NEW FACULTY OF MEDICINE IN SÃO PAULO BY KAAN ARCHITECTEN

NEW FACULTY OF MEDICINE IN SÃO PAULO BY KAAN ARCHITECTEN

 
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KAAN Architecten : Dutch architectural firm KAAN Architecten has expanded its growing business by opening its second outpost in São Paulo (Brazil). The practice, founded by architects Kees Kaan, Vincent Panhuysen and Dikkie Scipio in 2014 quintessentially reveals a natural connection with Brazilian modernist architecture and aesthetics, highlighted through the use of raw concrete, clean lines and functional forms. 

 

Since 2015, KAAN Architecten has been working on various projects across Brazilian territory: City Hall Park, a broad urban redevelopment plan in São Bernardo do Campo, the refurbishment of the city hall tower, the Paço Building, and Ferrazópolis, a transit hub featuring housing and a commercial program.

 

 

A team of architects, urban planners and engineers led by Renata Gilio works in close collaboration with the Rotterdam office and is based on the ground floor of a Sixties building in the cultural and residential district of Higienópolis, west of São Paulo’s city centre. The Brazilian branch is predominantly dedicated to urban planning, renovation projects and educational programs between the States of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. 

 

 

To mark the official launch of the new office and the start of construction, KAAN Architectenunveils the design for the new Faculty of Medicine of the Universidade Anhembi Morumbi (UAM) in São José dos Campos, a city in the greater metropolitan area of São Paulo State. Located in proximity to a main road junction of the city, the building stands on an elevated plot, which creates both isolation and ideal conditions to turn it into a new landmark in the dense urban fabric.

 

 

Optimizing the topographical characteristics of the area, the project stands firm and visually opens itself up to the city. The intense Brazilian solar radiation is mitigated by a fully encompassing system of vertical slabs that fulfills the need for shade in every façade. Choosing a regular structural system enabled KAAN Architecten to feature glass between the concrete slabs and roof beams. These are molded in loco, relying on the expertise of the local workforce, and eliminating the need for masonry.

 

The Faculty of Medicine in São José dos Campos is scheduled for completion by the end of 2017. 

 

Photo Courtesy : KAAN Architecten

 

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THE FAILINGS THAT LEAD TO AN INFERNO AT GRENFELL TOWER FIRE

THE FAILINGS THAT LEAD TO AN INFERNO AT GRENFELL TOWER FIRE

 
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In 2009 there was a fire at Lakanal House, a residential tower in south London, which sadly killed six people. Following the incident a UK All-Party Parliamentary Fire Safety and Rescue Group called for a major government review of building regulations. Focussing on London's 4,000 tower blocks they recommeded fire risk assessments for all the buildings. The coroner on the Lakanal House inquest also recommended the government simplify regulations relating to fire safety so they were easier for landlords to understand. In 2013, then communities secretary Eric Pickles responded to the coroner’s recommendations and promised a review, however, four years on and no government review has been completed despite assurances from former housing minister Gavin Barwell, who is now Theresa May’s chief of staff. A UK governement spokesman has said that the work is on going but no date for publication has been given.

 

The single staircase at Grenfell House was the only means of escape. This is the norm in UK tower blocks leaving foreign safety experts staggered. Residents fleeing in Tuesday night’s blaze complained that stairways were blocked and full of smoke. Firefighters also struggled to get to the upper levels.

 

 

Cheap flammable cladding was used on the exterior of Grenfell House. A leading UK  fire safety expert, Arnold Turling, said the Grenfell blaze was “entirely avoidable” and that a gap between the panels that covered the cladding acted as a ‘wind tunnel’, fanning the flames, and allowing the fire to spread to upper levels. It is thought that Grenfell's exterior cladding, added in 2015, had a polyethylene - or plastic - core but conforms to UK standards.

 

The Fire Protection Association in the UK have said that a central sprinkler system at Grenfell would have "undoubtedly saved lives". If sprinklers were present in the building it would have created an environment where it would have been easier to rescue people and increase survivability.

