Raman Joshi Managing Director, Manitowoc Cranes India
Raman Joshi first kindled his passion for industrial manufacturing during studies for his mechanical engineering degree at MBM Engineering College in Jodhpur. He later went on to an advanced degrees in both engineering and business administration at New Mexico State University and the University of Michigan, both in the United States. He then began his professional career in Japan working for a machine tool manufacturing company, before heading to the US for a bearing manufacturing company. And eventually, after 20 years, he has returned to India with Manitowoc Cranes.
Mr. Joshi has been with Manitowoc Cranes for almost seven years, and considers building a high-performing team to be his most important role within the company. "Human resource development is the heart and soul of any strong organization," he says. "I am a hard-core believer of people first, customers second because if you take good care of your people, customer satisfaction follows naturally. Encouraging a strong team with ever-growing skills is one of my passions, and I take it very seriously."
As he describes it, the nature of the construction industry and the current state of India's economic climate make his position an exciting and ever-changing challenge. Patience is key in an industry that is by nature highly cyclical. From drastic declines to radical growth, leaders need to plan carefully and always look for new ways to keep people motivated and steadily achieve the goals.
"India is going through a dramatic change, and there is no looking back," Mr. Joshi says. "Although political and bureaucratic roadblocks do emerge, the engine of growth in the region cannot be stopped. India has an immense talent pool and increasing globalization will provide ample opportunities to people who want to bring change." He predicts that infrastructure and urbanization will continue to fuel growth in the construction industry and, as customers become more aware of atomized processes, demand for equipment will only grow. According to Mr. Joshi, the onus is on policy makers to ensure that the right policies are introduced at the right time to ensure India's industrial sector can continue to move forward.
Yet, as he is careful to point out, he welcomes the occasional roadblock, recognizing that in adversity there is always opportunity. "Roadblocks are a way of life," he explains. "Without sweat and blood, no success would taste sweet." Obstacles are overcome by establishing company processes and policies that encourage efficiency, but also encouraging people's passion and creativity. As Mr. Joshi puts it, "process without passion sows bureaucracy, and passion without process sows stupidity." His leadership is characterized by careful planning combined with an eagerness to capitalize on the strength, intellect, and positive energy of his colleagues.
Outside of business hours, Mr. Joshi is an avid bookworm, reading everything he can get his hands on. He also enjoys golf and travelling with his family. He believes that honesty, integrity, and passion for what you do keeps life on track. He also strives to maintain work-life balance, reminding himself that, as a wise man once said, "the trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you are still a rat."
Mr. Joshi has been with Manitowoc Cranes for almost seven years, and considers building a high-performing team to be his most important role within the company. "Human resource development is the heart and soul of any strong organization," he says. "I am a hard-core believer of people first, customers second because if you take good care of your people, customer satisfaction follows naturally. Encouraging a strong team with ever-growing skills is one of my passions, and I take it very seriously."
As he describes it, the nature of the construction industry and the current state of India's economic climate make his position an exciting and ever-changing challenge. Patience is key in an industry that is by nature highly cyclical. From drastic declines to radical growth, leaders need to plan carefully and always look for new ways to keep people motivated and steadily achieve the goals.
"India is going through a dramatic change, and there is no looking back," Mr. Joshi says. "Although political and bureaucratic roadblocks do emerge, the engine of growth in the region cannot be stopped. India has an immense talent pool and increasing globalization will provide ample opportunities to people who want to bring change." He predicts that infrastructure and urbanization will continue to fuel growth in the construction industry and, as customers become more aware of atomized processes, demand for equipment will only grow. According to Mr. Joshi, the onus is on policy makers to ensure that the right policies are introduced at the right time to ensure India's industrial sector can continue to move forward.
Yet, as he is careful to point out, he welcomes the occasional roadblock, recognizing that in adversity there is always opportunity. "Roadblocks are a way of life," he explains. "Without sweat and blood, no success would taste sweet." Obstacles are overcome by establishing company processes and policies that encourage efficiency, but also encouraging people's passion and creativity. As Mr. Joshi puts it, "process without passion sows bureaucracy, and passion without process sows stupidity." His leadership is characterized by careful planning combined with an eagerness to capitalize on the strength, intellect, and positive energy of his colleagues.
Outside of business hours, Mr. Joshi is an avid bookworm, reading everything he can get his hands on. He also enjoys golf and travelling with his family. He believes that honesty, integrity, and passion for what you do keeps life on track. He also strives to maintain work-life balance, reminding himself that, as a wise man once said, "the trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you are still a rat."
NBMCW September 2012
Raghavan Ramaswamy, Vice President, Sandvik Construction, India
Raghavan currently heads the Construction Business Area at Sandvik, India. He joined Sandvik in the year 2008 in Finland, Lahti, to take care of the Breakers business there. He is not new to Sandvik. His association with Sandvik started way back in 1997 when he was working for one of Sandvik’s dealerships in the Middle East. He is currently based in India for the last two years.
Over the years, Raghavan has had the opportunity of working with different cultures and nationalities, thus enabling him to experience, learn, seize and imbibe the best of entirety. Elaborating on this further, Raghavan adds, "Memorable experiences are actually quite many. I think one of the best things is that I have got the opportunity to have worked with different cultures and nationalities. I have worked for an Arab, I have worked for an American, for a Japanese boss, for a Finn, and now I am working for a Swede."
Raghavan, believes every single opportunity and change in his professional career is an achievement. Having worked with various leading multinationals, has taught him a lot. Referring to his most memorable experience, Raghavan said that his assignment in Lahti, Finland, for 2 years, from January 2008 to January 2010 where everything was different, challenging and memorable. "Because of the climatic conditions and the culture, most of my contemporaries and peers, including my family, gave me only three months time saying that I would not be able to work there for too long. But I managed to survive for two years there, and I did just fine! That I think is the most memorable experience for me, where I moved straight from plus 50 degrees temperature in Middle East to minus 25 degrees temperature in Finland - even climate wise it was different," reminiscences Raghavan.
Speaking about India and the economy, Raghavan is of the opinion that the country is in a perfect position to scale new heights in the years to come. "We are in the right position to grow today. I don’t think there is any correction needed. If at all, there is a need for correction, then that would be in time frame. If people have been thinking that this success story would happen in the next five to 10 years time, then probably we were mistaken. It is going to take longer than that, the correction is only in the time frame, and we need to wait and watch" opines Raghavan.
Known to be a people’s person, Raghavan ackno- wledges and respects people who are enthusiastic, energetic and passionate about their work. Having been part of the heavy equipment sector for long now, Raghavan strongly recommends youngsters to opt for challenging jobs. "Today’s crop of youth come with a lot of enthusiasm and energy, and we need not only young and energetic people but also people who are motivated and passionate and who feel proud to work for the organisation that they are working for," he says.
Raghavan’s mantra of success is that there is no shortcut to hard work, "but I think hard work alone will not get you there, you need to be passionate about what you do and you should be very proud of your achievements. Just hard work alone is not the mantra, I think hard work with passion and pride in whatever you do is what it is that will take you far and beyond," he quips.
A voracious reader, Raghavan has an undying appetite for reading. He also loves watching movies and has a fine blend of classical and contemporary collection of movies. In his free time, Raghavan loves spending time with his family - wife and two sons. Going forward, ten years from now, he would like to become a consultant to corporates, "I personally feel I am good at that so I see myself as an advisor or a consultant to corporate."
NBMCW August 2012
Jaideep Shekhar Executive Director–Terex MPS
During the course of his studies which included a stint at Tata Steel for his summer internship, he got the practical exposure of working in this Industry and eventually joined the Swedish multinational Svedala Industri AB in 1999. Jaideep started as an application engineer in Svedela, which was later acquired by Mesto Minerals in 2001. He then moved into Sales engineer role in 2001 and grew within the company to reach Sales manager – North India role in 2004.
He started his career at Terex in 2007 as Country Manager for Terex Finlay and was responsible for Asia & Middle East Region. In 2009 he took over the role of Director - Sales & Marketing for Terex MPS Brand for Asia region, before moving into his current role in Jan 2012. Currently, he is working with Terex as the Executive Director for their Materials Processing Division and responsible for the P&L of Materials Processing in India and looking after the overall sales and operations. In his present role he is responsible for the Materials Processing Business Segment which includes Finlay, Powerscreen, and MPS brands.
He strongly feels that his previous stint as Sales & Marketing Director for Asia, has given him the required background and the opportunity for his current work. In his various roles in sales & marketing, he had the opportunity to interact with people with different nationalities, culture and languages and to learn from them. He is passionate about travelling and his role in sales & marketing has given him the opportunity to travel around the globe, which he enjoyed the most. His most remembered trip was to Ulaanbator in Mongolia where he enjoyed the undulating view of the mountains and got the attention of almost everyone being one of the few Indians who visit that country.
For a successful life, his mantra is to enjoy every moment and every situation and being honest in all his work and commitment. He shared, "I have enjoyed my work all way long and have tried to keep my commitments with my family, customers and business associates which has given me peace of mind and motivated me to keep moving." He feels his biggest recognition has been by his employers who have given him various growth opportunities at every stage of his career because of which he has been fortunate enough to gain experience in the field and shoulder new and bigger responsibilities at such a young age.
Looking at the current phase of the economy he is of the view that the fundamentals of Indian economy and the industry in general are still strong and the current slowdown should be seen as a temporary event. The economy is growing at around 6% which may seem low as compared to its previous years' performance but is still way above European counterparts. India has huge potential for domestic demand fuelled by growing infrastructure need. Mining industry also has a strong role to play in India's growth story and requires intervention from government and key players to contribute positively. Overall, with right policy impetus the sector has the potential to be one of the highest growth sectors in the country.
Speaking on a progressive HRD culture and development in the organization he said, human capital has been one of the main focus area especially in his company as lot of business depends upon relationship and hence we value our people and putting a lot of effort in overall development of the employees – not only professional and technical training but also personal development has been a key focus area. We also encourage internal movements within the organization to give employees ample chances of growth.
Being positive for the Indian construction and mining industry, he sees a lot of growth opportunities in the years to come and suggests more young talent to join this industry. Mining is a niche industry where he enjoyed every single day of his work and he is confident that in the coming years, he would make some significant contribution to the industry through the knowledge and experience gained here in the past 13 years would stand in good stead.
NBMCW July 2012
Pankaj Gupta President, Hilti India
Currently, he is responsible for the success of Hilti through developing people and satisfying customers across the entire geography of India. He has been associated with the construction equipment industry for over 13 years. He made his way towards the construction sector when he got an opportunity to be responsible for the upcoming equipment rental operations of a large construction equipment company.
Speaking passionately about infrastructure developments, he opines that in India, infrastructure is a big opportunity; it is also a challenge which comes in the way of serving the needs of the customers who work in these harsh and difficult to reach places. Surmounting these challenges and creating enthusiasm in the customers has been the biggest achievement for Hilti to become a trustworthy name for the construction industry professionals. He believes that these challenges can be overcome through listening to its people and encouraging them to suggest options on what they believe are the solutions to these problems, by harnessing their collective energy and intellect followed by relentless execution of agreed action points.
Job satisfaction means a lot for the progress of the company and those working in it. He feels that satisfied people create satisfied customers and this is the approach they have been taking in Hilti.
Mr. Pankaj opines that the growth of Indian economy is a blip on the radar screen at the current point of time. However, the desire of the teeming millions of this country and their entrepreneurship will surely see us overcoming the challenges, we are facing currently. He feels the future of the country and people are bright.
Being a mechanical engineer with post graduate degree in business management and with over 22 years of work experience in various functions, he has been able to make a mark in Strategic Planning, Project implementation, Sales, Marketing, people management and P&L management in different organizations be it MNC's or Indian companies like Price Waterhouse, DCM, Escorts, Quippo, and Hilti.
According to him, hard work, being passionate about the work, putting in your best and developing yourself and your team continuously are the mantras for successful lives. He also feels that one should do only what excites and energizes one's life.
He is very devoted to his family and is equally focused on his professional progression and loves to spend most of the free time with his family and a little time in pursuing other activities. He believes that this is what keeps him energised for the challenges in the professional life.
In his lifetime, he has always been craving to work in well-established international organizations and now working for Hilti to fulfill one of his ambitions which still has to go a long way.
NBMCW July 2012
Ranaveer Sinha Managing Director, Telcon
He began his professional career as a Management Trainee at Tata Steel where he worked in various modernization projects of the company which involved planning as well as execution. As an initial assignment, Mr. Sinha was given the responsibility of modernising Phase I & II in Tata Steel where, as a result of his wonderful performance, he was appointed as Marketing Manager of the newly-acquired Kumardhubi Engineering Works. Later, he returned to the parent company and played a key role in the formation of the Engineering Exports Department and ultimately became Director of International Trade. His tenure in this position was marked with explosive growth in various product segments and new markets. In recognition of his achievements, Mr. Sinha was brought back to Jamshedpur as Executive-in-Charge of the Tubes Division which he turned around and made it into a profitable unit.
In January 2003, he was appointed Managing Director of Telcon, a joint-venture between Tata Motors and Hitachi Construction Machinery Co. Ltd. of Japan and is responsible for the strategic and technological tie-ups across the Globe. Under his stewardship, the company has grown to become India's foremost construction equipment company and went global with the acquisition of two companies overseas, namely Comoplesa Lebrero SA, Spain and Serviplem SA, Spain. He has catapulted the Company to its current rank of 38 from previous 100 in the Global CE industry. Under his able guidance, Telcon has also received number of awards such as the JRD QV Award and the Highest Delta award in Business Excellence from the Tata Group Chairman and the JIPM Category A Award for excellence in TPM.
Next year, he would be completing 10 years in the construction equipment industry. It has always excited him to be a part of India's Infrastructure growth story. He feels that India's Infrastructure growth story is intact and foresees a growth of five times by the year 2020. As close to a trillion US$ is expected to be spent on the infrastructure development under the 12th five year plan, he, at Telcon plans to leverage this opportunity by bringing in a slew of products, attachments and services for addressing the specific mechanization needs of the construction sector. He believes that the current economic turmoil is not likely to stay here for long and, to overcome it faster, his focus will be on introducing newer and latest generation machines, focusing more on indigenization. Besides, he is also looking at exports in a big way.
Mr. Sinha recognizes the new economic paradigm, which considers Human Capital as the most sustainable competitive advantage. Therefore, he, at Telcon aims to enhance the value of its Human capital by attracting talent with a value system matching its own, creating performance driven work systems, recognizing and capitalizing on every employee's worth, encouraging initiative and innovation, developing leaders and managers, building employee competencies, understanding and taking care of career growth opportunities of employees and providing competitive benefits and services.
As a professional, he has been associated with several national and international bodies and was the past Chairman of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Jharkhand Council, Ex-Chairman of International Tube Association, Immediate Past Chairman of Indian Earthmoving & Construction Industry Association Ltd. (IECIAL) and also that of CII (Eastern Region). Currently, he serves on the Affirmative Action Sub-Committees of National & Eastern Region Council of CII and is passionately involved in ushering in new initiatives like Affirmative Action, Climate Change, etc.
His core competencies are leadership skills, focused achievement orientation, strong team-building & conflict resolution skills, high customer orientation, conceptualization and communication skills, commercial and business acumen with both short-term and strategic focus. All these qualities have been the keys to his successful career. Going forward, in the next 10 years' time, he would like to be a part of many key projects defining India's growth.
NBMCW July 2012
A. M. Muralidharan Managing Director, Volvo India Pvt. Ltd.
Muralidharan has been associated with the Volvo Group for over 13 years. He holds the unique distinction for setting up the Construction Equipment business for Volvo in India in 1997, before moving on to create high value customer centric organizations in countries like Belgium and Singapore during his tenure as Vice President for various business verticals in Asia and Europe.
As the Managing Director of Volvo India, Muralidharan spearheads the joint company comprising around 3000 people across various business entities and areas, operational units and functions. He is also a key member of Volvo Construction Equipment management team for Asia region, and is responsible for all market facing activities across the organization including customer operations, sales, marketing and ecosystem expansion.
Looking back in time, Muralidharan feels that while the industry had its fair share of road blocks till 2004 with a small price-sensitive market and lack of awareness amongst users, the team at Volvo easily turned it to their advantage, by not only providing world class technology but also the lowest cost of operation to their customers. Under his leadership, Volvo CE has received recognition from the industry for its high-quality products, efficiency and low cost of operation.
Modest to the core, Muralidharan gives credit to the strong team at Volvo India for this success. He believes people play a significant role in creating the DNA of a company. "There are always certain similarities between the products that you sell and those of your competitors, so it is the people you work with that make all the difference," he says.
Reminiscing about the most defining moment for the industry over the years, Muralidharan adds, "Introduction of air conditioning in the construction equipment operator cabins was definitely unforgettable, but the turning point at Volvo India was being able to provide comfortable working conditions to equipment operators at the same operational cost."
Soft spoken and ever smiling, Muralidharan is a self-confessed bookworm, and an avid golfer. He also loves to travel. His mantra for success is discipline, openness, trust and focus.
Muralidharan is proud to be a part of the construction equipment sector, which is one of the unique and fastest growing industries globally, and would recommend this sector to those looking for the opportunity to work in a challenging niche segment.
Having been a part of this sector since the early days, Muralidharan would like to be remembered for his contribution to the sector's growth in India, particularly in driving market adoption of new technologies and best practices, in the past and in the times to come.
NBMCW July 2012
Revamping of Retail Areas in T3 & T1C Terminals At IGI Airport, New Delhi
With the increasingly economic air fares and ease of travel, Airport Architecture is no longer just limited to designing an efficient terminal for the passengers and the flight movements but it has also become a hub of activities for revenue generation significantly contributing in the functioning of an airport as a commendable commercial
Smart Sustainable Airport Designs
India as a country is passing through a transition, and there has been a lot of infrastructure growth to be visualized as a phase of evolution from developing into a developed nation. A lot of talks have been going on in the recent past to upgrade our towns and cities into smart cities and adopt strategies of a sustainable development
The Raipur Airport
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| An Aerial view from the City-side |
Text: Ar Apurva Bose Dutta
Pictures/Drawings/Views: M/s Creative Group
Airports have invariably assisted in offering a vista of the state/country they represent. While for foreign visitors they work as a prologue of what lies outside; for domestic flyers, they pose to denote a sense of pride. A recent report released by the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), leaders in aviation market intelligence and industry summits, indicates that 'airport projects in India account for just 1% of $385 billion worth airport development works which are underway around the world'. The report also states that in India airport projects valuing $4.9 billion are either underway or at planning stages.
Clearly, though the number of creation and modernization of airports as well as airspace navigation is taking place in an unprecedented manner in India and is symbolic of an unheralded advancement in technology, yet it is happening at a slow pace. This slow pace in airport growth in India is credited to 'lower than expected growth in non-metro and regional airports' besides financial crisis in airlines and policy inaction by government. Much of the aviation market is said to be concentrated in the six cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
In the wake of this, the New Expandable Modular Integrated Airport at Raipur (the Swami Vivekananda airport), the capital city of Chhattisgarh, poses to be an inspiration for many two-tier and three-tier cities to follow suit. The airport recently was awarded with National Tourism Award 2012-13 for the best Airport in the non-metro category.
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| Prof. Charanjit S. Shah |
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| Ar. Gurpreet S. Shah |
In the words of the architects, the airport had to be 'iconic in stature and had to project the image of modern India which as a nation is quickly becoming a technological and economic giant but has not forgotten its core cultural values and traditions'. Hence the firm's vision while designing was to 'globalize the airport terminal, to not only create a world class terminal but also to direct and integrate the commercial built form into an environmentally sustainable abode'.
Architect Charanjit S Shah with his vast experience in designing diverse typology of projects over the past four decades while citing the challenges of Indian airports vis-a-vis their counterparts abroad explains, "Airports are being treated as gateways to a city or nation. New Innovations and technologies are being adopted in their design to make them iconic and of world class. Though in India airport designs face perhaps no constraint, however there are other challenges which include the visitor / passenger ratio, while designing the city-side visitor areas and other facilities. Perhaps with transfer of technology, the world has become a small global village. Now the planning norms, standards and technology in respect of construction as well as designing has commonality of tools. This has transformed with commonality of global understanding."
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| Air-side 3D- view of the terminal building |
Design of the New Expandable Modular Integrated Airport at Raipur
StatisticsThe current terminal (with an area of 18,500 sqm) has been designed to accommodate 8,17,600 domestic and international passengers currently, with a proposed expansion plan that will spread to a floor plate of 25,000 sqm to cater to future expansion needs that will be governed by demand. The proposed expansion plan, taking a cue from the modular nature of planning of the airport incorporates the addition of wings on either side of the airport terminal (spanning 25mts each). Currently, the programme includes 20 check-in counters, three escalators, three lifts, two X-ray luggage machines, three security check points and three conveyor belts for luggage, 15 immigration counters for prospective international flights. Plans are afoot to warden off areas specifically dedicated to a surface car park for 350 cars, 150 taxis, 10 buses, 10 VIP vehicles, at a distance of 100m from the terminal.
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| City-side 3D- view of the terminal building |
Planning and Layout
Reflecting the culture, tradition and the aspirations of the people of Chhattisgarh, the architectural character of the Terminal has been conceptualised keeping these in mind, while making an utmost effort to keep it functional, practical, and efficient. "We set out to design a simple, terminal building, which would become a living part of the surrounding environment. We visualized travellers waiting for their flight, sitting, as in a house, among trees, gardens, and airplanes. To us, the spirit of the place had to be in harmony with the transition which takes place in the traveller's mind as he or she prepares to journey from one climate to another, leaving the tangible world for the abstract realm of movement and space, and the prospect of another country," explains Architect Charanjit Shah.
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| Transverse section of the terminal building |
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| Right-side elevation |
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| Rear Elevation (Air-side) |
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| Longitudinal Section |
The bi-level terminal building neatly segregates the arrival and departing spaces with an efficient layout. Taking into account the crowd of people that an airport has to cater to and concurrently to make it a visually engaging experience for the travellers, the design lays emphasis on the vastness of spaces and maintains a connect with the vistas of the blue sky through an intelligent and hi-tech roofing structure.
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| SITE PLAN | Structural Skin of the Roof | Exploded Perspective Schema of the Roof |
While the layout ensures an efficient and secure circulation route for passengers, the spaces have been peppered with vibrancy through a central sunken landscaped courtyard on the ground floor (visible from the mezzanine and security check areas) that aids in segregating the security areas and hold-spaces ('transitional visual yet, physical spaces that prepare the traveller to transcend from land to air'). This space which maintains its symbiotic relation with the terminal's form, provides a sense of rejuvenation. On the design of hold-spaces, the architects say, "We as architects particularly feel that the space termed as 'hold-spaces' should volumetrically be designed in a manner so as to represent a holistic overview from land to air and vice-versa. They are crucial spaces within a terminal, designed completely for the public."
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| View of vertical circulation with landscaped court | City-side view |
While at the ground floor, the sunken courtyard integrates with it a curvilinear stream flowing from east to west through a patchwork of lush, colourful perennials; it has artistically been adorned with varied sculptures from the age old regional art of Chhattisgarh - the historic Bastar art sculptures, thus managing to retain the state's ethnic character. From this sunken space, there is a dash of greenery in the form of vertical gardens and lush palm groves that rise from this area and is visible to the travellers at a higher level. This is in direct regard to the designers' belief that " A built form should not be treated as a dead mass of brick and concrete but as a living organism."
Form
The terminal building supports an organic form deriving its concept from an 'Avian' and is exemplary of technology marrying materials, aesthetics and design. Taking the form of a bird (an 'Avian') all set to take off with its wings raised high, the multiple wings of the Avian elevate the roof profile towards the sky (the roof profile integrating a sliced dome at the centre). It thus manages to successfully highlight the majestic roof that becomes the focal point of the structure, externally and internally, visually as well as functionally. The louvered tube form of the rear side of the air-side corridor evolves itself from the design of a 'spaceship'. Architect Gurpreet S Shah further elucidates, "Architectural amalgamation with technology and steel innovation have been truthfully planned and conceived to give shape to the virgin and expressionistic 'avian' form".
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| View of Aerobridge | Column-Free Monumental Staircase and Bow Trusses |
Structure
The steel roof, a resultant of assimilation of more than 14,500 structural members is exemplary of high technology and has been analyzed on various software programmes with detailed studies of day light factor followed by structural analysis and preparation of precise drawings using various software.
A floating effect is emanated through this double curved roof (spanning 120m with a clear span of 39m) which consists of 12 unique trusses with skylights creating a floating effect. The magnetic intersection of these trusses at different levels create the skylights, which further accentuate the structural framework besides allowing natural light to permeate through the building which offers a constantly changing pattern of shadow and light.
