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Robotic waste collection for green spaces
CategoriesSustainable News

Robotic waste collection for green spaces

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: You may have seen pictures of parks or nature areas after a sunny day with rubbish strewn everywhere. More than an annoyance, rubbish in nature is also a hazard for animal and plant life. However, German company Angsa Robotics has developed an efficient and ecologically friendly way to pick up that litter.

Angsa has developed a robot named Clive that acts like a Roomba for natural spaces. The autonomous robot uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify litter and leave nature alone. It is able, for example, to distinguish the difference between a leaf and an empty crisp packet. Objects such as bottle caps or cigarette butts are targeted for collection, but insects and stones are spared.

Conventional sweeping machines are designed for flat asphalted surfaces, but Clive can clean both grass and gravel areas, which traditionally need to be cleaned manually. By automating some of the clean-up process, Clive saves money and time, as well as reducing the negative impact of rubbish on the environment.

Angsa is focusing on use cases including festival clean-up and the daily cleaning of parks and other green spaces. Lawnmower manufacturer Husqvarna is a major investor, having recently invested €2.5 million in the company. The funds will be used to accelerate the development and commercialisation of Angsa’s robotics platform.

Robotics, in combination with AI, is delivering an ever-increasing number of innovations focused on sustainability and aiding the environment. In the archive, Springwise has also spotted developments such as robots that clean ships to improve their efficiency and robots that provide chemical-free treatments to plants.

Written By: Lisa Magloff

Reference

Studio Other Spaces museum courtyard in “canopy of glass and mirrors”
CategoriesArchitecture

Studio Other Spaces museum courtyard in “canopy of glass and mirrors”

By Zarkon Group,

Artist Olafur Eliasson and architect Sebastian Behmann’s firm Studio Other Spaces has created a sculptural work called Common Sky to enclose an open-air courtyard at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum.

Created as part of a renovation of the museum led by architecture studio OMA’s New York office, Common Sky is a massive glass and mirror canopy created from hundreds of overlapping mirror and glass panels.

The installation encloses an open-air courtyard in the 1962 modernist Seymour H Knox Building designed by American architect Gordon Bunshaft, which was largely unused.

Glass canopy at buffalo museum
Studio Other Spaces created a canopy to enclose a courtyard in a mid-century Buffalo museum

“Common Sky is a dynamic, sculptural statement that combines a geometric language and a playful, poetic approach,” said Studio Other Spaces (SOS) co-founder Olafur Eliasson.

“As an artwork, it sensitizes you to the world outside, to the surrounding environment of Buffalo.”

“It draws your attention to things that are difficult to measure, and to things that depend on emotion and on your active involvement.”

View of the canopy from under the canopy
The canopy is made of alternating glass and steels layered on top of each other with a steel frame

The canopy is made from alternating mirror and glass panels, with two layers supported by white-painted steel, giving the structure depth.

At the centre of the courtyard, the panels coalesce into a funnel that meets the ground at the place where a hawthorn tree once stood in order to reference the history of the space. This tree-like form also supports the structure so as to eliminate the need for an additional support system, keeping the canopy open.

The choice to use mirrors instead of having an all-glass canopy came from a desire to create an insulating effect for the canopy.

Close up view of panels
The glass panels reflect sunlight, minimising heat gain

The mirrors reflect sunlight away from the canopy, which minimises heat gain within the canopy and reduces the need for air conditioning.

Light coming through the alternating panels creates a play of glare and shadow on the stone floor of the space, which is lined by a covered veranda on two sides.

SOS said that the choice in material and form was chosen to keep the connection with the environment that existed with the courtyard through “non-classical architectural” while respecting the style of the Bunshaft design.

Museum exterior view
The new courtyard is accessible to the public

“The structure forms a unique design that takes into account all of the surrounding elements from the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, including the park, and neighboring buildings,” said SOS co-founder Sebastian Behmann.

“We created a site-specific artwork that amplifies the existing situation and combines it with the idea of a modern courtyard.”

The use of glass also mirrors the new museum building designed by OMA for the site, which is enveloped in a glass facade.

As part of the revamp of the museum, OMA also created a new entrance to the Seymour H Knox Building, so the public can access the courtyard from the adjacent Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Delaware Park.

The studio worked with engineer Herwig Bretis from ArtEngineering and Petersberg-based steel constructor Hahner Technik on the project.

Low-light view of the canopy
the canopy funnels down to the ground at the spot where a hawthorn tree once stood

Studio Other Spaces was founded in 2014 in Berlin by Behmann and Eliasson.

Its other works include an “anti-monument” consisting of several diverse buildings in Ethiopia and a colourful, conical glass pavilion for a winery in California.

The photography is by Marco Cappelletti and Studio Other Spaces.

Reference

6 Colorful Public Spaces Painting the Urban Canvas
CategoriesArchitecture

6 Colorful Public Spaces Painting the Urban Canvas

By Zarkon Group,

Architizer’s new image-heavy daily newsletter, The Plug, is easy on the eyes, giving readers a quick jolt of inspiration to supercharge their days. Plug in to the latest design discussions by subscribing. 

Amidst the ever-changing urban landscapes characterized by towering structures and bustling streets, there is a captivating force that deserves attention: color. In these concrete jungles, color holds the key to turning ordinary public spaces into vibrant havens that capture the imagination and uplift the spirits of passersby.

From the soothing blues that bring tranquility to the energetic bursts of red that ignite passion, color plays a vital role in shaping our emotions. It’s no wonder that architects and urban planners are constantly on the lookout for new and innovative ways to harness its transformative potential.

In this article, we’ll showcase six inspiring use cases that celebrate the magic of color and serve as a testament to its ability to create dynamic and engaging environments. From China to Canada, these chromatic interventions will demonstrate how color breathes life into spaces and offers enjoyable experiences for all.

