Skidmore, Owings & Merrill the architecture firm behind the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building is aiming to turn skyscrapers into batteries, according to Interesting Engineering.

The firm has partnered with battery energy storage company Energy Vault to design sustainable building architectures that aim to accelerate carbon payback, the estimated time sustainable energy offsets the pollution from the construction of the project. They estimate it can achieve payback in three to four years.

"What if a building could become a battery?" Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (@SOM_Design) posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. "We've partnered with Energy Vault to optimize its gravity energy storage systemwhere heavy blocks stored high, when released, create energy that can be converted into electricity."

In the video, SOM showcased its "radical ideas," including the Burj Khalifa. It also announced the partnership with Energy Vault to build new buildings "where energy storage becomes an integral and sustainable part of our urban and natural environments, charting the course for a future powered by renewable energy."

"We are extremely pleased to begin this exclusive global partnership with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, a firm with an unparalleled track record in developing some of the world's most remarkable structures," said Robert Piconi, chairman and chief executive officer at Energy Vault, according to Interesting Engineering. "Our strategic partnership with SOM opens a new multi-billion dollar market segment for Energy Vault focused on the future of sustainability in new building design and energy efficiency."

Though the partnership was announced in May 2024, Energy Vault and SOM have been working together for the past year, optimizing skyscraper architecture to include Energy Vault's gravity energy storage systems (GESS) in the skyscrapers in urban environments.

According to Enel Group, the success rate of GESS is 80-85%, meaning very little energy is lost in the gravity transfer. This makes GESS a reliable system of long-term storage when other energy systems, such as coal or wind, are unable to be used.

A test system in Texas found that gravity-generated energy can store 18 hours of energy, providing energy in the event of a power outage.

Also, the environmental impact is less than other forms of energy if using recycled materials or building the system into skyscrapers.

There are also companies using this type of energy in abandoned mines, where dropped sand underground acts as the energy source, eliminating the high costs and space of building new infrastructure. The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis estimates that there are millions of abandoned underground systems in the world.

Investment into GESS could result in a demand for lucrative jobs across the world. It can also provide reliance on energy that doesn't produce global-heating-related weather disasters, such as droughts, wildfires, and hurricanes.

"Since our founding, SOM has pushed the boundaries of architecture and engineering, redefining what buildings can do for cities and communities," said SOM's Adam Semel. "This partnership with Energy Vault is a commitment not only to accelerate the world's transition away from fossil fuels, but also to explore, together, how the architecture of renewable energy can enhance our shared natural landscapes and urban environments."

While there is no timeline for the introduction of this gravity-based technology in skyscrapers, Energy Vault has announced plans for an EVx gravity storage system in China and South Africa to increase their storage needs by 2035.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet.

See original here:
Architects behind world's tallest building unveil gravity-based technology that transforms skyscrapers into batteries ... - Yahoo! Voices

swiss pavilion joins nature and culture at expo 2025 osaka

Switzerlands nature and tradition of humanism have become the focus of the Swiss pavilion atExpo 2025 Osaka. Designed byManuel Herz Architects, the proposal envisions a building with a cluster ofplastic-basedspheres that interweave nature and culture, or natural space and manmade space, which are often thought of as separate and discreet. In other words, it is apaviliondeeply embedded in nature that grows into, overgrows, and surrounds the building. Beyond that, the architects seek to create a building with a tiny footprint, the smallest footprint of all previous Swiss pavilions from previous Expos.The lighter the building, the smaller the ecological footprint, the team shares.

all renderings Play-Time Barcelona

The exhibition area of the Swiss Pavilion consists of a double-chamber foil with a supporting structure held at ground level to avoid vertical circulation, elevators, or escalators. Manuel Herz Architects (see morehere) proposes to cover the spheres with plants overgrowing in every direction. We grow the plants in local nurseries so that every kilogram of plant weight corresponds to one kilogram of CO2 removed from the atmosphere,the studio clarifies.Meanwhile, the back-of-house features repurposed modular elements with an eventual afterlife. The foil, and ultimately the entire pavilion, are equally recyclable and will be converted into furniture and other uses onceExpo 2025 Osakaconcludes.

Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka

Structurally, the Swiss Pavilion requires a pneumatic shell made of ETFE. This Teflon-like polymeric plastic functions as a hollow chamber supported by a steel structure, allowing pneumatic pressure to be generated only within the building meaning thatno airlocks are required between exterior and interior.The inner and outer skins can be colored differently, creating a darkened interior despite a light appearance on the outside. The ETFE shell is fully recyclable and has a low weight per area. The supporting structure consists of spans bolted together at the intersections to prevent bending.

pneumatic shell made of ETFE

Lightness plays a key role in the scenography byBellprat Partner,who uses light and color as a means of staging. The spectral colors highlight the essence of each space within the Swiss Pavilion, ensuring a continuous narrative thread without words. In the Spheres of Swiss Innovation, visitors not only learn and experience what it takes to make innovation possible in Switzerland (nutrients and magic), but they can also co-create a Future Society with researchers, universities, and other participants, and test the thesis based on implemented examples on site (Living Lab). Visitors can also grab a Swiss innovation seed, allowing it to grow and flourish outside the spheres. Swiss innovations are offered to-go in the shop and the highest Sphere of the pavilion, while a roof-top bar offers scenic views of the bay of Osaka at Expo 2025.

