Issue 17
 
In recent years, architects and designers have explored the meaning and function of the building façade. Some have transformed facades into communication devices. Others have made the façade into a self-transforming building system that responds to changing occupancies or outdoor conditions.
Antwerp's Designcenter De Winkelhaak  is a unique example. Created by architects Coby Manders and Philip Pitillion, the center performs two functions: Promoting new Belgian designers and their work with 18 studios and an exhibition space. And providing a needed cultural/economic stimulus to the surrounding neighborhood. Manders and Pittillion summarize this dual role by calling De Winkelhaak "a generator of activity and creativity."
To accomplish this, they created a building that communicates naturally with its surroundings - a transparent cube that makes it so "you do not have to enter the building to see what's going on inside." An intriguing system of automated folding aluminum screens by Hunter Douglas provides solar control and animates the facade. The design is meant to attract interest and help it gain acceptance from local inhabitants - by no means an easy task...  More >

UK:  EIHMS at University of Surrey
Architect:  Nicholas Grimshaw


Chile: Mall Los Trapenses
Architect:  Jamie Bendersky Arch.


Mexico:  NV Aquatic School
Architect:  Carlos Estenssoro


Canada:  Medicine Hat Coll. Library
Architect:  Baird & Bergum Architects



Hunter Douglas Contract | 2 Park Way & Route 17 South | Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 USA