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The most costly mistakes of architectural design

The most costly mistakes of architectural design

We all make mistakes, it is an inevitable part of being a human being, and architects are no exception. Even a tiny little error concerning the construction project can lead to a considerable loss. Today, let's get back in time and remember some costly errors in the architectural sphere.

The Dancing Bridge


To some extent, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington is the most typical failure in bridge engineering history. It was the world's third-longest suspension bridge when it opened on July 1, 1940, at a cost of $8 million, after the George Washington Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge.
When it was windy, the 200-meter-long bridge oscillated and twisted violently. Unsurprisingly, just four months after it was placed into operation, it collapsed in the center of the bridge. It had occurred during construction, causing employees to become dizzy. One of the causes is that the bridge deck's width was lowered from 7.6 meters to 2.4 meters. Another reason is the low-cost girder that was used. The world's third-largest suspension bridge was a tangled tangle of steel and fractured concrete, the latest and most modern in its streamlined design. A Skyscraper with Deadly Ray Located at 20 Fenchurch Street, London, the skyscraper with 37 floors is one of the three major landmarks in Square Mile. It costs £200 million and covers an area of over 100 thousand m². Most importantly, its shape is similar to a walkie-talkie and hence gets this name. Such a well-designed shape made it stand out amid the concrete jungle and even earned the mayor’s favor at that time. However, despite enormous achievements in architectural modeling, there remains a critical challenge that must be overlooked. The skyscraper's radian and glass façade are the two factors that cause the entire structure to become a big concave mirror that concentrates and reflects sunlight. Due to the fluctuating position of the sun, the plaza in front of the building was subjected to a lethal beam that lasted for about 2 hours every day. When it was sunny, the highest temperature reached 70°C. Worse, in numerous establishments, the reflected sunshine resulted in melted The High-Rise Building without Elevators In Spain, a bizarre tale occurred in a high-rise apartment complex called Intempo, which is part of a twin tower. The skyscraper claimed to be Europe's largest apartment building, with a height of 200 meters and 47 floors, however, there was no available elevator for inhabitants above the 27th level, therefore occupants had no choice but to walk upwards. The Bank of Galicia first sponsored the structure in order to demonstrate that they had effectively
01.02.2022
A Brief History of Prefabricated Architecture

A Brief History of Prefabricated Architecture

Prefabrication is not a new concept in the twenty-first century. Nonetheless, while the phrase was coined during the Industrial Revolution, the technology has only recently matured as a comprehensive design, manufacturing, and construction process. We now use phrases like efficiency, low cost, and sustainability to describe prefabrication, but it took a long time to get here. The First Phase of Prefab Architecture Despite being relatively recent technologies, steel and concrete are today two of the most widely used construction materials on the globe. During the technical books of the First and Second Industrial Revolutions, both began to be mass-produced and used for structural reasons. Because both materials rely on casting, prefabrication is an unavoidable part of the construction process for both concrete and steel buildings. With standardized and prefabricated structural components, building manufacture took its first step toward automation. The Crystal Palace is an early example Contemporary Prefab Architecture Marching into the digital and information age, the refinement and generalization of digital design and manufacturing elevated the concept of prefabrication beyond its previous status as a building realization technique. Instead, it started to become a stand-alone methodology for design. Compounded with the development of systems like BIM, which support better data and information synchronization between each phase of a building’s life cycle, the time and cost
31.01.2022
The importance and possibilities of dining rooms in plans

The importance and possibilities of dining rooms in plans

The act of dining together, or sharing a meal, is referred to as commensality. Sitting at the table is a practice of connection and exchange that is far more than a simple function of basic human need. An article by Cody C. Delistraty compiles some studies on the importance of eating together: students who don't eat regularly with their parents miss school more; children who do not have daily dinner with their family tend to be more obese, and young people in families without this tradition can have more problems with drugs and alcohol, in addition to poorer academic performance. Clearly, all of the concerns addressed are complicated and should not be boiled down to a single element. Having a proper spot to eat that is free of distractions, on the other hand, is a good beginning point for at least one minute a day that is focused on conversation and eating. Dinner tables come into play here. In this article, we will look at several projects and categorize the most popular methods to In contemporary homes, the dining table is frequently placed near the area where food is prepared as feasible for convenience. We can categorize them based on how they are grouped in relation to the layout, which varies in size, materials, and the number of seats. Placing the table parallel to the countertop and the sink is a common approach for projects with limited space. This is the situation with Stilt House in Japan, where the table takes up a tiny area between the kitchen and the house's
27.01.2022
A Passive House community center in Canada focused on social inclusivity

