MAY

Interpretation centre, Limpopo, South Africa by Peter Rich Architects.

Photo: Entrance road. AKAA / Jean-Charles Tall.

Located at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, is Mapungubwe Hill, a World Heritage site. Etched on stones uncovered from there, are ancient motifs that have provided the inspiration for the plan of this extraordinary building. It tells the story of the site in a series of gloriously, vaulted, exhibition and learning spaces. Read more

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MAY

Caen masterplan: Competition win for MVRDV.

The transformation of Presqu’ile de Caen moved a step closer with the announcement that MVRDV will be the chosen masterplanners. Their vision saw gardens from old factories, and an intensification of the urban area to create an attractive city quarter. There will also be a better connection to the sea. Read more

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APR

Great Fen Visitor Centre, UK by CMJN.

Images: CMJN.

The Great Fen Visitor Centre is a convincing attempt to intervene in a delicate landscape that man has radically altered since the 17th century, but which nature has resolved into a stable ecosystem of great beauty and value. The Fens were marshlands drained for agriculture. Subsequently, great swathes of peat were cut from the land for both fuel and agricultural nutrient. The result now, is a series of waterways teaming with diverse wildlife.

The French Practice CMJN won a competition with this delicate proposal they liken to a precise surgical intervention that, like acupuncture, works to enhance the natural rhythms and resources of the body. Their aim is to cause minimal disruption to the site’s ecological balance, whilst restoring the landscape to work more closely with the annual cycles of rising and receding water. Read more

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APR

Cooling Carpark creation: Two islands win Flint Public Art Project, USA.

Transforming an ugly carpark with a temporary structure to host public events, no bigger than 8 parking spaces, was the thrust of the competition organised by The Flint Public Art Project and the American Institute of Architects.

It was won by Two Islands a London-based team with William Villalobos, Cesc and Thomas Massana Selva out of some 400 entries from 35 countries. Read more

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APR

Cast thicket by Kenneth Tracy and Christine Yogiman of yo-cy.

Photo:Kevin MCClellan.

Cast Thicket is the winning proposal designed by yo-cy for an advanced structures competition run by the University of Texas. It is a study in tensile concrete. The aim was to make a heavy material look lacy, thin and delicate, so inverting the perception of concrete as a carved monolith. Read more

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