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Plan view of cemetery in Poland by BDR Architekci

Architecture

BDR Architekci clads columbarium in Poland with pale sandstone

By Zarkon Group,22/02/2024

Pale sandstone walls bring a “warm and welcoming” feel to this columbarium in a cemetery in Radom, Poland, which has been completed by local studio BDR Architekci.

Located in the centre of Radom Municipal Cemetery – one of the largest cemeteries in Poland – the columbarium has 2,000 storage niches for funeral urns, organised across six chambers that surround a central open-air chapel.

The chambers are enclosed by sandstone-clad walls of varying heights and designed by BDR Architekci to provide space for “peaceful reflection” without religious references.

“We tried not to refer to symbolism or look for metaphors,” BDR Architekci co-founder Konrad Basan told Dezeen.

“We focused on the function, the material, the proportions. We wanted to build a place open to people, full of greenery, with its own structure and order,” Basan added.

The site is accessible from all directions in the cemetery, with paved routes weaving between each of the chambers and around curved areas of planting.

Six chambers of the columbarium complex in Radom, Poland — The chambers provide 2,000 niches for the storage of funeral urns

In each of the open-topped chambers, four walls filled with niches surround a central space with trees and a bench. There is also an opening leading to the central chapel.

“Creating such a large columbarium required space organised in a clear and welcoming way,” said Basan. “That’s why we divided such a large burial area into six smaller chambers, giving it a sense of intimacy.”

Open-air chapel in Radom, Poland, by BDR Architekci — Openings in each chamber lead to the central chapel

Built with a concrete structure, the pale sandstone cladding of the complex was selected due to its locality to Radom and its use on the facades of many important buildings in the city.

Alongside the new chambers, BDR Architekci also clad an existing 1980s pre-burial house with matching sandstone to unify it with the rest of the complex.

“We wanted it to be warm and welcoming, but also for the stonemasons’ craftsmanship to be evident in the way it was cut and laid,” explained Basan.

“As a result, the columbarium clearly contrasts with polished black marble tombstones [in the surrounding cemetery],” he continued.

Enclosed chamber at columbarium complex in Poland — Each chamber is also finished with trees and a bench

In the open-air chapel, a wall features a verse from The Laments by the Renaissance author Jan Kochanowski who lived nearby.

“The only element that was consciously designed to carry any specific message was the use of a quote from lament number eight,” explains Basan.

“It seems that the columbarium is a suitable background not only for it but particularly for the course of a funeral,” he said.

Niches found at columbarium by BDR Architekci — Sandstone was chosen for the cladding due to its locality to the site

BDR Architekci was founded in 2015 by Basan, Paweł Dadok and Maria Roj and is based in Warsaw.

Other cemetery projects featured on Dezeen include a visitor centre for the Netherlands American Cemetery by Kaan Architecten and a ceremonial hall at Longshan Cemetery in China.

The photography is by Jakub Certowicz.

Project credits:

Architect: BDR Architekci
Team: Konrad Basan, Paweł Dadok, Maria Roj, Michał Rogowski
Investor: Municipality of Radom
Structural engineer: TMJ Projekt
Services engineer: Joanna Szczudlik
Electrical engineer: Jarosław Maleńczyk
Landscape architect: La.Wa Architektura Krajobrazu, Łukasz Kowalski

Reference

Architecture

Architects’ Guide: How To Integrate Extended Reality (XR) Software Into a Design Workflow

By Zarkon Group,21/02/2024

Architizerâs Tech Directory is a database of tech tools for architects â from the latest generative design and AIÂ to rendering and visualization,Â 3D modeling,Â project management and many more. Explore the complete library of categoriesÂ here.

When the 2020 decade began, three pivotal events significantly redefined and remolded the relationship between humans and technology. The Covid-19 pandemic, which normalized concepts such as cross-world, virtual-based collaborations, the resurfacing of the digital platform “Metaverse” following Facebook’s rebranding to Meta in late 2021, and, finally, the rapid growth and popularity of AI technology.

These events carved out the need for reconstructing the digital world in a way that becomes more immersive, more malleable and more interactive with physical reality. This turned the spotlight on technologies such as virtual, augmented, and mixed reality, introducing tools that bridge the gap between the digital and the physical world and consequently breaking ground in the architectural field.

What Exactly is Extended Reality (XR)?