A Passive House community center in Canada focused on social inclusivity

Canadian design firm hcma recently completed a large-scale, mass-timber community center in British Columbia that has been certified as Passive House. The 7,060 sq m Clayton Community Center in Surrey, part of the Metro Vancouver area, mixes leisure and culture areas with a library and surrounding public spaces. Community engagement had a great influence on the design development, and in the lack of an industry standard, hcma developed its own social impact framework for the project based on the concepts of equity, social inclusion, sustainability, and flexibility. Commissioned and run by the local city government, the center involves music and recording studios, a communal rehearsal hall, a gymnasium and fitness center, a community test kitchen, preschool and childcare, a woodworking shop, shared social spaces, and a library. Many of these public programs were formerly held in different facilities, and the city expects to have a stronger influence on the community by pooling them The mass timber structure received Passive House certification for its materiality and ultra-low energy consumption, making it North America's largest non-residential certified project. The structure utilizes 98% less energy than the average performance of similar existing buildings in British Columbia, according to hcma. “Clayton Community Centre demonstrates what’s possible when we prioritize social outcomes alongside design excellence and ultra-low energy use,” says hcma principal Melissa
24.01.2022
RYB Apartment in Kyiv: A minimal interior with a calming palette

RYB Apartment in Kyiv: A minimal interior with a calming palette

Ukrainian studio Men Bureau led and founded by Oleksandr Maruzhenko designed the RYB Apartment, which is a minimal and peacefully soothing interior with a calming palette.

The apartment is located above a commercial area in the Rybalsky residential complex in Kyiv's Podol district, Ukraine. This allowed the studio to better use the space by splitting it into two blocks: a private part (a children's room and a master bedroom with a bathroom) and a public one (consisting of a spacious kitchen-living room and a bathroom and a workplace). This place is intended to fulfill the needs and emotions of its inhabitants, serving as the setting for diverse scenarios of daily life. The primary rooms are composedly linked to one another through materials and textures. Men Bureau was commissioned to create a serene refuge for the owner and his family to escape their cosmopolitan lifestyle. The main goal was to use natural materials to create a clean, basic, but informal ambiance. To get flexibility and minimize excessive separation of an already compact flat, the partitions have been (almost) eliminated, resulting in an open plan structure with one central module defining the primary living space. This module comprises an efficient kitchen set, a dining area, a small workstation, and a big living room — this allows the space to serve several roles without becoming cluttered. Except for the children's room, all rooms face the courtyard, which is lushly landscaped. The children's room opens onto a beautiful view of the Dnieper A single palette of materials was used to visually link the spaces: birch plywood, micro cement, Japanese KitKat tiles, and Caribbean Calcite marble. These materials provide a laconic backdrop for furniture and lighting fixtures. In all rooms, the chilly tones of micro cement were combined with the warm textures of plaster and wood. Famous pieces of furniture, such as Fritz Hansen dining chairs, Norm Architects' Co armchairs, and Pholc's Apollo 180 floor light, are easy to combine with
11.01.2022
An underground house in Mexico looks at the sky

An underground house in Mexico looks at the sky

A few hours from Mexico City, a home enclosed in the belly of the earth embraces the landscape and establishes a mythical covenant between architecture and nature.

To relate to its natural surroundings, which are framed by wooded mountains and carpeted with avocado fields, architect Francisco Pardo literally chose to make this vacation home for a young couple to disappear into the belly of Pachamama, the Mother Earth of Central American cultures, which covers the construction. The partially hypogeal house is built into the hill it stands on, with a green roof from which avocado trees emerge: a solution that is effective both from a landscape and a technological standpoint, as it offers optimal internal thermal conditions in an area subject to significant fluctuations, thanks to the earth on the roof acting as insulation and keeping the home at a constant mild temperature. The volume embedded in the ground unfolds inside like a huge container in exposed concrete, with a practical and flexible layout thanks to the reduced partitions. The central living space unites the several adjacent rooms: the kitchen, dining room, and living room, the bedrooms (the master, children's, and two guest bedrooms), and the study. It has access to a panoramic terrace with a whirlpool tub and views of the forest. A patio dug into the ground on the opposite side gives additional access as well as a second source of natural light and ventilation. The interiors are distinguished by a simple, low-maintenance design that is nonetheless attractive: the exposed concrete structure contrasts with walls covered in Chukum, a natural stucco from the Yucatan region, and recycled raw pinewood; custom-made furnishings - the kitchen, the black metal fireplace - demonstrate meticulous attention to detail and the desire to characterize an essential, almost monastic, but warm and welcoming space. An outdoor cabin made of recycled wood, which serves as a
11.01.2022
The new Normann Copenhagen headquarters is a dialogue of rough concrete and pastel colors

The new Normann Copenhagen headquarters is a dialogue of rough concrete and pastel colors

Normann Copenhagen, a Danish design company, has opened its new headquarters in the heart of the capital. It's a space that represents the brand's soul, a place to connect with clients and design lovers, a working environment, and an exclusive restaurant on the top floor with a panoramic view of the city.

