BFE Architecture

A building concern

admin — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:33:15 +0000

I am amazed at the way people mimic the building styles of different regions. Every region has a distinct style that has evolved over time, incorporating the prevailing weather and natural resources that abound in the area. Blindly stated, the building style followed in a desert region cannot be adapted to one being built in the colder regions. All the places have their own natural resources that are well adapted for the requirements of that region. Of course, these can be used to a small extent in other regions, but using them entirely would pose problems of a different nature, eg. making them seem less welcoming or worse, a feeling of unease or a lack of symmetry.

Now, a building that houses storage lockers would be very different from a house that people live in. The house would harness the natural light and wind flow to keep the house well lit with natural cross ventilation, whereas a storage facility would require these at a minimum level. The focus would be on storage space and safety.

The problem arises when people insist on incorporating their own half-baked ideas when it would be prudent to leave it to the architect. To be honest, there are people who make good suggestions, but when an impractical idea is insisted on, very often the architect may well throw up his hands and give in to the fancy of the client. Of course one can marry art and aesthetics and come up with a beautiful creation the likes of which win awards at national and international levels. These are not your typical cut and paste jobs but buildings that the architect, builder and client come up in a creative manner. It is best to leave the design element to an architect whose work speaks for itself rather than giving a new dimension to the old saying that too many cooks spoil the broth.

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What makes a building beautiful?

admin — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:33:24 +0000

Many people have different views about what types of buildings are beautiful, but is there a formula to what makes a building good, or is it just down to whether it makes you feel a certain way when you see it? Many people agree that certain types and styles of buildign are beautiful, but there always seems to be a rift when it comes to modern design, as some people love it and some hate it.

In my opinion, it is not a case about whether modern design is good or not, but about whether the material selection in many of the modern designs is as satisfying as older, wooden based structures. Having wooden changing room benches in a kitchen area, instead of metal stools always creates a more pleasing atmosphere. For me at least, I cannot seem to get truly excited or passionate about a building that has been created with tonnes of steel, and huge glass pannels. If find these to be unnatural and awkward looking in many cases. When I look at a well made wooden structure, on the other hand, it seems to give a more organic satisfaction, and an inner joy that is never felt in the same way with other materials.

I understand the idea behind usign metal and glass panels, and I am aware of the importance of lettign so much natural light into a space, but these buildings never feel warm and cosy, and the ycertainly do not feel personal. This is why it is so important for people to understand how they feel about different materials, as this is something that should be carefully considered in the design process of any building. It is possible to use a range of lighting options to create an uplifting and enjoyable space, without the need to build complete glass pannel walls, which do create a good connection between inside an out, but loose some of the warmth of the space.

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2012 London Velodrome Already a Winner – Well, almost!

admin — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 21:52:12 +0000

With less than one year to go before the first official use of the stunning 2012 Olympic velodrome in London, its smooth, curved lines are already attracting huge acclaim from British and foreign experts. Before even the first olympic medal has been handed out, the stunning building itself may be already in line for a truly incredible accolade – having been shortlisted for the prestigious 2011 Stirling Prize for architecture.

The award itself is one which celebrates and recognizes true excellence in new, modern building design. The undeniably impressive building, completed earlier in 2011, is already pegged to serve as the very crown jewel of the 2012 Olympic Games as a whole. As is usually the case, the images and video footage really do the building very little justice, with the real-life design serving as a jaw-dropping spectacle. From the dramatic exterior right through to the changing room benches and everything in-between, the building is already a winner in the eyes of thousands.

With a design courtesy of Hopkins Architects, already well known for the Mound Stand current at the Lord’s cricket ground, the velodrome is one of the structures to have been completed on time and within budget this year, costing approximately $90 million.

Performance wise, it has also been touted as the fastest of its kind in the world, with the British team currently training in the prestigious surroundings, before doing so next year in front of up to 6,000 supporters.

What’s more, the facility as a whole has been designed to be sympathetic to the environment, featuring a wide range of features designed to both minimize air-conditioning requirements and boost a rainwater recycling system.

Despite falling short at the last hurdle with London’s Evelyn Grace Academy instead taking the title, there is little denying or disputing the achievement of those behind the velodrome, who have well and truly set a new standard in stadium facility design.

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Thoughts about architecture…

admin — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:33:32 +0000

If you drive by a billboard and see a sign proclaiming “ Hua Hin Property For Sale ”, you might think that a real estate agent is the only one involved in the sale of that property. However, you are discounting the people or companies that buy desirable properties and interior designers or decorators, who pride themselves on making a property more desirable. What you may not know is that there is a whole community of people in the architecture business. They all serve different needs but each job is important to the building, repairing, selling and buying of a property.

Architecture is not an easy industry to get into. At most universities and colleges, architecture majors are in school for up to five years, as opposed to the standard four for most majors. It is a highly intense and intricate field that is comprised of many components. The professionals in this field deserve to have an avenue where they can share and compare ideas. Like any field in existence, those in the architecture field are always looking for ways to improve on their craft. They want to become more knowledgeable so they can expand their clientele and offer better services to their current clients.