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| Airside Corridor | A construction picture of the roof structure |
Fascinating tree columns in RCC (spanned at an interval of 17m) with flaring arms / branches of the tree columns made in dense steel sections, support the primary truss on each end, in the arrival and departure lounges. While being structural elements, their circular forms with flaring arms (all cladded with stainless steel) also become unique pieces of architectural expressions. These columns also help in integrating the vertical AHU system.
The structural glazing (15m high and 180m long) on the inclined facade of the terminal building is supported by bow trusses that possess a specially designed hinged connection at its base, which other than allowing constructability also stabilizes the glass against rotational movement in case of high wind.
Material
Apart from the design that has been creatively and rationally conceptualized to create a statement, the implementation of materials too - especially that of steel and glass creates dynamism. While the inclined glass facade with a unique translucent appearance visually keeps the connect between the interiors and the passengers entering the airport, the aluminium profiled sheet roofing, multi cellular insulated translucent panels of skylights (accommodating a largely-span spaced roofing system) and the curb side canopy done with polycarbonate sheets with high performance tinted toughened glass, induce a high tech semblance to the built form.
The use of steel in the roof largely points out to the potential, strength, flexibility and malleability of the material in order to realise such a form. Featuring as the key material of the three-dimensional curvilinear roofs, the use of steel allows the design of the large open span structure with limited columns, plus making it possible to transfer the 'exact computer engineered design' on to the site.
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| Roof Lighting of Baggage Hall | Departure Hall |
Sustainability
The Creative Group has been commended for their sustainable architecture and their many green initiatives visible in the various typologies of buildings they have designed. The Raipur airport is also exemplary of this initiative and many passive green measures have been taken in the design ensuring that the terminal building complies with ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Codes) in order to ensure energy savings. In the words of the architects, "The New Expandable Modular Integrated Airport at Raipur is one-of-a-kind infrastructure project to have successfully showcased various aspects of sustainability ranging from the passive ways of planning to the optimum conservation of water and energy. It has actually been successful in re-defining architecture of such energy guzzlers."
| Fact File | |
| Client | - Airports Authority of India |
| Design team | - Prof. Charanjit S Shah (Founding Principal), Ar. Gurpreet S shah (Principal Architect), Mr. Abhishek Sinha (Senior Project Architect) |
| Consultants | - Vijay Rewal Associates (Structural), V.S. Kukreja Associates (MEP) |
| Principal Contractor | - KMB ERA JV. |
| Total Area | - 20,900 sqm |
| Terminal Building | - 18,500 sqm |
| Sub-Station Building | - 2000 sqm |
| Food Court/ Parking | - 400 sqm |
| Cost of project | - 150 crores |
To ensure that the building is cooled, its design consists of a high thermal mass structure, with highly insulated walls and roof, is shaded with trees, overhangs, roof projections and fins that minimise the effect and glare of sun inside the building. A total of 43% reduction has been achieved in water consumption (which includes features like retention of storm water and rain water harvesting which recharge the ground water making it viable for usage).
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| The sunken courtyard integrating a curvilinear stream has the historic Bastar art sculptures. |
The use of indoor landscape courtyards and water bodies provide a sense of relief. While many landscape features have been conscientiously designed to make the entire experience more rejuvenating, a special triangular green scape included in the north of the terminal accommodates the AC cooling towers and electrical substations. This space has been beautifully weaved with the existing plantation and foliage to allow seamless merging into them.
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| An Interior view with the sliced dome and the tree columns |
Ample natural light is admitted through the integration of steel frames, reflective metal panelling, skylights and façade glass, and especially through the ambitious design feature of slicing of the roof which maximises this daylight leading to zero use of artificial light during the day. For evenings and nights, T5 light fittings with automatic perimeter light sensing controls have been used. The slicing of the roof yet again emits light in the sky, lighting up this design feature beautifully at night. On the influence of light in design architect Shah further states, "Lighting plays a vital role and has great influence on the design. In today's context, Lighting poses to be a major design tool which can make buildings / built spaces more meaningful. It enhances the visual impact and can change the mood of the spaces as per the architect's perception and design."
| Salient Features of Steel Roof | |
| Steel consumed in roof | - 16,21,500 kg |
| Type of steel used | - M.S. Tubes Fy310 |
| Total roof area including skylights | - 23,500/sqm |
| Steel consumed | - 65 kg/sqm |
| Steel for architectural features | - 4 kg/sqm |
The use of steel also adds to sustainability due to the material's complete flexibility and advanced strength-to-weight ratio. It also ensures zero waste generation, and triumphs as a simple and most effective way to reduce waste, apart from speeding up the development and construction process.
 |
| A night-view |
All the services (fire fighting, HVAC, Plumbing, BMS) have been intelligently integrated in underground trenches.
NBMCW August 2014
AS+GG Wins Imperial Tower, Mumbai Competition
Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill (AS+GG) Architecture has won Mumbai's Imperial Tower competition with a 400-meter aerodynamic design. The Imperial Tower, which could become the tallest in the city if constructed, was designed to "confuse the wind" by minimizing the negative effects of wind in the low-rise city.
At 116 stories and 400 meters tall, Imperial Tower was designed to be the tallest building in the city and a prototype for Mumbai, a densely developed but mostly low-rise metropolis whose urban future revolves around tall residential towers.
The softly curvilinear form of this tall, elegantly slender tower is aerodynamically shaped to "confuse the wind," minimizing the negative effects of wind action on the tower. Wind vortex shedding is also mitigated by the north- and south-facing sky gardens, which break up wind currents around the tower. The sky gardens also provide unprecedented access to light, views and connection with the natural world that are unprecedented in Mumbai.
The 76,272- square-meter tower includes 132 residential units of between 195 and 1,115 square meters, along with service apartments of between 72 and 252 square meters. All of the upper-story condominiums offer breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. Imperial Tower will offer the most spacious and luxurious residences in Mumbai.
Architecturally, the exterior wall provides a strong visual contrast with the heavy masonry cladding of most surrounding buildings. The exterior wall is highly sustainable, blocking heat gain and diffusing direct sunlight in the hot and humid climate of Mumbai.
The sustainability of Imperial Tower is also evident in its treatment of water, one of the area's most precious resources. Water from mechanical systems is collected and treated as greywater; rainfall is also collected for re-use by the units. High-efficiency mechanical systems, a green-wall podium and the use of native plants in the landscaping and sky gardens also adds to the project's sustainable performance. The most intriguing is the possibility that the apartments' kitchens and bathrooms could be prefabricated by a local factory.
AS+GG points out that though, they are a competition winner but its future is not certain as the project is on hold and most likely will not get built.
At 116 stories and 400 meters tall, Imperial Tower was designed to be the tallest building in the city and a prototype for Mumbai, a densely developed but mostly low-rise metropolis whose urban future revolves around tall residential towers.
The softly curvilinear form of this tall, elegantly slender tower is aerodynamically shaped to "confuse the wind," minimizing the negative effects of wind action on the tower. Wind vortex shedding is also mitigated by the north- and south-facing sky gardens, which break up wind currents around the tower. The sky gardens also provide unprecedented access to light, views and connection with the natural world that are unprecedented in Mumbai.
Architecturally, the exterior wall provides a strong visual contrast with the heavy masonry cladding of most surrounding buildings. The exterior wall is highly sustainable, blocking heat gain and diffusing direct sunlight in the hot and humid climate of Mumbai.
The sustainability of Imperial Tower is also evident in its treatment of water, one of the area's most precious resources. Water from mechanical systems is collected and treated as greywater; rainfall is also collected for re-use by the units. High-efficiency mechanical systems, a green-wall podium and the use of native plants in the landscaping and sky gardens also adds to the project's sustainable performance. The most intriguing is the possibility that the apartments' kitchens and bathrooms could be prefabricated by a local factory.
AS+GG points out that though, they are a competition winner but its future is not certain as the project is on hold and most likely will not get built.
MGS Architecture December 2013
Architecht Harish Tripathi & Associates Values Creativity, Longevity, and Sustainability in Design
"Our firm's capabilities lie in providing an individualistic characteristic to different projects with an emphasis on the environment, culture, client's need and heritage in which we are building,"--- Architect Harish Tripathi.
Known for its conspicuously dashing, stylish and contemporary design works, New Delhi based architectural and interior designing firm 'Architect Harish Tripathi & Associates,' is specialized in all forms of architectural projects ranging from corporate offices, commercial, residential, hospitals & institutional projects etc. The firm is committed to provide high quality services for designing and planning for architectural, interiors, landscape, engineering and other allied services.
According to Ar. Tripathi, "We provide solutions which are long-term, sustainable, reliable, and optimal. We are a team of professionals with innovative and creative ideas for the profession with a sensitivity upto the roots of design aspects from conceptualization to commissioning of the projects."
He believes that "Being Architects, it is our responsibility to give the right shape to our client's dream and vision. Thus, to attain this, we analyse and study the mindset of the client. We visit the site to understand the location, site condition and climatic effects. We visualize the entire concept as per the client's requirements thereafter prepare preliminary design options. Furthermore, we innovate the designs through our creative ideas and expertise. In our endeavor to attain the originality of the entire project, we show the final draft to client before execution."
He further states, "Our architectural firm is equipped with latest designing tools and software and are also linked with different consultants as Electrical, Plumbing, Air-conditioning, Horticulture, and Project Management."
Mentioning about their firm's recent development he says, "We have recently done a project 'Bhavishya Nidhi Bhawan,' which is a Regional office of Employees Provident fund Organization in Bhopal. The office accommodates RC1 who heads the office including approximately 60 staff at various positions."
Known for its conspicuously dashing, stylish and contemporary design works, New Delhi based architectural and interior designing firm 'Architect Harish Tripathi & Associates,' is specialized in all forms of architectural projects ranging from corporate offices, commercial, residential, hospitals & institutional projects etc. The firm is committed to provide high quality services for designing and planning for architectural, interiors, landscape, engineering and other allied services.
According to Ar. Tripathi, "We provide solutions which are long-term, sustainable, reliable, and optimal. We are a team of professionals with innovative and creative ideas for the profession with a sensitivity upto the roots of design aspects from conceptualization to commissioning of the projects."
He believes that "Being Architects, it is our responsibility to give the right shape to our client's dream and vision. Thus, to attain this, we analyse and study the mindset of the client. We visit the site to understand the location, site condition and climatic effects. We visualize the entire concept as per the client's requirements thereafter prepare preliminary design options. Furthermore, we innovate the designs through our creative ideas and expertise. In our endeavor to attain the originality of the entire project, we show the final draft to client before execution."
He further states, "Our architectural firm is equipped with latest designing tools and software and are also linked with different consultants as Electrical, Plumbing, Air-conditioning, Horticulture, and Project Management."
Mentioning about their firm's recent development he says, "We have recently done a project 'Bhavishya Nidhi Bhawan,' which is a Regional office of Employees Provident fund Organization in Bhopal. The office accommodates RC1 who heads the office including approximately 60 staff at various positions."
Bhavishya Nidhi Bhawan
Client Vision & Requirement
When the officials of Bhavishya Nidhi Bhawan project approached Architect Harish Tripathi & Associates, it was their requirement that the office must be able to cater to the needs of the people who visit regarding their PF related issues and to provide ideal working conditions and environment for the employees.
Besides these, the building had to cater to the needs of security, privacy, hierarchy of usages with modern office management systems and planning. It had to be a green building which uses maximum natural light and ventilation with a win- win situation for all the user groups. The EPFO wanted to provide a courtyard in the center of the building (Brahmsthan) to facilitate maximum light and ventilation. Moreover, the office building had to be designed in such a way that it caters to future requirement and has all the flexibilities in the usage pattern. In this view the building was designed with no fixed partitions inside. Last but not the least, the client's ever increasing storage needs had to be catered with modular and efficient storages system near the work places.
The Structural Design
The Planning Concepts and Structural Design have been done by the architectural firm through its Structural Engineer Mr Anil Shukla. Based on the client's requirement, the firm has designed a 6 story Building including lower ground floor which is utilized for Parking. The front has a setback of 12 m. This is utilized for driveway as well as landscape area. The side setbacks are of 6.74m. Ramps have been provided on both sides of setbacks to connect front upper part to rear lower part. The rear setback of 11.35 meters is utilized for parking as well as services.
The Ground floor has a Main entrance and a Public dealing hall. First, Second and third floors have various offices. The top floor had to be utilized as Guest house for visiting officials of the organization.
The plan of the building is a juxtaposition of 3 rectangles. Thus, with all the rectangles the grand rectangle of the office block is complete. The first rectangle is the front service core which houses staircase, lift, lift lobby and toilets. The Second Rectangle is the main office Hall which has only two columns in it thus providing a lot of flexibility in internal designing. The third rectangle has a fire staircase and public toilets.
This juxtaposition leaves two more rectangles; one at the front and other at the back to complete the grand rectangle. The front rectangle is used as a huge arrival area which acts as a podium. The entire arrangement increases the volume, light, and ventilation of the building.
The planning and the structural system have been integrated in such a way that they derive maximum benefit out of each other. The service cores at the front and back require less spans hence more number of columns are provided in those areas, whereas the hall area has only two columns in it. This provides maximum utilization of the space without compromising with the economy of the structural system.
With large spans also due to its arrangements, the economy of the structures was achieved. The challenge has been to provide sleek 18 m height column in the front supporting sleek RCC pergolas at the top level in the front as well as back. The structural system and designs were vetted by The Dean Civil Engineering Department, Jamia Millia Islamia (University) New Delhi.
Aesthetics & Ambience
The Architectural Style has been kept contemporary with straight and simple lines to project a changed progressive imaging of the EPFO. The monumentality in the building has been added by providing huge column in the front and back. Also, most of the features including boxes all around add to the verticality in the building.
In spite of being a public building, special care has been taken to incorporate VASTU elements considering the sentiments of the users as well as overall benefit derived from them.
The aim of the design was to provide a green building which utilizes maximum natural light and ventilation from all the directions depending on seasons and sun movements. Various arrangements in the form of Projections, Pergolas have been done to cut direct sun in the building. The structural glazing has been provided strategically to enhance the aesthetics of the building.
The ACP cladding has been done to provide a permanent finish to the structure. The cladding acts as Insulating layer all around the building thus decreasing the heat gain and reducing overall energy consumption in the form of electricity.
The efficient water management has been done in the building. Rain water harvesting system has been provided in the campus to recharge the rain water. No high energy consumption material has been utilized in the campus adhering to Green Building Guidelines.
The colour scheme of the building has been kept the same, which was recently approved by EPFO headquarters for all offices throughout India. All these add to the ambience of the building and give the building a decent look.
Economy in Construction
The economy in construction was achieved through best management practices. The Material Management and Procurement was centralized and the construction agency (U.P. Jal Nigam) got best rates due to their excellent payment plans and financial capacity.
The time management had also been a key feature. The project was completed 'Before Time,' therefore it could control all kinds of leakages in costing. Although, the overall cost index increased tremendously, the team could finish the project at the same cost due to their time management and excellent project planning.
The fund management and fund flow of EPFO has been excellent, which enabled the construction agency to go for commitments in the material managements hence they could achieve economy in construction.
All the architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing and fire fighting drawings, designs, client approval, and government approvals were ready in advance so that there was no delay in work due to this reason. Hence, the project had a very smooth run which resulted in timely completion and economical construction.
When the officials of Bhavishya Nidhi Bhawan project approached Architect Harish Tripathi & Associates, it was their requirement that the office must be able to cater to the needs of the people who visit regarding their PF related issues and to provide ideal working conditions and environment for the employees.
The Structural Design
The Planning Concepts and Structural Design have been done by the architectural firm through its Structural Engineer Mr Anil Shukla. Based on the client's requirement, the firm has designed a 6 story Building including lower ground floor which is utilized for Parking. The front has a setback of 12 m. This is utilized for driveway as well as landscape area. The side setbacks are of 6.74m. Ramps have been provided on both sides of setbacks to connect front upper part to rear lower part. The rear setback of 11.35 meters is utilized for parking as well as services.
The Ground floor has a Main entrance and a Public dealing hall. First, Second and third floors have various offices. The top floor had to be utilized as Guest house for visiting officials of the organization.
The plan of the building is a juxtaposition of 3 rectangles. Thus, with all the rectangles the grand rectangle of the office block is complete. The first rectangle is the front service core which houses staircase, lift, lift lobby and toilets. The Second Rectangle is the main office Hall which has only two columns in it thus providing a lot of flexibility in internal designing. The third rectangle has a fire staircase and public toilets.
This juxtaposition leaves two more rectangles; one at the front and other at the back to complete the grand rectangle. The front rectangle is used as a huge arrival area which acts as a podium. The entire arrangement increases the volume, light, and ventilation of the building.
The planning and the structural system have been integrated in such a way that they derive maximum benefit out of each other. The service cores at the front and back require less spans hence more number of columns are provided in those areas, whereas the hall area has only two columns in it. This provides maximum utilization of the space without compromising with the economy of the structural system.
With large spans also due to its arrangements, the economy of the structures was achieved. The challenge has been to provide sleek 18 m height column in the front supporting sleek RCC pergolas at the top level in the front as well as back. The structural system and designs were vetted by The Dean Civil Engineering Department, Jamia Millia Islamia (University) New Delhi.
Aesthetics & Ambience
In spite of being a public building, special care has been taken to incorporate VASTU elements considering the sentiments of the users as well as overall benefit derived from them.
The aim of the design was to provide a green building which utilizes maximum natural light and ventilation from all the directions depending on seasons and sun movements. Various arrangements in the form of Projections, Pergolas have been done to cut direct sun in the building. The structural glazing has been provided strategically to enhance the aesthetics of the building.
The ACP cladding has been done to provide a permanent finish to the structure. The cladding acts as Insulating layer all around the building thus decreasing the heat gain and reducing overall energy consumption in the form of electricity.
The efficient water management has been done in the building. Rain water harvesting system has been provided in the campus to recharge the rain water. No high energy consumption material has been utilized in the campus adhering to Green Building Guidelines.
The colour scheme of the building has been kept the same, which was recently approved by EPFO headquarters for all offices throughout India. All these add to the ambience of the building and give the building a decent look.
Economy in Construction
The economy in construction was achieved through best management practices. The Material Management and Procurement was centralized and the construction agency (U.P. Jal Nigam) got best rates due to their excellent payment plans and financial capacity.
The time management had also been a key feature. The project was completed 'Before Time,' therefore it could control all kinds of leakages in costing. Although, the overall cost index increased tremendously, the team could finish the project at the same cost due to their time management and excellent project planning.
The fund management and fund flow of EPFO has been excellent, which enabled the construction agency to go for commitments in the material managements hence they could achieve economy in construction.
All the architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing and fire fighting drawings, designs, client approval, and government approvals were ready in advance so that there was no delay in work due to this reason. Hence, the project had a very smooth run which resulted in timely completion and economical construction.
MGS Architecture December 2013
Marvel EDGE, Pune An Eco-friendly Architecture
Marvel Realtors, one of India,s most widely recognized names in real estate circles for creating premium lifestyle apartments, in its endeavors to make superior offering to its customers, collaborated with Singapore based architectural firm H.B Design Pvt Ltd to create world-class project in the country. Recently, the group has won the best energy conservation project for its ‘Marvel Edge, in Pune by MEDA (Maharashtra Energy Development Agency) in the architects and builders category. Designed by Architect Hans Brouwer, the project scored 84.5 points out of 100 on an assessment based on energy efficient design, design procedure, scientific methods adopted in construction and design.
The Mega-structure
Located at Viman Nagar, Pune, Marvel Edge is a 40m high mixed used office building, being created with a combination of graceful lines, dramatic spaces, exceptional architecture with intelligent planning and maximum flexibility. The project features some of the most unique and innovative design and construction procedures that result in higher energy efficiency. From state-of-the-art infrastructure to environmentally sustainable designs, management systems that controls advanced automation and security systems, natural lighting, breakout spaces, exceptional architecture and maximum flexibility, Marvel Edge truly is the workplace of the future.
Outstanding Amenities
An integral part of what makes Marvel Edge so different is the seamless balance it maintains between business and pleasure. And here,s how.
Being a 10-storey high (Ground floor + 9 storey,s) unique shaped building, it contains 8 cores, spread across the 10 floors. The cores serve as the primary backbone of office buildings. Most offices have one or possibly two cores serving their floors. At Edge eight cores have been strategically placed to provide the utmost in decentralized service to each of the offices. Each core can independently be accessed and serviced only three or four offices per floor. Access to these cores is facilitated through the four elevators and the service elevator.
It has an exhibition room that can hold 40 people and 6 meeting pods which can accommodate 10 people each make meetings and conferences a pleasurable experience. Ample service office space is also available for use, and ensures that one,s business is not interrupted while taking possession of the office or making alterations. These offices can also be used by consultants.
Moreover, intelligent office planning systems are integrated into the basic structure of the building, allowing tenants to design their own office environments, while still adhering to a common design concept. A sheltered outdoor terrace space will be attached to most offices. The comparatively narrow depth of offices ensures high levels of natural lighting throughout – minimizing the need for excessive artificial lighting.
The project has exclusive boutique hotel with luxurious rooms and private plunge pools, besides having auditorium and bar. The state-of-the-art pool, gymnasium and spa are the perfect antidotes to a hard day,s work. Other amenities such as a food court situated in the lavish courtyard, child care and medical centre complete the whole package.
An innovative feature at Marvel Edge is the profusion of greenery known as sky gardens. These gardens run across the circumference of the third and fifth floors, improve elevations and also create a cooling effect that helps save energy. Access to the fifth floor sky gardens allow tenants to hold informal meetings or unwind over a cup of coffee. These sky gardens serve as a welcome change to the predictable, bare concrete structures.
Being a 10-storey high (Ground floor + 9 storey,s) unique shaped building, it contains 8 cores, spread across the 10 floors. The cores serve as the primary backbone of office buildings. Most offices have one or possibly two cores serving their floors. At Edge eight cores have been strategically placed to provide the utmost in decentralized service to each of the offices. Each core can independently be accessed and serviced only three or four offices per floor. Access to these cores is facilitated through the four elevators and the service elevator.
It has an exhibition room that can hold 40 people and 6 meeting pods which can accommodate 10 people each make meetings and conferences a pleasurable experience. Ample service office space is also available for use, and ensures that one,s business is not interrupted while taking possession of the office or making alterations. These offices can also be used by consultants.
Moreover, intelligent office planning systems are integrated into the basic structure of the building, allowing tenants to design their own office environments, while still adhering to a common design concept. A sheltered outdoor terrace space will be attached to most offices. The comparatively narrow depth of offices ensures high levels of natural lighting throughout – minimizing the need for excessive artificial lighting.
The project has exclusive boutique hotel with luxurious rooms and private plunge pools, besides having auditorium and bar. The state-of-the-art pool, gymnasium and spa are the perfect antidotes to a hard day,s work. Other amenities such as a food court situated in the lavish courtyard, child care and medical centre complete the whole package.
An innovative feature at Marvel Edge is the profusion of greenery known as sky gardens. These gardens run across the circumference of the third and fifth floors, improve elevations and also create a cooling effect that helps save energy. Access to the fifth floor sky gardens allow tenants to hold informal meetings or unwind over a cup of coffee. These sky gardens serve as a welcome change to the predictable, bare concrete structures.
The Façade
Edge,s unique curvilinear façade provides a distinctive signature to Pune. This design is not the result of random organic shaping, but a highly considered response to urban context, site constraints and floor-plate flexibility. Far from being a decorative feature, the façade is a carefully engineered solution, optimising daylight penetration and views while carefully controlling unwanted heat gain and glare.
Edge,s façades have been studied in terms of solar exposure and have a perforated envelope. These envelopes control the amount of sunlight coming in to the building and thus helps cut the heat. These sunscreens have been planned in such a way that the glass façade is kept cool thus reducing temperatures in the office and therefore cutting down on the energy consumption.
Edge,s façades have been studied in terms of solar exposure and have a perforated envelope. These envelopes control the amount of sunlight coming in to the building and thus helps cut the heat. These sunscreens have been planned in such a way that the glass façade is kept cool thus reducing temperatures in the office and therefore cutting down on the energy consumption.
Hi-tech and Eco-friendly Elements
Edge being a Platinum pre-certified project combines all the features of a high performance building with sustainable design and construction. These include office spaces and interiors that are less expensive to operate in, thereby reducing their overall carbon footprint. They are also more profitable, easier to lease, healthier and more importantly serve to boost work force productivity and satisfaction.
The project describes itself as an energy efficient and operationally convenient structure through ecological designs, rainwater harvesting, green walls and multi-storey sky gardens. All these serve to help cut down on air-conditioning consumption, ensure the use of natural light, and make optimum use of water.
The comparatively narrow depth of offices ensures high levels of natural lighting throughout minimizing the need for excessive artificial lighting. Façades have been studied in terms of solar exposure. It helps to reduce excessive heat and retains better acoustics. They are also known for their energy efficient qualities.
