Karres en Brands’ Post

Unrolling the Blueprint: Site, Culture, and Architectural Identity In our architectural explorations through "Unrolling the Blueprint," a crucial yet often overlooked aspect demands our attention—the profound influence of the site on architecture and, by extension, its cultural identity. Architecture is not just about constructing buildings; it's about creating a dialogue between the environment, the people, and their culture. This intricate relationship shapes architectural styles, which in turn reflect their relationship back to the site. The essence of a project is deeply intertwined with its location. A building and its site are one; the surrounding landscape, the climate, and the cultural context inform the design, guiding its form, function, and spirit. This principle is vividly demonstrated in regions where architecture has become synonymous with the cultural and environmental landscape. Consider the serene pagodas and shrines nestled in the forests of Japan—these structures do not just occupy the landscape; they are a harmonious extension of it, reflecting the Japanese reverence for nature. Similarly, the marble palaces of Italy or the Tuscan hilltop towns are not merely constructions; they are manifestations of Italian history, culture, and the natural beauty of their settings. However, the disconnect between architecture and its site is glaring in areas where buildings seem out of place with their environment—like the Mediterranean-style mansions in regions far removed from the balmy coasts of the Mediterranean Sea (I see you, West Vancouver). Such examples underscore the dissonance that arises when architecture fails to listen to its site. The role of an architect often does not include choosing the site, but it is our profound responsibility to understand and respond to it. Listening to the site means embracing the environment, the climate, the history, and the culture it embodies. It's about creating a building that doesn't just stand on the land but belongs to it, enhancing the landscape and enriching the cultural tapestry. Architecture is a powerful medium through which cultural, tradition, and identity nuances are expressed. It's a reflection of how people interact with their environment and with each other. As architects, we have the privilege and challenge of translating these interactions into spaces that respect and celebrate the site and its cultural context. As we delve deeper into the relationship between site, culture, and architecture, let's remember that the most harmonious designs emerge from a deep understanding and respect for the land and the people who inhabit it. It's a reminder to all of us in the architectural field to keep listening—to the site, to the people, and to the culture that shapes our built environment. #UnrollingTheBlueprint #SiteInfluence #ArchitecturalIdentity #CulturalReflections

Tapping into realistic renderings is known to be misleading for some clients, so I have refused to get myself to invest in it. Nevertheless, the opportunity arose. I still consider the education received in architecture allows me to conclude that other means to document a project provide more insight into how spaces work and what they do. this is an example. Disclaimer: this design was developed by another office. I only worked on realistic renderings on behalf of the client.

Imagine a world where you can effortlessly explore a treasure trove of material samples from top manufacturers in the architecture and design industry, all in one spot. That’s what Samples Yard is all about – making material selection inspiring, seamless, and a lot easier! --- Learn More on this blog post #samples #materials #architecture #interiordesign #samplesyard https://lnkd.in/dHrmu3JF

Architecture is the art and science of designing spaces that not only serve practical functions but also inspire, evoke emotion, and enrich the lives of those who inhabit them. Architecture goes beyond simply creating buildings; it's about creating environments that resonate with people on a deeply human level. Imagine standing on a bustling city street, surrounded by towering skyscrapers, each one a testament to the creativity and vision of its architect. As an architect, you have the power to shape the skyline, to leave your mark on the world for generations to come. But architecture is more than just grand gestures and iconic structures. It's about the little details, the moments of beauty and wonder that can be found in every corner of a building. It's the way sunlight filters through a stained glass window, casting colorful patterns on the floor. It's the feeling of serenity that washes over you as you step into a quiet courtyard hidden away from the noise of the city. As an architect, you have the privilege of bringing dreams to life, of turning abstract ideas into tangible reality. You work closely with clients to understand their needs and aspirations, translating their vision into designs that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. But perhaps the greatest reward of all is seeing your creations come to life, watching as people interact with the spaces you've designed, finding joy and inspiration in the beauty of their surroundings. It's a career that offers endless opportunities for creativity, innovation, and personal fulfillment. So if you're someone who sees the world not just as it is, but as it could be, if you're driven by a passion for design and a desire to make a positive impact on the world, then perhaps architecture is the perfect career choice for you.