Songzhuang Micro Community Park

By Crossboundaries, Tongzhou, Beijing, China

Popular Choice, 2022 A+Awards, Architecture +Community

Situated in the vibrant art village of Songzhuang, this park was specifically designed to cater to the diverse needs of both artists and the local population. Color plays a pivotal role in capturing attention and creating an inviting atmosphere within the park.

Along with connecting various outdoor “rooms,” a yellow track serves as a visual link between different areas. This track not only physically connects the spaces but also injects vibrancy and dynamism into the overall design. The park incorporates colorful accents, such as a vivid yellow room for children’s play and alternating perforated grey brick walls with double layers of perforated Corten steel. Through strategic color choices, the Songzhuang Micro Community Park stands out as an exemplary well-designed public space that promotes well-being, social interaction and artistic engagement within the community.

POPCourts!

By Lamar Johnson Collaborative, Chicago, IL, United States

PopCourts is a vibrant pop-up park in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood that served as an outdoor haven during the pandemic. It exemplifies the transformative power of community, collaboration and innovative design in revitalizing underutilized spaces. Color plays a central role in PopCourts, reflecting the neighborhood’s energy and cultural identity. The bold color palette creates an engaging backdrop for community events. Divided into three zones, the park offers versatile spaces. The basketball court doubles as a community plaza, while the gravel drive hosts food trucks and vendors. The shaded lawn becomes a food court with seating. Artwork, including murals of influential figures and a Pop Art theme, unifies the space and celebrates the community’s history.

Paint Drop

By 100architects, Shanghai, China

The Paint Drop project is a visually captivating public space intervention that effectively utilizes color to create a noticeable, attractive and vibrant environment. The primary goal of the installation was to draw attention to a newly opened retail space and entice pedestrians to explore it. To achieve this, a tunnel of splashing color paint was designed as the central theme.

The installation features a series of interconnected catenary arches that span along the intended path, resembling paint dropping from above. As the arches reach the ground, vibrant splashes of color form functional seating features and resting areas. The immersive floor graphics further enhance the experience, creating an engaging and visually striking atmosphere. To add an interactive element, the arches are equipped with a lighting system that is triggered by movement sensors, illuminating flexible LED strips embedded within the arches as people pass by. This combination of dynamic colors, interactive lighting and playful design successfully transformed the area into a hotspot, attracting both children and adults and increasing pedestrian circulation in the desired location.

Face to Face | Tête à Tête

By PLANT Architect Inc, Toronto, Canada

The Face to Face/Tête à Tête project is a charming installation that creates a space for shared conversation along a 44-foot (13-meter) roadway. Featuring two remarkably long tables accompanied by continuous benches and surrounded by lush greenery, its design stands out. Yet, what truly distinguishes this project is its brilliant utilization of color.

The narrow room is adorned with captivating blue and orange tones, which not only make it noticeable but also infuse it with vibrancy and a sense of excitement. With the combination of these bold colors and projections, the installation manages to catch the eye, even amidst the bustling King Street. By purposefully incorporating color and visual elements, an intimate atmosphere is created within the busy surroundings, enticing people and intensifying the ongoing conversations. The design accommodates individual occupations as well as larger collective gatherings, making it an appealing and welcoming space for various activities, from co-working to simply enjoying the lively ambiance.

Puzzle Maze

By 100architects, Shanghai, China

As an urban intervention within an open-air Retail Street, the Puzzle Maze project aims to transform a privately-owned public space into an engaging and lively area. To create an innovative kids’ playground that surpasses traditional expectations, the marketing team of Life Hub @ Daning sought to turn a stagnant pedestrian street into an attractive and bustling space.

The installation is a gigantic puzzle designed as a walkable urban object, serving as both a game and an openly used urban element. The use of color in the maze adds vibrancy and excitement, capturing the attention of children and families. By employing a vertical design, the maze optimizes the limited space available and allows for proper circulation along the corridor. The colors utilized in the maze not only make it visually appealing but also contribute to its role as an interactive and engaging play area, inviting visitors to explore, interact and have a memorable experience.

Industry City Courtyard 5-6

By terrain-nyc, Brooklyn, Kings County, NY, United States

Once a cargo loading dock, this space within the historic manufacturing complex has been reborn as a vibrant and diverse landscape, breathing new life into the old factory. Serving as a vital public green space for over 600 creative businesses and the local community, Courtyard 5-6 stands apart from the surrounding buildings with its captivating colors and an array of design elements.

The landscaping boasts a spectrum of hues, infusing the space with energy and visual allure. A welcoming grove of Honey Locusts creates a bright and shaded area for outdoor dining and work. For performances, relaxation and children’s play, a flexible turf and timber bleacher space accommodates diverse activities. Additionally, a native forest with meandering walkways hides scenic vistas and offers secluded seating nooks. The deliberate use of color throughout the courtyard cultivates an inviting and visually stimulating environment, fostering social interaction and contributing to the overall revitalization of the site.

Architizer’s new image-heavy daily newsletter, The Plug, is easy on the eyes, giving readers a quick jolt of inspiration to supercharge their days. Plug in to the latest design discussions by subscribing. 

Reference

Ten living spaces that are punctuated by saturated primary colours
CategoriesInterior Design

Ten living spaces that are punctuated by saturated primary colours

By Zarkon Group,

Our latest lookbook compiles residential living rooms that have been given an air of playfulness through their use of the three primary colours.

In design, the primary colours are yellow, blue and red. They usually appear in this context as strong cobalt blues, vivid sunshine yellows and intense fire-engine reds.

This trio of colours is prevalent throughout design history and can be seen in paintings by Dutch artist Piet Mondrian and suspended mobiles by American sculptor Alexander Calder.

They are often used when designing products for children due to the visually stimulating nature of their bright, dense hues.

In interior design, they have a similarly invigorating effect, whether applied directly to structural elements such as walls and columns or found in soft furnishings and accessories.

