3Di’s Post

This drawing, titled Atlas of Re-Use, is currently featured in Entangled Matter, an exhibition by Rotor vzw-asbl at BOZAR, Brussels. It played a crucial role in the reconversion of the iconic Philips Tower into the acclaimed MULTI project. Initially, the design for MULTI revolved around a simple premise: preserving the existing structure and urban volume to reduce waste and save time. But as the project progressed, the building began to resonate with us on a deeper level. We recognised the careful, thoughtful design crafted by Groupe Structures. The more we worked with it—creating new drawings, sketches, models and material studies—the more its qualities revealed themselves. Among these insights was the realisation that this example of late modernist architecture was not only well-designed but also constructed with first-class materials, too valuable to be discarded. Around the same time in the design process, we came across an interview with Rotor DC in Flanders DC. Rotor’s philosophy of urban mining and re-use resonated deeply with our growing appreciation for the building. It encouraged us to elevate our ambitions for the MULTI project. From that moment, the principles of working with the existing and aiming for high-quality reuse became central to our approach and to our collaboration with Rotor DC. The Atlas of Re-Use drawing captures this pivotal shift in our reconversion journey. It embodies not only the transformation of the building but also of the design process itself, reflecting our evolving vision for MULTI. We are delighted that this drawing features in Entangled Matter. The Entangled Matter exhibition by Rotor at BOZAR explores the intricate connections between materials, culture, labor, landscape, extraction, and architecture. It presents urban mining and re-use not just as practical approaches, but as part of a larger systemic narrative. The exhibition emphasizes the need for a systemic approach, showing how different elements are deeply intertwined and how decisions in one area impact others in complex and profound ways. It is an honest, fragile exhibition—not the usual good-news story on circularity, but a much needed sobering reflection of both the possibilities we encounter and the obstacles—especially within our material culture—that we must overcome. The exhibition Entangled Matter is on view until 12 January 2024 at Bozar + A+ Architecture in Belgium. The publication 'Working with MULTI' is still available at CONIX RDBM Architects, RotorDC, Bozar featuring contributions by Aslı Çiçek, Sven Sterken, Valérie Vermandel Whitewood, Gwen Vreven Immobel, Frederik Jacobs, Jasper Van der Linden, Kristiaan Borret, Lionel Billiet, Arne Vande Capelle Tomas Ooms STUDIO TUIN EN WERELD #AtlasofReuse #entangledmatter #urbanmining #architecturalreuse #circulareconomy #materialreuse #workingwith #designprocess #systemicapproach #pivotalmoments #drawings #architecturaldrawings #systemicdesign #materialthinking #materialecologies

From Abacus to AI: How Ancient Tools and Modern Tech Shape Architecture: In Partnership with Midjourney AI: A detailed architectural cross-section of a column, highlighting the abacus in a realistic 3D render, with attention to the balance and proportions used in classical architecture, clean lines, soft lighting — ar 2:1 — style raw — stylize 200 — v 6.1 The Ancient Abacus Meets Midjourney: How Technology Shapes Architecture, Then and Now Picture this: you’re walking through an ancient city, staring up at grand temples, columns stretching toward the sky. The designs are timeless, balanced, and elegant. Ever wonder how architects of old could create something so precise without today’s tech?In Partnership with Midjourney AI: Close-up of a classical Roman column with a large stone abacus on top, set against a blue sky, sunlight reflecting off the smooth stone, architectural elegance in ancient design, high resolution details — ar 2:1 — style raw — stylize 200 — v 6.1 Enter the abacus. No, not the counting tool, but rather, a part of ancient columns that helped architects get their proportions just right. In modern times, tools like Midjourney — an AI-driven art generator — have become the new abacus, helping today’s architects and designers bring their ideas to life with stunning precision. Let’s explore both worlds: from ancient tools to the latest digital wonders, and even dive into some pro tips on photography to capture all the details of the architecture you love. What is the Abacus in Architecture? In Partnership with Midjourney AI: abacus, a flat slab on top of a column, architecture — ar 2:1 — style raw — stylize 200 — v 6.1 First, let’s clear up a bit of confusion. When most people hear abacus, they picture a frame with colorful beads used for math. In architecture, however, an abacus is a flat slab on top of a column, right beneath the roof. Think of it as the “hat” of the column, distributing weight from above.In Partnership with Midjourney AI: A detailed, photorealistic rendering of the Parthenon in Athens at sunset, warm golden light illuminating the marble columns, ancient textures and cracks visible, surrounded by green trees and distant hills, historically accurate — ar 2:1 — style raw — stylize 200 — v 6.1 In ancient Greece and Rome, architects relied on the abacus to ensure their massive structures didn’t crumble under their own weight. It helped with proportion and balance, making sure buildings stood tall and proud for centuries. While it may sound simple, it was a key component in complex buildings like the Parthenon and the Colosseum.In Midjourney AI: A realistic view of the Colosseum in Rome, mid-afternoon sunlight casting long shadows through the arches, weathered stone walls with cracks and overgrown vegetation, tourists in the distance, photorealistic textures and lighting — ar 2:1 — style raw — stylize 200 — v 6.1 Fast Forward to Today:… #genai #generativeai #ai