Architectural Challenges on the Bustling Las Vegas Strip Imagine a bustling place full of shops, restaurants, and lights – that's a commercial strip, like the famous Las Vegas Strip shown in pictures. When architects design buildings for such places, they face a special challenge. They need to look at things positively and without any negative feelings. You see, architects usually follow a certain way of thinking influenced by a style called "Modern architecture." This style aims to make things better and different, sometimes in big ways. It's like a big change or a revolution. Because of this, architects often don't like how things are right now – they're not satisfied with them. This kind of thinking has made architects used to changing things completely when they design new buildings. Instead of working with what's already there, they want to make something totally new. This is what we mean by "not permissive." But when we look at places like the Las Vegas Strip, we see a lot of existing buildings that have their own charm. They're not completely new, but they're interesting and vibrant. This challenges architects to think in a different way – to appreciate what's already there and not always try to change it. In simple words, architects need to learn to be more open-minded and positive when they design buildings for places like the Las Vegas Strip. They should find ways to make the existing places better while still celebrating their unique character. This shift in thinking can make our cities and spaces more diverse and exciting. Modern architecture has been anything but permissive: Architects have preferred to change the existing environment rather than enhance what is there (Brown, S., & Venturi, I. 1972)

MODERN ARCHITECTURE IS BORING. (Mostly) Really fascinating talk by Thomas Heatherwick for his new book #humanise.   Essentially, he is saying modern architecture is (mostly) boring (the bits we see, and walk past), and we, as the general public and mass consumers of city architecture have been lulled into accepting that this is the best architects can offer. #blandemic He proposed a metric that could give you a boring rating. Which sounds ridiculous, but the idea of creating a fair set of rules that everyone could use, is something that could work. #BORINGoMETER His argument is that the UK is demolishing 50,000 buildings a year, some aren’t even lasting 10-15 years, and that if buildings were more interesting and had more character at a human scale, that we could have an emotional connection with, (even love..) we would keep them. If architects were forced (or freed!) to really make a more unique aesthetical statement, it would put architects back in the driving seat of adding personalities back into cities that are so quickly all started to look and feel the same. (He references the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona as a design that is overflowing with character, and quite rightly so, “look at how much people love that building and it’s NOT EVEN FINISHED”) What he is saying, in a fun, but fascinating way, is, let’s create a metric, that becomes as important as, sustainability, energy use, ESG, BREEAM, etc. Let’s create a metric that in 10 years time, you couldn’t even sell an idea to a developer, without achieving a low boring rating. ‘It’s what the market expects.!” THE BORINGOMETRE:  Do you remember the little toys you could play with, that is 100s of small metal rods that you push your face into and you can see the 3d profile of your face when you pull back. Heatherwick has developed a digital version that that works by scanning the façade of the building (just street level and first 4 floors). The idea is that this scan gives you metrics, based on depth of façade, intricacy and grain / depth of materials, use of repeated geometry and colour etc. the more variation in data points the better. The concept being that the lowest portion of your building, should be designed with as much character / variation as possible. ie trees, greenery, use of interesting stone, timber, interesting shapes, Etc etc, which gives you a better score. (Less boring) The more flat and generic and shiny the lower the score. (More boring) I loved it. His point was really to give the public the tools to push back against spaces people feel are boring. He had a few neuroscientists in the crowd who are only now starting to learn how mass repeat shapes and materials etc can negatively impact the human mind. From a social perspective, there is a direct correlation between, the poorest people, living the ‘most boring’ ie least stimulating places. Buy the book (or don’t, I know he isn’t to everyone’s taste)

In 2018, #PardisTechnologyPark (PTP) organized a national architecture design competition for designing the gateway of the second phase of PTP site expansion. The design proposal presented by 5O7Studio won first prize in the competition and then provided the construction design documents in 2020. In the design proposal, 5O7Studio aims to unify the building site of Pardis Park, which is stretched along the country road from Tehran to the north of Iran. The proposed design was looking for harmony in the site to achieve a single image of PTP. The significant building in the first phase of the PTP was the 40 meters tall old gateway that has an exposed metal structure with a glass facade and contains seven floors of mixed-used space;  it looked modern, pure, massive, dark, and huge. 5O7Studio design proposal is a contextual complementary answer to the design of the old gateway. A structure with a similar form to the old gateway but has contrary features like transparency, position, direction, and construction elements. Unlike the phase one gateway, the new structure is completely transparent and monumental. Overlapping these two gateways in the urban perspective creates a unified image of PTP. For more information visit 5O7studio.com در سال ۱۳۹۶ طرح کانسپت ارائه شده از جانب استودیو پنجاوهفت در مسابقهی ملی طراحی سردر پارک فناوری پردیس، به عنوان طرح برتر و حائز رتبه اول شناخته شد. کانسپت ارائه شده از جانب ما نوعی نگاه ساده به مساله بود. ما با تجربهای که از پارک پردیس داشتیم، پارک با گستره وسیعش در کنار گذری پرتردد در سفرهای مرکز به شمال ایران، نیاز به رویکردی داشت که تنوع و گستردگیش را در چشم مخاطب یکپارچه کند. در واقع یک ��ردر جدید مستقل نمیتوانست جواب ما باشد؛ ما به پاسخی هماهنگکننده در بستر نیاز داشتیم. یک جواب زمینهگرا. پیشتر برای فاز یک پارک یک برج فناوری مثلثی شکل به عنوان ورودی درنظرگرفته شده بود که اگر چه نمای شیشهای داشت اما از منظر مواجهه با شهر و نوع انتخاب متریال، سنگین و بازدارنده حس میشد؛ در واقع با توسعه پارک میشود گفت نیاز به بازتعریفی از این ورودی حس میشد. ما یک حجم مشابه اما شفاف و سبک را با استقراری متفاوت پیشنهاد کردیم که در ترکیب با حجم قبلی در افق و خط آسمان عمومی پارک معنا پیدا میکرد. در مقابل سنگینی سبکی آوردیم و در مقابل توده خالی، در مقابل مواجهه بازدارنده به نوعی استقبال فکر کردیم و در به جای خودرو بر عابر تمرکز کردیم... #PardisTechPark #gateway #iran #architecture #interiordesign #interiorarchitecture #architecture #arkitektur #arquitectura #arquitetura #contemporaryarchitecture #iran #5o7studio