Photo by Julia M Cameron via Pexel

Extended Reality (XR) is a term used to describe immersive technologies. Under the XR umbrella are:

Virtual Reality (VR), which refers to a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional environment that can be explored by an individual, typically through the use of specialized electronic devices such as VR headsets. Users are immersed in a digital world that can simulate real or imaginary environments, allowing them to perceive and interact with the surroundings as if they were physically present. VR technology often employs a combination of advanced graphics, audio, and tracking sensors to create a sense of presence and immersion.

Augmented Reality (AR) on the other hand, is a technology that overlays digital information and computer-generated elements onto the real-world environment. Unlike virtual reality, augmented reality integrates digital content seamlessly with the physical world. AR is often experienced through devices such as smartphones, tablets, smart glasses or heads-up displays, allowing users to see both real-world objects and computer-generated elements simultaneously.

Finally, Mixed Reality (MR) is a technology that combines elements of both virtual and augmented reality to create a hybrid environment where physical and digital elements coexist and interact in real-time. In mixed reality experiences, digital objects are not only overlaid onto the real world but are also anchored and responsive to the physical environment. This technology enables users to interact with both real and virtual elements simultaneously, fostering a more seamless integration of the physical and digital realms.

How Can XR Technologies Be Used in Architecture and Design?

“VIRTUAL | REALITY” by Giangtien Nguyen, Afreen Ali, Aziz Alshayeb and Erik H Kusakariba, INVI LLC

From designing immersive virtual environments and prototypes to crafting a 1:1 scale client presentation and even setting up real-time construction simulations, XR technology brings architectural ideas into “reality” in a matter of hours. VR allows architects to visualize and experience their designs at a human scale. This aids in evaluating spatial relationships, testing design concepts, and identifying potential issues before the construction phase. At the same time, clients can experience the same designs through virtual walkthroughs, minimizing any confusion due to the limited understanding of traditional — and often complicated — architectural drawings.

For site planning and analysis, AR can be employed on-site to overlay digital information onto the physical environment. This helps architects and construction teams visualize how a proposed structure will fit into the existing landscape, assess potential challenges, and make informed decisions about site planning. Taking it a step further, site data analytics can be used to assess the environmental impact and energy efficiency of a design. By visualizing and analyzing how sunlight, shadows, and airflow interact with the building, architects are able to strategically produce sustainable and eco-friendly design solutions.

Finally, MR technology opens up a whole new world of techniques in both design and construction. For example, the ability to superimpose guided holograms as marking lines for building complicated geometries or seeing technical installations through walls, unlocks unprecedented possibilities for operating construction sites more efficiently. Furthermore, MR technology offers architects alternative ways of hands-on training in complex — and oftentimes chaotic — construction projects, while minimizing the risks of irreparable errors.

Architizer’s new Tech Directory aggregates tech tools for architects, allowing you to search, compare and review XR-related softwares before selecting which to you in your next project:

Explore Architizer’s Tech Directory

Which XR Softwares Do Architects Use?

In order to craft an Extended Reality experience, architects have to combine specific software with hardware technology. Architectural programs such as Enscape, Twinmotion, SketchUp Viewer and Gravity Sketch have features such as real-time rendering capabilities or augmented reality viewing that allow them to visualize the digital form of their designs. Some of them also act as Virtual Reality Plugins, which can be directly used through a VR headset. In parallel, this technology becomes “physically” accessible through smartphones and tablets as well as VR headsets, AR smart glasses, motion controllers and even gesture recognition devices. Oculus Rift, Microsoft HoloLens, Apple Vision Pro and Leap Motion are only a few examples of such hardware XR devices.

Whether architects use VR headsets to fully immerse in virtual environments, AR smart glasses to blend reality with digital content or motion controllers to physically manipulate both the virtual and material world, XR technology is gradually becoming an integral part of architecture. In its attempt to deal with space in truly imaginative ways, architecture has taken many forms over the years: ink on paper, bricks and mortar and more recently pixels and 3d meshes; Still, XR technology introduces a new, hybrid form of architectural design by merging both physical and digital tools and unlocking new realms of spatial explorations.

Architizer Journal is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Â Learn more.