Swiss innovations are offered to-go in the shop

rooftop-bar

Go here to see the original:
swiss pavilion to welcome visitors inside spheres engulfed by plants at expo 2025 osaka - Designboom

Photo Credit: Takumi Ota/Nendo

Imagine a home that not only provides shelter but actively helps clean the air. That's exactly what a new house in Japan does, thanks to the world's first carbon-absorbing concrete.

This innovative building material, called CO2-SUICOM, was used to create the block walls of the mountain resort home, located about 70 minutes from Tokyo. By literally sucking planet-heating carbon gas out of the atmosphere, this pollution-eating concrete could be a game-changer for sustainable construction, according to Interesting Engineering.

So how does it work? CO2-SUICOM was conceived through a collaboration between several Japanese companies. They replaced some of the cement in a concrete mix with industrial waste, then added other materials that absorb carbon dioxide.

The result is a concrete that pulls carbon out of the air during production and keeps it locked inside. In fact, the amount of dirty gas absorbed by CO2-SUICOM is enough to make it carbon neutral. That's a big step forward, considering cement production currently generates about 8% of global carbon pollution.

For this house in Japan, the designers at Nendo Studio took the eco-friendly concrete a step further. They used some 2,000 angled blocks stacked into walls that double as "filter screens," with plants nestled between the concrete layers.

To create the perfect balance of light, privacy, and visual appeal, the designers carefully adjusted the angles of the blocks.

Join our newsletter Good news, green hacks, and the latest cool clean tech straight to your inbox every week!

"Ultimately, the design transpires into blocks arranged in a gradient-like pattern," Nendo explains.

The best part? CO2-SUICOM has the same strength as regular concrete. Builders can use it in place of standard mixes, allowing the construction industry to cut pollution without compromising quality. As more buildings start using carbon-absorbing materials, the benefits will really add up.

So, when can you move into your own carbon-eating abode? There's no word yet on when CO2-SUICOM will hit the global market. But with innovations like this, the future of home building looks greener already. Wouldn't it feel amazing to live in a house that's beautiful, functional, and actively cleaning the air you breathe?

One small concrete block, one giant leap for sustainable living. If this carbon-capturing concrete becomes a new construction staple, it'll mean more houses that are chic, comfortable, and planet-friendly.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet.

The rest is here:
Architects construct home with world's first concrete capable of absorbing air pollution: 'The design transpires into ... - The Cool Down

JACKSON, Miss. On Thursday, State Auditor Shad White announced that Special Agents from his office arrested John Jackson, landscape architect and owner of JPA, Inc., on one count of false statements or representations to defraud the government.

Special Agents accused Jackson of submitting invoices to the City of Tutwiler for landscape architect services he never provided. These fraudulent submissions caused a loss to the city of $155,039.15.

This is one of the larger cases weve had this year, so I want to thank the investigators on my team for their diligent work and the prosecutors for being willing to take the case, said State Auditor Shad White.

Jackson faces up to five years in prison and $10,000 in fines if convicted. The Mississippi Office of the State Auditor presumes all persons arrested innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Report suspected fraud to the Auditors office online at any time by clicking the red button at http://www.osa.ms.gov or by calling 1-(800)-321-1275 during normal business hours.

Read the original here:
Auditors Office Arrests Landscape Architect Accused of Fraud - Vicksburg Daily News

Museum of History and the Future, Turku building, Architecture contest images, Finland design photos

17 June 2024

Design: Sigge Architects

Location: Turku, southwest Finland

Winner announced for international design competition for worlds first Museum of History and the Future Selected from over 400 entries, leading Finnish architecture practice Sigge Architects has designed the winning scheme for the worlds first Museum of History and the Future in Turku, Finland The competition for the new museum, which is set to be completed in 2029 and is located in the citys harbour, attracted over 400 entries from across the globe Sigge Architects propose a design that sensitively interacts with its waterside location, creating a permeable site where the museum can act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the area

The city of Turku in southwest Finland has announced that Sigge Architects is the winner of an international architecture competition to design the worlds first Museum of History and the Future.

The idea to build a new museum in Turku was first proposed in 2011, when the city was the European Capital of Culture. The museum will be a highly interactive space, with a constantly evolving program of exhibitions showcasing the most creative and innovative scientific research and audio-visual techniques to explore the past and the future. Driven by Turku City Council, the organisers envisage the museum becoming a corner stone of cultural life in the region, with residents able to visit and see new exhibitions frequently throughout the year. The museum will also provide world class space to educate students and a diverse range of skilled jobs for the city.