Low flow water fixtures, energy efficient motors and an in-house sewage treatment plant help reuse wastewater for landscaping, flushing helping to reduce water consumption. Green technology helps in achieving 20-30% energy savings.
Edge,s well structured waste management efforts encourage activities that promote sustainable development and translate them into significant tangible benefits. Not just economic benefits but also regulatory compliance, risk and liability reduction and improved imagery.
The building ensures the health and well-being of its occupants with advantages such as enabling an increased flow of fresh air and oxygen into the building leading to lower carbon dioxide levels at all times. Low volatile organic compound paints, adhesives and sealants reduce indoor air contamination and eco-friendly house keeping chemicals and equipment ensure zero exposure to potentially harmful pollutants.
Edge goes the extra mile to save energy, no matter what. Solutions like electric recharge points for hybrid cars or the use of Low-U glass and better insulating materials reduce the air-conditioning load in addition to other energy saving electrical fixtures. On the other hand, the use of only CFC-free refrigerants and local materials for construction, minimise automobile pollution. Effective measures are also taken to prevent soil erosion.
Edge is the epitome of luxury, quality and technology. It provides ample opportunities to socialise, network, rejuvenate as much as it provides state-of-the-art amenities, features and spaces that act as catalysts for a growing business. Its iconic design and thoughtfully planned features will certainly raise the bar for other commercial developments in the city of Pune, India once fully get completed in 2014.
The project describes itself as an energy efficient and operationally convenient structure through ecological designs, rainwater harvesting, green walls and multi-storey sky gardens. All these serve to help cut down on air-conditioning consumption, ensure the use of natural light, and make optimum use of water.
The comparatively narrow depth of offices ensures high levels of natural lighting throughout minimizing the need for excessive artificial lighting. Façades have been studied in terms of solar exposure. It helps to reduce excessive heat and retains better acoustics. They are also known for their energy efficient qualities.
Low flow water fixtures, energy efficient motors and an in-house sewage treatment plant help reuse wastewater for landscaping, flushing helping to reduce water consumption. Green technology helps in achieving 20-30% energy savings.
Edge,s well structured waste management efforts encourage activities that promote sustainable development and translate them into significant tangible benefits. Not just economic benefits but also regulatory compliance, risk and liability reduction and improved imagery.
The building ensures the health and well-being of its occupants with advantages such as enabling an increased flow of fresh air and oxygen into the building leading to lower carbon dioxide levels at all times. Low volatile organic compound paints, adhesives and sealants reduce indoor air contamination and eco-friendly house keeping chemicals and equipment ensure zero exposure to potentially harmful pollutants.
Edge goes the extra mile to save energy, no matter what. Solutions like electric recharge points for hybrid cars or the use of Low-U glass and better insulating materials reduce the air-conditioning load in addition to other energy saving electrical fixtures. On the other hand, the use of only CFC-free refrigerants and local materials for construction, minimise automobile pollution. Effective measures are also taken to prevent soil erosion.
Edge is the epitome of luxury, quality and technology. It provides ample opportunities to socialise, network, rejuvenate as much as it provides state-of-the-art amenities, features and spaces that act as catalysts for a growing business. Its iconic design and thoughtfully planned features will certainly raise the bar for other commercial developments in the city of Pune, India once fully get completed in 2014.
NBMCW December 2013
The River, Bangkok
| Client: Raimon Land |
| Location: Bangkok Thailand |
| Area: 200,000 m2 |
| Status: Completed 2012 |
At over 200'000 m2 of development, The River is one of Thailand's largest inner city developments, comprising twin towers of 72 and 44 stories thus making it also one of Bangkok's tallest structures. Designed by architect Hans Brouwer, this new iconic landmark affords a high degree of variation within nearly 1,000 residential units in terms of type, location, orientation and height.
In the Heart of City
The origins of great cities can always be traced back to their significant geographical landmarks. Like London, Paris and New York, Bangkok's history is inextricably linked to the river that flows through it, the Chao Phraya. It remains in many ways the pulse of this great city and continues to play a key role in the life and growth of Bangkok.
Modern international cities are seeing a rediscovery of the dynamic lifestyle associated with inner city living. Whether one is dealing with the Seine in Paris, the Thames in London or the Hudson in New York, these environments are offering the ability to live right in the heart of the city, whilst still enjoying the associations of waterfront living.
It is the unique setting of The River that distinguishes this project and sets it apart from any other in Bangkok. Located in a prime area of the city, opposite some of Bangkok's most prestigious addresses and commanding stunning views back towards the skyline, The River presents a unique challenge in terms of design.
When investigating the best design for the site a premium was placed on the ability to create an environment of space, privacy and luxury. Building position and orientation were extensively studied in order to ensure unobstructed views out from every unit. The Chao Phraya is not only an exciting and dynamic context for the development, but also provides an unprecedented level of privacy and exclusivity afforded by its over 200-metre width.
Modern international cities are seeing a rediscovery of the dynamic lifestyle associated with inner city living. Whether one is dealing with the Seine in Paris, the Thames in London or the Hudson in New York, these environments are offering the ability to live right in the heart of the city, whilst still enjoying the associations of waterfront living.
It is the unique setting of The River that distinguishes this project and sets it apart from any other in Bangkok. Located in a prime area of the city, opposite some of Bangkok's most prestigious addresses and commanding stunning views back towards the skyline, The River presents a unique challenge in terms of design.
When investigating the best design for the site a premium was placed on the ability to create an environment of space, privacy and luxury. Building position and orientation were extensively studied in order to ensure unobstructed views out from every unit. The Chao Phraya is not only an exciting and dynamic context for the development, but also provides an unprecedented level of privacy and exclusivity afforded by its over 200-metre width.
Architectural Aspects
The towers have been designed with a different architectural articulation for the two principal sides. A slick curved curtain wall on one side whereas a deliberately articulated series of "pigeon holes" on the other.
The design of the apartments within The River is based on the belief that sophisticated end-users demand a wide range of choices when it comes to choosing their living environment. Units range in size from compact studios to the large duplex units with a plethora of living arrangements based on unit layout, floor level and the views afforded.
As part of the in-depth design process, the sitting of the building and orientation were extensively studied to create an environment of space, privacy and luxury with unobstructed views from every unit. Careful modulation of scale, articulation and detailing are reflections of a design philosophy that embraces intelligent, responsive design in turn reflected in both the interior planning and external appearance of the building.
The central core arrangement ensures that all main living and sleeping areas will enjoy prime, unobstructed views, and kitchens and bathrooms are typically open plan. A structural system employing long span, flat slabs coupled with a full height, floor to ceiling glazed facade gives rise to urban, highrise living at a previously unprecedented scale in Bangkok.
The towers have been carefully sculpted and the elegant interplay of curved and orthogonal facades delineates different forms and emphasizes the vertical expression of the towers. The curved glazed wall of the taller tower is translucent by day and dramatically illuminated by night. The River, being a 265-metre-high masterpiece, won Best Luxury Condo development at the Thailand Property Awards.
The design of the apartments within The River is based on the belief that sophisticated end-users demand a wide range of choices when it comes to choosing their living environment. Units range in size from compact studios to the large duplex units with a plethora of living arrangements based on unit layout, floor level and the views afforded.
As part of the in-depth design process, the sitting of the building and orientation were extensively studied to create an environment of space, privacy and luxury with unobstructed views from every unit. Careful modulation of scale, articulation and detailing are reflections of a design philosophy that embraces intelligent, responsive design in turn reflected in both the interior planning and external appearance of the building.
The central core arrangement ensures that all main living and sleeping areas will enjoy prime, unobstructed views, and kitchens and bathrooms are typically open plan. A structural system employing long span, flat slabs coupled with a full height, floor to ceiling glazed facade gives rise to urban, highrise living at a previously unprecedented scale in Bangkok.
The towers have been carefully sculpted and the elegant interplay of curved and orthogonal facades delineates different forms and emphasizes the vertical expression of the towers. The curved glazed wall of the taller tower is translucent by day and dramatically illuminated by night. The River, being a 265-metre-high masterpiece, won Best Luxury Condo development at the Thailand Property Awards.
MGS Architecture - November 2013
Qintai International Tower
Qintai International Tower is AS+GG Architecture's winning design for an international competition to design a 248-meter (814-feet) tall, high-performance corporate headquarters tower and related podium structure in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
At a Glance
Project: Qintai International Tower, Wuhan, China
Architectural firm: AS+GG Architecture
Client: Hubei Tobacco Company
Function: Mixed-Use
Height: 248 m height
Lighting Designer: Office for Visual Interaction (OVI)
The Tower's total constructed area is 146,000 square meters, including a 5-star hotel and office space to be occupied by the client, CNTC Hubei Provincial Tobacco Corporation, and other tenants. The tower will be connected via a plaza and an above-grade pedestrian bridge to the podium, which will contain retail, restaurants and a conference center with a ballroom. At the top of the tower, a special executive lounge and restaurants will offer spectacular views of the surrounding cityscape.
The tower's unique form is both culturally and environmentally contextual to the city of Wuhan. The genesis of the form in the competition phase related to the Qin, a traditional Chinese musical instrument similar to a zither, featuring strings that are stretched over pegs that form a raised S curve over a rectangular wooden frame. The instrument is similar to the one featured in a Chinese legend with deep significance to the culture of Hubei, which in turn inspired the design process.
At a Glance
Project: Qintai International Tower, Wuhan, China
Architectural firm: AS+GG Architecture
Client: Hubei Tobacco Company
Function: Mixed-Use
Height: 248 m height
Lighting Designer: Office for Visual Interaction (OVI)
The Tower's total constructed area is 146,000 square meters, including a 5-star hotel and office space to be occupied by the client, CNTC Hubei Provincial Tobacco Corporation, and other tenants. The tower will be connected via a plaza and an above-grade pedestrian bridge to the podium, which will contain retail, restaurants and a conference center with a ballroom. At the top of the tower, a special executive lounge and restaurants will offer spectacular views of the surrounding cityscape.
The tower's unique form is both culturally and environmentally contextual to the city of Wuhan. The genesis of the form in the competition phase related to the Qin, a traditional Chinese musical instrument similar to a zither, featuring strings that are stretched over pegs that form a raised S curve over a rectangular wooden frame. The instrument is similar to the one featured in a Chinese legend with deep significance to the culture of Hubei, which in turn inspired the design process.
Sustainable Design Features
During the ongoing concept design phase, the cultural influence of the building has been developed in relation to the building's energy performance. Informed by a rigorous parametric analysis, the façade now bows outward in a diagonal line that ascends northwest up the tower. This shape has been adjusted to optimize self-shading and minimize solar heat gain, an effect augmented by the fact that both the tower and podium's narrowest exposures are mostly to the east and west, from which the sun is harshest. In addition, the tower's smaller floor plates allow for greater use of daylight harvesting, which in turn reduces the building's energy consumption for artificial lighting.
Floodlights are carefully aimed at the tower's facade in order to softly catch the building's elegant central curve, drawing the eye upward toward the shape of the glowing top-floor restaurant. Sparkling water features and glowing tea pavilions create moments of brilliance amongst the dense landscape of softly illuminated curving pathways, creatively lit by fixtures concealed in the branches of flowering trees.
Qintai International Tower is oriented to maximize views of Wuhan's great bodies of water, including Moon Lake to the east and the nearby Hanshui River to the north. The building will also enjoy a perspective of the AS+GG-designed Wuhan Greenland Center, a supertall tower now in the early stages of construction about five miles from the Qintai site.
The cultural importance of Moon Lake and the city's two rivers are emphasized on Qintai International Tower's 25,863 sm site by a series of pools and other water features that surround the tower and podium. The water features are also performative elements of the design, making the air feel fresher to building users in Wuhan's hot climate. Water for these elements will come from stormwater and/or recovered condensate from the complex.
Other sustainable features being explored for the complex include: Solar hot water roof panels; A high-performance exterior wall featuring passive shading and vertical fins on the east and west facades. An operable louver system with internal shading blinds that are responsive to the solar path; Natural ventilation systems; Storm water and condensate collection systems besides Natural filtration through landscape features.
Floodlights are carefully aimed at the tower's facade in order to softly catch the building's elegant central curve, drawing the eye upward toward the shape of the glowing top-floor restaurant. Sparkling water features and glowing tea pavilions create moments of brilliance amongst the dense landscape of softly illuminated curving pathways, creatively lit by fixtures concealed in the branches of flowering trees.
Qintai International Tower is oriented to maximize views of Wuhan's great bodies of water, including Moon Lake to the east and the nearby Hanshui River to the north. The building will also enjoy a perspective of the AS+GG-designed Wuhan Greenland Center, a supertall tower now in the early stages of construction about five miles from the Qintai site.
The cultural importance of Moon Lake and the city's two rivers are emphasized on Qintai International Tower's 25,863 sm site by a series of pools and other water features that surround the tower and podium. The water features are also performative elements of the design, making the air feel fresher to building users in Wuhan's hot climate. Water for these elements will come from stormwater and/or recovered condensate from the complex.
Other sustainable features being explored for the complex include: Solar hot water roof panels; A high-performance exterior wall featuring passive shading and vertical fins on the east and west facades. An operable louver system with internal shading blinds that are responsive to the solar path; Natural ventilation systems; Storm water and condensate collection systems besides Natural filtration through landscape features.
MGS Architecture - October 2013
Ventilated Façades and the Technology Behind…
The advent of automatic fastening systems has completely transformed the concept of ceramic coverings on exteriors. Ventilated façades are currently regarded as the most effective, safest system for installing ceramic tiles on façades, providing the building with numerous aesthetic as well as technical advantages.
Ventilated facades are a complex, multi-layer structural solution that enables "dry" installation of ventilated walls. This reduces the amount of heat that buildings absorb in hot weather conditions due to partial reflection of solar radiation. The heat is absorbed by the covering, the ventilated air gap and the application of an insulating material. This in turn helps in achieving considerable reduction in the costs of air conditioning. Vice versa, in winter, ventilated walls manage to retain heat, resulting in savings in terms of heating.
This is developed to protect buildings against the combined action of rain and wind by counterbalancing the effects of water beating on walls and keeping the building dry. This is offered with high level aesthetic characteristics and undisputed advantages of heat insulation and soundproofing.
This also protects the buildings giving considerable advantages of wall durability over time and energy, especially where tall, exceptionally exposed, isolated buildings are concerned.
Ventilated walls are earning increasing recognition in the world of contemporary architecture specifically because of the numerous benefits and in depth technological innovations. Permitting free usage of facades in a modern and brand new style is the perfect answer to demanding project and performance requirements.
Some advantages of ventilated wall compared to the traditional one are:
Ventilated facades are a complex, multi-layer structural solution that enables "dry" installation of ventilated walls. This reduces the amount of heat that buildings absorb in hot weather conditions due to partial reflection of solar radiation. The heat is absorbed by the covering, the ventilated air gap and the application of an insulating material. This in turn helps in achieving considerable reduction in the costs of air conditioning. Vice versa, in winter, ventilated walls manage to retain heat, resulting in savings in terms of heating.
This is developed to protect buildings against the combined action of rain and wind by counterbalancing the effects of water beating on walls and keeping the building dry. This is offered with high level aesthetic characteristics and undisputed advantages of heat insulation and soundproofing.
This also protects the buildings giving considerable advantages of wall durability over time and energy, especially where tall, exceptionally exposed, isolated buildings are concerned.
Ventilated walls are earning increasing recognition in the world of contemporary architecture specifically because of the numerous benefits and in depth technological innovations. Permitting free usage of facades in a modern and brand new style is the perfect answer to demanding project and performance requirements.
Some advantages of ventilated wall compared to the traditional one are:
- elimination of the risk of cracked covering
- elimination of the risk of detachment from the wall
- protection of the facade against the direct action of atmospheric agents
- elimination of beat bridges leading to energy saving
- elimination of surface condensation (the presence of an air gap facilitates evacuation of water stream from the interior and promotes the removal of possible moisture)
- lasting efficiency of the outer insulating material, which is kept perfectly dry
- easy ventilated wall installation regardless of the climatic conditions
- maintenance and work can be carried out on individual porcelain tile
- creation of a technical working space for pipe and duct housing
Ventilation is much more effective when applied to the entire facade and, for this reason; the air gap needs to be carefully dimensioned for perfect intake and discharge.
The ventilated façade and wall coverings are also offered along with Duragres tiles that are full body glazed vitrified tiles and would work better with the following additional specifications:
The ventilated façade and wall coverings are also offered along with Duragres tiles that are full body glazed vitrified tiles and would work better with the following additional specifications:
- VC Shield - patented technology that makes these tiles India's Most Durable Tiles
- Size of 600x1200mm (largest size tile available)
Ventilated facade, used frequently in the past with traditional materials, have been innovated and made easier to inspect with use of new materials such as technical ceramic. The facade consists of several parts assembled "dry" during installation with no need for adhesives, using mechanical anchoring and fixing devices.
Ventilated walls are quick to install and maintenance is minimum. They are therefore a practical and expedient solution for creating the outer coverings of buildings. Not limited to the above, the ventilated facades are successfully used in the restructuring of various buildings that are in this way restored and improved in the living comfort.
The ventilated wall, from an aesthetical and architectural point of view, also allows extreme flexibility in the use of materials, colour and sizes, providing the professionals with the freedom of expression in terms of varied design options.
Ventilated walls are quick to install and maintenance is minimum. They are therefore a practical and expedient solution for creating the outer coverings of buildings. Not limited to the above, the ventilated facades are successfully used in the restructuring of various buildings that are in this way restored and improved in the living comfort.
The ventilated wall, from an aesthetical and architectural point of view, also allows extreme flexibility in the use of materials, colour and sizes, providing the professionals with the freedom of expression in terms of varied design options.
MGS Architecture - September 2013
Work-Live-Play: A new mantra for hassle-free life
ERA Landmarks' IT Square at Greater Noida
Mr. Sumit Bharana, Director,
Era Landmarks Ltd
It brings into picture the thought of combining studio apartments-offices-commercial hubs under single roof. Highrise buildings, long working hours, traffic congestions, polluted roads and densely populated areas—ideally define a metropolitan city. The so called "speediness" has ravished the real essence of life. People from small towns migrate to cities for a healthy lifestyle, but often find themselves stuck in the amidst of rush and tensions.
The war is about the grip on the rat race, to survive, to boost one's ego by possessing a dream flat and a car in a well heeled part of the city. We hardly spend time with friends, an occasional forwarded sms generally takes care of that. Celebrations have transformed into the once in a while formal get together. A normal day in most of our lives usually starts from a prescribed breakfast by the friendly dietitian, work out in the gym under the vigilant eyes of the trainer, rush to the office (if you have a car you are perhaps the luckiest one, else wait for the public transport and prepare yourself for the routine fight of finding a seat in a bus), come back home after long hectic travelling hours and spend some time with your family (if your body authorizes that), go to sleep and start all over again the next morning.
These cities have become so populated and polluted to its optimum level that eradicating long travelling distances between work, home and amusement, is a contemporary necessity of the young professionals.
So, more desirable travel patterns have given rise to a new concept called Work-live and play, which is a boon and can fulfill all the present day needs, making life more trouble-free and joyful. It ideally means, obtaining three vital components of any working professional's lifestyle, that is, a convenient place to live, a suitable place to work, and an exciting place to enjoy, located inside one estate. In a straight line, it shows an easy escape from the dusty, polluted and noisy traffic hours.
ERA Landmarks' IT Square at Greater Noida
That's something most of us strive for, and the new trend for achieving that goal is to move in such localities. This idea may sound untried, but it has been around since the 1980s in spirit and is banging again in many metropolitan areas.
The war is about the grip on the rat race, to survive, to boost one's ego by possessing a dream flat and a car in a well heeled part of the city. We hardly spend time with friends, an occasional forwarded sms generally takes care of that. Celebrations have transformed into the once in a while formal get together. A normal day in most of our lives usually starts from a prescribed breakfast by the friendly dietitian, work out in the gym under the vigilant eyes of the trainer, rush to the office (if you have a car you are perhaps the luckiest one, else wait for the public transport and prepare yourself for the routine fight of finding a seat in a bus), come back home after long hectic travelling hours and spend some time with your family (if your body authorizes that), go to sleep and start all over again the next morning.
These cities have become so populated and polluted to its optimum level that eradicating long travelling distances between work, home and amusement, is a contemporary necessity of the young professionals.
So, more desirable travel patterns have given rise to a new concept called Work-live and play, which is a boon and can fulfill all the present day needs, making life more trouble-free and joyful. It ideally means, obtaining three vital components of any working professional's lifestyle, that is, a convenient place to live, a suitable place to work, and an exciting place to enjoy, located inside one estate. In a straight line, it shows an easy escape from the dusty, polluted and noisy traffic hours.
ERA Landmarks' IT Square at Greater Noida
That's something most of us strive for, and the new trend for achieving that goal is to move in such localities. This idea may sound untried, but it has been around since the 1980s in spirit and is banging again in many metropolitan areas.
A Complete Recreational Package
Undoubtedly, life in big cities has become faster and people are always bound in a specified time frame but developers now a days are busy building such an infrastructure which can cater all the recreational facilities and a home to stay, closer to the office premises. Reports of the health organizations reveal that most of the people in the metropolitan cities suffer from respiratory problems due to high levels of pollution.
Residential Square, IT Square, Greater Noida
Although these cities provide many employment opportunities but they fail to provide a peaceful life. The time wasted in jams and congestions reduces the competence of the people and leaves no space for leisure. Higher education, extreme ambitions, efficiency —the basic attires of todays workforce, have raised the momentum of work-live-play concept in India.
Developers are pattering into the growing demand for this concept by reconstructing all the infrastructure for building industrial estates and thus transforming them into the "elite class business parks" with a whole set of lifestyle facilities, including gymnasiums, grocery stores, movie theaters, walking trails, dog parks and the like. A suitable framework of active behavior, not only for adults but also for kids.
In addition, live-work-play communities are no longer limited to the metropolis. Now, they even pop up in suburban areas as a way to taste the conveniences of urban life.
Residential Square, IT Square, Greater Noida
Although these cities provide many employment opportunities but they fail to provide a peaceful life. The time wasted in jams and congestions reduces the competence of the people and leaves no space for leisure. Higher education, extreme ambitions, efficiency —the basic attires of todays workforce, have raised the momentum of work-live-play concept in India.
Developers are pattering into the growing demand for this concept by reconstructing all the infrastructure for building industrial estates and thus transforming them into the "elite class business parks" with a whole set of lifestyle facilities, including gymnasiums, grocery stores, movie theaters, walking trails, dog parks and the like. A suitable framework of active behavior, not only for adults but also for kids.
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| Work Live and Play | Work Live and Play |
In addition, live-work-play communities are no longer limited to the metropolis. Now, they even pop up in suburban areas as a way to taste the conveniences of urban life.
Benefits of Work-Live-Play
The economy may go through cycles of peaks and troughs, but demand for real estate, in particular housing will always be there in India, till every single working professional dreams of owning a home. No matter how many jobs are sacked from a company, there will always be a need for a place to live. And considering the constant rise in the population of our country, realty market is bound to find a way out to bring people out of this competitive environment.
It's an easy option to get rid of this frantic life and moving in close proximity to the family. Moreover, sharing the neighborhood with the people you work would be a great opportunity to build some lifelong healthy relationships. Parties, small trips and frequent visits at each other place would help to fabricate a strong social life. Maintaining balance between professional and personal life will be far simpler, as one can ever think.
In other words, this concept of work-live-play brings into picture the thought of combining studio apartments-offices-commercial hubs under single roof. It's time to enjoy life and get everything you need in one convenient place!
It's an easy option to get rid of this frantic life and moving in close proximity to the family. Moreover, sharing the neighborhood with the people you work would be a great opportunity to build some lifelong healthy relationships. Parties, small trips and frequent visits at each other place would help to fabricate a strong social life. Maintaining balance between professional and personal life will be far simpler, as one can ever think.
In other words, this concept of work-live-play brings into picture the thought of combining studio apartments-offices-commercial hubs under single roof. It's time to enjoy life and get everything you need in one convenient place!
MGS Architecture - September 2013
Floating and Moving Houses: A Need of Tomorrow
Dr K M Soni, Chief Engineer, CPWD, Western Zone II, Nagpur. Er Piyush Soni, Amdocs, Pune
"Floating" term in the foundation engineering is used when the soil beneath the footing does not experience any extra load, as the load of the structure is equal or less than the soil displaced. Floating houses are similar in concept and can be defined those houses which are constructed on water in a way that the load of the structure is equal or less than the uplift force of the water which helps in floating the house on water. Traditional houses like houses on boats have mobility while now floating houses are considered those houses which are used as living spaces on water that are minimally mobile other than moving vertically with the tide. Unlike a houseboat, a float house is not self-propelled though some smaller float houses can be propelled by attaching an outboard motor to them. Holland has many float houses as they have started using water as a resource for construction of houses.
