top of page
Inspirational Projects
Thematic Design in Action
Brooklyn Highway Redesign by BIG
What it's about
This brilliant solution to the dividing nature of public infrastructure challenges the traditional notion of a highway. This
road design, an initially simple covered highway at grade, would be covered with a lavish park capable of keeping
downtown connected to the waterfront.
Why it matters
Humanity has done incredible damage to both the natural world and our inherent social structures through dividing
landscapes by intraversable super-highways. The sixth great mass extinction on this planet has been influenced by our
fragmented landscapes which annex animals from their natural habitats. How can we rethink the way we design our
vital services to better serve the people and environment around us?
Galaxia by Mamou-Mani
What it's about
This collection of parametric timber frames will meet its beautiful demise at the Burning Man Festival this year. This project will similarly ignite public interest in modern architecture and the capabilities of computation design at a festival filled with wild aspirations in art and design.
Why it matters
Creating substantial pieces of art where a patron experiences the piece through an architectural expression will inevitably turn a public space into a destination. One needs to look no further than the case of Cloud Gate's popularity in Chicago, Illinois. How can architects affect society with forms that serve a deeper purpose than practical utility alone?
Galaxia by Mamou-Mani
Much of modern residential high-rise development lacks true character as multitudes of glass towers continue to dot the urban landscape. How can buildings designed to house hundreds accommodate more of the amenities people find desirable in a permanent home? How can similar apartment modules alternate through spacial placement to create more novel experiences?
Telaviv Tower by Penda
What it's about
This residential tower uses modular archways in an alternating pattern to bring life to its facade while paying homage
to Tel Aviv's cultural past. The alternating balconies allow for greenery to flourish at each residence bringing the feel of a
ground level cottage to a sky dwelling apartment.
Why it matters
Precarious Tents by Equipo Cazu Zegers
What it's about
This rural house uses complementary material palettes and open spaces to celebrate the beautiful environment in Chile.
The weathered exterior finish is reflective of the heavily rainfall this region experiences. The alternating levels in this dwelling, connected by accessible ramps, help the spaces feel cohesive and appropriately placed.
Why it matters
Modern American architecture can often be entirely devoid of building materials reflective or respective of their
originating culture and social values. This house brings together the need for strong family connections through a dynamic space that's able to house several people while using natural wood textures and earthy metal finishes to marry its programming to the scenic surrounding forest.
Chicago Riverwalk by Ross Barney Architects
What it's about
This urban planning scheme for the Chicago river creates an interesting civic environment that connects the water to the
urban environment through a focus on density and place-making.
Why it matters
Much of the urban environment in America is car-centric with sparsely placed regions for pedestrian engagement. Much
of Chicago's urban planning promotes urban density that allows pedestrians to be the dominant force of the built
environment. It's not perfect, but schemes like these allow the conversation about walkability to continue into the future.
Milan Railway Masterplan by OMA
What it's about
This urban planning scheme for an old railroad network introduces new green-centric masterplanning which focuses on the concept of ecological filters to compliment the challenges behind dense urban living. Designated "Blue" regions that
allow for water drainage and animal habitats to form and "green" regions which promote outdoor leisure activities and
evaporative cooling combine to imagine new possibilities through Biophilic design.
Why it matters
Many of the flooding problems in dense urban environments are consequences of hard-scape surfaces which cannot properly drain excess water from storm surges. Mitigating this through integrated Biowswales creates better naturalistic built environments for a future dominated by cities.
French Pavilion at Expo 2020, Dubai by Clément Blanchet Architecture
What it's about
This ultra low carbon installation pays homage to historic Republican style buildings while using an innovative
construction system allowing this structure to be easily dismantled. This design uses gabion walls, which are
sand filled high mass walls contained in localized bags which are all supported by a steel superstructure. Bricks with
a green membrane furred off of the main structure provide a facade that's capable of shading regions of this structure
from the intense Middle Eastern Sun.
Why it matters
Its always great to see projects challenging conventionality to understand how a structure can support themes of adaptability and sustainability. How can novel approaches allow future structures to serve high functioning roles
in society while promoting a conscientious mindset of future challenges?
bottom of page