Archinect - News

MVRDV designs mixed-use building in the shape of a bust of Albania's national hero

2022-08-03T16:20:00-04:00

Construction has begun on a mixed-use building by MVRDV that, at 279 feet tall and sculpted into the shape of a bust of Albania’s national hero, will be one of the world’s largest buildings that double as a sculpture. The Skanderbeg Building, officially known as Tirana’s Rock, will provide functional housing while serving as a landmark in the heart of Albania’s capital, Tirana.

Gjergj Kastrioti (1405-1468), commonly known as Skanderbeg, is a central figure in Albania’s history. He is celebrated for his role in Albania's conception as a nation-state. The building is located on the northeastern corner of the main public square in Tirana, which is named after the figure, Skanderbeg Square.

Image render courtesy of MVRDV.

“Carved” into the volume, Skanderbeg’s head is turned to the right facing the square, with "his shoulders aligning with the widest parts of the site," shares the firm. To achieve this design, balconies are found wrapped around the building on every level. Their curved ...

10 green rooftop spaces we liked this week

2021-05-14T14:24:00-04:00

In case you haven't checked out Archinect's Pinterest boards in a while, we have compiled ten recently pinned images from outstanding projects on various Archinect Firm and People profiles.

Today's top images (in no particular order) are from the board Rooftop Spaces.

Tip: use the handy FOLLOW feature to easily keep up-to-date with all your favorite Archinect profiles.

↑ 500 West 21st Street in New York, NY by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF)

↑ Vertical Loft in New York, NY by SKOLNICK Architecture + Design Partnership; Photo: Thomas Loof

↑ Jackson Tech House in Jackson, WY by Cushing Terrell in collaboration with Hoyt Architects; Photo: Gibeon Photography

↑ Tsuga Townhomes in Seattle, WA by Wittman Estes (the firm was also featured in Archinect's Studio Snapshots series); Photo: Miranda Estes

↑ ARTSPACE in Vienna, Austria by BEHF Architects; Photo: Hertha Hurnaus

↑ Mariposa1038 in Los Angeles, CA by Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects (learn what it takes to work at this firm in Archi...

10 breezy rooftop spaces for your Friday inspiration

2019-07-12T07:00:00-04:00

In case you haven't checked out Archinect's Pinterest boards in a while, we have compiled ten recently pinned images from outstanding projects on various Archinect Firm and People profiles.

(Tip: use the handy FOLLOW feature to easily keep up-to-date with all your favorite Archinect profiles!)

Today's top images (in no particular order) are from the board Rooftop Spaces.

↑ Diane Von Furstenberg HQ in New York, NY by WORKac; Landscape: Town and Gardens; Photo: Elizabeth Felicella

↑ Park Avenue Rooftop in New York, NY by Murdock Solon Architects

↑ QUAD HOUSE in Beijing, China by ARCHISTRY design&research office

↑ Tarbut V'Torah Community Day School in Irvine, CA by LPA Inc.

↑ Harmony Apartment Renovation in Glyfáda, Greece by schema architecture & engineering; Photo: Nikos Alexopoulos

↑ M·Cube in Beijing, China by MVRDV; Photo: Seth Powers Photography

↑ The Ritz Carlton Moskau / O2 Lounge Terrace in Moscow, Russia by destilat Design Studio GmbH; Photo: Monika Nguyen

↑ SL11024 in Los A...

Thomas Heatherwick reveals EDEN, his newest residential project in Singapore

2019-04-19T14:44:00-04:00

Thomas Heatherwick's name has circulated through the media thanks to his affiliation with Hudson Yards and his unforgettable public centerpiece whose given name is yet to be confirmed. The infamous Vessel has received several responses and critiques. However, with Hudson Yard's recent opening a little over a month ago Heatherwick has been busy working on the unveiling of another project in Singapore.

(L) Image © Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images. (R) Thomas Heatherwick, Image © Swire Properties

Recently, the British designer's name has been primarily linked and eclipsed by Hudson Yard's "Vessel." However, in Singapore Heatherwick Studio showcases its newest residential project. The tower stands 20-stories tall within Singapore's Draycott Park in the Orchard Road Neighborhood. Named "Eden," the tower is said to be an application and case-study of "globalized architectural replication and environmentalism."

