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JS Bach Chamber Music Hall by Zaha Hadid Architects

TheFuture — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:38:35 +0000

The JS Bach Chamber Music Hall is a brilliant concept design installed at Manchester Art Gallery in order to house musical performances. The hall is built on a steel structure covered with a transparent fabric membrane suspended form the ceiling which divides and encloses the space aside from creating a stage, area for audience and passages for in and out of the hall. Above the stage, clear and acrylic panes are suspended, offering perfect disperse and reflect of sound. A massive ribbon swirls within the hall is carving out a visual and spatial response to the obscure relationships of Bach’s harmonies. Since the ribbon staggers above the performer and cascades into the ground along with wraps around the listeners, the original box shaped room is quite absent, rather, only fluid spaces are visible that are swelling, slipping and merging through one another. The design surely will enhance the diversity of Bach’s work via a coherent structural and formal logic integration.

From the website:
JS BACH / ZAHA HADID ARCHITECTS CHAMBER MUSIC HALL AT MANCHESTER ART GALLERY FOR MANCHESTER INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL.Zaha Hadid Architects have created a unique chamber music hall specially designed to house solo performances of the exquisite music of Johann Sebastian Bach.

A voluminous ribbon swirls within the room, carving out a spatial and visual response to the intricate relationships of Bach’s harmonies. As the ribbon careens above the performer, cascades into the ground and wraps around the audience, the original room as a box is sculpted into fluid spaces swelling, merging, and slipping through one another.

“The design enhances the multiplicity of Bach’s work through a coherent integration of formal and structural logic. A single continuous ribbon of fabric swirls around itself, creating layered spaces to cocoon the performers and audience with in an intimate fluid space.” said Hadid.The process of realizing the design involved architectural considerations of scale, structure and acoustics to develop a dynamic formal dialogue inseparable from its intended purpose as an intimate chamber music hall.

A layering of spaces and functions is achieved through the ribbon wrapping around itself, alternately compressing to the size of a handrail then stretching to enclose the full height of the room. Circulatory and visual connections are continually discovered as one passes through the multiple layers of space delineated by the ribbon.

The ribbon itself consists of a translucent fabric membrane articulated by an internal steel structure suspended from the ceiling. The surface of the fabric shell undulates in a constant but changing rhythm as it is stretched over the internal structure.It varies between the highly tensioned skin on the exterior of the ribbon and the soft billowing effect of the same fabric on the interior of the ribbon. Clear acrylic acoustic panels are suspended above the stage to reflect and disperse the sound, while remaining visually imperceptible within the fabric membrane.

Programmed lighting and a series of dispersed musical recordings activate the spaces between the ribbon outside of performance times. The installation is designed to be transportable and re-installed in other similar venues.

Pivotal to its function is the performance of the ribbon. It has been designed to simultaneously enhance the acoustic experience of the concert while spatially defining a stage, an intimate enclosure, and passageways. It exists at a scale in which it is perceived as both an object floating in a room as well as a temporal architecture that invites one to enter, inhabit and explore.

Designer : Zaha Hadid Architects via Dezeen

Autonomous Living Unit : Futuristic Chair by Eduardo McIntosh

TheFuture — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:27:02 +0000

Autonomous Living Unit has been demonstrated last April for the first time in the Future Cities exhibition occurred in New York City which is a concept chair with a unique look that integrates all the functions that a home may have into a single chair. This concept is outlined by imagining the furniture that could be fitted in derelict buildings to provide the fundamental needs of human being. This project symbolizes the current housing crisis due to the tendency of people to live on their own and the tradition of transforming architecture into consumer products. In fact, this concept product shows the visually alluring yet most minimal objects that still can provide the basic needs of human being.

From Eduardo:
Autonomous Living Units is a somewhat satirical project that stands at the intersection of the current housing crisis, the tendency of people in developed countries to live on their own and the trend of turning architecture into a consumer product. The project poses a scenario in which living units (homes) have evolved into the most minimal yet visually alluring objects that can still provide for the basic needs of the 21st century human being.

Because of the morphing of architecture into furniture, the Living Units could be inserted in derelict areas and ruined housing projects. This project was exhibited among others at the d3 Gallery in New York for the “Future Cities: Past, Present” exhibition in April 2009.

