Share

Share

Share

Email

By Jackson Strom, Principle Architect at Strom ArchitecturePhotos by Chantell Lauren Photography

Starting a home project, whether it is building new or remodeling, can be an exciting, yet unfamiliar process. Inspiration images, timeline, budget, square footage, material selectionsthese are just some of the unknowns that may keep you up at night. So much time and investment go into a new project, and you want to be certain youve selected the right architect to guide you through the process, making it not only a positive experience but an exciting one as well.

In this edition of Form & Function, we suggest key questions we feel are important to ask when hiring your architect.

Are you an architect or a designer?

Architects are required to meet rigorous education requirements, pass a licensing exam and complete continuing education to maintain their license. An architect will ensure the proposed design is able to be built the way it was presented. There should be little that differs between the final rendering and the built project.

What range of services do you offer?

Beyond the design and construction documents, is your architect able to assist throughout the project? Even with the construction documents in hand, there are many decisions that need to be made throughout the project, and we suggest involving a professional to assist, ensuring the project is constructed in line with your original vision.

A common misconception is that architects are not involved with the interior of the project. Architects take a holistic approach to design and spend as much energy on the interiors as any other area. Ask about an interior 3D model. This model provides the vision for the interior and assists with finishes and material selections.

What is your design aesthetic?

While some firms work has a similar aesthetic, others offer a diverse range of styles. You will want to review the work to see what speaks to you and your project.

Can you provide a preliminary estimate for the design?

Based on the clients proposed budget, the architect should be designing with the appropriate square footages, materials and details in mind. With that, construction costs fluctuate, and until a builder is able to put numbers to the schematic plans and specifications, nothing is certain. We suggest engaging select builders after the schematic design, and prior to construction documents, to provide an estimate ensuring the project is on the path to meet the proposed budget. The estimate does not provide the final construction cost, but it tests the project midway through, either giving peace of mind that you are on the right path, or allowing time to revise the plans and details before the final construction documents are complete.

Do you have a reference?

Ask your architect about past clients and builders they have worked with, and then reach out to the references they provide. All projects, big or small, are the product of many relationships. Some of these relationships are lasting, some arent. Your architects goal should be that you are just as excited to work with them at the end of the project as you were at the beginning. Reaching out to their references provides you with insight on what to expect for your project and relationship.

How long does it take to design the project?

Whether you are in a hurry to get in the ground before snow falls, or you have all the time in the world, it is best to understand the architects workload and the general amount of time dedicated to a new design. Often the architect can provide a general timeline based on past projects of a similar scope of work. With that, we would suggest requesting a proposed timeline of your project from your architect to ensure the project proceeds in a timely manner.

What do your services cost?

Does the architect bill hourly or provide a fixed-fee for the project? This is a personal decision, and you will need to find what works best for you. Often architects will tailor their proposal to your preferences upon request.

Who builds the project?

Does your architect have a preferred list of builders they work with? Are they open to working with a builder you have already selected? We suggest clients have at least three builders bid on the project, then review the bids with the team. We often suggest touring a few of the builders past projects to better understand their quality of work. If the architect is committed to a single builder, this could possibly limit your projects opportunities and reduce accountability.

The process of a new project is a journey, and with the right team in place, can be an exciting one. You will not regret spending additional time upfront to understand the differences between firms and find the right architect for your project.

Strom Architecturestromarch.com@stromarch

With over a decade of experience, Stroms passion for the architectural profession led him to found Strom Architecture in 2019. Within his new firm, Strom Architecture strives to elevate the ordinary elements that exist in all projects.

More here:
Form & Function: Things to Ask When Hiring an Architect - Design and Living Magazine - Design & Living Magazine

How to Balance Creativity and Constructibility? Design Assist Smartly Links Owners, Architects, and Contractors

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Whatsapp

Mail

Or

Every project begins with a design, and ends with an attractive and functional building. What happens between these two end points is where it gets interesting - and challenging. The construction process is complicated. It means meeting and exceeding expectations in design, affordability and constructibility. It means overcoming hurdles and facilitating smooth transitions from design to engineering to construction. And for complex projects with more unusual features and elements, the risk factors increase exponentially.