Traditional floating houses, normally houseboats, were built in various countries in the places prone to floods, near coast lines and on the lakes and rivers. In Australia, especially on the Murray River and the sunny coastline of Queensland, there are many motorised pontoon based houseboats with two or more bed rooms, some of them even have multi-storeyed structure. Houseboats are also in Lake Eldon in Victoria and in Hawkesbury River near Sydney. Similarly floating houses/houseboats are available in Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Laos, New Zealand, Serbia, UK, USA, Thailand and India. In India, houseboats have been traditionally constructed in Kashmir, Kerala and in Assam. Houseboats are also very popular for recreational activities for groups of people of all ages but for residential purposes, it is Holland where houses are designed, constructed and are in high demand.
Floating houses are now constructed which float only during floods. Thus, there are two types of floating houses, one which permanently float and other that float only during flood waters else get placed on ground, particularly during dry season when there is no water. Some houses which were constructed on stilts or piles due to safety requirements during floods in many parts of the world and in India too, like in West Bengal, Assam and other parts, are not actually floating houses in true sense. Floating houses are in true sense are those which do not require foundation and are based on the principle of buoyancy thus are also called buoyant homes. Thus the base of the structure needs to be such that it helps in floating as well able to take the dead load of the house, live load and other loads to be encountered by the house. Thus the house may be constructed on boats, hollow pipes, light weight pads and similar materials which help in the floating as well taking up loads. Flotation Systems now being used include log floats, solid Styrofoam encased in rubber, foam filled steel pontoons, positive concrete, concrete ferrocement pontoons, concrete and foam, wood and foam, polyethylene shell with solid core polystyrene block moulded inside, fibreglass etc.
Houses which get uplift during floods and move down during conditions when no water is there are guided vertically, telescopically. A steel frame that holds the flotation blocks is attached to the underside of the house. There are four 'vertical guidance' poles not far from the corners of the house. The tops of the poles are attached to the steel frame. The poles telescope out of the ground, allowing the house to move up and down.
Traditional floating houses, normally houseboats, were built in various countries in the places prone to floods, near coast lines and on the lakes and rivers. In Australia, especially on the Murray River and the sunny coastline of Queensland, there are many motorised pontoon based houseboats with two or more bed rooms, some of them even have multi-storeyed structure. Houseboats are also in Lake Eldon in Victoria and in Hawkesbury River near Sydney. Similarly floating houses/houseboats are available in Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Laos, New Zealand, Serbia, UK, USA, Thailand and India. In India, houseboats have been traditionally constructed in Kashmir, Kerala and in Assam. Houseboats are also very popular for recreational activities for groups of people of all ages but for residential purposes, it is Holland where houses are designed, constructed and are in high demand.
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| A houseboat in Kashmir, India | A floating cabin on log raft, Powell Lake |
Floating houses are now constructed which float only during floods. Thus, there are two types of floating houses, one which permanently float and other that float only during flood waters else get placed on ground, particularly during dry season when there is no water. Some houses which were constructed on stilts or piles due to safety requirements during floods in many parts of the world and in India too, like in West Bengal, Assam and other parts, are not actually floating houses in true sense. Floating houses are in true sense are those which do not require foundation and are based on the principle of buoyancy thus are also called buoyant homes. Thus the base of the structure needs to be such that it helps in floating as well able to take the dead load of the house, live load and other loads to be encountered by the house. Thus the house may be constructed on boats, hollow pipes, light weight pads and similar materials which help in the floating as well taking up loads. Flotation Systems now being used include log floats, solid Styrofoam encased in rubber, foam filled steel pontoons, positive concrete, concrete ferrocement pontoons, concrete and foam, wood and foam, polyethylene shell with solid core polystyrene block moulded inside, fibreglass etc.
Houses which get uplift during floods and move down during conditions when no water is there are guided vertically, telescopically. A steel frame that holds the flotation blocks is attached to the underside of the house. There are four 'vertical guidance' poles not far from the corners of the house. The tops of the poles are attached to the steel frame. The poles telescope out of the ground, allowing the house to move up and down.
Need of Floating Houses
In low lying country like Holland, planning was focused on separating and maintaining the division between land and water by reclaiming land from the sea by building dams and heightening dikes. But the need to construct safe and economic houses where two-thirds of the population lives below sea-level, Dutch planners started looking to make use of water as a resource itself. Problem became further acute in the last decade due to global warming leading to rising water coupled with several unusually dry summers. The sea level is said to have risen by 20 centimetres in the last century and is expected to rise by three times that amount in the 21st century. Therefore floating houses is becoming a necessity in the coming years.
One Dutch construction company, recognising the growing scarcity of land in the Netherlands started to build houses on water. Ooms Bouwmaatschappij has built the first eight of 500 planned floating houses on the outskirts of Amsterdam, the capital of the world's third most densely populated country. The houses, which are designed to withstand gales, are built on floating platforms. Frits Schoute, a former professor at Delft University, is working on a stabilising platform that would permit communities to live in the middle of oceans, unaffected by waves. He expects colonisation by these floating cities to take place in the next 20 years.
One Dutch construction company, recognising the growing scarcity of land in the Netherlands started to build houses on water. Ooms Bouwmaatschappij has built the first eight of 500 planned floating houses on the outskirts of Amsterdam, the capital of the world's third most densely populated country. The houses, which are designed to withstand gales, are built on floating platforms. Frits Schoute, a former professor at Delft University, is working on a stabilising platform that would permit communities to live in the middle of oceans, unaffected by waves. He expects colonisation by these floating cities to take place in the next 20 years.
Basic Principle of Construction
House on a steel platform pontoon structure
Generally there are two basic principles for making floating houses. First is the pontoon principle in which one makes a solid platform, lighter than the water and the other based on the ship in which a hollow concrete box is created which is open on the top. The pontoon principle has the benefit of its use in shallow water, compared to the hollow concrete box while the concrete box has the benefit of higher space utilisation within as a part of the building. Both type of floating houses are connected with a flexible connection to the quay, so the houses can rise with the water when the tide changes. When needed the floating system can be moved elsewhere at short notice without leaving any scar to the environment. Instead a new house can be placed in to the old situation which makes it the most sustainable and durable way to build. The floating houses built by +31architects are based on the hollow concrete box.
The house is sited within a wet dock comprising retaining walls and base slab. When flooding occurs the dock fills with water and the house rises accordingly. Similarly when water subsides, houses come down. All the pipes, ducts and wires for water, gas, electricity and sewage disposal in such "amphibious" homes are flexible, designed to remain functional even when the house rises several metres from its usual position. Amphibious homes that rest on land are also built for rising conditions. As per the designers, Factor Architecten, when the river has the flooding conditions, their houses will float as much as 18 feet and floats back down as the water subsides.
Providing services in a floating house is a challenge which includes water supply, electricity and toilets. Therefore, green building concept has to be followed in the floating houses which use non conventional resources for energy, make use of waste products, and recycles the water. Net zero energy buildings are more useful as they do not require additional energy from external source and total energy demand is met from on site generation power. Normally solar panels are provided for the energy requirements. Due to aesthetic requiurements as well energy efficiency, roof garden is also becoming popular. Other measures like incinolet toilets to burn waste, geothermal pond loops into the floor, and filtration unit for drinking water collected from rainstorms. 'New Water', Netherland planned for using 25% less energy than a conventional building due to the use of water cooling techniques.
The house is sited within a wet dock comprising retaining walls and base slab. When flooding occurs the dock fills with water and the house rises accordingly. Similarly when water subsides, houses come down. All the pipes, ducts and wires for water, gas, electricity and sewage disposal in such "amphibious" homes are flexible, designed to remain functional even when the house rises several metres from its usual position. Amphibious homes that rest on land are also built for rising conditions. As per the designers, Factor Architecten, when the river has the flooding conditions, their houses will float as much as 18 feet and floats back down as the water subsides.
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| 3 story steel homes on concrete “tubs” | Amphibious homes |
Providing services in a floating house is a challenge which includes water supply, electricity and toilets. Therefore, green building concept has to be followed in the floating houses which use non conventional resources for energy, make use of waste products, and recycles the water. Net zero energy buildings are more useful as they do not require additional energy from external source and total energy demand is met from on site generation power. Normally solar panels are provided for the energy requirements. Due to aesthetic requiurements as well energy efficiency, roof garden is also becoming popular. Other measures like incinolet toilets to burn waste, geothermal pond loops into the floor, and filtration unit for drinking water collected from rainstorms. 'New Water', Netherland planned for using 25% less energy than a conventional building due to the use of water cooling techniques.
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| A house on foam block | Hydronic in-floor heating, an energy efficient system |
Life in a Floating House
If some one is fond of relaxing atmosphere, romanticism and living on the water, there are plenty of reasons to live on a floating home. Recurring cost on electricity and water though high, may be reduced through providing non-conventional energy sources. The calming nature of living on the water takes such house owners away from the hustle and bustle of city life but the main advantage is the safety during floods being a necessity in some of the areas like in Netherland. Also such houses can be integrated with beautiful landscape and comfort conditions with minimum energy bills and a small carbon footprint. These can be workshop made high quality homes delivered to site complete with required interior and exterior finishes, windows, doors, fixtures, and appliances.
“New water”, Netherland
The most prominent con of life on the water is the drastic changes in the lifestyle. There is limited space particularly for storage therefore possessions has to be kept to a minimum. Main problem is the cost and inconvenience of heating in the winter time and maintenance and repair if required.
“New water”, Netherland
The most prominent con of life on the water is the drastic changes in the lifestyle. There is limited space particularly for storage therefore possessions has to be kept to a minimum. Main problem is the cost and inconvenience of heating in the winter time and maintenance and repair if required.
Floating Structures
Though there are several floating structures now existing and in planning stage, few planned big structures are mentioned here.
Floating island Seoul: In Han River in Seoul, South Korea, the floating island has the stunning structure includes a 700 seat convention hall, restaurants and arcades - all powered by solar energy (http://inhabitat.com/worlds-first-solar-powered-floating-island)
Floating hotel: The connecting bridge is planted with trees, giving the impression of land projecting into the sea and is designed by the Giancarlo Zema Design Group for an Arabian commission. www.giancarlozema.com
Floating city: Planned for 2015 completion in the Maldives. The green covered star-shape building symbolizes the Maldivian innovative route to conquer climate change. This will become a location for conventions about climate change, water management and sustainability. Architect Koen Olthuis--Waterstudio.NL. Developer Dutch Docklands--www.dutchdocklands.com.
Miniature Taj Mahal: The most famous of the Sausalito houseboats, a miniature version of the Taj Mahal in India has been for the last four decades a private home, although it was a bed and breakfast for a few years, now it's a private home again. www.flickr.com
Floating island Seoul: In Han River in Seoul, South Korea, the floating island has the stunning structure includes a 700 seat convention hall, restaurants and arcades - all powered by solar energy (http://inhabitat.com/worlds-first-solar-powered-floating-island)
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Floating hotel: The connecting bridge is planted with trees, giving the impression of land projecting into the sea and is designed by the Giancarlo Zema Design Group for an Arabian commission. www.giancarlozema.com
Floating city: Planned for 2015 completion in the Maldives. The green covered star-shape building symbolizes the Maldivian innovative route to conquer climate change. This will become a location for conventions about climate change, water management and sustainability. Architect Koen Olthuis--Waterstudio.NL. Developer Dutch Docklands--www.dutchdocklands.com.
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Miniature Taj Mahal: The most famous of the Sausalito houseboats, a miniature version of the Taj Mahal in India has been for the last four decades a private home, although it was a bed and breakfast for a few years, now it's a private home again. www.flickr.com
Moving Houses
There are mythological stories where it is mentioned that constructed houses were removed, taken somewhere else and thereafter again shifted at the same place. In Ramayana, Hanumanji uprooted the mountain so also the house of Vaidya Sushain. After the treatment, the house was reinstalled at the same place. There are stories of Sindbad in which houses were taken on the carpet and reinstalled. It only shows that it was possible to shift some of the houses though instances of flying houses are not available. Flying a house is feasible only if it is supported on mat having less dead weight and live load than the air pressure, if constructed on the theory of balloons.
Moving houses are comparatively easy to construct. In one of the case, an envelope of the floating house was fabricated at the fabrication yard and towed away for about 80 km on the lake, finally anchored. Thus there is a possibility where the envelope of the houses can be fabricated, shown to the customer and towed to the site. The whole structure will require to be anchored to the foundation. In future, if house owner wants to shift it, it can be dismantled and reinstalled at other place. Interiors can be placed as per the requirements through modular parts like kitchen, baths etc. Such structures have a considerable market as it will be possible to erect the house within days that too as per the sample selected by the customer. Such houses may be successful in small places or even in cities where one can afford. Such structures can also be joined easily. In fact if a plate is fixed at the bottom to the structure which can take load of the envelope, it would be easy to shift it, anchor and even dismantle it for re-fixing. Plate will act like carpet in the Sindbad stories.
Moving houses are comparatively easy to construct. In one of the case, an envelope of the floating house was fabricated at the fabrication yard and towed away for about 80 km on the lake, finally anchored. Thus there is a possibility where the envelope of the houses can be fabricated, shown to the customer and towed to the site. The whole structure will require to be anchored to the foundation. In future, if house owner wants to shift it, it can be dismantled and reinstalled at other place. Interiors can be placed as per the requirements through modular parts like kitchen, baths etc. Such structures have a considerable market as it will be possible to erect the house within days that too as per the sample selected by the customer. Such houses may be successful in small places or even in cities where one can afford. Such structures can also be joined easily. In fact if a plate is fixed at the bottom to the structure which can take load of the envelope, it would be easy to shift it, anchor and even dismantle it for re-fixing. Plate will act like carpet in the Sindbad stories.
Need of Floating Houses in India
India has a huge coastal area as well as large flood prone areas like Bihar, Assam and in many other states where almost every year, public face difficulty due to floods and loss of lives and property takes place. In case, the principle of construction of floating houses is adopted in which the houses would rise during floods and subside down during dry conditions, loss of lives and property can be avoided. Simple techniques based on telescopic arrangements should be designed for requirements. Therefore, research and development can be taken up as model projects for developing such designs. In the starting, life line buildings in the flood prone areas can be constructed with such techniques. These buildings will function even during period when they remain cut off due to floods and have no external electricity and water.
In the islands and coastal areas, such houses will certainly be adopted sooner or later and thus Indian architects and designers should start getting expertise in this field to design such houses.
Floating houses can also be built for tourists who would love to stay in such houses and India can generate considerable revenue from the same.
In the islands and coastal areas, such houses will certainly be adopted sooner or later and thus Indian architects and designers should start getting expertise in this field to design such houses.
Floating houses can also be built for tourists who would love to stay in such houses and India can generate considerable revenue from the same.
Conclusions
Floating houses may be the need for the future in coastal areas and flood prone areas in India also and thus researchers, architects and engineers should have capacity in designing and building such houses to meet the challenge of coming time. Concept of transportable ready built houses should also be started particularly for row houses and for government aided schemes which would prove to be quality expandable homes and can be constructed in quick time as per the budget availability.
References
- http://hausmanllc.wordpress.com/tag/floating-homes, buoyantfoundation.org, www.mos-office.net, http://www.floating-homes.co.uk/guides/floating_home_life.php, waterstudio.nl., inspirationgreen.com/floating-homes.html, www.kashmirhouseboats.com, www.rohmer.nl, http://www.ecoboot.nl/artikelen/floating_houses.php, www.vc-arch.com
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houseboat, powellriverbooks.blogspot.com, buoyantfoundation.org,
- +31ARCHITECTS: Specialist in Constructing Floating Water House, MGS Architecture January - February 2011
- Soni, K M and Soni, Piyush (2013). Floating and Moving Houses, Journal of Indian Buildings Congress, XX (2), 17-22.
- Do it yourself book - Ferrocement Floating House. International Ferrocement Information centre Asian Instt. of Technology Bangkok (Thailand)
MGS Architecture - September 2013
Dimmable Glazing for New Eckert & Ziegler AG Headquarters, Berlin
The new Eckert & Ziegler AG company headquarters: The shape of the conference room clearly reflects the company logo.
Eckert & Ziegler AG relocated to the new 5,000 m2 headquarters last year in time for their 20th anniversary, which was designed by Berlin architecture firm Hofmann Architekten. With its unique architecture, it is a true eye-catcher: The conference room, located in the elliptically shaped roof, projects 4.5 meters over the façade and features huge glass elements. In order to maintain the exceptional appearance of this part of the building, the owner and the architect decided against an external shading system and instead voted for dimmable solar control glass by EControl-Glas. The solar factor and light transmission can now individually be adapted to the amount of solar irradiation.
The Eckert & Ziegler group is one of the worldwide largest manufacturers of radioactive components for medical, scientific and metrological applications, with locations in Great Britain, France, India and the US. Due to increasing numbers in sales and employees, the company started a contest for a 5,000-square-meter extension of its headquarters at the biomedical science campus Berlin-Buch in 2011.
The owner wanted to incorporate its company logo - an ellipse encased by a rectangle - to be structurally integrated into the design. This was fulfilled by Hofmann Architekten in the form of an energy-efficient design, featuring an exposed conference room in the geometrical shape of the logo. "With the extending roof and the rectangular, red-painted roof elements, the building is clearly recognizable as the Eckert & Ziegler headquarters, even from the air," explains architect Jan Hofmann. The conference room, with all-around and nearly room-high glazing, offers a 180-degree view over the Berlin district of Buch.
The Eckert & Ziegler group is one of the worldwide largest manufacturers of radioactive components for medical, scientific and metrological applications, with locations in Great Britain, France, India and the US. Due to increasing numbers in sales and employees, the company started a contest for a 5,000-square-meter extension of its headquarters at the biomedical science campus Berlin-Buch in 2011.
The owner wanted to incorporate its company logo - an ellipse encased by a rectangle - to be structurally integrated into the design. This was fulfilled by Hofmann Architekten in the form of an energy-efficient design, featuring an exposed conference room in the geometrical shape of the logo. "With the extending roof and the rectangular, red-painted roof elements, the building is clearly recognizable as the Eckert & Ziegler headquarters, even from the air," explains architect Jan Hofmann. The conference room, with all-around and nearly room-high glazing, offers a 180-degree view over the Berlin district of Buch.
| Credits board | |
| Project: | Eckert & Ziegler headquarters, Berlin, Germany |
| Building owner: | Eckert & Ziegler Strahlen- und Medizintechnik AG |
| Architect: | Hofmann Architekten, Berlin, Germany |
| Façade construction: | Hauk Metallbau und Sicherheitstechnik GmbH, Nauen, Germany |
| Glass product: | ECONTROL 48/9 |
| Photo credit: | Linus Lintner Fotografie/ EControl-Glas |
Why Dimmable Glazing?
Due to concavity and southern orientation of the building, approx. 60 square meters of façade glazing are exposed to direct sunlight almost all day long. In order to keep the room from heating up as well as to prevent distracting glare, highly efficient solar protection was needed. "A variable external shading system would have been difficult to install and maintain due to the shape of the building. Rigid solar protection, however, does not let enough light during the winter months. The solar gains are minimal then," explains Hofmann.
Also of major importance were the aesthetic demands of the owner, "The outside of the building had to be as smooth as possible. A shading system would have ruined the conference room's optical representation of the Eckert & Ziegler logo. We thus opted for the dimmable solar control glass ECONTROL 48/9," says Hofmann. Its solar factor is continuously adjustable between 33 and 9%. This eliminates the need for additional shading and the view from the conference room remains unobstructed. The transparency at maximum coloration is still 13%.
180-degree view: Due to the dimmable solar control glass ECONTROL 48/9, the view from the conference room remains unobstructed.
And this is how it works: The internal nanostructured coating of the EControl glazing is tinted blue by the so-called "electrochromic effect," as soon as a low voltage (3 volts) is applied. When set at 'light', 48% of the daylight will enter the room, a good value for modern solar control glazing. At a Ug value of 0.7 W/(m²K), ECONTROL 48/9 also provides excellent protection against heat losses.
"EControl glazing has proved to be the perfect solution for our energy-efficient and optically sophisticated concept. The innovative electrochromic technology also perfectly fits a modern, future-oriented company such as Eckert & Ziegler", adds Hofmann.
The new office of Eckert & Ziegler AG has an extending roof with rectangular, red-painted roof elements.
Also of major importance were the aesthetic demands of the owner, "The outside of the building had to be as smooth as possible. A shading system would have ruined the conference room's optical representation of the Eckert & Ziegler logo. We thus opted for the dimmable solar control glass ECONTROL 48/9," says Hofmann. Its solar factor is continuously adjustable between 33 and 9%. This eliminates the need for additional shading and the view from the conference room remains unobstructed. The transparency at maximum coloration is still 13%.
180-degree view: Due to the dimmable solar control glass ECONTROL 48/9, the view from the conference room remains unobstructed.
And this is how it works: The internal nanostructured coating of the EControl glazing is tinted blue by the so-called "electrochromic effect," as soon as a low voltage (3 volts) is applied. When set at 'light', 48% of the daylight will enter the room, a good value for modern solar control glazing. At a Ug value of 0.7 W/(m²K), ECONTROL 48/9 also provides excellent protection against heat losses.
"EControl glazing has proved to be the perfect solution for our energy-efficient and optically sophisticated concept. The innovative electrochromic technology also perfectly fits a modern, future-oriented company such as Eckert & Ziegler", adds Hofmann.
The new office of Eckert & Ziegler AG has an extending roof with rectangular, red-painted roof elements.
MGS Architecture - August 2013
Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall & Conference Centre, Iceland
Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre in Iceland gathers inspiration from the northern lights and the dramatic Icelandic scenery. Designed by the Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects in co-operation with Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson and the engineering companies Rambøll and ArtEngineering GmbH from Germany, the structure consists of a steel framework clad with irregularly shaped glass panels of different colors.
| Project at a Glance | |
| Architects: | Henning Larsen Architects & Batteriid Architects |
| Locations: | Reykjavik, Iceland |
| Client: | Austurnhofn TR – East Harbour Project Ltd. |
| Project Year: | 2011 |
| Project Area: | 28,000 sqm |
| Photo Credit: | All Images - Nic Lehoux |
| Façade design and development: | Olafur Eliasson and Studio Olafur Eliasson in collaboration with Henning Larsen Architects |
The Concert Hall and Conference Centre is part of an extensive harbour development project in Reykjavik - the East Harbour Project. The project was initiated in 2004 as a PPP competition, which means that the competing project groups - consisting of both private and public parties - are responsible for investments, construction and operations themselves. However, due to the difficult economic situation that Iceland has found herself in since autumn 2008, the municipality of Reykjavik and the Icelandic Government has attended to the completion of the project themselves. As the name indicates, the overall objective of the project is to expand and revitalize Reykjavik's eastern harbour with a new downtown plaza, a shopping street, a hotel, residential buildings, educational institutions and mixed industry. The overall intention is to generate life in the area and to create a better connection between the city centre and the harbour.
Plan Level 1
Section Main hall
Situated on the border between land and sea, the Concert Hall stands out as a large, radiant sculpture reflecting both sky and harbour space as well as the vibrant life of the city. The Concert Hall of 28,000 m2 is situated in a solitary spot with a clear view of the enormous sea and the mountains surrounding Reykjavik. The building features an arrival and foyer area in front of the building, four halls in the middle and a backstage area with offices, administration, rehearsal hall and changing room in the back of the building. The three large halls are placed next to each other with public access on the south side and backstage access from the north. The fourth floor is a multifunctional hall with room for more intimate shows and banquets.
Seen from the foyer, the halls form a mountain-like massif that similar to basalt rock on the coast forms a stark contrast to the expressive and open facade. At the core of the rock, the largest hall of the building, the main concert hall, reveals its interior as a red-hot centre of force.
Plan Level 1
Section Main hall
Situated on the border between land and sea, the Concert Hall stands out as a large, radiant sculpture reflecting both sky and harbour space as well as the vibrant life of the city. The Concert Hall of 28,000 m2 is situated in a solitary spot with a clear view of the enormous sea and the mountains surrounding Reykjavik. The building features an arrival and foyer area in front of the building, four halls in the middle and a backstage area with offices, administration, rehearsal hall and changing room in the back of the building. The three large halls are placed next to each other with public access on the south side and backstage access from the north. The fourth floor is a multifunctional hall with room for more intimate shows and banquets.
 |  |
Seen from the foyer, the halls form a mountain-like massif that similar to basalt rock on the coast forms a stark contrast to the expressive and open facade. At the core of the rock, the largest hall of the building, the main concert hall, reveals its interior as a red-hot centre of force.
