BFE Architecture

Gloomy Outlook Turns Positive for European Architects

admin — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:33:10 +0000

Architects across Europe have had good reason to look toward the future rather gloomily as of late, with most of the powers that be having forecast nothing but doom and gloom. However, some of the more optimistic of leading analysts have now emerged from their executive desks with news quite to the contrary. According to new research coming from some of the biggest names in the industry today, the demand for leading architects across France, Spain, Germany, Italy, the UK and much of Europe as a whole is expected to increase significantly over the coming years.

The encouraging findings follow an extensive study of over 500 firms spanning the length and breadth of Europe, which looked in detail at current practices, demand and the requirements likely to be sought up until the year 2020. Data collected during the survey also suggested that while the vast majority of architects continue to work primarily on domestic projects, less than 15% are currently likely to be offered jobs from across Europe and closer to 10% on an international lev

However, while much of Europe is still gripped by a great deal of economic uncertainty – the architectural industry being no exception – upwards of 60% are now fully expecting the next decade to be one of growth and positivity. This has been attributed in no small part to the way in which leading firms are expected to take on vastly more projects from growing markets in Eastern Europe, while the incredibly lucrative playground of the Middle East continues to grow and offer out some golden opportunities. Surprisingly however, even taking into account the way in which the Middles Eastern projects in particular hold some of the greatest promise for returns and overall prowess, 59% of those taking part in the study expressed their primary interest would in fact remain with domestic projects.

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Green Buildings equals to Green Earth

admin — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:33:10 +0000

With the climatic changes that seem to be the norm and the depressing results of global warming, it seems a good time for architects, town planners, designers and anybody else associated with putting up a building to make a paradigm shift in their designs and plans. Be it the use of water or the placing of proform treadmills in a house, a little planning with the way the water runs in the house and a slight adjustment with the way electricity is used, can go a long way in restoring the fast depleting resources of our earth.

For example, wherever there is a unit of several flats, a sewage treatment plant can be installed to treat the waste water which can then be recycled back for use in the toilets. This ensures there is no wastage of this precious resource. Besides, the WCs should ideally be models that use less water. Ideally they should have two knobs for flushing – a smaller one that uses less water and a bigger knob that uses the full tank only when required.

When it comes to painting a house, most people concentrate on the colour. However there is more to paint than what meets the eye. The lead content in the paint is something that is seldom considered. The four walls and the lead content which surrounds us every time while we are at home, exposes us to its far reaching harmful effects. Using lead free paint ensures our continued well being. In places where sunlight is abundant, solar panels can be installed for water heaters as well as for generating electricity. This cuts down on the consumption of electricity. While the initial costs are high, these are recovered over time and any additional use is free of cost.

Such changes when practiced by all, recharges the earth and adds to the reduction of the global warming.

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Top 5 Top 5 Home Architectural Software Choices

admin — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:33:05 +0000

If considering going into a project to design anything from a dream home to a new office space or indeed anything else besides, chances are you’ll benefit extensively from the use of the ideally suited software packages – the following consisting of five of the very best examples today:Chief Architect – A professional tool that offers both incredible detail and also simplicity, this particular package offers one of the easiest routes of all to wonderfully expert-quality designs. Extensive 3D rendering and automated design tools have solidified Chief Architect as a winner among pros and amateurs alike.

ArchiCAD – Perhaps the very best choice of all for first timers and relative newcomers across the board, this package has one of the most intelligent engines imaginable in terms of designing complete floor plans. From walls to units to changing room benches and everything else besides, ArchiCAD enables any amateur to work like a pro. Punch – Dubbed by its creators as quite simply the finest choice in the industry today, Punch stands out in a league of its own when it comes to breathtaking visuals and photo-quality renderings for home or business use.

AutoCAD Architecture – This is the iteration of the AutoCAD line specifically created for architects and building planners at all levels, boasting a massive array of features and simple, user-friendly interface. What’s more, a free trial version is available by way of its creator’s website to get a good feel for the package before making a purchase. Vectorworks – Last but not least comes perhaps the most advanced entry on the list, aimed more at those with the time and motivation required to really get a feel for the tools on offer. Not for the newcomer by any stretch of the imagination, Vectorworks will nonetheless see seasoned users producing some of the most stunning results with effortless ease the likes of which have to be seen to be believed.

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Slip and Slide

admin — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 22:03:14 +0000

One of the drawbacks of a booming world population is the lack of space for the earths’ inhabitants. Particularly in nations that have limited space, the pressure of finding space for everything causes the creative juices to flow thick and fast. Discussions take on all forms and people everywhere including those who happen to be on changing room benches are more often than not, talking about something related to this pressing need.

One place where architecture and interior designers have turned it into an art is in Japan. The uncluttered look that they bring in to the designs are often so simple, it is mind boggling. Rooms that change form e.g. several smaller rooms collapsing to form a particular unit at the touch of a button is sheer ingenuity. This stems from the fact that a person will not be using all the things in all the rooms at the same time. So if one wants to be in the living room and watch TV, a press on the button will whisk away everything behind panels that slide to cover them from view while others retract to bring forth the TV. If you want to sleep, everything slides away to make room for the bed that gently slides down from its place where it fits snugly until needed. So also every other thing that you require from any room. If you want to cook, the kitchen moves in from its place and when the cooking is done it glides away and the dining room slides in. All at the touch of a button, and, in a space that would make up just one room. Now that’s ingenuity.

It is rightly said that necessity is the mother of invention. In Japan it seems to have gone up a notch that will soon be emulated by other nations that have a burgeoning population.

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The Approach of Sustainable Architecture

admin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:33:09 +0000

Nowadays sustainable architecture is the answer to people’s eagerness to reduce the negative impact on our world and nature. A number of architectural projects feature an environmentally conscious approach; that is, they focus on energy and ecology efficiency. Our world offers a host of opportunities for sustainable architectural projects: sustainable and recycled materials, photovoltaic cells, collection of rain water, heating by solar power, etc. With the emphasis of sustainable energy sources such as solar panels and wind generators, the energy consumption in sustainable buildings is reduced to the minimum.

In fact, the paramount goal of sustainable architectural projects is to achieve maximum energy efficiency. Passive solar building designs make use of solar energy as they include materials featuring high thermal mass which can retain heat, and adequate insulation prevents heat escaping. The main principle in low energy buildings is to achieve a low ratio of surface to volume, to guarantee minimizing heat loss.

Sustainable building materials are especially popular in modern architecture. Sustainably harvested wood, panels from sustainable materials such as baked earth, flax linen, cork, paper flakes, coconut fibers, bamboo are just some popular materials.

A number of recycled materials are also prominent in sustainably designed building. Reclaimed lumber is popular not only as material for furniture such as chairs, tables, lockers, etc., but as environment friendly building material. After old buildings are demolished, there is often enough lumber to be reclaimed and renewed, to be used as flooring in new buildings. Reclaimed doors and windows in good condition can be used in new buildings too. Adhering to sustainable principles, when choosing new materials designers opt for materials that can be promptly replenished. Bamboo is a frequent choice of that type; cork oak is another promptly replenishable material as it is obtained from the outer bark of trees without harming trees themselves.

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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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