Which is why any project with high design aspirations should start with a discussion around the design. What does the architect have in mind? Whats the inspiration? Whats the desired effect of certain design elements? Communication, awareness and accountability are crucial success factors for any team. Great teams talk and develop rapport. They rally around common goals and understanding. They push each other for excellence in all aspects of a project.

These team qualities also describe the benefits of Design Assist, the planning method and process structured to facilitate this kind of collaboration and cooperation among interdisciplinary construction teams. Theres a real concern among architects, owners and contractors that Design Assist slows things down, adds costs, and invites additional complexity. But the fact is, especially when it comes to architectural metals and fabrications, there are often knowledge gaps between design and engineering, materials and applications, attachment points and installations.

Design Assist can add a layer of knowledge that fills these crucial gaps and brings together the disciplines of architecture, engineering, metal fabrication, and construction. It expands thinking to solve design challenges with sophistication, elegance and practicality. Design Assist considers the whole project and makes thoughtful, well-informed recommendations that can save months in construction schedules, and millions in construction costs.

Design Assist should not begin as an accounting and value engineering exercise. It shouldnt start with costs and timelines. Sure, those details are critical for project success, but they come later. First and foremost, Design Assist is a conversation about design inspiration, vision and intent. Balancing creativity and constructibility is the ultimate challenge for any owner, architect, or general contractor and early collaboration can help these key stakeholders achieve that delicate balance. The Design Assist phase of a project can be extremely useful and productive - and when done well with experienced practitioners - can often mean the difference between confusion and clarity, costly and cost-effective, mediocre and exceptional.

Great Design Assist Clarifies and Simplifies Your Project

In traditional construction projects, the design, engineering and construction teams often work independently on their respective parts. Construction documents are created; subcontractors submit their bids, and the process of coordination, shop drawings, and bid awards begins.

When inevitable discrepancies arise, the design team must answer requests for information and modify construction documents, causing delays, changes in orders and added costs. Fingers of blame tend to get pointed in all directions.

Design Assist prevents this dynamic. The best Design Assist practitioners, especially in architectural metals and fabrication, have multidisciplinary teams of architects, engineers, metallurgists and fabricators. These specialists assist the architects and engineers of record with input as designs take shape.

The end result is a well-informed construction team thats better prepared to handle any hurdle or contingency that comes along.

The benefits of Design Assist are numerous:

What to Look For In a Design Assist Partner

The single most important factor in construction project success is subcontractor selection and execution. Heres what to look for in a Design Assist subcontractor:

Design Assist can have a significant and positive impact on design, cost, quality, and constructability. And that can be especially important in high-risk projects where sophisticated materials, specialized fabrication, and complex installations are in play.

But risk and uncertainty can be reduced in these high-stakes situations - and ensure project success - by assembling the right team of subcontractors early, tapping into their expertise, and using their best ideas to build in a smarter, faster and more profitable way.

By Bill Zahner, President/CEO of Zahner.

Zahner is an architectural metals, engineering and fabrication firm that helps architects, artists, owners, and contractors through its own special brand of design assist - Zahner AssistSM - to make any project more feasible, achievable and affordable. Zahner brings a blend of architecture, engineering, technology and metallurgy - all under one roof - to every design and construction project. To find out more about Zahner Assist, visit us at AZahner.com or call +1 (816) 474 - 8882 to speak with one of our Project Specialists.

Read the original:
How to Balance Creativity and Constructibility? Design Assist Smartly Links Owners, Architects, and Contractors - ArchDaily

along the eastern tip of long island, female-run studio valerie schweitzer architects presents its newly completed outside-in pavilion. the playful, occupiable sculpture is characterized as a cluster of elevated volumes projecting upward. crafted with loosely spaced timber slats, each part faces intimately inward while remaining open to filter the air and natural sunlight. in this way, the project defies the strict dichotomy of inside versus outside, and seeks to exist as more than an object within the landscape. instead, the pavilion blends within its forested context with a rhythmic verticality.

