Tag Archives: Architecture

Nintendo Museum to showcase 132 years of the company’s gaming history

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At one point in most people’s lives, they have probably played with or interacted with a Nintendo gaming device. Now what device that is is of course depends on the generation but with more than a hundred years of experience in creating games, there are a lot of things to choose from. And if you’re a die-hard fan of their various games and consoles, then you’ll want to book a ticket to what will surely be the hottest thing in town in a couple of months.

Designer: Nintendo

Yes, we are finally getting a Nintendo Museum opening this October and built on the very space where they started creating hanafuda playing cards in 1889. Because this company has gone through many evolutions since then, you can expect a fun and interactive history lesson spanning a century of family entertainment. There will be various exhibits as well as a cafe and of course, an extensive merchandise shop that will celebrate all kinds of games and technology. There will also be arts and crafts and workshops section where you can do things like create your own hanafuda cards.

The first floor of the Exhibition Building 1 has eight interactive play experiences. Each visitor will get a card that contains ten digital coins to be able to try out the exhibits. They did not specify it but you will probably be able to top up the card if you want to try out everything. The Shigureden SP lets you explore Hyakunin Isshu poems using your smart device and viewing it on the giant screen. The Ultra Machine SP rooms lets you hit balls pitched by a machine and hit items in the room that will react. The Zapper & Scope SP gives you a shooting experience in the world of Mario while the Ultra Hand SP lets you grab balls rolling down lanes and dropping them in pipes. You can also play Nintendo games in areas like the Game & Watch SP, Nintendo Classics, and Big Controller with giant game consoles. There’s even a Love Tester SP where you can see if you and your loved one are compatible.

On the 2nd floor is the museum part where there are exhibits of everything that Nintendo has created throughout the years. This includes the era before they created gaming devices and it includes copying machines, baby strollers, and of course the hanafuda cards and various board games. But of course the highlight would be all the gaming consoles and games that have made them arguably the most popular entertainment company in the world. The Nintendo Museum opens in October but you can already buy your tickets, although if you’re familiar with Japan ticketing, you know that it’s via a randomly selected drawing.

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Heatherwick Studio’s Hanwha Galleria Redefines Urban Shopping with its Glorious Waved Glass Facade

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In the heart of Seoul, amid the vibrant chaos of the city’s dense urban landscape, an architectural marvel is poised to rise, a structure that promises to captivate every pedestrian and commuter who crosses its path. This is the Hanwha Galleria shopping center, a visionary project designed by Heatherwick Studio, known for pushing the boundaries of architectural design and redefining spaces in ways that engage both the eye and the soul.

Designer: Heatherwick Studio and Haeahn Architecture

Nestled at a major intersection near the Han River, this new shopping center is not just a place to shop; it’s a bold reimagining of what a department store can be in the 21st century. Gone are the days of insular, windowless retail boxes that isolate themselves from the life of the streets outside. Instead, the Hanwha Galleria opens itself up to the city, inviting everyone in, whether they’re there to browse luxury goods or simply to soak in the atmosphere.

The design features two near-identical, hourglass-shaped volumes formed from curved glass. These aren’t just any glass structures, they ripple and undulate as they rise, creating a dynamic play of light and shadow that changes with the time of day and the angle of the sun. By day, the facades shimmer, reflecting the city’s energy and by night, they transform into canvases for projections, turning the buildings into glowing beacons that light up the Seoul skyline.

But these buildings are not merely beautiful to look at, they’re designed to be experienced. At ground level, the two volumes are separated by the busy intersection, but an updated subway station lies beneath, connecting them with a seamless flow. This underground passageway doesn’t just serve as a practical link between the buildings; it’s an extension of the city itself, drawing people in from all directions and inviting them to explore what lies above.

