DorSuite’s Post

It’s the first #MasonryMonday of July! Can you believe how quickly 2024 is going by?! To start off the month, here’s another book recommendation: Reglazing Modernism, by Angel Ayón, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Uta Pottgiesser, and Nathaniel Richards. As many of the icons of the Modern Movement get older, the conservation of the buildings is becoming paramount in the minds of building users and professionals. One issue peculiar to the Modernist movement is the use of metal-framed single-glazed exterior enclosures, including windows, storefronts, and window walls. While the buildings may appear to be serviceable, the energy issues that arise with these enclosures can endanger them. Put simply, Modernist icons have not performed well when it comes to sustainability and user comfort. Ayón et al feature 20 case studies of buildings in the United States and Europe where either Restoration, Rehabilitation, or Replacement of the exterior glazed assemblies took place. The buildings—all of which have some sort of local historic landmark designation—were all retained and are thriving from a building performance standpoint. This is a well-written book featuring excellent, clear graphics (including 3-D sections and details), and a detailed account of what took place at each project. Full disclosure: I am a bit biased, as two projects were completed by current or previous employers. I was fortunate enough to be involved with one! #buildingpreservation #buildingenclosure #buildingrestoration #buildingconservation #conservation #facades #historicpreservation #historicrestoration #historicconservation #heritagerestoration #heritagepreservation #heritageconservation #heritagebuildings #docomomo #hallidiebuilding #sanfrancisco #newyorkcity #chicago #franklloydwright #modernarchitecture #modernmovement #modernistarchitecture #newhaven #preservation #restoration #rehabilitation #unesco

This profound statement by Frank Lloyd Wright resonates deeply at M Smith Architectural Group, as we approach architecture not just as a technical discipline but as an art form. 𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝘼𝙧𝙩 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝘼𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚: 𝙑𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨: Our designs reflect a deep understanding of our era and the needs of our clients, transforming functional spaces into works of art. 𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣: Each project is an opportunity to positively contribute to the cultural fabric of the community, blending innovation with tradition. 𝙀𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: We create environments that evoke emotions, connecting people to spaces in meaningful ways. Our commitment to this artistic approach has allowed us to lead in the creation of structures that are not merely buildings but enduring symbols of beauty and functionality. Explore our projects and see how we integrate artistry into every facet of our work. 🔗 https://www.msmith.co.za ⬆️🏡 #architectureasart #franklloydwrightinspired #msmitharchitecturalgroup #culturalarchitecture #innovativespaces #designthinking

Exploring the architectural wonders of London is like flipping through the pages of a grand book, where each chapter reveals a different facet of the city's rich history and artistic innovation. Recently, I came across an article that does just that—highlighting some of the most iconic buildings that not only define the London skyline but also give us a deeper understanding of the cultural renaissance that has shaped this city. Here are a few intriguing insights that caught my attention: - Westminster Abbey is more than just a beautiful structure; it's a living monument to British history. This Gothic gem, dating back to the 10th century, has witnessed countless royal ceremonies, serving as the backdrop to coronations since 1066. The intricate details tell stories of monarchs and literary greats alike. - Did you know that the Royal Albert Hall was opened by Queen Victoria herself? This stunning circular venue is known for its incredible acoustics and regularly hosts world-class musicians, making it a cultural hub that blends architectural beauty with musical artistry. - The National Theatre stands out with its bold Brutalist design, a stark contrast to the classical structures around it. Its layout and open spaces invite the public in and hold engaging performances that reflect the dynamic nature of contemporary art. - Tower Bridge, with its exceptional combination of Gothic Revival style and modern engineering, serves as a testament not just to Victorian ingenuity but also to the city's ability to evolve while preserving its historical essence. In many ways, London's architecture mirrors its diverse culture. Just as a canvas is layered with colors to create a breathtaking masterpiece, the city's buildings, from the grand Buckingham Palace to the modern Sky Garden, showcase the brilliant interplay of history and innovation. Each structure, whether a medieval abbey or a contemporary skyscraper, invites us to reflect on our past and reimagine our future. Next time you walk through London, take a moment to appreciate the stories etched in its skyline. You might just find a deeper connection to the vibrant city that has influenced so many across the globe. https://lnkd.in/euDDPHij

🔊 Say goodbye to the noise! 🌟 Solera® isn't just about beautiful, energy-efficient buildings—it's also about peace and quiet. Our Translucent Glazing Units (TGUs) are designed to provide superior sound attenuation, making them the perfect choice for creating serene indoor environments. Imagine a workspace or living area shielded from the outside world's noise, courtesy of the engineered light-diffusing insert that insulates up to R25 (U 0.04). Not only do you get the best natural light, but you also enjoy a quieter, more comfortable space. Elevate your designs and enhance the well-being of occupants with Solera®. Visit our website now to learn more about our sound-attenuating solutions. 🌐 🔗 https://bit.ly/4frkiNZ Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History #Architects #BuildingDesign #SoundAttenuation #SoleraGlazing #PeaceAndQuiet #DesignFreedom #SustainableArchitecture

