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Der Red Apple - siginifikant in der Skyline von Rotterdam
New York Reloaded
Unter dem Titel ‚New York Reloaded‘ berichtet Autor Dirk Meyhöfer über KCAP’s Red Apple in der ‚Hochhäuser‘- Ausgabe der DBZ (7/2011).
Russlands Suche nach einer neuen Identität
Das holländische Architekturmagazine A10 veröffentlicht in der Juli-Augustausgabe einen Artikel über Russlands ‚Suche nach einer neuen Identität‘ und präsentiert Projekte namhafter Architekten, worunter auch KCAP’s Masterplanprojekt für die Stadt Perm.
www.kcap.eu
P+R De Uithof wird Utrechts
Das Parkhaus ist Teil des Masterplans für den Universitätscampus De Uithof
Zwei Kletterwände markieren den Eingang und beleben den öffentlichen Raum
Integrierter Bahnhof für Busse/Strassenbahnen
Baustart P+R De Uithof Utrecht [NL]
Heute wird symbolisch der erste Pfahl geschlagen für den Neubau der P+R Garage De Uithof in Utrecht, Niederlande. Der Entwurf stammt von KCAP Architects&Planners in Zusammenarbeit mit Studio SK und Ingenieursbureau Utrecht im Auftrag der Stadt Utrecht, der Universität Utrecht, dem Utrecht Medisch Centrum (UMC) und der Hogeschool Utrecht. Mit 2.000 Parkplätzen wird P+R De Uithof das größte Parkhaus von Utrecht werden. Fertigstellung ist für 2013 geplant.
Das Parkhaus ist Teil des Masterplans für den Universitätscampus De Uithof und liegt an der Ausfahrt der Autobahn A28. Das 10—stöckige Gebäude bietet Parkmöglichkeiten für Mitarbeiter des Krankenhauses, der Universität, der Hogeschool sowie für öffentlichen Gebrauch; außerdem eine Fahrradgarage und Umsteigemöglichkeiten zu den öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln zur Innenstadt.
“Besonders an diesem Projekt ist die Integration eines Bahnhofs für Busse/Straßenbahnen im Erdgeschoss des Gebäudes. Man kann innerhalb des Gebäudes vom Auto umsteigen in öffentliche Verkehrsmittel. Dies spart Raum und Umsteigezeiten,“ sagt KCAP.
Der Eingang des P+R De Uithof wird von zwei Kletterwänden markiert. Neben ihrer Signalwirkung geben sie auch positive Impulse an die Nutzung des öffentlichen Raumes auf dem Campus. Die Kletterwände wurden auf Wunsch des Utrechter Sportrats und USAC (Utrechter Studenten Alpenclub) in Auftrag der Universität Utrecht in den Entwurf integriert.
www.kcap.eu
Official opening parking garages in Nieuwegein [NL]
On November 17th the parking garages City Hall (Stadshuis), City Theatre (Stadstheater) and Arts Center (Kunstencentrum) have been officially opened.
The parking garages are part of the large-scale urban transformation of the city center of Nieuwegein.
With a total of 1.200 parking spaces several parking garages accommodate the program of the new center which consists of 56.000 m2 new retail space, 198 residential units, offices, a new city hall (by 3xN architects), a new city theater and arts center (Architecten Cie) and the renovated Cityplaza. Not only due to the large amount of parking spaces do the parking garages play a major role in the transformation. They will also form the new gateways to the inner city.
KCAP is responsible for the design of the new underground garage of 20.000m2 with 650 parking spaces beneath the city hall, the theater, the main square and the city balcony. Additionally, KCAP has designed the house style and interior concept of the nine new and renovated parking garages in the city center. The interior concept contains the choice of colours for the floors and walls, a concept for light walls, signage and routing. The wayfinding, designed in cooperation with Mijksenaar, is enriched with light and sound installations.
The garage is spatially characterised by its clear layout with an efficient column grid of 8x8 meters and a logical routing that can be automatically followed. From a three-lined driveway in, an immediate overview over the lower parking floor allows for good overview over free parking spaces. Light walls with art installations mark the pedestrian exits of the parking garage and serve as points of orientation. These yellow walls, designed by Polish artist Jaroslaw Flicinski, are combined with a sound installation by artist Spinvis (Erik de Jong) which contains more than 40 natural sounds spread over five zones.