As you ascend from the subway into the buildings, you’re greeted by light-filled entrances and landscaped plazas. These spaces are designed to be more than just entryways, they’re vibrant public areas where people can gather, relax, and enjoy the greenery. The hourglass silhouettes of the buildings create recessed middle levels that are transformed into open-air gardens, cafes, restaurants, and shops. These spaces are not just solely for shopping, they’re places to linger, to meet friends, and to take a break from the hustle of the city.

Rising above, the rooftop gardens offer a different perspective, both literally and figuratively. Here, amidst lush greenery, you can take in sweeping views of the Han River and the city beyond. The buildings’ unique contours frame these vistas in ways that make you see the city anew, each angle offering a fresh perspective.

But the Hanwha Galleria is more than just a visual or social experience; it’s a statement about the future. The double-layered glass facade isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s an environmentally conscious design that enhances the buildings’ sustainability. It’s part of a broader vision to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also responsible, offering natural elements throughout the year with carefully selected native plants that thrive in all seasons.

Heatherwick Studio’s design is a response to Hanwha’s ambition to breathe new life into these structures, transforming them into something more than just a shopping destination. The goal is to create a silhouette that serves as a gateway to the city while providing Seoulites with new, garden-like spaces where they can meet, shop, and enjoy their urban environment.

This project is a bold reflection of South Korea’s rising status as a global cultural leader. It’s no coincidence that this design comes as Thomas Heatherwick is set to take on the role of General Director for the Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism in 2025. The Hanwha Galleria is more than just a building, it’s a symbol of a city that is looking to the future, embracing change, and redefining what it means to live, work, and play in an urban environment.

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What is Postmodern Architecture?

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Postmodern architecture emerged as a significant architectural style of the late 20th century that blends classic and modern styles to create unconventional architectural designs. This style of architecture is eclectic and colorful and emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a reaction against the belief that architecture could address societal issues. Architect Robert Venturi is the founding father of Postmodernism and his 1966 book, “Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture,” signaled the shift towards a new style and celebrated classicism, color, and pop-cultural references in the design of postmodern building design.

Designer: The Crystal Cathedral Philip Cortelyou Johnson

Some of the notable postmodern architects include Philip Johnson, Charles Moore, Terry Farrell, James Stirling, Helmut Jahn, Frank Gehry, and Michael Graves. In essence, postmodernism embodies fresh perspectives on architecture. To illustrate this, Robert Venturi famously countered Mies van der Rohe’s “Less is more” with “Less is a bore,” a telling anecdote that encapsulates the essence of this architectural style.

Key Features of Post-Modern Architecture Buildings

The primary difference between modern and postmodern buildings is that modern architecture introduces modern elements into the design while postmodern buildings infuse an element of uniqueness into the design. Another difference is that while modern architects rejected ornamentation, postmodern architects had an affinity towards classical architecture and integrated it with modern design elements to create a unique look.

• Postmodern architecture is driven by the desire to utilize architecture as a means of cultural expression. In contrast to rigid rules, Postmodernism encourages architects to embrace creativity and intricate designs and transform the building into an interesting composition.

Image courtesy of: Nehrams2020

Designer: One American Plaza by Helmut Jahn

• Postmodern architecture is an Eclectic fusion of architectural styles that are borrowed from history and different eras. For instance, classical architectural features like arches and columns were mixed with materials like steel and glass.
• The postmodern buildings incorporate sculptural elements and forms over rigid and clean lines. Some of the postmodern buildings include curves and asymmetrical angles in an unusual combination of materials.
• These buildings embrace vibrant colors, including ceramic tiles and colored glass which were contrasted with natural hues of sandstone or marble. Some architects incorporated pastel shades and bright neon colors.
• There is a liberal utilization of classical ornamental motifs from historical architectural movements, often combined with unconventional design features.
• Postmodern buildings emphasize abstraction.
• These buildings are also marked by playfulness, whimsy, humor, and irony.
• Some building designs use unconventional forms that challenge the strict doctrines of Modernism.
• The use of trompe l’oeil techniques made flat surfaces look multidimensional and added an element of whimsy to the building design.

