Folded wall

We recently watched a movie, considered to be one of the most memorable examples of old bulgarian cinema. Filmed in 1970, “Bash majstorat” is sure to keep you laughing with its simple touching story of a familly guy who wants to build an additional storey to his house.
What made us write about the movie is an interesting case of interior design that we saw in one of the scenes – take a look at the wall in the video:

…the manager’s desk:

The interior also inspired some of the last experiments that we posted in the LAB.

We posted a few parametric models in our Lab lately. We decided to show them here:

The goal was to model a space system, driven by a number of parameters:

This approach allows quick metamorphosis of the system’s state. The variations in the geometry facilitate the form-finding process.

The results are abstract and fall under the ‘form-finding’ category, but these principles of modelling could be used successfully in real projects just as well.

Business Cards 3: Designs on Saying Hello is an interesting book, providing a detailed overview of the specifics of graphic design in business cards. The book contains intersting materials such as different designs related to people from different industry segments: designers, chocolate manufacturers, internet providers etc. The business card is a key element building the first impressions about a person, and is a cornerstone of the visual identity of every brand.
Identity is the strive of every designer…architects are no exception. We carefully chose several visual examples from the architecture segment. The focus is on graphic designers, however it is encouraging that architects  pay specific attention to their graphic and visual identity. Good architecture requires sound knowledge in graphic and visual presentation, as mentioned in one of our previous articles good architectural studios have developed a highly recognizable and diverse graphic identity.

Design: Project Projects / Client: WORK ac

WORK ac’s logo is different every time:

Design:GiveUsWork / Client: MADE Arhitekti

Latvian graphic designers + latvian architects =

Design:Foundry / Client: Times Two Architects

Design:Mission Design / Client: Lund + Slaatto Arkitekter

an example from Norway:

A few good examples from Bulgaria :

Design:Rizn / Client: NAB

Design:Moiré / Client: MMXX

Design:Fontan2 / Client: Sofbuild

visual identity of a residential building:

The collection list is not exhaustive; one could think of other good examples …maybe in the following articles:)

Radiolaria are unicellular microorganisms widely distributed in the oceans. Their siliceous skeletons consists of connected arrays of tubular struts forming a great variety of shells, often with a hexagonal structuring on their surfaces. Radiolaria can range from 30 microns to 2 mm in diameter and are often spherical. The formation of their hexagonally structured skeletons is due to the deposition of inorganic material at the intersections of close packed vesicles. Here’s what Ernst Haeckel wrote on radiolaria’s geometrical morphology:

”The Significance of the Skeleton.-The skeleton of the Radiolaria is developed in such exceedingly manifold and various shapes, and exhibits at the same time such wonderful regularity and delicacy in its adjustments, that in both these respects the present group of Protista excels all other classes of the organic world. For, in spite of the fact that the Radiolarian organism always remains merely a single cell, it shows the potentiality of the highest complexity to which the process of skeleton formation can be brought by a single cell. All that has been brought to pass in this direction by single tissue-cells of animals and plants does not attain the extremely high stage of development of the Radiolaria.”

Ernst Haeckel

Classification of radiolaria is based on the architectural diversity of their skeletons .

Radiolaria have been inspiring architects and engineers ever since they were discovered.  According to some sources the french structural innovator Le Ricolais had in 1940 proposed spherical-shell structures based on the design of radiolaria triangulated networks- proposal that anticipated Fuller’s geodesic dome. New technologies available nowadays allow a much deeper structural analysis, infinite possibilities for experimentation and rapid prototyping. These are the driving forces that made possible the realisation of Radiolaria Pavilion- designed by Shiro Studio in collaborated with D-Shape. What is shown bellow is a scale model of a final 10-metre tall pavilion to be built in Italy in 2010. The pavillion is a complex, free-form structure produced using the world’s largest 3D printer. Measuring 3 x 3 x 3 metres, it demonstrate the capabilities of this innovative technology.

”The geometrical morphology of Radiolaria reflects the potential provided by the mega-printer, able to build any complex geometry without the use of provisional, temporary formwork or disposable, expensive moulds.”