Corporate headquarters projects are undeniably among the most intriguing to monitor. This is because they are not simply workspaces but also locations in which businesses convey their values by integrating consumers and users in set-ups that go beyond utility and have a narrative or experience approach. You can find unexpected hybrids between typical office and conviviality zones and fascinating functional mixtures and novel public-private interactions. The new corporate space located in an industrial building was constructed in 1936 and was previously utilized as a printing works. The work of the company's in-house design department has retained the building's original character, particularly one of its architectural aspects with tremendous scenic impact: the rough concrete coffered ceilings. The project progresses on seven levels, each with its own chromatic motif. Grey concrete is complemented with mint green and flesh-colored walls, ruby red or poppy red parts, blue or canary yellow furniture. The result is a language that connects classic but raw architecture with the brand's collections, distinguished by timeless design and mixes well-known pieces from the firm with a slew of new products. As a result, Normann Copenhagen's new headquarters is a must-see for all design enthusiasts looking to uncover the various faces of Danish creativity. As a result, Normann Copenhagen's new headquarters is a must-see for all design enthusiasts looking to uncover the various faces of Danish creativity.
11.01.2022
How to get monochrome magic: Black and white interior design ideas

How to get monochrome magic: Black and white interior design ideas

Due to their timeless elegance, interiors in black and white are always in great demand. Even more so because the color scheme may be used in any interior design style. However, achieving a precisely styled appearance might be more complicated than it appears. To maintain their sophisticated appeal, these spaces demand balance. Here are some ideas to assist you in nailing the style.

Play with scaling to find the right balance


Black and white interior design provides endless opportunities for tricking the eye to get the desired appearance. Whether used on walls, ceilings, or floors, both colors can make spaces appear taller, shorter, longer, or more profound. White walls make a tiny room look larger, while appropriately scaled monochromatic furniture and accessories give a balanced dynamic that makes the space feel planned and put together. Use patterns to shake things up When it comes to black and white living room decor, patterns are a good idea to avoid the space appearing too strict or dull. Sleek modern lines are ideally supplemented by intriguing forms, abstract details, and strong graphics such as artistic hexagonal tiles. Then, to balance the room, pair them with solid materials. Black and white for creating a stunning bathroom Black and white design concepts can be used to create magnificent bathrooms just as well. The monochromatic pattern is delicate, elegant, and inviting when set against a neutral gray background. A limited color palette's refined simplicity can be accentuated by discrete natural patterns of materials such as quartz and marble. Ceramic tiles with bold black and white designs on a floor or wall will add more visual interest, and a faux plant will
11.01.2022
5 trends designers can’t wait to say goodbye to in 2022

5 trends designers can’t wait to say goodbye to in 2022

Regardless of being in fashion or in the way we design our houses, trends come and go. And, after two crazy years of unprecedented changes in how we live, work, and play, it's no wonder that popular looks and trends are evolving in the new year. But, while there are some amazing trends to look out for in January, there are a few that we may want to avoid.

Here are some of the trends that designers are looking forward to saying goodbye to in 2022.

1. White on white

While there is minimalist beauty with white walls, cabinets, countertops, etc., some designers believe this trend will fade by 2022. So instead, people lean toward a splash of bold color, contrast, and eye-catching components to create a more maximalist style. "White walls are timeless, but once you add white cabinets, white furniture, white accessories, and more, the interior of your home begins to look and feel uninviting," says Emily Spanos of Emily June Designs. "Weaving in bursts of color and doses of warmth creates a home that feels far cozier and inviting!" The same may be said about all-white kitchens. While they have been popular in recent years, designers state they’re taking a significant dip in popularity. 2. Minimalist style It’s not just ‘all white’—the minimalist trend is fading in popularity overall. The "less is more" philosophy is no longer popular; instead, designers are seeing a shift to timeless decor, grand art, and statement furniture over the simplistic elements. “Minimalism and mid-century everything [is] being replaced with a trend towards more 80s and 90s inspired looks, maximalism, and more traditional styles—à la the ‘grand millennial look,” shares Stephanie Purzycki, Co-Founder and CEO of The Finish. 3․ Harsh lines & layouts Round, organic shapes (in both design and décor) or statement items with a powerful, yet softer feel are one of the year's biggest trends.
11.01.2022
6 purple interiors with Pantone's color of the year for 2022

6 purple interiors with Pantone's color of the year for 2022

Colour company Pantone named Very Peri the color of the year for 2022. It's a shade of blue, but most people see purple. In this article, we've presented 6 projects in which designers added statement sofas, bright tiles, and plush carpets in various purple shades to the interiors, showing the striking color's versatility.

Resa San Mamés student accommodation, Spain, by Masquespacio Bilbao


Masquespacio, a Valencia-based creative studio, used its unique color-blocking technique across the Resa San Mamés student accommodation in Spain.

The open-plan area has light purple tiles flowing down the walls, which the studio hoped would foster a sense of community among students.

Photo is by Masquespacio Apartment, US, by Harry Nuriev and Tyler Billinger of Crosby Studios The owners of this New York apartment incorporated their distinct personalities into one space by using vibrant colors, geometric forms, and unusual materials. Purple hues pop up on the walls, carpet, leather cabinets, sofa and shelf unit. The color stands out against the grey walls and drapes in the living room. Photo is by Dylan Chandler Cafe Krujok, Russia, by Eduard Eremchuk and Katy Pititskaya A lilac tint covers the soft, velvety walls of Cafe Krujok in Russia, created by designers Eduard Eremchuk and Katy Pititskaya to embody "the essence of a donut" (Krujok is a round donut.) The berry-colored purple represents doughnut glazing, and the space also has glossy dough-like beige furnishings. Photo is by Inna Kablukova
11.01.2022