Top Ten Examples of Post-Modern Architecture

Some of the notable examples of postmodern architecture include:

1. Neue Staatsgalerie in Stuttgart, Germany

Designer: James Stirling

The Neue Staatsgalerie Museum in Stuttgart combines traditional and modern architecture, using vibrant colors and classical elements on a sloping site. Its entrance features a blue steel trellis, glass roof, and orange doors, leading to a green-floored space with curved steel components. The atrium features classical elements while the museum blends past and future architecture.

2. Team Disney Building, Orlando

Designer: Arata Isozaki

Disney’s corporate office is a renowned example of postmodern architecture where its external façade blends geometry and colors, inspired by a wristwatch, with a central sundial surrounded by Tennessee River rock. Harmonized colors were used inside the building to create a tranquil working space that contrasts with its chaotic exterior to achieve a balance of conflict and calmness.

3. City of Wine Complex Marques De Riscal Hotel, Spain

Designer: Frank Gehry

This building is a museum and luxurious hotel that is nestled amidst a lush vineyard and its seamless, wine-like appearance is achieved through the support of three super columns. Frank Gehry’s postmodernist approach pays homage to both 19th-century and contemporary architecture, incorporating free-flowing elements. The structure primarily comprises two distinct components where over twenty titanium canopies are suspended above large sandstone blocks that constitute the front facade, while a vibrant pink hue, reminiscent of wine, enlivens the surface when the sun shines, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The contrasting surfaces of the stone exterior and wooden windows foster a connection with the traditional surroundings.

4. Ting1 in Ornsköldsvik, Sweden

Designer: Gert Wingårdh

Ting1 is a residential project in Sweden that was constructed in 1961, using a concrete courthouse as its foundation, and the new design intentionally contrasts with the old concrete structure. Inspired by painter Bengt Lindstrom’s art, the building spans the width of the old courthouse’s courtyard and creates a connection between the two.

5. Groninger Museum, Netherlands

Designers: Philippe Starck, Alessandro Mendini, Coop Himmelb(l)au

This building houses collections from the 16th Century to Contemporary Art, featuring multiple levels for visitor enjoyment. It connects three exhibition halls with notches and recesses. The elevation displays abstract art, appearing random and chaotic, akin to an artist’s palette explosion with scattered shapes, embodying postmodern architectural traits. The structure is constructed with double-wall steel plates and hardened glass that barely touch, and some rooftop portions extend over the surrounding water, beckoning the entire city to the museum. Employing deconstructivism, the architects imbued the structure with emotions, making walls serve as ceilings, windows, or floors.

6. Piazza d’Italia, New Orleans

Designers: Charles Moore, Perez Architects

Piazza d’Italia in New Orleans was designed by Charles Moore and Perez Architects and embodies Moore’s belief in inclusive and site-specific architecture. Unlike modernists seeking a universal architectural language, this monument celebrates the city’s Italian influence with vivid classical elements. Initially controversial, it became a “Postmodern ruin” due to nearby project failures but was later restored and is now appreciated as a unique and enjoyable public space.

7. Portland Municipal Services Building, Oregon

Designer: Michael Graves

The Portland Municipal Services Building is a prominent example of Postmodern architecture, designed by Michael Graves. The vibrant colors and playful geometric shapes on the facade distinguish it, deviating from universal design rules and adding a unique, recognizable element to the skyline. The triangular facade prioritizes enjoyment over adherence to “form follows function,” diverging from the building’s internal program or function. For Postmodernists, fun and distinctiveness take precedence.

8. M2 (Mazda) Building

Designer: Kengo Kuma

Kengo Kuma, renowned for his distinct style, notably diverged from it with the M2 Building. Unlike his typical work, it exemplifies the collage style often associated with Postmodern architecture and serves as an iconic “duck.” Originally designed as a Mazda showroom in Tokyo, it has since been repurposed as a funeral hall.