image by blaine davis | @blaineduh

the design team at valerie schweitzer architects has realized the outside-in pavilion as an environmentally-sensitive intervention to its context in watermill, new york. the structure is fabricated of both salvaged and new cedar wood, together with construction waste, which is used at the stair rails and in the blocking between each cedar wood post. the structure simulates a forest and allows the unadorned material to speak for itself. additionally, the forms loosely resemble the silos of the surrounding farmlands.

image by blaine davis

the team has realized the outside-in pavilion at the request of the lead architects mother-in-law as a space to gather her family and friends in nature. during the era of COVID-19 however, the pavilion takes on more prominent role as a contemplative place of reflection in solitude. it is also programmed further as an ancillary outdoor office with wifi and allows a place of retreat for members of a large family during quarantine. the pavilion even offers a sleeping porch cloaked with mosquito netting, framing the night sky through its oculus. a steel circular rod allows for mosquito netting, and the space can be used as a sleeping porch from summer through fall.

image by josh goetz

image by josh goetz

image by josh goetz

image by josh goetz

image by josh goetz

Here is the original post:
VSA playfully clusters its floating 'outside-in pavilion' in watermill, new york - Designboom

Craig and Meyer Architects based in the town's Duke Street have been given the green light to transform a disused store and workshop into three homes despite an objection form a nearby resident.

Councillors sitting on Barrow Borough Council development control committee heard the Victorian property had been a blight on the area for several years.

Speaking out against the plans, one resident told councillors in a letter: "If restored in a sensitive manner, the building could be a positive addition to the adjoining conservation area, especially as the site has gained a new prominence following the demolition of the former registry office.

"I am happy to see empty buildings brought back into use, but I am very disappointed to see the way this project has been handled.

"I implore the council to demand better of the developer and use this opportunity to do something positive for the towns heritage in a built up environment."

But despite the neighbour's concerns the plans were passed unanimously.

Councillor Anne Burns who represents Hindpool told the meeting she was concerned not enough information was being past to residents about new development projects in the borough.

She said: How are we consulting with the residents on the conversions of buildings? We should be letting people locally know what is going on.

"I am delighted that this building is finally getting done up as residents regularly say to me that it is a mess.

"We need to update residents about what is going to be converted around our town."

Maureen Smith, planning officer replied: We did write to all the residents in the area and put up a site notice. As well as a condition of the construction management plan.

The committee was told the developer will make sensitive improvements to carry out work away from the road to avoid congestion on Coulton street.

See more here:
'I implore the council to demand better of the developer' - Architects given greenlight to convert eyesore store despite objections - NW Evening Mail

Renderings via ODA Architecture

ODA Architecture has made its mark all over the city, and its easy to tell when a project bears their name thanks to the firms signature boxy aesthetic, often filled with cantilevers and stacked volumes. Their latest projecta boutique condo at 101 West 14th Streetis no exception. The mixed-use development on the corner of Sixth Avenue features 44 residential units, half of which will be duplexes, as well as retail space at street level.

The building, developed by Gemini Rosemont,reached its full 13-story height in December, launched a teaser site today, and is slated for completion in the second quarter of 2021. Ryan Serhant and his team atNestseekers International are handling marketing and sales for the building, whereprices will start at$1.35 million for a one-bedroom home.Pricing has not yet been released for the two, three-, and four-bedroom units.

According to a press release, ODA designed the building to maximize light, air, and outdoor space (terraces). Residents will have access to10,000 square feet of amenities, including a fitness center, indoor-outdoor lounge on the second floor, and a landscaped rooftop terrace. Whitehall Interiors is designing the interiors.

The condo building notably replaced the former Greenwich Village Savings Bank building, which received agraffiti workby Banksy in early 2018 and had a1954Julien Binford mural titled A Memory of 14th Street and 6th Avenue inits lobby. Developer Jamestown bought the interior mural fromGemini Rosemont for $50,000 and is working to find it a new home. Gemini themselves saved the Banksy piece, but its not clear where and if the art will feature in the new development.

Find future listings for 101 West 14th Street at CityRealty >>

RELATED:

Renderings via ODA Architecture

Tags : 101 West 14th Street, ODA Architects

Neighborhoods : Greenwich Village

See more here:
ODA Architects bring their signature boxy aesthetic to new 14th Street condo - 6Sqft

The Chicago Cubs and White Sox rebuilds were completely different in many ways and eerily alike in others.