 

According to the Daily Telegraph, London Fire Brigade have said that claims that doors were not fire-proofed would form part of its ongoing inquiry. Independent sources have stated that not all the front doors in the tower block were fire-proofed. Official fire brigade advice to stay put in the event of a fire is based on fire doors offering protection to residents told not to leave the building. Fire doors help to "compartmentalise" a building in the event of fire restricting the fire's ability to spread.

 

 

According to information released by Kensington and Chelsea Council under the Freedom of Information Act, the last time that Grenfell Tower was subject to a full Fire Risk Assessment was December 2015. Most experts agree that an inspection should be carried out every 12 months. It is also a requirement to have a fire risk assessment carried out if there is a "material change" to the building. The refurbishment of Grenfell Tower that took place in May 2016, which included a 'material change' as the result of the addition of cladding, should have triggered an inspection.

 

Finally, firebreaks should have been included in the external envelope of the building to prevent the spread of burning material. This would have stopped the flames from leaping from floor to floor. However, because the fire at Grenfell spread so quickly fire breaks may not have be sufficient to stop the spread of flames.

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Humming birds are adorable, colorful birds with iridescent feathers and truly some of the most amazing creatures on the planet.Tiny, pugnacious, and jewel-like, Humming Birds are pretty easy to attract to a garden and fun to have around. Same ways, she is our most petite & wonderful contributor to some of the most amazing Home decor & Interior Articles. Her articles are always around small things which makes the best impact to any decor theme and theory…You may follow her.

KEY STEPS ON HOW TO SELECT THE PERFECT LIGHT FIXTURE FOR YOUR ROOM

KEY STEPS ON HOW TO SELECT THE PERFECT LIGHT FIXTURE FOR YOUR ROOM

 
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Home Lighting : For many people, lighting tends to be an afterthought or something that you do not pay too much attention to when it comes to the selection process. This revelation is rather surprising because lighting is able to completely transform a space, set the tone, and make it possible to perform various tasks easier. In fact, lighting should be one of the first choices that you make when designing or decorating a room.

 

For those that may be unfamiliar with how to select the perfect light fixture for your room, check out the following steps so that you can make the best choice possible:

 

How Will Lighting Be Used in the Room?

 

The first thing to consider is how you plan to use the lighting in that particular room.

 

● Do you need it as task lighting such as in a kitchen or office space?

● Do you want it to highlight certain features of the room?

● Is it meant to hide features in the room?

 

Depending on how you plan to use it, it will help dictate the fixture that is best for the space.

 

Make Use of Accent Lighting

 

Accent lighting can be a wonderful addition to the rooms in your house, but it is important to understand it is not meant to act as task lighting. Wall sconces are a perfect example of accent lighting. These can be used to highlight architectural details, artwork, and help to create interest or drama in a room. Accent lighting can be used as up-lighting or down-lighting depending on how you plan to use it.

 

Consider the Wattage

 

Another factor that you will want to consider as you shop for lighting is how bright you want the light to be. Do you need it to light a large space? If so, then you will probably want to look for something that houses more than one bulb and allows for a higher wattage.

Familiarize Yourself with the Basic Types of Lighting

 

 

It is also a good idea to do a little research and familiarize yourself with the most common types of lighting. Some common types are:

 

● Pendants, which hang from the ceiling

● Wall sconces, which are attached to the wall and are used as accent lighting

● Chandeliers in various shapes and sizes

● Traditional ceiling lights

● Vanity lighting found in bathrooms and meant as task lighting

 

Some of these basic types can be used in multiple rooms, whereas others are meant for specific rooms in the house such as vanity lighting in bathrooms.

 

Under Cabinet Lighting Can Make Your Kitchen More Efficient

 

If you are looking to make your kitchen more efficient, under cabinet lighting could be the answer. Not only is this visually appealing, but it also adds that extra bit of task lighting which is so appreciated in the kitchen. Depending on your layout you can also work on highlighting your kitchen faucet and sink area using certain lighting. This will give a great effect in the kitchen which will bring more beauty and elegance to a room while helping you to see better, especially if you have a smaller, awkward kitchen space.  

