Belinda Koopman, Peter Stutchbury Architecture

• Completed 2018

• Restored from old nurses' quarters. Converted to creative spaces, office space and exhibition space for the community. Green Square is a new, planned precinct of Sydney's Inner City. Neighbored by Redfern/ Waterloo (working class and highest density of public housing in Australia) and Kingsford (University of NSW).

• The area faces many social challenges due to the publicly housed residents in the area and the Governments' lack of funding towards their residences and communities. This building is designed to give these communities access to creative spaces, aiming to reduce the social gap between the new, expensive apartment area of Green Square and the existing working class residents of the surrounding area. The inclusivity and social consideration of the design renders it a site of high local social value.

• I selected this building because I am passionate about the future of Sydney's public housing and its residents as it grows into a global megacity. I am concerned for the resident's housing security as the inner city becomes gentrified and question the Government's commitment to building inclusive spaces for these people, whilst still allowing for growth. This building sets the example for what that future may look like; contemporary growth with inclusion of existing community and respect for the site's working class history.

• Modern Building Because:

1. Innovative Design

2. Consideration of modern issues

3. Designed for intersectional and equal access to cultural facilities (a characteristic of 3rd and 4th wave feminism)

• Submission by Anna Browne.

• Completed on 10 April 2018.

• It is a research and development facility and environmental innovation hub.

• EPIC holds a significant social value as they strive to promote sustainable practices and eco-conscious solutions. They mainly focus on environmental preservation and innovation as suggested in the name, and addresses critical global and local challenges such as climate change. It encourages collaboration between architects, environmentalists, scientists, and policymakers.

• I specifically selected this building as I think the building is an excellent exemplary modern building due to its dedication to sustainability and innovation. Other than that, I believe it highlights the importance of Malaysia's role in promoting environmental awareness in Southeast Asia.

• This is a Modern Building because,

  1. The building uses eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems.

  2. It's innovation in promoting research in environmental preservation.

  3. It has a great impact on the community as it creates a space for collaboration.

Uploaded by Izzah Mohd Safian

Architect: Allison Brookes Architects (ABA)

Date built: Completed 2020

Social value: As the core of Exeter college the Cohen Quadrangle plays an important role in driving communal education with Oxford universities' first dedicated social learning spaces

Reason for choosing: This building demonstrates the adaptable future of architecture. It successfully meshes the new and old, keeping the unique experience associated with the Universities' buildings, while injecting a refreshing contemporary attitude to external shapes and interior space

Three core issues: Education, bringing together different thoughts and ideas, preservation of historic buildings

post by Matthias Corvin

Architect: Carolyn Merrifield, Downsmerrifield Architects

Date Built: 2022

Social Value: The pound brings the older community of Llandaff closer together through preserving a historical building in the local area and adapting it to fit modern building standards. Tackling the issues of climate change through innovative solutions whilst displaying them allows for further education of the local community, therefore making The Pound not only a social hub for the older community, but also a point of learning and growth.

Choice Reasoning: This building proves how preserving existing buildings can be a more eco-conscious option over building completely new, especially on greenfield sites which ruin environments and biodiversity, which is a concept I find very appealing. Coming from an area where the local community lacks the incentive to care for their environment, it is reassuring to see other communities with the opposite mindset and focus on rebuilding themselves. I think the creation of a space primarily for seniors is important and often overlooked as they have most likely lost many loved ones, thus creating a space for them to meet new people and try new things is very thoughtful and impactful.

Three Core Issues:

1) This community centre uses energy-efficient systems such as photovoltaic roof slates, air source heat pump, and rainwater harvesting.

2) Provides a positive and welcoming space for the older members of the local community encouraging collaboration and socialisation for those who may be struggling in the area.

3) It preserves part of a historical building and site and adapts to the modern standards of architecture.

Post by Molly Hannam

Architect: Vo Thi Thu Huong, Kien Truc O

Date built: 2016

Social value: The building's main objective is nurturing the children's creativity and fostering early development. With a playful plan and interesting facade, the building allows children to have a safe place to develop their skills at an early age. Moreover, being designed by mostly female architects, the building acts as a statement to combat inequality in Vietnam where male architects are more dominant.

