Sou Fujimoto reveals part of a masterplan for Middle East

The Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto revealed part of a masterplan that is being developed by his office. The project is meant to be implemented in a Middle East city, that was not yet revealed. Situated between education and financial centers, the published fraction of the masterplan intends to communicate the “vibrant atmosphere and lively qualities of the traditional market” as well as the “inherent beauty of vernacular Islamic architecture”, according to the architect.

"The Souk Mirage, or “Particles of Light”, master plan is composed of modular structural system of arches that range in size according to program. Originally “inspired by the harmonious silhouette of traditional Bedouin tents,” the arches’ purpose is to provide a simple system of organization whose “unique and timeless architectural expression” provides the framework for an intricate retail, office and cultural center shaped around public plazas and atriums.

As an example of the conceptual master plan’s potential, Sou Fujimoto Architects unveiled the Outlook Tower and Water Plaza. Created by arch modules ranging from 3 to 12 meters, the landmark complex is built on a shoreline site at the end of a major avenue. Perhaps its most defining feature, aside from its distinctive silhouette, is its large collection of variously-sized waterfalls that cool the complex. “By combining the transparency of the arches with the stepping waterfalls, a dynamic play with light and shadow is created, while appearing mirage-like,” described Sou Fujimoto."

- source (text and images): Archdaily 

Projects Wanted - Melkwegbridge, by NEXT Architects

NEXT Architects sent us three projects to be published on DIMSCALE Blog - today we post the first one, which is Melkwegbridge, a bridge program located in the city of Purmerend, Netherlands. The project was completed in October 2012 and costed about 6.000.000 euros to Purmerend Municipality. The first 9 photos were taken by the photographer Jeroen Musch, while the remaining pictures were taken by NEXT Architects.

We are open to receive projects from all around the world, regardless of their dimension or typology. Please send us high quality photos (indicating their authors), drawings and descriptive texts in English to our Marketing e-mail - david.cardoso@dimscale.com. It will be our pleasure to help spreading new Architecture concepts and ideas.

 

"The Melkwegbridge (the Netherlands) crosses the Noordhollandsch Kanaal and connects the historic centre of Purmerend with the growing Weidevenne district in the south-west. The bridge is the first stage in a masterplan for the canal and its periphery.

The aim of the design team was to create a new area with a specific identity, which could work as a connector between the old and the new centre.

The most striking part of the bridge, designed by NEXT architects, is a massive arch which reaches a height of 12m above water level and stands in a continuous line with the Melkweg-road, thus offering an incredible view over the city. The high lookout gives pedestrians the opportunity to take a step back from their daily environment and, on a new level, experience the relation between the new and historic city of Purmerend.  The lower bicycle deck is made out of a 100m long bicycle deck that crosses the water like a pendulum. The length of this deck was necessary due to the minimum slope conditions for bicycles and wheelchairs.

Seperating cyclists from pedestrians, gave the opportunity to maintain the direct line of the historics Melkweg (Melkroad) within the bridge. The pedestrian bridge weighs 85 tons, consists of 130 steps and is supported by a steel arch. The design makes it able to retain the spatial openness of the channel and its surroundings. At 12 metres, this arch is high enough to allow boats to pass beneath; The lower deck splits into two parts that revolve open when boats are approaching.

Both bridge sections flow smoothly into each other and form one whole. This unity is enhanced by the continuity of materials and colors. In the edges of the bridge LED lines are applied that follow the contour of the bridge and guarantees a spectacular view on the bridge even after sunset."

- NEXT Architects

PROJECTS WANTED is a DIMSCALE's initiative to communicate new Architecture from all around the world.

Send us your projects to david.cardoso@dimscale.com.

Architecture References - Sugiura House, by Ken Yokogawa Architect & Associates

Sugiura House

Gujo, Japan

Ken Yokogawa Architect & Associates, Japan

 

Area: 191,45 sqm

Year: 2010

 

Photos: Shinkenchiku-sha Co. Ltd

Project's description on ARCHDAILY [by the architect]:
"The site for the Sugiura Villa project is located on a hilltop in Hirugano, Gifu Prefecture, and enjoys a panoramic view, spanning more than 180 degrees from east to south. The land is characterized by a beauty deriving from the relentless climate, and is fully covered by snow in the winter. When I first visited the site and realized the snow depth reached up to three meters, I conceived of minimizing the building’s footprint, and of lifting the building.

The lower floor is small, although the second floor is not visible from below, the use of subtle angles and shadows around the staircase area creates a heightened sense of mystery and anticipation, invited by the soft light from upstairs. The second floor is housed under a polyhedral roof and shares two spaces, a private bedroom and public main room.

At the center with a slight angle under the polyhedral roof is the “KANGU,” the core of wet area facilities,. The KANGU divides the floor space into the main room and the bedroom area, and features hidden sliding doors to maintain mutual privacy. These doors can be arranged flexibly in accordance with different situations. Furthermore, atop the KANGU box is a small loft featuring tatami mats. The loft is fully covered by the polyhedral roof, which conveys an expansive sense of space beyond that expected for the loft’s small size. The polyhedral design features not only visual benefits, but also enhances the acoustical properties of the room."

-  Ken Yokogawa Architect & Associates

Places - Norway's Atlantic Ocean Road

"The Atlantic Ocean Road or the Atlantic Road is a 8.3-kilometer (5.2 mi) long section of County Road 64 that runs through an archipelago in Eide and Averøy in Møre og Romsdal, Norway. It passes by Hustadvika, an unsheltered part of the Norwegian Sea, connecting the island of Averøy with the mainland and Romsdalshalvøya peninsula. It runs between the villages of Kårvåg on Averøy and Vevang in Eida. It is built on several small islands and skerries, which are connected by several causeways, viaducts and eight bridges—the most prominent being Storseisundet Bridge.

The route was originally proposed as a railway line in the early 20th century, but this was abandoned. Serious planning of the road started in the 1970s, and construction started on 1 August 1983. During construction the area was hit by 12 European windstorms. The road was opened on 7 July 1989, having cost 122 million Norwegian krone (NOK), of which 25 percent was financed with tolls and the rest from public grants. Collection of tolls was scheduled to run for 15 years, but by June 1999 the road was paid off and the toll removed. The road is preserved as a cultural heritage site and is classified as a National Tourist Route. It is a popular site to film automotive commercials, has been declared the world's best road trip, and been awarded the title as "Norwegian Construction of the Century". In 2009, the Atlantic Ocean Tunnel opened from Averøy to Kristiansund; together they form a second fixed link between Kristiansund and Molde."

source: wikipedia