 

Consider Track or Recessed Lighting

 

One option that has become increasingly popular in the last few years is to install track or recessed lighting. This is especially popular in large spaces. With track lighting you will be able to move the fixtures around on the track and have it point in the direction you choose, allowing it to act as task lighting.

 

If you do decide to use this type of lighting, a good tip is to install a dimmer switch. Having all the lights on at all times can be a bit too bright, so the dimmer switch will give you more control over your lighting. Think of a space like an entertainment or theatre room where it is best to have dim lights at times.

 

Try to Keep a Flow

 

While there is nothing wrong with installing a different light fixture in every room, you will want to try to keep a design flow going. This could mean the fixtures have the same finish or coloring. They do not have to be overly matching, but they should flow. This will help one room flow seamlessly into the next without it being visually disrupting.

 

The Budget Comes Into Play

 

Of course, when you are taking on home improvement projects such as updating your lighting, the budget is always a concern. Lighting can add up pretty quickly if you are not careful, so it is best to set a budget before you start shopping.

 

You can also use energy efficient bulbs and CFL lighting, which will bring down the cost of your electric bill. LED lights are great for conserving energy and they last much longer than traditional bulbs do, which means you will not need to buy replacement bulbs as often.

 

Choose Lighting that Adds to Your Design

 

At the end of the day, your lighting choices should not only reflect your design style but help to add to the overall look you are going for. Do not ignore this process. Instead, make the most of it.

 

  Contributor / Writer : Zoe Nielson

 

Zoe Nielson has always had an eye for detail. Currently writing for Senseireviews , she doesn't want any consumer left in the dark about a product or industry. When Zoe isn’t writing meticulous and informational reviews for the people, she enjoys spending time with friends and reading.

NEW BUILDING OF UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS IS A DYNAMIC SPACE OF EXCHANGE

NEW BUILDING OF UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS IS A DYNAMIC SPACE OF EXCHANGE

 
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Leers Weinzapfel Associates : Bringing together the previously dispersed departments ofLandscape Architecture, Architecture, and Building Technology programs, the new Design Building at the University of Massachusetts is a dynamic space of exchange, collaboration, and experimentation, that celebrates a shared commitment to sustainability.

 

 

Designed by Leers Weinzapfel Associates the Design Building is a highly visible demonstration of sustainable design practice. It’s the first and largest cross laminated timber (CLT) academic building in the US. The envelope is highly-efficient, with dedicated mechanical equipments zoned for maximum efficiency, with radiant flooring and chilled beams for energy savings. Calculated expanse of glazing and skylights provide maximum daylight to the building’s interior to significantly reduce artificial lighting energy. Storm water management concept directs roof runoff via sculptural scupper to a “spring source” at the top of the site and filters the water via series of successive bio-swales and timber dams to the lower end of the site and eventually back to the Connecticut River.

 

 

The design is targeted for LEED Gold Certification. To create a center space of collaboration, a coiling and rising band of studios, faculty offices and classrooms surrounds a skylit Commons for gathering and presentations. The building also forms a green roof terrace, a contemplative space shared by the studios and faculty and a potential experimental space for the landscape department. The slope of the site creates a tall four-story façade on the west facing the mall, and the rising structure invites the community into the building and reveals the activities within. The east side of the building faces a series of smaller historic buildings along Stockbridge Way, and its three story façade fits comfortably into this context.

 

 

A durable envelope of copper-colored anodized aluminum panels and vertical windows suggest the color and patterns of forest and trees of the region. A highly innovative engineered timber structure makes this an example for the sustainable use of wood and builds on the leading edge research of the Building Construction Technology program.

 

 

Photo Courtesy : Leers Weinzapfel Associates

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Design Devil is a multifaceted designer-writer-design analyst who touches upon conceptual interior development, communicate about the essence of designs and talks about design theories. Severely critical in his design analysis and approach, he is the best we got!!! By following his articles , you would get the best in global design information which no one else may share with you …. So follow him