An international jury of city leaders, trustees and experts appointed by the Finnish Architects Association SAFA selected the winner from over 400 anonymous entries. Sigge Architects, who since entering the competition have merged with another Finnish architecture practice to form Sarc + Sigge, has been awarded 70,000 euros with an additional 105,000 euros distributed to other shortlisted entrants.

Turku, which is Finlands oldest city, is transforming its post-industrial riverside district with a series of projects that are placing music, art and museums at the centre of the citys future as it prepares to celebrate its 800th birthday in 2029. This program of urban renewal is being coupled with an ambitious green agenda that will enable the city to become net zero by 2029 and carbon negative in the 2030s.

Minna Arve, Mayor of the City of Turku and Chair of the architecture competition jury, said: Over the last few years, Turku has built momentum and established a reputation as a thriving cultural city. Sigges design exemplifies the values of our city: experimental, sustainable, open and always looking to the future while cherishing the past. With a range of schemes nearing completion along the banks of river Aura, were excited for the future of Turku as European hub for art, music, museums and food.

The competition was launched in September 2023, with entrants encouraged to submit ambitious sustainable designs for the new landmark that will act as an anchor for the wider redevelopment of the Linnanniemi district which connects the city to its famous archipelago of more than 40,000 islands.

The Museum of History and the Future is at the heart of the citys plans for its 800th birthday in 2029. This 150,000 sq. ft site, located next to Turku Castle on the banks of the river Aura, will harness the latest experimental presentation methods and scientific research to present Turkus past, present and future to an expected 200,000 visitors a year, alongside Turku residents. The winning entry from Sarc Architects was chosen because of the firms sensitive design, which paid homage to Turkus history while complementing the citys bold redevelopment plans.

Once complete, the museum will act as catalyst for the wider transformation of the port area. Long-term, Turku wants this light-industrial zone to become the citys first arts quarter. The winning design was chosen because it will deliver an open and inclusive museum that broadens the appeal of the waterfront and the surrounding area.

Central to the judges decision was how the design interacts with Turku Castle. Construction on the fortress started in 1280 and today it is the largest medieval building in Finland and a symbol of the city. The winning scheme manages the need for an innovative, bold new building in the area without diminishing Turku Castles role in the city.

The design was also notable for its exceptional sustainability credentials, both in terms of operational and embodied carbon. Between 1990 and 2020 carbon emissions in Turku halved, with the city on track to hit 75 percent reduction by 2025 and climate positive, meaning it will save more emissions than it generates, by the 2030s.

Construction on the museum is expected to start in 2027 and be completed by 2029, with the building opening to the public in 2030.

Pekka Mki, project lead at architecture studio: It is a great joy and honour to win an international architectural competition in my hometown. The aim was to create a museum building that fits in scale and architecture with Turku Castle. The spaces are placed on one level, making the museum building and its surroundings function as a seamless whole.

About Sarc + Sigge SARC Architects, founded in 1965 in Helsinki, and SIGGE Architects Sigge Architects https://sarcsigge.fi/, founded in 1956 in Turku, merged in February this year forming Sarc + Sigge. The merger brings together two critical Finnish architecture firms that have received several architecture awards, both Finnish and international. The company employs 140 architecture professionals and has offices in Helsinki and Turku.

About the city of Turku Founded in 1229, Turku is the oldest city in Finland and the third largest conurbation in the country. The citys official population is just ove r200,000, with around 40,000 students in higher education.

The city has a long-established reputation for world class music, with Turku being home to oldest orchestra in the country, established in 1790. The Turku Philharmonic Orchestra is now being given a new state-of-the-art home along the banks of the River Aura in Music Hall Fuuga, which is under construction and is expected to be complete in 2026. Other cultural developments include Art House Turku, which was opened in 2022, and has provided affordable art studios in a renovated former tobacco factory in the centre of Finlands oldest city. Alongside a rich architectural and cultural history, Turku acts as a gateway to over 40,000 islands, the densest archipelago on the planet. Rich in biodiversity and stunning scenery, the network of islands has long drawn in researchers and nature enthusiasts.

The citys sustainability plans include deploying low-carbon construction techniques, the electrification of public transport, utilising sewage and waste to generate energy and extensive planting of biodiversity. As of 2022, the per person greenhouse gas emissions averaged 7.67 tonnes for Turku residents, versus the average in Finland of around 10 tonnes.

