WEEK 1: DENSITY AND COMPLEXITY IN ARCHITECTURE

MVRDV was founded in 1993 by Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs and Nathalie de Vries in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The practice engages globally in providing solutions to contemporary architectural and urban issues. A highly collaborative, research-based design method involves clients, stakeholders and experts from a wide range of fields from early on in the creative process. The results are exemplary, outspoken projects, which enable our cities and landscapes to develop towards a better future.The products of MVRDV’s unique approach to design vary, ranging from buildings of all types and size, to urban plans and visions, numerous publications, installations and exhibitions.*10 critical questions in relation to how technology is used to achieve the built outcomes

http://www.mvrdv.nl/en/projects/CHAISE_URBAIN/gallery.html

http://www.mvrdv.nl/en/projects/CHAISE_URBAIN/gallery.html

http://www.mvrdv.nl/en/projects/CHAISE_URBAIN/gallery.html

http://www.mvrdv.nl/en/projects/CHAISE_URBAIN/gallery.html

1.  What is the total amount of water consumption used for irrigation to take place on the green façade?
   
2. Since the project already stated that the green façade incorporate with an ingenious system of integrated pots fed by rainwater system; does the amount of rainfall in Strasbourg sufficient for the irrigation of the entire green façade to take place?
   
3. How much of water consumption can be saved with an ingenious system of integrated pots fed by rainwater system?
   
4. Is it necessary to have a full green facade on the entire building for all the spaces in the building since the building contained a mixed-use programs; certain programs may require higher amount of light into the spaces. Therefore, the green facade can be an obstruction for the light to enter the space.

http://www.mvrdv.nl/en/projects/gaite_montparnasse/gallery.html

Existing Situationhttp://www.mvrdv.nl/en/projects/gaite_montparnasse/gallery.html

 http://www.mvrdv.nl/en/projects/gaite_montparnasse/gallery.html

1. Introducing variety of shapes and colours and material help to break down the giant massing of the building yet still lost in human scale to increase awareness. But by increasing awareness do not complement in a higher density programs. Accessibility and permeability are the keys for increasing density programs. In order to improve accessibility and increase permeability, additional entrances are created at ground level on Avenue du Maine and Rue Mouchotte. Why the programmes at the top levels are not being connected to the public or users directly as well since it serves a different function?
   
2. Is the glazing on blocks overly done in order to increase daylight? (too glaring, lack of solar shading devices)

Chungha in Gangnam

http://www.mvrdv.nl/en/projects/GAGNAM_SHOPPING_MALL/gallery.html

       

Before 

   

After

                                http://www.mvrdv.nl/en/projects/GAGNAM_SHOPPING_MALL/gallery.html

1. If the building tower continuously goes up to more than 20 floors, will the over-scaled windows still functional? Can the advertisement still be seen from street view?

http://www.mvrdv.nl/en/projects/DNB/gallery.html

http://www.mvrdv.nl/en/projects/DNB/gallery.html

http://www.mvrdv.nl/en/projects/DNB/gallery.html

http://www.mvrdv.nl/en/projects/DNB/gallery.html

1. Is it feasible to create so much of cantilever on such a wide area on the façade? What about the feasibility of the various double volume spaces and recessed openings for communal usage?

http://www.mvrdv.nl/en/projects/TurmMitTaille/gallery.html

       

http://www.mvrdv.nl/en/projects/TurmMitTaille/gallery.htm

1. Will the contorted form increase building density? (might affect users’ trust in the capability of withstanding the building load above the twist)

http://www.mvrdv.nl/en/projects/Peruri_88/

http://www.mvrdv.nl/en/projects/Peruri_88/

http://www.mvrdv.nl/en/projects/Peruri_88/

http://www.mvrdv.nl/en/projects/Peruri_88/

1. Will the happening atmosphere for a high density revolve within the building itself only or will it affect the surrounding sites as well? What will happen to the surrounding buildings?

Research Question:

     

In what way can architectural design complement advanced building technology to increase permeability and livability in a city?