Group items tagged

the idea behind the modular configuration is to define a spatial solution which would be able to grow and adapt according to the changing need; or according to varied conditions at different locations. notionally, if more and more modules were to be added, the clinic facilities could grow infinitely but always confined the circular matrix, defined by three differently sized courtyards.

Natural Curves: Organic ‘Wood Wave’ Floating Home Design if (isPaidRef_jswsa() || isSearchRef_jswsa() || isRef_jswsa('weburbanist.com|webecoist.com|gajitz.com')) {write_jswsa('googbanner');} else if (isRef_jswsa('dornob.com|stumbleupon.com')) {} else if (document.referrer == "") {} else if (isOld_jswsa(jswsaDate,10)) {write_jswsa('googbanner');} else {} Outside and in, from the curved wood cladding to the  swooping wooden ceilings, this undulating houseboat design by Robert Oshatz evokes the dynamic movement of the river water on which it floats. The series of intersecting and overlapping organic forms creates a sense of constant movement that is clearly inspired by surrounding waves but likewise reflects the never-still nature of the structure itself. More than just a clever aesthetic trick, however, this repeated form also serves a series of architectural functions, from defining interior volumes to letting in exterior natural light at both ends and along the roof line. The repetitive use of wood both inside and out also enhances the nautical theme of the home, giving residents the abstract sense that they are within a curved sea-faring wooden vessel as much as they are floating inside of a house. Wide-open views of the water are balanced by beautiful but privacy-protecting wood-shingled surfaces on the dock side of the structure.

Remnants of the Biosphere Photographer Noah Sheldon got in touch the other week with a beautiful series of photos documenting the decrepit state of Biosphere 2, a semi-derelict bio-architectural experiment in the Arizona desert. [Image: Biosphere 2, photographed by Noah Sheldon].The largest sealed environment ever created, constructed at a cost of $200 million, and now falling somewhere between David Gissen's idea of subnature—wherein the slow power of vegetative life is unleashed "as a transgressive animated force against buildings"—and a bioclimatically inspired Dubai, Biosphere 2 even included its own one million-gallon artificial sea.

Researchers in Germany and the UK have discovered symmetry hidden in solid state matter at very small scales. The findings, published in the journal Science, indicate that symmetry involves the golden ratio famous from art and architecture. The research was supported in part by the NMI3 ('Integrated infrastructure initiative for neutron scattering and muon spectroscopy') project, which was funded under the 'Coordination of research activities' Thematic area of the EU's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) to the tune of EUR 21 million

Scientists say that in mathematics and the arts, two quantities are in the golden ratio if the ratio of the sum of the quantities to the larger quantity is the same as the ratio of the larger quantity to the smaller one.

'Such discoveries are leading physicists to speculate that the quantum, atomic scale world may have its own underlying order,' Professor Tennant, who led the HZB team, said, adding that 'similar surprises may await researchers in other materials in the quantum critical state.