Museum of History and the Future, Turku, Finland images / information received 170624

Location: Turku, Finland, northern Europe

Turku Architecture Competition

Turku Architecture

Syvlahti Education Centre, Turku, south west Finland Design: Verstas Architects photograph : kuvio.com Syvlahti Education Centre Turku

Featured Buildings by Ville Hara selection on e-architect

kupla the bubble, Korkeasaari Zoo lookout tower, Helsinki, Finland Design: Ville Hara / Wood Studio workshop Helsinki University of Technology, Department of Architecture photo : Jussi Tiainen Korkeasaari Zoo lookout tower

Sauna Kyly Habitare 09 Sauna design competition winner photo : Kai Kuusisto Sauna Kyly

Finnish Architecture Design chronological list

Finnish Architecture News

Finnish Architecture Designs by Avanto Architects Ltd

New Nordic Schools, Jtksaari, Helsinki photograph : Riikka Kantinkoski New Nordic School by the Sea, Helsinki

Kyr Distillery Barrel Storage, Kalpatie, Isokyr photograph : kuvio.com Kyr Distillery Barrel Storage

Finnish Architectural Designs

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, Rovaniemi, northern Finland Design: Studio Puisto Architects photograph : Marc Goodwin (Archmospheres) Arctic TreeHouse Hotel in Rovaniemi

Pyramid House, Sysm, Finland Architect: VOID Architecture photograph : Timo Laaksonen House in Sysm

Saamelaiskulttuurikeskus Sajos, Inari, northern part of Finnish Lapland Design: Halo Arkkitehdit with M3 Architects photograph : Mika Huisman Smi Cultural Centre Building

Periscope Tower in Seinjoki, Southern Ostrobothnia Design: OOPEAA Office for Peripheral Architecture photo Anssi Lassila Periscope Tower in Seinjoki

Finland Architects

Finnish Architecture

Finnish Architect Offices

Finnish Office Buildings

Comments / photos for the Museum of History and the Future, Turku, Finland designed by Sigge Architects page welcome

Read the original:
Museum of History and the Future, Turku, Finland - e-architect

Image: Archinect

When is an architect not an architect? In the fourth part of Archinect In-Depth: Licensure, we explore the proliferation of the title 'architect' in cases beyond the built environment, most notably in the technology sector through terms such as 'software architect' or 'IT architect.' Are such titles legal? Who has responsibility for monitoring their use or misuse? What does their use say about the value of architect the noun versus architect the title?

As the second article in our ongoing Archinect In-Depth: Licensure series explored, the title architect has been protected through legislation in the United States for over 100 years. To present yourself as an architect without first obtaining the necessary license for doing so is a violation of state laws across the US, as architecture students and graduates are often warned.

Stepping outside the profession, however, we see that the title architect has long been appropriated beyond this core context. In the political arena, Henry Kissinger is commonly referred to as an architect of US foreign policy, while George W. Bush nicknamed his electoral strategist Karl Rove 'The Architect.' Historians refer to toppled leaders as being the architects of their own downfall while self-help gurus remind us all that we are the architects of our own destiny.

Nobody would think of accusing Kissinger, Rove, or their commentators of misusing the title architect in this fashion. In the information and technology sectors, however, our topic evokes stronger reactions.

For decades, the title architect has been used by individuals in the fields of information and technology to describe their roles. Followers of our previous Archinect In-Depth: Artificial Intelligence series, for example, will be familiar with the architect and TED founder Richard Saul Wurman, who coined the field Information Architecture as the latter half of the 20th century saw an explosion in humankinds ability to generate, collect, and access information and data. Wurman further published a book titled Information Architects in 1996, offering definitions for the title 'information architect' as: the individual who organizes the patterns inherent in data, making the complex clear, a person who creates the structure or map of information which allows others to find their personal paths to knowledge, and the emerging 21st-century professional occupation addressing the needs of the age focused upon clarity, human understanding and the science of the organization of information.

In the decades since, the title architect has only proliferated across the information and technology sector. Today, the sector is awash with titles following the formula of an X architect be it an IT architect, software architect, systems architect, domain architect, enterprise architect, security architect, solutions architect, applications architect, process architect, and so on. Depending on the organization or sub-sector, each title will come with its own job description. As a generalization, however, these positions are largely responsible for the design of software tools, platforms, and their associated hardware, commonly tasked with designing software solutions, developing technical standards, troubleshooting, and coordinating subcomponents within a larger system.

If you step outside targeted AEC job boards such as Archinect Jobs, the prevalence of the term architect in the IT ecosystem becomes clear. On LinkedIn, a search for IT architect returns over 11,000 results, while Indeed returns over 5000. At the time of writing, in June 2024, OpenAI is recruiting several Solutions Architects in San Francisco, as is Amazon in Seattle. The State of Utah is recruiting an IT Architect while First Citizens Bank is recruiting an Infrastructure Architect. The trend is also visible in companies familiar to the licensed architect. Adobe, for example, is currently hiring a Systems Design Architect in Austin, while Autodesks open roles include a Software Architect in San Francisco and both a Security Architect and Authorization Platform Architect in Portland.