9. The Guggenheim Museum, Spain

Designer: Frank Gehry

Frank Gehry, a prominent architect, is renowned for the iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. His designs represent a contemporary evolution of Postmodernism, giving rise to the Deconstructivist sub-movement. These designs break away from Modernism’s rationality by incorporating unconventional, non-rectilinear forms and shapes that seemingly deform the building’s exterior.

10. MI6 building, UK

Designer: Terry Farrell

The SIS (MI6) building in London has served as the UK’s secret service headquarters since 1994. Designed by Terry Farrell in the late 1980s, the architecture draws inspiration from industrial structures like power stations and incorporates elements reminiscent of Aztec and Mayan temples. These contrasting influences harmoniously blend to create a distinct and unique structure.

Postmodernism thrived during the economic prosperity of the 1980s, extending into the 1990s, and leaving behind a collection of bold and unconventional architectural landmarks. Initially taking root in the United States, its impact spread globally to regions such as Europe, Japan, and Australia. Postmodernism continues to influence contemporary architecture to this day.

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Portable & Easily-Towable Tiny Home With A Space-Saving Layout Is Perfect For A Life On The Road

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France has pretty tough towing laws, which probably explains why French tiny homes are smaller and more compact as compared to the ones made in the US. French tiny homes are known to be little and portable, but the Tiny house du Lac by Plume takes that portability to a whole new level. Measuring a length of 17.8 feet, the home accommodates two people, or even a family of three – though that could be a bit of a tight fit.

Designer: Plume

As you enter the home, you truly understand how compact it is. Most of the floor space is occupied by one large room. You are instantly welcomed by the kitchen, which is pretty compact, but includes an induction stove, small fridge, sink, and some cabinetry. Although the available floor space is limited, the home includes a living room as well. The living room holds a two-person sofa and a small drop-down wall-mounted dining table that seats two people. Wooden furniture and light hues dominate the space, creating a living environment that is soft and warm, making one feel instantly at ease.

The opposite end of the home contains the bedroom, which is quite an interesting room, as it is arranged like a loft bed, instead of a conventional mezzanine bedroom. You can access the double bed via some wooden steps, and the space beneath the bed is used as a storage space. Plume also recommends that the space below can be used for a child’s bed or as a cozy reading nook. The adorable and comfortable home is a perfect fit for those who like a life on the go. The home is well-equipped with essential furniture and has enough space for a small family of three. The tiny home is currently up for sale, although we are unaware of the pricing. Interested parties can contact Plume directly for more information!

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Snøhetta Builds A Timber School In Norway with 90% Energy Self-Sufficiency

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Kautokeino is located in Norway, north of the Arctic Circle, and suffers from extremely cold temperatures that can hit – 45 °C. Snøhetta was commissioned to build a brand-new cultural and education hub in this difficult location. A lot of thinking and attention to detail went into building this sturdy wooden structure which is supposed to be 90% self-sufficient in heating and cooling. Named, this building was constructed in collaboration with Joar Nango and 70°N arkitektur. The word ‘Čoarvemátta’ is derived from the Sami words for horn and root, which are the strongest parts of the reindeer’s antler. The hub is inspired by the local Sami culture and will be hosting the Sami National Theatre Beaivváš and the Sami High School and Reindeer Herding School.

Designer: Snøhetta

The structure occupies around 77,500 sq ft and is constructed mainly from wood. It features an impressive 53,000-sq-ft sloping roof that slowly moves towards the ground. The exterior was built using the slate from a previous school which has been demolished. The hub has a branching shape which creates surreal outdoor spaces. The south-facing space functions as the main entrance, and is protected by the dipping roof. The interior is equipped with theater and school areas, as well as a cool skylight inspired by a traditional Sami smoke hole. The interior is subtle yet beautiful, letting the natural beauty of the wood truly shine. The interior is also amped with traditional art by respected Sami artists. These pieces add hints of red and blue to the space, livening it up.