They primary colours help to bring energy into living areas both when used in isolation and when appearing in tandem with one another.

This is the latest in our lookbook series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring four-poster beds, split-level living areas and colourful bathrooms.

Retroscena apartment renovation by La Macchina Studio in Rome, Italy
Photo by Paolo Fusco

Retroscena apartment, Italy, by La Macchina Studio

Vibrant pops of blue, yellow and red are set against a neutral backdrop of white walls and terrazzo stone floors in the living room of this mid-century one-bedroom apartment in Rome.

The space represents the distilled interior scheme devised by Italian architecture practice La Macchina Studio that characterises the apartment, which is also home to floor-to-ceiling citrus-toned curtains and bright blue doorways.

Find out more about Retroscena ›

Living room in red House in Sant Antoni de Vilamajor by Arquitectura-G
Photo by José Hevia

House in Sant Antoni de Vilamajor, Spain, by Arquitectura-G

A monochromatic red colour scheme dominates both the exterior and interior of this rural house near Barcelona designed by Spanish design studio Arquitectura-G.

The split-level living space features a rhythm of striking red-painted columns and ceiling-height cupboard doors combined with rosy clay tiles.

Find out more about House in Sant Antoni de Vilamajor ›

Lounge in Red House by David Kohn Architects
Photo by Will Pryce

Red House, UK, by David Kohn Architects

Red House in Dorset, England, was given its name by David Kohn Architects in reference to its red brick facade, however, splashes of the colour also appear throughout its eclectic interior.

Primary coloured furnishings – including a blue rug and footstool, red wall hanging and yellow upholstered armchair – are dotted around the living space, offset by white-painted cinderblock walls and warm wooden accents.

Find out more about Red House ›

Living room interior of Out of the Blue apartment in India
Photo by The Fishy Project

Out of the Blue, India, by The Act of Quad

Renovated by Mumbai-based studio The Act of Quad, this apartment in the Indian city of Thane is defined by its consistent use of cobalt blue in an otherwise neutral interior.

Soothing splashes of the colour appear in pieces of bespoke furniture – including hemispherical and spherical inclusions on light fittings and tables – and line the inside of a wall-mounted drinks cabinet.

Find out more about Out of the Blue ›

Living room interior with red cupboards and blue table
Photo by Jesper Westblom

Apartment renovation, Sweden, by Westblom Krasse Arkitektkontor

The full trio of primary colours is used across this apartment in Stockholm by local practice Westblom Krasse Arkitektkontor.

Blue, yellow and red are seen in both full saturation and muted hues on walls, ceilings, soft furnishings and furniture, creating a colourful yet cohesive interior.

Find out more about apartment renovation ›

Duplex in Sant Gervasi by Arquitectura-G
Photo is by José Hevia

Apartment renovation, Spain, by Arquitectura-G

Spanish studio Arquitectura-G used a colour palette governed by shades of yellow in its refurbishment of this apartment in Barcelona.

The living space contains a sunny yellow modular sofa and matching kitchenette, with the spaces united by a backdrop of small golden wall tiles, a honey-coloured wooden floor and white plasterwork.

Find out more about this apartment renovation ›

Interior of Fàng Sōng houseboat in Berlin by Crossboundaries
Photo by Johanna Link

Fàng Sōng, Germany, by Crossboundaries

Beijing-based architecture practice Crossboundaries reconfigured the interior of a houseboat moored in Berlin, which features modular furniture and storage solutions all finished in either red or yellow in reference to the Chinese imperial colours.

An adaptable living area onboard contains a lemon-yellow sofa that folds away to support a double bed, as well as a cantilevered desk integrated into a wall panel that can be stowed away when not in use.

Find out more about Fàng Sōng ›

Point Supreme Athens apartment
Photo by Yiannis Hadjiaslanis and Point Supreme

Ilioupoli Apartment, Greece, by Point Supreme

Graphic primary-coloured details are scattered around this 56-square-metre subterranean apartment in Athens renovated by local architecture studio Point Supreme.

The rough concrete walls and ceilings of the small living area are contrasted by red items – including a bench and window panes – as well as a trio of deep blue flags suspended in the entryway.

Find out more about Ilioupoli Apartment ›

Function Walls apartment, designed by Lookofsky Architecture
Photo by Mattias Hamrén

Function Walls, Sweden, by Lookofsky Architecture

This apartment in Stockholm, which was renovated by local studio Lookofsky Architecture, is designed around a multifunctional wall that snakes through the interior.

In the living area, the zesty yellow structure contains a sofa snuggled inside an extruded frame, accompanied by integrated shelving and matching golden upholstery.

Find out more about Function Walls ›

Interiors of Polychrome House, designed by Amber Road
Photo by Prue Ruscoe

Polychrome House, Australia, by Amber Road and Lymesmith

Australian design studio Amber Road worked with colour consultants Lymesmith on this house in suburban Sydney, which is charactertised by its excessive use of colour.

The aptly named Polychrome House is finished in a kaleidoscopic spectrum of colours, including in its living room where a wall mural of abstract shapes featuring red, blue and yellow is echoed by red and blue seating.

Find out more about Polychrome House ›

This is the latest in our lookbook series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring four-poster beds, split-level living areas and colourful bathrooms.

Reference

Eight living spaces with industrial Crittal-style windows
CategoriesInterior Design

Eight living spaces with industrial Crittal-style windows

By Zarkon Group,

Industrial-looking living spaces with Crittal-style windows and doors are the focus of this lookbook, which includes an apartment in Israel and a rural Chinese house.

Crittal-style windows and doors are characterised by their gridded metal frames, traditionally made of steel with a bold black finish.

They are modelled on the iconic Crittal windows by ironmonger Francis Henry Crittall, which were developed in the late-19th century and became a feature in many art deco and modernist buildings.

