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Life, Death, and the Virtual Incarnation of an Architecture. The Garden Office Project, Carlton, Victoria, Australia. Unbuilt. The creation of Architecture begins with the conception of an idea that develops embryonically over time, maturing into what it is meant to become. For some, the evolutionary path is fated to an early death and incarnation to exist only in the virtual world. Drawing inspiration from the destructed built forms in the aftermath of a catastrophic event and the work of abstract expressionist artist John Chamberlain (1927-2011), this architecture explores the concept of beauty through destruction as a form of aesthetic expression.   Embracing physical techniques like bending, contorting, torsional buckling, and the application of force to express the inherent energy within materials, this project turns the expression of destruction into architectural form. Nestled within the Heritage sensitive precinct of Drummond Street Carlton, Victoria, this project became a casualty of the Covid epidemic, ceasing construction  shortly after the completion of its concrete groundworks.   Thank-you to all that worked on this project, consultants, trades, and of course our wonderful client, that was equally as sad as we were to not see it realized as a building, inhabited and enjoyed.

The Architects’ Journal has published a new building study on the Bennetts Associates designed Edinburgh Futures Institute.   As a fine example of Scotch Baronial architecture, designed by David Bryce in the 1870s, it was not the most obvious canvas on which to create an institute for the future…   Through a comprehensive programme of repair, reconstruction and creative adaptation, the design not only demonstrates that listed buildings can be enhanced without detriment to the original, but also that low carbon-re-use of an existing building can be stimulating and responsible.   Read the full article, here: https://lnkd.in/epfdM6Zh   James Nelmes, Director at Bennetts Associates, said: “There are not many projects of this scale and complexity that you start out on where you don’t really know what it is yet. But the fact that the plan is so strong and the building is so powerful told us what we needed to do…we could get on with it and make robust, big, flexible spaces.”   For more information about our work visit www.bennettsassociates.com   #EdinburghFuturesInstitue #Architecture #Re-use #HeritageBuildings 

New York City's skyline is punctuated not only by its towering skyscrapers but also by its iconic bridges. They are more than mere structures; they are vital in connecting the city's boroughs and supporting its bustling economy. This article explores three of New York City’s most famous bridges, delving into their engineering marvels, historical significance, and lasting legacies. #nyc #architecture

Adaptive reuse can be a great boon for architects in crowded cities. Instead of demolishing the site and starting from the ground up, the existing building can be utilized to host the new needs of the site. While sometimes such projects can prove challenging, the successful reuse often makes for the more exciting developments in districts and cities - and honors everything that came before in unique ways. https://lnkd.in/gb6hkr2t

Thomas Heatherwick is one of the more polarising figures in architecture. Often dismissed as "not an architect", his buildings are often criticised for being over the top and not functional. In many ways, he reminds me of the late Wil Alsop. Both challenged accepted architectural conventions in the name of bringing delight to the built environment. Of course, challenging norms are going to bring out the haters. But I think Heatherwick is spot on with this…   "Over the last 70 to 80 years, we've had an epidemic of characterlessness in newly built parts of cities. This isn't about any one individual building; it's about a prevailing characteristic that has defined itself as being functional. Buildings need to mean something to people, or they won't be sustained, they'll be more likely to be demolished. And in our environmental crisis, the demolition industry is society's giant dirty secret…Commercial buildings in the UK have an average lifespan of 40 years. I'm told that in Seoul, South Korea, it's 30 years for commercial buildings. In China, the average age of a residential building is 34 years; a commercial building 35 years."   And all of this comes at a time in the so-called housing crisis, when many in the industry are advocating standardisation and repeatability, which, in my opinion, is just repeating the mistakes of post-WWII. We must remember that good design is about effectiveness, not merely efficiency. If not, it's just fast fashion.   https://lnkd.in/gzFXsKsq