The integral design approach enables the parking garages of Nieuwegein to become more than mere functional and efficient spaces. The application of the overall house style and routing concept and the added light and sound art create above all a friendly and safe parking environment.
www.kcap.eu
Shenzhen & Hong Kong Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture
KCAP is part of NAI's exhibition 'Housing with a Mission' at Shenzhen Biennale
The exhibition 'Housing with a Mission' is based on a match making program initiated by the Netherlands Architecture Institute (NAi) in which KCAP as one of five Dutch architects collaborated with five Chinese architects to develop new concepts for high quality affordable housing in China.
The architecture biennale in Shenzhen, from December 8th 2011 until February 10th 2012, showcases the results of this collaboration. During the opening days, KCAP will join a debate and presentation of the project.
www.szhkbiennale.org
www.nai.nl
Masterplan Vidailhan as part of the development strategie for ZAC Balma-Gramont
Vidailhan perspective (c) Mutabilis
Quarter Vidailhan in Toulouse receives prize within EcoQuartier 2011 award
The quarter Vidailhan within KCAP’s mixed-use masterplan for ZAC Balma-Gramont in Toulouse is awarded as one of three best projects in the category ‘quality of life in the quarter’(qualité du projet à la vie du quartier’) in the French EcoQuartier 2011 award. Of a total of 394 submissions, 24 projects were awarded in 11 categories. The biannual award is in its second edition and is an initiative of the French Ministry Ecology, Sustainable Development, Transport and Housing. It distinguishes ecological urban developments which innovatively promote the emergence of a new way to design, build and manage cities.
Vidailhan is one of four defined neighborhoods within the sustainable urban strategy developed for the 107 ha site in the East of Toulouse, located on the edge of shrinking agriculture and chaotic suburban growth. The development vision is commissioned by French developer Oppidea and has been elaborated by KCAP (urban planning), Mutabilis (landscape design), Droit de Cité (associated architects) and BET Dumons (engineering).
Vidailhan is the quarter with the densest mix of functions within the larger masterplan. On approx. 20 ha it offers offices, residences, retail, sport, public facilities, parks and nature areas. The dense mix of functions guarantees the high quality of life and public spaces for which the plan was awarded. The integration of the existing landscape features such as topography, vegetation and water adds a sustainable quality to the plan. Contributing to the plan’s success is additionally the participation of inhabitants and local stakeholder throughout the design process.
After its start in 2007, the first phase of the development is currently under construction, phase two has started development procedure in October 2011.
www.kcap.eu
www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr
Interior ZOwonen headquarters
horizontal panoramic windows define the facade
seen from the parking area
the voids stimulate internal communication and visual connections
ZOwonen headquarters in Sittard (NL)
KCAP Architects&Planners completes ZOwonen headquarters in Sittard, in the South of the Netherlands. The new premises of the housing corporation were taken into use in the beginning of March after a 13 months construction period. On March 23rd, the building was officially opened. The headquarter is the new central building for all employees of ZOwonen who operated previously from several local offices in Sittard and neighboring Geleen. It is the first of five buildings of a new office cluster to be realized in different phases on Sittard’s Europaboulevard location. The building reaches a GreenCalc+ label A score.
The new building consists of 3.200 m2 office space on 3 storeys. The open floors are designed as flexible work environment and offer as well individual as grouped work spaces, meeting and lounge areas and closed meeting rooms separated by glass walls. Two voids in the widest part of the building let daylight penetrate deep into the building and create next to visual connections extra communication possibilities between the different office floors.
An important starting point of the design was the concept of sustainability and the effective use of daylight. To achieve not only magnificent views to the outside but also provide for higher daylight efficiency and less contrast on the work spaces the façade is designed with horizontal panoramic windows. They adapt in height to the specific orientation towards the sun and react to visual factors in the surrounding.
With the architectural concept not only an attractive work environment for the employees of ZOwonen was achieved. Additionally, the housing corporation is now able to present itself open, transparent and communicative to their clients.
The project was developed by LSI project Investment and is part of the urban plan for the office cluster on part A on Europaboulevard.