Eden stands in the historic Orchard Road neighborhood. Image © Swire Propertie...

These modular “Social Balconies” create semi-public gathering spaces on any building facade

2018-11-08T15:11:00-05:00

[Designed by Edwin van Capelleveen,] the project consists of a modular toolkit of bridges and stairs that are able to connect balconies in any type of building. These connections create a semi-public space which allows neighbors to connect with one another...Edwin, inspired by a housing complex he inhabited in Denmark...wanted to create such a space without having to “significantly alter already existing buildings”

New social housing project in Paris features a balcony network design

2018-09-11T15:19:00-04:00

A new social housing project by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes was recently completed this year in Paris near the Clignancourt University campus. The 63 housing unit structure is part of a larger development comprised of two apartment buildings and a university cafeteria.

Croisset Social Housing by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes, located in Paris. © Schnepp Renou

In line with the growing greenbelt, the firm created a large, south-facing open area at the middle of the development and a meadow on the roof of the restaurant.

Croisset Social Housing by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes, located in Paris. © Schnepp Renou

The project aims to give new language to the architecture of social housing. With a compact design, the structure is elongated by a second, lightweight skin highlighting its verticality.

Croisset Social Housing by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes, located in Paris. © Schnepp Renou

The network of balconies orchestrates a facade pattern of single and double heights following the floor plan g...

10 airy rooftop spaces for your Friday inspiration

2018-05-11T09:00:00-04:00

In case you haven't checked out Archinect's Pinterest boards in a while, we have compiled ten recently pinned images from outstanding projects on various Archinect Firm and People profiles.

(Tip: use the handy FOLLOW feature to easily keep up-to-date with all your favorite Archinect profiles!)

Today's top images (in no particular order) are from the board Rooftop Spaces.

↑ The Standard at South Market in New Orleans, LA by Morris Adjmi Architects

↑ Vancouver Convention Centre West in Vancouver, Canada by LMN Architects; Landscape architect: PWL Partnership Landscape Architects Inc.

↑ Birdhouse in Buffalo, NY by asap/ adam sokol architecture practice

↑ Peter's House in San Francisco, CA by Craig Steely Architecture

↑ Fifth Avenue Penthouse in New York, NY by Shenton Architects in collaboration with Sharmila McConnell and Christoper Stevens; Photo: Peter Murdock

↑ Row House 1 in Brooklyn, NY by Office of Architecture; Photo: Rafael Gamo

↑ Gates Family Foundation Offices + Roof Deck in...

The high rise apartment terrace is evolving

2018-05-01T17:54:00-04:00

If yesterday’s terraces were just little rectangular slabs tacked onto the sides of buildings — on which a tenant might cower, or perhaps more likely, rarely step foot — today’s are becoming increasingly generous and welcoming. Some developers and architects are ushering in a new age of terrace design in a bid to provide more interesting outdoor space, capitalize on views and add greenery. In the process, they’re adding drama to the buildings themselves.

Via 57 West terraces (pictured above) are inset to the building by BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group). The firm names them “cockpits” due to their shelter against wind and noise.

305 East 44th Street terrace floor rendering. Image: Moso Studio.

Terraces of 1,400-square-feet will be located between apartment floors at 305 East 44th Street. The design will also feature spiral staircase leading from an apartment to its outdoor space.

Rendering of 48-unit residence development by FXCollaborative. Image: Williams New York.

Adding value to the traditional function of a terrace, FXCollaborative took inspiration for this design from rippling water on the East River nearby.

Ten Top Images on Archinect's "Rooftop Spaces" Pinterest Board

2017-08-25T20:32:00-04:00

In case you haven't checked out Archinect's Pinterest boards in a while, we have compiled ten recently pinned images from outstanding projects on various Archinect Firm and People profiles.

(Tip: use the handy FOLLOW feature to easily keep up-to-date with all your favorite Archinect profiles!)

Today's top images (in no particular order) are from the board Rooftop Spaces.

