Architecture News

Architectural Cases

Celebrity Style

Building materials

English

Architectural Cases

Building on Legacy: Residential Architecture on Former Industrial Sites

Slide 22
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 4
Slide 5
Slide 6
Slide 7
Slide 8
Slide 9
Slide 10
Slide 11
Slide 12
Slide 13
Slide 14
Slide 15
Slide 16
Slide 17
Slide 18
Slide 19
Slide 20
Slide 21
Slide 22
Slide 1

Transforming industrial sites into livable communities requires a profound understanding of the land's history and its lingering environmental impact. Even after factories cease operations and their structures are cleared, the ground beneath can retain pollutants from past activities, necessitating extensive preparatory work before any new construction can commence. This situation presents architects and developers with a unique set of challenges, from assessing the extent of contamination to determining the most effective and economically viable methods for making the land safe for habitation.

Creating new residential spaces on these historically used plots involves a critical evaluation of how much of the existing earth can be preserved and what measures are indispensable for erecting new dwellings. The degree of soil pollution dictates the scope of necessary interventions, while the expenses associated with land preparation significantly influence the entire development's feasibility and design. Often, the intricate work of environmental remediation and structural reinforcement is concealed beneath the completed buildings, leaving little visible evidence of the extensive efforts undertaken to transform a once-polluted site into a vibrant residential area.

Such redevelopments are not merely about erecting buildings; they represent a commitment to sustainable urban growth and responsible land stewardship. By addressing the complexities of contaminated sites, architects and urban planners contribute to healing the land and creating healthy environments for future generations. This process underscores a proactive approach to urban renewal, turning former liabilities into valuable assets that enhance community well-being and demonstrate a profound respect for both historical context and environmental health.

South Korea's 'Catabolism' Exhibition at the 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale: Rethinking Urban Shrinkage
Architectural Cases

South Korea's 'Catabolism' Exhibition at the 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale: Rethinking Urban Shrinkage

Architecture on Tarkwa Bay: Reclaiming Materials and Embracing Process
Architectural Cases

Architecture on Tarkwa Bay: Reclaiming Materials and Embracing Process

Sage Guangzhou Aranya Store: A Harmonious Blend of Urbanity and Nature by say architects
Architectural Cases

Sage Guangzhou Aranya Store: A Harmonious Blend of Urbanity and Nature by say architects

Architectural Cases

Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu's Vision for the 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale: A Return to Essence and Coexistence

Slide 14
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 4
Slide 5
Slide 6
Slide 7
Slide 8
Slide 9
Slide 10
Slide 11
Slide 12
Slide 13
Slide 14
Slide 1
Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu, renowned for their profound impact on contemporary architecture, are set to steer the 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale towards a re-evaluation of the discipline's fundamental principles. Their curatorial approach, centered on tangible creation and a deep connection to local contexts, promises a thought-provoking exploration of architecture's role in an increasingly complex world.

Embracing Reality: The Core of Architectural Practice

Reconnecting with Architecture's Foundational Principles

The esteemed architects Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu have articulated a compelling vision for the 20th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. Their statement, "Architecture must return to its essence," serves as the guiding philosophy for the event, scheduled to run from May 8 to November 21, 2027, across Venice's iconic venues. This declaration emphasizes a critical need for the discipline to reconnect with its core purpose and methodologies.

"Do Architecture": A Call for Tangible Engagement

The Biennale's theme, "Do Architecture – For the Possibility of Coexistence Facing a Real Reality," directly challenges the current trajectory of architectural practice. The curators contend that architecture has become increasingly abstract, commercialized, and digitized, leading to a disconnect from the tangible realities of human experience. Their call to action encourages a return to the physical act of making, emphasizing direct engagement with materials, construction processes, and local knowledge. This approach aims to bring architecture back into alignment with lived reality, ensuring it serves human needs in a more grounded and authentic way.

A Legacy of Contextual Design and Material Reuse

This curatorial perspective is deeply rooted in the philosophy of Amateur Architecture Studio, founded by Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu in 1997. Their previous work consistently demonstrates a commitment to traditional building techniques, innovative material reuse, and a strong emphasis on the relationship between architecture and its specific geographical and cultural context. The exhibition will therefore showcase projects and ideas that exemplify these values, highlighting how historical wisdom can inform contemporary solutions.

Fostering Coexistence in the Built Environment

Central to the Biennale's theme is the concept of coexistence. The curators aim to explore how architecture can reconcile seemingly disparate elements, such as advanced technology and traditional craftsmanship, or urban development and rural conservation. By grounding architectural endeavors in the unique realities of each place, the exhibition seeks to demonstrate how diverse approaches can harmoniously interact, creating environments that support a richer, more integrated way of lif

See More
Yokohama BUNTAI Multipurpose Hub: A New Landmark for Community and Events
Architectural Cases

Yokohama BUNTAI Multipurpose Hub: A New Landmark for Community and Events

Optimizing Architectural Design: The Power of Integrated Form and Structure
Architectural Cases

Optimizing Architectural Design: The Power of Integrated Form and Structure

Anja House: A Retreat in the Uruguayan Pine Forest by iHouse estudio
Architectural Cases

Anja House: A Retreat in the Uruguayan Pine Forest by iHouse estudio

Architectural Cases

Stanton Williams' Design for Winchester College Girls' Boarding Houses Integrates Tradition with Modern Coeducation

Slide 32
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 4
Slide 5
Slide 6
Slide 7
Slide 8
Slide 9
Slide 10
Slide 11
Slide 12
Slide 13
Slide 14
Slide 15
Slide 16
Slide 17
Slide 18
Slide 19
Slide 20
Slide 21
Slide 22
Slide 23
Slide 24
Slide 25
Slide 26
Slide 27
Slide 28
Slide 29
Slide 30
Slide 31
Slide 32
Slide 1

Stanton Williams has achieved a notable milestone by finalizing the construction of new residential facilities for female students at Winchester College. This development signifies a pivotal moment in the 644-year legacy of the institution, as it progresses towards a coeducational model that commenced in 2022 with the enrollment of day girls in the sixth form. The newly built accommodations offer the girls a unique and dedicated environment within the College grounds, while harmoniously maintaining the architectural heritage and educational principles of Winchester.

The establishment of these boarding houses by Stanton Williams is a direct response to Winchester College's strategic shift towards coeducation. This move, initiated in 2022, aims to provide an inclusive learning environment, and the new residences are integral to this vision. By offering a bespoke living space for girls, the college ensures that its female students have a strong sense of belonging and community, fostering their academic and personal growth. The design carefully balances contemporary needs with respect for the college's storied past, evident in the material choices and overall aesthetic.

Spanning an impressive 5450 square meters, the project reflects a commitment to both functionality and sustainability. The architectural design by Stanton Williams not only provides comfortable and modern living quarters but also incorporates sustainable practices, aligning with current environmental standards. The completion of these houses in 2026 underscores a forward-thinking approach to educational infrastructure, ensuring that Winchester College remains a leading institution while adapting to evolving societal norms and educational demands. The integration of wood, concrete, and brick in the construction speaks to a thoughtful consideration of durability, aesthetics, and contextual relevance, with the photography by Jack Hobhouse beautifully capturing these elements.

This architectural endeavor by Stanton Williams at Winchester College stands as a testament to thoughtful design and a progressive vision. The new girls' boarding houses are more than just buildings; they are a symbolic representation of the college's commitment to adapting its historic framework to accommodate future generations of diverse learners. The project demonstrates how modern architectural solutions can seamlessly integrate with established traditions, creating spaces that are both innovative and deeply rooted in their context, thereby enriching the educational experience for all students.

See More