Monarch I seen from highway A12
the building in its context
Monarch I ,The Hague
Monarch I office building in The Hague completed and awarded with extra prize of Benelux Aluminum Award 2011
KCAP Architects&Planners has completed the renovation and extension of the 1960’s office building Monarch I in The Hague. In the beginning of February, after 13 months construction time, the building has been taken into use by CAK, the central administration office for the Dutch health sector. On March 6th, Monarch I was awarded with the extra prize ‘Facades and Roofs’ of the Benelux Aluminum Award 2011. Monarch I comprises of 18.000 m2 office space on 16 storeys and two underground parking levels for 180 cars. The project is certified with the BREEAM-NL Nieuwbouw 2010 v2.0, qualification Excellent.
Monarch I is situated on the so-called Monarch location within The Hague’s Beatrixkwartier (Beatrix quarter). The area is a new central business district development at the entrance of the city, located at the highway A12, close to central station and two other railway stations. The Monarch I is the first of four buildings to be realized on the location with a total amount of approximately 85.000 m2 office space.
The existing 1960’s building has been stripped down to its mere structure, has been slightly extended and wrapped with a new façade. With its horizontality and increased transparency the aluminum façade interprets its predecessor and the surrounding modernist buildings in a contemporary way and re-integrates the building in the modern business area.
The new façade does not only fulfill the latest sustainable standards, it integrates nearly all installations such as ventilation, electricity, sun protection etc., for which it gained special appreciation of the jury of the Benelux Aluminum Award 2011. In addition the jury praised the project ‘because it indicates that aluminum as façade material is a good choice for large renovation projects where sustainability, short construction times, cost efficiency and aesthetics need to be combined.’
Monarch I office building has been developed by ‘Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij De Monarch’, a joint-venture of Provast and ASR Vastgoed Ontwikkeling for investor Union.
KCAP designs vision for Brussels 2040
KCAP Architects&Planners, together with ARUP, Systematica SpA, ZUS [Zones Urbaines Sensibles], formed one of the three international teams commissioned by the Brussels-Capital Region to develop a vision for the future of Brussels. The three proposals will be exhibited until May 20th 2012 in the exhibition ‘Brussels 2040. Three visions for a metropolis’ in BOZAR in Brussels.
What will Brussels be like in 2040 if its demographic growth continues? How will people get around the city if the motor car is no longer a sustainable means of transport? How can we reduce the social divide and avoid a dual city? How can we offer everyone an opportunity to live and work in the city with dignity? How can we coordinate the development of Brussels with its hinterland?
Faced with all these questions, the Brussels-Capital Region turned to three teams of international experts, made up of architects, town planners, and landscape architects, among others. The ‘Brussels 2040: Three Visions for a Metropolis’ exhibition shows the approaches taken by these three teams:
-51N4E, l’AUC, Bureau Bas Smets (with Mint, Transolar, Chôros, Urban Solutions)
-Studio 012 Bernardo Secchi Paola Viganò, (with CREAT, Egis Mobilité, Technische Universität München – Dept. of Building Climatology & Building Services, IDEA Consult, Karbon’)
-KCAP Architects&Planners (with ARUP, Systematica SpA, ZUS [Zones Urbaines Sensibles])
www.bozar.be
Blaak 31 Rotterdam [NL]
Office building in Rotterdam's Laurenskwartier
A large number of new projects in Rotterdam’s Laurenskwartier (Laurens quarter) contribute to the current revival of the historic city of Rotterdam. A new series of buildings for living and working is added to the reconstruction architecture of the 1950’s to make the centre lively and attractive again. The office building 'Blaak 31' with 23.000 m2 office space is one of those projects.
Blaak 31 is situated alongside the future market hall designed by MVDRV. This location on the corner of Blaak and Binnenrotte is a striking and historically significant position in the city where it lacked urban intimacy. The design therefore provides a lively street profile with public functions. At the same time it gives a spatial limit to the Binnenrotte. Together with other initiatives in the immediate vicinity, the whole area will be transformed into an attractive part of the centre of Rotterdam.
On this important site the 12-storey building shows a striking form, representative and recognisable. The volumes are slightly rotated relative to each other and shift 2.70 meters every three floors. This form is partly determined by the distance to the market hall with the aim of maximum light and privacy for both buildings. In addition, the underground tube affects the contour of the building. The façade, with its horizontal lines of glass and natural stone, emphasises the shape of the building and allows good daylighting inside the offices and generous views to the street activities outside.