ILHOONROH designs- also inspired by radiolaria  structures:

- Fabric Table R (Table Radiolaria)

You can learn more about radiolaria here.

Another interesting research on radiolaria on Maria Vera’s blog .

During our last experiments with MORPHOCODE / LAB, we came across the work of a remarkable person. We refer to the Uruguay-born architect and engineer Eladio Dieste (10.12.1917 – 29.07.2000). Although not part of the mainstream culture, Eladio Dieste can be characterized as a remarkable individual with multi-disciplinary interests, similar to Cecile Balmond , whom we already mentioned in a previous article. The Uruguayan architect is a one of the pillars in the Latin-American architecture, alongside Carlos Raul Villanueva and Felix Kandella.

His work is based on achieving structural efficiency by using ceramic tiles laminated together and combined as thin shell vaults, as wide-curved roof spans or as sinuous walls. These structures do not require the use of ribs and beams and are far less expensive than reinforced concrete.

Civil Transport – Bus terminal(Photo courtesy of c3cil3 ):

The works of Eladio Dieste were perfectly adapted to the materials, building traditions and climate of Uruguay.

According to Dieste:

“There are deep moral/practical reasons for our search which give form to our work: with the form we create we can adjust to the laws of matter with all reverence, forming a dialogue with reality and its mysteries “

One of the most notable projects of Eladio Dieste is the church Christ the Worker in Montevideo. The structure is remarkable: brick cavity wall with concealed high-strength mortar and steel reinforcement.  The curve of the edge beam approximates the shape of the moment diagram created by the vault, converting bending into axial forces- a more efficient structural system.(The Function of Ornament) :

the wall of the church:

view from the interior of the tower (Photo courtesy of Federico Negro ) :

section:

Another interesting project is the warehouse located in the Montevideo harbour – the engineer reconstructs an old building after a large fire. He kept the walls and build a roof with double curvature of exceptional elegance. Photo courtesy of pacothinks’

The works of Eladio Dieste have also  inspired some contemporary architects. 290 Mulberry is a residential building designed by SHoP architects. The facade is constructed by ready made panels, that form a slightly twisted surface built with bricks. This model have been researched and developed using Generative Components and Digital Project software suites.

More about the project on  ArchDaily.

The methods of constructing a brick wall through digital model and robotic hands is a method used in Harvard and ETH.

Source:  Dezeen

You can learn more about the work of the architect in the book: Eladio Dieste: Innovation in Structural Art

…the fear of flight (page 31)

“My problem with air travel can cause significant distress: the dissappointment of missing professional engagements-often important ones, too- and the inevitable inner frustration. Usually when I commit to a trip I have every honest intention of fulfilling my promise. I pack my bag and leave early for the airport, but i tend to change my mind on the way there. After first seeing the trip as useful for the work involved, or as representing a kind and trusting invitation, I begin to reject it as unnecessary and unbearable imposition. I become irritated with myself and anxiously wonder, ”Why should I fly if it troubles me? Because it’s imprortant professionally?” And I begin to see the journey as a threat to my physical prerogatives and individual liberty, a despicable affair ruled by power and money.

So i don’t go. I return home quite calmly. Later I tell my friends peremptorily, I’ll never fly again.”

…the Clouds. (page 109)

”During automobile trips to Brazilia, my greatest distraction was to observe cloud formations in the sky. What numerous and unexpected possibilities they suggested! Now they formed mysterious, towering cathedrals-most certainly, the cathedrals of Saint-Exupéry; now ruthless warriors or Roman charioteers crossing the skies; now, owtlandish monsters racing swiftly with the wind; and, more often (because I always looked out for them), lovely and vapourous women reclining on the clouds.”

…”Persona” (page 133)

”Earlier in this book I mentionen the ”persona”, an indistinguishable individual I believe we have within ourselves who oftentimes interferes in our relationships.I first became aware of my persona after reading Monod and Jacobs. I then realized that human characteristics are passed down from parent to child and resist the influential reasoning of the social environment. I realized that these characteristics are combined, though often imperceptibly, with preprogrammed physical traits. Later I began to view the human being as a house that can always be renovated. like a house, one can repair his roof, replace door and window frames, paint walls, and patch ceiling leaks. However, like a house, it will always be inadequate if it has been poorly designed in the first place.”

