Spices, with their diverse flavors, aromas, and medicinal properties, have captivated human senses for centuries. From enhancing flavors to preserving food and even serving as currency, spices embody richness, opulence, and intensity. It is this vibrant world of spices that inspired the design of the new Van den Berg spice company building in Graz, Austria.

A Riot of Colors and Textures

The Van den Berg spice company building, a former carpenter’s workshop nestled in the heart of Graz, exudes a unique charm. Situated in one of the city’s Secret Places, it blends into the urban fabric while maintaining an air of mystery. The design embraces a lush clash of colors, shapes, materials, surfaces, and plants, creating a visually stimulating environment.

Unveiling the Essence

During the reconstruction, the building’s valuable elements were uncovered, supplemented, or renewed. Walls were painted neutral white, and the existing black bitumen floor was expanded throughout the space. Loft-like white structural elements were introduced, providing a neutral backdrop for furniture, spices, plants, and lighting to shine.

Immersive Sensory Experience

The interior design aims to engage all senses, offering visitors an immersive journey through the world of spices. Smelling flasks allow for experiencing the unique notes of each spice, while colored foils on glass awnings filter Caribbean light into the space. Lavishly designed “Hanging Gardens” add a touch of greenery, and brightly colored seating furniture in the tasting area evokes an exotic ambiance.

Conclusion: A Multisensory Oasis

In essence, the Van den Berg spice company building is a multisensory oasis, where colors, smells, materials, and associations converge to create a vibrant and dynamic space. It embodies the essence of the spice world, inviting visitors on a sensory adventure unlike any other.

Situated in the Safayieh region of Yazd, this project by Darkefaza Design Studio marks a departure from the monotonous architectural landscape prevalent in the area. In a context where buildings lack dialogue with the city and visual communication is minimal, this renovation project seeks to redefine Yazd’s architectural identity while addressing functional needs.

Fusion of Tradition and Functionality

The project draws inspiration from Yazd’s rich architectural heritage while addressing the functional requirements of a modern laboratory. It embodies a dual character, with the south side reaching out to the city, aiming for accessibility and visibility, while the north side maintains harmony with the residential alley, respecting its surroundings.

Expressive Façade: A Dialogue with the City

Initially devoid of a defined façade, the project evolved to utilize its exterior as a means of communicating its function to the city. By excavating the ground to create a larger yard and urban plaza, the building engages with the urban fabric. The façade, dynamic and inviting, incorporates motifs from Yazd’s historic architecture, serving as a tangible expression of the city’s heritage.

Structural Innovation and Spatial Integration

The renovation involved structural modifications to enhance spatial integration within the building. By relocating the staircase to the exterior, the interior space gained flexibility and openness, essential for the functionality of a laboratory workstation. This adaptive approach reflects a commitment to modernizing while preserving historical qualities.

Revitalizing Historical Qualities

Throughout the renovation process, emphasis was placed on reviving the esteemed qualities of Yazd’s historical architecture. By integrating these qualities into the modern typology, the project aims to contribute to the city’s architectural legacy while addressing contemporary needs.

In essence, this renovation project serves as a testament to the integration of tradition and innovation, creating a new architectural typology that honors Yazd’s heritage while embracing the demands of modernity.

The Veterinary School Hospital in Juazeiro do Norte, part of Unileão, serves as a vital educational and practical facility for students under the guidance of instructors. Designed to cater to both small and large animals, the hospital encompasses various areas including kennels, catteries, stables, paddocks, consultation rooms, laboratories, surgical centers, classrooms, and administrative sections. The architectural approach revolves around providing ample shade for thermal comfort, a critical consideration in the region’s semi-arid climate.

Thermal Comfort and Shelter: Innovative Roof Design

A defining feature of the hospital’s design is a large detached roof that provides extensive shade to the entire building. This roof, supported by metal trusses, features a curved shape resembling waves with interruptions to allow hot air to escape. Translucent polycarbonate tiles are incorporated in some areas to harness natural light effectively. The expansive shade not only covers the building but also extends over the paddocks and areas for large animal internment, ensuring comfort for both patients and staff.

Terrain Modification and Building Placement: Enhancing Microclimate

The sloping terrain is strategically modified to create two platforms with a height difference, accommodating the various hospital buildings. The separation of activities into six distinct blocks allows for adequate spacing, facilitating cross ventilation and contributing to a pleasant microclimate. Vertical and staggered windows introduce dynamism to the facades while promoting airflow and natural light penetration.

