The new Shenzhen Natural History Museum is going to be designed by the winners of an international competition that attracted more than 70 proposals from around the world. The winning team includes 3XN, B+H architects, and Zhubo Design. The museum will be on the list of Shenzhen’s ‘Ten Cultural Facilities of the New Era’ and it is the first large-scale comprehensive natural museum in Southern China. The museum will be a world-class natural science site dedicated to interpreting the laws of evolution, showing the geographies of Shenzhen and its ecology from a global perspective while actively advocating science.
The ambitious structure is called ‘Delta’ after the Pearl River Delta and is designed to rise seamlessly from the river with an accessible green rooftop for visitors to soak in the natural setting. The roof is a public park that showcases organic geometries in the form of architecture. The dynamic shape has been inspired by a river stream that has a new view, a new bend, a new discovery at every turn. Similarly, the museum too will have different views at every turn overlooking the surrounding park, hills, and lake from the winding terraces. A news article published in March reported that the total investment in the project was to be $496 million and that excludes the cost of acquiring a wide range of specimens—animals, plants, minerals, and fossils—that will be on display throughout over 365,000 square feet of exhibition-dedicated space.
The unique flow-y form leads guests from the lush gardens to a ‘cave’ inspired passage that is connected to the museum lobby, multiple cafes, and other indoor common areas. Apart from learning about natural history and science, the building is also a community hub that encourages residents to make the most of the rooftop park and outdoor activities. The 42,000 square meter facility will be set up right next to the picturesque Yanzi lake in the Pingshan district of Shenzhen, and beautifully blends function, concept, structure, and material with the space it is in – fitting for a building dedicated to the laws of nature!
Designer: 3XN, B+H architects, and Zhubo Design
Architectural Designs that make you want to stay indoors!
Its been 13 weeks since 202o has started and it has brought the world to a staggering halt. With the current pandemic keeping us all locked in with only the internet at our disposal, there is no harm in fantasizing what our ideal homestay would look like. And boy, do we have some interesting options! From an enclosed courtyard, a sunken sofa to even a reading net in the library, each design here has an element that makes you want to spend more time indoors. Before I give it all way in my excitement to share, here is a curated collection of interior designs that make staying at home convenient and comfortable in these quarantined times. Who knows, this list may even inspire you to add some of these touches to your home. Stay indoors and stay safe!
Pam and Paul’s House is designed by local studio Craig Steely Architecture , located in a sloped site in northern California, with vast stretches of glass that overlook the treetops. The house is simple to look at from the outside, but inside, its the usage of elevation that differentiates it. A sunken sofa/ bed commands the attention in the living room, with block-like cushions to shape that space as needed. That sofa sure makes us want to dive into it, right from working from home to taking a small nap, it has us covered.
The Ortega Mora House designed by Estudio Transversal boasts of a courtyard enclosed within its angular space, creating the perfect retreat to relax in and cut off from the influx of rumors and news spreading across our digital channels. Perfect for meditation, or just spending some quality time with self, being quarantined in this home will be great for some self-love.
Christopher Duffy for British design brand Duffy London has created a swing table! Bringing the child-like joy of using a swing to a shared living space, this table is perfect for everything from working from home to holding important family meetings. With this table in place, the room is sure to be everyone’s favorite spot of the house!
Encouraging learning through dynamic spaces, Spanish creative studio Playoffice has designed the ‘reading net’, a meshed fabric suspended from the architecture of a family library. The hanging web is attached to the railings of a lofted path and creates a fun space for the children as well as adults to lose themselves in the imaginary world of the books they love.
A small alcove that doubles up as a sanctuary for anyone who wants to disconnect from the outside world, we are completely in love with this design by the homeowners of the Funkis Family Home .
Spanish architect Pia Mendaro defies convention and reconfigures the modern home in the design of Topo’s Shed – a home-cum-studio for her artist friend Clara Cebrian in Madrid. The brief was simple – she does not like overly designed things and thus, wanted something that could adapt to the needs that appear over a period of time. Something like a Potter-inspired ‘Ron Weasley house’, letting you add elements to the house as needed by the owner!
Dumitru Martiniuc of D3 Design Studio designed the Sixteen house, a place where dark interiors meet minimalism, making this the perfect modern bachelor pad. But what truly caught our attention is the skylight right above the bed, giving a glimpse to the starry sky as you lie in bed!
Now here is one of the things I would have in my home when I become a millionaire – a movie theater with double beds for lying down and watching your favorite movies! Called the ‘VIP Bedroom’, Cinema Pathé in Switzerland aims to give moviegoers an unforgettable experience possible from start to finish.
Miner Road designed by Faulkner Architects and located in Orlinda, California uses big windows to help the home stayer feel in touch with their surroundings. With plenty of natural light and great views of the woods, this quarantine would feel more like a retreat than social distancing!
The Sound in Mind is an interactive installation inside the Le Corbusier-designed Saint-Pierre church in Firminy, France. Visitors were invited to piece together tubes, to make listening devices in varying shapes and sizes creating different sound effects. “This project was about the participation of people, building their own sculptures and finding music as the end result.” said Suzuki .
Scandinavian design-inspired portable cabin that looks good from every angle
Unlike the SpaceX astronauts, we can’t leave this planet and 2020 behind, so we do the next best thing – get a tiny mobile home, and that way at least you can deal with your problems while having a good view. It also makes quarantine easier if you live in a big city. Tiny homes have so many advantages and their popularity is only rising, unlike their square footage. The Base Cabin is a perfect picture of the modern tiny home with its minimal Scandinavian aesthetic and sleek build.
Studio Edwards’ Base Cabin gives the micro-living designs a whole new angle – literally! The angular shape of this tiny house on wheels makes it stand out while still being subtle. Inspired by the typical A-frame cabins in the woods and airstream trailers, this little home is built on a tri-axle trailer. “The A-frame is structurally efficient and uses less material than conventional portal framed buildings. Mute in its appearance and clad in black rubber makes it blend into its surroundings,” says the team.
Don’t be fooled by its size, the Base Cabin comes fully equipped with a queen-size bedroom, living room, bathroom, and kitchenette. The angular paneling makes for a cozy bedroom setting with the A-frame roof. The roof lights help conserve energy and the accordion-like windows open up completely to make the home more spacious and airy. It is perfect for minimalists or anyone who is looking for a change of space, view, and possibly people after quarantine. Tiny homes and huge advantages!
Designer: Studio Edwards