Architects (the AEC ones) are not happy. On the Archinect Forum, threads on the use of the title by the IT industry often evoke substantial debate and discussion. One thread, whose title Architect - Whose name is it anyway? inspired this articles own title, amassed 46 comments. Another, named Title of Architect - Reclaiming it and protecting it has amassed 76 comments. An earlier article in the Archinect In-Depth: Licensure series, meanwhile, spawned a debate on the topic in the comments section.

Specific complaints and objections vary depending on the commentator. Some architects believe that those in the information and technology industry who use the title architect in their job title are breaking the law. Others believe that such use is technically legal, but undermines the value of the core architecture profession, confuses the public on what an architect is, and even confuses fellow architects when reading job adverts and salary ranges. When it comes to allocating blame, meanwhile, we see similar variations. Some blame NCARB while others blame state licensing boards. Some blame the AIA while others blame the tech industry itself.

Some of these concerns are easier to address than others. As our previous article established, protection of the title architect is born out of state-by-state legislation. Neither the AIA nor NCARB have responsibility for enforcing such protection. Instead, responsibility for protecting the title falls to the various state architecture/professional boards, who are charged with enforcing the laws passed by legislators across each individual state. If an individual in California seeks to report another for misusing the title architect, for example, it is the California Architects Board who will receive and process the complaint, before deciding whether or not to take action on behalf of the State of California.

This is not to say that NCARB does not also weigh in on the situation. NCARBs Board of Directors reserves the right to take disciplinary action against an individual independent of state licensing boards if NCARB deems the individual to have engaged in violation of NCARBs standards of professional conduct, including the ARE Candidate Agreement. NCARB maintains a public record of the individuals they have reprimanded which, as of June 2024, contains nine individuals, all of whom have been deemed to have violated the ARE Candidate Agreement. However, the list does not include details on whether the misconduct is related to a misuse of title or an unrelated violation.

To investigate whether or not titles such as software architect are indeed a violation of state laws on the protection of title, I wrote to all 55 licensing jurisdictions across the United States, namely each of the 50 US states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands.

The same question was sent to each: In the state of [X], does the protection of use of the title architect extend beyond matters of the design and construction of buildings? For example, would the board feel entitled to take action against an individual working on the design of software who labels themselves a software architect, IT architect, or Information Architect, labels which are common in the technology sector?

At the time of publication, 26 jurisdictions have responded. Of those, 14 referred me to their states statutes without directly answering the question in an affirming or dissenting manner, with some noting that their board was unable to provide an opinion or legal advisory on the statutes. Of the remaining 12 boards, 11 told me that the protection of title did not extend beyond the design and construction of buildings and that they would not feel entitled to take action against holders of titles such as software architect. One final board told me they recommend a software architect instead be called a software designer, but that their board "has the authority to grant exceptions."

While the protection of title is primarily a matter for each individual jurisdiction, I also asked NCARB for its view on the proliferation of the title architect beyond the AEC industry, including whether such use posed a danger of undermining the profession or, conversely, if NCARB believed the titles use in the IT sector was recognizably different from its use in the AEC sector in the eyes of the public.

While I know it remains an irritant to some that the use of the term architect is being applied in all types of contexts, there is no legal violation unless it misleads the public, NCARB CEO Michael Armstrong told me in response. An IT architect is clearly not a building designer, nor is the architect of a political campaign or any other similar reference. Basically, the word is in the public domain; holding oneself out as an architect who designs buildings, when unlicensed, is illegal and can be prosecuted by jurisdictional officials.

As an aside, the position adopted by the state boards and NCARB aligns with that taken by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) in the United Kingdom, where the title architect is also protected by law. The term architect is sometimes used in a way that is unconnected with the built environment, for example software architect is increasingly used within the IT industry, ARB notes on its website. Given the effort it takes to earn the right to use the title, we can understand why its use by any unregistered individual can cause concern. When investigating title misuse, we consider the likely degree of harm as well as the likelihood of the public being misled. We prioritize our resources and aim to take proportionate action so the greatest harm is tackled most robustly.

Misusing the title in connection to the built environment and architectural services is a high risk, ARB adds. However the Act acknowledges there are uses of the term that would not constitute a breach (naval architect, landscape architect and golf-course architect), and experience tells us most people are unlikely to be misled by the use of the title in a purely IT or financial context. Nonetheless, we consider every case on its own merits and should, for example, an IT architect offer CAD services we would consider action.

The consensus among NCARB, the ARB, the state boards who directly addressed our question, and our reading of the statutes that other states referred us to, is that the technology sectors use of titles such as software architect does not breach laws protecting the title architect. To understand this dynamic, there is merit in reflecting once again on the history of how such protection emerged. When states enacted statutes protecting the title architect their stated aim was to protect the health and safety of the public through ensuring that the act of architecture was performed by competent persons. It is through this lens that state legislators carefully define the terms architect and practice of architecture, and through which state architecture boards assess whether an individual using the word architect in their job title runs the risk of undermining public health and safety through building design.