“The building is 90% self-sufficient in energy to heating and cooling thanks to 40 geowells drilled about 250 meters [820 ft] into the ground,” said Snøhetta. “The wells supply two heat pumps that both heat and cool the building, while exchangers for the energy wells dump surplus heat back again. On the coldest winter days, the system is supplemented with an electric boiler.”

The Čoarvemátta is in complete accordance with the requirements of the Passive House Standard – a strict green building standard that needs a high level of insulation and air-tightness. The hub also utilizes geothermal heating. The landscaping around the Čoarvemátta has been kept natural since Sami culture does not include creating parks and urban spaces. The soil that was removed from the site has been preserved, stored, and returned, ensuring the safety of the seed stocks.

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The World’s New Tallest Timber Skyscraper With 55 Floors Is Set To Be Constructed In The US

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Designed by Micheal Green Architecture (MGA) has unveiled plans for an aspiring and ambitious construction in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The project is intended to be the world’s tallest timber skyscraper once it is completed! The founder of MGA is a trailblazing pioneer of modern timber construction and has worked fervently to popular large wooden structures in Northern America. This unnamed skyscraper is their next upcoming project, and it is sure to break some boundaries in the arena of timber-based architecture.

Designer: Micheal Green Architecture (MGA)

Currently, we are unaware of the exact height of the structure, but the firm has proclaimed that it will include around 55 floors. Presently, the world’s tallest timber building is also in Milwaukee, but it only features 25 floors, so the upcoming skyscraper will be much taller. The building will include ample greenery and multiple terrace areas.

“The proposed development represents a significant investment of over US$700 million, encompassing multiple mixed-use buildings,” said MGA. “The project, planned in several phases, could include up to 750 residential units, 190,000 square feet [roughly 17,600 sq m] of office space, 40,000 square feet [3,700 sq m] of retail space, 300 hotel rooms, parking spaces, and vibrant public plazas and walkways. MGA, renowned for its leadership in mass timber architecture, will spearhead the design efforts, supported by an experienced team including HGA, Gehl People, C.D. Smith, and Thornton Tomasetti.”

We aren’t sure if the skyscraper will include any concrete in its construction, but considering its height, we do believe some concrete would be included. People may have concerns that a wooden skyscraper could easily catch fire like a tinderbox, but unlike traditional lumber, modern mass timber is a pretty strong and sturdy wooden beam that can withstand fire even better than steel, on account of the way it chars, doesn’t fully burn.

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This ‘Plant-Based’ Cabin In Austin Eliminates Heavily Processed Or Synthesized Materials

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Texas-based Moontower Design Build recently created a “plant-based” cabin in Austin equipped with clever cross-laminated timber structural elements and a cork-clad facade. Named the Cross Cabin, the ADU occupies around 93 square meters, in a 743-square meter soling yard. The home provides surreal views of the horizon through the tree canopy. The Cross Cabin was completed in 2023, to build a holistic structure that is in adherence to the AIA Architecture and Design Materials Pledge. It is inspired by Micheal Pollan’s book Food Rules, and hence the studio used plant-based materials that were not very heavily processed.

Designer: Moontower Design Build

The studio formed a fascinating material palette to build a mesmerizing architectural experience. “These natural materials like wood and cork are repeatedly presented throughout the home in ways that are intended to provoke an unconventional sensory engagement with building materials,” said studio co-founder Greg Esparza. The building comprises an elevated cross-laminated timber box “blanketed with plant-based insulation like cork, hemp, and wood fiber.” The cabin has two stories and a geometric rectangular form. If you look closely, the facade of the cabin seems to look like tree bark, amped with changing tones of silver, amber, black, and brown cork cladding, which will weather with time.

The cabin features a single-sloped roof that extends to shade the nooks, a big porch, and protruding windows. The cork-clad exterior of the home slowly converts into a wooden interior, amped with cross-laminated timber, solid-sawn lumber, plywood, and thermally treated Larch floor. The diverse wood finishes are either raw or finished with linseed oil. The interior is also equipped with expanded cork, which is 100% cork bark and a laminated recycled paper called Richlite.