Reason for choosing: I chose this building because the focus on education at an early age is important for children's minds. The eccentric design and the various brick pattern on the facade creates a safe place for children to explore different activities and try new things.

Three core issues:

• Steps away from generic kindergarten designs with a more interesting use of space and playful designs

• Focus on sustainable design by maximising daylight, using natural ventilation and implementing green space to reduce energy consumption

• Promotes creativity, collaboration and active learning between children instead of traditional teachings

Post by Tom Trinh

Architect Name: Jane Drew

Date Built: 1950

Typology and Social Value: Low Cost, Modernist Public Housing. Winner of 'Festival of Britain Merit Award' in 1951. It is one of the first examples of low-rise, post-war housing and intended to rehouse those displaced by the Blitz. It was built as council housing and contained 101 homes with built-in balconies, uncommon at the time, to give families access to fresh air and help them to dry clothes more hygienically.The courtyard/temenos theme represents the constraints of the site but is also seen in housing for Chandigarh which the architect is also known for.

Reason for Selecting this Building: I am always drawn to housing estates especially as domestic housing was one of the only types that female architects at this time would work on. This estate is also the nearest building to where I live that is designed by a woman and so I felt I had a deeper connection to it as well. I was also fascinated by the architect's long and varied career including her work with Le Corbusier. It felt astounding that such an acclaimed architect who had worked with other famous professionals had designed a housing estate where I live, and I wanted to draw attention to her work as she still remains ,mostly, uncredited.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

1. One of the first buildings to
   use concrete frame construction. This was partly a response to the brick shortage in the aftermath of World War Two.

2. Human focused approach to architecture, aiming to provide clean and affordable homes for people as quickly as possible.

3. Emphasis on volume as shown in the curvature of the design which was ground-breaking at the time.

Name of Student: Emilia Yates

Architect Name: Francine Houben, Mecanoo

Date Built: April 2013

Typology and Social Value: The Library of Birmingham is a public library, serving as a valuable resource by allowing anyone to borrow books for free, while additionally serving as a community centre, providing a space for cultural events, exhibitions and gatherings.

Reason for Selecting this Building: I chose the Library of Birmingham as I find interest in the concept of the library as a “public palace” or the modern counterpart of the traditional cathedral. The building is particularly interesting as it takes the typology of a community centre and brings it to its spatial extreme, while remaining true to its surroundings by referencing Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter and responding to the buildings either side of it. I also think the way the patterns on the façade manipulate light inside the building is an attractive and thoughtful addition. I was not previously aware that this building had been designed by a woman, but I feel that the inclusive ideology of the building holds even more weight knowing that it has been designed by someone that has experienced being a minority voice in a demographic.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

1. The library takes a thoughtful approach to sustainability, using natural ventilation and maximising daylight with it's transparent facade. This building received a BREEAM score of Excellent.

2. Birmingham is a diverse city, and the library aims to act as a community centre, hosting events and exhibitions for various cultures.

3. The library responds to Birmingham's history as an industrial centre, using an intricate metal patterns to represent the work of these industries, often involving delicate work.

Name of Student: Archie Worthington

Architect: Kate Holt, ArkleBoyce Architects

Date Built: 2019-2021

Social Value & typology: the rural, modern farmers market celebrates the natural environment, and creates a space for community engagement within the Yorkshire countryside.

Reason for choosing: the expansion and redesign of the farmers market has prioritised the overall reduction of energy use; it has been awarded RIBA best Regional Sustainability Design in 2024.

Core Issues:

-saw-tooth roof utilises natural ventilation & indirect north lighting

-community hub, encouraging participation in the rural environment

-use of renewable technologies

Post by Lily Brown

Architect Name: Sarah Lysiak  - Stonehouse and Co Architects

Date Built: 2023

Typology and social value: The conversion of a derelict and vandalised bus shelter into a functional coffee shop, transformed the space from a unused eyesore in the local area, to a space for community to exist in a relatively remote area of Halifax. The conversion brought great community spirit to the area, providing a project the entire area could get behind, from start to finish.

