entertainment District. Beating out 13 other architectural firms, the 46 acre development will incorporate a basketball arena, convention center, performing arts center, school of the arts, offices, retail shops and housing. A unique aspect that was incorporated was the distinctive compactness of the existing downtown area and its proximity to residential neighborhoods. In order to accommodate predicted future growth, Space Group conceived a strategy that mirrors the footprint of the existing downtown district and projects it along an axis in line with the Rupp Arena. More info after the break.

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Silencio / Space Group + Brisac Gonzalez

Silencio / Space Group + Brisac Gonzalez - Image 8 of 4
Night View © LUXIGON

A few days ago, we shared C. F. Møller Architects‘ winning entry for the Kristiansund Opera and Culture Center entitled Kulturkvartalet. This project shares its joint first place prize with Oslo based architecture and design office Space Group + London based Brisac Gonzalez. The team of Space Group and Brisac Gonzales have designed a 15, 000 m2 opera and cultural house with a 600-seat auditorium, library, cultural facilities, restaurants and a youth center. ”Our strategy is threefold: a full refurbishment of the building skin, an upgrading of the structure, and an extension of the top floor with roof terrace. The ground floor is conceived as a living room, with spaces for music, newspapers, studying, playing. The café opens graciously to Kongensplass – an urban garden,” explained the team.

More images and more about the winning proposal after the break.