Fill/Stroke.com
Artificial Owl is “a site dedicated to provide on a daily basis a selection of the most fascinating abandoned man-made creations.”
No comments. Posted by tanner in architecture, death, photography on 14 March 2009.
LiTraCon: translucent, light transmitting concrete
Concrete is generally known to be an uninviting, sterile surface. Of course, I’m speaking in generalities, but those of you in Phoenix know precisely what I’m getting at. Hungarian architect Áron LOSONCZI produced an award winning material called LiTraCon that challenges what we know about concrete.
Filled with optical fibers that run from one end of a poured piece of concrete to the other, these prefabricated blocks and panels effectively transmit light from one side to the other. Colors and light remain remarkably consistent from end to end, but with a natural variation from the pouring process that actually softens the effects considerably.
Via:
The fibers can transmit light to over 50 feet and, as they occupy only a small percentage of the total concrete block or panel, they do not significantly effect the structural capabilities of the poured pieces.
One could imagine all kinds of artistic as well as functional applications for this new-and-improved form of concrete. Daylighting possibilities abound and all with potentially much lower heat loss and cost and with greater durability.
Perhaps best of all it puts another broad-ranging, highly versatile material choice in an architect’s or builder’s structural tool kit – what designers do with this solid-but-see-through substance ultimately will probably surprise us all.
No comments. Posted by tanner in architecture, innovation on 3 March 2009.
Architect’s Journal has recently uncovered images and details on the recently deceased Jan Kaplicky’s final project. Via Design Boom:
The building is a concert hall in ãeské budejovice, czech republic and will begin construction in 2010. The project was first revealed late last year. The building features a dark and undulating roof that is shaped like a sting ray. Inside the large concert hall features two levels and a stage that is linked to the exterior through a large oval window. The founder of the avant-garde firm future systems, died last week at 71.
The concert stage backdrop in the below rendering is actually a window. Beautiful.
No comments. Posted by tanner in architecture on 26 January 2009.
A new series on the Sundance Channel (and streaming on hulu) about a semester of architecture studies at Tulane, where the project involves designing and fully building an affordable home for those in financial need in New Orleans.
It’s great, doesn’t come off at all like other reality shows. Has more of a documentary feel, which I think it’s perfectly suited for.
Not to mention, they show laser cutting and man do I love laser cutters.
No comments. Posted by md in architecture, television on 25 August 2008.
When I was a little girl and before I spoke any English, I loved making furniture and “houses” for my Barbie’s out of LEGO. I wanted to be an architect/veterinarian/pop singer.
2 comments. Posted by adria in architecture, toys on 5 August 2008.
Seven examples of recycled urban architecture
WebUrbanist presents seven amazing examples of recycled architecture. Read more. →
1 comment. Posted by tanner in architecture on 18 July 2008.
