Architecture

Works can also be viewed in portfolio view.

SkyCycle

British architect Norman Foster has unveiled a concept to build a network of elevated pathways above London’s railways to create safe car-free cycling routes, following 14 cyclist deaths on the city’s streets in 2013. Entitled SkyCycle, the proposal by architects Foster + Partners, landscape architects Exterior Architecture and transport consultant Space Syntax is for a “cycling utopia” of approximately 220 kilometres of dedicated cycle lanes, following the routes of existing train lines. If approved, the routes could be in place within 20 years, offering relief to a transport network that is already at capacity and will need to contend with 12 percent population growth over the next decade. According to the designers, construction of elevated decks would be considerably cheaper than building new roads and tunnels. The routes would offer greater health benefits for London residents and would make more efficient use of space, as more car owners could be encouraged to cycle rather than drive to work. (source).

 

The first place of eVolo’s 2015 Skyscraper Competition was awarded to BOMP (Ewa Odyjas, Agnieszka Morga, Konrad Basan, and Jakub Pudo) from Poland for their project Essence Skyscraper. The proposal is an urban mega-structure that contains diverse natural habitats. Away from everyday routines, in a dense city center, a secret garden that combines architecture and a nature is born. The main goal of this project is to position non-architectural phenomena in an urban fabric.  An inspiration rooted in nature allowed to form a representation of external worlds in the shape of a vertical structure. Overlapping landscapes like an ocean, a jungle, a cave or a waterfall will stimulate a diverse and complex range of visual, acoustic, thermal, olfactory, and kinesthetic experiences.

The main body of the building is divided into 11 natural landscapes. This provides an intensive nature experience for city-dwellers, who otherwise, may not have the opportunity to interact with natural environments. This conceptual skyscraper may foster a sense of enjoyment and responsibility to people who are completely immersed in urban settings. (source).

 

Located at the foot of Mount Arera on the outskirts of Bergamo in northern Italy, a spectacular outdoor cathedral formed from rows of trees has become a place of pilgrimage for tourists, art lovers, and spiritual visitors alike. Called the Cattedrale Vegetale (also known as the Tree Cathedral), this magnificent work by Italian artist Giuliano Mauri is one of the most impressive examples of “natural architecture” in the world.

This grand sculpture consists of 42 cage-like columns that form a basilica of five aisles. The columns, which are made of 1,800 fir poles, 600 chestnut branches, and 6,000 meters of hazel branches joined together with wood, nails, and string, house 80 hornbeam saplings that will eventually outgrow the decaying supporting columns to form a truly organic, living cathedral. (source).

 

ice castle edit

This icy wonderland from Midway, Utah looks like it appears out of a fairytale. The ice castle was built over a month and a half long period using a process of freezing icicles in an icicle farm, stacking them up and misting overtop of them throughout the night to grow larger and larger over time. This year, four ice castles can be found around the United States. Originally created by Brent Christensen, ice castles creates spaces where people can interact with and enjoy the beautiful natural structures created by ice and light! (source).

 

 

A recently completed floating greenhouse named Jellyfish Barge provides clever green space and a magical riverside glow. The barge’s octagonal structure is comprised of a network of floating barrels and wooden and plastic spokes. Small potted plants are held secure when slid into holes in the spokes. This innovative greenhouse does not rely on traditional farming resources such as fields of soil and environmentally taxing freshwater irrigation systems. It is powered by only solar, wind and tidal energy. Its raft-like nature gives city dwellers inventive space to cultivate crops and contribute positively to the community’s health. (source).