Often different industries are so competitive. With the economy being the way it is, most businesses are having trouble attaining new clients and some have been forced to close their doors. Because contracts are so scarce, most companies are not willing to band together to exchange ideas. There is a wealth of information out there for interior designers, property developers, real estate agents and portfolio owners. Professionals in the architecture field could benefit from a social network that brings the ideas of people from all over the world to one spot, making it easier for those in the industry to improve their own businesses. Never be afraid to change with the times. If you want to remain current and offer the latest amenities to your clients, be open to asking your colleagues for assistance.

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Exhibition Review: 50 Years of London Architecture 1960 – 2010

admin — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 22:03:16 +0000

Over the summer there was a very unique and historical exhibition that showcases some of the evolution of architecture since 1960. 50 Years of London Architecture 1960 – 2010 is truly an exhibition you do not want to miss out on. It is an exhibition of high quality photographs that show you the magnificent architecture that can be found in the beautiful city of London in its full glory and extravagant detail.

There were more than three hundred and fifty photographs displayed in a large format print that visitors were able to see and understand how architecture has change over the last half a century. They were all taken with care to showcase a unique and well planed overview of the prosperous and rich London architecture.

At the 50 Years of London Architecture 1960 – 2010 exhibition, visitors regardless of their job positions can come and enjoy while looking at what various British architects had made a reality in London, since 1960. The show was held on the graound at the University of Westminster at the Ambika P3.

Some of the models of buildings that were on display may be more or less known to people outside of London at least by name but here are the names of a few. They are the Canary Wharf and Dulwich Picture Gallery as well as the Tate Modern and Economist building. Regardless if you know or not the buildings by the name it is still a phenomenal way to see and understand the city and its paths while it was progressing.

The exhibition shows the changes that have occurred not only in the architecture but also in the city as a whole and in the styles of the periods. This was by far one of those exhibitions that many architects and would be architects and building designers should have seen.

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Spanish Revival Architecture

admin — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 12:50:58 +0000

Easily one of the more popular and yet beautiful architectural styles around is Spanish architecture. It is mainly seen in many old building in countries and regions here the Spanish influence is strong. Of lately though Spanish revival architecture has seen a resurgence across many cities across the world. In the United States it is mostly to be found in the southeastern states such as Florida, where you find the Spanish speaking population that this kind of architecture is dominant.

The main feature of Spanish architecture is the intricately carved designs, the ay in which the whole structure is framed, and the red tiles that are seen on the roofs. These are all common features to e seen in many housing developments, especially those close to cities. In an effort to blend the outside Spanish architecture look with hat is inside the home many homeowners have tried to incorporate Spanish styles furniture throughout their homes.

This type of architecture is also heavily uses columns most of which are rounded in design with heavy carvings. In the older buildings and also in some of the new ones the carvings depict Jesus Christ’s death and others will tell a story of the earlier days of the Spanish culture. There are also the traditional large windows and doors on the new modern building with a bit of more updated flair. There is still the use of wrought iron around the windows and also the windows are sounded at the top.

Many Spanish Revival homes come with the traditional ceramic floorings while some will have floorings that use patterned tiles. The walls will likely be stucco in nature and will be lying behind the brick. The entryways are usually filled with arches and the balconies tend to have designs that are intricate in nature.

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Bjarke Ingles Group

admin — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 08:33:12 +0000

New York, a metropolis that we will not witness completely evolved, is in a constant state of architectural development. Some innovative ideas are promising to reshape completely the outlook of the city and to bring significant diversity in the core of the city - Manhattan. And one of the most striking projects that are surely being released somewhere in the future is the Bjarke Ingles Group pyramid-shaped building inspired by Danish architectural excellence and modern trends in architecture.

After witnessing the project itself as a scratch, you might feel that rush to picture it and carry it with you on your R4 memory stick. This is how impressive the work is. Planned and positioned near the Hudson river, the pyramid structure would sit atop of a podium which would contain the cultural space, shops and other citizen-friendly and attractive facilities. Despite being designed solely for corporate use by office people, the architect, Bjarke Ingles from Copenhagen, is not excluding the possibility that tenants might enjoy the last floors of the building (surely it would be an expensive pleasure with a view of the nearby Hudson river).

The unusual design that would grow to a building on Manhattan’s West Side (still awaiting approval of the land by state authority) is not aimed to fascinate the people with its angularity. The building is specially intended to reveal a larger view of Manhattan and its construction would allow sightseeing on a different level, as claimed by its engineer. Some of the features of the construction and completely innovative in the world of architecture as the materials for the construction would be the lightest allowing such composition and at the same time some of the most durable construction materials available out there.

Definitely, Bjarke Ingles Group would be one of the many architectural innovations to grow in the never-aging New York City. And with such projects already being developed, it is a question with no answer what exactly can we expect in the future.

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Spanish Revival Architecture

admin — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 06:04:07 +0000

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Spanish Revival Architecture

admin — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 05:33:03 +0000

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Spanish Revival Architecture

admin — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:33:05 +0000

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