Solar Protection and Bioclimatic Strategies: Minimizing Heat Effects

To mitigate the intense sunlight in the region, a towering solar protection structure made of solid ceramic bricks is erected. This lattice-like element, seven meters high, filters sunlight and shields the interior spaces from excessive heat. The serpentine shape of the masonry serves not only as solar protection but also as a visual and functional separator between public and private areas within the hospital. Overall, the building is designed to serve as an oasis in the desert landscape, employing passive bioclimatic strategies to combat the challenges of the semi-arid climate and create inviting and comfortable environments for the hospital’s activities.

In Porto, Portugal, ARG Studio has orchestrated a transformative architectural endeavor at the Hospital São João’s Pediatric Ward, redefining the landscape of pediatric care through innovation and creativity. Led by architect Ricardo Guedes, the project integrates architecture and illustration to create an immersive environment that prioritizes the well-being and joy of young patients.

Architectural Concept: Bringing Kites to Life

The Pediatric Ward’s redesign aims to not only provide top-tier treatment services but also ensure the comfort and happiness of its young occupants. Central to this vision is the incorporation of kites as a recurring motif throughout the space. The architectural language of the leisure area seamlessly merges with illustrated narratives, establishing a cohesive and engaging environment for patients and visitors alike.

Interactive Installations: Inviting Exploration and Play

The installation of kite-inspired elements along the hall and entrance corridor ceilings serves as a playful invitation to all who enter. These simple shapes evoke the whimsy and curiosity of childhood, setting the stage for an enchanting journey within the ward. The leisure area, carefully designed by ARG Studio, offers a diverse range of spaces for study, play, and relaxation. Each room is adorned with vibrant colors, creating an immersive atmosphere that caters to children of all ages and recovery states.

Illustrated Narrative: A Flight of Fantasy

Francisca Ramalho’s illustration project breathes life into the ward, transforming corridors into captivating visual landscapes. The kite journey unfolds across large-scale panels, inviting patients to embark on a voyage filled with mystery and wonder. These illustrations provide moments of respite and escapism, offering a temporary reprieve from the challenges of illness and treatment. In this fantasy realm, children can momentarily transcend the complexities of reality and find solace in imagination.

Conclusion: A Haven of Healing and Joy

The transformation of the Pediatric Ward at Hospital São João is more than just a renovation; it’s a testament to the power of creativity and compassion in healthcare design. By integrating architecture and illustration, ARG Studio has crafted a space that not only heals but also uplifts spirits and sparks joy. As young patients navigate their journey through the ward, they are greeted with a sense of wonder and possibility, reminding them that even in times of adversity, there is always room for imagination and hope.

Embracing Nature: TRIVIUM Wellness Culture Complex in South Korea

In Pyeongtaek-si, South Korea, ALIVEUS architecture has crafted a serene sanctuary known as TRIVIUM Wellness Culture Complex. Completed in 2022, this architectural marvel is a testament to the harmonious integration of natural elements and design principles, offering visitors a space of pure relaxation and tranquility.

Concept and Design Inspiration

The client’s vision for TRIVIUM was clear: to create a space that mirrors the tranquility of nature, with mountains, water, and sky serving as primary themes. Named “TRIVIUM” to convey the aesthetics of emptiness through these three natural elements, the project aimed to strike a balance between architectural structure and the surrounding environment. The challenge lay in finding the delicate equilibrium between filling the space with structure and emptying it to incorporate nature seamlessly.

Structural Simplicity and Natural Integration

ALIVEUS architecture approached the design process with a focus on structural simplicity, prioritizing functionality over excessive decoration. The central communal space on the second floor features a unique waffle structure with an open square to the sky, offering both horizontal and vertical openness. This design allows visitors to experience various views of the sky and immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.

Indoor and Outdoor Harmony

The first floor of TRIVIUM is an indoor space where water features on the terrace dominate the ambiance. These features serve as outdoor relaxation spaces, providing reflected light on interior surfaces over time. Utilized for activities such as yoga, meditation, and aromatherapy, this space exudes a sense of calmness, inviting visitors to quiet their minds and connect with nature.

Reflecting on the Experience

TRIVIUM embodies the long-standing wishes of its clients, offering visitors the opportunity to empty their minds or fill them with thoughts as they see fit. The journey of filling the building with structure while emptying it to incorporate nature was a challenging yet rewarding task for the architects. As visitors engage with TRIVIUM, they are invited to ponder the duality of nature and architecture, much like the enigmatic nature of light itself.

In essence, TRIVIUM Wellness Culture Complex stands as a testament to the power of design to create spaces that promote holistic well-being and harmony with the natural world.

Introduction

R2K Architectes introduces Oiseau Lyre, a pioneering educational institution in Noisy-le-Grand, France, blending Nordic inspiration with innovative pedagogical principles. Situated on elevated terrain facing the Marne River, the school embraces a new educational paradigm, offering diverse shared spaces within a compact footprint.

