Be Open think tank

#BeOpenARCH Initially conceived for children of the client’s family, the Treehouse by Sao Paolo Based studio MEMM in Monte Verde, Brazil, is a space where all family generations can turn to their playful inner self, regardless of age. The project is composed of two volumes positioned among the tree branches and connected by two walkways. The smaller pathway connects both modules while the second, larger one links the tree house to the main property. All façades of the house are clad in glass panels, encouraging a strong visual connection to the outdoors.

#BeOpenARCH American firm Parnagian Architects has designed a conceptual dwelling in the low lying salt marshes in coastal New Jersey to replace a home that was damaged beyond repair during a hurricane. Lifted on stilts above the flood-prone site, the rectangular Salt Box house rises three levels. Wrapping the home's exterior is a patterned rain screen composed of alternating width Atlantic White Cedar boards, which helps mitigate solar heat gain. An array of photovoltaic panels at the roof level provides electricity for the home, taking advantage of the gently sloping planar roof surface and abundant sun exposure. More flood-resilient homes in our blog

#BeOpenARCH Architecture firms BIG and Samoo have teamed up with tech company Oceanix to design the wrold’s first prototype of a climate-resilient floating city. The project expands urban development into the ocean off the shores of Busan in South Korea with habitation built on three floating platforms, 30,000- to 40,000 sqm each. The first one will have diverse housing options, the second one will feature eco-lodgings for tourists, while the third platform is conceived to be a hub for maritime research. More flood resilient design projects in our blog

#BeOpenDESIGN Concerned by the threat of sea level rise and an increased risk of urban flooding, Danish maritime architecture studio MAST has envisioned a new system of simple flat-packed modules made from recycled reinforced plastic. Named Land on Water, the units can be easily transported around the globe and assembled in different configurations to provide floating foundations for floating infrastructure, public spaces or housing. Inspired by gabion construction, an ancient technology that utilizes mesh cages filled with rubble to create extremely sturdy, low cost foundations, MAST has filled the modular ‘cages’ with locally sourced, up-cycled floatation supporting the weight of any structure built on top.

#BeOpenARCH Takahiro Ushijima of Tokyo-based Ushijima Architects has completed a flood-resilient U-House in an area that was previously a part of Biwako lake and was attacked by flood time and again. The structure sits on a concrete base, with the first floor supported by diagonal and vertical wood, echoing the reeds around. The ground floor is topped by a wooden sill forming a small terrace around the home, with seating areas and a hammock. The lighter wooden structure above contains a living, dining and kitchen area, as well as a bedroom, bathroom and study beneath a pitched ceiling with skylights. (via dezeen)

#BeOpenDESIGN Swedish School of Textiles graduate Pola Demianiuk has applied soft robotics to create a collection of kinetic clothing that assists the body to be dressed. Created as part of her postgraduate fashion design degree, the project named Soft Assembly seeks to improve the wellbeing of immobile users and their caregivers with assistive devices or independent smart garments. The designs move using built-in inflatable elements that expand into dynamic forms, causing the attached fabric to move with it curling and contracting around the wearer's body.

#BeOpenDESIGN French interior designer Pierre Yovanovitch has created the set for Theatre Basel's production of Verdi's Rigoletto to provide a neutral backdrop for Rigoletto's complex plot. The designer wanted to stick with contemporary, bold colours and materials to complement the level of drama unfolding with the show. The set features an undulating staircase that crosses the full width of the stage as well as echoing curvilinear walls that move to create different spaces for the performers. Furniture pieces created by Yovanovitch are used as props, while coloured lighting highlights dramatic moments and change the mood of the set.

#BeOpenDESIGN Swedish designer Alexander Lervik has created a series of furniture manufactured out of leftover solid wood from another project of the creator’s. Titled Hemvist, the collection features a graphic set of chairs, benches, and tables made using a building technique that utilizes pegs and wedges to conjoin the wooden pieces together.

#BeOpenARCH German architecture firm haascookzemmrich STUDIO2050 has completed the new Visitor Center for the headquarters of the organic food manufacturer Rapunzel Naturkost GmbH in Bavaria. With a floating shingle roof and a central spiral stair built to symbolize Rapunzel’s braid, the accessible sculptural timber building invites visitors to a picnic at the centre’s outdoor area. The building also offers show coffee roasting, an exhibition area, a café and a gourmet cooking school.

#BeOpenARCH Local practice Architektura Studio has designed a whimsical kindergarten for the Říčany-Větrník area in the Czech Republic. Aiming to build an object for children that is not an institution but rather a space that enables the development of creativity, the team conceived a free-form complex combines a gym and a garden. All functional programs are assigned to the central white cube, which includes facilities and offices. Protruding out of the central structure are colorful house-shaped blocks containing classrooms. Inside these classrooms, areas for hiding, learning, and exploring are situated over two floors. More extraordinary kindergartens in our blog