Reference

Architecture

Haiku Architecture: Poetic Simplicity Offers an Emotive Alternative to Minimalist Design

By Zarkon Group,20/02/2024

Last call: The clock is ticking as Architizer’s 12th Annual A+Awards enters itsÂ Extended Entry Deadline period. Submit your work before February 23rd for your chance at the global spotlight.Â Â

.けぶりして露ふりて無我な在所哉
keburi shite tsuyu furite muga-na zaisho kana

dew turns to steam
trickling down selflessly…
farmhouse

Kobayashi Issa – 1811

Simplicity and suggestion are the foundation of a successful Haiku, a form of traditional Japanese poetry that strips away all but the essential words and uses them to beautifully convey a single moment in time. In the familiar 5-7-5 pattern of seventeen syllables that make up a Haiku, kigo (seasonal words) and kireji (cutting words) anchor the poem in a specific season, allowing the reader to engage their imagination to recreate a scenario the writer is retelling. Haiku often celebrates the beauty and impermanence of the natural world and invites readers to find profound meaning in nature and everyday experiences.

In architecture, this same principle has been adopted by a number of architects, finding a shared ethos with haiku in pursuit of simplicity, emotional resonance and the power of suggestion. Architects who embrace this ‘haiku approach’ often favor natural materials to celebrate the living world and play with light and shadow to connect occupants with the natural rhythms of the day while creating fluid spatial transitions that suggest rather than dictate how spaces should be used or lived in. It is a minimalist style that is deeply emotive.

The goal of haiku principles in architecture is to build unique relationships between a building and its users that encourage a connection to the environment and each other. Just as haiku strips away all but the essential words to convey a moment, architectural haiku seeks to distill design to its most fundamental aspects — form, light, material and space — creating places that invite visitors to fill the space with their interpretations and emotions.

Casa Sexta

By All Arquitectura, CDMX, Mexico

Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Residential Interiors (>3000 sq ft)

Casa Sexta by All Arquitectura, CDMX, Mexico. Photographs by Zaickz Moz.

The white stucco, green foliage, warm tones and light woodwork of Casa Sexta, designed by All Arquitectura, serve as the perfect pallet to celebrate nature’s beauty and impermanence. An idea that is so fundamental in Haiku. The design of Casa Sexta suggests rather than dictates how spaces are to be inhabited. By developing the program across three levels and orienting the walls at a 45º angle to capture sunlight through ten patios, the structure of Casa Sexta encourages a fluid movement between the various spaces.

Each room benefits from natural lighting and ventilation that promote a harmonious flow. Allowing the inhabitants of the home to define their own experiences while always being connected to the natural rhythms of the day. The presence of a black acacia tree at the heart of the project deepens this connection. The living centerpiece links the various spaces of the house while also physically documenting the passage of time.

Panorama Penthouse

By Bureau Fraai, Netherlands

Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Residential Interiors (>3000 sq ft)

Panorama Penthouse by Bureau Fraai, Netherlands. Photographs by Flare Department.

As suggested by its name, Panorama Penthouse was designed to amplify the relationship between the internal living space and the external skyline views. Opting for an open floor plan, the home provides unobstructed and simply breathtaking 180-degree panoramic views of the seaside and the city center. There are free-standing oak volumes that are built to house private areas such as the primary bathroom, office space and bedrooms in the evening. These structures add to the fluidity of the space while ensuring comfortable functionality.

The penthouse’s material palette was thoughtfully selected to reflect the visas beyond, echoing the haiku’s integration with nature. The light oak wood mirrors the dunes and beaches, while the muted grey cabinetry in the kitchen and dining room are intended to echo the distant city skyline. The design follows the capacity of a haiku to capture and convey the essence of a moment or scene – in this instance, the ever-changing colors of the skies, tides and urban landscape.

OG House

By Omar Gandhi Architects, Halifax, Canada

Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Residential, Private House (M 2000 – 4000 sq ft)

OG House by Omar Gandhi Architects, Halifax, Canada, Photographs by Ema Peter Photography.

On a site with deep community ties, OG House and architect Omar Gandhi reflect the principle of haiku in the building by grounding in a specific moment and setting. The transformation of the ground floor of the standout structure into a community studio dedicated to local projects and for local residents takes into consideration the site’s history as well as its present needs, creating a space that is deeply embedded in its community.

The choice of local materials, such as eastern white cedar, buff-colored brick, and white oak paneling, speaks to the project’s commitment to material honesty and the celebration of natural textures — a core of haiku poetry. The weathered cedar façade that blends with the neighborhood’s textures acknowledges the city’s architectural heritage and exemplifies a design that is both of and for its environment.