The cabin received compliments on how good it smelled since it completely lacked polyurethane sealants, which is a notable feat. “Thinking about smell, touch, heat, and sound as critical design considerations along with sight helped to guide the design and reinforce the singular advantages of minimally processed, natural materials,” said Esparza.”When you are in an intimately scaled space and you are interacting with materials by touching, holding, pulling, and pushing them there are numerous opportunities to appreciate subtle material qualities like the delicate striations, slight iridescence and rich color variations on the surface of the cork or the pleasing texture of a tree’s growth rings on wood floor or handrail,” he concluded.

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Experience Living In Nature By Blending Into It With This Luxurious Nature-Inspired Villa

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In the heart of the tropics, where the dense forest meets a serene lake, stands an architectural marvel that feels plucked from the pages of a fairytale – the Blue Water Lily Villa. This design, a testament to the brilliance of its creator, captures the essence of biomimicry, echoing the delicate beauty of a water lily while remaining entirely practical and constructible. The villa is a perfect blend of nature-inspired elegance and modern functionality.

Designer: Thilina Liyanage

The Blue Water Lily Villa is composed of two stunning two-story structures, both offering direct access to the lake, making it an idyllic retreat for nature lovers. These villas, seemingly floating on the water’s edge, draw immediate attention with their unique design, inspired by the layers of a blooming water lily. Just as the petals of a lily unfold, revealing intricate layers beneath, these villas are carefully nestled within an array of petal-like structures that rise gracefully from the landscape.

Upon entering the villa, the lower level reveals a welcoming space designed for communal living. The open-plan layout seamlessly integrates the living and dining areas, creating a spacious and airy environment. The kitchen, though modest, is thoughtfully designed to cater to essential needs, reinforcing the villa’s focus on simplicity and harmony with nature.

One of the most striking features of the lower level is the way the living and dining areas open up to a small, intimate pool. This pool offers a refreshing escape, with the tranquil lake providing a breathtaking backdrop. It’s a space where one can truly immerse themselves in the natural surroundings, taking in the soothing sounds of water and the gentle rustling of leaves.

Ascending the stairs leads to the villa’s upper level, where the bedroom awaits—a cozy sanctuary that exudes warmth and tranquility. The ambient lighting adds to the room’s intimate atmosphere, making it a perfect place to unwind. From here, the space extends to outdoor cantilevered seating, offering an elevated perspective of the natural beauty surrounding the villa.

The outermost and lowest of the villa’s “petals” are constructed from metal frames covered in a sturdy fabric, giving them a soft, organic appearance. At night, the villa transforms as soft pink uplights cast a magical glow onto these fabric petals, bringing the entire structure to life, much like a water lily illuminated by the moonlight.

The upper villa’s structure is composed of prefabricated metal elements, which continue the theme of delicate, petal-like forms. These elements are designed to be thin and see-through, evoking the fragile beauty of a water lily’s petals. The primary structural components within the villa, likely made from locally sourced bamboo, further reinforce the villa’s connection to its environment. This choice of material not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also underscores the villa’s commitment to sustainability, making it a model of eco-friendly design.

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The Airy Yggdrasil Tiny House Is Designed To Be Compact Yet Comfy For Its 6.3-ft Owner

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Designed by Baluchon, and called the Yggdrasil tiny house, this uniquely-named home is 20 feet in length and intended for a 6.3 feet tall owner. Baluchon needed to keep the home in the “tiny home” category, without letting it feel too cramped for its tall owner. The home is equipped with a simple and cleverly designed layout and amped with flexible furniture. Generous glazing has been incorporated to ensure maximum sunlight enters the home.