Locating the Center of #Architecture: From Infinite #Fractals to the Human-Scale #Room The universe is infinitely scalable. Zoom out far enough, and you see galaxies; zoom in, and you pass continents, cities, blocks, sites, buildings, floors, rooms, walls, objects, elements, and atoms—each level a fractal of complexity. Amid this infinite chain, where do we find the “center” of architecture? If #humans are at the center of our understanding of the universe, they should also define the center of architectural #thinking. Yet how do we locate human presence in design? Should we rely on #structural #grids, #columns, #parking #layouts, or even something as unconventional as #sprinklers? These systems serve the building, but people do not “see” columns or parking stalls as their #reference points. Instead, humans #perceive architecture through rooms. Rooms are the basic human-scale #environment. Unlike abstract grids or mechanical systems, rooms are where we truly sense architecture. We see their boundaries, we feel their proportions, we interact with objects inside them. Rooms define floors, walls, and ceilings, and host every element we care about. They are the #scale at which we taste, smell, hear, and touch our surroundings. Thus, rooms become the logical “center” of our designed world. If we want to rethink architectural software—and especially if we want AI to learn architecture from human perspective—start with rooms. Every BIM model, such as a #Revit file, has rooms defined. From each room, AI can identify all related elements: doors for access, windows for daylight, furniture for function, and finishes for comfort. It can uncover rules governing clearances, power needs, acoustics, and more. Then, by examining adjacencies between rooms, AI can learn why certain spaces connect, how circulation flows, how sunlight matters, why accessibility and vertical cores are where they are, and how parking and loading docks fit into the larger picture. Armed with this reasoning, AI can propose new arrangements of rooms and elements on a new site, applying the same logic to create functional, human-centered designs. In other words, if you’re building next-generation #architectural #tools, focus on rooms first. Rooms exist in every #BIM #model and tie directly back to human experience. By starting with rooms, we ensure that future design software, guided by AI, keeps humanity at the heart of architecture.