With the Sox clinching their first postseason berth since 2008 and battling for the top seed in the American League, and the survivors of the Cubs championship season trying to stage one last hurrah, heres a tale of two successful rebuilds.

The architects

During Year 3 of Cubs President Theo Epsteins rebuild, the teams social media department sent out a tweet saying theyd lost a game to the Rays. The problem was the Cubs had yet to hit in the bottom of the ninth, making the tweet an educated guess, albeit a good one.

That premature tweet was one of several uninspiring moments during the early years of Epsteins rebuild. He weathered the storm while repeating his mantra of building a foundation of sustained success, and ultimately those low points were forgotten when the rebuild resulted in a World Series championship in 2016.

Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer deserve an assist for inadvertently helping Sox general manager Rick Hahn pull off his rebuild and not just for sending the South Siders top hitting prospect Eloy Jimenez, their most improved player, and a top starter in Dylan Cease for Jose Quintana.

Sox fans might hate the Cubs, but they couldnt avoid seeing Epstein tear down his roster in 2012, go through three unwatchable seasons and become champions in his fifth. So Hahn didnt have to do much convincing when he decided to execute his plan. Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf also bought in.

It took a lot of faith from him to buy into a plan that was going to require some sacrifice, Hahn said Friday in a teleconference. Jerry is as passionate a White Sox fan fundamentally as anyone Ive ever been around. He knew there was going to be some likely bad baseball, and there was Its nice to be able to see him witness some of the benefits of that, especially given that hed frequently point out his age when mentioning whether this was worthwhile for him personally. Tongue in cheek I think.

Story continues

Sox fans trusted the process, and believed in the prospects Hahn acquired, including Yoan Moncada, Michael Kopech, Lucas Giolito and Jimenez. Theyve now been rewarded with the biggest surprise in baseball, a team whose young core is under contract for several years.

The managers

After two dreadful seasons under Dale Sveum, the Cubs hired Padres bench coach Rick Renteria as manager in 2014, the third year of the rebuild. Renteria went 73-89 before being fired one year into his three-year deal so Epstein could hire Joe Maddon.

It was a cold move, but it worked. Maddons hiring completed the rebuild and helped make the Cubs contenders before losing his job in October.

The Sox have had Renteria for five years, including one as bench coach under Robin Ventura when the Cubs were still paying him. Going into Fridays game, Renteria was 234-301 as Sox manager, a .437 winning percentage, but has guided the team from 17 games under .500 in 2019 to 16 games over.

Renteria expressed his philosophy to me as Cubs manager in September 2014.

Anytime youre trying to develop a club, an identity, and still develop players at the major-league level, sometimes you do things that might seem odd, he said. But theres a big picture to it and things end up working out.

Some have questioned his philosophy, but its hard to argue its not working out with the Sox.

The placeholders

The Cubs rebuild had its share of Mike Olts and Joe Mathers below-average players holding down the fort until the kids were ready. Likewise, the Sox had their fill of Matt Davidsons and Mike Pelfreys. Someone has to keep the seat warm.

Olt turned third base over to Kris Bryant in 2015, suffering a wrist injury after Bryant had been in the minors long enough to avoid starting his service-time clock. Bryant became National League Rookie of the Year in 15 and NL MVP the following year.

Davidson was a highly touted Sox infielder who hit three home runs on opening day in Kansas City, Mo., in 2018 and quickly became a media darling. But he never hit consistently and was gone after the season and out of the majors until signing with the Cincinnati Reds this summer.

The one-hit wonders

The Sox were high on right fielder Daniel Palka, who was picked up off the scrap heap in 2018 and hit 27 home runs, touting him as a blue-collar star. But Palka started 0-for-32 in 2019 and hit .107 before being released.

Center fielder Arismendy Alcantara was given a prime opportunity by the Cubs in 2014 but hit .205 in 278 at-bats.

The Cubs' rebuild started in 2012 with a first baseman named Bryan LaHair, who already was scheduled to be replaced by top prospect Anthony Rizzo when he shockingly made the National League All-Star team. The Cubs made the move anyway.