Today they are seeing a resurgence in popularity, with their clean graphic lines bringing an industrial quality to contemporary homes around the world.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring striking accent walls, stylish bookshelves and tranquil sunken baths.

Crittal-style window inside Ghost House by BPN Architects
Photo is by Felix Mooneeram

Ghost House, UK, by BPN Architects

This double-height Crittall-style window doubles as the wall to an open-plan living and dining room in an industrial concrete house in Warwickshire, England.

It is one of several steel-framed windows that enclose the home, which was designed by BPN Architects to have an “ethereal presence” – leading to it being named Ghost House.

Find out more about Ghost House ›

Interior of Tel Aviv apartment by Maayan Zusman and Amir Navon
Photo is by 181

Tel Aviv apartment, Israel, by Maayan Zusman and Amir Navon

Interior designer Maayan Zusman and architect Amir Navon opted for gridded black window frames when renovating this apartment in Tel Aviv.

Complemented by other delicate black furnishings, the windows form part of a wider design strategy that centred on creating an interior that felt “airy yet framed”.

Find out more about the Tel Aviv apartment ›

Crittal-style windows inside the Returning Hut in China
Photo is by Wu Yong-Chang

Returning Hut, China, by Xu Fu-Min

The Returning Hut is a two-storey home just outside the city of Xiamen in China, designed by Xu Fu-Min to offer their client a peaceful retreat where they can connect with nature.

Among its key features is an open living room with a giant wall of glazing. Lined with gridded metal frames, it slides open to create a seamless connection to the garden. 

Find out more about Returning Hut ›

Ditton Hill House by Surman Weston in Surbiton
Photo is by Johan Dehlin

Ditton Hill House, UK, by Surman Weston

Surman Weston honoured its “client’s love for all things industrial” when creating the Ditton Hill House, a London residence with an exposed steel frame that nods to mock-Tudor homes nearby.

This steel framework enabled the studio to create spacious, column-free interiors, such as this open-plan living area. Here, Crittal-style windows overlook the garden and are paired with exposed steel floor decks for a warehouse-like aesthetic.

Find out more about Ditton Hill House ›

Crittal-style windows inside Little Peek by Berman Horn Studio
Photo is by Greta Rybus

Little Peak, USA, by Berman Horn Studio

Black gridded windows and doors puncture the facade of Little Peak, a holiday home that the founders of Berman Horn Studio, Maria Berman and Brad Horn, built themselves on an island in Maine.

According to the duo, they were chosen for their industrial look and to help “bring focus onto the textures and colours of the stone, huckleberry, bay and lichen that surround the house”.

Find out more about Little Peak ›

Interior of Burnt House by Will Gamble Architects
Photo is by Ståle Eriksen

Burnt House, UK, by Will Gamble Architects

These Crittal-style windows and doors help to create a minimalist aesthetic for the Burnt House, a residential extension that Will Gamble Architects has modelled on a Japanese tea house.

They are intended to evoke a shoji screen and were complemented by a large window seat finished in blackened wood that sits up against the glazing.

Find out more about Burnt House ›

Interior of Binh Thuan House
Photo is by Trieu Chien

Binh Thuan House, Vietnam, by MIA Design Studio

MIA Design Studio used white gridded frames on the sliding doors at the Binh Thuan House in Vietnam.

The steel frames were complemented by its industrial all-white structure, which is modular and designed for easy modification or expansion in the future.

Find out more about Binh Thuan House ›

Harrison Residence by Jeffrey Dungan
Photo is by William Abranowicz

Harrison Residence, USA, by Jeffrey Dungan Architects

These black Crittal-style windows form the focal point of the living space at the Harrison Residence, a home in Florida designed by Jeffrey Dungan Architects.

Framing the surrounding tall trees, the windows help bring colour into the otherwise monochrome interior, which features black shelving and a coffee table, and white walls and sofas.

Find out more about Harrison Residence ›

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring striking stylish bookshelves and tranquil sunken baths.

Reference

Revolutionizing Urban Living: MicroPolis Offers Affordable Housing Solutions in NYC’s Empty Spaces
CategoriesArchitecture

Revolutionizing Urban Living: MicroPolis Offers Affordable Housing Solutions in NYC’s Empty Spaces

By Zarkon Group,

 

MicroPolis – is a proposal for a new housing typology of micro-homes in metropolitan centers such as New York City. It can be installed in already built, empty urban spaces. The staggering of the units creates a push-and-pull relation, generating balconies for most units. Large public outdoor terraces provide social and co-working spaces and safe places for children to play. Installing these complexes in wealthier neighborhoods and business districts improves living standards for communities of color, immigrant groups, and low- to middle-income families.

Architizer chatted with Esther Sperber, Principal at Studio ST Architects to learn more about this project.

Architizer: What inspired the initial concept for your design?

Esther Sperber: MicroPolis is a response to a February 2020 court case that revoked the building permit for the top 20 floors of a Manhattan luxury condominium because it used gerrymandering-style tax lot assembly tactics to justify the request for a very tall building. We suggested that we should not waste these already built floors but rather use them for affordable housing. The aim is to present creative, inclusive and positive design solutions to the urban affordable housing crisis, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of unoccupied and unusable space presents an opportunity to rethink affordable housing throughout the city.

© Studio ST Architects

© Studio ST Architects

This project won in the 10th Annual A+Awards! What do you believe are the standout components that made your project win?

The project is contextual and addresses New York City’s critical issues such as the housing crisis, diversity and inclusion, and lowering the carbon footprint in the construction industry. MicroPolis could help alleviate the affordable housing shortage, which we have a moral obligation to address. The design creates innovative, sustainable and affordable micro-homes within vacant floors of luxury buildings in metropolitan city centers. Cities have always embraced people from all kinds of diverse backgrounds, but the pandemic revealed that the city is more divided than we would like to acknowledge. MicroPolis celebrates NYC’s diversity by increasing equity and valuing the range of people needed to make the city thrive. Adding affordable housing units throughout the city’s higher-end neighborhoods aims to make NYC more integrated, resilient and equitable.