Unlocking Ancient Architecture: 10-Part Guide to Vitruvius’ Ideas & Midjourney: In Partnership with Midjourney AI: Statues of two Caryatids, standing tall in the Villa Albani at Rome. Draped in flowing robes, detailed folds, and timeless grace. Her form carries the weight above her with elegance and strength. Photorealistic, soft natural light highlighting intricate stone textures, warm tones, minimalist background. — ar 2:1 — style raw — stylize 200 — v 6.1 The Education of the Architect and Mastering Materials in Vitruvius’ Architecture In Part 1, we explored Vitruvius’ vision for architecture: strength, utility, and beauty. In Part 2, we looked at how he emphasized choosing the right site and climate, laying the foundation for sustainable architecture. Part 3 brought us to proportion and symmetry, where Vitruvius argued that a building should be a harmonious whole, mirroring the human body. Now, in Part 4, we dive into the knowledge an architect must possess and the materials that shape enduring designs. Part 4: Materials and Construction Techniques in Vitruvius’ Architecture Vitruvius spent much of his writing on materials — their importance, their uses, and how to choose them. His advice was groundbreaking for his time, and much of it still holds today. In this part, we explore the materials Vitruvius valued, how he understood their strengths, and the building techniques that made Roman structures last.The Ten Books on ArchitectureThe Ten Books on Architecture Vitruvius paints a clear picture of what it takes to be an architect. He says an architect must master both practice and theory. Practice is the hands-on work, shaping materials with skill. Theory is the ability to explain and design using science and proportion. Vitruvius insists that only those who balance both can achieve greatness in their craft. An architect without both practice and theory is incomplete. Those who master only manual skill lack authority; those who rely only on theory chase shadows, not substance. But those who master both command respect. They build not just structures, but lasting legacies. He argues that architecture blends two parts: the subject itself and the science that explains it. The architect must know drawing, geometry, history, philosophy, music, medicine, and even astronomy. Knowledge of these subjects is essential for creating work that stands the test of time. Vitruvius stresses the importance of history. Architects should understand the stories behind their designs. For example, he mentions the Caryatides — columns carved as women in long robes. These figures tell the story of Caryae, a town punished for siding with Persia against Greece. The women, enslaved and burdened, became a permanent symbol of shame and atonement in architecture. MidJourney Prompt with Seed: A Roman Architect’s Vision Portrait of a Roman architect. He stands among scrolls and drafting… #genai #generativeai #ai

There's only one day left until the major architectural event in Bulgaria’s capital, the SHARE Bulgaria Forum 2024. And since there's so little time left until then, let's remind ourselves of the event's agenda, that will take place at the Toplocentrala Center for Contemporary Arts: BUŞRA AI, founder of PLUG, Turkey, will base the presentation on four case studies under the common theme: the interaction between architectural scale and urban scale. Next, Galina MILKOVA, Founder Architect of Think Forward, Bulgaria, will introduce us to the design process of public spaces that promote health—physical, emotional, and social. Egzon DANA, Partner Architect at MADEN GROUP, Kosovo, will discuss how modern architecture redefines facades beyond traditional expectations, and Ivalyo PETKOV, Founder of DESET Architects, Bulgaria, will discuss a unique hybrid project for Bulgaria that redefines hospital care. In his presentation, Davide Macullo, founder of Davide Macullo Architecture, Switzerland, will focus on a conscious design approach that emphasizes the power of space in raising emotions and connecting humans to nature. Andras Borbely, Project Manager at KOZTI, Hungary will explain the connection between a building and the anatomical drawings of Michelangelo. Based on three case studies, Sergiu Petrea, Founder of TECTO Architectura, Romania, will illustrate his firm's commitment to a sustainable approach in all design phases. Drawing from three projects completed by the famous ZAHA HADID Architects, UK, Yevgeniya POZIGUN, one of the firm's associates, explores innovative design and development methodologies. The next presentation, "A Just Transition to Net Zero through Architectural Design," will be given by Judit KIMPIAN, Chairman of the Architects’ Council of Europe’s (ACE) Sustainable Architecture Group, UK. Under the intriguing title "Looking back to the past, another way of looking into the future", the last two presentations will be given by two other great names in world architecture: Peter PICHLER, Founder of Studio Pichler, Italy, and Arne EMERSON, Partner at the well-known American architecture firm Morphosis. Are there will be a lot of innovative solutions presented by the representatives of our partners and sponsors: Viktor Kerchev, Sales Supervisor Şişecam, Bulgaria Alexandru Ciucă, Technical Manager Isopan, Romania Daniella Ivanova, R&D manager Knauf Bulgaria Shuaib Mehmedali, Senior Design Engineer - ETEM, Bulgaria Ciprian Oprea, CEO MCA Grup Romania Florin Georgescu, technical Manager Bose in Romania Georgi Georgiev, project manager GROHE, Bulgaria *For other details from the event agenda, you can visit here: https://lnkd.in/dCrzQD-B **If you haven't registered yet, you can do so here: https://lnkd.in/dM_tiAmi

