At the dawn of Modernism, in the fervent search for innovative, efficient, and cost-effective building systems, the idea of modular construction offered the promise of exactly that: an industrialized system comprised of ready-to-assemble elements, easily configured, cost-effective, and quality-controlled. While the idea did not gain as much traction as was initially expected, it has remained an attractive premise for architects and designers. Now, new developments in the field have led to a renewed interest in the matter, as modular housing emerges as an effective measure in various fields, from affordable housing to emergency shelters, or even as platforms for interdisciplinary collaboration, participation, and co-design. The following article explores this promise of accessibility, creativity, and affordability that has become an integral part of the debate around modular architecture.
Featured Common Thread / SO-IL
The Promise of Accessibility: Can Modular Systems Contribute to Democratizing the Design Process?
Jiapeng Village Service Station / Zhaoyang Architects
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Architects: Zhaoyang Architects
- Area: 230 m²
- Year: 2023
ODA Reveals the Design of a Contextual Residential Development in Brooklyn, New York
New York-based architecture office ODA has unveiled their design for Lorimer House and Copper Lofts, a development comprised of two residential buildings located in East Williamsburg in New York City. The design takes advantage of the triangular shape of the plot, employing rounded corners throughout the building to soften its image and create contextual references to its urban surroundings. Containing a total of 336 residential units, in addition to various amenities, the project is slanted to begin construction in 2024.
Guest House / Pedro Gaxiola Estudio + Hermann Tamayo Arquitectos
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Architects: Hermann Tamayo Arquitectos, Pedro Gaxiola Estudio
- Area: 210 m²
- Year: 2023
Heatherwick Studio's Vessel to Reopen with Enhanced Safety Measures in New York
In January 2021, “The Vessel,” designed by Heatherwick Studio, was temporarily closed to visitors after many suicide incidents in the Public Landmark. The 150-foot-monumental staircase in Hudson Yards, New York, is now set to reopen this year to the public with revamped safety measures. The beehive-shaped sculpture boasts approximately 2,500 steps and 80 landmarks and is on track to install “floor-to-ceiling mesh” on various staircases to safeguard visitors.
House ES / Titus Bernhard Architekten
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Architects: Titus Bernhard Architekten
- Area: 354 m²
- Year: 2021
Upper Watt Residence / Seear-Budd Ross
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Architects: Seear-Budd Ross
- Year: 2023
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Professionals: Xanthe White Design
Exploring Linear Lighting Design for Creating Luminous Paths
Lighting has evolved remarkably throughout architectural history, driven by significant technological advances. Despite these changes, its central purpose of enhancing aesthetics, functionality, and safety has remained consistent. In this evolution process, a milestone can be traced with the transition from fluorescent lighting to LED lighting, marking a turning point that has reduced costs and energy consumption. Furthermore, it has fueled creativity, thanks to the versatility of LED lighting. These new design possibilities are evident in organic lighting layouts, which mimic linear patterns of lighting arrangements on walls and ceilings, whether suspended or recessed.
In this context, as architects and designers have moved away from symmetrical, rigid, and parallel mirror patterns, Alcon Lighting has detected a trend where linear lighting highlights asymmetrical architectural features and lines. In this way, layouts that do not appear to follow a rigid design pattern are being adopted.
Zero40 Brewery / 23 Degrees Design Shift
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Architects: 23 Degrees Design Shift
- Area: 5900 ft²
- Year: 2021
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Manufacturers: Stone Life
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Professionals: Love of Light, Kiasma Studio, Anvika Facades
PC House / Jobim Carlevaro Arquitetos
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Architects: Jobim Carlevaro Arquitetos
- Area: 890 m²
- Year: 2023
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Manufacturers: Lohn Esquadrias
The Big Roof Storage and Training Center / Mole Architects + Invisible Studio
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Architects: Invisible Studio, Mole Architects
- Area: 745 m²
- Year: 2024
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Professionals: BUILT ENGINEERS, ALH Design, Sherriff Tiplady
1615 House / Nordest Arquitectura
A Home Around The Forest / YSLA Architects
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Architects: YSLA Architects
- Area: 70 m²
- Year: 2023
Playing with Translucency and Transparency: Balancing Natural Lighting with High-Performance Panels
The question, "How can we control natural light in interior spaces?" is fundamental in architecture. Unregulated direct sunlight can cause discomfort such as visual strain and undesirable heat gains. Therefore, it is crucial to control its entry effectively. Some design solutions include installing shading devices, planning spatial orientation, and building forms for indirect natural light. Window treatments like films or heat-reflective glazing can also be used.
However, there are innovative strategies to control natural light more efficiently through advanced glazing panels like the Kalwall 175CW. This translucent insulated glazing unit is compatible with most third-party curtain wall systems. By manipulating the translucency of the glazed material, it's possible to influence the visual and thermal comfort of spaces. At the same time, this can enhance the architecture of modern spaces, adding substantial aesthetic and emotional value.