Architecture Archives - Azure Magazine

Out Now: The Climate Issue

Azure — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:56:00 +0000

Recently, we asked Tommaso Bitossi to explain “sufficiency before efficiency,” a core philosophy of Transsolar, where he works as an associate partner. “It’s about looking at how efficiency, in the past, has failed us,” he said. “In other words, our computers now are much more efficient than in 1995. However, now we have two laptops per person, one iPad, one smartphone et cetera…Or, our servers are now cooled very efficiently, but with the advent of A.I., we are exponentially increasing our need for data storage and computational power.”

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The gist: We need to craft our spaces to employ passive strategies for thermal comfort — and that means making the most of the site and climate, of natural light and breezes, and choosing materials and processes that are easy on the Earth. This approach can then be augmented by new technologies, systems and means of reducing — or neutralizing — the carbon footprint of a building’s construction and operations. First, let’s accomplish more through good design.

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Good design is synonymous with climate-conscious design in our Nov/Dec 2024 edition, which coincides with our inaugural Human/Nature conference, where Bitossi is a speaker. In our special climate issue, we spend time with Pat Hanson, whose Toronto firm, Gh3*, has brought profound beauty to urban infrastructure. (Beauty is also a need, and one that — together with sustainability, affordability, equity, inclusivity and many other exigencies — should be part of every brief.) We also feature an innovative social housing project in Spain by Peris+Toral, a Barcelona firm that bridges sustainability and affordability; and we speak with the activist architect Andrés Jaque about embracing complexity in order to better understand the myriad overlapping systems at work in any design undertaking.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Detroit’s Cultural Renaissance

How the Library Street Collective is building resilience into the city’s arts scene.

Good Works

Six inspiring projects around the world designed with a climate lens.

Delicious Circularity

In Madrid, SelgasCano creates a stunning restaurant with a sustainable ethos.

Emerging Eco Materials

The latest building blocks and finishes for a fully green fit-out.

Holiday Gift Guide

Thoughtful – and design-savvy – recommendations for your holiday list.

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6 Projects Pushing the Boundaries of Sustainable Design

Elizabeth Pagliacolo — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:51:00 +0000

Earth Forest Campus — Barcelona, Spain

PHOTO: Iwan Baan

Until recently, 3D-printed construction and traditional earth buildings existed at opposite ends of the technological spectrum. But an innovative Forest Campus in Barcelona’s Collserola Natural Park, developed by the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) with international architecture firm Hassel, combines the best of both worlds, marrying cutting-edge techniques with vernacular design. The product of over one decade of research, the 100-square-metre structure is a full-scale prototype for sustainable and affordable construction. Though 3D-printed architecture is typically made of carbon-intensive concrete, the Forest Campus was printed...

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Peris+Toral’s Social Housing in Son Servera, Mallorca, Is All About Community

Elizabeth Pagliacolo — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:47:00 +0000

In idyllic Son Servera on the island of Mallorca, Barcelona firm Peris+Toral Arquitectes has created an affordable housing project that feels of a piece with its surroundings. Its two buildings feature self-supporting facades composed of ashlars (square-cut masonry units) made of marés, the sandstone and limestone specific to the Balearic Islands. Positioned in parallel, yet staggered on the plot, the dual volumes break up the form of the whole in order to render it in scale with its broader context. They also negotiate uneven terrain.

“Each adapts to the topography: Although both have three floors, the one facing the landscape appears to have one floor less due to the higher street level,” explains José Toral, who co-founded...

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The Outhouse Gets a Major Makeover at a Washington Campsite

Sydney Shilling — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:46:00 +0000

Washrooms (or the lack thereof) are rarely the highlight of a camping trip. But a new destination for nature lovers in Long Beach, Washington, makes for an elegant exception. Japanese outdoor lifestyle company Snow Peak worked with local firm EFA Architect — led by Erik Fagerland with his son Scott as lead designer — to bring the elevated experience of its branded campsites in Japan to the North American market. The architects were tasked with designing a welcome pavilion and store, as well as the wash house and a spa.

In keeping with the aesthetic of Snow Peak’s Japanese campsites, the wash house is finished in shou sugi ban cladding from Nakamoto Forestry.

With a modest budget and big ambitions, the firm set out to...

