Strengths & Weaknesses: What are you Good at?
Non Architecture March 27, 2024
What’s Up, Future Architects? 🛠️
So, we’ve talked a ton about the principles of designing for well-being. You’ve probably been wondering, “Yeah, yeah, but who’s actually doing this stuff in the real world?” Guess what? You’re in luck! We’re going on a virtual globe-trotting tour to look at some stellar architectural projects that have nailed the well-being game. Trust us, these aren’t your grandma’s building designs (no offense to grandmas—y’all are great). Before moving on, take a look at the materials section at the top of the page on this topic.
🌆 Case Study 1: The Edge, Amsterdam
Ever heard of an office building where the building itself knows your coffee preference? Welcome to the Edge, baby! This tech-savvy giant not only uses 70% less electricity than typical office buildings, but it also scores high on employee well-being. Think abundant natural light, stellar air quality, and even an app that helps employees find a work environment within the building that matches their current mood! 📲☕
🌳 Case Study 2: Vancouver Convention Centre, Canada
Here’s a place where you can attend a conference and forget you’re indoors. Why? This convention center is home to a 6-acre living roof! Yep, a roof filled with more than 400,000 indigenous plants and grasses. The natural habitat attracts birds, insects, and even humans who want a breath of fresh air!
🏢 Case Study 3: One Central Park, Sydney
When a skyscraper and a hanging garden have a baby, you get One Central Park. This Sydney marvel uses green walls, and vertical gardens to reconnect people with nature. The light-reflecting heliostat is a masterpiece that ensures natural light filters through the building. 🌞🌱
🏠 Case Study 4: Your Local Co-Housing Initiative
Hey, don’t underestimate the power of local designs. Co-housing initiatives focus on communal living and shared spaces, where well-being is a community affair. Check out some examples near you—they’re the unsung heroes of well-being-based architecture.
Each of these designs has something in common: they focus on the human experience. Whether it’s through tech, nature, or community, they’re smashing the well-being goals we’ve been talking about.
Let these projects inspire you! These aren’t just case studies; they’re roadmaps to a more awesome, well-being-focused future in architecture. Steal ideas, get inspired, and start plotting your next masterpiece!
🎯 Your Challenge
(Please note that this challenge is entirely optional. Choosing not to do it will not compromise your final result or your ability to earn a certificate for this course. The challenge is designed to offer an additional layer of engagement and practical experience, but it is not a requirement for successful course completion.)
To sharpen your eagle eyes for well-being features in architectural design.
How to Roll:
- Virtual Field Trip: First, take a virtual “field trip” online and select an architectural project that intrigues you. This could be a skyscraper, a community center, a park, or even a small residential building. Make sure it’s a project that claims to incorporate well-being into its design.
- Spot & Jot: As you explore pictures, videos, or articles about your chosen project, make a list of features that you think contribute to well-being. These could be anything from natural light setups, ventilation systems, communal spaces, to sustainable materials.
- The Debrief: Once you’ve finished your list, hop onto our course discussion board and share your findings in a brief post. Answer the following:
- What is the project and where is it located?
- What well-being features did you identify?
- How do these features contribute to the well-being goals we’ve discussed?
- Peer Review: Finally, check out what your classmates have posted in the Meditation Roofs Competition Group and leave a thoughtful comment on at least one other’s post. Do you agree with their observations? Have they missed anything that you think is crucial?
To Cap it Off:
Compare your findings with the case studies we just discussed. You’re not just learning about well-being in architecture; you’re becoming part of a community that prioritizes it! 🌱🏢
So, put on your detective hats and turn on those analytical minds. Let’s see who can spot the coolest well-being features in modern architecture! 🧐🔍
- THE EDGE
It knows where you live. It knows what car you drive. It knows who you’re meeting with today and how much sugar you take in your coffee. (At least it will, after the next software update.) This is the EDGE, and it’s quite possibly the smartest office space ever constructed.
- VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE
Sustainability was a key priority in the construction of the Vancouver Convention Centre and continues to be integral in how it operates. To that end, the Vancouver Convention Centre was pleased to submit its LEED Platinum for Building Operations and Maintenance for recertification with CAGBC.
The Vancouver Convention Centre recognizes that SUSTAINABILITY is an ongoing commitment. As new technologies and research become available, the team looks forward to continually assessing their application in the building.
- ONE CENTRAL PARK
One Central Park is a mixed-use dual high-rise building. A number of distinct features has allowed One Central Park to be recognised as a UNIQUE structure at an international level. Key among them are its vertical hanging gardens, cantilevered heliostat, low carbon tri-generation power plant and internal water recycling plant.