This week, we're sharing projects from Tehran, Iran, to Chicago, and from Zhejiang, China, to San Francisco, with several stops in between. In addition to the projects that we give more detailed coverage, we like to highlight some of the work that architecture firms share with us every day through the Project Gallery—the user-generated portion of our site. So far, we have more than 14,000 projects, most of which were directly uploaded by firms to share with us and our readers.
In this weekly roundup, we showcase some of the coolest new projects to be added to the gallery—thanks to architects like you.
Absard Villa Complex
Tehran, Iran
Mado Architects
"Absard villa complex is designed in Absard region of Damavand. This region has recently damaged severely by numerous constructions. In the beginning, the strategy was to deal with the project in order to respect and preserve the context with less manipulation of the sky line. In the following, according to the beautiful landscape of the site and the image of Damavand Mountain, the concept of the project derived out. The villa is conceptualized as a landscape for living. By turning the site into a number of layers and using the technique of fold, with going down and up along the site, the project is designed."
A Critique of Pure Violence
San Francisco
Space Industries
"In which the neutrality of the built environment is questioned. As the main medium through which we experience our lives. It organizes us, regardless of our consent, into routines and ways of living. To varying degrees, we are forced to adapt to its dispositions and suggestions. It is a form of spatial violence. Looking at San Francisco and the quarries that enabled its construction and attempts to render visible the relationship between the sites by collapsing the two places on top of each other. Ultimately revealing that taking up space (void or solid) can be a violent act."
Desert Butterfly
Phoenix
Koss Design+Build
"Four materials are shown predominantly throughout the house, natural stacked stone walls, smooth faced composite panels, clear glass and metal fascia/roof panels. All materials run seamlessly from inside to outside and together with large windows create a connection between the interior space and the surrounding desert while taking full advantage of the stunning views."
Omaha VA Ambulatory Care Center
Omaha, Neb.
Leo A Daly
"The facility’s architectural features honor military service throughout its three levels and 160,000 square feet of floor space. Collaboration between architecture and engineering created unique expressions of freedom, sacrifice, honor and duty. For example, a signature “flag wall” encases waiting areas that run the length of the building’s north side. Sophisticated structural and architectural coordination created the folded glass form. Viewed from either side, the wall appears to undulate as capriciously as an American flag rippling in the wind. Meanwhile, against the western façade, alternating colors symbolize the “colored bars” earned by military servicemen and women for acts of gallantry and heroism. Both walls use transparent glazing to stream abundant daylighting into the interior spaces."
Tan Alley, Wuzhen Eco and Cultural Community
Zhejiang, China
Bob Chen Design Office
"The project team consists of designer, planners, hotel management, artists, and cross-cultural communication experts. Bob Chen takes on all core design steps from visual design, architectural planning, spatial arrangement, interior decoration, and landscaping. The project will be carried out in three phases. The first phase of the project focused on the hotel, urban aesthetics and luxury experiences all combined into both solid architecture and dynamic scenes. These integrate Bob Chen’s design exploration and experience as well as stimulating future possibilities."
Vittra School Södermalm
Stockholm
Rosan Bosch Studio
"The pedagogical visions have moved into historic buildings of Vittra School Södermalm, so digitalization, individual learning needs, and interdisciplinary project work are part of the students’ everyday life. Our design of the learning landscape focuses on the library as a treasure chest of knowledge where students can discover and immerse themselves. Around the central space, a flexible learning environment unfolds so students and teachers can move freely and choose the places best suited to their learning needs."
Peabody Plaza at Rolling Mill Hill
Nashville, Tenn.
Hastings
"Located on a bluff overlooking the Cumberland River and adjacent to Ascend Amphitheater, Rolling Mill Hill is positioned in a vibrant live, work, and play neighborhood. Peabody Plaza replaces a 250-space surface parking lot to introduce a park and 290,000 square feet of office space with retail and restaurant opportunities enlivening the ground plane."
School Reopening Case Study - SAR
New York
Studio ST Architects, HSB Architecture
"SAR Academy and High School, a private Modern Orthodox Jewish facility in the Bronx, was the first NYC school to close its doors due to coronavirus. Now, after three months of working with architects Esther Sperber and Hila Stern, the academy has been redesigned as an environment that allows for a safe return to the classroom while maximizing the learning experience and student engagement."
The Chicago Mobile Makerspace
Chicago
Chicago Mobile Makers
Hoping to foster a new generation of young, diverse architects, Maya Bird-Murphy, founder of the local organization Chicago Mobile Makers, worked to convert a former United States Postal Service delivery van into a classroom, workspace, and community hub. "It provides storage for power tools, hand tools, drawing and modeling materials, laptops, and larger machinery like a laser cutter and 3D printer," states the project description. "The Mobile Makerspace is able to power any tool needed through its boosted electrical system, which includes four solar panels on the roof." Read more of Maya Bird-Murphy's perspective on achieving diversity and equity in the architecture profession, which she shared in ARCHITECT's August feature on radical change in the industry can look like.
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