« Hey Europe, A Cocoon Is Coming | Main | New Footage of The Loch Ness Monster »
June 18, 2007
A Holistic Approach To Architecture
Although the eVolo Architecture competition garnered some interesting designs, the 3rd place winner was of particular interest to me. Designed by Jose Munoz Villers, the Euroscraper embodies the vertical organization of typical skyscrapers with an holistic view on space and design.
Although the gaping hole in the middle may seem like an inefficient design element, there's a reason for it. It provides wind resistance and reduces the amount of material needed to build the infrastructure. The building's loop design assists in natural ventilation and light distribution. It creates an artificial lung where both light and air circulate and breathe freely.
My initial thought was nothing but praise for the design. Of course this is something that's right up my alley. Unfortunately this design is too forward thinking, especially for the city Villers envisages it to be in, Paris. This is something better suited for East Asia or the Middle East.
More pictures after the jump.
via Gizmodo
Posted by tranism at 5:37 AM | Permalink
Comments
looks edible
Posted by: macha88 at June 18, 2007 8:21 AM
I don't think it's too forward thinking for Paris. The city already has a giant building in a cube's shape:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grande_Arche
But wherever this thing might end up, I want to see it built!
Posted by: mbm at June 18, 2007 11:30 AM
Kind of looks like a matchbox car track, but I'd totally be happy to go to work there. :)
Posted by: Megamatt at June 18, 2007 11:39 AM
Im looking foward to see lots of buildings like this in the cities
Posted by: osis at June 18, 2007 1:48 PM
HoT WhEElS!
Having said this...
Can you actually imagine yourselves living in a building like this?
:D
*Thrilled*
[Z]
Posted by: [Z] at June 18, 2007 2:55 PM
As an architect, I have one major complaint with this design. there is no good vertical circulation system. at least not at this point in technology. getting to the top would be a bitch, and if you're handicapped, you're shit out of luck
Posted by: theIsovist at June 18, 2007 4:22 PM
For the vertical circulation, wouldn't it be possible to use some kind of fast funicular with a variable inclination that depends where it is in the building?
Other than that, you could always use the stairs! (I heard the French were in shape ;)
Posted by: mbm at June 18, 2007 6:12 PM
you could use a crazy (and i do mean crazy) elevator, but think of the problems associated with it. I;m no engineer, but the first problem I see is keeping the elevator level at all points along the curve it rides. It's not impossible, just impractical. As for stairs, it's a sky scraper. you'd walk up once, never again. It's a beautiful concept, but it will never be realized because as practical as it's made out to be, it's actually very impractical. That said, I enjoy the design, but it's a pretty one-dimensional design. I'm not a huge fan of sculpture works. To each his own though.
Posted by: theIsovist at June 18, 2007 7:38 PM