Author Archive
Savannah House – Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Building: Savannah House (Nicknamed “Giraffe House”)
Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Completion Date: 2009
Architects: LAM Architects
Structural Engineers: CAE Nederland
Contractors: Dura Vermeer Heyma Rotterdam
Clients: Rotterdam Zoo (& their giraffes!)
AE Interests: “Cradle to cradle” sustainability concept/philosophy; Minimal maintenance required; Natural air ventilation (see upper left-hand diagram); Rainwater collection system; Walls & glass optimized for passive solar energy utilization; Use of non-toxic/reused/recyclable materials
Batumi Aquarium – Batumi, Georgia
images © Henning Larsen Architects
Building: Batumi Aquarium
Location: Rustaveli Str., Batumi, The Republic of Georgia
Estimated Completion Date: 2010
Architect: Henning Larsen Architects
Client: Association A.T.U.
AE Interests: Organic architecture (influenced by Batumi’s local beach pebbles); Exhibition areas are self-supporting; Interconnecting space between/under structure
Massar Children’s Discovery Centre – Damascus, Syria
images © Henning Larsen Architects & Buro Happold
Building: Massar Children’s Discovery Centre Project
Location: Damascus, Syria
Estimated Completion Date: 2013
Architects: Henning Larsen Architects
Structural Engineers: Buro Happold
Landscape Architects: Martha Schwartz Partners
Clients: Massar
AE Interests: Organic architecture (influenced by the Damascus rose); Curvaceous shape reduces energy loads from the sun; Utilization of solar-powered geothermal heating system; Water recycling system; Clay plaster material for interior walls & outdoor hollowcore slabs provide natural ventilation; Features ground cooling store system & Earth tube/labyrinth system
Nakagin Capsule Tower – Tokyo, Japan
Building: Nakagin Capsule Tower
Location: Ginza neighborhood of Tokyo, Japan
Completion Date: 1972
Architect: Kisho Kurokawa (黒川 紀章)
Structural Engineers: Gengo Matsui + ORS
Electrical Engineers: Electrical Equipment Planning Laboratory
General Contractor: Taisei Corporation
AE Interests: 1st capsule architecture; Steel & reinforced concrete material; 2 interconnected concrete towers (core structure); Replaceable/removable premade cubic capsules (individual units); 4 high-tension bolts hold capsules to main shafts; May be renovated or demolished
Yantai Towers – Yantai, China
Building: Yantai Towers
Location: Yantai, China
Completion: 2009
Architects: LAB Architecture Studios
AE Interests: Mixed-use residential and retail development; Simple infill aluminium mullion & transform framing system