Designer : Eduardo McIntosh via [Dezeen]

Novague Rocking Chair Generates Energy to Light a LED Lamp

TheFuture — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 04:35:08 +0000

Novague, a Prague design studio, have proposed a rocking chair concept that will be able to produce enough power for a reading light by converting the rocking motion into electricity. The LED lamp is empowered by a dynamo that can convert the mechanic energy acquired by the movement of the chair into electric energy. A simple steam engine like kinematic mechanism is set under the seat which works with a sliding lever that pulls a flywheel disc while the chair rocks. Produced energy is either supplied to the LED lamp or deposited in the batteries for later use. The aim of the principle is to develop the awareness among mass people of producing their required energy easily by themselves.

Novague words:
Move Your Energy is a power-independent rocking chair with a LED lamp designed especially for reading. The lamp is run by dynamo which changes the mechanic energy obtained by rocking to electric energy. You produce energy needed for lighting on your own.

A simple kinematic arrangement is placed beneath the seat. Mechanism is similar to those used in steam engines and it works together with a sliding lever that runs a flywhell disc while you rock. Produced energy is either deposited in batteries or it supplies the LED lamp.

The principal aims of this concept were to arouse a discussion about „How to achieve the energetic self-sufficiency in the future“ and to make public think about how much energy we could save if we produce energy needed for common day-to-day activities on our own and moreover by amazing and spontaneous way that is friendly to environment.

Designer : Novague via [Dezeen]

Queens Museum of Art Conceptual Design by Elliot White

TheFuture — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 03:29:31 +0000

The new conceptual design by Elliot White, a New York based architecture student as improvisations over the Queens Museum of Art has some interesting facets to it. The said building will be constructed using the lattice structure and after covering the layer with concrete, a plastic bag will be placed as a support for hardening the concrete during construction. The design will be raised off the ground, which creates an area for public space underneath the design wherein there is flexibility so that one can organize events even when the museum is close.

Elliot says :
This project was completed in the fall of 2008 under the direction of David Ruy and Karel Klein of RuyKlein. The intention was to develop sensitivities to surface conditions. The work included physical and digital modeling experiments in cloth. The site is a redevelopment of the Queens Museum at the World’s Fair site in Queens, New York. The museum contains a permanent display of a very large-scale model of New York City’s five boroughs.

Unexpectedly the physical modeling of the cloth produced a most interesting and unintended result. This unexpected result however, provided a fantastic jumping off point for digital exploration. By raising the program off the ground level a public space is created under the building that offers access round the clock, offering space for events even when the museum is closed.

A structural lattice provides ample interior spaces while creating a process that significantly simplifies construction. A plastic ‘bladder’ is inflated inside the structural lattice, then a layer of Concrete Canvass is laid on top, sprayed with water, and sets on the outside of the lattice.

As for the interior, I wanted to create a sense of corporeality. To accomplish this I have taken the top lines of the interior of the shell and pulled them out in a manner that creates a landscape that must be negotiated in three dimensions. The interior walls would be constructed out of stacked glass, creating translucent divisions of the rooms.

Designer : Elliot White via Dezeen

“Yo” : MP3 Player Dock with Removable Speakers

TheFuture — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 07:08:07 +0000

Instead of taking your music player for an outing how would it be if you just need to take your ipod or MP3? Yes you can enjoy the same loud music through your ipod with the help of Yo stereo speakers by American designer Victor Vetterlein. YO is a portable MP3 player dock with removable speakers. Due to its compatibility it could be taken anywhere just as your ipod or MP3 player. It is fitted with rechargeable lithium ion batteries that can either be charged through power supply or simply by wind or solar energy. Removable rods mounted at the top provide an easy handling.

From Victor Vetterlein :
Introducing ‘YO’ – an iPod and MP3 stereo speaker dock by Victor Vetterlein

YO is a rechargeable and wireless stereo speaker docking station for digital audio players. The system is portable, waterproof, and suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Inside the dock base are lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries that are capable of powering the stereo system for hours when the unit is disconnected from a power source. The design intention is that a renewable energy source such as solar power, wind power, or hydroelectricity charges the battery packs when the stereo is not in use.

The speakers also contain lithium-ion batteries in their base, and recharge when placed in the stereo base portals. The batteries also provide high-density ballast enabling the speakers to stand upright when removed from the charging ports.

The speaker enclosure is designed to amplify sound. The speakers are mounted in the rear of the speaker housing. Similar to a megaphone, the front portion of the speaker enclosure is extruded to increase and direct sound.

Two removable rods are mounted between the stereo speakers to stabilize the stereo assembly and provide a lifting handle when the unit is transported.

