product developments
material advances + product breakthroughs
LEMVIG, DENMARK
‘Right’ of Spring Firmly grounded in tackling AIA Priority focuses, this section of the magazine frequently broaches resilience, climate change and carbon emissions; however, constantly focusing on catastrophedriven design tactics and innovations may be fatiguing, so this month’s edition addresses the softer side of design priorities—ones that focus on cultivation of health and the humanities. Fortunately, this softer side of design does not rely on soft-science; it’s an evidence-based approach to design that calls for inclusion of soul-nurturing elements, such as larger, more accommodating café spaces, says Stantec Sustainability Design Leader Blake Jackson,
RUSTIC AESTHETIC
The Climatorium will become a signature building that reflects local traditions and adds a contemporary element to Lemvig Harbor.
Art strikes a chord in the brain; studies prove that we are most at ease when we fall into synchrony with nature. “It has gotten easier to specify [these kinds of spaces] because the WELL Building Standard has codified evidence-based approaches. WELL has demystified the virtues of these standards by taking esoteric information—data that usually dwell among researchers and academics—and boils it down; we can piece it together and realize that the ability to have an eating area, with other activities programmed into the space, creates desirable outcomes.” This month’s edition addresses quotidian quality of life through art in architecture. Following this petal of the Living Building Challenge, Beauty, ensures that a structure will be cherished and maintained for generations. Of course, solely focusing on human health may not save the Earth, but perhaps it should be paramount, as ensuring that our quality of life and humanity is witnessed, validated and nurtured, on a daily basis, pays in spades: Allowing people to show up as their whole selves—mind, body and spirit—in every aspect of life increases the likelihood of compassion in the face of challenges like conflict or climate change. When architecture and planning comes from a place of compassion, designing for catastrophic resilience evolves beyond an exercise in vigilance, to one of creation and innovation, with the intent being service to the environment and all humankind.
Megan Mazzocco Senior Editor
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ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS
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RESILIENCY
Climate: Resilience’s New Understudy An international effort, a “Climatorium” in Denmark, will become the world forum on knowledge, education innovation and development of climate solutions. Denmark’s new international climate center, the Clima-
of existing buildings on the harbor front; its undulat-
torium in the city of Lemvig is a forum for knowledge,
ing landscape around the building, called the Climate
education, innovation and developmental projects.
Wedge, is deliberately structured along meteorological
Designed by architectural firm 3XN, the building aims
isobar lines that represent prevailing wind conditions
to attract both local residents and tourists as a place to
in the city. This design interacts with the nearby skate
view exhibitions and learn about climate change issues.
park to form an intuitive route through the landscape.
The lower floor is open to exhibitions, conferences, concerts and events, and has the potential to become a new local gathering place, as it also includes a café and lounge area. The iconic structure features a wave design framing the entrance, creating a sense of arrival with its inviting overhang. The relatively simple, two-story structure, with an open glass façade on the ground floor, makes the wood-clad upper floor appear to levitate. The ground-floor glass façade allows passers-by to observe
“The building has a rectilinear, stringent expression but forms a wave shape that lends a distinct and easily understood identity. The wave tells the story of the site and also refers to the serious challenges we face as a result of climate change.” —Jan Ammundsen, Senior Partner and Head of Design, 3XN
the action inside and be encouraged to participate. The wavy organic entrance features light-toned
The vegetation is based exclusively on local plants
wood to form a striking landmark from both outside the
that thrive in the coastal environment and require a
building and within. The nautical motif, and material pal-
minimum of care. The Climate Wedge will serve as an
ette of wood, concrete and steel, celebrates the area’s
outdoor space for Climatorium researchers to conduct
cultural history and draws inspiration from its charac-
experiments, as well as a new urban space for harbor
teristic fishing boats.
front visitors. The building is scheduled for completion
The height and siting of the building is mindful
in 2020.
03 . 2019
3/1/19 3:55 PM