…the Carnival Monday. (page 139)

”Today is Carnival Monday and I have spent the day alone at the Carlton Hotel in Brasilia. I read an interview with Alberto Moravia and a short book by Borges; I wrote a little, then watched the rain beat on the window pane and the heavy clouds gather over the city. A strange feeling of melancholy seemed to take hold of me. Only in the evening did I finally switch on the TV.”

On topic: an interesting interview with the architecture master, done by Vice Magazine:

As we already wrote in previous posts, observing Natural phenomena and structures might be a tremendous source of inspiration for architects. Nature has the talent to solve functional and constructional problems with zero net energy consumption using adaptivity to local conditions as an ultimate survival strategy. Architects can provide the same functional and energy efficiency for buildings by  using similar design principles or analysing natural models … and this is not just a formal reproduction- this is a design strategy.

Many architects were inspired by Nature. Gaudi once said:

Do you want to know where I found my model? An upright tree; it bears its branches and these, in turn, their twigs, and these, in turn, the leaves.

While designing the Sagrada Familia, in order to evolve a structure in equilibrium, Gaudi designed catenary cord models with weights that transformed the hanging curves into funicular polygonal elements from which the masons took measurements.

Photo courtesy of Suzie

Many others use the same strategy: Frei Otto, Arata Izozaki, Cecil Balmond to name a few…

One of the classic works, that explore that topic is the book “Structure in nature is a strategy for design” written by Peter Pearce.

First published in 1978 by MIT Press, this book explores the relations between elements of  natural structures as well as how to use the same principles in real structures. Mr. Pearce is founder of several entreprises, that created successfully projects following the design strategy presented in the book .

The same principles are used in contemporary projects as well. For example:

- The “Water cube” in Beijing

-  Aranda/Lasch furniture

At the moment the book is out of stock and hard to find, having its last edition at 1990.

Fortunately, the “Buckminster Fuller” institute based in NY, USA had a few acopies of  it. The institute is named after the famous architect, designer and inventor Buckminster Fuller , author of the biosphere in Montreal – the american pavilion at Expo’ 67.
The institute supports it’s activities by selling a limited edition of books.

Unlike Amazon, the commerce is not the primary activity of the institute.  Maybe the employees handling the orders are members of the organization.

As usual in the shipment there were few papers with details of the purchase.

But inside the book we found a hand-written message:

That means: “A very good book!” in bulgarian(with a charming typo ).

Nice 

An interesing event in 2009 will be InterArch. The Architectural forum will take place in Sofia between 17-20 of may. InterArch is organized by the International Academy of Architecture, The University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy (UACEG) in Sofia and Atlas style.

Some of the renowned guest speakers include  ALVARO SIZA, DOMINIQUE PERRAULT, TEODORO GONZALEZ DE LEON.

This is the preliminary program :

17 May 2009- Sunday

10 a.m.-12 a.m.- X-th Session of the IAA General Assembly;

12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.- Lunch break

3 p.m.- 4 p.m.- Official opening of the twelfth World Triennial of Architecture “ Interarch`2009”;

4 p.m.- 5 p.m.- Announcement by the Jury` Presidents of “Interarch`2009” Laureates of the exhibitions-competitions

Awarding of the new IAA Academicians and Professors;

5:15 p.m.- 6 p.m.- Author` conference of Daniel Libeskind;

6 p.m.- 6:45 p.m.- Author` conference of Toyo Ito;

7 p.m.- Opening of the exhibitions;

Welcome cocktail;

18 May 2009- Monday

10 a.m.- 11 a.m.- Opening of the Forum “Architecture of XXI century”- Joseph Rykwert

11 a.m-11:45 a.m.- Jan Hoogstad;

12 p.m.-12:45 p.m.- Juhani Pallasmaa;

3 p.m.- 3:45 p.m.- Teodoro Gonzalez de Leon;

3:45 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.-Kas Oosterhuis;