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A Sustainable Aquatic Centre Founded on Community Engagement

Sydney Shilling — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:39:00 +0000

Like much of North America, New Westminster, BC, has a long and problematic colonial history. This dates all the way back to the city’s founding in 1859, when settlers displaced Chief Tsimilano, an Indigenous Elder who lived in the area’s Glenbrook Ravine (known as Stautlo by local First Nations people). In the 1960s, a portion of this lush landscape was then backfilled, making way for a community centre and an aquatic facility. Six decades later, with both buildings beyond repair, the city tapped Vancouver-based firm hcma architecture + design for a rebuild. To the design team, the project represented a chance to right past wrongs. “The erasure of the ravine was almost a metaphor for the erasure of Indigenous peoples, and we saw that...

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Snøhetta Delivers Shade and Rain Filtration Outside an Austin Museum

Eric Mutrie — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:33:00 +0000

Greenery harnesses sunlight and rainwater to spectacular effect — and the best designers are following suit. In addition to introducing 25,000 new plants to Austin’s Blanton Museum of Art, Snøhetta has also enhanced the cultural institution’s grounds (part of the larger University of Texas at Austin campus) with Moody Patio: a forest of 12 fan-like fibreglass sculptures that cultivate their own enchanting relationship with the elements.

When it’s sunny, the shade structures provide relief from the heat while decorating nearby pathways and facades with dappled shadows created by small perforations in each of their petal-shaped panels.

And when the clouds roll in to the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin,...

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3 Books Expand on Topics From Azure’s Human/Nature Conference

Sydney Shilling — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:32:00 +0000

Lo-Tek: Design by Radical Indigenism by Julia Watson

When it comes to the future of sustainable architecture, the natural inclination is to turn to emerging technologies as tools to reduce our environmental impact. Julia Watson, who coined the Lo-Tek movement, believes that in order to move forward, we need to look back to the multi-generational wisdom of Indigenous peoples. By embracing the vernacular, she argues, we can not only resist the idea that Indigenous practices are primitive but also harness the benefits of place-based design that works with rather than against its context. Four chapters hone in on different climates — mountains, forests, deserts and wetlands — highlighting case studies from 18 countries...

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Landscape Architect/Ecologist

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 16:44:43 +0000

Oxman is seeking an experienced Landscape Architect/Ecologist to join their office in New York City.

Oxman is a hybrid design and R&D company that fuses design, technology and biology to invent multi-scale products and environments, believing in a nature-centric approach and that science and design inspire each other. As a member of the team, applicants would leverage data-driven approaches to ecology and landscape design with the goal of mediating human-made and nature-grown environments.

Responsibilities

Creating detailed landscape designs, plans and models that harmonise with Oxman’s nature-centric design philosophy, reflecting the use of materials, plant species and ecological processes to create sustainable and culturally rich environments
Utilise advanced design software to create comprehensive and visually compelling design documents that communicate the vision effectively
Develop strategies for environmental sustainability, applying nature-centric design principles to real-world sites, ensuring that designs support biodiversity, resilience and ecological balance
Conduct site assessments to understand the unique environmental conditions and tailor strategies that enhance the ecological health of the area
Facilitate dialogue with community members and stakeholders to understand and integrate cultural needs and values alongside ecological goals
Develop ecosystem and landscape analysis and creation methods to facilitate a deeper understanding and mediation of the interactions between human and non-human elements, utilising them to identify opportunities that mitigate environmental impacts and foster sustainable land use practices
Conduct research in collaboration with various experts to gather and analyse data on ecological and landscape dynamics, measuring ecological performance of designs and supporting projects with evidence-based insights for continuous improvement
Implement design concepts through the application of 3d modelling, geospatial analysis tools and ecological modelling methods
Assist in the creation of site designs, controlled experiments and models that test and refine innovative landscape solutions
Oversee the installation and maintenance of landscape elements, ensuring they meet design specifications and ecological goals
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to integrate diverse expertise into cohesive landscape solutions and broader innovation initiatives while contributing landscape architecture insights
Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and creative problem-solving
Communicate ideas, work and progress through various communication outlets, including team meetings, presentations and written reports
Engage in creative communication methods, such as storytelling, visual art and interactive media, to make complex concepts accessible an compelling
Provide regular updates on project milestones, challenges and successes, ensuring transparency and alignment with project goals