Client
Provast Development
Program
Office building of 23.000 m2
Time
2007 - 2010
Role
Architect
Participating parties
Fokkema & Partners Architecten
Office building in Rotterdam's Laurenskwartier
FredericiaC [DK]
Waterfront regeneration framework of an maritime-industrial area
The urban plan for FredericiaC is a development strategy for a 21 ha brownfield site at the seafront of Fredericia, which will expand the inner city by 25%. It sets out a framework of qualitative public spaces and the conditions for a mixed urban program of 260.000 m2. The project will establish a new destination in the region, create new correlations in the city and add a unique inner-city district in an attractive maritime environment. It has high ambitions on sustainability and is planned to be be CO2-neutral.
Fredericia is one of the cities in the prosperous ‘Triangle’ region, in the centre of Denmark. Its history as a military garrison town is still very present in the intact vaults and a renaissance grid layout. To the East, the inner city has an attractive beach at the Little Belt, but to the South, the city was detached from its seafront by its active harbor. For long time this industrial activity has been a burden on the town centre. Now that part of the industry is cleared, a historic, unique opportunity presents itself to extend the centre to the waterfront and shape a vibrant and inclusive mixed urban district.
With respect to the city’s scale and history, the development strategy sets out a robust framework, with a sensitive network of public space. The existing seafront will be enriched by a network of canals, offering a strong presence of water into the city. The canals where previously envisioned in historic designs for the garrison town but where never realized. They set conditions for an intensive interaction between the existing city, the new buildings and the water and offers an appealing overarching maritime character.
An all-embracing urban planning concept combines the character of the inner city with the harbor identity in a coherent urban ensemble. Its planning principles dictate a varied mix of different uses, urban typologies and architectures. Within these principles, the urban development is highly adaptable to any future changes that might affect the development process. The plan sets out a flexible phasing strategy with short term interventions and temporary events to promote the site. A financial strategy guaranties the feasibility of the project in every stage.
Client
FredericiaC (partnership of Local Authority of Fredericia and Realdania By (former Realdania Urban Development))
Program
21 ha masterplan with 126.000 m2 residential, 82.000 m2 offices/workspaces, 22.000 m2 culture and education, 15.000 m2 retail, 15.000 m2 hotel, restaurants, café
Time
2011
Role
Masterplanner
Participating parties
Fakton
Ramboll UK
Ramboll DK
GWL-terrein Amsterdam [NL]
Ecological and car-free residential neighbourhood
An environmentally friendly and car-free residential area has been realised on the former site of the municipal drinking-water company ('GWL') in Amsterdam. Owing to its strong cohesion and high density, the GWL site presents itself as a single, large-scale urban element in its surroundings. At the same time it is an open zone with residential blocks in the midst of greenery, an oasis of calm in the metropolitan chaos. The GWL site marks the boundary between the traditional housing blocks of the Staatslieden neighbourhood and the businesses and industry to the west. A few historic buildings and a water tower were retained, and these now form the eye-catching heart of the neighbourhood.
The site has a density of 100 dwellings per hectare and includes communal housing, live/work dwellings, a community centre and other amenities. On its western and northern sides the site is enclosed by a meandering residential block that climbs from four storeys in the South to nine in the North-East. This elongated block contains approximately 57 % of the dwellings and forms the boundary between the business activities and the residential area; it also protects the site from the westerly wind and from the noise of the Haarlemmerweg trunk road. Together, the 14 blocks of four to five storeys form a park-like setting. They stand on green islands with private gardens surrounded by hedges.
