Open Plan: The Latest Architecture and News

The Greenland Zhengzhou Towers are unbuilt towers designed by Brininstool, Kerwin and Lynch in 2010. According to the architect description, the unique forms are “rooted in cultural influence, in which the massing is identifiable with the mountain formations found outside of Zhengzhou. The expression is balanced between historical symbolism and contemporary innovation.”

With an area that exceeds 6.5million square feet, this massive mixed-development was proposed to house a variety of programs, including office space and a five-star boutique hotel that occupies the top floors of the shorter tower on the south site.  BKL was involved with the design of the complex on all scales, from the site considerations the lighting design of the hotel units.  In addition to the typical hotel amenities afforded by luxury hotels (ballrooms, lap pools, spa, fitness center, etc.), the complex is decidedly Eastern, with meditation gardens and outdoor terraces. More after the break.

Mexico-based Rojkind Arquitectos shared with us their project ‘High Park’, a 13,000 sqm mixed use building in Monterrey, Mexico. More images, a video, and the architect’s description after the break.

The following projects were selected by insulation specialist Saint-Gobain Isover as the eight shortlisted projects for the UK final of the Multi-Comfort House Competition. The competition produced many interesting solutions to the problem of urban development and energy efficient construction for high rise buildings.

Read on for more informations and images from the shortlisted projects.

When we stopped by Steven Holl’s office in New York, Senior Partner Chris McVoy spoke to us about the firm’s latest project in Hangzhou – an International Tourism Complex. The firm has a growing presence in China and, arguably, some of the team’s strongest works (such as their Linked Hybrid and Horizontal Skyscraper) are situated throughout the region. With their most recent win, the firm will redevelop the site of the oxygen and boiler plants in Hangzhou to create a master plan comprised of residential and cultural components.

More about the project, including an video with McVoy, after the break.

SO?, an Istanbul-based architecture office shared with us their mention winning competition proposal for a Concert Hall, Art Center, and Municipality Building for Ankara, Turkey. See more images and architect’s description after the break.