© Studio ST Architects

© Studio ST Architects

What was the greatest design challenge you faced during the project, and how did you navigate it?

We realize there will likely be resistance to this proposal. Few privileged communities welcome low- and middle- income developments in their neighborhoods, let alone their own apartment buildings. But if we have learned anything during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is that our society is deeply intertwined. The communities that suffered most from the pandemic are those that we depend on most to keep our city running. The same resistance to this project is reason enough to take this typology seriously. It is time to stop averting our gaze from those who are less fortunate economically and invite them to be our neighbors.

© Studio ST Architects

© Studio ST Architects

How did the context of your project — environmental, social or cultural — influence your design?

NYC’s real estate exposes the city’s socio-economic inequities. Manhattan’s luxury residential market seems to be rebounding. However, at the same time, the Department of Housing & Preservation, which is responsible for maintaining affordable housing, experienced a 40% cut during the pandemic, resulting in the loss of 21,000 affordable housing units. Our unique modular system, which aims to create greater social equity, consists of prefabricated, energy-efficient and cost-effective micro-homes, which can be installed in already built empty urban spaces. The proposal demonstrates how to creatively house key workers and other tenants in need by maximizing space on mid-level floors of currently unoccupied luxury condos, which some developers have designated as mechanical voids in an attempt to increase the height of luxury buildings and gain maximum value for coveted upper floor apartments.

© Studio ST Architects

© Studio ST Architects

How important was sustainability as a design criteria as you worked on this project? 

The issue of sustainability was one of the main driving factors of MicroPolis’ design. Reusing built spaces has environmental advantages: it conserves materials and resources, lowers carbon footprint, and brings old, energy-inefficient buildings up to the current code. Carefully selected building materials and cladding ensure thermal insulation to lower energy use and costs for these micro-homes. MicroPolis is also uniquely designed to enable staggered balconies to provide some sun exposure and shade coverage during extreme weather conditions.

© Studio ST Architects

© Studio ST Architects

What key lesson did you learn in the process of conceiving the project?

The housing crisis in New York City, or any city for that matter, is a complex issue. With some of the world’s wealthiest residents, New York City is also home to thousands who do not have a clean, warm or dry place to sleep. The city is struggling to address its housing shortage for lower-income individuals and families, and to provide shelter to its 60,000-plus homeless. At the same time, New York City has a record number of empty, unsold, new luxury apartments. Unused space, particularly in tall luxury residential towers, can be reconfigured to accommodate more units dedicated to affordable housing within the existing floor area.

© Studio ST Architects

© Studio ST Architects

How do you believe this project represents you or your firm as a whole?

My firm, Studio ST Architects, strives to focus on sustainable, innovative and responsible design. Our firm combines unique expertise in architecture and psychology to design inspiring buildings and renovate spaces that transform human experiences, build deep and inclusive community connections, and create a sense of health and well-being. MicroPolis directly addresses these pillars of our practice.

© Studio ST Architects

© Studio ST Architects

How has being the recipient of an A+Award evoked positive responses from others?

It gave us an opportunity to think and explore issues around the multi-family residential typology, particularly within dense urban centers. This also helped us reach a larger audience to raise an issue we are passionate about, which led to more discussions with our clients and collaborators about responsible, compassionate design that addresses not only people’s basic need for housing, but also human connection.

© Studio ST Architects

© Studio ST Architects

How do you imagine this project influencing your work in the future?

Studio ST Architects has significant experience in apartment interior renovations and religious buildings, but we are excited to do more work in the multi-family residential sector. Our recently completed Jones Street multi-family apartment building holds a similar spirit of ambition to connect people and address the need for housing within Jersey City. Jones Street creates individual homes and a sense of community for the families and young professionals that live in this growing Jersey City community. It targets the swathe of families and young professionals looking for New York-style buildings just across the Hudson River. We hope to continue tackling the housing crisis by taking on more multi-family housing projects.

For more on MicroPolis, please visit the in-depth project page on Architizer.

MicroPolis Gallery


© Studio ST Architects

© Studio ST Architects


Reference

Rotating panels define spaces in artist’s studio by Ab Rogers Design
CategoriesInterior Design

Rotating panels define spaces in artist’s studio by Ab Rogers Design

By Zarkon Group,

Ab Rogers Design has completed an artist’s studio and residence in Kanazawa, Japan, featuring a series of fluorescent partition walls that can be rotated to transform how the space is used.

Called Fishmarket, the multipurpose creative and living space was designed for Japanese artist Hiraki Sawa, who lives in London but regularly visits his home city of Kanazawa.

Pink, orange and green rotating partition walls in a concrete apartment by AB Rogers
Ab Rogers Design introduced rotating walls that define spaces

Sawa met Ab Rogers in 2019 when the pair were both working on projects for the Wonderfruit music festival in Thailand.

At the time, they were both living in east London and over the course of several conversations decided to work together on what Rogers calls the “co-being space” in Kanazawa.

Fluorescent rotating partition walls revealing a freestanding bathtub in a concrete apartment by Ab Rogers Design
The interior was stripped back to its shell

Named after the duo’s shared love of fish, the former commercial space was converted into a place for Sawa to stay while in Kanazawa, as well as a place to host workshops around design, culture and food.

Rogers’ studio stripped the interior back to its industrial shell before adding foil-backed insulation to some of the walls and introducing interventions including the rotating plywood walls.

Pink fluorescent partition wall in an industrial apartment with concrete staircase to the side
The fluorescent partition walls are made from plywood

“We didn’t want to make it cosy or glossy, we wanted to work with the bones of what was there,” Rogers told Dezeen.

