EME3 is currently seeking projects for their 7th edition of eme3 Festival that will be held in Barcelona from June 28th to July 1st 2012 in COAC (Official Catalan Chamber of Architects) while the exposition will remain open until July 15th. The theme starts from an exploratory analysis of the application of the concept “BOTTOM-UP” in architecture and its relationship with society. In a changing environment like the current, where the foundations of our system are constantly questioned and challenged, a series of actions, which to date had a fairly minor implementation in developed societies, emerge now strongly, relying on creativity and innovation to fight this moment of crisis and uncertainty. The deadline for submissions is April 15th. More information on the competition after the break.
The project of the New York City Theatre, designed by David Vecchi & Emanuela Ortolani, stems from the intent to promote the independent play and recover the pioneer spirit that distinguished Broadway at the beginning. Exhibited in the ESA gallery as part of the Selon du Dessin in Paris, The proposal is for a mixed-use building that, in addition to the main function of theater, welcome inside offices and residences. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Placed in the southern part of the project area in continuity with the ancient church, the proposal for the New Church of Våler by Francesco Fiotti architects attempts to recover not only the orientation of it, but also the memory. Their design makes reference to the boat as a symbol of Christianity that welcomes and protects within it the faithful; the Drakkar as tribute at the exploratory tradition of the Norwegian people. More images and architects’ description after the break.
To combat the harsh reality of the extreme air pollution caused by urban sprawl in Tehran, CAAT Studio proposed building up, locating massive skyscrapers within the city to house masses of residents centrally. Demolishing unimportant old buildings will create space both for the two legs of the large tower, which is connected above ground to create a wide building expanse, and for green space that will make the urban expanse as a whole more livable. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Martin Klaeschen & Carl Ray Miller shared with us their first place winning proposal for the Noble Square Park in the Eckhart Park Design Competition. Their design focused on a donor recognition wall with an earthen mound that would act as both stage and seating for park activities. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Oyler Wu Collaborative, in collaboration with Michael Kalish, shared with us their video, reALIze, which documents the development and fabrication of the 2011 reALIze installation, a tribute to the life and cultural significance of Muhammad Ali. The project is aimed at exposing a new generation to this larger than life character by building an appreciation for the nuanced emotional, aesthetic, and technical principles that collectively form experience – a concept that holds true as much for human persona as it does for architecture.
Located in central Singapore, the top tier business hotel and office in a garden project at Hong Lim Park, designed by WOHA, demonstrates how they were able to not only conserve greenery in a built-up high-rise city center, but multiply it vertically in a manner that is architecturally striking, integrated and sustainable. Undergoing construction with scheduled completion in this year, the project has achieved Singapore’s Green Mark Platinum score, the nation’s highest environmental certification. More images and architects’ description after the break.
PLUSRchitecture – IoannisKarrasArchitectureStudio shared with us their proposal for the Amsterdam Iconic Pedestrian Bridge competition, put on by [AC-CA]. Their concept consists of one single architectural object which, through its morphological simplicity will create a new urban dialogue between man and urban environment. Through the reconsideration of the circular form which clearly symbolizes the unification of the two opposite banks, we suggest an additional urban promenade and a totally new urban recognition, in comparison to the typical straight passing-through connection. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Henn architects recently won the first prize in the invited international competition to design a new sports center in Nantong, China, which is in close proximity to Shanghai. The Nantong Sports Center establishes a hybrid of landscape, public space and athletic functions. As the epicenter of the complex, the 50,000sqm stadium features a 400 m track and seating for 10,000 spectators. Smaller independent sports halls surround the central stadium, interconnected by a diagrid path network which seamlessly links all functions throughout the site. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Rembrand developers, the town of Schijndel and MVRDV recently started construction on the Glass Farm, a multifunctional building in the village square of the small Brabant town of Schijndel. The building, with a total surface area of 1600m2, will contain shops, restaurants, offices and a wellness centre. The exterior is printed glass with the motive of a typical local farm. Construction will be completed in December 2012. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Designed by Michael Labory & Bertrand Schippan to be a city landmark, their proposal for the Amsterdam Pedestrian Bridge is made not only for crossing, but for the city’s life. The tulip, symbol of the Netherlands, turns out to be the evident choice for a city like Amsterdam. Its recognizable shape among thousands becomes the landmark that makes Hermitage a unique destination, an address never to be confused, while offering many activities to the inhabitants. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Located in natural surroundings close to the mountain, river, and wetland in the west south suburb of Beijing, Atelier 11’s proposal for the main pavilion of the Expo aims to create an artificial landscape. Rather than a manmade construction, their design echos the park’s site condition and the Expo’s particular theme. Simplistic form, unique spaces, and flexible planning become elements that both facilitate and influence one another in the overall design. More images and architects’ description after the break.
MenoMenoPiu Architects shared with us their winning proposal in the Classic Siftung Weimar international competition for the New Bauhaus Museum. The building is conceived as an open square at the crossing point of the three main city forces, old and new city and the park, a flexible “object” that allows different activities inside and around it. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Marciano Architecture shared with us their proposal for the ‘Stavia 2012′ competition. Located in Lake Neuchatel, Switzerland, the thin blades of the hotel fit the smooth landscape of the lake to create a suspended, stretched design towards the horizon. The project celebrates the meeting between the landscape of the park and the lake, nature and water, in a staging of the exchange, the pleasure of vacationing. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The Ecole Spéciale d’Architecture in Paris recently announced Los Angeles based, Ball Nogues Studio as the winner of the 2012 edition of the “Pavilion Spéciale” competition in Paris, France. The Pavilion Spéciale is an installation that can be arched and curled at full scale with a small crane to form different types of space for the site. The installation will create a sense of place while providing a respite from the sun and rain. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The 2012 Spring Lecture Series, put on by the architecture department at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art is currently in progress until April 18th. Upcoming lectures include Iain Low, ‘Architecture Week’, in celebration of the new building for the architecture department, featuring Daniel Kelley and Skip Graffam, Timothy McDonald, and will conclude with Pedro Gadanho. For more information on the lectures, including specific dates, times, and locations, please visit here. The lecture poster can be viewed after the break.
The first prize winning proposal in the competition for a new cancer counseling center by EFFEKT, in collaboration with Hoffmann and Lyngkilde, is designed as a cluster of seven small houses around two green outdoor spaces. Each house has its own specific function and together they form a coherent sequence of different spaces and functions such as a library, kitchen, conversation rooms, lounge, shops, gym, and wellness facilities. More images and architects’ description after the break.
As an attempt to translate the history and dignity this space possesses, the design proposal for the New Våler Church by Martina Engblom & Ragnar Eythorsson presents visitors with an upraised monolithic structure, calling attention to what lies underneath to create a space for reflection. In calling attention to its existance, or lack there of, the substructural remains of the old church becomes the presumption for the new church. More images and architects’ description after the break.