Client
Ecoplan Foundation, Amsterdam
Program
6 ha car-free, eco friendly neighbourhood with 29.000m² for 600 residential units
Time
1993 - 1998
Role
Masterplanner, supervisor and architect of 3 residential blocks
Participating parties
DKV Architecten, Rotterdam, Neutelings Riedijk architecten, Rotterdam, Meyer & Van Schooten, Amsterdam, Zeinstra van der Pol, Amsterdam; West 8, Rotterdam (landscape)
HafenCity Hamburg [DE]
Redevelopment of former port area for new city district
In Hamburg, the former port area along the River Elbe is being transformed into a lively urban zone. Practical experience has demonstrated that traditional planning instruments are unsuitable tools for guiding restructuring projects on this scale; masterplans are often overtaken by events within a short space of time, and the quality can no longer be controlled. Hence the decision to opt for a combination of fixed basic principles and operationally manageable rules. The design process involved testing how various combinations of these guiding principles and rules would react to different urban planning structures, programs, densities and growth prognoses. The results provided a wealth of information for development of concrete spatial designs. 'HafenCity' is characterised by a metropolitan mix of living, culture, tourism, leisure and business and is set to become a lively waterside urban district. In the space of 25 years, eight sub-districts will be developed, proceeding from West to East. The area has been subdivided into zones which have been assigned specific qualities and limitations and combining different functions in the sub-districts establishes urban communities that function 24 hours a day. This, in combination with a flexible set of rules, generates maximum freedom for the programmatic infill and the architectural design. At the same time, the preservation of the old port structure and the retention of visually defining elements provide the requisite cohesion in the area.
Client
Hafencity Hamburg GmbH (former: GHS - Gesellschaft für Hafen und Standortentwicklung mbH, Freie- und Hansestadt Hamburg Behörde für Bau und Verkehr)
Program
165 ha masterplan with 2.000.000 m2 for 5.800 residences and 45.000 workspaces, culture, leisure, restaurants, retail, parks, squares and promenades
Time
2000 - present
Role
KCAP/ASTOC Masterplanner and supervisor
Huys Afrika Amsterdam [NL]
Apartment building on Oostelijke Handelskade
Along the banks of the river IJ in Amsterdam, the former dockland has been transformed into a high-density residential and working area. On the site known as De Pakhuysen (The Warehouses) along 'Oostelijke Handelskade', old warehouses and new blocks form a differentiated complex of interlocking buildings that preserve the views through to the IJ. The buildings stand on a shared base containing a car park, and the entrances are set along a narrow, oblong public space. As well as drawing up the urban development plan, KCAP designed the car park and two of the four sculptural blocks.
One of them, the apartment building 'Huys Afrika' (House Africa) has been designed as a periscope that overlooks the old Afrika warehouse in the direction of the river, with respect to the cruise-ship terminal. The original Afrika warehouse has been renovated and houses offices and commercial functions.
The facade of Huys Afrika is made of rust-coloured prefabricated concrete elements that form a ‘fabric’ and emphasise the sculptural properties of the volume. This choice of colour works well with the industrial atmosphere.
The northern façade, which faces the river, has been tilted up and is in its entirety constructed of glass. This double façade forms a barrier to the noisy ships. Due to the disturbing noise levels from the adjacent railway line, the other façades are to be made of extra thick glazed elements.
Client
Heijmans IBC Vastgoedontwikkeling, Almere-Stad
Program
7.350 m2 residential building with 52 apartments
Time
2000 – 2009
Role
Masterplanner and supervisor of Oostelijke Handelskade Compartiment C, architect of Huys Afrika (blok D) and Huys Azie (blok B, office building)
Participating parties
Claus en Kaan Architecten, de Architecten Cie. (blok A + C), Villa Nova (renovation existing warehouse Afrika), Juurlink & Geluk (public space)
The Red Apple Rotterdam [NL]
Residential complex with 231 apartments and mixed-use functions
The Red Apple is a residential high-rise complex with shops, cafés and restaurants and business space that towers skyward at the head of Rotterdam’s Wijnhaven Island. The Wijnhaven Island forms a link between Rotterdam city centre and the River Maas. It is being redeveloped using a dynamic transformation model, which provides development guidelines that ensure a balance between new and existing construction as well as the preservation of fine views and sufficient incidence of daylight throughout the area. The Red Apple building stands in a visually prominent position: at the tip of the Wijnhaven Island, with water on three sides and views across the river and the ‘Old Harbour’.
The development consists of two major volumes – a tower of 124 meters height and a partly cantilevering block building, both connected by a plinth with public functions as integral part of the existing surroundings. All 231 apartments provide for panoramic views and the red bands of the façade accentuate the Red Apple in the skyline of Rotterdam.