Facades
Henning Larsen Architects has designed the facade of the Concert Hall in close collaboration with the local architectural company Batteríið Architects and the Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson.
As the rest of the building, the design of the facades is inspired by nature. In particular, the characteristic local basalt formations have provided the inspiration for the geometric facade structure.
Made of glass and steel in a twelve-sided space-filling geometric modular system called the 'quasi-brick', the building appears a kaleidoscopic play of colors, reflected in more than 1000 quasi-bricks composing the southern facade. The remaining facades and the roof are made of sectional representations of this geometric system, resulting in two-dimensional flat facades of five and six-sided structural frames. In order to develop these ideas the team worked with three-dimensional computer models, finite element modeling, various digital visualization techniques as well as maquettes, models and mock-ups.
Light and transparency are key elements in the building. The crystalline structure, created by the geometric figures of the facade, captures and reflects the light - promoting the dialogue between the building, city and surrounding landscape.
One of the main ideas has been to "dematerialize" the building as a static entity and let it respond to the surrounding colors - the city lights, ocean and glow of the sky. In this way, the expression of the facade changes according to the visual angle. With the continuously changing scenery, the building appears in an endless variation of colors.
The new concert hall in Iceland, Harpa, is one of five projects that have been announced as finalists for one of the most prestigious awards in architecture, the Mies van der Rohe Award. It is only the second time in the history of the award that a Danish designed project is in the final.
Made of glass and steel in a twelve-sided space-filling geometric modular system called the 'quasi-brick', the building appears a kaleidoscopic play of colors, reflected in more than 1000 quasi-bricks composing the southern facade. The remaining facades and the roof are made of sectional representations of this geometric system, resulting in two-dimensional flat facades of five and six-sided structural frames. In order to develop these ideas the team worked with three-dimensional computer models, finite element modeling, various digital visualization techniques as well as maquettes, models and mock-ups.
Light and transparency are key elements in the building. The crystalline structure, created by the geometric figures of the facade, captures and reflects the light - promoting the dialogue between the building, city and surrounding landscape.
One of the main ideas has been to "dematerialize" the building as a static entity and let it respond to the surrounding colors - the city lights, ocean and glow of the sky. In this way, the expression of the facade changes according to the visual angle. With the continuously changing scenery, the building appears in an endless variation of colors.
 |  |
The new concert hall in Iceland, Harpa, is one of five projects that have been announced as finalists for one of the most prestigious awards in architecture, the Mies van der Rohe Award. It is only the second time in the history of the award that a Danish designed project is in the final.
MGS Architecture - August 2013
New Spiegel Building Hamburg The window to the City
| Project facts | |
| Location: | Brooktorkai, HafenCity, Hamburg, Germany |
| Client: | Robert Vogel & Co. |
| User: | Spiegel Group |
| Gross floor area: | 50,000 m² |
| Year of construction: | 2008 - 2011 |
| Architects: | Henning Larsen Architects and Höhler+Partner |
| Landscape: | WES & Partner Landschaftsarchitekten |
| Engineers: | Ingenieurbüro Dr. Binnewies, DS-Plan and ISR Schlegel und Reuβwig |
| Façade builder: | Schindler Fenster & Fassadenbau GmbH, Roding |
| Glass processor: | Interpane Belgern |
| Light Design: | Kardorff Ingenieure |
| Photo credit: | Cordelia Ewerth and Andreas Gehrke |
The new Spiegel headquarters and the neighboring office complex, the Ericus-Contor, a fourteen and nine-storey building pair, expand the gallery of internationally recognized architectural works in Hamburg. The publisher's headquarters and office block, two impressive examples of glass architecture, stand together on the same brick base. The buildings, nestled in the Ericusspitze, with their irregular trapezoidal ground plan, were designed by the Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects. Seen from the north side, the 61-metre-high Spiegel editorial building looks like a window on the town and lets the viewer see deep inside. The glass shell can be used for multimedia projections; it is also part of the reason for the building's outstanding energy balance. ipasol neutral 68/37 solar control glass and iplus E thermal insulation glass from Interpane ensure that the rooms are flooded with daylight, without overheating in the summer sun or losing heat on cold days.
"Location, location and location" The Ericus Quarter is a prime waterfront setting near Hamburg's "Docklands" the "Speicherstadt" just minutes on foot from the city centre and the central station. Visitors appreciate its maritime flair and the sight of the old façades around the Brooktor port. Here, at the north eastern entrance to the "Harbour City", the headquarters of the Spiegel Group and the Ericus-Contor which emerge out of a common brick base have an unbeatable panoramic view of the port.
"Location, location and location" The Ericus Quarter is a prime waterfront setting near Hamburg's "Docklands" the "Speicherstadt" just minutes on foot from the city centre and the central station. Visitors appreciate its maritime flair and the sight of the old façades around the Brooktor port. Here, at the north eastern entrance to the "Harbour City", the headquarters of the Spiegel Group and the Ericus-Contor which emerge out of a common brick base have an unbeatable panoramic view of the port.
Structural Design
Henning Larsen Architects has chosen a two-part composition to create hierarchy and openness on the site and has integrated the complex urban spaces that meet at Ericusspitze in their design. The two buildings are designed as large U-forms that embrace the urban space they are directed towards. The Spiegel building embraces an internal space with a more urban character because of its direction towards the city. The Ericus building embraces an open, green outdoor space as it directed towards the large open Lohsepark.
The two buildings form two plazas: an arrival plaza for pedestrians, cy-clists and drivers towards Brooktorkai and an open public plaza, which has a direct connection to the waterfront promenade.
With total space of 30,000 square meters, the new Spiegel office building is one of the largest in Hamburg which comprises 13 stories. Its windows are framed with white metal and the glass facades resemble austere grids, but the north side of the building is more open to which the architects call it a "window to the city." Besides these, the building to its inside has an atrium as high as the building itself, flanked by galleries and crossed by nine staircases and four bridges. Here, too, the architects wanted to create an image of networks, transparency and communication.
The two buildings form two plazas: an arrival plaza for pedestrians, cy-clists and drivers towards Brooktorkai and an open public plaza, which has a direct connection to the waterfront promenade.
With total space of 30,000 square meters, the new Spiegel office building is one of the largest in Hamburg which comprises 13 stories. Its windows are framed with white metal and the glass facades resemble austere grids, but the north side of the building is more open to which the architects call it a "window to the city." Besides these, the building to its inside has an atrium as high as the building itself, flanked by galleries and crossed by nine staircases and four bridges. Here, too, the architects wanted to create an image of networks, transparency and communication.
Outstanding Sustainability
Spiegel Headquarters has been awarded with the prestigious award 'Hafencity Umweltszeichen Gold'. The building is certified with a gold medal in the certification system of HafenCity for meeting the highest sustainability requirements for buildings in Germany. The certificate is awarded for sustainable utilization of energy and public resources, the use of environmental-friendly building materials, the consideration of health and comfort aspects and also for the sustainable construction and operation of the building. The calculated energy consumption of the Spiegel building amounts to only 80 kWh/m2/year.
Energy consumption, sustainable materials and a good indoor climate are the factors that have been carefully examined since the design phase. During the selection of materials and products for the buildings, all of them have been carefully examined and evaluated on the basis of their performance (easy to clean and should not be allergenic) to ensure a good indoor air quality.
With its unusual construction, built by façade builders Schindler Fenster & Fassadenbau (Roding), the headquarters plays in the premier league energetically as well as optically. Almost all the façades of the building are covered with triple insulation glass in a beam-and-column construction. On the ground floor, in the highly transparent structural glazing façade of the central part of the building and in the wide roof, ipasol neutral 68/37 solar control glass ensures colour-neutral transparency and an outstanding energy balance. Because of the low total energy transmittance (solar factor = 37% according to EN 410), the rooms behind the glass warm up less, removing the need for exterior shading. Nonetheless, lots of daylight (tV = 68%) reaches them. Light reflection on them is minimal, leading to a particularly colour-neutral appearance and maximum transparency. The light reflection from inside is also minimal, ensuring an outstanding view to the outside, even with the internal lighting turned on. The neighboring Ericus-Contor is protected with iplus E double insulation glazing and ipasol neutral 68/37 solar control glass.
The heating and cooling system is also clever: ground heat exchangers and photovoltaic panels reduce the need for non-regenerative energy; the glass façade is naturally rear ventilated - making classical air-conditioners and radiators unnecessary. Radiant heating and cooling panels on the office ceilings regulate the climate through gentle radiation, improving the sensation of well-being. The whole building is heated and cooled in this environmental-friendly manner, without preventing the manual opening of office windows.
Energy consumption, sustainable materials and a good indoor climate are the factors that have been carefully examined since the design phase. During the selection of materials and products for the buildings, all of them have been carefully examined and evaluated on the basis of their performance (easy to clean and should not be allergenic) to ensure a good indoor air quality.
With its unusual construction, built by façade builders Schindler Fenster & Fassadenbau (Roding), the headquarters plays in the premier league energetically as well as optically. Almost all the façades of the building are covered with triple insulation glass in a beam-and-column construction. On the ground floor, in the highly transparent structural glazing façade of the central part of the building and in the wide roof, ipasol neutral 68/37 solar control glass ensures colour-neutral transparency and an outstanding energy balance. Because of the low total energy transmittance (solar factor = 37% according to EN 410), the rooms behind the glass warm up less, removing the need for exterior shading. Nonetheless, lots of daylight (tV = 68%) reaches them. Light reflection on them is minimal, leading to a particularly colour-neutral appearance and maximum transparency. The light reflection from inside is also minimal, ensuring an outstanding view to the outside, even with the internal lighting turned on. The neighboring Ericus-Contor is protected with iplus E double insulation glazing and ipasol neutral 68/37 solar control glass.
The heating and cooling system is also clever: ground heat exchangers and photovoltaic panels reduce the need for non-regenerative energy; the glass façade is naturally rear ventilated - making classical air-conditioners and radiators unnecessary. Radiant heating and cooling panels on the office ceilings regulate the climate through gentle radiation, improving the sensation of well-being. The whole building is heated and cooled in this environmental-friendly manner, without preventing the manual opening of office windows.
Buffer Zone of Light and Fresh Air
The glass-covered atrium which spans all floors, creates a pillar of light and air surrounded by galleries. Whenever the employees move from office to office, or walk over the many bridges and stairs to another level, they have a clear view of the sky. The architects have succeeded in creating the perfect image of transparency, networking and communication. The colour concept of the interior is marked by white, often removable, wall panels, grey carpeting and lots of natural wood. Only the already almost legendary "colour explosion" of the snack bar from the old building consciously falls outside this mould. The designers shipped this homage to earlier times to the fifth floor: coloured prisms of fabric, wall-mounted and hanging lamps, mainly in bold orange and purple. It is safe to assume that this is the place where new recruits will be introduced to the myths of Spiegel history. An alternative is the cafeteria on the ground floor - with its terrace right by the water.
MGS Architecture - August 2013
Greenn Athens - The Best of Both Worlds
Green Tree Homes and Ventures' latest luxury villa project spread across 3.16 acres, Greenn Athens offers 40 exclusive villas set amidst alluring surroundings with best-in-class amenities.
Sumana Dinesh
As the real estate adage goes: "The three most important things about real estate are: location, location and location." Without doubt, this is a dictum that the promoters of Chennai-based Green Tree Homes and Ventures Pvt Ltd have always borne in mind in each of their projects.
The thoughtful emphasis on location by Green Tree Homes comes through clearly in their latest offering – Greenn Athens. The pristine project is ideal for home-seekers weary of noisy city centres, but still keen to live within striking distance of amenities found in metro cities. Such thoughtfulness is not surprising with Green Tree Homes and Ventures, considering the promoters' track record. Promoted by a group of veteran architects and designers with more than two decades' experience in real estate projects that include integrated townships, Green Tree's team of experienced consultants fand developers employ global best practices and international standards of mechanized construction to ensure speedy delivery and absolute customer satisfaction with all projects.
Till date, Green Tree has numerous residential and commercial projects to its credit, covering more than one million square feet. The painstaking planning, strict adherence to building laws and regulations, with dedication to complete the projects ontime ensures customers that they are always offered excellent value for money. Moreover, Green Tree Homes endeavours to provide eco-friendly homes to customers at no extra cost.
Sumana Dinesh
The thoughtful emphasis on location by Green Tree Homes comes through clearly in their latest offering – Greenn Athens. The pristine project is ideal for home-seekers weary of noisy city centres, but still keen to live within striking distance of amenities found in metro cities. Such thoughtfulness is not surprising with Green Tree Homes and Ventures, considering the promoters' track record. Promoted by a group of veteran architects and designers with more than two decades' experience in real estate projects that include integrated townships, Green Tree's team of experienced consultants fand developers employ global best practices and international standards of mechanized construction to ensure speedy delivery and absolute customer satisfaction with all projects.
Till date, Green Tree has numerous residential and commercial projects to its credit, covering more than one million square feet. The painstaking planning, strict adherence to building laws and regulations, with dedication to complete the projects ontime ensures customers that they are always offered excellent value for money. Moreover, Green Tree Homes endeavours to provide eco-friendly homes to customers at no extra cost.
Old-World Charm
Greenn Athens now augments the company's exemplary track record. The project name embodies some of the old-world charm of the ancient Greek city. One of the world's oldest cities, Athens has been renowned for its breathtaking architecture, comprising an eclectic mix of avant-garde design and culture. With its independent luxury villa community spread across 3.16 acres, Greenn Athens recreates just that nostalgic feel – right within the precincts of Chennai.
Hidden in a quiet corner of Chennai's Kelambakkam – nestled between the scenic East Coast Road (ECR) and the fast-developing Old Mahabalipuram Road – Greenn Athens offers home-seekers the best of both worlds, old as well as new, through the peaceful backwaters of ECR and the bustling industry of Chennai's IT valley. But that's not all, Greenn Athens is located close to the Muttukadu Lake. Which apart from being so pleasing to the eye, the lake is fast emerging as a hot tourist destination for water sports. Given its excellent location, both naturalists and adrenaline junkies will feel at home.
In this unmatched ambience, Greenn Athens presents an elegant canvas of 40 regal, pearl-white villas. Ensconced within a spacious 4,000–5,000 square feet, each of the 40 villas will have four bedrooms and three car parks, including an exclusive terrace, swimming pool and private elevator. Inspired by contemporary Greek architecture, Greenn Athens' villas display refreshing blue highlights, eye-catching Greek motifs and simple-yet-elegant lines. Blended harmoniously with the surroundings, the premium project recreates a Paradise-like image of Greece that enraptures every onlooker. As one walks through Greenn Athens, it becomes clear that there is so much to experience – across all four floors of each villa.
Hidden in a quiet corner of Chennai's Kelambakkam – nestled between the scenic East Coast Road (ECR) and the fast-developing Old Mahabalipuram Road – Greenn Athens offers home-seekers the best of both worlds, old as well as new, through the peaceful backwaters of ECR and the bustling industry of Chennai's IT valley. But that's not all, Greenn Athens is located close to the Muttukadu Lake. Which apart from being so pleasing to the eye, the lake is fast emerging as a hot tourist destination for water sports. Given its excellent location, both naturalists and adrenaline junkies will feel at home.
In this unmatched ambience, Greenn Athens presents an elegant canvas of 40 regal, pearl-white villas. Ensconced within a spacious 4,000–5,000 square feet, each of the 40 villas will have four bedrooms and three car parks, including an exclusive terrace, swimming pool and private elevator. Inspired by contemporary Greek architecture, Greenn Athens' villas display refreshing blue highlights, eye-catching Greek motifs and simple-yet-elegant lines. Blended harmoniously with the surroundings, the premium project recreates a Paradise-like image of Greece that enraptures every onlooker. As one walks through Greenn Athens, it becomes clear that there is so much to experience – across all four floors of each villa.
Enchanting Experiences
The magical experience starts to unfold the moment one enters the complex gates. On entering, one first notices that the lanes between villas are skillfully elevated to conceal the car park at the stilt level and provide two unique bridge-walks for leisurely strolls. Besides, the ample car parking space, the stilt level has a lap pool and deck for residents to relax within and to keep their bodies toned. From here, an in-house elevator carries residents to any floor they wish to visit including the beautifully landscaped terrace. Despite being indoors, the soothing sprays of green and open spaces sprinkled throughout the villa transform the indoor experience into a bright, airy, enchanting encounter.
The close attention to detail ensures each home is perfect with plenty of flourishes for residents to flaunt that could undoubtedly floor visitors. Some of these include: in-house passenger elevator, lap pool, landscaped gardens, home theatre, Jacuzzi in master bath, bridge-walks, imported marble flooring, teakwood doors and architraves, and imported modular kitchen, among other amenities.
With imported marble skirting in living rooms, rustic tiles on the balconies, laminated wooden flooring in bedrooms, granite, ceramic tiles and best-in-class kitchen and toilet fittings, Greenn Athens is a dream home which has come true. Furthermore, it assures guilt-free indulgence as the project's contribution to the ecology has already been taken care of. Other amenities include: a 90-cm electric chimney, four-burner cooking hob, microwave, and dishwasher. All the rooms are provided with split AC ducting and the entire complex is Wi-Fi enabled. With 100% power back-up, including air-conditioning, all residents are assured that the scorching Chennai heat will barely make its presence felt.
The residents who are still in search of an exclusive experience and seek to add a personal touch to their homes, Greenn Athens offers the option of doing exactly the same. Whether it's picking up an East or West-facing villa, or deciding from multiple layout alternatives, Greenn Athens offers customers various options to decide how their home should look like. If customers don't wish to exercise their grey cells on the interiors, preferring to leave this to the experts, Green Tree can arrange to have their interiors done up by the super-skilled designers of a sister concern, Sumana Dinesh Associates. In such a scenario, home owners only need to pack their belongings and move to a beautifully crafted villa.
Finally, for all the opulence and luxurious living on offer, each villa is reasonably priced at Rs.3/- crore only, offering customers absolute value for money. Considering all the alluring amenities, it would come as no surprise if Greenn Athens becomes another best-seller for Green Tree Homes and Ventures.
The close attention to detail ensures each home is perfect with plenty of flourishes for residents to flaunt that could undoubtedly floor visitors. Some of these include: in-house passenger elevator, lap pool, landscaped gardens, home theatre, Jacuzzi in master bath, bridge-walks, imported marble flooring, teakwood doors and architraves, and imported modular kitchen, among other amenities.
With imported marble skirting in living rooms, rustic tiles on the balconies, laminated wooden flooring in bedrooms, granite, ceramic tiles and best-in-class kitchen and toilet fittings, Greenn Athens is a dream home which has come true. Furthermore, it assures guilt-free indulgence as the project's contribution to the ecology has already been taken care of. Other amenities include: a 90-cm electric chimney, four-burner cooking hob, microwave, and dishwasher. All the rooms are provided with split AC ducting and the entire complex is Wi-Fi enabled. With 100% power back-up, including air-conditioning, all residents are assured that the scorching Chennai heat will barely make its presence felt.
The residents who are still in search of an exclusive experience and seek to add a personal touch to their homes, Greenn Athens offers the option of doing exactly the same. Whether it's picking up an East or West-facing villa, or deciding from multiple layout alternatives, Greenn Athens offers customers various options to decide how their home should look like. If customers don't wish to exercise their grey cells on the interiors, preferring to leave this to the experts, Green Tree can arrange to have their interiors done up by the super-skilled designers of a sister concern, Sumana Dinesh Associates. In such a scenario, home owners only need to pack their belongings and move to a beautifully crafted villa.
Finally, for all the opulence and luxurious living on offer, each villa is reasonably priced at Rs.3/- crore only, offering customers absolute value for money. Considering all the alluring amenities, it would come as no surprise if Greenn Athens becomes another best-seller for Green Tree Homes and Ventures.
Green 201: Eco-friendly Towers
Prior to Greenn Athens, Green Tree Homes has had other best-selling projects to its credit. The company gave Chennai its first entirely eco-friendly green residential complex in the IT Hub – Green 201 – constructed to high international standards and with eco-friendly features. The 15-storeyed building with five towers comprising 565 apartments has an exclusive garden on each of its floors, no wall sharing between apartments, a leaf-shaped amphitheatre and a rooftop clubhouse.
A fully-landscaped terrace, rooftop swimming pool, gymnasium, tennis
A fully-landscaped terrace, rooftop swimming pool, gymnasium, tennis
MGS Architecture August 2013
The Blue Planet: Denmark's Most Modern National Aquarium
North Europe recently gets its largest and most significant whirlpool-shaped aquarium 'The Blue Planet' in Denmark which is expected to become an internationally acknowledged destination attracting guests from all over the world.
Located on the shores of Øresund, only eight kilometres from the Copenhagen City Hall Square, The Blue Planet is a building of high complexity with a welcoming and fascinating framework for the guests' encounter with both animals and nature while it houses a well-adapted ecosystem suited for some of the world's most sensitive animal species.
Being inspired by whirlpool and with its location next to Øresund, the aquarium brings land and sea together and pulls both nature and visitors down into the depths. It is equipped with the latest advanced AV technology to create a complete experience which pulls the visitors into an atmospheric underwater universe that can fascinate and seduce both adults and children alike. The swirl shape creates different sections and is a practical answer to the desire to expand the aquarium as one can expand in the swirl shaped arms.
The Blue Planet is Northern Europe's largest aquarium with room for over 20,000 fish and marine animals. The circular foyer is the starting point for the tour around the aquarium. From here one can select which river, lake or ocean to explore. He/she can get close to the animals both below and above water in the humid and hot rainforest. In addition, they can visit the Faroese bird cliff and meet colorful puffins and Nordic icy sharks. In the ocean, tank one can see a bunch of hammerhead sharks and elegant rays.
Located on the shores of Øresund, only eight kilometres from the Copenhagen City Hall Square, The Blue Planet is a building of high complexity with a welcoming and fascinating framework for the guests' encounter with both animals and nature while it houses a well-adapted ecosystem suited for some of the world's most sensitive animal species.
Being inspired by whirlpool and with its location next to Øresund, the aquarium brings land and sea together and pulls both nature and visitors down into the depths. It is equipped with the latest advanced AV technology to create a complete experience which pulls the visitors into an atmospheric underwater universe that can fascinate and seduce both adults and children alike. The swirl shape creates different sections and is a practical answer to the desire to expand the aquarium as one can expand in the swirl shaped arms.
The Blue Planet is Northern Europe's largest aquarium with room for over 20,000 fish and marine animals. The circular foyer is the starting point for the tour around the aquarium. From here one can select which river, lake or ocean to explore. He/she can get close to the animals both below and above water in the humid and hot rainforest. In addition, they can visit the Faroese bird cliff and meet colorful puffins and Nordic icy sharks. In the ocean, tank one can see a bunch of hammerhead sharks and elegant rays.
| At a Glance | |
| Project : | The Blue Planet, Kastrup, DK |
| Prizes : | The prize 'In-Situ Prisen 2013' awarded by the Danish concrete association, Dansk Beton. |
| Client : | The Blue Planet Building Foundation (Realdania, Knud Højgaards Fond, Tårnby Kommune) |
| Function : | Aquarium |
| Gross Floor Area : | 9,700 m2 |
| Completed : | 2013 |
| Architect : | 3XN Role |
| Engineering : | Moe & Brødsgaard |
| Exhibition Design : | Kvorning Kommunikation og Design |
| Landscape Architect : | Henrik Jørgensen LANDSKAB |
| Picture Courtesy: | Adam M¢rk |
The whirlpool
Inspired by the shape of water in endless motion, Denmark's new National Aquarium, located on an elevated headland towards the sea, north of Kastrup harbor, is shaped as a great whirlpool, and the building itself tells the story of what awaits inside.
Its distinctive shape is clearly visible for travelers arriving by plane at the nearby Copenhagen Airport. The facade is covered with small diamond-shaped aluminum plates, known as shingles, which adapts to the building's organic form. Just as water aluminium reflects the colors and light of the sky and thus the buildings expression varies with the changes in its natural surroundings.
Its distinctive shape is clearly visible for travelers arriving by plane at the nearby Copenhagen Airport. The facade is covered with small diamond-shaped aluminum plates, known as shingles, which adapts to the building's organic form. Just as water aluminium reflects the colors and light of the sky and thus the buildings expression varies with the changes in its natural surroundings.
Out of the World Experience
Visitors reach the entrance by following the first and longest of the whirlpool's whirls. With a smooth transition, the landscape surpasses for the building, while the outdoor ponds mark the unique experience that awaits the aquarium visitors as they enter The Blue Planet: the whirlpool has pulled them into another world - a world beneath the surface of the sea.
According to Kim Herforth Nielsen, Creative Director, 3XN and architect of the building,"Our wish was to bring our visitors all the way down to the world of the fish. Therefore, the design of The Blue Planet is based on the story about water and life under the sea. We visualise the construction as a whirlpool which draws visitors into the depths to the fascinating experiences waiting among fish and sea animals from all over the world."