While the wording of statutes inevitably varies across states, the general consensus is this: an individual representing themselves to the public as an architect for the purpose of advertising their qualification to design and oversee the construction of a building must hold a license to do so. Beyond this specific arena of the design and construction of the built environment, a person will not be reprimanded by the state if their use of the word architect does not risk misleading the public into believing that they are a licensed architect in the context of the built environment.

Ultimately, the question of whether or not someone violates this law is in the hands of the legal system, interpreting laws written and voted upon not by the AIA, NCARB, or state boards, but by state legislators. As the laws are currently written, state boards do not appear convinced that such laws permit them to enforce the protection of title in a context beyond the design and construction of the built environment and into realms such as finance, technology, or the organization of information.

Since the first laws protecting the title architect were passed in Illinois in 1897, the value of the word itself has undergone somewhat of a divergence. Practicioners then and now feel that the value of the title architect is in a state of decline, bemoaning displacement by contractors and paraprofessionals on one side, and lower fees from clients on the other. However, the value of the noun architect, the abstracted individual who designs and guides a plan or undertaking, only appears to have increased in a world of ever-more-complex systems, in need of ever-more-coordinated design, be it information, data, finance, politics, or software platforms.

Licensed architects calling for the protection of their title to extend beyond the built environment to encompass the technology industry therefore must reason with the uncomfortable reality that, by dollar value, their software architect adversaries have the upper hand. Would such energy be better spent articulating a value for the profession that stretches beyond the possessive use of a title that is gradually slipping away from its grasp?

A note to readers: in addition to debate over the use of the title architect beyond the AEC industry, a tangential debate exists within the architecture community on the use of architect-adjacent words such as architectural designer and intern architect. This topic will be addressed at a later date in Archinect In-Depth: Licensure. In the meantime, let us know your thoughts on both topics in the comments section below.

View original post here:
Architect: Whose Title Is It Anyway? | Features - Archinect

We often admire skyscrapers as wonders of human engineering. But nature has its own architects, and theyve been around much longer. Termites can build enormous, complex nests that stand several meters tall.

Termites do not just construct random piles of dirt they build intricate tunnels that even have natural air conditioning. But how do legions of these tiny creatures coordinate to create such impressive structures?

A new study by researchers at the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca in Italy has cracked the mystery. It turns out, termites have a surprisingly simple, yet ingenious secret.

Picture a human construction project. Teams follow a detailed architectural plan, ensuring everything is in its designated place. But termites dont seem to have any grand designs drawn up.

In a fascinating experiment, researchers observed groups of termites (the species Coptotermes gestroi) as they built their way around small arenas with pre-built structures.

Scientists offered following theories to explain termite coordination:

Some insects, like ants, use chemicals called pheromones as signals. These scents can act like a build here! sign, guiding the actions of other insects in the colony.

If termites also relied on pheromones, wed expect them to drop their building materials (clay pellets) somewhat randomly throughout the experimental space. However, the researchers observed a very different pattern. The termites focused their building efforts on specific spots.

Perhaps termites have a way to measure existing structures. If they preferred taller structures, it would suggest theyre aiming to build upward as quickly as possible.

The termites didnt discriminate between tall and short pillars. They were equally interested in building upon structures regardless of their current height. This meant some other factor was influencing their behavior.

What the scientists did notice was that termites were obsessed withcurvature. They consistently added their pellets to the most curved surfaces. Termites favored pillar tops, and even the sharp corners of little walls given to them. This led the researchers to a simple yet brilliant solution.

While the termites didnt stick to one spot or solely focus on height, the scientists discovered they had a clear preference. Termites consistently placed their clay pellets on surfaces with the most pronounced curve. Examples of this were the pointed tops of the pillars or the very sharp bends at the corners of the walls.

This focused building behavior led researchers to consider a new possibility. Since curved surfaces affect things like airflow and moisture differently than flat areas, it suggested that termites might be sensing and reacting to subtle environmental changes caused by the shape of the structures.

Termites are super-sensitive to humidity. Unlike many insects, their soft skin makes them vulnerable to drying out. The researchers suspected the termites could sense subtle differences in humidity levels that are influenced by the shape of the structures theyre building.

Termites are much more delicate than many other insects. Their lack of a tough outer shell means they lose moisture quickly in dry environments, which can be dangerous. This led scientists to think that perhaps humidity plays a major role in termite building behavior.

The shape of a structure can change how air moves around it, which in turn affects how quickly moisture evaporates. Areas with high curvature might create little pockets where humidity remains higher compared to flatter surfaces. The researchers thought termites might be able to detect these subtle differences.