LaHair had a walk-off RBI single in the final game of what turned out to be the last at-bat of a three-year career.

The mistake signings

Epstein made the colossal blunder of signing starter Edwin Jackson to a four-year, $52 million deal in 2013. Jackson lost 18 games in his first year and finished 16-34 with a 5.37 ERA in two-plus seasons before being dumped.

Hahn dropped $18 million on veteran reliever Kelvin Herrera in a two-year deal in 2019 before cutting him loose this summer after two appearances. Herrera had a 6.54 ERA with the Sox before his release and was signed by the Cubs, who in turn released him three weeks later.

The Twitter lapses

The Cubs endured a player-related Twitter controversy in 2013 when Ian Stewart complained about being left to rot in the minors, suggesting Sveum didnt like him.

Its pretty obvious that its not appropriate to criticize your manager on Twitter, Epstein said upon issuing a suspension.

The Sox had their player-related Twitter controversy in 2018 when it was discovered top pitching prospect Michael Kopech sent bigoted tweets about Blacks and Mexicans and used homophobic slurs as a 17-year-old in 2013.

Michael has been very upfront about his tweets from high school several years ago, Hahn said.

Kopech apologized for being stupid and an immature teenager.

The oddities

The Sox played an all-Garcia outfield in 2017 consisting of Avisail, Willy and Leury. It was the first outfield in history to have players with the same last name.

The Cubs had a deal to send Ryan Dempster to the Atlanta Braves for 22-year-old Randall Delgado in 2013, but Dempster nixed it, hoping to go to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The deal was reported on the Braves website before Dempster angrily denied it. It turned out to be good news for Epstein, who ultimately dealt him to the Texas Rangers and got in return a future star in Kyle Hendricks.

The albatrosses

The untradable contracts of Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano and Sox starter James Shields made both albatrosses early on in the rebuilds. The Cubs eventually dealt Soriano to the New York Yankees in 2013 while eating a chunk of his eight-year deal.

But despite diminishing skills, both players were widely admired by their teammates and imparted some wisdom that proved helpful down the line. Sorianos joie de vivre rubbed off on Rizzo, while Shields bulldog mentality can now be seen in Giolito.

Everyone plays a part, no matter if its quantifiable.

2020 the Chicago Tribune

Visit the Chicago Tribune at http://www.chicagotribune.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

See original here:
Column: The architects. The albatrosses. Even the Twitter gaffes. The White Sox and Cubs rebuilds have a lot in common. - Yahoo! Voices

The Architects Series, the exhibition format created in collaboration with The Plan and sponsored by the Iris Ceramica Group, is underway again after the summer break and following the long pause imposed by the pandemic lockdown, presenting itself to the public with a brand new formula: online webinars that make it possible to overcome physical and geographical boundaries, adapting to the changes taking place in our society. The first appointment of the new format, the thirteenth in the series, is set to take place on September 17 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and focuses on the German architect and engineer Werner Sobek. This will be followed by appointments on October 29 dedicated to Steven Holl Architects and on November 26 dedicated to Zaha Hadid Architects.

The Werner Sobek architecture studio, founded in 1992, has gained international fame for its expertise in engineering, design and sustainability, with important international collaborations with leading names in the architecture world including: Christoph Ingenhoven, Barkow Leibinger, Henn, Helmut Jahn, Populous, Sauerbruch Hutton, Ole Scheeren, UNStudio, Zaha Hadid Architects and many others. An international firm with over 350 employees and offices in Germany (Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Berlin and Hamburg), as well as in leading cities such as Moscow, Istanbul, New York, Buenos Aires and Dubai. All sharing a number of key concepts in the design process such as energy efficiency, promotion of eco-sustainable technologies and responsibility towards nature and men, aware that, as architect Werner Sobek affirms in the presentation trailer, as much as 20% of global pollution is related to the construction industry. Principles which architect Werner Sobek has translated into a genuine standard for sustainable architecture, registered as a protected trademark under the Triple Zero name. The three zeros indicate that the building must be self-sufficient from an energy point of view and therefore it must produce the energy necessary for its needs, but without using fossil fuels (Zero Energy), it must not produce CO emissions (Zero Emissions) and it must be constructed using elements that at the end of their life cycle can be recycled (Zero Waste). The R128 house in Stuttgart has become a personification of this standard, a building constructed on four floors in which the architect Werner Sobek lives with his family.