🌿🌿 7 Days of 'In need of nature' 🌿🌿 Welcome to a short series of ancedotes 4) Dallas-Pierce-Quintero, Orchard Pocket Park, Peacock Street, London 15 years ago, DPQ were ambitious graduate architects who had submitted an entry to an international design competition I was running at Southwark Council , 'Amelia Street Public Realm' promoted by both Architects’ Journal and Architects Foundation Their excellent concept 'Abundant Amelia' won - yet how could we deliver some of their more #ambitious proposals in a #risk adverse public realm!? As the project manager and chartered landscape architect, I was sceptical. Could these new architects without apparent landscape training deliver? Apparently and much more so!! Their youthful approach had not been tainted by years of working within local authorities, 'business/culture as usual. Their minds were open to the #possible. The year was 2009. The DPQ led masterplan progressed in hand with the community, different phases of the project became active and deliverable. My role, as project manager shifted, to in-house landscape architect for delivery. Battles were had, yet the biggest win, IMO was the introduction of a #community-led #orchard/ #pocketpark at a #deadend road. Surely kids will throw fruit at neighbouring windows? It will attract wasps. Fruit will make the ground slippery. The catalogue of issues for it not to happen just grew and grew. Every dept in the council from public protection to cleansing and waste had a long list of 'nos' and 'can't dos' Then local Cllr, Caroline Pidgeon MBE was notably behind it, and everything seemed to pivot. @DPQ smashed through #bureaucratic sound barriers with their highly #innovative #orchard pocket park at Peacock Street. Gradually, our fears, frustrations and challenges started to dissipate as we collectively saw a #newdawn. It was a #trailblazer including #SuDs, #seating, #activetravelroutes #schoolstreet #cyclehoops and understory of #diverseplanting. I gained insight, experience and knowledge in how to #overcome internal #challenges and a #fantastic #precedent of what could be achieved #locally. 15 years later in role of Programme Manager, Greening the Public Realm at Islington, I imagined this type of precedent making #positive #impact by being #scaled up on mass. I shared my #vision with Cllr Martin Klute who stated the obvious 'Great idea - but no that is never going to happen as the #council just doesn't have the budget' From that moment I made it my personal mission to identify #alternative funding for the scale up of #pocketparks, for need of #climateadaptation, #social and #economic #benefits - I then identified R&D funding through #NEIRF, #led, #developed and #authored the successful '#GreenFinance for #Islington Pocket Park Framework' working with consultants Peter Hayakawa, Ludovic P. Milimer Morgado WSP ❓️Who are your #unsung #hero's or #heroines? ❓️ Has 'no' ever spurred you on to #rise to a challenge?

How does one take the current temperature of residential architecture in America—the identification of its fashions, its experimental developments and, moreover, the individuals who are its trailblazers in every state in the nation? It’s a question that demands other questions, including: At that local level, what are the primary market challenges…and opportunities? And in the wake of the devastation that Americans have experienced under their own roofs in 2024 from the new extreme-weather reality, what role should America’s architects, the nation’s building-design experts, be playing in the recovery-and-rebuild efforts of these tragedies? In the last decade, the function of the architect in society has been transformed; and today, as consumers navigate climate challenges and the demands they’re placing on our houses, it’s incumbent upon us to reach a more thorough understanding of what’s so often missing in their design and construction—and the extent to which good architects can improve them and, in turn, our lives.

🌿 **Passionate about Architecture that Honors Culture and Sustainability** 🌿 Hello! How's everyone doing? I wanted to share something that really inspires me. For me, architecture is more than just designing spaces; it's an opportunity to connect with history and the environment around us. Projects like *Townsville North Rail Yards* in Queensland, Australia, are a great example of how to revitalize heritage areas while respecting cultural identity and promoting sustainability. Here, old rail tracks and historic structures are seamlessly integrated with contemporary buildings, creating the perfect balance between the past and the present. This approach not only preserves the past but also respects the tropical climate of the area by incorporating local vegetation to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing landscape. The use of natural light, open spaces, and sustainable design shows how architecture can be transformative, connecting communities and promoting environmental well-being. 🌱 I'm inspired by how projects like this not only transform spaces but also positively impact the surrounding communities. Do you know of other projects making a difference? 🌍🏛️ #SustainableArchitecture #CulturalPreservation #ResponsibleDesign #Townsville [Link to the project here](https://lnkd.in/dmdiAtru)

"It’s a different framework of thinking. It pushes you to do things that you wouldn’t have thought to do. It pushes you to evaluate spaces that you thought you didn’t like to see if you can make them work in a way that you do like. How little can I do to make this work?" Thought-provoking interview with architect Julie Eizenberg on the the importance of retrofitting and adaptive reuse of historic buildings. At SFN we agree that working under heritage constraints can be challenging but one that our team relishes in our commercial and residential construction projects. Often those buildings become your most memorable work.   Via: ArchitectureAU #sfnbuild #residentialbuilders #commercialbuilders #heritage #adaptivereuse

Educational design has a profound impact on learning environments as it influences student mood, learning outcomes, and overall well-being. Elements like adaptable learning spaces, biophilic design, vibrant colour and carefully planned lighting are crucial in establishing ideal educational settings that support both academic achievement and student wellness