To Build, or not to build?
lPlans have been released that the Spanish wonder, 'Sagrada Familia' is due for partial completion by November 2010. No stranger to controversy, the masterpiece of respected architect Antoni Gaudi, once again makes the headlines, as rumors are heard that a high speed train is to be built, 13 ft away from the 20,000 tonnes monstrosity.
There has been numerous reports stated from the Spanish Parliament, that they order the Ministry of Public Works to stop such plans. It has been thought that such a project could have adverse and irreversible effects on the treasured monument that is the Sagrada Familia.
Although several claims have been fired from the Ministry that such a project wouldn't have any effect on Gaudi's masterpiece, protestors have been in talks of suing the Ministry, in hope of seeking an immediate expulsion of such plans.
Skyscraper in Los Angeles to open in 2040
As the years go by, the needs for energy, mobility and space continue to exceed as the city of Los Angeles continues to face the everyday problems of traffic congestion, scarce open space and dismal transportation. To try to reduce such problems, The 25-Hour City projects looks to oppose such problems and to better improve the current urban model of Los Angeles. To achieve such a goal, the 25-Hour City project looks to create a high density urban environment as well as allowing freedom of continuous work and leisure at any time of the day. This proposal plans to reduce the excessive use of land-use, by condensing about 75,000 people in one building, further reducing transportation needs and increasing area of open space.
As we already know, most cities achieve variety along horizontal planes, but the 25-Hour City plans to achieve this through vertical planes. But to achieve such a thing, such a building should be built to create a large amount of space and be highly sustainable, and not to mention the technical difficulties of light, air temperature control and circulation. This is why the 25-Hour City structure contains spacing in it's strand to provide natural light, ventilation and sustainablity. The circulation is achieved by its elevators, which are created to travel multiple ways to reach a single destination.
World's Steepest Building Anounced
Move over Leaning Tower of Pisa, becuase there is a new leaning building in town. With it's extra ordinary exoskeleton and it's impressive geometrical design, the new Captial Gate located in sunny Abu Dhabi opens with a national title, of the 'World's furthest leaning man-made tower' as stated by the Guinness Book of World Records. Astonishly , this tower was built leaning 18 degrees westward, which was four times more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
If that isn't enough to leave you in awe, then it's architecture and design is bound to. The Capital gate a able to achieve it's inclination, through a special engineering technique, where it's floors are stacked together vertically, and staggered across each other by 300mm to 1400m, resulting in it's dramatic leaning.
To add to that, it's facade features a technique which allows energy to be conserved where waste air is pre-cooled between it's outer and inner facade. This special effect, allows the interior to stay cool, while removing a unwanted glare.
This building was constructed by the internationally recongnised architecture firm, RMJM Architects. This impressive building offers commercial offices and hotels, creating the entrance to the Capital Centre in Abu Dhabi. It will be due for completion in late 2010.