Subject to registration (professional training credits can be earned), it will be possible to participate in the September 17 webinar and watch the 30-minute video documentary. The film will take spectators inside the architectural studio to get a behind the scenes look at the modus operandi of the firms architects and its ongoing projects.For Werner Sobek one of the key aspects is the idea that the architect should not use traditional materials and replicate past models, but should conceive original solutions that are able to anticipate peoples living and working needs. Todays and tomorrows architectures must demonstrate themselves as being radically different from the one that preceded us. Following the video documentary, participants will be able to attend the next live lecture presented by architect Werner Sobek entitled Build More with Less&rdquo, for the opportunity to learn more about the design philosophy that distinguishes the studios projects.

(Agnese Bifulco)

WEBINAR:September 17, 202017.00 / Welcome - documentary: The Architects Series A documentary on: Werner Sobek17.30 Conference: Build More with Less with Werner Sobek

Continue reading here:
Three new appointments of The Architects Series the first will focus on Werner Sobek - Floornature.com

Gil Hanse is an acclaimed golf-course architect, who teamed with the L.P.G.A. Hall of Famer Amy Alcott to build the Olympic course for the Rio de Janeiro games in 2016.

This week his restoration of Winged Foot Golf Clubs West Course will get its international debut as host of the 2020 United States Open. He completed the work in 2017, after first restoring the clubs East Course in 2014. (Both are ranked in the Top 100 courses in the world according to Golf Digest and Golf Magazine.)

Winged Foots West Course is a famously brutal course on the U.S. Open rotation. But Hanse has a roster of restorations set to host major events. The Country Club in Brookline, Mass., will host the U.S. Open in 2022 and the Los Angeles Country Club in 2023. He has also worked on courses that previously were in the championship rotation, like Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla., and Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, N.J., where Jack Nicklaus won the Open in 1967 and 1980.

In a previous generation, the architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. was known as the Open Doctor for his work preparing some of these same courses for the U.S. Open. When asked if hes the new Open Doctor, Hanse laughed and credited his business partner Jim Wagner, and in Winged Foots case, the clubs superintendent, Steve Rabideau.

Hanse could more aptly be called the Open Therapist. He does not remake a course, but unearths how architects like A.W. Tillinghast, the designer of Winged Foot, wanted to challenge golfers. Hanse does extensive research and then brings those original features back, making adjustments to fit the length of the modern game.

The following interview has been edited and condensed.

How did the Winged Foot restorations happen?

Through a change in superintendents and a change in leadership at the club, we had an opportunity to come in and talk about how both courses should be treated. It was a pure restoration. We were hired. We put together a master plan for all 36 holes. The East Course came first. Some of the luster had come off it. We were hopeful wed do both.

Was the East Course a tryout for the West?

I dont know if it was a tryout. I think what happened was when they saw the changes to the East, they realized they couldnt have the West sitting there untouched when the East had been restored to that level, not only architecturally but also all the infrastructure.

Did you feel added pressure working at such a famous golf course?

Not really. I dont want to sound cavalier about it. We understand the responsibility, and really what we focus on is the research. If were convinced thats the right thing to do, we do it. When you know youre hosting a championship, you have to decide what the proper length is. Thats different than a pure restoration at a course thats ultimately for the members.

How do you balance the needs of the members with the needs of the tour pros?

A lot of it is positioning of tees and bunkers. At Winged Foot, weve reopened the front of the greens, which helps the member who has the ability to bounce it up and doesnt affect the pros. But when you show up at Winged Foot, you expect it to be hard. No one is looking for it to be easy.

Has the restoration process changed in the past two decades?

To a certain degree. Theres a recognition of these great architects. Whats also changed is the technology. Twenty years ago, wed never have tried to rebuild all the greens at Winged Foot or Baltusrol. Now we have the technology to map them and a high degree of certainty that if we pull up the green its going to go back the same way.

