DEVELOPMENTS - February 2012 report

Geometrically-inspired
Portuguese-based architectural design office OODA has created a proposal for the design competition of the Istanbul Disaster Prevention and Education Centre. Fully equipped with technology and facilities in preparation for disasters in Istanbul, this centre aims to develop public consciousness and host relevant courses and seminars.
In OODA's design, efficient programme articulation is merged with a strong local cultural context. The main building — a cross-like 3D geometric structure — is placed in a landscape with a typographic design derived from traditional Turkish patterns to link the centre to the city while activating and organising the spaces. The large curved bump wraps the parking area, creating commercial spaces on the perimeter and a park on top.
The Arabic mood is further enhanced by the progressive cladding concept applied to the building's façade, generating different patterned elevations that filter the natural daylight entering specific internal areas. Inside the centre, meanwhile, a multi-level space experience is created. Various programmes are connected through a central point, guiding the public to interact with the building.

Triangular charm
Having won a by-invitation competition, multidisciplinary firm JDS Architects has been commissioned to realise its first-ever French project - the Euralille Youth Centre - for Lille, a city which has developed into a European hub over the past 20 years.
Lille was once an important medieval city and later an industrial capital, and the 6,000 sq-m project takes inspiration from its long history and rich heritage, aiming to create an 'urban catalyst'. Here, the triangular plot accommodates three different programmes - a youth hostel, a kindergarten and offices - at each of its corners, creating a central triangular garden. The hostel component features decks in a stepping form and the kindergarten's rooftop is turned into a vibrant green space. As a result, the contorted triangular building provides maximum privacy and vista while evoking a closeness and continuity of space.
At the three corners, the mass is lifted to create openings, both activating pedestrian interactions with the adjacent public spaces and creating continuity from outside to inside the building.

© JDS ARCHITECTS

© JDS ARCHITECTS

© JDS ARCHITECTS

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