The inhabitable bridge in Tokyo

The aim of this "Living Bridge", is to present a new type of nonlinear algorithmic architecture by, paradoxically, a fully functional bridge, located in Tokyo, Japan.

The project derives from an investigation of nonlinear design, developed by Dave Eaton, Geoffrey Klein and Michael Wetmore from the workshop of Complex Phenomena taught by Cecil Balmond and Roland Snooks, at the School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania.

The place that the creators of the project chose for this structure is integrated with the residential districts of Ginza and Tsukishima. Taking advantage of the flows of the two districts, and through the  algorithmical generation of spatial turbulence structures, it was possible to create this design. 

The design process for the bridge involved three stages. The first identified the movement patterns of people and vehicles in the city, considered as systems of interlaced flows, to be later modeled as a vector field. 

In the second stage the design was configured based of the vector field, creating pedestrian and bicycle walkways, and vehicle access routes. 

Finally, the third stage, introduced elements of self-organization that change the shape and connectivity depending on the turbulence field. 

Thus, the project components at the same time create, channel and include the interaction of circulation and programs to inhabit the bridge, resulting in a dynamic space that connects and activates the riverban.

New stadium of Bordeaux

Its volume is a big pavilion, that while it refers to modern architecture, shows two of the resources that characterize the architecture of the new millennium: the transparency and lightness. In contrast to its lightweight and open structure, the stadium is an architectural work at once monumental and elegant to fit the landscape of Bordeaux.

 

The architecture that gives form to the stadium, combines three elements: the envelope containing the game and its audience, the element of transition between the field and the external environment and, finally, the overall appearance. The focus of Herzog & de Meuron to solve this project was to reinterpret these three elements reflecting site-specific characteristics.

 

The goal of the creators of the project was to present an architectural object which combined the highest functional quality with an unique identity. Along with the aforementioned elements, the functionality and the strong identity, give the project an emotional dimension that the audience can feel, and is inextricably linked to the traditional role of sports stadiums.

With a capacity of 43,000 people, the geometry of the building offers optimal visibility for all viewers and maximum capacity and flexibility of use. The stadium was resolved into two superimposed levels divided into four sectors and protected from weather by an homogeneous roof, consisting of a series of concentric bands that allow filtered sunlight thanks to its inclination.

The open roof structure is not visible from inside the stadium, thus avoid distracting the attention of viewers.

A basement which rises from the access level, holds the VIP boxes, as well as areas for the media along with spaces for the players.