To test their theory, they pulled a clever trick. They repeated the experiment, but this time with clay mixed with a salt solution. As the water evaporated, tiny salt crystals formed and guess where those crystals appeared? All the spots with high curvature favored by the termites.

What really surprised us was to discover that termites use such a simple solution to a very complex problem, said Andrea Perna, a professor in complex systems at the IMT School.

Characteristics of termites and their remarkable nest building:

As discussed, termites need a moist environment to survive. They have built-in sensors that help them detect even small differences in humidity levels within their surroundings. They are naturally drawn to areas where the air holds more moisture.

Clearly, when a termite adds a clay pellet to a structure, it slightly alters its shape. This tiny change influences how air flows around it, and how quickly water evaporates from that spot. More evaporation means drier air, which might be less comfortable for termites.

Even though a single termite isnt trying to communicate, their act of building changes the local humidity. Other termites, also seeking the most comfortable spots, sense this change. They become more likely to deposit their own clay pellets in that same area, further altering the structure and the moisture patterns around it.

Repeating this simple process results in incredibly intricate nests.This continuous feedback loop is the magic ingredient. Each termite simply responds to the immediate humidity levels.

Yet, over time, as thousands of termites make these tiny adjustments, elaborate nests emerge. These nests boast tunnels for travel, chambers optimized for airflow, and structures that help maintain the perfect internal humidity for the whole colony.

Sometimes, the most amazing things can be built with simple rules. Think how a tiny drop of water, responding to gravity, can shape magnificent caves over time. The study demonstrates a fascinating truth:

In our experiments, nest complexity emerges from just one simple mechanism: termites only need to add pellets of material depending on the local humidity, but the pellets that they add in turn change all the pattern of evaporation and humidity, inducing other termites to build at a different location, and so on, until very complex structures are produced, explained Perna.

Nature shows us that sometimes its not about grand plans, but simply responding to your environment, one small step at a time. Thats a lesson humans building their own communities might take to heart.

The study is published in the journal ELife.

Like what you read? Subscribe to our newsletter for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.

Check us out on EarthSnap, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

See the article here:
Termites are nature's architects, building well-ventilated nests - Earth.com

The Kendall County Board on Tuesday okayed an agreement with Cordogan Clark architects to begin a major renovation of the County's Office Building located 111 W. Fox Street in Yorkville.

County Board Member Brian DeBolt Chairs the county's facilities committee. He says the remodel is needed to prepare the county for future growth and to make sure that it's compliant with safety and accessibility laws.

Board member Dan Koukol was the sole no vote on the renovation. He says it's a great idea, but now is not the right time with other expensive projects down the line and other costs.

The county architect is predicting that the project will cost about $8.75 million. It will go out to bid in the coming months and will be back in front of the board for final approval.

Board Chairman Matt Kellogg says the county can afford it with cash flow and won't need to borrow any money. County operations will need to move out during construction.

The county is close to wrapping up the construction of a new office building at the Fox Street Campus which is expected to cost about $10 million when all is said and done. That project is being funded by American Rescue Plan Act money.

Link:
County okays agreement with architect for renovation county office building - WspyNews

tenjincho place: a green retreat tucked away in tokyo

Japanese studio Hiroyuki Ito Architects has recently unveiled Tenjincho Place, a new apartment complex in Tokyos Bunkyo ward. The building sits on the edge of a plateau in Yushima, overlooking the approach to a renowned shrine. This rapidly developing area has seen a significant shift in recent years, with hotels being replaced by apartment complexes. The studios design addresses two key challenges presented by the site the plots unusual shape and the limited natural light due to surrounding high-rises. images Masao Nishikawa

The centerpiece of Tenjincho Place is its central courtyard, which Hiroyuki Ito Architects designed to ensure a light-filled atmosphere. A three-pronged approach was implemented to ensure a sense of light and openness. First, the architects minimized the number of corridors flanking the courtyard. By converting corridor ends into two-story maisonette units, they effectively reduced the corridors footprint and minimized shadow formation.

Next, the design incorporates side openings facing the courtyard, creating balconies for both residences and common areas. These openings allow light and air to enter the space from multiple directions. Finally, the team employed a unique textural treatment for the 30-meter (98-foot) high courtyard walls. By using unconventional materials for the formwork, they aimed to achieve a linear yet irregular appearance that enhances the perception of even the slightest light filtering into the space. The courtyard is designed with the potential for engagement with the public, with uses including a co-working area, a cafe, or a market.

the new apartment complex in Tokyo addresses challenges of a curved plot and limited natural light

The formwork for the central courtyard incorporates a sustainable design element. It is constructed from Japanese cedar logs sourced from the Wooden Station Project in Sammu City, Chiba. This initiative aims to support healthy forests by acquiring thinned wood and forest residue from local owners. The forestry industry has recently faced challenges due to fungal diseases, which weaken and permanently mar trunks. By finding value in these materials, Hiroyuki Ito Architects sought to contribute to sustainable forestry practices.