Within the space, the repeated use of gentle, rounded corners and the incorporation of organic shapes in the stairwells and handrails demonstrate an attention to form that is evocative of haiku elegance and subtlety. These design elements gently guide movement and focus within the house, inviting exploration and reflection.

Empire Loft

By Raad Studio, New York City, New York

Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Residential Interiors (>3000 sq ft)

Empire Loft by Raad Studio, New York, NY, United States. Photography by Alan Tansey.

Through a series of deliberate spatial manipulations and material choices, Empire Loft is full of moments of elegance and unexpectedness. The dramatic cutaway of the second floor to introduce a suspended bridge is a bold spatial move that disrupts the traditional apartment layout, making the sinuous dark stone spiral staircase and the bridge focal points of movement and interaction, embodying the principle of simplicity in form yet complexity in experience that is fundamental in the creation of a haiku.

Mirrored elements throughout the apartment create illusions with the depth and boundary, inviting occupants and guests to reinterpret the apartment’s dimensions. Incorporating a recording studio wrapped in corrugated felt illustrates an understanding of sensory restraint—capturing haiku’s minimalist ethos. This thoughtful detail underlines the importance of not only visual comfort but also the management of all sensory experiences when striving for harmonious architecture.

Each design decision, from the layout to the material finishes, is part of a design strategy that aims to provide memorable moments of ordinary residential experience, elevating the every day through craftsmanship and creativity.

Reference

Architecture

Aedas plans tower of flowing lines + nested rooftops for shenzhen

By Zarkon Group,19/02/2024

a new gateway to shenzhen

Aedas proposes a new landmark for Shenzhen with its newly unveiled Huanggang Skyscraper. Standing tall at 247 meters, the tower will stand as a symbolic gateway to the Greater Bay Area and Huanggang Port — an entry point between Shenzhen and Hong Kong — and will play an important role in the Chinese region’s development. The design team hopes to integrate the landscape surrounding the city into the architecture, drawing inspiration from stacking stones and flowing rivers. The fluid volumes and nesting rooftops are planned to resemble cascading water, while the cantilevered canopy at the entrance evoke the image of splashing water.

images © Aedas | @aedas_architects

the sunlit huanggang port headquarters

Stepping into the Huanggang Skyscraper, visitors are greeted by a thirteen-meter-tall, sunlit lobby, designed by Aedas with transparent glass. The layout follows a rigorous, symmetrical form with four stacked circles defining the facade. This optimizes space utilization, offering stunning views and vibrant visuals for the city. The interiors allow for diverse workspace programming with a flexible floor plan divided into four quadrants. Each section offers office depths ranging from ten to fourteen meters, accommodating companies of various sizes. Open office spaces near the crown promote communication and interaction, further enhanced by the inclusion of indoor-outdoor areas. Meanwhile, landscaped ‘sky lobbies’ and gardened rooftop terraces allow space for employees to relax and connect.

Shenzhen’s new landmark will redefine the skyline with inspiration from stacked stones and flowing water

sustainable goals by aedas

Aedas notes that it designs its Huanggang Skyscraper for Shenzhen with sustainability at the forefront. Vertical fins provide shade, reducing energy consumption, while low-reflection panels on the curtain wall minimize the building’s carbon footprint. Integrated ventilation solutions seamlessly blend into the tower’s aesthetics, ensuring a low-carbon design without compromising visual integrity. Executive Director Chris Chen comments: ‘Built based on the principles of ‘high quality,’ ‘customisation’ and ‘sustainability,’ we envision a harmonious layout of simple geometric shapes together formed by the tower and Huanggang Port, that contributes to the development of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Cooperation Zone.’

the project is defined by its nested forms and stepping rooftops
sky gardens and rooftop terraces will promote wellness in the workplace
the 247 meter-tall tower will replicate the fluid forms of nature

Reference

Aerial view of Sabater House by Fran Silvestre Arquitectos

Architecture

Fran Silvestre Arquitectos references pathways for Sabater House in Spain

By Zarkon Group,18/02/2024

Spanish studio Fran Silvestre Arquitectos has created a minimalist white house in Alicante, which winds through the landscape to enhance its relationship with the outdoors.

