20+10+X = the World

A press release announcing the 20+10+X World Architecture Community Awards, a unique process of culling through what is no small feat - the best projects in the world architecture community. Aside from being a comprehensive online portal: "... WA is an “online community” initiated by Suha Özkan and 200+ invited Honorary Members, and a growing number of registered members (3500 in October)." ... the awards take a unique, democratic approach by using ratings and member voting for final decisions."


:: image via WA Community

A quick perusal of the recently posted 1st Cycle Winners gives a VERY broad cross-section of global architecture. There are a few projects I've seen before, others were new. Here's a snapshot of some of the entries - but definitely be sure to check them all out, as well as the balance of the site.

Of course, I wanted to start with a favorite of mine, the incredibly photogenic LEGO by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) - with a terraced panelling of greenery. "During the Marshall years when post war Denmark was being rebuilt, the state chose to favour prefabricated concrete over all other forms of construction. As a result the in-situ cast concrete industry has almost vanished, leaving the entire building industry based on prefabricated modules and concrete elements. Contemporary Denmark has become a country entirely made from LEGO bricks."






:: images via WA Community

Next is the Meghna Residence from Bangladesh, 2003-2005 by Architect Rafiq Azam: "The courtyard for privacy & connectivity, the water layering the Deltaic ambience. In the photographs you can see the swimming pool, ghat and garden for big trees at level five. The foral green and sound of water away from the ground - the library & garden at level 3. the entry atrium & the family lounge."




:: images via WA Community

A green example from Poland, Origami House by Przemek Olczyk offers some ground to sky faceting - similar to, yep, you guessed it, origami. Check out some graphics.

:: images via WA Community

The hoverfront d in Ireland, by Georg Driendl. This literally and figuratively vegetated form offers a metaphor of growth, a: "...monumental structure in dublin mirrors the rapid economical growth of the republic of ireland. It's neccessary to analyze growth and expansion of a city and to advance it with architectural methods, considering a stringent, logical affiliation to existing space > hoverfront d creates perspectives, feelings not many buildings are able to create – to look down at the water from 200m, to watch incoming ships. the impression of a flying city, hovering + grounded at the same time."

:: images via WA Community

The Pilot project for a modern trial detention center in Italy by Stefano Dosi... with some curvy veg.itecture.

:: image via WA Community

And the New Australian Pavilion at the Venice Biennial by Daekwon Park.

:: images via WA Community

And finally, a quick snapshot ofthe Carapace House, by LAB ZERO - which is a stunning graphic representation...

:: image via WA Community

As I mentioned, there more on the site, so check out not just the awards, but the remainder of the site is worth checking out - or in the words of Charles Jencks, "World Architecture Community is the gallop archipop google." Um, okay....