Tarabot: Weaving A Living Forum, inspired by an idea by architect Adib Dada of studioOtherDada in Beirut, is a sustainable pavilion inaugurated during COP28 at the Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai. Made with locally sourced materials such as clay, mycelium, date palm waste and upcycled fabric, the pavilion incarnates a circular, ecological ethic and promotes biodiversity.
Dutch architectural practice MVRDV has completed an important project transforming an old monument in the Albanian capital. A facility opened in 1988 as a museum about the dictator Enver Hoxha has now been given new life as a vibrant cultural centre and educational facility in the heart of Tirana, demonstrating the great potential of historic constructions in Brutalist style.
Located on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD or Central Business District, Fitzroy used to be a degraded suburb but has evolved into a trendy district first made popular by artists, combining history with urban chic. In this eclectic neighbourhood stands Helvetia, a Victorian terraced home renovated by Austin Maynard Architects. After being converted into a boarding-house with a fragmented layout, Helvetia has undergone a new metamorphosis incarnating the ideals of sustainability, practicality and beauty.
Indian firm Sanjay Puri Architects has designed a residential complex in Surat, India, which stands out thanks to its special focus on sustainability. From solar energy to wastewater treatment, plus a vast vehicle-free leisure area, the project does a great deal to minimise its environmental impact.
More than merely the largest cross-laminated timber structure in Europe, the Gare Maritime on the Tour & Taxis site in Brussels is a sustainable project by Neutelings Riedijk Architects in collaboration with Bureau Bouwtechniek to convert what was once Europe’s largest freight station into a new district of the city.
It is evident that green plays a vital role in architecture, and we are all familiar with iconic examples of landmarks adorned with greenery. But it’s time to up the ante and think on a larger scale to make our cities greener in general. The DAM exhibition called Greening the City opens at the end of the month, and there is still time to submit green projects to be included on an interactive map.
The young architects from the Indo-European collective ROOH designed Kasvattao, a temporary installation in one of the Helsinki City Museum’s courtyards, engaging the people of Helsinki and especially the youth to raise their awareness of the concepts of urban farming.
A park that fosters the discovery of nature in one of the world’s most densely populated cities. This is Nature Discovery Park by LAAB Architects in Hong Kong, complete with greenhouse and urban farm on the K11 MUSEA cultural and retail centre roof.
We saw many cases of sustainable architecture in 2020, including offices, libraries, houses, pavilions and schools. Whether they adopt new technologies or opt for traditional solutions, the results are always aesthetically pleasing, and it all keeps down the impact of the building industry on our planet.
Floornature is an international design and architecture portal with a focus on contemporary architecture, exclusive interviews with great masters of international architecture and the most interesting new developments in the world of architecture.