The coffee shop is small in scale, utilising local, vernacular styles, with a completely stone exterior mimicking nearby buildings and dry stone walling techniques. This stone work replaces the previous existing red brick of the bus shelter, helping the coffee shop to feel much more at home within its surroundings, and as if a member of the community itself.

Reason for chosing the building: I selected this building as an means of showing that no matter the scale of the architecture, it can have profound impact on the local community. In an area so dominated by old, self-built vernacular architecture, and on a wider scale, a town so dominated by male architects, I find it important to highlight a local building such as this one designed by a woman. The coffee shop transcends more than simply being a commercial space or empty shell, and provides real value to a local community. I also find it interesting how such a small site was able to be converted into such a functional space, with all the things a local community needs.

Three core Issues that make this a modern building:

1. Using pre-existing structural elements and interior floor plan made the actual construction of the building much more environmentally friendly and efficient, as well as preserving the existing landscape from further, unnecessary infrastructure.

2. Transforming an unused space for modern needs, Providing a place for community and sharing in a predominantly older-aged and sparsely populated part of the town.

3. A focus on creating as large and open a space as possible, utilising solar gain for natural lighting and heating of the space, through the addition of French doors and double-glazed windows.

Name of student: Ben Allan

Architect name: Rossana Hu and Lyndon Neri

Date built: 2008.05-2010.04

Typology and social value: the boutique hotel was built over an existing three-story Japanese Army headquarters building from the 1930’s, reflecting the industrial past of this dock.

Reason for choosing/selecting this building:

This building provides a contextual link to its history and local culture. Retaining the original architectural appearance allows more generations to see the lives of ordinary people at that time. Also, I find it interesting that the visual connections, for example, the large corridor windows overlooking the lobby, force the hotel guests to discover the hidden urban elements, and redefine the complex spatial flavor of the city.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

- New experiences; the visual connections of unexpected spaces offer people more perspectives to discover the city.

- The usage of Cor-Ten steel; Cor-Ten steel is an economical, long-lasting, and easily recyclable material.

- Culture links; the newly built part over the original structure resonates with the busy dock and its surroundings.

Name of student: Xilan Shen

Built date: 2015

Architect: Designed by Zhang Di, a female architect in Yinchuan who is also the chief architect of WAA Weijue Architectural Studio.

Social Value:

MOCA is a non-profit public art museum and striving to become a diversified contemporary cultural display window open to the public and a learning platform under the perspective of globalisation. While bringing change to the urban cultural landscape and providing a window for world art exchanges, it also promotes it to become a place to carry cultural exchanges.

Reason:

The design of the exterior of the art museum is based on the changes in the landform over the past thousand years. It restores the sedimentary rock movement that has shaped today's landform for thousands of years with flowing wrinkled texture, and dialogues with the past of this land thousands of years ago.

Issues:

1, Parametric design is used.

2, The art museum adopts new materials—— glass fibre reinforced concrete (GRC)

3,

Post by Lixuan Wei

Date built: April 7, 2019.

Typology and social value: 

• A mosque’s typology includes essential features like the qibla wall, prayer hall, minaret, and an area for worship and gathering.

• It serves as a vital community hub, offering a space for worship, social gatherings, and education. It fosters unity, supports charitable activities, and preserves cultural and religious traditions, making it central to the social and spiritual life of the community.

Reason for choosing this building:

I chose Fatima Jumaa Mosque because it represents something beautiful in Islam—love and appreciation, especially towards a woman. This mosque was built for a woman named Fatima Jumaa, and mosques named after individuals are often gifts from loved ones, symbolizing the highest form of devotion. Building a mosque in someone’s name means they have contributed to creating a place of worship for Muslims, earning them a place in Jannah (heaven) and endless ajr (good deeds). This mosque stands as a tribute to the love and respect for a remarkable woman.