“We tried to let the light in as much as possible while keeping it raw and creating these interventions, these objects in space.”

Yellow, pink, orange and green rotating partition walls zoning a bedroom in a concrete apartment by Ab Rogers Design
The walls were painted in different colours to add character

The insertion of the four movable partitions on the building’s second floor allows this open space to be transformed into three smaller multipurpose zones.

Pivoting doors conceal the bathroom and enable the bedroom to become a workshop for making art, a place for viewing it or a social space for gatherings.

Each panel is painted in a different fluorescent highlighter hue to bring a sense of vibrancy and character to the otherwise pared-back space.

“I love fluorescent colours because they’re really alive and dynamic,” Rogers explained. “When daylight hits them they become electrified and they transform into something else.”

Long kitchen island bench topped with blue tiles in a dimly lit industrial apartment
The kitchen is located on the upper floor

A concrete staircase ascends to another open space where a monolithic nine-metre-long workbench functions as a kitchen, a worktop and a table for cooking, eating and sharing.

“The kitchen can be used as a kitchen but it’s also adaptable depending on what actions are being performed in the space,” Rogers explained.

“If you put a plate on it, it becomes a restaurant,” he added. “If you put a computer on it then it’s an office and if you put a sewing machine on it then it becomes a workshop for designing or making textiles.”

Long kitchen table topped with blue tiles with red strip lighting overhead in an unfinished industrial apartment
A long tiled bench provides space for food preparation and dining

All of the materials used in the project were sourced locally and chosen for their affordability. Building regulations also dictated some of the design decisions, such as the need to line certain walls with plywood panels.

Rogers never visited Kanazawa, so Sawa was responsible for solving problems on-site and finding materials to turn his ideas into reality.

Toilet and sink on a wooden bench in an industrial bathroom with fluorescent green wall by Ab Rogers Design
Some walls were lined with plywood panels

The project evolved over time with lots of back and forth between the client and designer. According to Rogers, this organic process produced an outcome that embodies both of their visions.

“I love these small projects where you have a strong affiliation with the client,” said the designer. “This symbiotic way of designing through a conversation is really fluent and means you’re always building ambition.”

Fluorescent green rotating wall at the top of a concrete staircase
The studio was previously a commercial space

Rogers works across fields such as health, culture, retail, hospitality and housing.

Previous projects by the multidisciplinary design studio include a cancer treatment hospital clad in glazed red terracotta and a space-efficient apartment with a floor area of just 19 square metres.

The photography is by Takumi Ota.

Reference

Ten residential interiors that make the most of narrow spaces
CategoriesInterior Design

Ten residential interiors that make the most of narrow spaces

By Zarkon Group,

Including tight living areas, kitchens wedged into corridors and interiors in skinny Japanese houses, this lookbook features 10 homes that make clever use of narrow spaces.

Projects on constricted urban sites or working within historical buildings often must contend with long-and-narrow interior layouts.

Here are 10 examples of interiors where narrow spaces have been utilised to their full potential thanks to intelligent design.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring mezzanine bedrooms, creative built-in furniture and homes that make a highlight of their corridors.

1.8 Metre House in Japan
Photo by Sobajima, Toshihiro

1.8m Width House, Japan, by YUUA Architects & Associates

As its name suggests, the rooms in this house in central Tokyo are just 1.8 metres wide, so Japanese studio YUUA Architects & Associates had to plan the interior with meticulous care.

They used split-level floors to create natural partitions between different spaces, with a kitchen and dining area lined up along a single wall, while a dark colour scheme is intended to provide “a sense of depth”.

Find out more about 1.8m Width House ›

House in Valencia by DG Arquitecto Valencia
Photo by by Mariela Apollonio

Horta Nord townhouse, Spain, by DG Arquitecto Valencia

DG Arquitecto Valencia sneaked a kitchen into a passageway in this Valencian townhouse as part of a renovation project for a young family.

White floor tiles and downlighting hanging from the high ceiling help the space maintain a sense of generous scale despite the narrow proportions.

Find out more about this Horta Nord townhouse ›

196 Orchard model residence in Manhattan by Alex P. White
Photo by Colin Miller

196 Orchard apartment, USA, by Alex P White

American designer Alex P White created a model unit for a high-end condominium building in Manhattan’s Lower East Side characterised by exposed calming concrete ceilings, grey plaster walls and neutral-toned decor.

In the narrow living room, a mix of shapes and textures combine with built-in furniture to provide added visual depth, from a series of ivory wall hangings by Los Angeles artist Mary Little to a large walnut shelving unit designed by White and a cardboard chair by Frank Gehry.

Find out more about this 196 Orchard apartment ›

Maisonette in Notting Hill by Francesco Pierazzi Architects
Photography is by Lorenzo Zandri

Notting Hill maisonette, UK, by Francesco Pierazzi Architects

A petite plywood study space was nestled into a hallway in this London maisonette overhauled by Francesco Pierazzi Architects.

To emphasise the home’s sense of height, the studio placed floor-to-ceiling doorways in all of its narrower rooms and left the brick shell exposed, offset by dark flooring.

Find out more about this Notting Hill maisonette ›

Nuwa guesthouse by Z_Lab
Photo by Texture on Texture

Seochon micro guesthouse, South Korea, by Z_Lab

Z_Lab’s serene interiors for this tiny guesthouse tucked down an alleyway in northern Seoul occupy a former traditional Korean home, otherwise known as a hanok.

In the main space, long and rectilinear, different functions are lined up from a cosy reading area on a timber bench to a lengthy walnut table for enjoying tea that sits directly beside a sunken water bath.

