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Modular Living On Barcelona’s River

The focus of this project is to have happy homes across the fluvial surroundings of Barcelona. Self-efficient loft units measuring 45m2 that are solar-powered and completely energy self-efficient, look pleasant enough to dot the landscape. The basic premise is to use one single multi-purpose open space which gets partitioned into the kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom and a deck. It has a studio apartment vibe, albeit on the river. Proposed to be sold at 80.000 € / unit, it’s a playground for the rich and famous!

Designers: Toni Clariana, Magma Design & Enoc Armengol

Noah’s Construction Remix

Designed by 2-B-2 Architecture to be a reflection of the Biblical story of Noah and the Ark. To describe it, 2-B-2 chooses a refuge on the top of Mount Ararat in Turkey. This refuge consists of two levels. First is the entrance and parking for over 1000 cars. This area spills over unto the human areas, allowing avoidance of cheerless urban landscape and prevents the strong heating of the vehicles.

Designer: 2-B-2 Architecture

Splendiferous Propeller-like Structure

Kindness! In commemoration of 400 years of friendship between the Netherlands and New York, this fabulous building was constructed. For the public, the “New Amsterdam Plein & Pavillion” will provide info about upcoming events in the area as well as larger events in The Netherlands. It’ll also serve as a food an beverage outlet with seating on the outside. Feed and celebrate at this fantastic new landmark!

Designer: Ben van Berkel of UNStudio

Boston Gets A Boa

Can the Dubai real-estate slump be blamed on ambitious projects that tried to recreate mini magical kingdoms? Don’t know, however that’s not stopped the designers from their creative thinking so let’s overview a challenging project that’s aimed for Boston residents. Christened The Boa (Boston Arcology), this floating city isn’t worried about the threat of rising oceans, because it’s equipped with “techniques of today and has been researched to be totally feasible.” Read on to know more…

Designers: E. Kevin Schopfer, AIA, RIBA with Tangram 3DS

Poolside Roadside Lounge

So you’ve got an aparthotel (apartment/hotel) somewhere and you want to add a poolside bar between the ol’ water hole and the road. But there’s only a small strip! What do you do? You use the ENTIRE SPACE and not only make a bar, but a bar and lounge, and not just for the aparthotel, but for the entire public.

And make it hecka sleek.

Designer: Tiago Miguel A.M.S. Rosado

A Wally Oasis

Thinking about how ecology plays a role in urban spaces is a re-emerging trend in design. The Symbiotic Green Wall takes the idea of wall beyond its dividing role. It provides a vertical system for an entire ecosystem to exist. The wall collects, purifies and redistributes water around the site using natural processes. A digital monitoring system sheds light on water usage and overall health. It even cleans itself with purified water. I would love to see more of these sculptural installations in big cities around the world.

Designers: Kooho Jung & Hayeon Kelly Choi

Eiffel In Dubai Sounds Crazy!

Drawing inspiration from the magnificent Eiffel Tower, the Eko is a futuristic housing high-rise for Zaabeel Park, City Center in Dubai. With stats like 24 floors, 8500 Square meters of Nano Solar, 350 palms, a bar, a library and a big exhibition hall; this humble living quarters of rich Arabs and their Harem will be the envy of every Eiffel-loving Parisian!

Designers: 10 Raisons Architects

Welcome to 55 Blair Road

A terrace house done in a Heritage Art Deco style, with light open plan living and a nice balance betweeen nature and contemporary living. Fresh. To me, the best part about this house is that it’s a renovation. We’ve got no “before” pics here, but I doubt it compared at all to this magnificent living space. After that it’s gotta be the gigantic light space dividing the two sections of the house, wrapped in aluminum wall cladding absolutely pouring light into the entire abode. Just lovely.

Design Team: Diego Molina, Maria Arango, Camilo Pelaez

The Ball is The Game is The Stadium

The following stadium was designed by the wonderful folks over at UNStudio, especially one Ben van Berkel. He (they) won a limited competition to design a gigantic football stadium for the most successful football (soccer for you USA residents) team in the Chinese Super League: Dalian Shide FC! The design reflects vividly the breathtaking amalgamation of the ancient Chinese cuju football. A must peek.

Designer: Ben van Berkel / UNStudio

Podcast Episode 3

Interview with REthink development about Cherokee Studios, an LEED Platinum certified live/work building in Los Angeles, CA. Everything from water filtration, energy efficiency, LED lighting, right down to the zero VOC free paints and finishes makes Cherokee Studios one of the “greenest” buildings in California.

Episode 3: REthink for Cherokee Studios

Heavenly Abode

Rebuilding New Orleans is an ongoing effort and pitching into the concept-zone is the New Orleans Arcology Habitat or NOAH. Since the details on this structure are in-depth and plenty, lets plunge into them right away. NOAH proposes to be a habitat for 40,000 residents who can benefit from the planned residential units, school system, commercial, retail, hotels, casinos, parking, and public works facilities.

Designers: E. Kevin Schopfer in collaboration with Tangram 3DS

Gimme Shelter

The Mongolian steppe is no place to linger but thousands of people still lead nomadic lifestyles in this harsh environment. Today’s nomads can travel farther and faster thanks to modern rails and road networks but still live in temporary tents or cave dwellings. Gimme Shelter is an improved cave dwelling taking advantage of the unique typology. It provides superior thermal protection while offering many modern amenities for traveling families.

Designer: Rojkind Arquitectos