How do Architects Elevate Their Projects? Our Jax Oleum Single-Coat Oil-Based Wood Stain, proudly manufactured right here in the heart of South Africa, is been specified more often by Architects than ever before. This innovative product not only provides a stunning finish to timber but also aligns seamlessly with environmentally conscious design principles. Here’s why it deserves a place in your next project: 1. Environmentally Friendly and Low VOCs: Our stain is designed with a commitment to environmental sustainability, featuring low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) to ensure a minimal impact on indoor air quality and the environment. 2. Enhances Natural Timber Beauty: The stain is crafted to enhance the inherent beauty of natural timber, accentuating its unique grain patterns and textures. It’s the perfect complement to showcase the organic warmth and character of wood in your architectural designs. 3. Transformative Aesthetics: With a single application, our stain effortlessly transforms the appearance of timber, giving it a refined, timeless look. Whether it’s a bold statement piece or a subtle backdrop, our stain adapts to your creative vision. 4. Robust Protection for Timber: Beyond its aesthetic prowess, our stain adds a protective layer to timber, safeguarding it against the rigors of daily use and the effects of time. This extra layer of defense ensures longevity and durability in your architectural creations. We believe that our Jax Oleum Single-Coat Oil-Based Wood Stain is a game-changer for architects seeking a versatile, eco-conscious solution for timber finishing.

How can kinetic architecture improve public spaces? Kinetic architecture allows buildings to dynamically adapt to an ever-changing environment. Today, kinetic principles are widely used to enhance the environmental sustainability of buildings, especially through façades. The potential of kinetic structures to create accessible public spaces is enormous. Successful incorporation of kinetic elements requires designers to maintain a dialogue with communities, ensuring that their needs and preferences are taken into account. You can read more about kinetic architecture here 👉 #architecture #designandbuild #buildings

Navigating Architectural Discourse: Tradition, Rebellion, and the Digital Evolution In the realm of architecture, the clash between traditionalism and modernism is not just a debate about aesthetics; it's a reflection of broader societal tensions, historical legacies, and cultural revolutions. King Charles's advocacy for traditional architectural principles, epitomized by Poundbury, has ignited a fervent debate that spans generations and ideologies. The historical context of architectural critique cannot be ignored. King Charles's denouncement of modernist projects, such as the proposed addition to the National Gallery, evokes memories of past controversies, including the Palace of Whitehall commissioned by Charles I. The rejection of certain architectural styles often transcends mere aesthetic preferences; it symbolizes power struggles, cultural identity, and societal values. The 1980s witnessed a confluence of radical philosophies and architectural experimentation, amidst the backdrop of the digital revolution. While traditionalists like King Charles championed timeless design principles, the punk movement and avant-garde architects rebelled against convention, challenging the status quo and questioning the very essence of architectural truth. In this tumultuous landscape, architecture became more than just physical structures; it became a battleground for competing ideologies and narratives. The digital revolution added another layer of complexity, blurring the lines between reality and virtuality, tradition and innovation. Science, technology, and art converged in a quest for meaning and relevance in an increasingly complex world. Yet amidst the chaos, there remains a longing for authenticity and cultural continuity. King Charles's vision for Poundbury, with its emphasis on community, heritage, and sustainability, resonates with those who seek refuge from the relentless march of progress. However, his critics argue that such nostalgia risks stifling creativity and diversity, relegating architecture to a mere reflection of past glories. As architects navigate this multifaceted landscape, they grapple with existential questions about their role in society. Are they mere servants of tradition, guardians of the past, or agents of change, catalysts for innovation? Can architecture transcend its material form to address deeper societal issues, from inequality to environmental degradation? In the end, the debate over architectural styles is not just about aesthetics; it's about identity, values, and aspirations. King Charles's legacy, whether celebrated or contested, reminds us of the enduring power of architecture to shape our lives and our world. As architects, we must embrace diversity, dialogue, and dissent, recognizing that the true beauty of architecture lies not in its conformity to tradition, but in its capacity to inspire, provoke, and transform. #ArchitectureDebate #TraditionVsInnovation #ArchitecturalIdentity #CulturalRevolution