Find out more about this Seochan micro guesthouse ›

West Chelsea Apartment by BoND
Photo by Eric Petschek

West Chelsea Apartment, USA, by BoND

This long and narrow apartment in New York’s Chelsea neighbourhood was overhauled by architecture studio BoND, which replaced partition walls with glass doors to allow more light to reach the middle section while also “celebrating the apartment’s elongated proportions and maximising the illusion of depth”.

All utilities, including kitchen and bathroom fixtures, were moved to one wall to leave the other free for displaying art, while the direction of the floorboards and linear lighting fixtures help to emphasise the length of the interior.

Find out more about West Chelsea Apartment ›

Studio 6b bedroom
Photo by Itay Benit

Bauhaus Tel Aviv apartment, Israel, by Amir Navon and Maayan Zusman

A “safe room” was turned into a snug spare bedroom as part of a refurbishment of this Tel Aviv apartment by architect Amir Navon and interior designer Maayan Zusman, who worked alongside graduates Dana Sagive and Naama Tison Vilotsky.

To compensate for a lack of width a light-toned oak herringbone floor was paired with pale colours, while two wooden plates with holes pierced in them to support brass hooks are a space-saving storage solution.

Find out more about this Bauhaus Tel Aviv apartment ›

Love2 House by Takeshi Hosaka in Tokyo Japan
Photo by by Koji Fujii Nacasa and Partners

Love2 House, Japan, by Takeshi Hosaka

This Tokyo micro home designed by architect Takeshi Hosaka for himself and his wife gathers household amenities into a linear floorplan spanning just 19 square metres.

Borrowing principles from the architecture of villas in ancient Roman villas, Hosaka divided up spaces for sleeping, bathing, eating and study using seven partitions that extend out from the concrete walls.

Find out more about Love2 House ›

Birch and Clay Refugio by Rise Design Studio
Photo by Ståle Eriksen

Birch and Clay Refugio, UK, by Rise Design Studio

By cutting shelving into one wall, retaining a generous window sill and subtly overlapping the chunky sink and bathtub, Rise Design Studio was able to make the most of limited lateral space in this bathroom.

The room’s proportions were chosen to match an adjacent lightwell in the remodelled London flat, while the dark blue tadelakt walls and floor contrast with a birch plywood ceiling to convey an impression of solidity.

Find out more about Birch and Clay Refugio ›

Interiors of La Odette apartment by Crü

La Odette, Spain, by CRÜ

Architecture studio CRÜ was tasked with transforming this Barcelona apartment from a cramped three-bedroom home into a spacious two-bed while optimising the use of space.

In the kitchen-living area, it removed the partition walls to create an open-plan space, with large terracotta floor tiles and white-painted brick walls.

Find out more about La Odette ›

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring mezzanine bedrooms, creative built-in furniture and homes that make a highlight of their corridors.

Reference

Ten cosy cabins with living spaces that frame views of nature
CategoriesInterior Design

Ten cosy cabins with living spaces that frame views of nature

By Zarkon Group,

From Norway to New Zealand, this lookbook explores rural cabins with cosy living areas that are animated by natural materials and views out over wild landscapes.

Cabins are a popular building typology with architects all around the world. Typically built from wood, the little shelters are ideally suited as peaceful retreats in remote locations.

Their small size and the use of organic materials such as wood helps these structures to blend in with natural surroundings, while also creating warm and calming living spaces for inhabitants.

As demonstrated by this roundup, little else is needed to make a cabin cosy, and keeping their interiors pared-back retains focus on the main event – the views out to nature.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring interiors with statement carpets, earthy bedrooms with natural colours and hotel interiors enriched by jewel tones.

Living space of Enough House by Brian MacKay-Lyons
Photo is by James Brittain

Enough House, Canada, by Brian MacKay-Lyons

Dark-stained floorboards complement the light and exposed timber beams and columns of this cabin on a farmstead in Nova Scotia.

Its living room has large windows for looking out over the rustic landscape but retains a sheltered feel with low ceilings, a soft rug and comfy leather furniture such as the 2 Fauteuil Grand Confort armchair by Le Corbusier.

Find out more about Enough House ›

L-shaped sofa and armchair inside cabin living space
Photo is by Tom Bird

Looking Glass Lodge, UK, by Michael Kendrick Architects

A black fireplace is suspended from the ceiling of this sitting area, located in the Looking Glass Lodge in East Sussex.

The room has a pared-back design filled with woven furnishings and wooden surfaces, helping to ensure the focus stays on the floor-to-ceiling glazing.

According to its designer Michael Kendrick Architects, the studio’s aim was to give the cabin “a sense of transparency and belonging within its setting”.

Find out more about Looking Glass Lodge ›

Sitting and dining area of The Hat House in Sweden
Photo is by Jim Stephenson

The Hat House, Sweden, by Tina Bergman

Despite its tall ceilings, The Hat House’s living-dining space has been made to feel snug with its warm material palette dominated by different woods.

These include spruce panels on the walls and end-grain spruce blocks for the floor. A cushioned window seat allows the owner to immerse themself in the view.

Find out more about The Hat House ›

Living room of Bruny Island Cabin by Maguire + Devin
Photo is by Rob Maver

Bruny Island Cabin, Australia, by Maguire + Devin

Baltic pine lines almost every surface of this off-grid cabin in Tasmania, designed by Maguire + Devin with references to traditional Japanese houses.

Nearly every piece of furniture forms a part of the building’s frame, creating a minimalist and uncluttered interior. This includes a raised seating area, positioned beside a pane of glass and finished with a low-lying table and rugs for sitting.

Find out more about Bruny Island Cabin ›

Living space of Biv Punakaiki cabin
Photo is by Stephen Goodenough

Biv Punakaiki, New Zealand, by Fabric Architecture

Hidden within the rainforest in the coastal village of Punakaiki, this holiday cabin has large spans of glazing that aim to immerse occupants in the landscape.

Furnishings are few and far between to prevent distracting from the view, but a homely feel is created through the warm and exposed timber structure and mid-20th-century furnishings including a leather butterfly chair.