Named Sabater House, the Spanish dwelling unfolds through a series of intersecting, elongated forms that ascend upwards over its 780-square-metre site.

Its slim volumes adapt to the site’s natural topography, navigating existing large trees and framing a series of terraces and courtyards.

According to Fran Silvestre Arquitectos, the sprawling design takes cues from local pathways that are carved into the terrain and lead to a hermitage.

“We were struck by how these winding paths adapt to the terrain, generating a very interesting architecture,” Fran Silvestre Arquitectos told Dezeen.

“This was the starting point to develop a home on a plot with similar characteristics in terms of width and slope of the land.”

Facade of Sabater House by Fran Silvestre Arquitectos — Sabater House winds through the landscape

Sabater House is designed for a client who wanted a home to accommodate his large family while ensuring “enough independence to guarantee the privacy of all family members”.

To accomplish this, each floor of the home features a distinct programme.

Aerial view of white home in Alicante — Each floor of the home features a distinct programme

The highest level, described as the “nighttime area” of the home, features five bedrooms and bathrooms oriented to look out to the sea above the tree line.

Meanwhile, the middle floors contain an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area with floor-to-ceiling windows framing views out to the garden and outdoor swimming pool.

Exterior of white house in Spain by Fran Silvestre Arquitectos — The house winds around existing trees

The living spaces are stretched across the long and narrow floor plan in a bid to avoid compacting them and open them up to the outdoors.

“The project is drawn with a very clear geometry of straight elements that are joined by a soft radius of curvature,” said the studio. “Each piece has a relationship with the environment.”

Accommodated on the lower level are the pool basin, a wine cellar, storage facilities and additional sleeping quarters.

With each floor stacked at an angle to create a zigzagging floor plan, a series of courtyards, terraces and bridges are created, further opening the relationship with the outdoors.

All-white interior of Spanish house — The middle floor features open-plan living spaces

“Something unexpected about the house for us is the character of the interstitial spaces between the blocks and how they envelop you,” explained Fran Silvestre Arquitectos.

“The first acts as an access garden that directs you towards the entrance door, and the second as one of the main terraces. They are versatile spaces that allow you to make the most of the different orientations.”

Bedroom of Sabater House in Alicante — The top level contains the bedrooms

Fran Silvestre Arquitectos was founded in 2005 by architect Fran Silvestre. The studio is known for its minimalist style, which is applied throughout Sabater House.

Its previous projects that feature its signature pared-back style include an overhanging Hollywood Home and a residence with a T-shaped roof in Valencia.

The photography is by Fernando Guerra.

Reference

Architecture

7 Top AI Tools for Architectural Rendering and Visualization

By Zarkon Group,17/02/2024

Architectural rendering is not a foreign concept. During the Renaissance, Italian architects such as Leon Batista Alberti, Filippo Brunelleschi and Donato Bramante used axonometric sketches and carefully hand-drawn perspectives to communicate their designs. In the late 20th century, however, the hand-drawn renderings gave way to computer-generated images. Suddenly, what took countless hours of careful color washing and shadow hatching became a task of playing around with sun values and texture mapping within a three-dimensional, digital environment. With the emergence of AI, the art of rendering has transformed into an act of guided wordplay: a new, innovative way of digital collage-making.

Still, the “original” artistry of architectural rendering is not lost. Even though the architect’s hand has been replaced by computer algorithms and machine learning processes, utilizing AI visualization tools requires the same amount of ingenuity, creativity and exploration. Architects can push architectural visualization’s boundaries through word prompt testing, digital collage exploration, and even hand-sketch-to-rendering experiments, producing more vivid and immersive designs than ever.

Without further ado, here are the top seven AI tools that unlock unprecedented architectural rendering and visualization capabilities.

Best AI Rendering Tool for Text-Prompt Imagery

alt="Midjourney" Midjourney is perhaps the most well-known AI visualization tool in the architectural industry. It is currently available via the Discord server, where users collaborate with the Discord bot to generate conceptual imagery. Midjourney has three basic operational commands: the “/imagine” command uses text prompts to produce a set of renderings, the “/blend” command which enables architects to blend two images together and finally, the “/shorten” command which suggest alternative, shorter, prompts to achieve better results. It also offers additional text abbreviations such as image ratio control and negative prompting – i.e., elements that are excluded from the composition.