Architecture News

This feature explores the integral role of music in the creative process of acclaimed Amsterdam-based artist and designer, Frankey. Through a curated playlist and insightful commentary, we gain a unique perspective into the tracks that ignite his imagination, guide his artistic endeavors, and accompany his innovative work. From powerful funk anthems to introspective jazz melodies and contemporary hip-hop beats, Frankey's musical selections reveal a profound connection between sound and artistic output, demonstrating how various genres contribute to his ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary across diverse disciplines such as sculpture, installations, and interventions. This exploration offers a glimpse into the mind of a multidisciplinary creator, highlighting the often-unseen inspirations that drive artistic excellence.

Frankey, known for his ability to infuse wonder into the mundane, is the inaugural subject of our new series, "designboom listens," which delves into the musical influences behind the creative practices of various artists. His eclectic taste in music mirrors his versatile artistic approach. With a background in industrial design from Delft University of Technology, Frankey fluidly navigates the realms of art, design, and engineering. His projects range from reshaping a bridge support into a rhinoceros to creating a beachfront villa that appears to exude pink bubblegum from its windows, consistently challenging perceptions and offering fresh interpretations of familiar forms.

His musical preferences span a wide spectrum, indicating the diverse wellsprings of his inspiration. Frankey finds inspiration in the uplifting spirit of Aretha Franklin's 'Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive' for his general creative practice, and to kickstart a new project, he turns to the energetic rhythms of James Brown's 'People Get Up and Drive Your Funky Soul'. These selections underscore a need for positive reinforcement and dynamic energy to initiate his creative flow.

Music also serves as a conduit to personal history for Frankey. He cites De La Soul's 'Me Myself and Eye' as a track that instantly transports him back to a specific moment or place from his past. This highlights how music can not only inspire future creations but also provide a deep connection to memory and personal narrative. Currently, Little Simz's 'Gorilla' resonates strongly with him, showcasing his engagement with contemporary sounds and their potential to influence his ongoing work.

For those late-night studio sessions, Frankey's go-to track, which he admits to knowing every word of, is Nat King Cole's 'Let There Be Love'. This choice suggests a preference for classic, comforting melodies during periods of intense focus. When faced with creative roadblocks, he turns to Jay-Z's 'Public Service Announcement' for the impetus needed to overcome challenges and achieve a breakthrough. This indicates that different phases of the creative process demand distinct auditory companions.

The delicate and intricate details of his work are often accompanied by the smooth jazz of Duke Ellington & John Coltrane's 'In a Sentimental Mood,' revealing a thoughtful and meticulous side to his artistic temperament. If an audience were to experience his latest work while wearing headphones, Frankey suggests they listen to Branford Marsalis Quartet's 'Mo' Better Blues', aiming to enhance the sensory experience. He also takes pride in his own contribution to the visual aspect of music, having designed the album cover for Dutch rapper Extince's 'Kermis', a project he identifies as a personal favorite.

Frankey's unique connection to music is not merely recreational; it is a fundamental component of his artistic identity. The diverse range of artists, from the soulful power of Aretha Franklin and James Brown to the intricate jazz arrangements of Duke Ellington and John Coltrane, and the contemporary beats of Little Simz and Jay-Z, collectively form the vibrant auditory tapestry that underpins his innovative and boundary-pushing creations. This journey through his playlist offers invaluable insight into how various musical genres can shape, inspire, and elevate the creative process across different artistic mediums.

AECOM's visionary Huafa Financial Vitality City in Shaoxing, China, masterfully blends modern urban development with the tranquil beauty of the region's natural landscape. This ambitious mixed-use district is thoughtfully designed to house financial institutions, luxury hospitality, diverse retail outlets, and essential civic facilities, all harmoniously interwoven within a carefully crafted green framework. A prominent central park acts as the heart of the development, orchestrating a seamless dialogue between the contemporary structures and the inviting public areas.

The architectural forms within the district are a direct homage to the dramatic rhythm of Shaoxing's mountain ranges. This thematic consistency creates a cohesive family of towers, each retaining its unique character and purpose. These structures are strategically positioned to optimize views towards the majestic Meishan and the serene Jinghu National Urban Wetland Park, ensuring that the surrounding natural splendor becomes an integral part of the district's visual identity. The design ethos prioritizes a deep connection to nature, allowing the financial hub to thrive while offering its inhabitants and visitors a refreshing escape into green spaces.

Architectural Inspiration: Mountains and Waterways

AECOM's Huafa Financial Vitality City in Shaoxing draws profound inspiration from the striking natural features of the region: its imposing mountains and intricate waterways. This thematic influence is evident in the architectural composition, where the towering structures echo the contours and grandeur of local mountain ranges. This design approach creates a unified yet distinct visual language for the various buildings, each contributing to a coherent urban skyline that respects and reflects its natural surroundings. The central park, a pivotal element of the design, not only provides a green oasis but also strategically frames views of the nearby Meishan and Jinghu National Urban Wetland Park, embedding the landscape into the daily experience of the district.

The individual buildings, though part of a larger family, are crafted to maintain their unique identities, showcasing a thoughtful balance between consistency and individuality. The strategic placement of these structures ensures that the natural beauty of Shaoxing is not merely an backdrop but an active participant in the urban fabric. This integration extends beyond aesthetics, aiming to create a sustainable and harmonious environment where urban life and natural elements coexist and enhance one another. The result is a vibrant financial district that feels organically rooted in its geographic context, offering a unique sense of place and connection to nature.

Fluid Forms and Urban Connections

A striking 168-meter International Financial Center stands as a prominent landmark within AECOM's Shaoxing development, its architectural form meticulously crafted to engage with its surroundings. The center's orientation, intentionally rotated 45 degrees relative to the site, establishes a dynamic visual conversation with the adjacent hotel tower. The glass facade of the building is subtly textured to evoke the gentle ripples on water, while the hotel's base, or podium, takes on the smooth, organic shapes of pebbles worn by centuries of flowing water. These design elements collectively celebrate the fluid beauty of the region's waterways, adding a layer of natural artistry to the urban environment.

At a broader urban scale, the master plan thoughtfully arranges complementary functions around the central park, creating a vibrant network of interconnected spaces. This holistic design philosophy seeks to seamlessly integrate the demands of a bustling financial district with the rhythms of everyday urban living. It ensures that workspaces are not isolated but are effortlessly linked to diverse retail opportunities, leisure facilities, and communal outdoor areas. This thoughtful integration encourages a dynamic and interactive urban experience, where work, commerce, and recreation converge to foster a lively and inclusive community.