Client
PWS Rotterdam
Program
35.000 m2 of which 231 apartments, 1.500 m² retail and restaurants, 3.800 m2 m² offices, 340 parking places
Time
2002 - 2009
Role
Architect
Participating parties
Jan des Bouvrie (life style concept)
Keqiao Urban Ballet, Shaoxing [CN]
New City district for residences, community and commercial functions
'Keqiao Urban Ballet' presents KCAP’s masterplan for a 45 ha site in Shaoxing. The area, which is currently occupied by redundant textile industry and residences, will be redeveloped for residential use with community functions and sport and commercial facilities in a landscaped setting of waterlands, parks and gardens.
Keqiao is the major development area of Zhejiang province, occupying a strategic location between Shaoxing, a city of 3 million inhabitants, and Hangzhou, close to Xiaoshan airport and along the highway to larger local cities and further to Shanghai. With its unique landscape of lakes, canals and rocks it forms a setting of scenic beauty. The area will become a recreational centre and will give new development impulses for the entire region.
The masterplan introduces a landscape framework formed by different conditions found on the site such as the two lakes with their waterfronts, the canal and road system, the green spaces and the bridges. Enriched with carefully designed elements like public squares, parks, roads and paths a continuous landscape fabric is established which ties the entire development together.
Two centres and different residential quarters, offering maximum views to the lakes and landscape features, are embedded in this fabric.
Client
Gemdale Corporation, Shanghai
Program
45 ha, 1,1 million m2 for mixed-use program of 7.500 residential units, community facilities, commercial and public space design
Time
2010 - present
Role
Urban planner
Participating parties
BIAD
Creative Gateway Shenzhen [CN]
Urban regeneration of Sungang and Qingshuihe areas
The areas Sungang and Qingshuihe form part of Luohu district, one of the city centers of Shenzhen. Both have become outdated since the warehouse and storage facilities there cannot fulfill contemporary needs anymore. Despite the vanishing importance as logistic center, rich urban life has established itself at its fringes and gradually infiltrates the area. For the urban regeneration of the total 540 ha site, KCAP does not propose a finite regeneration masterplan plan, as is common practice in China, but a framework for development with a set of strategies. They set out the direction of development and resolving the most important problems and questions.
The approach is based on the acceptance of the current urban condition as a starting point. Instead of grand projects, the design introduces a series of measures and projects to be integrated in the existing fabric. With respect for the partly unused built environment, significant road and rail infrastructure, large open spaces and the topography of the site. the framework will continue the urban history of Shenzhen as the result of pragmatism succeeding over monumentality.
The plan defines, based on detailed typological studies, zones of different scale and transformation potential. In a separate study, new programs have been defined, that are based on the already established fine grain of economic networks but bring them to a higher level of profile and economic importance. Next to design, creation, management and sale of fashion, the focus will lie on industrial and furniture design as well as media and film industry. This economic profile will be complemented by high quality housing and a chain of public buildings. In its positioning the area will not only play an important role as the extension of Luohu district center, but also as a creative gateway to and from Hongkong.
Client
The People’s Government of Luohu District, Shenzhen
Urban Planning, Land and Resources Commission of Shenzhen Municipality
Program
540 ha strategic masterplan for the regeneration of the areas Sungang and Quingshuihe for creative industries including fashion, industrial and furniture design, media and film, additionally high quality housing public facilities
Time
2011
Role
Masterplanner
Stadsbalkon Groningen [NL]
Station forecourt and bike shelter
The area around Groningen’s railway station is undergoing a transformation into a dynamic urban zone with the 19th-century station at its centre. The building was fully restored a while ago, and is now being furnished with a forecourt raised to the level of the station concourse and the platforms. This ‘city balcony’ (Stadsbalkon) offers travellers and passers-by a place to take a promenade with a view across the city. Beneath it there is a storage facility for about 4.000 bikes, which is set on an underground thoroughfare for cyclists. The modularization and perforation of the pedestrian deck establishes a diversity of links between the spaces above and below.
The city balcony represents a lively, urban forum for city residents as well as for departing or arriving visitors. The plaza provides a traffic-free zone to pleasantly while away some time with a view of the city and space for terraces and cultural activities. It transforms the station into a fitting gateway to Groningen whereby the city can present itself as an atmospheric city of culture.