What makes this a modern building:

1. The mosque features clean, minimalist lines.

2. The architecture and the lighting are a balance between modern and traditional.

3. Geometric patterns on the minaret add a contemporary touch.

Noora Yaqoobi

Architect: Mary Fraser Tytler

Date built: 1896

Typology and social value: The Watts Chapel is a Grade 1 listed modern style chapel which is still open to the public today, serving as a place of beauty and worship as well as the final resting place of Mary Fraser Tytler and her husband George Frederic Watts. The chapel is also available for private services and bookings.

Reason for choosing this building: I chose the Watts Chapel as it is a charming combination of beauty and purpose, serving as a public space despite being Grade 1 listed. I find it interesting that Mary Fraser Tytler was a local and actually enlisted the help of other locals, who she taught design techniques to, in building the chapel, creating a greater sense of community. Mary Fraser Tytler as a person interests me, as she broke social norms of the time by designing, building and teaching as well as fighting for women's rights in the suffragist movement.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

1: The Watts Chapel is Grade 1 listed, meaning it is considered as of exceptional importance. As a result, extra measures are put in place to preserve the state of the building, which is important in modern architecture as part of a sustainable built environment.

2: Additionally regarding sustainability, the Watts Gallery organisation have a firm stance, with provisions such as increasing recycling and composting and reducing waste sent to landfill. George Frederic Watts was an environmentalist and the organisation aims to follow in his footsteps with a number of measures.

3: Social and cultural relevance-the Watts Chapel is a communal space for worship, as well as a place for meeting or just appreciating the architecture. As the chapel can be booked for private meetings and gatherings, this makes it a multipurpose space which is an important feature of a modern public building.

Name of student: Lawrence Burke

Architect Name: Shahira Fahmy

Date Built: 2010

Typology and Social Value: Private Residental House. This would, indeed, explain the social value of focusing on modern living, sustainability, and a mix of tradition and modernity-what is Shahira Fahmy's architectural philosophy. Al Alfy House will be a very good example of this typology in relation to attention towards local culture and environmental concerns.

Reason of Selecting the Building: The building also happens to be an outstanding representative of the modern approach that Shahira Fahmy used with clean cuts and sustainable solutions. This design balances local environmental needs, such as the coastal climatic factors, with modern aesthetics-a perfect case study representative of the contemporary Egyptian architecture.

Three Core Issues that make this Building Modern:

1- Sustainability:
Al Alfy House uses natural ventilation, passive cooling, and energy-efficient materials in its design to meet the needs of today.

2- Minimalism and Clean Lines:
This is very much representative of modern architecture, very plain and unadorned compared with the more ornate, traditional Egyptian designs.

3- Blurring Indoor and Outdoor Spaces:
Shahira Fahmy incorporates both interior and exterior spaces through courtyards and large windows in her design, right on the pulse of trending architecture in hot climate locations.

By: Omar Abdelmonem

Date: 2016

Architect: Julia Barfield (Marks Barfield Architects)

Typology and Social Value: The i360 is the world’s tallest moving observation tower, offering 360-degree views of the surroundings. It has had a significant impact on the city in terms of boosting tourism as well as revitalizing the largely ignored West Pier area. Its construction has since led to further investment in the surrounding area, bringing improvements to public spaces.

Reasons for choosing: It perfectly illustrates what can be achieved when architects and engineers work closely together. It presents an innovative idea, of having a vertical pier rather than reconstructing the original one. Its purpose is to entertain visitors, celebrating and allowing visitors to gain a new perspective on the city that they have lived in or are visiting. 

Three core issues:

1. The building uses the latest technology and materials. The dome consists of handmade, curved and double-glazed glass which were manufactured for this project specifically.

   
   

2. It maximises energy efficiency, self-generating around 20% of the power required to run it

   
   

3. The project goes beyond conventional architecture, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and making a statement in its environment.

Lucas Hardyment

Architect: Karaolides Szynalska Architects

Date: Summer of 2018

Typology and Social Value: This sustainable, zero carbon, family home provides a comfortable environment for the inhabitants, without contributing to the ongoing climate crisis.