Do these restoration projects make you think about who might restore your courses some day?

If karma is a real thing and the fact that weve been so meticulous in restoring the work of these golden age golf architects then hopefully someone will take a similar tack with our courses.

Here is the original post:
Gil Hanse Restores Courses to Their Glory - The New York Times

Press release from AIA North Carolina:

On September 26, Architects from the Asheville Section of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) will be showing off their design partnerships with local businesses in Asheville. To help aid in the recovery of Ashevilles businesses, and to look for ways to improve social distancing, AIA Asheville has been working with the City of Asheville and local businesses who have applied for the citys AVL Shares Space initiative. This initiative allows businesses to use parking spaces adjacent to their storefront for commercial activity.

Four architecture firms in the area have been assigned to work with companies to find the best solutions to meet the requirements put out but the city and to create spaces that each business can utilize to suit their needs. These designs will be built and used by the companies during the fall months.

The four projects involved are:Citizen Vinyl- 14 OHenry Ave Working with the firm McMillan Pazden Smith ArchitectureBenjamin Walls Gallery 38 Broadway Working with ARCA DesignThe Lobster Trap 35 Patton Ave Working with NOVUS ArchitectureParklet with the City of Asheville 50 S. Market St Working with MHA Works

The public is invited to view the spaces and designs on September 26 during a special Park(ing) Day Open House. During the hours between 1 pm and 4 pm, people are invited to visit these spaces and discover new ways that design can help keep shoppers and diners safe and healthy.

Follow this link:
Asheville architects partner with downtown businesses to create outdoor spaces - Mountain Xpress

Factory in the Forest / Design Unit Architects Snd Bhd

+ 35

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Whatsapp

Mail

Or

Text description provided by the architects. Architectural competition winning entry for an electronics manufacturing plant. This site is conceived as a forest that penetrates, surrounds & steps over the building creating maximum contact with nature green, breeze, scent, sound, touch. A canopy supported by a forest of columns creates unity to office & courtyard while giving protection from the tropical sun. Office levels give access to roof gardens and staff are encouraged out for breaks, meetings or just contemplation.

A green courtyard separates the office & factory with views and access from both. A bridge over the courtyard links the office & production & this circulation route becomes a space for meetings, breaks & lectures. The factory has views to landscape & the sky condition through full height & clerestory glazing with glazing protected from the sun by free-standing off-form concrete fins and roof louvers. Rainwater cascades from roof spouts - heightening awareness to tropical storms, to storage tanks for landscape irrigation.

The plant receives natural diffused light across the entire factory floor reducing dependency on artificial lighting that, combined with chilled water floor slab cooling & cutting-edge air-conditioning technology reduces energy consumption to half that of a conventional plant of similar size.

Structure & materials are expressed; off-form reinforced concrete and steel structure, glazing and landscape. With this small palette of materials, the building explains to us what it is, what it is made of & how it is put together. The approach was to create a stimulating & meaningful working environment for all employees the forest to be the face of the building & company. Forests, critical for both macro & micro-climates are also vital for our psychological well-being.

Sustainability - From project onset, the client wanted an energy efficient and climatically responsive building. The cardinal sustainable design principles were energy efficiency, water efficiency, daylighting and biophilia the fundamental human need for connection to Nature.

The building is designed to shield against the hot & glaring tropical sun, while allowing diffused natural daylight to filter into the building. The office & courtyard are shaded by a louver canopy designed to provide effective solar protection during the hottest part of the day.

The factory skylight design was optimized to achieve an evenly day-lit work environment. The simulations and daylight measurements in operation show that the factory floor achieves an evenly day-lit work environment without glare throughout the year. Dimmable daylight responsive LED lighting and individual task lighting ensures that the required light levels are always obtained.

An innovative radiant floor cooling system works with embedded PEX pipes in the concrete slabs throughout the factory & office. By cooling down the slabs to about 21C, this structural element of the building doubles up as part of the cooling system. The higher chilled water temperature and the water-borne cooling transport makes the radiant floor slab cooling twice as energy efficient as conventional air-conditioning.

The rest is here:
Factory in the Forest / Design Unit Architects Snd Bhd - ArchDaily