BOB361 transformed a former goldsmithery into a pleasant  living/working environment. Partial demolition helped in providing a larger permeability and plenty of light and ventilation  that is needed by the internal spaces to become suitable for in their new role. The linear organization distributes the spaces along a gradual progression that takes the visitor from the public areas to semipublic courtyards, and finally the more private lofts and gardens.

The Abu Dhabi Eco Park master plan represents the framework for a new urban community, and a roadmap for how this land will be transformed into a model of sustainable living. The sustainability plan, closely modeled on the One Planet Living guiding principles, lays out the vision, strategies, and actions necessary to create an environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable development for the enjoyment of residents, visitors, and neighboring communities.

Do industrial buildings have to be dull? Not necessarily, if we rely on this project by Danish architects, KHR Arkitekter. The combined production and administration building for fiberglass manufacturer Fiberline, stands as a piece of identity-generating ‘countryside-art’ by the motorway close to Middelfart. Like a hill the building grows out of the landscape and arches its back against the sky.

We are revisiting this outstanding house that we had posted back in March 2010. It has recently  received the AIA 2011 Housing Awards.

Built like its neighbors, over a century ago and part of a continuous network of buildings in a historical district, this town house has been completely renovated. Regulations required that the traditional limestone facade remain intact.

Photographs by Paul Warchol

The bottom floor of the facade has been reworked within the existing limestone composition in an effort to provide a separate entrance and storefront for a future commercial tenant in the lower level. The rear facade, located in an alley has been completely reworked to provide more light into the building.

Europan invites young architects, urban planners, landscape architects, designers, artists, researchers and students from all over Europe to take part in the great European discourse on urbanism and architecture. Back in January 2009, Europan launched its 10th edition seeking proposals with innovative ideas, developing ambitious urban projects within 62 cities. There was 56 winners among 2,429 entries. We are focusing this post on the winning proposition for an urban development in the city of Oslo by Eriksen Skajaa Architects.

All images by Eriksen Skajaa Architects

Songdo International Business District (IBD) is being developed on 1,500 acres of reclaimed land in South Korea along Incheon’s waterfront, 40 miles from Seoul and just seven miles from Incheon International Airport. Developed by Gale International and Korea’s POSCO E&C, this master-planned metropolis is a model of sustainable, city-scale development and innovation.

The Gateway Center, which is defined by six office towers over three city blocks, will be become one of Songdo’s premier office complexes. The heart of the city’s business district will consist of the Gateway Center and the three adjacent blocks to the north that make up the International Plaza.

The six towers of the Gateway Center will create a striking silhouette in the emerging New Songdo City. Although the towers are essentially square in plan, they are clad in undulating and flowing reflective glass surfaces that will clearly mark the gateway into the New Songdo City.