In the coming decades, it seems inevitable that architects will increasingly focus on renovations and rehabilitations –especially in established urban centers–, whether to modernize outdated structures or adapt to new uses and demands by contemporary society. A main challenge when executing these types of projects is obtaining a truly reliable working base, including accurate and true-to-life 3D models. Conducting surveys can be a herculean task, requiring extensive hours or days of on-site work and considerable effort to organize and interpret the collected information, often resulting in data that lacks adequate precision.
To simplify these processes, technological advancements have provided a solution: site surveys based on point clouds and 3D scanning, which have the potential to revolutionize the design process. Point clouds are collections of millions or billions of individual measurement points on the surface of objects, which can be obtained through laser scanners, drones, or 3D cameras. Each measurement point contains X, Y, and Z coordinates, as well as other optical properties (reflectance, color). Multiple scanning positions are registered (stitched) to create point clouds of an entire scene, which can be loaded into virtually any CAD platform for standard fieldwork.
Flat and polished surfaces tend to evoke feelings of coldness and sterility, while raw, natural materials can create a sense of warmth and connection. Textures can trigger memories and emotions, connecting us to past experiences and the sense of touch. In the seminal book "The Eyes of the Skin", Juhani Pallasmaa emphasizes the importance of sensory perception in architecture and objects beyond sight, particularly the role of touch and texture in shaping our experience. According to Pallasmaa, contemporary culture, influenced by technology and visual media, has overemphasized the visual aspect of spaces, neglecting other senses, especially touch, which is vital for understanding and appreciating the surrounding environment.
Greenhouses are elegant and ingenious structures that incorporate simplicity in design while creating light-filled spaces that shape indoor climates. With walls and roofs composed mainly of transparent or translucent materials, these structures harness solar energy to create a controlled environment. As advances in materials and environmental management progress, they can seamlessly be integrated into architectural designs, offering innovative solutions that blend functionality with aesthetics. Beyond their original role in plant cultivation, they have evolved into projects that emphasize sustainability, education, and conservation. At their core, they offer experiences of exploration and discovery, showcasing the intricate relationship between sunlight, plants, and indoor environments.
At first glance, Dorte Mandrup's design for the Wadden Sea Center seems to mimic the landscape. Its low height, its horizontal lines and, above all, its materiality make it a modern building in perfect harmony with the local nature. But its connection also encompasses the built heritage of the region, more specifically because of its covering with straw, harvested and dried close to the land. This is an extremely traditional and historic building technique, but which is rarely attributed to contemporary buildings. In this article we will rescue some of the history of this natural material, its constructive characteristics and some examples of use.
As we observe closely spaced parallel lines at a specific angle, we may be deceived by the illusion of a continuous or three-dimensional surface, although they are, in fact, individual lines. This phenomenon arises from the brain's natural tendency to simplify and seek visual patterns, interpreting the proximity of the lines as indicative of a unified ceiling. This illusion is often exploited in suspended ceiling architecture, where successive slats, when viewed at an angle, create the impression of a solid ceiling. This approach not only reduces the use of materials and keeps the infrastructure above the ceiling accessible, but also provides more surfaces for noise absorption, significantly improving the acoustic environment.
Double skin façades: Almost a self-explanatory name for façade systems consisting of two layers, usually glass, wherein air flows through the intermediate cavity. This space (which can vary from 20 cm to a few meters) acts as insulation against extreme temperatures, winds, and sound, improving the building's thermal efficiency for both high and low temperatures. Perhaps one of the most famous examples of double-skin facades is Foster+Partners' 30 St Mary Ax Building, "The Gherkin."
The airflow through the intermediate cavity can occur naturally or be mechanically driven, and the two glass layers may include sun protection devices.
Bricks are part of the collective imagination when thinking about construction. These are elementary, ubiquitous, modular, light, and reliable materials for erecting buildings. However, traditional ceramic block manufacturing relies on burning clay in kilns at high temperatures, often powered by non-renewable fossil fuels such as coal or natural gas. Furthermore, the transportation process significantly increases its environmental footprint, as the materials are heavy and bulky. In light of this, there is a growing interest in alternative construction materials that offer a lower environmental impact and greater sustainability. Soil cement bricks –or Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks– are a good example of an existing alternative, as they have a smaller environmental footprint due to their use of local raw materials and the elimination of the burning process, while maintaining many of the intrinsic qualities of traditional bricks.
Unlike the air, the temperature in the subsoil varies very little during the year or according to geographical position. A few meters below the surface, the ground temperature is between about 10 to 21°C (50 to 70°F) depending on the region. Dig deeper, and the temperature increases between 20 to 40 degrees centigrade per km, reaching the Earth's core, which approaches 5000 °C. In fact, thinking about how we inhabit a sphere that is orbiting through space with a glowing center can be distressing for some. However, it may be helpful to learn that using Earth's forming energy to generate electricity is a sustainable and efficient way that is already common in some countries. At the same time, we can also take advantage of the mild temperature found a few meters under the ground to acclimatize buildings, whether in hot or cold climates.
Cortesia de SolarLab, Photo by doublespacephoto.com
Autonomy and freedom during the design process are invaluable resources for architects, especially when defining a volume and choosing materials, systems, and solutions for a building. The flexibility of these elements must not only promote their harmonious integration within a structure but, above all, allow architects to incorporate them without the need to change their initial concepts. This design freedom becomes even more crucial in the context of facades, specifically in building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) facades. This is due to the unique challenge of incorporating the energy capture function into the design of the building envelope, simultaneously demanding adaptation to the designer's aesthetic preferences and effective performance, as well as the entire infrastructure for capturing and transporting energy.
