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When the roof makes architecture more useful
Lately we are seeing projects of «useful architecture«, That is, and to simplify, the private company or institution that builds a building, but not only thinking about them, they also want a building that is useful for the environment where it is located, that provides a palpable benefit to the community.
Two perfect examples of this new architecture; first, in the article about a building of a waste incineration plant that produces energy, and also incorporates a ski slope and a gigantic climbing wall on its green roof. And second, when the building is crowned by a cycling track.
They are constructions that, in addition to becoming architectural icons due to its uniqueness (normally designed by large architecture studios) and meet the needs of the company or institution itself, improve the urban environment with useful 'games' that give the local neighborhood a new playful space. And if they are lucky, the building will become a new symbol of the city.
Clearly, where else can we perceive this new feature of modern architecture, It is on the roof of the buildings. And this is where the imagination of the great architects who are breaking the mold redesigning roofs.
We have to move to the city of Chengdu, in China, to be able to exercise your legs non-stop on a 698 meter long circular track. The project Loop of Wisdom (Loop of Wisdom) embodies a timeless edifice built on a hill that invites people to explore it and make it part of their regular routine.
The complex is designed by the Powerhouse Company architecture studio. It constitutes a structure of two separate buildings, and, in turn, joined by a large undulating walkable path that connects and forms the roof of the architectural project.
"The Loop of Wisdom project shows how the landscape can influence a building and how parametric design can be used to achieve simplicity and elegance within a very complex structure."explained architect Kempe.
Designed as a continuous ring, the The catwalk's shape is an archetypal and universal loop; organic and geometric; enigmatic but instantly recognizable. Although the client initially wanted a temporary building, they were so impressed by the quality of the design that they decided that it should be made a permanent fixture. An initial ephemeral proposal, it has become a durable and inherently sustainable structure.
The building belongs to the technology company Unis Chip City. Where a building is destined to a small museum of the company itself and the other, to reception and offices.
On the attractive Loop of Wisdom walkway, red was chosen for the roof color because of the striking contrast it makes with the lush green of the landscape. At its highest point, the structure reaches 25 meters in height relative to the ground and offers visitors a spectacular view of the city's mountains.
According to the architect, Nanne de Ru, the idea of creating the wavy surface came about as a way to make people remember and explore the company complex.
The The roof's actual surface is made up of custom-made aluminum shingles. About 15,000 unitss, each with its own unique profile and numeric code, forming a seamless skin. The hiking trail is made of rubber asphalt (See article how to waterproof terraces and decks) so that the path can be used by both runners and walkers.
Inside the two buildings, full-height windows have been installed in the exhibition and office spaces to allow wider views of the surrounding park.
During the night, the space is illuminated with LED lights giving the sensation that we have before us a structure of reddish waves that levitate. And functional elements like gutters and handrails are carefully hidden from view, resulting in a streamlined profile that enhances the simplicity and flowing lines of the loop.
The entire complex that forms the loop is around 5,000 m2, including the interior and landscape design. It took less than a year to complete from design to construction. The design itself went from sketch to plan in a matter of days, thanks to the use of advanced parametric drawing software that was linked to the architects' BIM model.
Just as these new proposals are appearing to change the traditional utility of roofing, it must be remembered that green roofs are advancing by leaps and bounds, both in technique and technology, wanting to revitalize a classic space that in hundreds of buildings, is literally obsolete.
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