The reputed architectural firm UNStudio had unveiled their entry for the Waalse Krook, Urban Library of the Future and Center for New Media, in the picturesque Belgian city of Ghent. Designed by Ben van Berkel/Caroline Bos-led Amsterdam practice, the project was not the winning entry, but the avant garde conception gives us plenty of reasons to write about it.
According to the architect:
The two main aims in the design for the Urban Library of the Future and Center for New Media in Gent are to create a dynamic, flexible and open knowledge environment, while simultaneously strengthening the character of the location with the introduction of a building with a distinct architectural identity.
Sustainability is an often-used word nowadays, but it truly fits into the design’s dynamic conception. But other than being just eco-friendly, in today’s fast-changing world another key dictum holds its importance - Evolution. Right from the Architect’s confession:
But it must also offer the possibility for future change of use. With an open landscape, spaciousness, extensive views, alternative circulation routes, several meeting areas and a public plaza, the design for the library affords a renewal of its urban context.
Flexibility and fluidity are the twin strong points of architecture, and nothing is more concrete than those in the structure’s unique concept. The look varies according to the viewer’s orientation. The floating building volume also enhances the play of light and expansiveness. However, adequate afterthoughts (like low volume) have been put forth, so as to not intrude upon the quaint urban profile of Ghent itself.
Even in the micro level, the main volume is lifted so as to provide public spaces around the structure. The importance of a visual link is also created on the basis of interaction with the surrounding water. Lastly, as an extension of the urban context, the internal voids has been used as a metaphor to link various functional clusters within the structure
No comments:
Post a Comment