Designer: Baluchon

The name Yggdrasil has been adopted from Norse mythology. The home is based on a double-axle trailer and is accentuated with a cedar finish and blue aluminum accenting. The insulation is made from a mix of cotton, linen and hemp. The home is powered by a standard RV-style hookup. The interior of the home is finished in spruce, and it seems to be quite open and spacious, despite its compact size. As you enter the home, you are welcomed by a living room. This space includes a big L-shaped sofa bed, with loads of integrated storage space. The bed can sleep two people, and the room also includes a dining table and a wood-burning stove for heat. The kitchen is placed next to the living room, and it includes an oven, fridge, sink with a cutting board insert and plenty of storage space. The counters in the kitchen are higher to complement the tall owner.

A glass wall separates the living room and kitchen while ensuring sunlight still streams into the room. The bathroom is connected to the kitchen and is pretty small, equipped with a toilet and a shower. The Yggdrasil only contains one bedroom, and it can be accessed via non-removable wooden steps. The bedroom is like most bedrooms in tiny homes, it sports a typical loft style with a low ceiling. The room is shaped like the letter L and has sufficient space for a double bed and storage space. We don’t know the price of the Yggdrasil tiny home, but Baluchon houses usually start around US$84,000.

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Heatherwick Studio Unveils Stunning Sustainable School Design for Universidad Ean in Bogotá

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In an exciting blend of vibrant culture and innovative architecture, Heatherwick Studio has unveiled the stunning visuals for a new school in Bogotá, Colombia. This groundbreaking project, set to rise on Calle 72, one of the city’s bustling main arteries, promises to be a visual and functional masterpiece for Universidad Ean’s School of Sustainable Design.

Designer: Heatherwick Studio

The seven-story marvel will serve as a dynamic hub for creativity and learning, adorned with colorful, basketry-formed terraces that pay homage to Colombia’s rich craft traditions. Inspired by Werregue basketry, a unique weaving technique of the Wounaan indigenous community, the building’s front façade will be a captivating mosaic of crafted columns and open terraces. This design not only celebrates local heritage but also infuses modern architectural flair, making it a standout addition to Bogotá’s skyline.

The innovative columns of the building, which denote the earthy vibe of the project, are not just regular forms seen in past structures. They resemble organic stones stacked on top of each other, supporting the balconies above. The design detailing of the joint where the balcony slab meets the column is particularly fascinating, and easily noticeable from the ground. This junction appears like ripples created when a stone touches water, adding a unique and visually engaging element to the architecture. The vibrant colors of the columns are certainly eye-catching, ensuring the building stands out in the urban landscape.

Eliot Postma, group leader and partner at Heatherwick Studio, explained that creativity is intrinsic to the city of Bogotá and evident everywhere. He expressed the studio’s desire for students to feel proud of their campus even before entering the building, envisioning a public square that would provide passers-by with a welcoming communal oasis amidst the hard urban surroundings.

Heatherwick Studio’s design goes beyond aesthetics; it aims to create a central gathering space for the Universidad Ean campus. The new building will complement existing heritage structures, introducing a rare and much-needed public space in the heart of the city. The design team is also pioneering the use of innovative façade materials to withstand Bogotá’s intense sunlight, ensuring the building’s resilience and longevity.

Colombia, celebrated as the world’s second most biodiverse country, positions Bogotá as a leader in sustainable development. Universidad Ean’s ambitious vision includes integrating elements of the surrounding cloud forest into the building, embodying the country’s natural beauty. Heatherwick Studio’s biophilic design will feature local plant species on the terraces, seamlessly merging nature with urban life and aligning with Bogotá’s commitment to the C40 Urban Nature Declaration.

The building’s design is a testament to Colombia’s weaving traditions, with columns adorned in colorful, curved lines supporting the circular terraces above. This weaving texture reflects the artistry of local practices, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.

Heatherwick Studio’s first project in South America is set to break ground in 2025. This landmark building not only stands as a beacon of sustainable design but also celebrates Colombia’s vibrant cultural and natural heritage, promising to be a source of pride and inspiration for students and citizens alike.

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