Centre of Excellence for Applied Research & Training in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Centre of Excellence for Applied Research & Training designed by DEWAN Architects & Engineers is located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.  The building has been designed with the severe environment in mind, with summer temperatures reaching 55 degrees Celsius and humidity levels close to 80-90%. The vaulted high “corridor” that gathers the building components under an expressive... 

Tags: Abu Dhabi, Amp, Architecture, Centre of Excellence for Applied Research & Training, Construction, Engineering, International Renewable Energy Agency, United Arab Emirates, Windcatcher

Williamstown High School in Victoria, Australia

The Williamstown High School designed by Spowers is located in Victoria, Australia. An emphasis on natural light and views connect the students to their local environment. Rainwater is collected via a highly visible system of pipes and tanks and used for toilet flushing and irrigation. Tactile materials such as timber and brickwork are exposed internally and the structure is expressed to give the students... 

Tags: Architecture, Australia, Australian Institute of Architects, Best Secondary School, Building, Building engineering, Construction, Education, energy efficiency, Engineering, Environmentalism, Green building, Human Interest, Premier, sustainable building

Brandhorst Museum prepares to open in Munich, Germany

Designed by Sauerbruch Hutton, Brandhorst Museum  prepares to open  is located in Munich, Germany. The exterior consists of layers with different functions. On top of the building’s substructure and insulation there is a layer of horizontally folded sheet metal with fine perforations. In front of this, 36,000 ceramic rods have been fixed vertically. These are finished in 21 different coloured... 

Tags: Brandhorst, Brandhorst Museum, Ceramic engineering, Ceramic glaze, Construction, Dielectrics, Engineering, folded sheet metal, Germany, Insulator, Munich, Physics, Pottery, Sauerbruch Hutton, Thermal insulation, Visual arts

New Amsterdam Plein in New York, United States

Designed by UNStudio, New Amsterdam Plein is located in New York, United States. New Yorkers got a real Dutch treat this week with the opening of The New Amsterdam Plein and Pavilion on May 12th. The windmill shaped pavilion, which was gifted to New York from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, celebrates the city’s Dutch heritage, marking the 400th anniversary of the founding of New Amsterdam. Located... 

Tags: Agriculture, Amsterdam, Buro Happold, Engineering, Happold, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Lower Manhattan’s Peter Minuit Plaza, New Amsterdam, New York City, Structural engineering, United States, UNStudio, Windmill

Eco-housing Development in Nanjing, China

Designed by BDP,  Eco-housing Development is located in Nanjing, China. The external expression of the building has significant elements that are integral to the green design philosophy. Apartments have full height louvered triple glazing on the balconies to the south east elevation. These balconies offer a changeable and dynamic representation of the passive design philosophy, allowing free flowing... 

Tags: Appropriate technology, Architecture, Balcony, Building engineering, China, Construction, Engineering, Environment, Heating ventilating and air conditioning, Louver, Nanjing, Natural ventilation, Rainwater harvesting, sustainable building, Windows