"If the cement industry were a country, it would be the third-largest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world, with about 2.8 billion tons, surpassed only by China and the United States." This statement in Lucy Rodgers' BBC report on the ecological footprint of concrete stands out as quite shocking. With more than 4 billion tonnes produced each year, cement accounts for around 8 percent of global CO2 emissions and is a key element in the production of concrete, the most manufactured product in the world. To give you an idea, about half a ton of concrete is produced per person in the world every year, enough to build 11,000 Empire State buildings. With these huge numbers, is there any way to reduce this impact?
Hotel renovations today transcend mere improvements in guest comfort or alignment with prevailing design trends. A major demand currently facing the industry is the need to respond to the growing wave of environmental awareness and embrace sustainable development objectives. The requirement to address sustainability is driven by a growing social awareness of environmental issues. Guests and stakeholders are increasingly advocating for sustainably certified structures, achieved through eco-friendly installations and innovative solutions, such as green roofs, eco-friendly materials, and innovative facades. This sustainability-driven shift benefits the environment and promises long-term savings in water and energy costs for hotels. Specifically in the case of hotels, improving the efficiency of hot water equipment can make a large difference in hotel management, as this generally represents a huge expense and waste of energy.
Public spaces, whether indoors or outdoors, public or private, are characterized as places for encounters, opportunities, and exchanges of ideas or goods, and ultimately, they are a key part of a city's identity. However, with the rise of the internet and social networks, many of these functions have migrated to the virtual environment or lost some of their relevance. In addition, we experienced a setback in in-person relationships during the long period of isolation that accompanied the pandemic. Faced with these challenges, architects are confronted with the fundamental question of how to revitalize these crucial spaces for society, while understanding their vital importance. Can design be the key to reviving public spaces? How can we make places that are both everyone's and no one's truly comfortable?
Naturalis Leiden - Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Netherlands | Fastmount™ Panel Mounting. Image Cortesia de Fastmount
Highly desirable in contemporary projects, seamless surfaces symbolize the search for a unified and uninterrupted visual experience, without any noticeable gaps or interruptions. This simple and clean aesthetic demands meticulous attention to detail, emphasizing precision in craftsmanship and execution to achieve an immaculate and flawless finish.
For a small child, understanding the concept of time and its passage is very difficult. As a result, children are often impatient when expecting something or confused when trying to remember something from the past. They live in the present, and learn the notion of time only little by little. But accepting the passage of time, and the reality of aging, is something that plagues us even as adults. The lucrative cosmetic and plastic surgery industries show how humanity seeks to control or deny the passage of time, an urge that has proved to be relentless.
The global housing crisis generates a wide range of challenges, from those who are in situations of homelessness, to the realities of millions who face unaffordable housing conditions, overcrowding, and excessively high rents. Tackling this involves political will, the union of the state and private companies, and innovative solutions that prioritize accessibility, sustainability, and government mechanisms that enable a functioning system. Amongst all of these factors though, one thing is certain: we need to build massively in the future to improve the housing situation. The implementation of efficient construction methods, such as prefabrication and modular construction, can speed up the creation of affordable housing units, reducing construction costs and timeframes. Adopting green building practices, such as using recycled materials and designing energy-efficient structures, not only contributes to sustainability but minimizes long-term operating expenses for residents.
The Almost Invisible School / ABLM arquitectos. Image Cortesia de ABLM arquitectos
The referential of movement, which describes the variation in an object's position and velocity according to the observer's perspective, is one of the fundamental concepts of physics. This idea not only influences the understanding of movement in physical systems but can also be analogously applied in other areas, such as architecture, where the different perspectives of users can shape their experiences and interactions with built space. Each person brings cultural, emotional, and physical baggage, resulting in unique architectural interactions, similar to an observer's interpretation of a motion reference.
The world's population is undergoing a significant demographic transformation, with an increasingly larger portion of people reaching older ages. This has prompted governments to implement public policies aimed at promoting the well-being of the growing number of elderly individuals worldwide. Alongside this trend, there is a need to address special needs that extend beyond just the elderly population and encompass various age groups. Advancements in medical science have enabled many people with disabilities or special needs to lead fuller and more independent lives, contributing to a more inclusive society. This progress also places a crucial responsibility on architects and designers, who must create built environments that are genuinely inclusive, and capable of accommodating a wide diversity of individuals with specific medical needs and varying levels of mobility. This underscores the fundamental importance of universal design and accessibility principles.
The practice of upcycling –present in a variety of industries from fashion to construction– not only revitalizes discarded items, adding new values and functions, but also contributes to turning them into valuable resources. Adopting the spirit of the circular economy by harnessing agricultural waste such as corn cobs, rice straw, and sugar cane bagasse for building materials marks a fundamental shift towards sustainable practices, promoting a closed-loop system that minimizes waste and optimizes resource efficiency.
CornWall®, developed by StoneCycling, is a pioneering innovation in this regard. Inspired by the need to shift to a bio-based economy, it incorporates a transformative solution that addresses the pressing concerns of the construction industry's environmental impact. It is a wall-finishing material made from plant biomass, obtained mainly from the cores of regionally sourced corn cobs. This organic waste is widely available and is usually destined for fermentation, burning as biomass, or becoming simple organic waste. We spoke to Ward Massa from StoneCycling to better understand this material.