➡ What causes more debate – how tall buildings look 👀 and their impact on the skyline, or what happens at their feet? It seems that skyline eye candy trumps the ground floor every time, which is curious because it will be the #publicrealm that does all of the heavy lifting when it comes to making #community and giving people a sense of #belonging. It is where lives overlap, and people get to know their neighbours. Not a square metre can be wasted. Inspired by a conversation with Scott Carroll, a director at LDA Design, illustrator and architect Anna Gibb has explored how to make the most of the foot of the tower. Together, they have emerged with nine key things we should be thinking about on the ground when building tall. Featured in the latest issue of the Landscape Institute's Journal on Housing: Landscapes for Living: A landscape-led approach to housing the nation, which is choc full of great articles. Well done Paul Lincoln on your last issue at the helm 👏 Latest issue of the Journal here: https://lnkd.in/eyvCpu98 Our feature here: https://lnkd.in/eEkShD9F Scott Scott Carroll Stella Bland #tallbuildings #architecture #landscapearchitecture #landscapedesign #buildingcommunity #socialvalue #betterplaces #bettercity #publicrealm #placemaking

Marlon Clickfix brightens Farnborough Airport’s new Domus III hangar Brett Martin’s Marlon Clickfix polycarbonate panel glazing system has provided a key architectural feature for Farnborough Airport’s new state-of-the-art hangar—Domus III. Incorporated as part of the hangar’s extensive door system, the Clickfix panels allow daylight to flood the hangar and reduce the need for artificial lighting in the highly sustainable facility. Brett Martin Ltd https://lnkd.in/dvDss2zP #MarlonClickfix #BrettMartin #FarnboroughAirport #DomusIII #SustainableArchitecture

A Moment of Appreciation for London's Engineering Marvels and Architectural Wonders 🏗️🌉🏙️🛤️ As we journey through the bustling streets and serene paths of London, it's easy to take for granted the infrastructure we navigate daily. However, when we pause to consider what lies behind the facades and beneath our feet—the engineering feats of the Tube, the architectural masterpieces that dot the skyline—we gain a deeper appreciation for the city. Each structure, from the historical grandeur of Tower Bridge to the sleek modernity of The Shard, is a testament to the innovative spirits and tireless efforts of countless minds and hands. They are not merely functional; they are the embodiment of centuries of progress, symbolizing a relentless pursuit of excellence. Let's take a moment to appreciate the incredible engineering and architectural wonders that make London the magnificent city it is today. 🙌 #London #EngineeringMarvels #ArchitecturalWonders #InnovativeSpirits #RelentlessPursuitOfExcellence

From St. Paul’s to the Skyscrapers: An Architect’s Journey Through London’s Vertical Evolution London has long been a city of architectural innovation, where tradition and modernity coexist in striking harmony. Reflecting on my journey as a young architect, I’ve often returned to the idea of elevation—both physical and conceptual. St. Paul’s Cathedral, built in 1710, set the tone for height in London, its dome symbolizing a spiritual aspiration to reach toward the heavens. Fast forward to today, the city’s skyline is a story of yearning verticality reaching higher and higher, each layer reflecting a shift in society’s ambitions and technologies. This drawing explores the unfolding route through London, linking landmarks such as the Millbank Tower, BT Tower, Tower 42, 1 Canada Square, and The Shard. Each structure represents a moment in time—an architectural chapter that pushed the boundaries of design and human endeavour. The future concept of stacking volumes could offer a lens to understand architecture not merely as construction but as a narrative of aspirations. How do we, as architects, continue to elevate our craft, not just in height but in meaning and impact? #ArchitectureJourney #LondonSkyline #ArchitecturalInnovation #StPaulsToTheShard #DesignEvolution #UrbanExploration #YoungArchitect #CityscapeNarrative #ElevatingArchitecture

EBSA's MP2 Opposed Opening Louvre Winner of the ‘Most Innovative Louvre System 2023’ Award at the APAC Business Awards. The Schneider MP2 louvre, initially introduced in 2012, quickly emerged as the preferred choice in the Australian market as thermal performance requirements escalated with updates to the National Construction Code (NCC). Its exceptional features make it a standout solution for contemporary architectural projects. The product of choice on many landmark projects, the MP2 is unlike any other louvre system you are likely to have encountered. These louvres have withstood rigorous testing, including passing cyclone tests at 32m/s and being the sole louvre to meet the AS4284 test. Additionally, the MP2 louvre excelled in an earthquake test for a recent project. Already recognised as the top performing louvre on the market, and we elevated the louvre to the next level with the release of the Award-winning MP2 Opposed Opening Louvre. Meticulously designed to integrate seamlessly with sophisticated building architecture and design, these louvres make a bold statement while enhancing the overall aesthetics of any structure. EBSA – Delivering real commercial solutions throughout New Zealand, Australia and Canada. “We make buildings breathe” #schneiderlouvres #makingbuildingsbreathe #awardwinninglouvres #awardwinning #innovation #smokerelief #naturalventilation #buildingsaustralia #constructionaustralia #constructionnewzealand #constructioncanada #designsolutions #louvres #windowlouvres #windowautomation #commercialbuildings #sustainabledesigns

Historical Restoration 🫱🏻🫲🏾 Modern Architectural Techniques Developer Soller Group has submitted plans for an incredible 18-storey ‘upside-down’ tech tower in Manchester which incorporates several buildings at street level. Dubbed the NXQ scheme, the project is set to create a truly unique and dynamic space. The aim is to retain and respect the 19th-century buildings and the nearby Grade II listed Daily Express Building whilst incorporating forward-thinking features like intelligent façades and mixed-mode ventilation. The cantilevered structure supported by an efficient raking column will marry the old with the new harmoniously. It will be interesting to see how the final structure integrates with Manchester’s cityscape and how tech companies will utilise this innovative space. Projects like this reflect a growing emphasis on creating buildings that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sensitive. #manchester #realestate #development #propertydevelopment