Travelers rarely think to look at the architecture of the places they visit. Usually, the sights, tourist attractions and cultural activities are what catch the eye. However, for attentive eyes, studying the architecture of a city is a way to better understand the people of that area - both their current needs and their aspirations for the future, and to collect ideas for adapting them to your own environment.
In South Africa, Singapore and Prague, three buildings caught our eye. As these are highly sought-after destinations, here are three projects that are worth taking a closer look at when you're there.
Located on a vineyard in South Africa is the Bosjes Chapel, a structure that makes you believe that something heavy can be ethereal. When he commissioned the design of the chapel, the company's partner gave the architects responsible the Bible verse Psalms 36:7, which says: "How precious is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings." From this verse, the architects of the English Steyn Studio were inspired to create a church in the shape of a wing that could provide such a refuge for followers.
Verandas covered in tropical plants surround Parkroyal, a luxury hotel in Singapore. Designed by local firm WOHA, the hotel is a verdant extension of Hong Lim Park, a green space located next to the site. The architects went to great lengths to ensure that the plant life didn't just act as a public channel, but had the feel of real nature. "The garden was inspired by a combination of landscaped bonsai arrangements that are made to mimic natural landscapes, rock formations of mountains and rice paddies."
The building, which houses 367 rooms, uses an automatic irrigation system powered by solar energy. The structure also has a rainwater retention system that helps reduce unnecessary water consumption. "The terraces also help protect the building from the hot tropical sun, thus reducing the need for air conditioning and lowering the overall energy needed to run the hotel. This is a modern, green project that is connected to the sustainability that is so important for the preservation of our planet.
Furniture Gallery in Prague.
Furniture showrooms are rarely remembered for the appearance of the outside of the building, but for the products inside. Founded in 2010, this Prague-based company innovated by equipping the outside of the building with 900 plastic chairs, all uniform in shape and color. "The inspiration for the design came from the need to find a cost-effective solution to the problem of giving a furniture showroom a new look," says Ondřej Chybík, one of the two founding architects. "We ended up realizing that the most accessible design was there all along: the client's chair, multiplied across the entire façade, protecting the space from the natural elements."
