build | roadside station | hospitality | service

Idealizing the UnrealAs the Hippie movement and green living thrived in Berlin, the Dong Xuan market in Lichtenberg, which had been hidden in the urban landscape, unexpectedly garnered attention for its vibrant and colorful space where the Vietnamese community lives and works. It became an intriguing destination for weekend wanderers seeking to experience a new culture right in the heart of the capital. Since its establishment in 2005, the Dong Xuan Center and its surrounding areas have organically developed; however, its current usage conflicts with official urban planning. The haphazard arrangement of wholesale and retail shops within a sprawling 200-hectare area confuses tourists and contradicts the long-term development goals of the federal government.However, in this pilot project, revamping the overall layout and incorporating well-placed green areas will enhance the visitor experience and make management more convenient, all while preserving the unique industrial charm that has existed for centuries.From the central entrance, one can easily spot two towering concrete structures (formerly lead production factories) that were partially abandoned after the high demolition costs following World War II. Guided by the philosophy of "minimize destruction, maximize utilization, and respect heritage," this space will be transformed into a multidisciplinary research and art production facility with working spaces, exhibition halls, cultural artifact storage, and more. The greatest challenge lies in achieving harmony between the distinctive architecture of the two towers and the expanded usable space, all while preserving the character of the industrial district.The restructuring of the Dong Xuan market area will undoubtedly impact the lives and livelihoods of the local residents, but on the flip side, it will foster trade and cultural exchange between two nations with a friendly relationship spanning over 45 years. Combining the past and the present to pave the way for a brighter future, utilizing the tourism potential of a renowned industrial area, and adhering to strict local government regulations while aligning with the investor's desire for sustainable development are the objectives of this pilot project.

The town with its narrow streetsBorghorst is a small town located in the Steinfurt district of Germany. In an effort to rejuvenate the town, an experimental project has identified several challenges that need to be addressed, including wasted parking space, an inadequate bicycle lane system, and abandoned, dimly lit areas that hinder planning.However, there are always rays of hope, especially given its prime location near the Bagno Nature Park, which boasts lush greenery as far as the eye can see. It's a paradise for exciting activities such as hiking, biking, exhibitions, and classical concerts. This area is divided into three parts: Burgsteinfurt, Bagno, and Borghorst itself, all of which offer immensely attractive tourism potential.The project aims to unveil the hidden beauty of the town center, creating an effect of "urban emptiness." Specifically, the goal is to revitalize abandoned areas and establish meeting points for the local community to breathe life back into the region. The city entrance will be expanded to include a pedestrian zone, and tourism infrastructure will be enhanced. The parking lot will no longer be a passive landscape; instead, it will be transformed into a senior citizens' residence with three floors, a rooftop, and an underground parking level (which can be rented). This shared space will include restaurants and individual guest rooms for tourists. Simultaneously, a modern tourist information center will also be constructed, enabling visitors to access information, recommendations, and complete experiences right from the moment they arrive in the town.The centerpiece of the project is the "Red Square" – a space for gathering and conversation, featuring comfortable public seating areas and a westward-facing wall for clear area identification and integration of public bookshelves. This will provide a space for residents and tourists to come together, freely interact, and discuss the unique local culture.

Indoor GardenAfter months of facing challenges in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, the term "Home Office" has become familiar to office workers. Leveraging the advantages of working from home, they save time on commuting and enjoy the freedom to manage their schedules. However, family members and pets have also become factors that can disrupt concentration and work productivity. In the future, remote work will continue to be a common trend, but we should not underestimate the importance of daily face-to-face communication with colleagues.After listening to feedback from investors and conducting surveys from management to employees, the project was designed with a focus on sustainability and the creation of abundant green spaces both inside and outside the building, providing a sense of coziness similar to working from home. The project not only expanded the administrative area for internal employees but also aimed to promote Grimme Company's "Protect and Develop the Environment" philosophy in the future.The project's design drew inspiration from the characteristic pitched-roof houses of suburban Germany. By creating asymmetric box-like structures, the project introduces small garden spaces within the property. This not only provides natural light and fresh air but also involves planting greenery both inside and outside. As a result, it helps mitigate summer heat, and the building achieves a good energy-saving rating.The entrance area and workspace are adorned with plenty of greenery, creating a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Regardless of the location, this fosters a delightful connection with nature, which is the project's main attraction. A canopy has been constructed to serve as an ideal gathering spot for employees during lunch hours, promoting not only communication but also stress reduction after challenging work hours.

It's Green All AroundThe city of Osnabrück, located in Germany, plans to develop a residential complex on the site of the old military barracks in Landwehr. The requirement here is for a small town with a timeless concept accompanied by sustainability in both design and functionality.The layout of the building blocks has been optimized to establish a connection between walkways and inner courtyards, creating an "Indoor Street" space. The overall ground level has been raised by approximately 60 cm to create a distinct separation from the surrounding parking lot. Access to each apartment is provided through three stairwell cores and interconnected walkways combined with hanging gardens, forming a living environment that is simultaneously open, appealing, and private.The inner courtyard serves as a public green space for everyone, surrounded by building blocks with walkways leading to the gardens. Additionally, on the rooftop with hanging gardens and awnings, it is well-suited for cultivating various sun-loving plants or establishing a nursery garden. This green coverage contributes to an overall project that embraces a nature-friendly aesthetic.The entire project is designed on a grid system, allowing for modular construction, providing flexibility and extreme cost efficiency. The façade is constructed similarly with a system of horizontal and vertical steel structures supporting both walkways and balconies. This approach ensures that each apartment has a small front yard, where residents can enjoy fresh air or engage with neighbors, enhancing the sense of community and creating a strong connection with their own homes. With five types of apartments catering to singles, families, and multi-generational living, these solutions can foster a strong sense of community.The project's goal is to develop a green building both inside and out, whether at higher or lower levels, always covered in vegetation. This philosophy, expressed through architectural design, enhances community interaction and the connection between people and nature.