According to Kim Herforth Nielsen, Creative Director, 3XN and architect of the building,"Our wish was to bring our visitors all the way down to the world of the fish. Therefore, the design of The Blue Planet is based on the story about water and life under the sea. We visualise the construction as a whirlpool which draws visitors into the depths to the fascinating experiences waiting among fish and sea animals from all over the world."
Flexible Movement Between Exhibitions
The circular foyer is the central point of navigation in the aquarium. Here visitors choose which river, lake or ocean to explore. By enabling multiple routes the risk of queues in front of individual aquariums is reduced. Each exhibition has its own theme and entrance from the foyer, where sound and images are used to introduce the atmosphere of the different exhibition areas. The restaurant enjoys a magnificent view of the sea, which begins just a few meters away.
Chairman of Denmark's Aquarium, Professor Flemming Frandsen, is looking forward to The Blue Planet as a centre for new experiences in the Øresund region. He stated, "Our ambition is to welcome 700,000 guests each year, thus being one of Denmark's five largest tourist attractions. Now, we have an aquarium, which compares to the world elite of aquariums and that brings us close to the biology of the sea and strengthens our interest in natural science".
During a tourism conference "A New Way to Grow" 2012, the Blue Planet was chosen as Denmark's best lighthouse project within experience economy, because of its potential for growth, influence on regional development, innovation, realization as well as its uniqueness and 'reason to go'.
Chairman of Denmark's Aquarium, Professor Flemming Frandsen, is looking forward to The Blue Planet as a centre for new experiences in the Øresund region. He stated, "Our ambition is to welcome 700,000 guests each year, thus being one of Denmark's five largest tourist attractions. Now, we have an aquarium, which compares to the world elite of aquariums and that brings us close to the biology of the sea and strengthens our interest in natural science".
During a tourism conference "A New Way to Grow" 2012, the Blue Planet was chosen as Denmark's best lighthouse project within experience economy, because of its potential for growth, influence on regional development, innovation, realization as well as its uniqueness and 'reason to go'.
MGS Architecture July 2013
Swimming Pools Are Here to Stay, but at What Cost?
Mr. Vivek Mishra,
MD, Premium Pools
Real estate prices continue to rise and so is the rise in demand for better accommodation. Each house is sold as a dream come true where they promise proximity to nature, bringing in a forest in the form of a landscape that surrounds a swimming pool. So that's a jungle inside a concrete-jungle for you!
We do understand the aspirations of those who have enough disposable incomes to demand such super luxurious supersized designer apartments. We also are aware of the new demand created by those who would want to reconstruct their old-style villa to match the latest lifestyle trend.
What we don't understand is the lack of awareness amongst these people about a sustainable living. One should be conscious of certain facts like how a badly constructed house that consumes more than the required amount of electricity and the water guzzling swimming pools inside them can cause great imbalance to the natural resources of the already crowded urban areas.
Talking about the most important component of life; water, is already an area of contention amongst many Indian states. While the government is trying its best to regulate usage, we all must understand that water is too precious to be wasted.
While we tap water for leisure, we should know that a badly constructed swimming pool can prove too expensive for the environment as well as for you, as a consumer. Each one of us needs to be better aware to demand quality.
The Indian Plumbing Association, in collaboration with the US-based International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), has drawn up a code for swimming pools in India.
One such code was the need of the hour as the National Building code never had any norms for swimming pools at present. In March 2011, the ‘Uniform Swimming Pool Code – India' was documented. The code provides information on materials to be used, water heating, vents, chlorinators and the piping standards that ought to be followed.
While the manufacturers and construction organizations shall refer to this code, we as consumers should also make sure we do not compromise on quality and standards.
They still don't issue licenses to practice swimming pool construction in India. There are many players crowding the market who commit to projects without knowing the scope of what they are undertaking. Then in order to quote less to bag the project, they mindlessly compromise on quality. The worst part is, they keep the consumer in the dark and by the time your pool is up and working, your costs go up by almost 50%.
For instance, if there are constant problems with filtration, then though the maintenance charges would take care of it, the fact remains that the quality was compromised right at the outset. But, the customer had incurred all the cost for it.
Environmentally, a malfunctioning filtration system proves disastrous. Where the plumbing and filtration cannot efficiently handle the cleaning of pool water, one is stuck with water that is always riddled with dirt and potential disease causing germs. Now cleaning this, would consume high amounts of electricity as the pump for the filter is required to run for a longer duration.
One may decide to sanitize the pool, ending up dumping too many chemicals into the water. This will bring in its own set of problems, and at last you would have no option but to change the pool water. This is what makes you deplete the ground water levels in your area, for your leisure.
The repercussions of not having chosen the right pool builder, is not just limited to frequent draining out of pool water, of late this has resulted into much fatal consequences. Most of us are aware of a recent accident where a gentleman lost his life to electrocution in the pool.
Use of energy efficient lighting is also important. Hardly any one of us is aware of the fact that in an ideal situation there shouldn't be any electrical device operating at more than 12 volts in the entire pool surrounding area. One can ensure safety by adhering to quality standards.
Let's not blame the pool owners alone. We need to be better aware to demand the best quality and ensure that our lifestyle in urban India is not becoming a threat to the other half.
We do understand the aspirations of those who have enough disposable incomes to demand such super luxurious supersized designer apartments. We also are aware of the new demand created by those who would want to reconstruct their old-style villa to match the latest lifestyle trend.
What we don't understand is the lack of awareness amongst these people about a sustainable living. One should be conscious of certain facts like how a badly constructed house that consumes more than the required amount of electricity and the water guzzling swimming pools inside them can cause great imbalance to the natural resources of the already crowded urban areas.
Talking about the most important component of life; water, is already an area of contention amongst many Indian states. While the government is trying its best to regulate usage, we all must understand that water is too precious to be wasted.
While we tap water for leisure, we should know that a badly constructed swimming pool can prove too expensive for the environment as well as for you, as a consumer. Each one of us needs to be better aware to demand quality.
The Indian Plumbing Association, in collaboration with the US-based International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), has drawn up a code for swimming pools in India.
One such code was the need of the hour as the National Building code never had any norms for swimming pools at present. In March 2011, the ‘Uniform Swimming Pool Code – India' was documented. The code provides information on materials to be used, water heating, vents, chlorinators and the piping standards that ought to be followed.
While the manufacturers and construction organizations shall refer to this code, we as consumers should also make sure we do not compromise on quality and standards.
They still don't issue licenses to practice swimming pool construction in India. There are many players crowding the market who commit to projects without knowing the scope of what they are undertaking. Then in order to quote less to bag the project, they mindlessly compromise on quality. The worst part is, they keep the consumer in the dark and by the time your pool is up and working, your costs go up by almost 50%.
For instance, if there are constant problems with filtration, then though the maintenance charges would take care of it, the fact remains that the quality was compromised right at the outset. But, the customer had incurred all the cost for it.
Environmentally, a malfunctioning filtration system proves disastrous. Where the plumbing and filtration cannot efficiently handle the cleaning of pool water, one is stuck with water that is always riddled with dirt and potential disease causing germs. Now cleaning this, would consume high amounts of electricity as the pump for the filter is required to run for a longer duration.
One may decide to sanitize the pool, ending up dumping too many chemicals into the water. This will bring in its own set of problems, and at last you would have no option but to change the pool water. This is what makes you deplete the ground water levels in your area, for your leisure.
The repercussions of not having chosen the right pool builder, is not just limited to frequent draining out of pool water, of late this has resulted into much fatal consequences. Most of us are aware of a recent accident where a gentleman lost his life to electrocution in the pool.
Use of energy efficient lighting is also important. Hardly any one of us is aware of the fact that in an ideal situation there shouldn't be any electrical device operating at more than 12 volts in the entire pool surrounding area. One can ensure safety by adhering to quality standards.
Let's not blame the pool owners alone. We need to be better aware to demand the best quality and ensure that our lifestyle in urban India is not becoming a threat to the other half.
Premium Pool's innovative approach towards sustainability
Be assured that achieving sustainability doesn't mean loss of luxury. It's all about creating a demand for sustainable homes of which innumerable benefits accrue by the way of reduction in water and electricity bills.
With pools, a simple way to ensure happiness is by taking care of durability, comfort and long-term cost benefits. This can only be done by choosing the right builder at the onset.
We at Premium Pools are confident of being an unrivalled pool design and construction company that has helped several green buildings achieve better energy and water efficiency.
World over, this industry is operating within stipulated guidelines and following strict standards with respect to safety and quality. In India, surprisingly, what gets the least attention is safety itself.
With our commitment to make any and every swimming pool safe and clean, we decided to partner with international experts.
Having the distinction of collaborating with America's No. 1 pool builder – Premier Pools and Spas in addition to a tie-up with Europe's largest swimming pool builder, Albixon, for the state-of the art equipment, we have always been inspired to deliver projects that have distinguished themselves in numerous ways.
We are also confident of a great team on board that has to its credit, hands-on experience with some of the prestigious projects internationally, making it easier for us to stick to our commitment to quality.
Working close to such standards, every year, we have turned down projects looking on to the psyche of Indian customers and people involved with a swimming pool. Sadly, the mindset remains restricted to treating a pool as a commodity. In fact, we can go on to the extent of saying that it's better not to have a pool than end up having something which is a great financial as well as environmental burden.
This industry remains unregulated with no entry barrier and it is upon us to help streamline things to help the industry gain a proportionate capital share to help every business concern sustain itself to offer the best of swimming pools that are a good investment in every respect.
Currently, the industry can't look within to compete as there is lack of expertise and hardly would you find someone living upto the claims of making a good pool.
In fact, a great way to help the industry see new heights is by coming at par with other industries where people are tapping luxury in every way looking on to the kind of incomes at their disposal.
With pools, a simple way to ensure happiness is by taking care of durability, comfort and long-term cost benefits. This can only be done by choosing the right builder at the onset.
We at Premium Pools are confident of being an unrivalled pool design and construction company that has helped several green buildings achieve better energy and water efficiency.
World over, this industry is operating within stipulated guidelines and following strict standards with respect to safety and quality. In India, surprisingly, what gets the least attention is safety itself.
With our commitment to make any and every swimming pool safe and clean, we decided to partner with international experts.
Having the distinction of collaborating with America's No. 1 pool builder – Premier Pools and Spas in addition to a tie-up with Europe's largest swimming pool builder, Albixon, for the state-of the art equipment, we have always been inspired to deliver projects that have distinguished themselves in numerous ways.
We are also confident of a great team on board that has to its credit, hands-on experience with some of the prestigious projects internationally, making it easier for us to stick to our commitment to quality.
Working close to such standards, every year, we have turned down projects looking on to the psyche of Indian customers and people involved with a swimming pool. Sadly, the mindset remains restricted to treating a pool as a commodity. In fact, we can go on to the extent of saying that it's better not to have a pool than end up having something which is a great financial as well as environmental burden.
This industry remains unregulated with no entry barrier and it is upon us to help streamline things to help the industry gain a proportionate capital share to help every business concern sustain itself to offer the best of swimming pools that are a good investment in every respect.
Currently, the industry can't look within to compete as there is lack of expertise and hardly would you find someone living upto the claims of making a good pool.
In fact, a great way to help the industry see new heights is by coming at par with other industries where people are tapping luxury in every way looking on to the kind of incomes at their disposal.
Unique Projects Undertaken
Aahana Resort
Jim Corbett National Park situated at Nainital district Uttrakhand is one of the oldest Tiger Reserves known for the preservation of the endangered Bengal tiger enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. It is just a 4 hour drive from Delhi NCR. Tourists apart from exploring the beauty of the jungle through nature walks, jeep or elephant safari also enjoy the world class human innovation i.e. the resorts.
Aahna resort, Jim Corbett
While you have almost all the resorts along the river, Ahana – The Corbett Wilderness broke the conventional tradition as it touches the forest of Corbett all along its entire length on the north-eastern boundary. The founder of the property Mr. Kamal Tripathi while creating his resort had in mind to make it a spa destination incorporating in it all the five elements of nature i.e air, water, sky, fire and earth, and hence ensuring it to be at par with any world class spa destination. Therefore, the challenge before Premium Pools was to design the entire Landscape in a way that the pool completely blended with the forest in the backdrop, giving an impression like it always existed there and is not a man-made structure.
With the innovative approach that Premium Pools follow, the end result has been that the pool completely blends with the jungle creating a reverse infinity effect on its back, and the vanishing edge of the pool towards the side facing the restaurant gives it a floating restaurant effect.
Aahna resort, Jim Corbett
While you have almost all the resorts along the river, Ahana – The Corbett Wilderness broke the conventional tradition as it touches the forest of Corbett all along its entire length on the north-eastern boundary. The founder of the property Mr. Kamal Tripathi while creating his resort had in mind to make it a spa destination incorporating in it all the five elements of nature i.e air, water, sky, fire and earth, and hence ensuring it to be at par with any world class spa destination. Therefore, the challenge before Premium Pools was to design the entire Landscape in a way that the pool completely blended with the forest in the backdrop, giving an impression like it always existed there and is not a man-made structure.
With the innovative approach that Premium Pools follow, the end result has been that the pool completely blends with the jungle creating a reverse infinity effect on its back, and the vanishing edge of the pool towards the side facing the restaurant gives it a floating restaurant effect.
Pools at The ATS Village, Noida
ATS Greens Village, Noida
The ATS Village pool brought out our best in terms of our creative efforts. This pool, like many others, has certain distinctive features.
The ATS Village mega pool is a sunken pool. This means it is built below the land level. We planned everything down to the tiniest detail, including the kind of plantation that would surround it, the colours that would best go with the spirit of the housing group, the way sunlight would fall on the structure and so on and so forth.
We also brought in tiny twists that would make the pool a conversation piece in its own right-the bubbling water, for instance. Water bodies are equally loved for the distinct bubbling sound they make as for providing refreshing coolness. At ATS, we built little bubblers into the pool and constructed a stone set-up to have waterfalls cascade.
So, just sitting by the poolside relaxes busy people back from a hectic day at work.
We also built 39 individual pools for penthouse and row house owners. These pools are family hangout junctions which add an exotic element to the living space. At night, the pools provide a party point for the residents and add luxury to everyday living.
The ATS Village pool was a turning point in the Premium Pools story, as it catapulted us into a different creative zone.
Mr. Gitambar Anand's faith in our abilities helped us push many creative boundaries. With this project, Premium Pools started functioning on a wider orbit.
The ATS Village mega pool is a sunken pool. This means it is built below the land level. We planned everything down to the tiniest detail, including the kind of plantation that would surround it, the colours that would best go with the spirit of the housing group, the way sunlight would fall on the structure and so on and so forth.
We also brought in tiny twists that would make the pool a conversation piece in its own right-the bubbling water, for instance. Water bodies are equally loved for the distinct bubbling sound they make as for providing refreshing coolness. At ATS, we built little bubblers into the pool and constructed a stone set-up to have waterfalls cascade.
So, just sitting by the poolside relaxes busy people back from a hectic day at work.
We also built 39 individual pools for penthouse and row house owners. These pools are family hangout junctions which add an exotic element to the living space. At night, the pools provide a party point for the residents and add luxury to everyday living.
The ATS Village pool was a turning point in the Premium Pools story, as it catapulted us into a different creative zone.
Mr. Gitambar Anand's faith in our abilities helped us push many creative boundaries. With this project, Premium Pools started functioning on a wider orbit.
Wave Pool at Paramount Golf Foreste, Greater Noida
A wave pool is a swimming pool with wave generator fixed at the deeper end, that creates waves in the water by compressing the water beneath, with the release of air through air compressor. With the wave being generated at regular intervals the swimmers in the pool get a tacit feel of swimming in ocean. The earliest wave pools date to the 1940s in the United States, and the concept has since spread widely across the world.
Now we have a few of these being done in India as well, with the latest one being at Paramount Golfforeste which was a big challenge in itself, as we had to do away with the conventional funnel shape [funnel shape is given to the wave pool as the wave is generated at the narrow end of funnel and it terminates at broader shallow end] but still had to have the wave of same intensity. The shape of the pool was a constraint as this was the first wave pool in the country, which was to be used as group housing pool, hence apart from the technical prerequisites, even the aesthetic aspects of landscape were not to be compromised with. This pool is spread over an area of 8000 sqft and boasts of one of the finest landscape architecture.
Wave Pool, Paramount Golf Foreste
Apart from creating the waves in the pool, various other features like having sunken bar attached to the pool, having a small pool for toddlers which had to remain immune from the waves that were generated, and incorporating all this, given in the shape which we had been restricted to, was a task to reckon with.
Now we have a few of these being done in India as well, with the latest one being at Paramount Golfforeste which was a big challenge in itself, as we had to do away with the conventional funnel shape [funnel shape is given to the wave pool as the wave is generated at the narrow end of funnel and it terminates at broader shallow end] but still had to have the wave of same intensity. The shape of the pool was a constraint as this was the first wave pool in the country, which was to be used as group housing pool, hence apart from the technical prerequisites, even the aesthetic aspects of landscape were not to be compromised with. This pool is spread over an area of 8000 sqft and boasts of one of the finest landscape architecture.
Wave Pool, Paramount Golf Foreste
Apart from creating the waves in the pool, various other features like having sunken bar attached to the pool, having a small pool for toddlers which had to remain immune from the waves that were generated, and incorporating all this, given in the shape which we had been restricted to, was a task to reckon with.
MGS Architecture July 2013
3XN’s Wonders. . .
Eight Pointed Star-Shaped UN City, Copenhagen
3XN, founded as Nielsen, Nielsen and Nielsen in Aarhus in 1986 by the architects Kim Herforth Nielsen, Lars Frank Nielsen (partner until 2002) and Hans Peter Svendler Nielsen (partner until 1992), the studio, today, is famous for two things--their preference for social and humane architecture, and projects demanding a high level of detail and employing workmanship of the highest quality.
The studio emphasizes on curiosity, originality and poetry and creates architecture for people through a complex approach tailored to users and clients. They translates visions into reality and is continually committed to making today's work tomorrow's architectural heritage.
Based on their this design philosophy, the Studio designed many prestigious projects including its latest projects 'The new regional head office of the United Nations in Copenhagen' and The Blue Planet in Denmark that have won many accolades and recognition worldwide.
UN City has been designed with clear references to the UN's identity and values. It is a building that physically reaches out to all parts of the world, while the sculptural staircase in its core reflects the UN's work to create global dialogue. Being completed and delivered in two phases: Phase 1 in 2012 and phase 2 in 2013, the project was officially inaugurated on July 4 2013 with the participation of the General Secretary of the UN.
Bringing together the various agencies and functions of the United Nations regional offices in Copenhagen, the new UN City is located at Marmormolen (The Marble Pier) north of Copenhagen's city center. 3XN's design is a response to the UN's wishes for an iconic building expressing the organization's values and authority. More specifically, the design reflects the independent, efficient and professional nature of each UN unit, while at the same time clearly rooted in a mutual set of values - Delivering as One.
High security and accessibility standards have been central considerations in the design of the new main office building. The UN City must live up to the most stringent requirements, providing a protected and safe environment, while at the same time appearing open and accommodating to the city.
Located on an artificial island, the building is naturally separated from its immediate surroundings, while still being highly visible from both the city and the water.
The studio emphasizes on curiosity, originality and poetry and creates architecture for people through a complex approach tailored to users and clients. They translates visions into reality and is continually committed to making today's work tomorrow's architectural heritage.
Based on their this design philosophy, the Studio designed many prestigious projects including its latest projects 'The new regional head office of the United Nations in Copenhagen' and The Blue Planet in Denmark that have won many accolades and recognition worldwide.
UN City has been designed with clear references to the UN's identity and values. It is a building that physically reaches out to all parts of the world, while the sculptural staircase in its core reflects the UN's work to create global dialogue. Being completed and delivered in two phases: Phase 1 in 2012 and phase 2 in 2013, the project was officially inaugurated on July 4 2013 with the participation of the General Secretary of the UN.
Bringing together the various agencies and functions of the United Nations regional offices in Copenhagen, the new UN City is located at Marmormolen (The Marble Pier) north of Copenhagen's city center. 3XN's design is a response to the UN's wishes for an iconic building expressing the organization's values and authority. More specifically, the design reflects the independent, efficient and professional nature of each UN unit, while at the same time clearly rooted in a mutual set of values - Delivering as One.
High security and accessibility standards have been central considerations in the design of the new main office building. The UN City must live up to the most stringent requirements, providing a protected and safe environment, while at the same time appearing open and accommodating to the city.
Located on an artificial island, the building is naturally separated from its immediate surroundings, while still being highly visible from both the city and the water.
The Star
From above, the eight-pointed star shape is a clear visual reference point, which, like the UN, reaches out to all corners of the world. Similar to the surrounding rusty pier edges, the UN city has a dark burnished steel base from which the white main building rises. This is a reference to the elegant white ships that characterize this part of the Copenhagen harbor.
The building has a façade cladding of white perforated aluminum shutters, developed by 3XN and contractor Pihl specifically for the UN City. The shutters ensure solar shading without blocking the view or the daylight. Since the facade is divided into three meter long modules, it is possible for the employees to control the sunshade from their computers. The result is an improved indoor environment, and a dynamic façade expressing a building full of life.
From the core of the star-shaped building, a daylight filled atrium connects the lobby level containing all common functions, with the office levels, where the various UN agencies are distributed.
From the atrium a central staircase binds all levels together. 3XN has created the staircase as a dramatic spatial sculpture, which is to be seen as a symbol of the UN's work to create dialogue, interaction and positive encounters between people in all parts of the world. In the daily life, the sculptural form inspires the UN employees to use the stairs, and thus the staircase also forms the basis for dialogue, cooperation and informal meetings between the various UN organizations.
The main office building has more than 90 meeting rooms including a number of flexible rooms on each floor that staff can use for various purposes. The auditorium is a conference facility with a total capacity of 450 people. For smaller conferences and meetings, the auditorium can be divided into smaller rooms by using specially designed partitions.
The building has a façade cladding of white perforated aluminum shutters, developed by 3XN and contractor Pihl specifically for the UN City. The shutters ensure solar shading without blocking the view or the daylight. Since the facade is divided into three meter long modules, it is possible for the employees to control the sunshade from their computers. The result is an improved indoor environment, and a dynamic façade expressing a building full of life.
From the core of the star-shaped building, a daylight filled atrium connects the lobby level containing all common functions, with the office levels, where the various UN agencies are distributed.
The main office building has more than 90 meeting rooms including a number of flexible rooms on each floor that staff can use for various purposes. The auditorium is a conference facility with a total capacity of 450 people. For smaller conferences and meetings, the auditorium can be divided into smaller rooms by using specially designed partitions.
Sustainability
All office levels are characterized by an open and flexible layout encouraging knowledge sharing and interaction as well as individual immersion. Work stations are ensured plenty of high quality daylight and a good indoor climate. The working environment is further improved by an overall health policy including green recreational areas and a number of sustainable features including.
Air quality - The building has been designed to limit the use of chemicals and pollutants during both its construction and its use. The building is entirely ventilated with filtered outside air. This ensures that only clean, fresh air is present in the building and helps balance the interior humidity level.
Solar panels - more than 1,400 solar panels are lining the roof of the building to support the goal of generating renewable energy onsite. With an estimated total production of 297,000 kWh/year, the solar panels significantly reduce the need for electricity from the grid.
Sea water cooling - Cold seawater pumped into the building's cooling system, almost entirely eliminating the need for electricity to power the cooling cycle.
Water efficiency - Innovative aerators have been placed in the taps in kitchens, toilets and showers throughout the building. The low-flow taps reduce water usage. In addition, pipes on the roof capture almost 3,000,000 litres of rainwater annually, which is almost enough to flush the toilets of the entire building without using potable water.
Solar shades - Sophisticated solar shades on the building's facade can be opened and closed to either trap or reflect the sun's heat.
Reflective roofs - The roof of the building has been coated with a white, recyclable membrane, made from plant-based materials. The environment–friendly coating reflects sunlight and reduces the solar warming of the building.
The UN City is expected to become one of Denmark's most energy efficient buildings with an annual energy consumption of less than 50 KwH per m2 (Danish Energy Class 1). The UN City is registered with the LEED sustainability ratings system with the certification goal of LEED® Platinum. UN City has been awarded the prestigious Green Building Award 2012 by the European Commission.
Air quality - The building has been designed to limit the use of chemicals and pollutants during both its construction and its use. The building is entirely ventilated with filtered outside air. This ensures that only clean, fresh air is present in the building and helps balance the interior humidity level.
