industrial Design Archives | ek magazine | Architectural Publications

Hellenica Cosmetics Company in Maroussi

Konstantinos — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 05:31:16 +0000

This article by Konstantinos was published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications.

Rethinking the grid

The building, featuring a basement and a raised ground floor of a total 2,000m², was originally designed as a cosmetics factory by the architectural firm of Alexandros Tombazis between 1967 and 1970. Following the relocation of the chemistry and production facilities, the premises in Paradisos Amaroussiou underwent a complete renovation to accommodate the company’s offices.

Architectural Morphology

The structure is made of exposed concrete and features distinctive architectural elements that form a unique language with a clear framework and potential for expansion. It is organized into a grid of 25 squares, each measuring 7x7m, subdivided into four 3.5×3.5m sections, with 2m transition zones between the squares. These create clusters of columns and a system of beams that form concrete false ceilings in section, which may have been intended for all electromechanical installations; in practice however, they were implemented differently.

Interventions in the Existing Structure

The primary focus of the design is to preserve and highlight the building’s history as an industrial space. All interventions -such as the removal of additional elements, the separation of functions, and the installation of new electromechanical systems and lighting- were carefully executed to complement the integrity of the reinforced concrete structure. To achieve this, a system of wooden blinds is introduced to cover all the transition zones, serving as a sound-absorbing, removable suspended ceiling. Above this, the air conditioning and ventilation systems are routed.

Nevertheless, the “deep floor plan” of 45x45m and the lack of natural light and ventilation in the central area made it challenging to utilize the entire ground floor for primary functions. To address this issue, an atrium was created in the central “eye” of the grid. The roof slab over the four central facades is removed, glazing is installed on all sides, and a 7x7m garden is established at the heart of the building.

Functional Organization

The functional layout is organized using a concentric circle approach, with the most private spaces positioned along the outer perimeter and the more social located near the atrium. The perimeter areas contain closed offices as well as the distinct company departments, either individually or in small groups of up to six people. Glass partitions are used to maintain visual continuity across the floor plan. Enclosed meeting rooms and open spaces for informal cross-departmental collaboration are situated in the central areas surrounding the new atrium. On the lower level, the former factory locker rooms and dining areas are converted into a gym and relaxation zones.

Materials, Furniture & Lighting

For the lighting, circular LED luminaires with adjustable intensity are installed in the locations originally designated for switches, which are never implemented. The system is activated by presence detectors for a more energy-efficient operation. The textures of exposed concrete and uncoated decorative brickwork on the vertical infill surfaces are contrasted with the glossy horizontal floor surfaces, featuring Aliveri marble at the entrances and epoxy paint in the circulation areas. High sound-absorbing woven vinyl is installed in the work areas to enhance acoustic insullation.

The architects designed the desks and conference tables using birch plywood and metallic carbon fiber frames, keeping in line with the proportions and philosophy of office design principles. Minimal lacquered surfaces in bold primary colors add visual interest, while houseplants and Scandinavian-style furnishings complete the material palette. The next phase will include the installation of signage, bioclimatic architectural elements with adjustable blinds on the façades, roof planting, and a photovoltaic system in the southern section.

The post Hellenica Cosmetics Company in Maroussi was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

Daley College

Giannis — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 11:52:07 +0000

This article by Giannis was published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications.

The new Manufacturing, Technology and Engineering Center (MTEC) at Daley College is an addition to the Richard J. Daley campus. The MTEC sets the framework for a wider master plan. The project unifies the existing complex by creating a campus environment with engaging pathways and collaborative spaces throughout.

Rising from the transformed parking lot, the MTEC project speaks to issues larger than architecture; it seeks to revitalize a Chicago southwest neighborhood by creating a connective message that all are significant and welcome. Daley College tasked JGMA with removing the negative stereotypes that exist in the workforce when pertaining to manufacturing careers. Often suggesting these careers as devoid of dignity and reserved typically for minority populations. The project reverses the misconception through a design focused on celebrating state-of-the-art manufacturing spaces and proves careers in this industry require tech and skills as advanced as any other.

The design strategy utilizes building transparency to showcase machines, equipment, and products integral to the learning objectives of the colleges as well as provide a visual connection to the surrounding West Lawn community. The seamless fluidity to the building’s form was inspired by the constant and linear flow of the manufacturing process. The building spans the main thoroughfare with a strong industrial bridge that links the south and north campus of Daley College.

The new building celebrates the manufacturing industry through the expression of materials such as metal panels, glass, and exposed steel. In addition, the underside of the elevated bridge is intentionally painted caution yellow, bringing the manufacturing expression to the exterior.

The transparency of the building provides a similar experience for even the casual passerby, by providing a look into the advanced technical nature of manufacturing today.

The project challenges the latent stereotypes of a community college and alters the psychology of simply crossing the street to go to class. Through dynamic spatial organizations and site responsive architecture, the MTEC provides students and staff a unique experience from the moment they walk into the building. The circulation spaces inside the building intentionally collide with seating areas, platforms, and alcoves to encourage students to congregate and participate in incidental learning between peers. There is a combination of exterior and interior terraces for users to enjoy in the warm weather months. These green areas facilitate the students’ and faculty’s interaction providing connections with nature and lead to increased cognitive function and wellness, as well as creating a more unified campus.

As the MTEC is now the front door to the campus, thorough analysis was conducted to the user experience with regards to security, wayfinding, and new learning opportunities. It was imperative that the new addition set-up a framework for further transformation of the existing building while still celebrating its current legacy. The unique exterior façade of the MTEC building is phase one in a masterplan to completely rebrand and re-clad the existing facilities to create one new energized campus.

The new building will not only be a catalyst for growth and change within City Colleges of Chicago, but also inspire the pursuit of manufacturing careers as a sophisticated and high-tech learning path.

JGMA

The post Daley College was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

Weinmanufaktur Clemens Strobl

Giannis — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 11:32:30 +0000

This article by Giannis was published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications.

Vienna and Linz-based practice destilat completely reorganized and redesigned Weinmanufaktur Clemens Strobl in 2019, as the centerpiece of a historical 4,000-m² ensemble that includes business premises and a manor house in Kirchberg am Wagram (Lower Austria).

The interior design distinguishes itself with building-block-like cubes, light as a central design element, grey in all its nuances, and aesthetics that highlight the work processes involved in wine-making. A vaulted cellar, tasting room, kitchen, and office form massive spatial components that are interwoven into the structural shell, define spatial borders and take over several functions.

The vast open spaces between these components make them usable in many different ways and provide a big stage for light and all its effects. Exposed concrete walls, polished concrete floors, grey varnished spruce wood, anthracite-coloured Eternit, scaled steel, glass, and grey-washed brickwork – that is the combination of historic and modern materials characterizes the interior design, as its reduced colour palette brings out the fine nuances of the materials’ aesthetics.

Elements of industrial architecture underline that these premises are used for work; the characteristics of the wine as a natural product are translated in a puristic and simplified way, with a sober charm. These aesthetics also have a significant impact on the outdoor areas.

The project is the winner of the Large Workspace category at the 2020 Dezeen Design Awards.

destilat design studio

Monika Nguyen

The post Weinmanufaktur Clemens Strobl was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.