Metamorphic Design Charrette at Canadian University Dubai FINAL CALL UAE based students in architecture/design are invited to join Canadian University Dubai on May 29th and 30th for the engaging Design Charrette "Metamorphic Design”. This two-day event promises an immersive exploration into innovative solutions aimed at revitalizing coral reef ecosystems in the region. DAY ONE Day One kicks off at 9:30 am with a refreshing coffee break and a brief wrap-up, setting the tone for the exciting sessions ahead. At 10:00 am, we dive into the heart of the charrette with a presentation by CUD, providing an overview of the event's objectives and structure. Following this, experts from REEFrame will illuminate the intricate dynamics of coral reef ecosystems in the UAE, offering valuable insights into their current state and challenges. The program continues with a presentation on "Tarabot Second Life" by Dalia Hamati and the Jameel Art Center team, shedding light on innovative approaches to the tarabot project in the context of its upcycling perspectives. We then shift our focus to the fascinating realm of sea motion and tides, as maritime experts unravel the mysteries of these natural phenomena. After a rejuvenating midday break, the afternoon session commences at 1:00 pm. Participants embark on a journey of discover, seeking to understand the challenges faced by marine ecosystems on a deeper level. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to define these challenges, drawing inspiration from diverse perspectives and expertise. The day concludes with a debriefing session, allowing participants to reflect on insights gained and insights to ponder as we transition into Day Two. DAY TWO Day Two begins with another energizing coffee break at 9:30 am, followed by a warm-up session to set the creative momentum in motion. At 10:00 am, teams delve into develop phase, exploring innovative solutions to the defined challenges. Drawing inspiration from various sources, participants collaborate to generate diverse and creative responses. A midday break provides an opportunity for reflection and recharge before diving back into action at 1:00 pm. The focus shifts to the deliver phase, where teams test and refine their solutions on a small scale, refining ideas and discarding those that prove ineffective. Finally, participants come together to present their findings and solutions, sharing their journey and insights with all stakeholders involved. The Design Charrette promises to be a dynamic and collaborative event, offering a platform for interdisciplinary exchange and innovation. Together, let us embark on a transformative journey towards the recovery of marine ecosystems in the UAE. For information on selection process mailto:zeineb.naouar@cud.ac.ae #canadianuniversitydubai #Design #Architecture #Sustainability

✨📚 #MyFavoriteBuilding 🏙 This text is a brief introduction to one of the speaker’s favorite buildings, a stunning architectural masterpiece completed in 2019 in #BeijingChina. Known for its futuristic design and innovative engineering, it has become a global landmark in #StructuralEngineering. Let's explore its unique features, challenges, and solutions! 🚀✨ 🔍🛠 #StructuralSystemOverview The building consists of #TwoTowers with oblong, asymmetric shapes bound together using #BeltTrusses. These structural elements stabilize the towers and form a cohesive system, described by the architect as a "dance for two" or #PaDeDeux. Key Elements: 🔸 #FoundationalCores: Rising from the ground, they support the #VerticalColumns and #CurvedColumns, which twist to form the iconic structure. 🔸 #TrussesAndFacade: #Trusses connect the towers at multiple levels (13, 24, 35, 45), doubling as #MechanicalFloors while being hidden by the #ExteriorFacade. 🔸 #AtriumDesign: The atrium showcases steel columns and curving beams, creating a sense of openness while acting as a #ThermalChimney for #NaturalVentilation. 🚇🧱 #ImpactOfSubwayConstraints The geometry of the building was shaped by two intersecting subway lines (#Line14 and #Line16) beneath the structure. To avoid interference with these tunnels: 1️⃣ Each #Tower is placed strategically to align with subway clearances. 2️⃣ The #AtriumCrevice rotates 45° as the building ascends, optimizing sunlight exposure. 3️⃣ The #CentralCore widens at the middle for greater spatial volume, influenced by underground constraints. ✨🌟 #UniqueFeaturesAndInnovations 💡 #WalkingColumns: These visually striking columns "walk" along the building’s curvature, reinforcing structural integrity. 💡 #ThermalChimneyFunctionality: Acts as an eco-friendly #VentilationSystem, maintaining positive air pressure. 💡 #FacadeDesign: Flat panels mimic a curved surface for cost efficiency while preserving aesthetics. 🏗🔧 #EngineeringChallenges The project required advanced parametric modeling due to irregular #BeamLengths and floor layouts. To ensure stability: 1️⃣ #BeltTrusses were employed to distribute #LateralLoads. 2️⃣ The top floor features a #TrussCrown for added rigidity. 🌍✨ #CollaborationAndDesign Designed by #ZahaHadidArchitects and engineered by #BollingerGrohmann, this structure merges #ArtAndEngineering seamlessly. 🚀💡 #FinalThoughts This building is a testament to #InnovativeDesign and engineering excellence, blending functionality with iconic beauty. It stands as a model of how architectural constraints, like subway systems, can inspire creative solutions. #MyFavoriteBuilding #StructuralEngineering #ArchitecturalInnovation #ZahaHadid #BeltTrusses #AtriumDesign #ThermalChimney #WalkingColumns #FacadeDesign #EngineeringChallenges