4:30 p.m.- 5:15 p.m.- John Kay;

5:30 p.m.- 6:15 p.m.-Alvaro Siza;

6:15 p.m.- 7 p.m.- Dominique Perrault;

19 May 2009- Tuesday

10 a.m.- 10:45 a.m.- Dennis Sharp;

10:45 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.- Richard England;

11:30 a.m. -12:15p.m.- Justus Dahinden;

3 p.m.- 3:45 p.m.-Paul Andreu;

3:45 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.- Kiyonori Kikutake;

4:30 p.m.- 5:15 p.m.-Manfredi Nicoletti;

5:30 p.m.- 6:15 p.m.-Andrey Bokov;

6:15 p.m.-7 p.m.- Vakhtang Davitaia;

20 May- Wednesday

10 a.m.- 10:35 a.m.- - Alexander Kudriavtzev;

10:35 a.m.- 11:10 a.m.- Lilo Popov;

11:10 a.m.-11:40 a.m.- Ahmet Vefik Alp;

11:40 a.m.-12:10 p.m.- Paolo Cucchi

3 p.m.- 3:45 p.m.- Thomas Herzog

3:45 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.-Francoise-Helene Jourda;

4:45 p.m.- 5:30 p.m.- Brian Spencer;

5:45 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.- Yuri Platonov;

8 p.m.- Closing Ceremony of “Interarch`2009”;

Awarding of the Laureates of the exhibitions-competitions.

Spring Fiesta of Architecture

Some other sources of information:
Internation Academie of Architecture (IAA)
Atlas Style
Cluster

InterArch is going to be an exciting event contrasting the lack of cultural events and forums of the University. The program featured  promises very interesting lectures and guest speakers. We are not sure whether Toyo Ito and Daniel Libeskind  will attend the conferenence in Sofia. Their names are in the list , but it is too good to be true…

Question 1: Who is the most important contemporary architect?
Answer: Norman Foster, Zaha Hadid, Rem Koolhaas, Frank Gehry …to name a few…
Question 2: Who is the most important contemporary engineer?
Answer: Cecil Balmond

Cecil Balmond is a writer, mathematician, engineer, architect at the same time. Person with a lot of interests. More than 55 years ago, he started OVE Arup, which is the biggest engineering firm in the world today. At Arup, Balmond leads the research as part of the AGU(Advanced Geometry Unit) and finds the solutions of many complex construction problems.

Theoretician and innovator, Cecil Balmond presents part of his ideas in the book Informal :

Charles Jenks said about him:

“…In 1997, when I had to list the fifteen most important buildings and projects that were changing architecture, I found to my amazement that Balmond scored higher than any architect on the list – that is, if one is to credit the engineer with partial creation…”

Born in Sri Lanka, Balmond moved to London where he took his studies. He works with some of the biggest contemporary architects and transforms their ideas into real structures. Among his most famous projects are: Sttats’ Gallery in Stuttgart 1977(with James Stirling), Villa Bordeaux, Kunsthal(with Rem Koolhaas), Sepentine Pavilion 2002, Taichung opera(with Toyo Ito), Center Pompidou-Metz (with Shigeru Ban) and many many more…
Here is what Rem Koolhaas said about him:

“Cecil Balmond has, almost single-handedly shifted the ground in engineering – a domain where the earth moves very rarely – and therefore enabled architecture to be imagined differently”

From modernism’s “Less is more”, through post-modernism’s “Less is a bore”, Cecil Balmond follows the ideas of “More is different”. Inspired by nature, his ideas are born in a world where “more-is-less-is-more”.

Putting the traditional equilibrium in question, he tries to instore dynamic equilibrium where appropriate. Given that the space is not homogeneous, why the buildings are supposed to be a simple skeleton of equally distributed beams and columns? A boring rhytm “One-two-one-two”? Balmond proposes a usage of multiple rhythms “Ra-ta-ta-ra-ta” or “Ra-ta-ra-ra-ta”, in order to have the same interesting dynamic balance found in nature.

Instead of following the heavy Formal, the engineer follows the way of the Informal.

His works are exactly that: an expression of the Informal.