↑ Mayfair House in London, UK by Squire and Partners; Photo: Gareth Gardner

↑ J+K Residence in New York, NY by STUDIO V Architecture; Photo: David Rahr

↑ Ocean Deck House in Bridgehampton, NY by Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects; Photo: Matthew Carbone

↑ PH Fuentes in Monterrey, Mexico by P+0 Arquitectura

↑ Wooster Street Loft in New York, NY by Space4Architecture

↑ deckweiß in Berlin, Germany by brandt+simon architekten

↑ Tsinghua Ocean Center in Shenzhen, China by OPEN Architecture; Photo: Zhang Chao

↑ David Zwirner, 20th Street in New York, NY by Selldorf Architects; Photo: Todd Eberle

↑ Celtic Museum in Glauburg,...

Marina City balconies off-limits to residents during prolonged repair work: 'Summer Bummer'

2016-07-11T15:36:00-04:00

It’s shaping up to be one bummer of a summer for Marina City, where some residents have been banned from their balconies. City inspectors discovered trouble with nearly 2,000 balcony railings [...] While crews work to fix 1,920 handrail posts, 1,300 balusters and 1,020 bottom rails, some residents have been banned from using the balconies for four months or longer. [...] “What’s worse is that we’re not allowed to open the door to the balcony to let the breeze in.”

The iconic Marina City towers—now officially a city landmark—recently in the Archinect news:

Berkeley balcony collapse investigation: no criminal charges from the DA, but five contractors could face license revocation

2016-04-19T17:25:00-04:00

The Californian district attorney investigating a balcony collapse that killed six students – five Irish and one Irish American – and seriously injured seven others in June last year has said she will not be bringing manslaughter charges because a successful prosecution seems unlikely.

"But another state agency, California’s Contractors State License Board (CSLB), has determined that five contractors involved in building the balcony probably violated California law, and has submitted its findings to the state’s Attorney General’s office. The move could lead to the suspension or revocation of the contractors’ licenses."

The tragic Berkeley balcony collapse previously in the Archinect news:

Ten Top Images on Archinect's NEW "Rooftop Spaces" Pinterest Board

2016-04-01T18:26:00-04:00

In case you haven't checked out Archinect's Pinterest boards in a while, we have compiled ten recently pinned images from outstanding projects on various Archinect Firm and People profiles.

(Tip: use the handy FOLLOW feature to easily keep up-to-date with all your favorite Archinect profiles!)

Today's top images (in no particular order) are from the brand new board Rooftop Spaces.

↑ A Hard Working House in London, UK by Urban Projects Bureau; Photo: Richard Leeney

↑ Hotel Básico in Playa del Carmen, Mexico by Central de Arquitectura

↑ Harrison Street in San Francisco, CA by Dawson and Clinton

↑ Sculptural rooftop & garden in Chicago, IL by dSpace Studio

↑ 930 Poydras Residential Tower in New Orleans, LA by Eskew+Dumez+Ripple

↑ Chelsea Roof Terrace in New York, NY by James Cleary Architecture, Landscape Design: Rumsey Farber Landscape Architecture; Photo: Jason Valdina

↑ DNA Model Management in New York, NY by Calvert Wright Architecture | Spatial Discipline; Photo: Bjorg Magnea

↑ Xafix House ...

Just add balconies? Sydney deliberates future of brutalist housing landmark

2015-07-29T18:51:00-04:00

At what cost? The LAVA plan could be difficult to manage structurally, cost a significant amount of money and see Sirius occupants relocated anyway. But it could also be a more sustainable option than knocking down and rebuilding.

SIRIUS in 2014.

Alas, the curse of the "brutalist eyesore" continues with the historic SIRIUS apartment building in Sydney, designed by architect Tao (Theodore) Gofers in 1978-79. Adding a third option to the demolish-preserve debate that typically ensues, local architecture firm LAVA proposed the addition of "clip-on" curved balconies as an amenity upgrade that the firm says would spruce up the building's appearance while also preserve the original structure.

After deadly balcony collapse, Berkeley building and safety codes tighten

2015-07-17T18:29:00-04:00

Balconies in Berkeley must now pass a safety inspection every three years, and new ones must be built of rot-proof wood or steel, under measures passed Tuesday as the campus community addresses the deaths last month of six young people and grave injury of seven more. [...] With pressure from one council member and the lawyer for one of those killed in the June 16 tragedy, the City Council agreed to shorten the time between mandatory inspections [from five] to three years.