Solar panels - more than 1,400 solar panels are lining the roof of the building to support the goal of generating renewable energy onsite. With an estimated total production of 297,000 kWh/year, the solar panels significantly reduce the need for electricity from the grid.
| At a Glance | |
| Project : | UN City, Copenhagen |
| Client : | FN Byen p.s. (Copenhagen Port & City Development) |
| Architect : | 3XN |
| Engineer : | Orbicon a/s |
| Landscape : | Schønherr |
| Contractor : | Pihl A/S |
| Interior Design : | PLH / UN Common Services |
| Size : | 45,000 m2 office and public facilities + 7,000 m2 archives and secondary facilities |
| Capacity : | 1700 employees |
| Budget : | Approx. 134 mio. EURO |
| Picture Courtesy: | Adam M¢rk |
Sea water cooling - Cold seawater pumped into the building's cooling system, almost entirely eliminating the need for electricity to power the cooling cycle.
Water efficiency - Innovative aerators have been placed in the taps in kitchens, toilets and showers throughout the building. The low-flow taps reduce water usage. In addition, pipes on the roof capture almost 3,000,000 litres of rainwater annually, which is almost enough to flush the toilets of the entire building without using potable water.
Solar shades - Sophisticated solar shades on the building's facade can be opened and closed to either trap or reflect the sun's heat.
Reflective roofs - The roof of the building has been coated with a white, recyclable membrane, made from plant-based materials. The environment–friendly coating reflects sunlight and reduces the solar warming of the building.
The UN City is expected to become one of Denmark's most energy efficient buildings with an annual energy consumption of less than 50 KwH per m2 (Danish Energy Class 1). The UN City is registered with the LEED sustainability ratings system with the certification goal of LEED® Platinum. UN City has been awarded the prestigious Green Building Award 2012 by the European Commission.
MGS Architecture July 2013
Eco-Tent Cottages
Presenting a Luxurious New Concept for Resorts, Retreats, and Beach huts- The Future of Multi-purpose Building options for the Hospitality Industry
Loom Crafts a name synonymous with path-breaking innovations and trend-setting outdoor living concepts now presents the first of its kind, Multi-purpose Cottages specifically designed and conceptualized for the hospitality industry that ensures minimal impact on the environment. These cottages are ideal for camping and also bring one closer to nature. The tents are also perfect for areas where permission of permanent structure is not granted. From hill-station retreats to beach resort getaways and countryside cabins, whatever the locations may be, weather or altitude, the Eco-tent Cottages can be modified to suit the given conditions and requirement of space.
Loom Crafts' Eco-tent Cottages made to work in harmony with the environment; are architecturally designed, flexible in application, foster sustainability and able to maintain affordability. These luxurious eco-friendly cottages give a rare opportunity to those who are concerned for environment, but want to live in spacious luxury surrounded by canvas, wood and all other modern day amenities that the cosmopolitan life has to offer.
"Simple enough for anyone to assemble yet robust enough to withstand extremes of external conditions and weather"
The revolutionary design of these Eco-tent Cottages is based around a robust aero-space grade aluminum framework, which forms the core structure of the modular building, a virtually indestructible grid of aluminum and stainless steel. Each interlocking square panels are fastened to adjoining sections by a patented locking system designed to withstand enormous pressure. The top of the tent is made of fire retardant tensile PVC coated fabric membrane which lasts for years without any maintenance.
"These cottages are of five-star living standards with unlimited choices wherein the interiors can be changed unlimitedly."
Once the basic grid floor plan is in place, the interior living or working environment can be created from an extensive selection of ancillary modules. Packed with eco-amenities such as solar power, natural ventilation, cloakroom and bathtub, among others, the wooden deck flooring along with aluminum doors and windows powder coated in a choice of colors further adds to the plush interior designs and premium finish. All Loom Crafts Eco-Tent Cottages have insulation on top and sides thereby making them suitable for air conditioning. In addition, the elevated wooden deck flooring further ensures negligible impact on the ground.
Whether creating a high-tech beach resort cottage, Safari style tents, eco-tent cottage or any other prefab structure, the Loom Crafts Eco-Tent Cottages are limited only by the imagination. So go ahead IMAGINE THE FUTURE!
Loom Crafts a name synonymous with path-breaking innovations and trend-setting outdoor living concepts now presents the first of its kind, Multi-purpose Cottages specifically designed and conceptualized for the hospitality industry that ensures minimal impact on the environment. These cottages are ideal for camping and also bring one closer to nature. The tents are also perfect for areas where permission of permanent structure is not granted. From hill-station retreats to beach resort getaways and countryside cabins, whatever the locations may be, weather or altitude, the Eco-tent Cottages can be modified to suit the given conditions and requirement of space.
 |  |
Loom Crafts' Eco-tent Cottages made to work in harmony with the environment; are architecturally designed, flexible in application, foster sustainability and able to maintain affordability. These luxurious eco-friendly cottages give a rare opportunity to those who are concerned for environment, but want to live in spacious luxury surrounded by canvas, wood and all other modern day amenities that the cosmopolitan life has to offer.
"Simple enough for anyone to assemble yet robust enough to withstand extremes of external conditions and weather"
 |  |
The revolutionary design of these Eco-tent Cottages is based around a robust aero-space grade aluminum framework, which forms the core structure of the modular building, a virtually indestructible grid of aluminum and stainless steel. Each interlocking square panels are fastened to adjoining sections by a patented locking system designed to withstand enormous pressure. The top of the tent is made of fire retardant tensile PVC coated fabric membrane which lasts for years without any maintenance.
"These cottages are of five-star living standards with unlimited choices wherein the interiors can be changed unlimitedly."
Once the basic grid floor plan is in place, the interior living or working environment can be created from an extensive selection of ancillary modules. Packed with eco-amenities such as solar power, natural ventilation, cloakroom and bathtub, among others, the wooden deck flooring along with aluminum doors and windows powder coated in a choice of colors further adds to the plush interior designs and premium finish. All Loom Crafts Eco-Tent Cottages have insulation on top and sides thereby making them suitable for air conditioning. In addition, the elevated wooden deck flooring further ensures negligible impact on the ground.
Whether creating a high-tech beach resort cottage, Safari style tents, eco-tent cottage or any other prefab structure, the Loom Crafts Eco-Tent Cottages are limited only by the imagination. So go ahead IMAGINE THE FUTURE!
MGS Architecture June 2013
Dancing Dragons
Dancing Dragons - A Marvelous Tower Complex for Seoul's Yongsan International Business District
Chicago based firm Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture which is dedicated to the design of high-performance architecture in a wide range of typology and scale, from low-and mid-rise residential, commercial and cultural buildings to mixed-use supertall towers and new cities, have designed a pair of landmark supertall mixed-use towers 'Dancing Dragons' for the new Yongsan International Business District in Seoul, South Korea. The buildings which include residential, "officetel" and retail elements, consist of slender, sharply angled mini-towers cantilevered around a central core. The design aesthetic is highly contemporary yet informed by aspects of traditional Korean culture.
Positioned side by side in the fast-growing business and commercial district on the north bank of the Han River, the two Dancing Dragon towers have a similar design comprises a supporting central core and a series of wings attached to the sides. The mini towers feature a dramatic series of diagonal massing cuts that create living spaces that float beyond the structure. This recalls the eaves of traditional Korean temples-a design theme echoed both in the geometry of the building skin and the jutting canopies at the towers' base. The theme is extended in the building skin that suggests the scales of Korean mythical dragons, which seem to dance around the core-hence the project's name. (Yongsan, the name of the overall development, means "Dragon Hill" in Korean.)
Dancing Dragons' scale-like skin is also a performative element. Gaps between its overlapping panels feature operable 600-mm vents through which air can circulate, making the skin "breathable" like that of certain animals.
Towers 1 and 2-about 450 meters and 390 meters tall, respectively-share an architectural language and, therefore, a close family resemblance, but are not identical. In the taller structure, the 88-level Tower 1, the massing cuts at the top and bottom of the mini-towers are V-shaped. In the 77-level Tower 2, the cuts move diagonally in a single unbroken line; they are also arranged in a radial pattern around the core that is perceptible as viewers move around the tower.
"There's a sympathetic and complementary relationship between the two masses at the level of the cuts, almost as though they were dancing," says Adrian Smith, FAIA, RIBA.
He further adds, "It's always important for our designs to reflect and interpret the cultures they serve, and the Dancing Dragons complex certainly does that, although in an abstract and highly technological manner. We try to design in a way that is at once beautiful and focused on performance."
In both buildings, the mini-tower cuts are clad in glass at the top and bottom, making for dramatic skylights above the units at the highest levels and a transparent floor beneath the units at the lowest levels. This offers the opportunity for special high-value penthouse duplex units with spectacular 360-degree views of downtown Seoul and the adjacent Han River, along with an abundance of natural light.
"The abstract recall of the historic structures gives the towers a unique perspective from the ground and the sky while creating unique interior experiences. The shingled texture of the skin is developed with integrated breathable mullions and self-shading cantilevers. It's a great honor to be joining several other top international architecture firms designing buildings for this remarkable master plan by Studio Daniel Libeskind," says Gordon Gill, AIA.
AS+GG partner Robert Forest, AIA, notes that Dancing Dragons represents AS+GG's second major project in downtown Seoul. The other is the Head Office of the Federation of Korean Industries, an innovative and highly sustainable office building now under construction and scheduled to be completed next year. "We're very excited to be making a sustainable contribution to the built environment of Seoul, one of the world's great cities, in a manner that addresses the need for sustainable high density development while respecting Korean culture," Forest says. "YIBD, which promises to become one of Seoul's most dynamic and vital neighborhoods, will be an example of high-quality high-density design, and we're proud to be a part of that."
The design team also includes PositivEnergy Practice, a Chicago-based engineering and energy consulting firm that is designing a series of innovative building systems for the project. Sustainable features of the building system design include triple-glazed window units, which minimize heat loss; an overlapping exterior wall system, which creates a self-shading effect; and natural ventilation in all units through operable mullions. Other systems include radiant heating; fuel-cell cogeneration units at the basement level; photovoltaic arrays on the roof surfaces; daylight-linked lighting controls; and heat recovery via electric centrifugal chillers.
The structural scheme for Dancing Dragons, developed by AS+GG in collaboration with the international structural engineering firm Werner Sobek, features eight mega-columns that traverse the vertical length of both cores. The mini-towers are hung off the cruciform cores in a balanced fashion by means of a belt truss system, stabilizing the structure.
The design of the 23,000-square-meter site-part of the larger Yongsan master plan -reinforces the angular geometry of the building massing and skin. Landscape features, designed in collaboration with Martha Schwartz Partners, include sloped berms that echo that geometry. The site also includes a retail podium with a crystalline sculptural form and sunken garden that provide access to a large below-grade retail complex.
Positioned side by side in the fast-growing business and commercial district on the north bank of the Han River, the two Dancing Dragon towers have a similar design comprises a supporting central core and a series of wings attached to the sides. The mini towers feature a dramatic series of diagonal massing cuts that create living spaces that float beyond the structure. This recalls the eaves of traditional Korean temples-a design theme echoed both in the geometry of the building skin and the jutting canopies at the towers' base. The theme is extended in the building skin that suggests the scales of Korean mythical dragons, which seem to dance around the core-hence the project's name. (Yongsan, the name of the overall development, means "Dragon Hill" in Korean.)
Dancing Dragons' scale-like skin is also a performative element. Gaps between its overlapping panels feature operable 600-mm vents through which air can circulate, making the skin "breathable" like that of certain animals.
Towers 1 and 2-about 450 meters and 390 meters tall, respectively-share an architectural language and, therefore, a close family resemblance, but are not identical. In the taller structure, the 88-level Tower 1, the massing cuts at the top and bottom of the mini-towers are V-shaped. In the 77-level Tower 2, the cuts move diagonally in a single unbroken line; they are also arranged in a radial pattern around the core that is perceptible as viewers move around the tower.
| Project : | Dancing Dragons |
| Location : | Seoul, Korea |
| Function : | Mixed-use |
| Design Architect : | Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill |
| Client : | Yongsan International Business District |
| Photo credit : | All images ©Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture |
He further adds, "It's always important for our designs to reflect and interpret the cultures they serve, and the Dancing Dragons complex certainly does that, although in an abstract and highly technological manner. We try to design in a way that is at once beautiful and focused on performance."
In both buildings, the mini-tower cuts are clad in glass at the top and bottom, making for dramatic skylights above the units at the highest levels and a transparent floor beneath the units at the lowest levels. This offers the opportunity for special high-value penthouse duplex units with spectacular 360-degree views of downtown Seoul and the adjacent Han River, along with an abundance of natural light.
"The abstract recall of the historic structures gives the towers a unique perspective from the ground and the sky while creating unique interior experiences. The shingled texture of the skin is developed with integrated breathable mullions and self-shading cantilevers. It's a great honor to be joining several other top international architecture firms designing buildings for this remarkable master plan by Studio Daniel Libeskind," says Gordon Gill, AIA.
The design team also includes PositivEnergy Practice, a Chicago-based engineering and energy consulting firm that is designing a series of innovative building systems for the project. Sustainable features of the building system design include triple-glazed window units, which minimize heat loss; an overlapping exterior wall system, which creates a self-shading effect; and natural ventilation in all units through operable mullions. Other systems include radiant heating; fuel-cell cogeneration units at the basement level; photovoltaic arrays on the roof surfaces; daylight-linked lighting controls; and heat recovery via electric centrifugal chillers.
The structural scheme for Dancing Dragons, developed by AS+GG in collaboration with the international structural engineering firm Werner Sobek, features eight mega-columns that traverse the vertical length of both cores. The mini-towers are hung off the cruciform cores in a balanced fashion by means of a belt truss system, stabilizing the structure.
The design of the 23,000-square-meter site-part of the larger Yongsan master plan -reinforces the angular geometry of the building massing and skin. Landscape features, designed in collaboration with Martha Schwartz Partners, include sloped berms that echo that geometry. The site also includes a retail podium with a crystalline sculptural form and sunken garden that provide access to a large below-grade retail complex.
MGS Architecture June 2013
Worldin
A first-of-its-kind king-size residency in Mumbai with pools and other amenities in each flat to experience the whole world within. Swimming pools have been designed within a flat which appeals like an Oasis in ones dream home.
4 BHK 3d Plan Finel
Legend Siroya (formerly known as Siroya Developers) is a real estate company which boasts a diversified project portfolio spanning across luxury residences, hospitality, commercial, redevelopment and mixed-use ventures across the country. With currently over 60 projects in Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, the company in a first-of-its kind venture, is coming up with its premium residency project Worldin which include a swimming pool, bar and barbeque area available in each apartment of the 40-storey project, ranging from 2.5 BHKs to the Grande 8-bedroom duplex Condos. Realizing the importance of a pool not only to take a bath but also as an excellent place to relax and let your tensions wash away, the group has gear up with this concept.
The group believes in perfection and always strives to understand what and who is really important for them and what need to be done rather than doing things as per industry or trend going on. It has many firsts to its credit as it directly interacts with the customers and based on their requirement it comes up with the project. It has announced a residential project Worldin for those who prefer to live life king-size, the 4, 6, 8 bhk residences along with the additional amenities of a grand double-door entrance, a separate al-fresco party area and also a sprawling spare space that can be converted into a private cinema hall, game room, library, art room, gym, studio or just about anything else that can be imagined.
Worldin promises a well-deserved escape from the hectic, clustered and crowded life of Mumbai as one return to his/her spacious and elaborate apartment each day. The smallest flat in the project will be about 1,700 square feet, a rare feature in residencies of the city. Along with swimming pools, each apartment will also boast of its own attached terraces, walk-in wardrobes and a service space that can be used as a laundry room or abode for the domestic help, sanitary fittings by UK-based luxury brand Villeroy and Boch among other amenities.
According to Mr. Rishabh Siroya, Director, Legend Siroya, "The project is an attempt to provide the customers with a 'flat that comprises the entire world'. In a metro like Mumbai, spacious houses are a rare luxury. We believe in giving this luxury to our customers."
Also, Worldin is one of the few constructions in the city that will boast of its very own helipad. The 10 storeys dedicated to parking can accommodate over 400 cars. The project also comprises a gymnasium with state-of-art equipment in the premise and a swimming pool for the residents.
The developers also have a unique feature of customization for the apartments. "We have given the option of re-designing the apartment to suit the need of the buyer. Also, the plan offers ultimate flexibility as empty areas and spaces made available can be utilized as required to increase living space vertically or horizontally without the need of any structural changes," Mr. Siroya added.
With a variety of royal amenities under one roof that very few projects offer even separately in the city, the 3,50,000 square feet project intends to create a benchmark in fashionable living crafted with its unparalleled designs and innovative structures. Mr. Mukesh Bahadur, the principal architect of this project says, "The design of this building has been developed taking into consideration the needs of large and small families with utmost flexibility in design of spaces while encompassing natural elements and bringing them all together as one solution. The aerodynamic form with a central core provides direct light and ventilation to all rooms. The simple concept of the building as an object brought into light is matched here by well-mannered form that is striking but unimposing, non-intrusive in the air stream and at ground level."
Expatiating on the structural design the other he said that we have ensured that every apartment of Worldin has a good view and adequate ventilation, which is a rare and novel thing for a residential tower in Mumbai. Also, the design allows users to customize apartments as per their requirements without making structural changes. Wide open decks in each apartment give the feeling of openness and oneness with the overall element, and also provide scenic view.
He added that we have mainly used RCC frame structure for this project and to break the homogeneity, we have utilized glass cladding in a contemporary manner to achieve visual warmth, delicacy and hierarchy of scale.
Talking about the main determinant of the design process for their architectural firm he elaborated that their most important aspect is functionality. We take into consideration the site conditions and use basic technology to achieve functional efficiency. Another crucial facet is innovativeness. Along with the exterior, the internal design of the project must be considered. It offers greater efficiency to the overall planning. While you do all this it is also very important to understand its effects on the end-user and his immediate environment.
Sharing his views about sustainable architecture he said that in metros, sustainability is a difficult task to achieve. However, we try to make our designs as environment-friendly as possible. There are two geometries, one being the suns geometry on its east west path and the other being the geometry of the site in relation to the roads that is the contextual geometry. These geometries don't coincide but have to make them coincide and come up with an optimum solution for the problems of present day congested living like in "MUMBAI. Design of wordlin is such an example which has a gamut of facilities, besides a plethora of multiplexes, spas, good educational institutes, upscale shopping areas and malls, hi-tech hospitals, business centres, clubs et al.
4 BHK 3d Plan Finel
Legend Siroya (formerly known as Siroya Developers) is a real estate company which boasts a diversified project portfolio spanning across luxury residences, hospitality, commercial, redevelopment and mixed-use ventures across the country. With currently over 60 projects in Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, the company in a first-of-its kind venture, is coming up with its premium residency project Worldin which include a swimming pool, bar and barbeque area available in each apartment of the 40-storey project, ranging from 2.5 BHKs to the Grande 8-bedroom duplex Condos. Realizing the importance of a pool not only to take a bath but also as an excellent place to relax and let your tensions wash away, the group has gear up with this concept.
 |  |
| 2.5 BHK | 2 BHK |
According to Mr. Rishabh Siroya, Director, Legend Siroya, "The project is an attempt to provide the customers with a 'flat that comprises the entire world'. In a metro like Mumbai, spacious houses are a rare luxury. We believe in giving this luxury to our customers."
Also, Worldin is one of the few constructions in the city that will boast of its very own helipad. The 10 storeys dedicated to parking can accommodate over 400 cars. The project also comprises a gymnasium with state-of-art equipment in the premise and a swimming pool for the residents.
The developers also have a unique feature of customization for the apartments. "We have given the option of re-designing the apartment to suit the need of the buyer. Also, the plan offers ultimate flexibility as empty areas and spaces made available can be utilized as required to increase living space vertically or horizontally without the need of any structural changes," Mr. Siroya added.
Expatiating on the structural design the other he said that we have ensured that every apartment of Worldin has a good view and adequate ventilation, which is a rare and novel thing for a residential tower in Mumbai. Also, the design allows users to customize apartments as per their requirements without making structural changes. Wide open decks in each apartment give the feeling of openness and oneness with the overall element, and also provide scenic view.
He added that we have mainly used RCC frame structure for this project and to break the homogeneity, we have utilized glass cladding in a contemporary manner to achieve visual warmth, delicacy and hierarchy of scale.
Talking about the main determinant of the design process for their architectural firm he elaborated that their most important aspect is functionality. We take into consideration the site conditions and use basic technology to achieve functional efficiency. Another crucial facet is innovativeness. Along with the exterior, the internal design of the project must be considered. It offers greater efficiency to the overall planning. While you do all this it is also very important to understand its effects on the end-user and his immediate environment.
Sharing his views about sustainable architecture he said that in metros, sustainability is a difficult task to achieve. However, we try to make our designs as environment-friendly as possible. There are two geometries, one being the suns geometry on its east west path and the other being the geometry of the site in relation to the roads that is the contextual geometry. These geometries don't coincide but have to make them coincide and come up with an optimum solution for the problems of present day congested living like in "MUMBAI. Design of wordlin is such an example which has a gamut of facilities, besides a plethora of multiplexes, spas, good educational institutes, upscale shopping areas and malls, hi-tech hospitals, business centres, clubs et al.
MGS Architecture May 2013
ADAC Headquarters- An Eye-catcher in Munich’s skyline
The 92 m tower with its over 1,000 windows in 22 different colours and the curved base construction is a new landmark of the Munich Westend.
| Credits |
| Building owner: ADAC e.V. |
| Architects: Sauerbruch Hutton Architekten, Berlin |
| Structural planning: Werner Sobek, Stuttgart |
| Façade builder: Josef Gartner GmbH, EG-Fassade: Korsche |
| Screen print, roof glazing: SGT, Oelsnitz |
| Screen print, façade glazing: BGT, Bretten |
| Glass processor: Interpane Plattling |
Everyone in Germany knows the expression "yellow angel", and most of its 17 million members have already made use of the organization's road assistance service at least once: it is the largest automobile club in Europe, the ADAC. Designed by Sauerbruch Hutton of Berlin, the new headquarters in the west of Munich is now operational and gathers all the colleagues under one roof. The new and impressive office complex which is known as 'Star of Sendling,' consists of a five storey, gracefully curved base, out of which emerges an eighteen-storey office tower of steel and glass – a colourful, shimmering eye-catcher in Munich's skyline.
On a gross floor area of 129,500 square metres, the employees from all branches of the company – insurance, financial services, car rental, travel and cellular phone offers – work in an atmosphere marked by architectural openness. The Board and the management are on the two top floors; under them are cubicle areas and single office spaces, as well as large conference rooms at the centre of each level, all the way down to the ground floor. There, the employees can find a cafeteria, a casino, training rooms, the printing facilities, the kitchens, the mailing centre and the packing room.
From the outset, the owner wanted to create a building that would make its mark on the Munich skyline and host an innovative and state-of-the-art work environment. ADAC had also insisted to the architect for giving special emphasis on a state-of-the-art energy concept built on solar and geothermal energy as well as remote heat. Hence, the heating in building is based both on geothermal resources and on remote heat and most of the electrical supply comes from regenerative sources and solar panels installed on the rooftops. Apart from them, the architectural marvel also features natural ventilation inside the offices through the double-layered façade.
From the outset, the owner wanted to create a building that would make its mark on the Munich skyline and host an innovative and state-of-the-art work environment. ADAC had also insisted to the architect for giving special emphasis on a state-of-the-art energy concept built on solar and geothermal energy as well as remote heat. Hence, the heating in building is based both on geothermal resources and on remote heat and most of the electrical supply comes from regenerative sources and solar panels installed on the rooftops. Apart from them, the architectural marvel also features natural ventilation inside the offices through the double-layered façade.
Light-flooded foyer
A central foyer serves both as a representative lobby and as the central distribution point for all employees; from here they can reach their offices in the five-storey low-rise block or the eighteen storey tower above it via escalators and lifts. It has something of the feeling of a gigantic train station: the glass roof floods every corner with light and offers a view onto the façade of the office tower, which is over 92 metres high. The tower boldly overhangs the base by eight metres in the direction of the nearby train tracks. To prevent the foyer from overheating despite the large proportion of glass, ipasol platin 25/15 solar control glass from Interpane is used. It has a solar factor of 15%, guaranteeing effective protection from the sun's heat. This significantly reduces the air conditioning requirements. At tV = 25%, the daylight transmission is also low, which prevents glare when the sun is high in the sky. To comply with the stringent safety requirements, the insulating glazing on the roof consists of an outer layer of single-pane safety glass with heat-soak test (ESG-H) and an inner layer of laminated safety glazing (VSG). Some of the outer panes also have a screen print.
The three floors below ground contain the 40% of the building's floor area that is hidden from public view: parking spaces, two ultra-modern computer centres, technology and logistics as well as a delivery area that can even accommodate articulated trucks.