Designer : Victor Vetterlein via Dezeen

“Symbiotic Villa” by Zaha Hadid Architects

TheFuture — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:09:24 +0000

Looking at this extravagant design, anyone would say “Dream Project” or “Futuristic Castle”. Zaha Hadid has designed a Symbiotic Villa for the Next-Gene 20 project in Taiwan. The project was launched in Venice during the architecture biennale. Each and every part of this architecture is amazingly designed to impress the audience. Whether you talk about the stunning windows designed to capture light or the perforated walls in different angles. Overall, it is a light based design with its unique identity and amazing approach. One can get a natural feeling and comfort while walking inside this structure.

Designer : Zaha Hadid Architects via Dezeen

Concert and Congress Centre by Future Systems

TheFuture — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:09:34 +0000

Have you ever imagined how meetings or performances would take place in Heaven? Well, check out this Antonin Dvorak Concert and Congress Centre designed by Future Systems which is going to offer you a feel of Heaven Cultural and Commercial Spaces. Antonin Dvorak is a cultural space and grand entrance which is open constituted from restaurants areas, café lounges, dance floors and music halls. There are 2 concert halls with a seating arrangement of 1000 people and a chamber music hall with accommodation of 400 people. Each and every hall is created of sensual free form curves that manage to join artistic beauty with amazing audio quality that is only enhanced by the ‘eye’ window concept. People are surely going to have a thrilling experience in Antonin Dvorak structure.

Designer : Future Systems via Dezeen

Futuristic Medical Center Concept for Rehabilitation of Trauma Surgery Patients

TheFuture — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 06:09:55 +0000

Medical center concept designed by Sarah Schneider is a whole new concept of outer space home base right in the middle of Alps where people love to have Jacuzzi and fly ion jet wings. It is an unbelievable concept for a medical center for rehabilitation of trauma surgery patients. This unrealistic concept is no less than an Alien Space Ship. But no one can imagine how much investment and labor this concept would require for construction. Designed to accommodate 50 patients, it features balconies overlooking the mountains and raised walkways running through the surrounding forests. Looks pretty awesome for a medical center in the future.

From Sarah Schneider:
Asemic Scapes – Rehabilitation Center Rainberg

This project is a conceptual design for a rehabilitation center for trauma and post surgery patients with a capacity of 50 beds in the Austrian Alps, in Vorarlberg. In general rehab centers like their predecessors the sanatoriums of the 19th and 20th century are based on a dualistic set of values: they embody the belief in the healing power of technology and the healing power of nature, which is why they are mostly situated in prestine landscapes.

Therefore my attempt was to develop a contemporary relationship to the landscape based on calligraphic ornamentation. Calligraphy is adding an idea of creating variation through artistic expression to a technical matter of communication and is connected to ornamentation which generally uses natural motifs and often rules of natural growth.

The project develops an architecture that uses rules of natural growth and connects both growth and ornament, with a landscape environment, topologically and calligraphically. The ornament creates a symbiotic relationship with the existing environment by framing existing topographic features and at the same time giving a feedback to the landscape by creating topographical irregularities.

In the landscape the ornament starts to organize the ground by subtle terracing and it creates paths that break the clear definition of an indoor ñ outdoor boundary by running through the building, widening up to create bigger platforms and shrinking back to paths when leaving the building again. This ornamented landscape topography develops the roof structure transforming from a plan calligraphy into a complex volumetric condition of overlay and envelope.

Designer : Sarah Schneider via Dezeen

Hotel, Conference and Exhibition Complex by Snøhetta

TheFuture — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 07:05:53 +0000

The new hotel, conference, and exhibition complex is coming up in the emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates can be nominated for the designer masterpiece. Designed by Nowergian architects Snøhetta, this 150km construction is expected to begin later this year. Right in the middle of the complex is the proposed 200 m tower which is a setting for a 5 star hotel which will offer panoramic view of the emirates. The space shall be utilized for various purposes as it can be developed for conference center, hotel and other commercial activities. One thing is for sure that this will be one of the most advanced centers in Dubai.

Official words from Snøhetta :
Snøhetta has been commissioned by the Ras Al Khaimah investment Authority and RAKEEN to undertake the architectural design for the Gateway project in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Situated in the desert 150 km to the east of Dubai this landmark project will mark the gateway to the emirate and form the entrance to the new planned capital city of Ras Al Khaimah.

The urban master plan for the city is currently being under taken by the Netherlands based architectural practice OMA. The Gateway project is situated at the entrance to the city and will form a landmark for the city entrance.

