BMW’s Stunning Energy-Efficient Production Plant

In a perfect world we’d all be getting back to our zero energy, prefabricated homes by foot, bike or public transport, but on a planet where cars won’t be disappearing anytime soon, it’s nice to know that some car companies are trying to reduce their carbon footprint when producing new vehicles. In 2003 BMW set out a design competition for a new building and distribution center located in Munich, Germany. The results were more than grand; not only is the new BMW Welt aesthetically pleasing with its sinuous curves and gleaming façade, but it was also consciously designed to save energy in its production of cars through efficient solar heating and natural ventilation systems.

from Inhabitat » Architecture by Diane Pham

jarmund/vigsnaes architecture: oslo international school

the oslo international school is a private school in norway by jarmund/vigsnaes architecture with 500 students from over 50 different countries. the school has a mixture of regular classrooms and special facilities for advanced studies. the new design was planned to replace the existing facilities and built in three phases so the school could remain open during construction. the new structure was based on the previous one, combining a simple one level plan with good natural lighting. the organically shaped walls are covered in wooden panels that are treated on the outside and whitewashed inside. the phase 2 façade features fiber cement board combined in 10 different colours. the new school is based around three central atriums that are used for play and recreation spaces, while the existing atrium is now a garden for quiet contemplation.

from Designboom - Weblog

University College Ostfold Halden / RRA

The key notion of the architectural strategy is the location’s natural features and the use of a limited material palette. The project is situated in an old “culturscape” and special attention is paid to integrate it into its surroundings. The design is based on simple geometrical prisms, lines and slabs composed into a complex lay-out of rooms and functions. Critical functions and lines of communication are emphasised and the building expresses a balance of functional efficiency and open perspectives.

from Arch Daily by Nico Saieh

daniel libeskind shares 17 words of wisdom

renowned architect daniel libeskind has appeared in one of TED's latest conferences. the invitation-only conferences are dedicated to 'ideas worth spreading' and have seen talks by former US presidents and nobel laureates.

in his talk libeskind builds on very big ideas and shares 17 words that underlie his vision for architecture; raw, risky, emotional, radical and that offer inspiration for any bold creative pursuit. his most recent work includes yonsang business district, seoul, south korea and ko bogen retail district for downtown dusseldorf.

image © screen ID
from Designboom - Weblog

Rhino Grasshopper - Parametric Truss

Software: Grasshopper in Rhino 4

Description: In this Grasshopper video, we will create a parametric truss system by generating and manipulating components and instantiating them onto a lofted geometry. We will start by creating our components from a surface using such features as List Items and Offset. From there, we will continue by subdividing a lofted geometry and then instantiate our parametric components across that surface, creating a marameterized truss system.

from Design Reform by David Fano

Savannehuis by LAM Architects

Dutch architects LAM have completed a sustainable giraffe enclosure for Rotterdam Zoo, which opens next week. (more…)

from Dezeen by Brad Turner

Herzog & de Meuron’s “Bird’s Nest” Wins RIBA Lubetkin Prize

The National Stadium in Beijing - nicknamed ‘the bird’s nest’ - by Herzog & de Meuron, with the China Architectural Design and research Group, Arup Sport and Ove Arup and Partners Hong Kong, and artist Ai Wei Wei, has scooped the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) prestigious Lubetkin Prize for the most outstanding work of architecture outside the European Union by an RIBA member.

from Bustler.net News by Vanilla Hustler

East Wing for Cleveland Musuem of Art / RVA

Critically acclaimed international practice Rafael Vinoly Architects recently announced their addition to the Cleveland Musuem of Art (CMA) in Ohio. The museum is currently undergoing a multi-phase renovation and expansion project. RVA’s 139,200 sq foot East Wing addition, which unites the historic 1916 Beaux-Arts building and the 1971 Marcel Breuer addition, is the first of three planned wings.

from Arch Daily by Karen Cilento