Waalse Krook, Urban Library of the Future by UNSTudio

UNStudio have sent us their entry for Waalse Krook, Urban Library of the Future and Centre for New Media in the Belgian city of Gent. Even though this design by Ben van Berkel/Caroline Bos-led Amsterdam practice was eventually not chosen to be the winning design, we are very excited to share it with you.

Project Description from the Architects:

The two main aims in the design for theUrban Library of the Future and Centre for New Media in Gent are to create a dynamic, flexible and open knowledge environment, whilst simultaneously strengthening the character of the location with the introduction of a building with a distinct architectural identity.

Sustainability is the guiding factor in the design, based on the conviction that not only must the environmental and user-friendly design of the Urban Library of the Future be able to evolve along with new media, but it must also offer the possibility for future change of use. Withan open landscape, spaciousness, extensive views, alternative circulation routes, several meeting areas and a public plaza, the design for the library affords a renewal of its urban context.

The building is both fluid in form and accommodating to its surroundings. This is evidenced by its appearance - which varies according to the orientation - as well as from the decision to lift the building volume above ground level, thereby creating light, transparency and expansive sightlines. However the layered structure and low construction volume ensure that the impact of the design on the urban profile is minimal and that views to the characteristic towers of Gent are preserved. The structure also makes it possible to introduce (green) roof terraces whilst also ensuring low levels of direct sunlight penetration.

Based on the functional organisation the volume is lifted in order to create public space around the Library. In conjunction with the promenade along the quays, this results in interaction with the surrounding water and thereby the revival of the Waalse Krook.

The internal organisation of the building is based on an open central void, around which the circulation takes place. This internal void enhances the spatial experience and creates clear orientation through the building.

In addition to providing an extension of the urban context and the junction of the circulation routes, the internal void also functions as a link between the various functional clusters in the design. The void fulfills a bridging function between the city and the Municipal Library, and as such acts as a metaphor for public perception.

Project Details:


Client: CVBA Waalse Krook
Location: Gent, Belgium
Building surface: 19,498.6 m2
Programme: Library and Centre for New Media
Status: Competition entry

UNStudio: Ben van Berkel, Caroline Bos, Gerard Loozekoot with Jacques van Wijk, Wesley Lanckriet and Jordan Trachtenberg, Ren Yee, Wendy van der Knijff , Bartek Winnicki, Aurélie Krotoff, Patrik Noome, Marcin Koltunski, Joerg Lonkwitz, Miguel Noë, Imola Berczi, Elena Scripelliti

Structure: ABT, Antwerp and Netherlands
Installations: ABT, Netherlands
Fire: ABT, Antwerp and Netherlands
Costs: ABT, Antwerp and Netherlands

Local architect: Crepain Binst Architecture, Antwerp
All images courtesy of UNStudio.

Read rest of entry

zaha hadid and suprematism

 An exhibition curated by Zaha Hadid for Galerie Gmurzynska Zurich, completely transforming its gallery space and juxtaposing her designs with masterpieces of the Russian Avant Garde.

Read rest of entry

Amphibious garden cleaning european waterways

Physalia is an innovative scientific architectural vessel prototype that aims to meet the need of new generation floating purification station in order to sensitize the population with sulpher and carbon free ecological tools. This amphibious vessel concept is a half earthly and half aquatic floating agora that not only deals with ecology by saving water, but also elaborates strategic solutions to sentient the fluvial network. With its various functional features, this vessel not only contributes the environment by saving water, refilling ground waters, controlling domestic, industrial and rainwater recycling, purifying agriculture pollutions (nitrates, plant health), desalinating sea water and many more, but also promotes the waterways as fluvial tourism and commercial transport, water sports, agriculture irrigation, hydro-electricity production, protection against floods, and many more.

The bionic structure of this self sufficient vessel in energy is inspired from the pneumatophorous, which means “water bubble” and combines the nature and biotechnologies to navigate on the key extra-European rivers. The eco-designed zero carbon emission architecture is based on renewable energies, which means generating more energy than it consumes. The roof is featured with a double pneumatic membrane with smooth photovoltaic solar cells and the hydro-turbines under the hull transform the energy of the fluvial flow in hydro-electricity. The aluminum surface covers the multi-hull steel structure that reacts to the ultraviolet rays to decrease the water pollution. In fact, Physalia is not only a self cleaning vessel, but also it is able to absorb and recycle the carbon and chemical waste of the fluvial water through photo-catalytic effect.

The Physalia interior is featured with four thematic gardens that symbolize their dedicated typical aspects. The Water garden welcomes the boarders at the entrance placed between the square and the berthing gates. The surface of the area can be opened totally to amalgamate with the fluvial landscape and allow the vessel to breath with the calming fluvial breeze. The center of the concept features the Earth garden, a dedicated laboratory for the international researchers to investigate the aquatic ecosystem. A planted vault is placed on the top of this panoramic room that acts as a fertile metaphor to perform molecular analysis. The Fire garden is an underwater lounge with a huge fire timbale surrounded by soft relaxing armchairs where the passengers can enjoy the golden reflections of the fire. Finally, the Air garden is an ecologic amphitheatre with lots of light and oxygen opened towards the external landscape. A theater stage like circular shaped rotating water bar is the key attraction of this area where the passengers can find the H2O acronym.
Designer : Vincent Callebaut Architectures

Read rest of entry

RIBBON Surrounding/Intertwining KID’S REPUBLIC in Beijing

Check out this amazing Kid’s Republic bookstore and activity center in Beijing by Sako Architects.

Taste the rainbow!

Colorful ribbons that “wrap” the space and colorful ribbons that “twist” in space?these two types of colorful ribbons create a place that both creates and cultivates the curiosity of children.KID’S REPUBLIC in Beijing has an activity room on the first floor and a children’s bookstore on the second floor. The activity room on the first floor is a rainbow-like space created with 12 colorful ribbons of different perimeters. Activities like story-telling and animation shows are periodically held here. The section gaps in the wall and ceiling are used for illumination or displaying items, while those in the floor are also used as a stage and an auditorium. Carpets are laid in the room for children to freely sit and lie down on the floor.The stairs leads the children to the bookstore on the second floor. The rainbow-like ribbon starts from the hall and goes up along the stairs till the bookstore. The 100-meter-long colorful ribbon, which serves various functions at various places, whirls and twists in the store; it finally ends in the room and goes back to the armrest of the staircase baluster on the first floor where it had started.The front covers of children’s picture books have rich and bright colors. In comparison to those bookstores selling professional books, the collection of such picture books can produce a cheerful space. No orderly bookshelves can be found here, and children can sit in places that appeal to them and read the picture books at their own pleasure. The colorful ribbon starting from the stairs twists and whirls in the store, and it comes in contact with the bookshelves, tables, gate, checkout counter, and ceiling, and finally, the armrest of the stairs.Holes of different sizes are designed on the bookshelves against the wall, serving as not only windows to pass internal and external information but also as reading spaces for children. The scenery of children sitting and reading not only decorates the elevation of the store but also gives the appearance of a delightful store to people on the outside.Interior design generally classifies the floor, wall, ceiling, and furniture into different components. This is an easy way to sort out articles and establish a certain order in the adult world. The design in this case does not consider any of these since the sensibilities of children do not tend toward the abovementioned components. There is no separation for the children to read and play. I tried to make the space more intuitive and free by the design.
Place : Beijing, China
Place : 2005.4-10
Floor Area : 180m2
Type : Child writing bookstore

Read rest of entry