Find out more about Biv Punakaiki ›

Mobile forest cabin at Het bos roept campsite by The Way We Build
Photo is by Jordi Huisman

Forest Cabin, Netherlands, by The Way We Build

Arches made of poplar give a chapel-like character to this tiny mobile cabin, located on a campsite in the Robbenoordbos forest in the Netherlands.

Its compact living area is deliberately simple, furnished with just a writing desk and a wood burner for warmth and offering visitors a meditative space to “rejuvenate close to nature”.

Find out more about Forest Cabin ›

Living room of Iragüen Viñuela Arquitectos ski cabin
Photo is by Marcos Zegers

House by the Cautín River, Chile, by Iragüen Viñuela Arquitecto

Iragüen Viñuela Arquitectos opted for dark-stained wood for the interior lining of this ski cabin in Chile, creating a moody yet cosy living area where the outside views take centre stage.

“The interior of the house, completely covered in black wood, allows a great contrast with the white winter and green summer landscape, and offers an atmosphere of introspection and calm according to the vocation of shelter,” said the studio.

Find out more about House by the Cautín River ›

Living space in Cabin Nordmarka by Rever & Drage Architects
Photo is by Tom Auger

Cabin Nordmarka, Norway, Rever & Drage

An angular corner window animates the unadorned living room of Cabin Nordmarka that Rever & Drage recently completed in Norway.

The green and blue tones of the forested surroundings form a colourful backdrop to the elevated space, which is characterised by light timber planks and matching furniture.

Find out more about Cabin Nordmarka ›

Interior of The Author's House in Denmark by Sleth
Photo is by Rasmus Hjortshøj, Coast

The Author’s House, Denmark, by Sleth

Landscape studio Sleth designed this writer’s cabin to blend in with its natural setting on the outskirts of Aarhus.

Douglas fir planks line the living room, creating a cosy retreat for the owner while echoing the surrounding trees. Bookshelves at the base of its gabled profile help reduce the height of the room, making it feel even more snug.

Find out more about The Author’s House ›

Treetop cabin at Bergaliv Landscape Hotel, Sweden, by Hanna Michelson

Bergaliv Landscape Hotel, Sweden, by Hanna Michelson

This compact wooden cabin nestled in the treetops of a Swedish mountain is one of four designed for the Bergaliv Landscape Hotel.

Like many other cabins on the list, the interior is simply finished. This draws attention to a wooden L-shaped bench and window seat, designed for visitors to get lost in the views out over the landscape.

Find out more about Bergaliv Landscape Hotel ›

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring interiors with statement carpets, earthy bedrooms with natural colours and hotel interiors enriched by jewel tones.

Reference

Alexander & Co carves out spaces for calm and play inside Pacific House
CategoriesInterior Design

Alexander & Co carves out spaces for calm and play inside Pacific House

By Zarkon Group,

Australian architecture practice Alexander & Co has overhauled this oceanside home in Sydney to make it more suitable for family life.

Before its renovation, the five-bedroom house had a disjointed floor plan that was proving inefficient for its two young owners and their three children. Many of the rooms were also cut off from views of the garden and the ocean beyond.

Kitchen interior of Pacific House designed by Alexander & Co
Pacific House’s kitchen is decked out with oakwood and different types of marble

“[Pacific House] was substantial in structure but devoid of spirit and certainly absent of any operational utility,” said Alexander & Co‘s principal architect Jeremy Bull.

Tasked with making the home a “functional engineer of family life”, the practice decided to carve out areas for activity and play, alongside spaces with a calmer, more contemplative ambience for the adults.

Breakfast nook in front of curved window
The cosy breakfast nook backs onto a curved window

At the heart of the plan now sits an expansive kitchen. All of the cabinetry is made from warm-hued American oak, while panels of a paler European oak were laid across the ceiling.

Jagged-edged pieces of Grigio Firma, Grigio Lana and Carrara marble were set into the kitchen floor.

Garden of Pacific House designed by Alexander & Co
Arched doorways open onto the garden

Inhabitants can eat at the central island or take a seat at the breakfast nook, which is tucked against a huge concave window.

Its form nods to the architectural style of P&O – an offshoot of modernism that was popular in 1930s Sydney and drew on the streamlined curves of Pacific and Orient-line cruise ships.

Dining room by Alexander & Co with muted colour scheme
Neutral hues were applied throughout the formal dining area

Two arched doors at the front of the kitchen grant access to the garden, where there’s an alfresco seating area.

A new swimming pool was added in an excavation pit that had previously been created in the home’s driveway.

The rest of Pacific House’s ground floor includes a rumpus room for games, parties and recreation, plus a sophisticated dining area decked out in neutral hues.

There’s also a spacious living area with Mario Bellini’s Camaleonda sofa for B&B Italia, which looks out across the ocean waves.

An Afghan rug printed with abstract shapes and a couple of triangular marble coffee tables add to the more fun, graphic look that the practice sought to establish in this room.

Living room interior of Pacific House designed by Alexander & Co
The living area is arranged to prioritise ocean vistas

Spaces become slightly more muted on the floor above, which is accessed via an oakwood staircase.

In the principal bedroom – which features another P&O-style curved window – walls are rendered in concrete.

Grey terrazzo and marble was used to cover surfaces in the bathroom, clashing against the pattern of the grey mosaic flooring.

Bathroom interior by Alexander & Co with pattern-clashing greyscale surfaces
The primary bedroom has a curved window and a greyscale en-suite

Alexander & Co has completed a number of other projects in Sydney including an Italian trattoria and most recently its own studio, which is housed in a converted Victorian-era residence.

Formal workstations are built into the building’s basement, but the remaining residential-style floors accommodate a kitchen, living room and library where staff can brainstorm ideas.

The photography is by Anson Smart.

Reference