Why this building?

I chose this building because it is so important that we start to be more considerate about the environment especially when there are so many solutions nowadays to this issue. This building uses solar panels, a heat recovery system, water harvesting, and underfloor heating powered by air source heat pumps, negating the need for a gas service at the property. Not only does this building encompass new technologies and techniques, but it also embraces old traditional styles, using red brick to blend into the rest of the street. I think it’s so interesting how this building looks just like every other house on the street, yet it functions independently and sustainably.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

-       This building uses new and sustainable technologies such as air source heat pumps and solar panels to combat the climate crisis.

-       It brings comfortable living to a new level: not only is the living environment comfortable, but the users can live comfortably knowing that they are not contributing to CO2 levels and damaging the environment.

-       The form of the house combines traditional styles, and modern elements such as the horizontal timber cladding, which is seamlessly integrated into the traditional red brick facades, working harmoniously together.

Sophie Brennan

Architect: Maria Killick

Date built: Summer 2005

Typology and social value: The centre serves as a social space, exhibition venue and information centre for local events. It was created to serve as a landmark building that reflects modern design technologies, using orientation to make best use of ambient energy and green construction strategies. The design belongs to the tradition of orangeries and palm houses where the external landscape extends into the interior.

Reason for choosing: Personal reasons such as it being a place that I have frequently visited growing up.

Core issues that make this building modern:

1. It is designed to ventilate naturally with a passive stack system where warm air can circulate through the grills located at the base and top of the southern glazing.

2. Underfloor heating is used as an alternative to radiators which would take up the limited wall space. This provides room for more green walls inside.

3. Solar shading devices are used crucially in the centres design due to the large, south-facing, glazed facade which provides an inviting connection to outsiders looking in and users looking out to the landscape.

Ellis Killick

Architect: Schenkel Shultz (Ekta P. Desai -Design Lead)

Date Built: 2022 (renovation)

Typology: Educational Institution

Social Value:

Providing education to underrepresented groups, Booker High School has a long history of racial segregation and educational inequality throughout history. This includes, 'Emma E. Booker Elementary School', 'Booker Middle School', and 'Booker High School', schools that were all named after an amazing woman, Emma Edwina Booker.

Emma was a crusader for the rights of education for African Americans and pushed for them to get a ninth grade and better quality education, throughout the early 20th century with the likes of Jim Crowe and racism.

Reason:

I was drawn to this building as growing up I always have heard of Booker High School being a place in a poorer area of Sarasota. Looking more into this, I was struck by the importance of education in underprivileged areas, especially in a city like Sarasota where the social classes are disjointed. This institution is especially important to give people a fair chance in changing their lives. With this, the building itself has many renovations and work done to it throughout the years, with its most recent one being lead by Ekta P. Desai, a woman apart of Schenkel Shultz. This architecture firm also has a diverse management and team.

Overall, 'Booker High School' has an intense history of pushing for educational rights. The women involved in its history have made this possible and deserve credit in the architectural "herstory".

Core Values- Modern Building:

1. High School Education

In its 'Booker Vision' it is stated that their goal is for "100 percent of Booker students will graduate". Having a high school, education sets you up for better career choices and a base level qualification that you can take into college and other career paths.

2. Diversity

With its history of fighting for African American education, it is no surprise that it has a highly diverse student population. According to "U.S. News and World Report," 76.5% of the students are of ethnic minority. 44.5% of them being hispanic, 23.8% being black, and 23.5% being white. With this, 54% of the students are women.

3. College and Career Readiness

This school has a wide range of programs, far from just the basic high school education that is often provided. This is clearly a great way to help gear students to being college and career ready. The VPA program (visual and performing arts) is a major part of the school, which has had the recent renovation to it. With this, the school also supports the New College of Florida providing a cheaper education to those less fortunate.

All in all, this school is a great push for young persons to discover their way in life and provides incredible resources.

