Gingko Project / Casanova + Hernandez Architects. Architects: Casanova + Hernandez Architects - Helena Casanova, Jesus Hernandez Location: Beekbergen, The Netherlands Surface: 4,100 sqm Project Year: 2007 Photographs: Christian Richters, John Lewis Marshall, Casanova + Hernandez Architects Ginkgo project combines art, technology and architecture to integrate a housing complex in the nature of the existing park located in front.
The project is located near the natural park of Veluwe in the Netherlands with views over an old church and the central park of the small town. The urban structure of Beekbergen, as many other small towns of the Netherlands, is composed mainly by large single family houses that are not affordable for young people and not suitable for older people with mobility problems. ‘Ginkgo’ project explores the possibilities of providing affordable housing for different target groups thanks to a compact housing complex, physically and visually integrated in its context.
Hoki Museum / Nikken Sekkei. Architects: T.Yamanashi + T.Nakamoto + T.Suzuki + M.Yano, Nikken Sekkei Ltd.
Location: Midori-ku, City of Chiba, Japan Completion: August 2010 Client: Hoki Museum Co., Ltd. Photographs: Noda Gankohsha , Nacasa & Partners. The New York Public Library / 1100 Architect. Architect: 1100 Architect Location: New York, NY Completion: Date 2010 Size: 10,500 SF Photographs: Courtesy of 1100 Architect This 10,500-square-foot library, which occupies the bottom two floors of a residential highrise development in Battery Park City, was commissioned to meet the needs of this new and rapidly growing community.
As a new branch without an ingrained pattern of community use, it was critical for the design to establish a presence that would attract visitors. The architects provided for this with a design that announces the library to the surrounding community: a fully glazed two-story façade at the library’s most prominent corner enhances the connection between the passerby on the street and the interior spaces.