A new typology of architecture has been created in which there is an intentional association with water—aquatecture. Our fascination with the sea has led us to create opportunities for both temporary and permanent aquatic living. Created for two reasons, aquatecture is meant to provide either leisurely temporary accommodation or permanent residence when time on land is no longer an option.
The mixed-use structure was build to withstand harsh Florida winds while remaining sustainable, taking into account energy and water saving techniques. Wrapping around the thick concrete is a glass façade that protrudes from different angles. Often referred to as ‘blobitecture,’ the exterior takes on the formation of a continuously growing organism. The triangular glass panels allow natural light to flood the interior, showcasing the cascading steel and concrete spiraling staircase.
In the European Union, the average amount of energy consumed by buildings is 42 percent, forcing national governments to tighten restrictions on new and renovating construction. Instead of rebuilding the 155-meter Deutsche Bank towers they chose to modernize the existing structure into one of the greenest buildings in the world. The firm responsible for the reconstruction was Mario Bellini Architects (MBA), whose innovative take on modernization is increasingly apparent in the interior of the structure.
In 2003, German designer, Werner Aisslinger conceptualized a futuristic take on portable living. The idea Aisslinger coined the “Loftcube,” was soon picked up by businessman and hotelier, Josef Innerhofer. Its initial purpose was to create low-energy, affordable living spaces in urban areas. Interestingly, the very first prototype produced was housed on the roof of an urban high-rise.
45 rue Louis Blanc, Paris X Program ECDM Architectes Paris, France Competition: 2007 In the late 1990s, the Paris city real-estate authority (RIVP) launched the construction of a new housing development in the Xth Arrondissement of Paris. The cost-efficient housing project was required to cover a 600-m2 area and abide by environmental standards. The architects, [...Read the Rest...]