Client
Municipality of Groningen
Program
6.200 m2 station forecourt and bike park for 4.000 bikes, dynamic bus stop, infrastructural restructuring
Time
2001 - 2007
Role
Architect
Participating parties
Arup Amsterdam (construction), Giny Vos (artist)
Think K Killesberg, Stuttgart [DE]
Three apartment buildings for a new city quarter
'Zukunft Killesberg - Think k' (Future Killesberg) is the vision for a new city quarter on the hill of Killesberg in Stuttgart, close to the famous Weissenhofsiedlung. The project comprises of a mixed-use program with a total of 50.000 m2 for housing, offices, restaurants, retail, day-care, a city hall and the community centre Forum K.
Four internationally renowned architects developed their individual architectural concepts based on a masterplan by Ackermann & Raff und Projekt GmbH. Within this framework, KCAP designed three differently sized and sculpturally shaped apartment blocks with stepped roof terraces. The differentiation of the buildings provides individualisation and identity. The concept allows for various apartment types, from classical floor plans to open spaces. Each apartment profits from daylight from three sides and has direct visual contact with the surrounding park.
In the exterior spaces the theme of terraces creates a variety of heights and modulations in the terrain and provides for a differentiation of public circulation spaces, semi public resting areas and private spaces. Terraces and gardens form a smooth transition between inside and outside spaces. The position of the volumes within the ensemble creates various views within and to the surrounding park. The villas will be executed in solid masonry construction with a light colour brick.
Client
Fürst Developments, Salzburg
Program
24 residences on a plot of around 2.730 m² as part of a 50.000 m2 mixed-use development
Time
2009 - present
Role
Architect
Participating parties
Baumschlager Eberle Architects Lochau, David Chipperfield London, Ortner + Ortner Vienna, Berlin/Cologne
New York Reloaded
Unter dem Titel "New York Reloaded" berichtet Autor Dirk Meyhöfer über KCAP´s Red Apple in der "Hochhäuser"- Ausgabe der DBZ (7/2011).
ETIK office building with its large screen-like window
ETIK in the urban context
Large openings in the stone facade indicate the 2 atriums
KCAP and Ateliers 115 realize sustainable office building in France
KCAP Architects&Planners in cooperation with local architects Ateliers 115 have realised the office building ETIK in Boulogne-Billancourt. ETIK accommodates 10.000 m2 of offices and 500 m2 retail facilities on eight storeys above the ground and 150 parking spaces on four underground levels. The design was awarded first prize in a competition in 2007 and has been developed by Sodearif, for investor Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations. The sustainable building concept has gained the building a dual certification: NF HQE Commercial Building plus the BBC (Batiment Basse Consommation) Effinergie seal of approval.
The building’s location, the Ile Seguin-Rives de Seine, is a former industrial area in the West of Paris along the river Seine, previously occupied by Renault automobile production facilities. After closing the factory premises in the early 1990s the 74 ha site is being redeveloped for housing, offices, retail and public facilities with a total of 850.000 m2 for 12.000 people and creating 10.000 new work opportunities.
All new projects within this development were required to meet current standards of sustainability. ‘From the start of the design process, we made sustainability one of our main aspects and took key design decisions to reduce energy consumption,’ states KCAP. Therefore the design proposes the south elevation massive and closed and thereby minimizing heat gain through sun exposure, while daylight is gained via two large atriums.
‘The building is connected to the district’s heating and cooling system which reduces the need for extra technical spaces in the building,’ states Ateliers 115. The implementation of active warming/cooling ceilings in the office space, an independent ventilation system for the atrium using ground heat, and PV cells on the roof contribute to the building’s energy efficiency and the sustainability certifications.
The facades follow the urban situation of the site, being located between four major roads. A mineral skin wraps around a glass cube and opens up with a broad glass front similar to a framed screen towards the intersection of the roads in the North. ‘The building functions as a display of the life inside. At this prominent location it has a commercial effect for its users,’ states KCAP. Its materials – mineral stone, concrete and glass – form a subtle transition from the existing city fabric to the new development.
Paris based publisher Archibooks has released an 80 page project monograph on ETIK, available since the beginning of September via ISBN 978-2-35733-147-1.
http://www.kcap.eu/en/projects/v/etik/