The deadly balcony collapse that took place almost exactly a month ago today prompted an investigation into Berkeley's building codes and safety inspections, culminating in this new inspection practice. Primary in the discussion of safe and best building practices here on Archinect was the use of wood, especially in climates where water can drastically compromise a building's integrity.

We discuss the delicate balancing of liability among city building departments, victims and building owners on episode #36 of Archinect Sessions.

For background on the balcony collapse in Berkeley, California:

Think of sunnier days ahead with this floating "Walk-On" balcony

2015-02-11T15:07:00-05:00

On a regular office workday when the weather is fair, it can be hard to resist stepping outside to take a quick breather. The designers of Zalewski Architecture Group from Gliwice, Poland found themselves in a similar mindset as they looked out onto the dreary courtyard outside from their third-floor office. Then came the idea for the "Walk-on" balcony.

At only 80 cm wide, the narrow grassy pathway whirls and intertwines with itself while suspended in the air, latching itself to the walls of the surrounding buildings. It also features a polished metal palate underneath that mirrors its surroundings. Unless you're afraid of heights or are seeking a little adventure, the pathway "allows for a relaxing walk 'from office to office'" and adds some whimsical fun to the courtyard, as described by the designers.

With spring and summer outdoor events around the corner, the Zalewski Group's idea of the "Walk-on" balcony has potential to be fully realized into an interactive installation. From t...

BIG + HKS + MDA unveils Honeycomb resort design for The Bahamas

2014-01-27T15:14:00-05:00

BIG, in collaboration with HKS Architects and Michael Diggiss Architects, revealed their design for the Honeycomb residential building in the beach and golf resort community of Albany in The Bahamas. Commissioned by Tavistock Group and New Valley LLC, the 175,000 ft² (approx. 16,000 m²) residential building will be the tallest structure in Albany, set to become a new centerpiece for the city.

BIG sent us more details on the project right below:

"The façade has a hexagonal pattern that uniquely frames the natural beauty of the Island. The balconies are deep enough to not only provide outdoor spaces, but also summer kitchens and a pool sunken into the balcony of each unit."

"These pools have a transparent edge towards the plaza, eliminating the visual barrier between the pool and the environment. Bathers can be fully immersed in the view of the marina and the ocean beyond."

"Bjarke Ingels: 'Our design is driven by an effort to maximize the enjoyment of the abundant natural qualities of Al...

Balcon additionnel - the temporary balcony solution

2012-12-05T11:18:00-05:00

You lack a cozy balcony? No worries, Julien Berthier has the perfect solution for you: the ‘Balcon additionnel’. The small balcony will be lifted up to the building from a boom-truck on the ground. It fits every building, is permanently attached to the truck, allowing it to be quickly fitted and removed. An easy service for installing a plastic Haussmannian-style balcony on all kinds of buildings. The balcon additionnel is made from plastic resin, steel and paint.

Archinect - News

MVRDV designs mixed-use building in the shape of a bust of Albania's national hero

10 green rooftop spaces we liked this week

10 breezy rooftop spaces for your Friday inspiration

Thomas Heatherwick reveals EDEN, his newest residential project in Singapore

​These modular “Social Balconies” create semi-public gathering spaces on any building facade

New social housing project in Paris features a balcony network design

10 airy rooftop spaces for your Friday inspiration

The high rise apartment terrace is evolving

Ten Top Images on Archinect's "Rooftop Spaces" Pinterest Board

Marina City balconies off-limits to residents during prolonged repair work: 'Summer Bummer'

Berkeley balcony collapse investigation: no criminal charges from the DA, but five contractors could face license revocation

Ten Top Images on Archinect's NEW "Rooftop Spaces" Pinterest Board

Just add balconies? Sydney deliberates future of brutalist housing landmark

After deadly balcony collapse, Berkeley building and safety codes tighten

Think of sunnier days ahead with this floating "Walk-On" balcony

BIG + HKS + MDA unveils Honeycomb resort design for The Bahamas

Balcon additionnel - the temporary balcony solution

These modular “Social Balconies” create semi-public gathering spaces on any building facade