The architectural expression for our proposal is inspired by the surrounding desert and mountain landscape. This concept provides for an infinite variety of naturally shaded, intimate and protected spaces, around which the multiple uses associated with the development are woven. The undulating architectural landscape is resolved in a dramatic landmark tower marking the main gateway plaza. This 200 m high tower will be the setting for a 5 star plus hotel affording panoramic views across the emirate, to the gulf and mountains beyond.

The programme calls for a mixed-use development comprising a conference centre, exhibition centre, hotels and retail space. In total it is expected to be 270 000m2 of build area. In addition there will be substantial areas of associated garden and landscape. Externally the building will be clad in ceramic panels, this will be developed together with Ras Al Khaimah ceramics, one of the world leading producers of ceramic products.

Designer : Snøhetta via Dezeen

Farrer Road in Singapore by Zaha Hadid Architects

TheFuture — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 06:44:38 +0000

The new building concept designed by Zaha Hadid Architects in Farrer Road in Singapore would be an architectural wonder if one looks at the designs. The overall design wishes to communicate the florid vegetation in the Singapore’s climate. The overall project is organized into 7 towers growing from sunken private gardens in the landscape to the sky above. The lower floor highlight the point of buildings meeting the ground, yet providing private space for gardens and vegetation which is unique given the kind of construction involved. The overall look and feel of the tower is like petals blossoming and it sure will not just be an architectural marvel but a revolutionary one too.

Here is some info from Zaha Hadid Architects:

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Site Analysis

The Farrer Court site is located in a strategic position within the residential area of Singapore, close to the amenities of Holland Road and the future MRT station. The absence of high rise buildings in the near surroundings and direct connection to the main traffic route of Farrer Road make this a prestigious and highly visible site across the whole city.

Site Proposal

ZHA’s Proposal for the Farrer Court site is generated by the study of the existing alignments and the main axis surrounding the site, which are brought in and connected to generate a series of construction lines highly connected to the neighbourhood. The ground landscape level is visualized as a very green layer, which wants to emphasize the presence of florid vegetation in the Singapore’s climate.

The site levels are re-organized into a series of terraced plateaus to maximise the area dedicated to communal site amenities. The orientation and placement of the buildings is optimized in relation to the local environment as well as to maximize views out towards the surrounding city and landscape.

Building Proposal

The program is organized into 7 towers, which grow from sunken private gardens within the site landscape. The lower floors kink in to highlight the point where buildings meet the ground, enabling yet a greater open area and the creation of highly private gardens which are quite unique given the scale and density of the development. The towers are subdivided into petals according to the number of residential units per floor, with a common principle a series of diverse and unique towers can be generated.

The petals are expressed in three dimensions thanks to vertical cuts which give definition to the building’s façades and, at the same time, allow for cross ventilation of most of the flats. The buildings culminate at the top with a series of fingers stepped at different heights, which blend the transition between the architectural fabric and the sky. Through rotating the buildings across the site, and the careful use of balconies and façade panelling a combination of self similar towers produce an incredible amount of diversity across the development.

PROGRAM: 7 high-end residential towers and landscape deck

CLIENT: CapitaLand, Singapore

ARCHITECT: Design Zaha Hadid with Patrik Schumacher

Project Architects Michele Pasca di Magliano, Viviana Muscettola
Project Manager Charles Walker
Project Team Effie Kuan, Bozana Komljenovic, Sophie Le Bienvenu, Helen Lee, Kelly Lee, Evan Erlebacher, Ludovico Lombardi, Annarita Pape schi, Hoon Lee, Clara Martins, Dominiki Dadatsi, Eleni Pavlido Federico Dunkelberg, Gorka Blas, Loreto Flores, Hee Seung Lee, Feng Lin, Jose M. Monfa, Sandra Riess, Selahattin Tuysuz, Zhong Tian, Ta-Kang Hsu, Emily Chang

CONSULTANTS: M&E Engineering (Concept) Max Fordham, London

Landscape Architect (Concept) GROSSMAX, Edinburgh
Local Architect RSP, Singapore
Structural Engineering Maunsell, Singapore
M&E Engineering BECA, Singapore
Landscape Architect ICN, Singapore
Quantity Surveyor DLS, Singapore

SIZE: Gross Floor Area 220.000 sqm towers + 70.000 sqm basement

Height of towers 150m

Designer : Zaha Hadid Architects via Dezeen