Qualifications

Minimum four years of experience in a landscape architecture practice or research environment dedicated to ecological modelling and simulation
Portfolio demonstrating out-of-the-box thinking and stellar taste in design
Mastery of digital design tools such as Rhino, Grasshopper or ArcGIS
Proficiency in programming is a plus (Python and/or C++)research experience in ecological modelling or geospatial analysis
Strong understanding of artistic fundamentals of composition, form and colour
Strong commitment to the team – maintains positive working relationships with diverse people, including internal team and external partners
Embodies ethics and integrity in all work, respecting both company and broader community policies in all conduct

Apply Now!

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Low-Rise Residential Architect

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 14:47:14 +0000

4 Architecture is seeking a Senior Low-Rise Residential Architect to join their open studio-style office in Markham, Ontario. 4 Architecture is an architectural practice with a portfolio of residential, commercial and institutional projects, and staff are given opportunities to work on several aspects of projects from beginning to end and are encouraged to grow within the company to reach their career goals through diverse project exposure and experience.

Qualifications

Advanced knowledge and application of AutoCAD and Revit.
Strong Knowledge of the Ontario Building Code and Municipal/Regional By-Laws.
Strong Knowledge of residential construction techniques using wood structure.
Knowledge of residential, institutional, commercial and mid-rise construction techniques using steel and concrete practices.
Knowledge of Engineering Standards.
Strong understanding of construction technology and building science.
Strong English communications skills (written and verbal).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Bluebeam and Adobe Acrobat.
Experience producing concept, design, permit and construction drawings. With a good interpretation of different construction systems and architectural styles.
Confident to make decisions, with a will to succeed.
Strong understanding of project dynamics, with solid experience throughout all project phases.
Licensed under the OAA.
8 years of work experience minimum.

Responsibilities

Working on projects of various stages, scales and complexity.
Managing a Team of Drafters
Handling Client management activities
Overseeing and recording project Schedules and Hours.
Drafting projects in AutoCad and Revit.
Preparation and issuance of project deliverables within the project schedule (Design, Permit, Bid, Construction, etc.)
Working on multiple projects simultaneously.
Reviewing and directing employees as required.
Assisting coordination with consultants and staff on projects.
Creating and updating procedures on tasks relating to the duties of this position as requested.
Following company procedures to both their letter and intent.
Excellent management skills, superior attention to detail and the ability to take initiative to follow-through on a wide range of tasks and responsibilities.
Can successfully interact with other team members and give clear direction.
Must be able to work independently in a fast-paced environment and should be self-motivated, responsible, assertive and passionate.

Those interested in applying for the Low-Rise Residential Architect position should send their resume, references, and date of availability to join the team at 4 Architecture by email to dgoymour@4architecture.ca.

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Waterloo Architecture Cambridge Campus 20th Anniversary

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 18:45:30 +0000

The University of Waterloo School of Architecture invites you to celebrate a significant milestone, the 20th Anniversary of their Cambridge Campus. Since opening its doors in September 2004, the University of Waterloo School of Architecture Cambridge Campus has been dedicated to fostering creativity, innovation, and community engagement in the field of architecture. As they reflect on two decades of growth, excellence, and impact, they invite you to be a part of this special occasion.

FREE EVENTS (No registration required):

Community Day Open House. November 2, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Arriscraft Canada Brick Speaker Series with Rosa Chang (BES ’96, BARCH ’99), moderated by Camille Mitchell (MArch ’09, BArch ’06). November 1, 6:30 p.m.

ON DISPLAY:

Ron Sims Purchase Prize Exhibition, 1987-2024 on display in Riverside Gallery, curated by Rick Andrighetti
Waterloo Architecture Retrospective Exhibition, on display at the School of Architecture, curated by Professor Rick Haldenby and Professor Robert Jan van Pelt

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN:

Cambridge Campus 20^th Anniversary Evening Reception. November 2, 6:00 p.m. Limited space available, please register in advance. Registration fee includes dinner and refreshments provided by the Cambridge Mill. Free parking is available onsite.

For guests needing accommodations, a limited number of rooms are available at a special rate. Please contact: archadvancement@uwaterloo.ca.

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