Biochemistry Center / Hawkins Brown

Oxford University’s science center was way behind the times. Although the center was equipped with state of the art technology and some of the brightest minds, its fragmented and independent research areas made any attempt at interaction between scientists impossible. Working off academic J Rogers Hollingsworth’s theory that when scientists can frequently converse and exchange ideas, major breakthroughs are bound to happen, Hawkins Brown’s new biochemistry building is a step in the right direction for Oxford.

from Arch Daily by Karen Cilento

rafael vinoly architects: bard college center for science and computation

the gabrielle h. reem and herbert j. kayden center for science and computation designed by rafael vinoly architects is located on the campus of bard college in annandale-on-hudson, new york. the building features spaces for biology, computer science and mathematics over its more than 49,000 square feet. there is additionally a number of laboratories, classrooms and auditorium. the exterior features a curving metal faНade that cantilevers over the ground. large expanses of glass allow light to flow through the open concept interior. the plan is arranged around a central spine with corridors connecting the two sides. within the building’s lobby are four pods clad in a different metals that contain the auditorium, two lecture rooms and a seminar room. the center’s design was awarded an AIA new york state citation for design.

photograph by brad feinknopf
from Designboom - Weblog

MAD architects: erdos museum, china

erdos museum by chinese MAD architects is located in the new city centre of erdos. driven by a booming economy, the municipal government of erdos are determined to create this new city, dozens of kilometers away from the current city, on a site that until recently was nothing but the gobi desert. the urban masterplan drew a symbolic but empty image of the ever rising sun on the grassland: a rigid and precise series of urban landscapes radiating from a central plaza, and ymbolizing the sun. this ordered plan fulfilled the wishes of the government, but shows no real consideration for the people who live in the city.

from Designboom - Weblog

CCTV and TVCC Buildings by OMA

Here are some photos of the CCTV and TVCC buildings in Beijing, China by OMA. Photographs and commentary are by rudenoon.

from A Daily Dose of Architecture by John

La Estancia Chapel / Bunker Arquitectura

La Estancia Wedding Gardens are located in the town of Cuernavaca, an hour drive south of Mexico City. The gardens were conceived in a traditional mexican baroque colonial style but a chapel was never included in the program, so all previous weddings took place under a light canvas canopy roof. It was when one of Bunker´s associates decided to marry in these gardens that it was made known to us the client had been toying for some time with the idea of building the chapel.

from Arch Daily by Nico Saieh

National Tourist Route Trollstigen / RRA

The project will enhance the experience of the Trollstigen plateau’s location and nature. Thoughtfulness regarding features and materials will underscore the site’s temper and character, and well-adapted, functional facilities will augment the visitor’s experience. The architecture is to be characterised by clear and precise transitions between planned zones and the natural landscape. Through the notion of water as a dynamic element –from snow, to running and then falling water- and rock as a static element, the project creates a series of prepositional relations that describe and magnify the unique spatiality of the site.

from Arch Daily by Nico Saieh

Villa Hesthagen / RRA

This 350 sqm single family residence is located in Asker outside Oslo. The site is secluded and faces towards a field. The house is placed on a slope with an entrance from the back side. Main entry for the house on the second floor where childrens bedrooms and the garage are located. The double-volume living area on the ground floor is specially designed to accommodate the owner’s grand piano and master bedroom with en-suite bathroom. The house is clad in Siberian pine which will acquire a grey patina over time.

from Arch Daily by Nico Saieh

Luz Cemetery / Pedro Pacheco + Marie Clément

To displace a cemetery means not only transporting it’s tombs but equally it’s memory and rituals consolidated over the times. The old cemetery’s regular and geometric figure, which follow the ground pendent is reproduced. The vicinities between tombs are maintained as place recognition elements, as well as their orientation, in order to return light and shadow conditions, associated to visit rituals. The four quarters that organise the old cemetery structure and describe its growth history are preserved as platforms adapted to the new relief, which permit to drain pluvial waters. The 24 tomb types identified are maintained.

from Arch Daily by Nico Saieh