Architectural search of the present is no longer limited to artistic or functional aspects of separate units of built habitat. However, these points are still important for any practicing architect, but the contemporary design approach is becoming even more comprehensive. New concepts are able to form the novel lifestyles. The very functionality of new buildings or complexes suggests other ways of urban existence.
The kinetic skyscraper by Ukrainian architects Victor Kopeikin and Pavel Zabotin was one of 32 honorable mentions of eVolo Skyscraper 2011. Today we represent the views of the authors on modern urban agglomerations and relevant challenges to be solved.
London is likely to get by 2016 one more “high-rise veg”. European Land, a joint venture company between the Jarvis family and Simon and David Reuben worked with Robin Partington Architects to submit a planning application for a new 140 m tower for Merchant Square, much resembling a younger kinsman of the famous Gherkin by Norman Foster.
Currently, India is one of the most rapidly developing countries with annul average GDP growth about 5.5 per during the latest decades cent. Enormous population coupled with business boom have hipinged the construction industry. Lots of tall structures are being erected, including residential developments, in order to provide housing for millions literally against the clock; as a result often monotonous large scale housing estates appear.
The past industrial century left many buildings, which nowadays lost their function. However, most of them can be used for other purposes. The premises of the old factories are being transformed into fine arts galleries, concert halls or ballrooms. In Europe, the decommissioned old harbors and cargo ports are being converted into rather expensive residential and office complexes with stunning sea views.
Designing of up-to-date structures involves professionals of diverse fields of knowledge able to do such a great work. Therefore, it is not surprising that it requires interagency synergy. OWPlan Group (Germany), one of the largest design corporations in Europe, collaborating with three universities encompasses about 2000 specialists in geotechnics, construction, architecture, landscaping, cladding, building physics and MEP and HVAC engineers.
Seoul is one of the largest global industrial and financial centers and the busiest transportation hub in Asia. The city features nine-line underground railroad network, about 200 bus routes, six major highways integrating the Seoul agglomeration. The highspeed KT X rail system, which is one of the fastest in the world, currently connects Seoul with Busan. The capital of South Korea is served by two airports. Its population (over 10 million) is one fourth of the country’s overall population.
Over the past 20 years, Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, has changed dramatically. Now, it is quite up-to-date city with regular urban scheme made up by six transport mains featuring multiple skyscrapers, many of which were built in 1990s. Soon the list of local real estate offerings will be complemented with the Empire Tower, 60-storey residential building, which is being erected at the waterfront.
New York is welcoming a new tall residential project by BIG -Bjarke Ingels Group for West 57th Street between 11th and 12th Avenues. Durst Fetner Residential (DFR ) declares that this design introduces an entirely new residential typology to New York City that will add an inviting twist to the Manhattan Skyline.
It seems to be at its moorings after a distant voyage longing, however, for new wonders. The sails are filled.., a blink of an eye, and it takes off. Versis Residences, the complex, which is being built at 69 Nakhimovsky Avenue, and really looks like a «versatile flying vessel»: two towers, resembling the funnels of a steamer, connected to each other at various levels by residential skybridges. This unique design was developed exclusively by Alexander Asadov team.
