Top Visited Projects on Arch2O | 2016
2016 has witnessed the completion of many architectural projects. It has seen the foundation of many other new ones, and add to that all the innovative ideas that were generated this year. Arch2O covered these developments throughout the year, and here is a list of our top visited projects in 2016.
1.MAD Architects Releases Harbin Opera House Photos
Image © Hufton Crow
Harbin Opera House in China is an actual proof of MAD architects’ excellence when it comes to designing buildings that stand out. It’s captivating fluid form reacts to the city’s wild nature. The building represents MAD architects’ vision of Future Architecture.
2.The Stress Test for Santiago Calatrava World Trade Center Transportation Hub
World Trade Center Transportation Hub, Courtesy of Santiago Calatrava – Photography: Hufton+Crow
Calatrava’s Oculus, the World Trade Center transportation hub, was partially opened to the public earlier this year. The structure that was to be 11/9 Ground Zero’s new landmark has been the subject of controversy, due to its exceedingly high budget and belated completion. Calatrava, who was not defensive to any of the criticism, showed displeasure at the “career-threatening” coverage by the press.
3.Capilla San Bernardo- A divine experience | Nicolás Campodonico
Courtesy of Nicolás Campodonico
Saint Bernard Chapel, in the province of Cordoba in Argentine, is a perfect case for a pure, holy form. Replacing an old rural house, the chapel stands, with its curved walls and arches, in harmony with nature. It relies solely on the sunlight to fully illuminate the interior. The designer used the sunlight to its utmost potential by using the shadows it projects to shape the crucifixion inside the chapel.
4.Zaha Hadid Architects complete Port House in Antwerp
Courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects – Photography: Helene Binet
Zaha Hadid’s Port House in Antwerp, Belgium, is one of her last tremendous designs. Antwerp’s new landmark was cleverly transformed from an abandoned fire station into the headquarters of the port’s authority. The renovated and extended structure is meant to be a reflection of the Belgian city’s key features.
5.Swiss Spiraling Watch Museum | BIG
Courtesy of BIG
Audemars Piguet has chosen BIG to expand their headquarters in Le Brassus, Switzerland. BIG’s proposed spiral form, for Piguet’s watch museum, is meant to take visitors on a narrative journey with its succeeding galleries and workshops. Founder of BIG, Bjarke Ingels, was inspired by the Swiss architecture and craftsmanship in his design.
6.How Smart is the Proposal to Build a Mega-structure around NY’s Central Park?
Courtesy of Yitan Sun and Jianshi Wu
The winners of this year’s skyscraper competition, organized by eVolo, have made a quite eccentric proposal. They proposed to dig down New York’s Central Park and surround it by a mega-structure, transforming the park into a walled fort. Yitan Sun and Jianshi Wu’s proposal was a matter of debate. The architects believe they would be connecting the park to more people, but there’s the counter argument that it will send it further away from New York’s skyscrapers.
7.San Berillo Master Plan | Mario Cucinella Architects
San Berillo Masterplan – Courtesy of Mario Cucinella
Mario Cucinella’s proposal for the rehabilitation of San Berillo’s neighborhood in Catania, Italy, is to be finally implemented, in hopes of saving it from urban degeneration. The city which has suffered from complete demolition more than 50 years ago, remains in a distraught state up to this day. Cunicella’s plan aims to link the city with the sea coast. The 3D urban square is to function as a mixed-use residential and commercial project
8.Gallery–Ludwig Museum | Snøhetta
Courtesy of Snøhetta
SANAA and Snøhetta’s entries have both managed to win Budapest’s New National Gallery and Museum’s competition. The competition happens to be the largest online museum initiative in the world. The winning proposals take different approaches, but equally strong. Snøhetta’s proposal seeks to change the passive nature of museums by engaging visitors in the cultural development through history. On the other hand, SANAA’s proposal aims to make the building as a whole with the City Park by mimicking its continuously changing nature.
9.Exhibition Center of Otog | Kuan Wang
Courtesy of Kuan Wang
The Exhibition Center of Otog in Edros, China, successfully reflect its function while keeping an outstanding form. The designer Kuwan Wang aimed for a design that merges with its surroundings but still leaves an impression on the public. The city’s new landmark bases its façade design on Mongolian historical and cultural references, blending itself with both space and time.