Imogen Evans

Date: 2000

Architect: Laurie Hallows (Caruso St John Architects)

Typology and social value: This art gallery was designed to have a strong presence in the community as the building is forms the shape of a tower that stands above its neighboring buildings. It contains galleries and education spaces that encourages community engagement, enriches the culture in the area, promotes innovation and provides educational opportunities to the community.

Reason for choosing this building: I chose this building because the simple, modern, boxy façade stands out from the local architecture and hides the attractive interior inside. I like how the architect focused on creating an experience for the visitor, almost transporting them into a land of innovation, culture and calmness.

Three core issues:

• The design puts emphasis on natural light and open spaces to make the galleries appear larger.

• Each floor has their own character and function created through a range of natural materials achieving different atmospheres that's designed to be explored and discovered.

• Emphasis on encouraging community engagement and bringing people together.

Posted by Katie Marsden

Architect: Milica Marcinková

Date built: 1963

Typology: Children's home

Social value:

For it's time, this facility is an exceptional example of a children's home - it not only serves its practical function by accommodating up to 60 children ages 3-14, but it also provides a space that doesnt feel institutional. From its street facade thats decorated in a mosaic, to the green space that has a park and a pool, it acts as a source of playfulness and creative inspiration for the children who have been temporarily housed there for their problematic behavior. Marcinkova has thoughtfully designed a building that wont make the children feel entrapped but safe, aiding their recovery.

Reason for choosing:

I chose this building as i think it highlights how thoughtful Marcinkova was in her design approach. Devising a scheme to make children feel at home, whilst conjunctively being isolated from the outside world and their family and friends, is not easy task. However, i believe this building accomplished that brilliantly for its time. I also chose this building as it was designed by one of the first women to practice architecture professionally in Slovakia, alongside some other honourable names such as Viera Meckova.

What makes this a modern building?

1. The building encloses a non-hierarchical environment where the more private living spaces of the children congregate around a communal inner area. This is reminiscent of the courtyard layout of many modern buildings which is a great solution to communally used spaces.

2. This building follows a gridded, cartesian-like plan, similar to the deigns of Marcinkova's more well known, male peers at the time such as Alvar Alto and Le Corbusier.

3. The facade offers the lower-ground windows solar shading for the warmer months, as this area of Slovakia can get particularly warm. However Marcinkova has implemented strategies that mean the building can be comfortable all year round. The south face is mostly glazed to maximize the solar gain in winter, but is sufficiently shaded at the right angle to keep rooms cool in summer.

By Becky Muirhead

Architect Name: Lyndon Neri

Date Built: 2016

Typology and social value:

The Suzhou Chapel blends minimalist modern design with traditional Chinese architectural elements, serving as both a sacred space and a versatile community hub, fostering reflection and social connections.

Reason for choosing this building:

I chose the Suzhou Chapel for my assignment because it beautifully blends minimalist design, traditional cultural elements, and multi-functional spaces, showcasing modern architecture’s innovation and community value.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

• It uses clean lines and simple cube shapes, focusing more on function than decoration, which is a key trait of modern architecture.

• The perforated metal exterior plays with natural light, letting it filter through and change throughout the day, making the space feel peaceful and modern.

• Although it’s a chapel, the space can be used for all kinds of events, which is a very modern idea—designing buildings to be flexible and serve the community in multiple ways.

Architect: Amanda Levete, AL_A

Date Built: 2021

Typology and social value:

The Maggie’s Centre in Southampton, designed by Amanda Levete's architecture firm AL_A, is a cancer care center that emphasizes healing, comfort, and support for those affected by cancer. Like other Maggie’s Centres, it aims to provide a non-clinical environment where individuals can access emotional and psychological support in a welcoming and calm setting.

In Southampton, AL_A created a pavilion-like structure set within a natural garden. The focus is on bringing in natural light, creating open, flowing spaces, and blurring the boundary between the indoors and outdoors, encouraging relaxation and recovery. The Southampton centre integrates sustainable design, with environmental considerations such as natural ventilation and abundant greenery to create a soothing environment. The connection to nature is a core feature of its typology, with garden spaces offering a peaceful retreat.

The centre is designed to be inclusive and accessible for all, regardless of background or income.

