Residence by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group flies the flag for both
affordable and sustainable modular housing in Copenhagen, shining
a light on this nascent mode of construction which has the potential
to offer much to the housing crisis. Whilst one of last year’s winners,
Studio Gang, tackles environmental concerns at a volumetric level
through its ‘Solstice on the Park’ project – a 26-storey residential
tower in the USA optimised for environmental performance through
angled window panels which are slanted inwards at 72 degrees—the
precise angle at which the sun hits the Chicago skyline at the height
of the summer solstice. In the culture category, Helsinki Central
Library Oodi by ALA Architects, heralds a new era of library design
where traditional functions meet modern technology, to create an
almost zero-energy building with panoramic views.
The ‘Future Project: Experimental’ and ‘Future Project: Infrastructure’
categories also launched some exciting and innovative entries,
including the proposal for a waterfront park in NYC, transforming
oil tanks into community gardens, by STUDIO V Architecture, and
the proposal for man-made, mid-bay barrier islands to act as a
surge protection system for the Port of Houston, by Rogers Partners
Architects + Urban Designers.
Photo credit Barbara Kraft
Photo credit Ivan Dupont
Major world architects shortlisted include Zaha Hadid Architects,
Heatherwick Studio, Bjarke Ingels Group, Rafael Vinoly Architects,
Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, Grimshaw and White Arkitekter. Many
smaller practices will also take part to pitch against the big names.
This year’s 534-strong shortlist, ranges from private residential,
to education, infrastructure, healthcare, hospitality, cultural/civic,
interior and landscape projects across 70 countries.
WAF will reconvene in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, from 4-6
December this year. This is the second time the event has been
hosted in the Dutch capital, following previous editions in Barcelona,
Singapore and Berlin.
Photo credit: Sebastian Crespo
WHEN IT COMES TO BEAUTIFUL FAÇADES,
THE DUAL-BRANDED MARRIOTT ISN’T
NEOLITH’S FIRST, BUT IT’S CERTAINLY ONE
OF ITS MOST PROMINENT.