Architectural Concept

Drawing from Finnish and Quebecois educational models, Oiseau Lyre embodies environmental and educational aspirations. Designed by architects Véronique Klimine and Olavi Koponen, the school prioritizes sustainability and active pedagogies, aiming to enhance students’ learning experiences.

Functional Design

The school complex spans four levels, integrating 24 classrooms for kindergarten and elementary students, along with recreational areas and communal spaces. These shared facilities, including a multipurpose room, art gallery, and library, foster collaboration between students and civic associations.

Integration with the Environment

Nestled amidst a vernacular district, the school harmonizes with its surroundings, respecting the scale and proportions of neighboring houses. Its strategic placement on a steep slope ensures safety for children, while maximizing natural light and views of private gardens to promote well-being.

Biophilic Design and Well-being

Natural light floods the interior spaces, creating a serene ambiance conducive to learning. The school’s ‘living wood’ architecture emphasizes organic materials and biophilic elements, enhancing acoustics and visual comfort. Innovative structural solutions, such as truss lattices and ribbed LVL floors, contribute to a sustainable built environment.

Positive Energy and Low Carbon Design

Oiseau Lyre embraces a holistic approach to energy efficiency, incorporating passive design strategies and renewable energy systems. Photovoltaic panels, geothermal probes, and natural ventilation mechanisms minimize thermal losses and reduce reliance on non-renewable resources, ensuring a net-positive energy balance.

Conclusion

The Biosourced Positive Energy School Group exemplifies a fusion of architectural innovation and educational excellence. By integrating Nordic design principles with sustainable technologies, Oiseau Lyre sets a new standard for environmentally conscious and student-centered learning environments.

Introduction

Situated in the residential and educational hub of Budapest, the Budapest Business University (BBU) campus embodies late modernist characteristics. With the goal of enhancing its infrastructure and fostering community engagement, the university initiated a design competition in 2018, leading to the creation of the BBU Library And Student Center.

Integration with the Environment

The BBU Library And Student Center seamlessly integrates with the surrounding urban fabric, characterized by residential blocks and green spaces. As part of the campus redevelopment plan, the new center enhances the university’s identity while respecting local values and architectural heritage.

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Functionality and Flexibility

Designed to meet the evolving needs of 21st-century education, the center offers a range of community spaces, including sports facilities, recreational areas, and a modern library. The layout prioritizes accessibility and connectivity, with multifunctional areas catering to both educational and social activities.

Spatial Organization

The interior spaces are strategically organized to promote circulation and interaction. Wide corridors and internal courtyards facilitate movement between educational wings, dormitories, and communal areas. Bookshelves and reading desks create zones for focused study, while open staircases encourage spontaneous collaboration.

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Revitalized Campus Garden

Central to the redesign is the campus garden, transformed into an inviting public space. By removing fences and eliminating car traffic, the garden becomes a welcoming urban foyer. The architectural elements, including red brick cladding and concrete surfaces, blend harmoniously with the natural environment.

Architectural Expression

The architecture of the BBU Library And Student Center reflects a balance between functionality and aesthetics. Neutral tones and natural materials complement the vibrant atmosphere of the interior spaces, creating a harmonious environment conducive to learning and community engagement.

Conclusion

The BBU Library And Student Center stands as a testament to the university’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity. By reimagining its physical infrastructure, the center not only enhances the learning experience for students but also fosters a sense of belonging within the broader community.

Introduction

The Bajaj Institute of Technology (BIT) Wardha emerged from a visionary initiative led by the Shiksha Mandal organization, aimed at providing quality and affordable education in Wardha, India. Inspired by traditional sacred architecture, BIT Wardha embodies a modern interpretation while preserving cultural heritage.

Inspiration from Sacred Architecture

Taking cues from the architectural elements of temples, churches, and mosques, BIT Wardha’s design integrates modernity with tradition. Concepts like mandapa, torana, and gopuram are reimagined, resulting in a spatial layout that mirrors the sacred attributes of ancient structures.

Spatial Organization

The campus features an elongated quadratic shape with a central plaza at its core, fostering connectivity and coherence. Spread across three levels, interconnected walkways and bridges facilitate movement and unify the architectural language. Triangular towers and jack arches accentuate the campus’s identity and provide wayfinding cues.

Harmonious Environment

BIT Wardha’s design prioritizes harmony between built and open spaces, mitigating Wardha’s harsh climatic conditions. Classrooms, laboratories, and workshops are strategically arranged around internal courtyards, promoting cross-ventilation and natural light.