Hiroyuki Ito Architects designed a central courtyard as the centerpiece of the complex

During construction, the logs were sliced into thin sections, retaining the bark on one side, and then affixed to plywood to create the formwork. This technique transferred the organic shapes and textures of the logs onto the concrete, resulting in a courtyard with a captivating interplay of light and shadow. The resulting texture evokes the image of a church in ruins, adding depth and character to an imposing space. The central courtyard is designed to provide residents and future visitors with a welcome respite from the urban environment.

to improve lighting, corridors flanking the courtyard are minimized and replaced with maisonette unit

Read this article:
hiroyuki ito architects' tenjincho place is a curving slice of nature in tokyo - Designboom

Chad Hunter builds upon nearly two decades at UM

Some of Chad Hunters fondest memories of childhood involve sitting at a table with his grandfather and drawing. Not drawing as one typically does as a kid, but drawing house and building plans.

My grandfather owned a construction company and designed his own buildings, Hunter said. So, I would sit next to him on the table, actually and draw with him. That ended up morphing into me helping my dad design some of his restaurants that he ran.

Those interactions put Hunter on a path to become the director of facilities planning and chief university architect at the University of Mississippi.

With nearly two decades of experience, Chad brings a broad range of expertise in planning, design, engineering and construction, said Chancellor Glenn Boyce. With his vision and steadfast leadership, I look forward to how he will direct the physical planning of our university and guide our development and growth.

Chad will serve as a steward for the campus ensuring that we continue to thoughtfully meet the needs of students, faculty, staff and visitors.

Hunter, who joined the UM staff in 2006, said hes been fortunate to play an integral role in the development and growth of the university campus, but also in the Department of Facilities Planning.

Ive had the opportunity to work on and lead design and planning projects that range from small classroom renovations to bell towers to $175 million science buildings, he said. There arent many design positions in our professional world that get to work on such a wide variety of projects.

Its one of the things I find most exciting on a day-to-day basis here at the university. It truly keeps everything interesting.

As he approaches two decades at Ole Miss, Hunter has contributed to some 1,000 projects and counting.

We currently have approximately 150 active projects right now, he said. The science building is a large one, but coming down the line, were looking at a new student housing building with 981 beds, parking solutions, and were about to begin a deep dive into our research and laboratory facilities master plan.

Another big one thats under construction right now is our data center, which shows the universitys commitment to not only university growth, but also university innovation.

Hunter said one of his most meaningful projects to date is theJim and Thomas Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation.

I did the very first project budget for a science building in 2012, he said. I did a tremendous amount of research on it and was a co-chair of the planning and programming committee when we started planning this project.

Weve gone through a lot of variations of designs, and to see it being constructed and to soon be finished here in the fall is very gratifying. Its exciting to see it come to fruition and be able to serve not only the university, but also the state of Mississippi.

Since his early years designing with his father and grandfather, Hunter continued to work in the construction and hospitality fields. Originally from New Orleans, he moved to Hattiesburg during high school. He received a bachelors degree in architecture in 1997 from Mississippi State Universitys five-year program.

After graduation, I worked back in Hattiesburg in private practice and then moved to north Mississippi and worked in Tupelo, he said. I had about 10 and a half years in the private sector before coming to Ole Miss.

That work has contributed to Hunters success at the university while working with staff who also have private sector experience.

Im extremely fortunate to work with this team, he said. They have a tremendous amount of expertise and experience from work on campus, but also, theyve all served in the private world. We run our office and treat our office as a professional design office. Each one of us has specialties in various groups, whether it be architecture, civil engineering, interior design.

We all touch most of the projects in some way, shape or form, because we all draw from each others experiences. Its just a testament to the professionalism and the knowledge of this team.

Brad Potts, UM architectural draftsman II, worked with Hunter atMcCarty Architectsin Tupelo before joining the facilities planning department in 2007. Theyve worked on several large projects together, such as the first phase of the Jackson Avenue Center construction.

Chad knows construction inside and out, Potts said. He is incredibly intelligent about the makeup of a building. I know that he has big plans that will give our department opportunities to step up.

Virginia Pence, assistant university architect, said she is delighted with the outcome of the director search.

Chad is a wonderful leader, Pence said. In addition to his expertise, its his supportive and encouraging team approach that makes him so effective. His exceptional institutional knowledge is the bedrock of our department.

Looking forward, Hunter hopes to grow the department in order to continue to support critical construction projects on campus.

Its always exciting to see as the university grows, where the various areas on campus grow, whether thats student recreation, student housing, athletics or research, he said. By growing our team to support these needs, theres really no limit to what we can accomplish.

By Erin Garrett

Read the original here:
New University of Mississippi Architect Contributes to 1000 Projects and Counting The Local Voice - The Local Voice