Harmony in Contrast: E. L. Lutyens and the Checkerboard of Progress E. L. Lutyens, the renowned architect, stood at the threshold of a burgeoning era, where industry's relentless march forward promised a cascade of technological enlightenment. His architectural vision mirrored not only the present but also anticipated the future, like a symphony conductor sensing the crescendo before it arrives. Lutyens' ethos was one of duty-bound expression, a commitment to embody the zeitgeist of his time and to project it into the future. In his designs, Lutyens encapsulated the duality of progress, much like the checkered pattern he so admired. Black and white, symbolizing contrasts, coexisted in harmony under his meticulous gaze, reflecting the binary essence of computational logic. His architectural language wasn't just about erecting structures; it was about orchestrating a dialogue between tradition and innovation, between the tangible and the abstract. In the checkerboard motif, Lutyens found a metaphor for the evolving landscape of his era. Just as each square in the pattern harmonized with its opposite, Lutyens sought to blend the dichotomies of his time – tradition with modernity, craftsmanship with industrialization. His checkerboard designs weren't just aesthetic choices; they were architectural allegories, telling stories of adaptation and evolution. As industry surged forward, Lutyens didn't resist change; instead, he embraced it with open arms. His designs reflected the industrial pulse of his time, incorporating elements that hinted at the mechanized future awaiting humanity. But amidst the steel and concrete, Lutyens never forgot the human touch. His structures weren't just feats of engineering; they were vessels of human experience, inviting occupants to navigate the labyrinth of modernity while anchored in timeless principles. Lutyens' Page Street Housing in London stands as a testament to his foresight and diligence. In its checkerboard patterns, one can discern the echoes of a culture on the cusp of technological enlightenment. Each square, meticulously placed, tells a story of progress – a story of a world hurtling toward a future where industry and technology would reign supreme. But Lutyens' genius lay not just in reflecting the present but in shaping the future. His checkerboard designs weren't mere echoes of the industrial age but harbingers of a new era, where architecture would become a symphony of technology and tradition, each note harmonizing with the next to create a timeless melody. In the grand symphony of architecture, E. L. Lutyens played the role of the visionary composer, weaving together threads of tradition and innovation, industry and craftsmanship. And as his structures endure the test of time, they stand not just as monuments to his genius but as beacons guiding us toward a future where the checkerboard patterns of progress continue to shape our world. #ArchitecturalHarmony #LutyensLegacy

👀 Hey everyone! Ever wondered how architects create those amazing lifelike images of buildings? It’s all thanks to 3D visualization! 🏡✨ We wrote a fun article about why this service is a hidden gem in Cyprus. Check it out here: 👉 3D Visualization: An Underestimated Service in Cyprus Let us know what you think! 😊 #CoolTech #Architecture #Cyprus #MTHArchitects #3D #Visualization