Public Living RoomIn an effort to establish a new library community at Blücherplatz and promote the development of this urban space in the near future, the Berlin City Government has organized numerous events, including not only press conferences involving citizens, the Mayor, and urban planners but also large-scale competitions, both nationally and internationally. The new location is situated along the banks of the River Spree, intersected by two thoroughfares, Waterloo-Ufer and Zossener Straße, adjacent to the preserved landmark of the American Memorial Library (AGB). This not only increases the pressure for urban development in this area but also reflects the desire to realize the largest Central Library in the country, a place that provides information and knowledge for those eager to learn and explore, with the criteria of the "Library of the Future."With the goal of finding an economically efficient solution for the functional block with a total floor area of up to 37,400 square meters, complete with modern infrastructure, especially an automated book classification system, all of these elements should be contained within an independent architectural block. This presents the greatest challenge for the project because a building of such large floor space makes it imposing in the surrounding area.To enhance its connection to the urban context, a block is rotated around the center of the residential complex, creating a circular form facing Mehringsplatz, complemented by a zigzag steel frame with poured concrete, giving the rotated block a suspended effect. Replanning the pathways to be more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly also contributes to a welcoming entrance between the two libraries. Additionally, green spaces have been strategically placed to make the architectural block more inviting to everyone. Upon entering, visitors will be easily captivated by the expansive atrium area, providing ample natural light for the shared reading rooms, aptly named the "Public Living Room." It's a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can exchange knowledge with one another, and this is the ultimate goal of the project.

Outside the Comfort ZoneOver the past two decades, Hafencity has emerged as one of the central development areas of the city of Hamburg, Germany. From public transportation infrastructure, such as the extension of the U4 subway line, to multifunctional complexes like Überseequartier, and iconic landmarks such as the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, Hafencity has been on a trajectory to become the next urban focal point in Hamburg. Consequently, the city authorities have devised a long-term development plan encompassing various sectors, including the economy, education, and notably, science and technology.Nestled along the banks of the River Elbe, across from the resplendent Elbphilharmonie concert hall and in close proximity to the renowned Der König der Löwen stage, this piece of land holds great potential for a multifunctional facility geared towards science and creativity. Open-access events like the "Lange Nächte" (Long Nights) festival will introduce new innovations to the community.The initial concept envisions a dynamic, fluid structure that evokes the sensation of riding on waves. Its functions will encompass exhibition and product showcasing spaces, research and manufacturing areas intertwined with educational facilities, alongside a self-service restaurant and a library. The building's core will consist of a reinforced concrete structure housing emergency staircases, restrooms, and technical rooms. The four sides will be constructed using a combination of steel frames and concrete floors on steel decking, capable of bearing loads both vertically and horizontally.Space division based on purpose is a unique feature, with the exhibition area featuring inclined floors corresponding to the structure's slope, each floor dedicated to specific technology fields. This layout also serves as a guide for visitors on their exploration journey. The opposite side is reserved for research and education activities, with the floors constructed on the same level. By employing dual facades and a layer of stainless steel mesh on the exterior, the structure minimizes direct sunlight while harnessing the slope to install solar panels, maximizing energy efficiency.This construction project stands as an icon of development and progress, making a striking statement in the cityscape of Hamburg. With its distinctive architecture, diverse functions, and utilization of renewable energy, it will attract both the local community and international visitors.

Regeneration Instead of DemolitionAlong the Alps mountain range, near the tourist area of the city of Pracorno, stands a small house dating back to the 20th century, embodying the native beauty of Southern Italy. This house was constructed using simple materials and rudimentary building methods. The ground floor, or the base, is made of natural stone combined with a thin layer of mortar, helping to keep it warm during the freezing winter months. Meanwhile, the upper floor and the roof of the house are made of wood, following the distinctive architectural style of the region.After World War II, the house was abandoned and suffered serious deterioration over time. However, with the significant tourism potential of the area, a land area of over 10,000 square meters, and the historic charm of the house, it could be transformed into a rental resort.This experimental design proposal aims to optimize the investor's budget while preserving the essence of the native architecture. The renovation of the historic house retains only the exterior with the natural stone walls that have weathered over time, and a new house is constructed opposite to make use of the terrain and provide additional accommodation space for tourists. The historic house is reinforced with a load-bearing wooden frame structure. The ground floor can serve as a coffee shop or a reception area, while the upper floor connects to guest rooms. The house opposite, built into the slope, consists of two underground levels, providing essential services such as a restaurant, sauna, storage, technical room, etc. Four adjacent mini-apartments with direct access to the road offer convenience for transportation and sports equipment. Hallways and relaxation areas face the mountain forest landscape, enhancing the connection with nature. This area is also suitable for tourists to explore and interact with local residents.The combination of the past and the present, regeneration instead of demolition, and the closer connection between people and nature at this resort are the highlights of this project.