Functional Spaces

Classrooms, laboratories, workshops, and the library are thoughtfully designed to cater to the educational needs of students. Classrooms feature vertical louvers for solar orientation, while laboratories benefit from cross-ventilation and vegetated courtyards. The library, positioned symbolically at the end of the central plaza, serves as a hub of knowledge.

Expression of Identity

Despite its modern architectural language, BIT Wardha remains rooted in cultural traditions. Embracing a minimalist approach, the design prioritizes functionality and durability over outward embellishments. Its exposed material palette and alignment along the E-W axis reflect a commitment to sustainable and culturally sensitive design principles.

Conclusion

BIT Wardha stands as a testament to the fusion of modernity and tradition, offering a nurturing environment for learning and growth. By blending architectural innovation with cultural heritage, it not only addresses the educational needs of the community but also inspires future generations with its timeless design ethos.

Introduction

The ArtFX Campus stands as a beacon of innovation in the realm of digital arts and film professions, boasting international influence. Nestled within the Plaine-Images complex, a hub dedicated to creative industries in Lille’s Metropolis, this project by Valode & Pistre embodies a seamless integration of architecture with its urban surroundings.

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Harmonious Urban Integration

Designed to harmonize with its urban context, the campus respects the proportions and heights of neighboring structures, engaging in a dialogue with prominent landmarks like “Le Fresnoy,” “Imaginarium,” and “The Jacquard.” By aligning with the region’s industrial and residential fabric, ArtFX becomes an integral part of the evolving urban landscape.

Dynamic Public Spaces

The campus serves as a dynamic public space, forming the southern boundary of a vast landscaped area within Plaine-Image. A well-defined outdoor entrance area connects the campus with the adjacent park and street, fostering urban vitality. Anchored by amenities like cafes, foyers, and shops, the campus becomes a vibrant urban node, enhancing its accessibility and appeal.

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Blend of Creativity and Connectivity

At its core, ArtFX is a nexus of creativity, learning, and community life, striking a delicate balance between seclusion and openness. The west facade, predominantly glazed, establishes a symbiotic relationship with the neighboring National Studio of Contemporary Arts Le Fresnoy, fostering visual connectivity and artistic synergy. The incorporation of expansive glazed panels accentuates the project’s commitment to showcasing artistic prowess and fostering collaboration.

Integrated Living and Learning Spaces

The architectural design seamlessly integrates educational and residential components, creating a holistic environment for students. By co-locating school facilities and student housing, ArtFX fosters an optimal environment for learning and living. This integration not only enhances accessibility to school resources but also fosters a sense of community and cohesion among students.

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Conclusion

ArtFX represents more than just a school; it embodies a convergence of creativity, innovation, and urban vitality. By blending seamlessly with its surroundings and embracing a holistic approach to education and living, ArtFX sets a new standard for architectural excellence and educational innovation in the digital arts domain.

A Landmark of Argentine Architecture

Located in Leandro N. Alem, Misiones, the Normal Superior School N°1 Domingo Faustino Sarmiento is an iconic testament to Argentine architecture. Designed by architects Mario Soto and Raúl Rivarola, this educational institution remains a symbol of innovation and modernity.

Historical Context and Architectural Vision

Commissioned in 1953 under the presidency of Juan Domingo Perón, the school’s construction was part of a broader initiative to enhance institutional infrastructure in Misiones. Soto and Rivarola, renowned for their previous works in the province, were entrusted with the project, which aimed to catalyze urban development in Leandro N. Alem.

Design Features and Climatic Considerations

Constructed between 1957 and 1963, the school’s design reflects careful consideration of the region’s subtropical climate. The distinctive large roof, initially planned with wood and metal sheets, was eventually executed in concrete, serving as both a rainwater reservoir and a means of natural cooling for the building.

Functional Flexibility and Spatial Organization

Internally, the school boasts a flexible layout, with three distinct areas accommodating classrooms, administrative facilities, and a covered courtyard for student activities. The innovative design prioritizes open spaces and promotes efficient air circulation, contributing to a conducive learning environment.

Architectural Significance and Cultural Impact

Characterized by concrete sunshades on its facade, the school exemplifies architectural efficiency, regulating sunlight to enhance interior comfort. Its iconic music room, featuring a hyperbolic paraboloid structure, highlights the architects’ commitment to innovation and adaptability.

Enduring Influence and Historical Recognition

Declared a National Historic Monument, the Normal Superior School N°1 Domingo Faustino Sarmiento continues to captivate architectural enthusiasts and scholars alike. Its timeless design and climatic responsiveness serve as a testament to the province’s modernizing aspirations and enduring architectural legacy.