The three floors below ground contain the 40% of the building's floor area that is hidden from public view: parking spaces, two ultra-modern computer centres, technology and logistics as well as a delivery area that can even accommodate articulated trucks.
Facades
The requirements for the façades of the base and the highrise block included letting a lot of daylight into the building while maintaining good solar control and thermal insulation. The architects designed a laminated window façade with insulating glass on the inside. On the outside, in front of the insulating glass, lies single-pane glazing with a screen print finish. This ensures continuous rear ventilation. The window openings can be operated by hand, but a volume flow control system in front of them regulates the airflow. Coloured profiles and partial screen print design make the building shimmer in 22 different colours. The insulation glazing ensures an optimal interior climate by using ipasol neutral 70/39 solar control glass and iplus E-thermal insulation glass from Interpane. ipasol neutral fulfils high aesthetic and functional requirements: colour-neutral transparency, lots of daylight and high solar control. The solar control glass achieves a particularly high daylight transmission of tV = 70%, with a solar factor of 39%. On cold days, the Ug-value of 1.1 W/(m2K) (according to EN 673) ensures effective thermal insulation. The energy requirements for heating, cooling and artificial lighting are thereby reduced – which lowers the operating costs and is good for the environment.
MGS Architecture January 2013
The ArcelorMittal Orbit- The Tallest Sculpture in U.K.
Dr. N. Subramanian, Consulting Engineer, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
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| Figure 1: The ArcelorMittal Orbit | |
The ArcelorMittal Orbit is a 115 m high sculpture and observation tower constructed in the Olympic Park in Stratford, London (Fig. 1). The steel sculpture is Britain's largest piece of public art, and is intended to be a permanent, lasting legacy of London's hosting of the 2012 Summer Olympics, assisting in the post-Olympics regeneration of the Stratford area. Located in between the Olympic Stadium and the Aquatics Centre, it will allow visitors to view the whole Olympic Park from two observation platforms. Designed by one of the world's leading artists, Mr. Anish Kapoor and one of the world's leading structural designers, Mr Cecil Balmond, the Orbit is the tallest sculpture in the UK - twice the height of Nelson's Column (Fig. 2).
The Orbit has two observation floors, a 455-step spiral staircase, a lift and restaurant. At ground level, visitors are greeted by a massive steel horn which hangs overhead. The uppermost observation floor is flanked by two concave mirrors which disorientate the visitor before they get to see the skyline beyond. Visitors will be able to go up the 35-storey structure in a lift. At 114.5, the Orbit gives panoramic views across London's skyline of up to 20 miles. After their visit is over, visitors have the option to descend via the 455 steps that were designed to make the visitors feel as if they were orbiting around the structure. The exterior of the structure is outfitted with 250 colored spotlights. Each can be individually controlled to produce a stunning digital combination of static and animated effects including a 15 minute moving light show every evening after the Games.
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| Figure 2: Comparison of heights of iconic sculptures (Source: http://www.e-architect.co.uk) |
The Orbit has two observation floors, a 455-step spiral staircase, a lift and restaurant. At ground level, visitors are greeted by a massive steel horn which hangs overhead. The uppermost observation floor is flanked by two concave mirrors which disorientate the visitor before they get to see the skyline beyond. Visitors will be able to go up the 35-storey structure in a lift. At 114.5, the Orbit gives panoramic views across London's skyline of up to 20 miles. After their visit is over, visitors have the option to descend via the 455 steps that were designed to make the visitors feel as if they were orbiting around the structure. The exterior of the structure is outfitted with 250 colored spotlights. Each can be individually controlled to produce a stunning digital combination of static and animated effects including a 15 minute moving light show every evening after the Games.
Creation of unusual structure
The design was the winning entry to a competition launched by Mr Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London. He wanted to create "something extra" to celebrate London Olympics 2012, which would "arouse the curiosity and wonder of Londoners and visitors." Designers were asked for ideas for an "Olympic tower" at least 100 m high, and Orbit was the unanimous choice from proposals considered by a nine-person advisory panel. From the initial sketch, it has grown into a looping lattice form. The lattice evolved from the need to build the vision and make the concept constructible. Kapoor and Balmond's idea was to 'challenge the idea of tower', so initially it was just a vertical form. It is stabilized by points crossing in space on a tripod base. Daniel Bosia of Arup engineered the overall form.
M/s Ushida Findlay Architects (UFA) was appointed by Arup to realize the architectural elements of the ArcelorMittal Orbit. They are responsible for turning one of the world's tallest sculptures into a 'habitable building'. UFA's most visible contribution to the tower is the emergency stair design. In the initial concept drawings, the external helical stair was purely functional in form, expressing the flights and landings through a transparent enclosure. UFA explored the idea of creating a more sculptural form for the stair, designing a sinuous curve that articulates the visitor journey from the observation deck to ground level. The stair's expanded stainless steel mesh creates a 3-dimensional pattern that changes in opacity depending on the viewing angle and the density of the apertures, which become more open in the upper section of the panels.
M/s Ushida Findlay Architects (UFA) was appointed by Arup to realize the architectural elements of the ArcelorMittal Orbit. They are responsible for turning one of the world's tallest sculptures into a 'habitable building'. UFA's most visible contribution to the tower is the emergency stair design. In the initial concept drawings, the external helical stair was purely functional in form, expressing the flights and landings through a transparent enclosure. UFA explored the idea of creating a more sculptural form for the stair, designing a sinuous curve that articulates the visitor journey from the observation deck to ground level. The stair's expanded stainless steel mesh creates a 3-dimensional pattern that changes in opacity depending on the viewing angle and the density of the apertures, which become more open in the upper section of the panels.
Structure of Orbit
The structure of Orbit consists of the following three parts (see Fig. 1):
- The central tower, which houses the elevators and stairs and supports the observation deck.
- The open lattice of red steel that surrounds the trunk (Fig.3).
- The external helical stair
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| Figure 3: (a) Concept and (b) actual structure of looping steel lattice around the central tower (van Velzen, 2012) |
A special part of the construction is the canopy, the conic shape that hangs off the bottom of the trunk. Originally, it was planned as a fiberglass composite construction. Consideration of cost resulted in the use of steel for this section also. Centraalstaal International, Netherlands was approached as a special consultant for the design of the steel cone and came up with a design for a cone built out of 117 individually shaped steel panels with a total surface area of 586 m2 and weighing 84 tonnes (van Velzen, 2012).
Creators of the ArcelorMittal Orbit
One of the world's leading artists, Turner Prize winning Anish Kapoor was born in Bombay, India and studied in London, where he is now based. He is well- known for his use of rich pigment and imposing, yet popular works, such as Marsyas, which filled the Tate's Turbine Hall as part of the Unilever Series, Cloud Gate in Chicago's Millennium Park (popularly known as 'The Bean') and his recent record breaking show at the Royal Academy, the most successful exhibition ever presented by a contemporary artist in London.
Cecil Balmond, a Sri Lankan is a British designer, artist, architect, writer and one of the world’s leading structural designers. He has taught at Harvard and Yale and currently holds the Paul Philippe Cret Chair at Penn Design as Professor of Architecture where he is also the founding director of the Non Linear Systems Organization, a material and structural research unit. He was also deputy chairman at Arup (Arup are behind landmark buildings such as the Sydney Opera House, Beijing’s Water Cube and the Beijing Olympic Stadium). He is known for his innovative work on some of the greatest contemporary buildings in the world, such as the CCTV building in Beijing, as well as many Serpentine Gallery Pavilion commissions.
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| Anish Kapoor And Cloud Gate in Chicago’s Millennium Park |
Using steel as a sustainable material
Construction of the ArcelorMittal Orbit took 18 months and required 560 m of tubular steel to form the sculpture's lattice superstructure. A four-man team assembled it together, comprising two steel erectors, a crane operator and a site foreman. All of the junctions between the big red bits of steelwork are wild, with unpredictable shapes and members coming in all directions. The result is a bold statement of public art. It is important to note that the tower is both permanent and sustainable, with close to 60% of the 2,000 tonnes of steel used, coming from recycled sources (harnessed from every continent where ArcelorMittal has operations). This tower cum sculpture underlines steel's status as the world's most recyclable material. Steel was chosen for the Orbit because of its unique properties including strength, modular structure, and advantages of weight, speed of construction, and recyclability.
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Some Highlights about ArcelorMittal Orbit
- Tallest sculpture in the U.K.
- Standing at 115 m, it is 22 m taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York.
- If the loops around it are flattened out and the tower is made vertical, it will be taller than Eiffel tower in Paris.
- Provides unparalleled views of the entire 250 acres of the Olympic Park and London's skyline from a special viewing platform.
- Over 35,000 bolts and 19,000 liters of red paint were used in its construction.
- Designed by Artist Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond
- Architects : M/s Ushida Findlay Architects
- ArcelorMittal donated $ 30.7 million and 2000 tons of steel to create it.
Public Opinion about the Orbit
The design of the Orbit has split opinions since its inception at a chance meeting between London Mayor Boris Johnson and steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal in a cloakroom at the 2009 World Economic Forum in Davos. Critics have described the orbit as "the Eiffel Tower after a nuclear attack" and "a catastrophic collision between two cranes." Oliver Wainwright, from Building Design magazine branded it "a contorted mass of entrails". He objected the way it towers over the stadium, saying that the 2,000-tonne structure compared unfavourably to the lightweight construction of the venues in the Olympic park.
Funding
It provided £19.2m towards the cost of building the Orbit, with the remaining £3.1m was funded by London Development Agency.
The tower is expected to attract 1 million visitors per year to Stratford's Olympic Park, when it reopens as the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park after the Games. During the Games, the ticket price is fixed as £15 for adults and £7 for children.
About ArcelorMittal
ArcelorMittal is the world's leading steel and mining company. Guided by a philosophy to produce safe, sustainable steel, it is the leading supplier of quality steel products in all major markets including automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging. ArcelorMittal operates in 60 countries and employs about 260,000 people worldwide. Mr. Lakshmi Niwas Mittal (born on 15th June 1950), is the Chairman & CEO of ArcelorMittal and was ranked the sixth richest person in the world by Forbes in 2011. In 2009, ArcelorMittal had revenues of $65.1 billion and crude steel production of 73.2 million tonnes, representing approximately 8 per cent of world steel output.
Future
Eiffel Tower was built as a temporary structure and erected in 1889 as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair. Although, Eiffel Tower was hated by most Parisians and the design was criticized by many at that time, it has now become a global and cultural icon of Paris. One of the most recognizable structures in the world, this tower is the tallest structure in Paris and the most-visited paid monument in the world (7.1 million people ascended it in 2011). Similarly, will the Orbit be acclaimed as the cultural icon of London? Only time can provide the answer!
References:
- http://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/art-culture/culture-2012/arcelormittal-orbit
- Meinhold, B., "Anish Kapoor's Recycled Steel ArcelorMittal Orbit Tower Provides Views of London's Olympic Park", Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, 26th July 2012. (http://inhabitat.com/anish-kapoors-recycled-steel-arcelormittal-orbit-tower-now-complete-in-london/arcelormittal-orbit-anish-kapoor-1/?extend=1 Accessed Aug. 1st 2012)
- http://www.anishkapoor.com/
- http://www.arcelormittalorbit.com/orbits-journey/perspectives/cecil-balmond
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ArcelorMittal_Orbit
- Oh, S., Cool Olympic Tower, Modern Steel Construction, Vol.52, No. 8, Aug. 2012, pp. 38-39.
- van Velzen, T., Rood icoon (Red icon), (in Dutch). De Ingenieur, Vol. 124, No.10/11, June. 2012, pp. 25-27.
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ArcelorMittal_Orbit
MGS Architecture September - October 2012
Design Trends of Sport Stadiums
Dr. N. Subramanian, Consulting Engineer, Gaithersburg, MD, U.S.A
A modern stadium is a place or venue for outdoor sports, concerts, or other events consists of a field or stage either partly or completely surrounded by a structure designed to allow spectators to stand or sit and view the event. The word "Stadium" comes from the Greek word "stadion," a measure of length equaling the length of 600 human feet. Tremendous changes have occurred in the past years about the concept of stadiums. The modern stadiums not only look much different from their older counterparts but also integrate many features. Several of them also incorporate green design initiatives. These trends along with the features of a few outstanding stadiums are described in this article.
History
The oldest known stadium is the one in Olympia, in the western Peloponnese, Greece, where the Olympic Games of antiquity were held from 776 BC until AD 393. Initially, these Games consisted of a single event, a sprint along the length of the stadium. Greek and Roman stadiums have been found in numerous ancient cities, perhaps the most famous being the Stadium of Domitian, in Rome. The Panathenaic stadium, in Athens hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 (see Fig.1). Reconstructed from the remains of an ancient 330 B.C. Greek stadium, the Panathenaic is the only major stadium in the world built entirely of white marble and is one of the oldest in the world. (At that time, the Greek government was unable to fund the construction of a stadium. Hence a wealthy Greek architect, Georgios Averoff, donated his wealth to restore the Panathenaic Stadium). The stadium was built long before dimensions for athletics venues were standardized- its track and layout follow the ancient hairpin-like model. It could once seat about 80,000 spectators on fifty rows of marble steps and currently holds 45,000 spectators (see Ref.1). Even during that time, there were other types of stadiums, for example, A hippodrome was a Greek stadium for horse racing and chariot racing.
Figure 1: The Panathinaiko Stadium in Athens
Types of Stadiums
In the present day, there are different types of stadiums, some indoor and several outdoor stadiums. Outdoor stadiums are mainly used for games like football, cricket, hockey, rugby, tennis and other field games. Stadiums built for the Olympics and World cup footfall are usually large and could seat 50,000 to 80,000 persons. Several stadiums are now opting for covered roof, for uninterrupted play. There is a proposal to cover the Arthur Ashe stadium in the New York City, which the main tennis stadium of the US Open, and the largest outdoor tennis-only venue in the world (see Fig.2). The Stadium, which cost $254 million to construct, features 22,547 individual seats, 90 luxury suites, five restaurants and a two-level players' lounge.
Figure 2: Arthur Ashe Stadium, built in 1997 at the USTA National Tennis Center in New York City, is the world's largest tennis-specific stadium
Stadiums with enclosed roofing are often called as domed stadiums; though many of these are not actually domes in the pure architectural sense, some actually are having truss-supported roofs, space frames, tensile membranes, and others having more exotic designs such as a tensegrity structure. For example, the 68m diameter Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium at Cuttack, India is covered by a braced ribbed dome (see Subramanian and Ganguly 1988), The New Orleans superdome, with a seating capacity of 80,100 and diameter of 207.3 m is covered by a lamella dome, the Millennium dome, the largest domed structure at Greenwich, London is covered Teflon coated glass fiber fabric, and the $200 million, 70,500 seat Georgia dome at Atlanta, USA and designed by engineer Matthys Levy of Weidlinger Associates, is the world's first large-scale oval dome- measuring 235 m by 186 m it is covered by a cable supported tensegritic structure and fabric tensile membrane (Subramanian 2007). Some stadiums have partial roofs, and a few have even been designed to have moveable fields as part of the infrastructure. The structures built for indoor sports like basketball, ice hockey and volleyball are generally called arenas.
Current Trends
Building a new stadium is always a massive undertaking that requires millions of dollars, substantial physical labor, and a vast amount of electricity to keep it operating. Current trends of stadium construction include (John et al 2007):- Designing the stadium as a multipurpose facility, so that it is financially viable,
- Covering it with a retractable roof, so that it can be used in any weather,
- Make it sustainable,
- Security and anti-terrorism measures, and
- Providing facilities for disabled people.
Designing the Stadium As A Multipurpose Facility
There were concerns about the long-term viability of huge stadiums built just for Olympic athletics events. For example, the Montreal stadium built for the summer Olympics in 1976, at an initial cost of $789 million (which escalated to $1.5 billion in 2006 – including additional costs, interest and repairs), was found to be in financial troubles as there was no main tenant (see Fig. 3). It also has a history of financial and structural problems, and is largely seen as a white elephant. It is now used as a multipurpose facility for special events (e.g., concerts, trade shows), and occasional Football and Baseball games. The structural details of this stadium are covered in Subramanian 2007.
Figure 3: The Montreal's Olympic Stadium, main venue for the 1976 Summer Olympics
Realizing this problem, most of the host cities, after 1976, have constructed stadiums with their post-Olympic life in mind. For example, the stadium at Atlanta for the 1996 Games was designed to be converted after the games into a baseball stadium. Similarly, the ANZ Stadium, constructed for the Sydney Olympics in 2000 by HOK Sport (cost: $720 million) was designed with a total of 110,000 seats. There were about 30,000 temporary seats, which were removed after the games so the building could be reduced in size to host annual rugby, football and cricket matches. The stadium was also made sustainable with reduced steel weight in the roof structure in comparison to the Olympic stadiums of Athens and Beijing.
Covering It with A Retractable Roof
The 80,000 seat, $1.15 billion Cowboys Stadium, in Arlington, Texas is the largest domed stadium in the world with a retractable roof. The retractable roof was designed by structural engineering firm Walter P Moore and the systems were implemented by mechanization consultants Uni-Systems.The retractable roof over Wimbledon's Centre Court is a type of ‘folding fabric concertina' tensile structure (Fig.5). This allows the roof to be folded into a highly compressed area and parked over the fixed canopy when not in use over the court. More than 7000 square metres of a very strong flexible translucent woven Tenara material have been used for the fabric architecture roof, which still allows a level of natural light to reach the grass. The roof has been designed to close and open in under 10 minutes.
 Figure 4: The ANZ Stadium built for 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney |  Figure 5: The retractable roof over Wimbledon's Centre Court |
Several stadiums under construction like the New Singapore National stadium, Singapore, Grand Stade Lille Métropole, Lille, France (opened in August of 2012), Friends Arena, Solna,Sweden, and Taipei Dome in Taipei, Taiwan, are all equipped with retractable roofs.
Stadiums with Sustainable Features
Sustainable design recognizes the interdependence of the built and natural environments; eliminates reliance on fossil fuels and toxic materials; and seeks to improve resource efficiency. In addition, it promotes water conservation, use of locally available materials that have low life cycle costs and less CO2 emissions, and waste reduction. Some of the stadiums which exemplify sustainability are given below.Kaohsiung National Stadium, Taiwan
Kaohsiung National Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It is currently the largest stadium in Taiwan in terms of capacity. Completed in 2009, it hosted the main events for the 2009 World Games and is used mostly for athletics and rugby Taiwan football events. The stadium has a capacity of 55,000 seats.This World Games stadium, designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito, makes use of solar energy to provide its power needs. The semi spiral-shaped stadium, like a dragon, is the first stadium in the world to provide power using solar energy technology. The 8,844 solar panels covering the roof of the stadium are able to generate most of the power required for its own operation, as well as additional power that can be saved (see Fig.6) Not only does the solar system provide electricity during the games, but the surplus energy will also be sold during the non-game period. On days where the stadium is not being used, the Taiwanese government plans to feed the extra energy into the local grid, where it will meet almost 80% of the neighboring area's energy requirements. Overall, the stadium will generate 1.14 million KWh per year, preventing the release of 660 tons of carbon dioxide into atmosphere annually.
Figure 6: Toyo Ito's design has a 14,155 m2 solar roof that is able to provide enough energy to power the stadium's 3,300 lights and two jumbo vision screens.
Photograph: Inhabitat.com
The stadium also integrates additional green features such as permeable paving and the extensive use of reusable, domestically made materials. Built upon a clear area of approximately 19 hectares, nearly 7 hectares has been reserved for the development of integrated public green spaces, bike paths, sports parks, and an ecological pond. Additionally, all of the plants occupying the area before construction were transplanted.
London Olympic Stadium
The stadium built for 2012 London Olympic Games is the most sustainable stadium. The stadium is the third largest stadium in Britain. The stadium is located at Stratford in London. The stadium has a capacity of 80,000. As compared to other stadiums, the London Olympic Stadium is 75% lighter when you consider the use (it used just over 10,000 tonnes of steel). It has employed low-carbon concrete. The concrete is made from industrial waste and contains 40% less carbon than usual. The stadium's recycled materials included an unused gas pipe from a North Sea oil project for the Stadium's top ring, while approximately 40% of the concrete used was made of recycled aggregate. Savings in energy was also made possible by transporting materials to the site by boat or train. About 6,500 m3 of crushed concrete – recycled from other parts of the Olympic Park – was spread on top of the ground to create a solid platform for the Stadium's construction. This clearly reflects London's commitment towards sustainability.What is most unique about the Olympics Stadium design is that the huge capacity of 80,000 can be greatly and easily reduced to 25,000 after the Olympic Games and subsequent Paralympics games are over. This is definitely an architectural marvel.
Although, the Olympic Stadium is made up of layers, many of them are temporary (see Fig. 7). The method of constructing the Olympic Stadium was designed intelligently based on the principle of cut and fill. Using this design methodology, the land was dug deep till it assumed the shape of a bowl, which could be made use of to accommodate the 25,000 permanent seats (see Fig. 7). In other words, this bowl structure forms the permanent part of the Olympic Stadium. The use of a bowl in the ground minimized the use of construction materials. This bowl was created by excavating 800,000 tonnes of soft clay, the majority of which was cleaned and reused elsewhere on the Olympic Park. The architects planned to build a temporary structure above this permanent structure which will accommodate the other 55,000 seats (see Fig.7).
Figure 7: Schematic sketch of Olympic stadium at London built for the 2012 Games (Source: http://www.olympicgames2012london.org/)
The track and field part of the Olympic Stadium was laid around the permanent structure. The existing ground had a natural slope and the architects took full advantage of this aspect and incorporated it into the design of the stadium. The changing rooms and warm-up areas were also built in the basement region. There are more than 700 rooms within the Stadium, including eight changing rooms and four prayer rooms. The upper temporary structure is made of demountable lightweight steel and concrete (see Fig. 7 and 8).
Figure 8: The 2012 London Olympic stadium
The key feature of this modern stadium is that after the Olympic Games, this $ 693 million stadium will be the home to Premier League soccer club West Ham United, so that it will continue to earn revenue to maintain it. The reduced size stadium will also be the venue for the 2015 IAAF World Championships. This is one of the main objectives behind the unique spectacular design of the Olympic Stadium.
This stadium is the third largest and one of the most modern in Britain. The Wembley stadium, opened in 2007 is the largest in Britain, and has a partially retractable roof (see Subramanian, NBM&CW, Aug.08 for more details about the Wembley stadium).
Allianz Arena, Munich
Figure 9: Allianz Arena is lit up in red when Bayern Munich plays, in blue when 1860 Munich plays, and in white when in use by the German national team
The facade is constructed of 2,874 ETFE-foil air panels that are kept inflated with dry air to a differential pressure of 0.038 hPa. The foil has a thickness of 0.2 mm. Each panel can be independently lit with white, red, or blue light, as shown in Fig.9. [The Munich Police found that the drivers on the nearby autobahn A9 distracted by the changing lights, resulting in several car accidents! Hence they strongly insist on uni-color only!]. Allianz arena's innovative stadium-facade lighting concept has been subsequently adopted in other newly built venues, like the MetLife Stadium, in the USA.
Summary
Stadiums have evolved from the simple U-shaped track to complicated structures with a number of facilities. Current design of stadiums should take into consideration various aspects such as long-term financial viability, aesthetics, reduced energy use, minimal disturbance to ecology and environment and sustainability. It should also consider the media and TV coverage aspects as the revenue during the Games is largely dependent on it. For example, in the 2012 London Olympic stadium, two huge Panasonic TV screens of size 723 inches were installed inside the stadium. To meet high-definition TV standards, the stadium was lit by 532 individual floodlights housed in 14 towers, each 28 m high. Facilities for disabled persons to use the stadiums are also given increased importance.References
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stadium
- John, G., R. Sheard, and B.Vickery, Stadia: A Design and Development Guide, 4th edition, Elsevier/Architectural Press, Amsterdam, 2007, 306 pp.
- Subramanian, N., Ganguly, K.K. Steel Dome of Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, International Journal of Space Structures, Vol. 3, No. 4, 1988, pp. 231-236.
- Subramanian, N., Space Structures: Principles and Practice, 2 Volumes, Multi-Science Publishing Co., Essex, U.K., 2007, 820 pp.
- Subramanian, N., Wembley Stadium- An Iconic structure, NBM & CW, Aug. 2008, pp.236-242.
- Subramanian, N., Olympic Structures of China, New Building Materials & Construction World, Vol. 14, No.5, Nov. 2008, pp.246-264
- Abrahams, T., The Stadium, Machine Books, 2012, 38 pp.
- Culley, P., and Pascoe, J., Stadium Engineering, Thomas Telford Ltd., London, 2005, 200 pp.
- Stadium Design, DAAB, 2005, 400 pp.
- http://www.pvmgarage.com/2010/ 09/sport-stadiums-with-great-architecture/
NBMCW October 2012