The Maggie’s Centre in Southampton contributes not only to healthcare but also to the well-being and emotional support of its users, offering a space that nurtures both the body and the mind. Its typology reflects a blend of domestic comfort and public service, while its social value lies in the deep community support it provides for people living with cancer.

Reason : I have chosen this building as it is an all inclusive space and I enjoy the greenery that is intergrated in the design, such as the car park being in a forest.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

Energy Efficiency: The building integrates sustainable strategies such as natural ventilation, maximizing natural light, and utilizing eco-friendly materials, reflecting a commitment to reducing the environmental footprint.

Non-Institutional Aesthetic: A key issue for modern healthcare architecture is moving away from cold, clinical spaces. Maggie’s Centre in Southampton is designed to be welcoming, warm, and approachable. The building is a series of pavilions, designed to feel more like a home than a healthcare institution.

Fluid and Flexible Layout: Modern architecture favors flexibility and adaptability, which is evident in the fluid layout of the Maggie’s Centre. Open-plan spaces, seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, and multifunctional areas enable the building to adapt to various needs, from one-on-one therapy sessions to group activities.

James Brown

Architects: Zaha Hadid, Patrik Schumacher

Built: 27 July 2011

Construction cost: £269 million

Typology and Social Value:

The London Aquatics Centre, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, stands as a testament to both innovative sports typology and profound social value. Its distinctive, fluid design not only serves as a world-class venue for aquatic sports but also embodies the spirit of inclusivity and community access. As a legacy of the 2012 London Olympics, the centre continues to inspire individuals of all ages and abilities, promoting health, well-being, and a sense of pride in the city's architectural and sporting achievements.

Reasons for selecting this building:

I have chosen to research the London Aquatics Centre due to its iconic architectural design and its significant impact on the community. As a symbol of sporting excellence and inclusivity, the centre's innovative typology and social value make it a compelling subject for exploration. Its transformation from an Olympic venue to a public facility reflects its enduring relevance and positive influence on the urban landscape. By studying the Aquatics Centre, I aim to gain insights into the intersection of architecture, sports, and social engagement, and to understand how such structures can leave a lasting legacy for cities and their residents.

three core issues that make this a modernist building:

1. expressive form and structure

2. integration of technology and innovation

3. emphasis on functional rationality and programmatic clarity

Name of Student: Liam McGuinness

Architect: Erin Sterling Lewis

Built: 2023

Typology and social value: This home is a unique design that sits comfortably alongside the streets of 50s-60s ranch style homes, but elevates this design language and takes steps to improve the lives and wellbeing of the occupants by prioritizing daylighting and indoor-outdoor living.

Reason for choosing: This is a very unique home in its area and I am interested in how the home manages to be extremely unique but also blend into its suburban environment seamlessly. It has also been chosen as one of two homes by this architect for a modern house tour around NC.

Core issues that make this a modern building

1. It breaks the mold set by the homes around it by adjusting its orientation and footprint to provide maximum daylighting in the common areas as well as creating a private courtyard in a crowded environment.

2. The home uses the topology of the lot to provide privacy in the main areas of the home that are primarily glazing instead of the typical flat lot approach.

3. Although this building was built by demolishing the home that was previously on the lot the impact of this act of gentrification is minimized by intentionally matching and elevating the styles of the homes around it.

Posted by: Austin Rosenberger

Architect: Elisabeth Scott

Building Date: 1932

Typology and Social Value: This is a grade II building. Originally built in 1879, however was gutted in a fire on March 1926. A competition for a replacment was put forth in 1927 which Scott entered. This building is dedicated to the English playwright and poet William Shakespeare. The building houses the Royal Shakespeare company and smaller Swan Theatre, where they are able to display their own work while also keeping alive the work of Shakespeare. Scotts design held a seating capacity of 1,400 people, with a proscenium arch stage, serving as a frame for the audience to observe. The 'one-room' theatre layout allows the actors and audience to share the space, reflecting the way Shakespeare's plays were originally produced.

Reason for choosing this building: I like this building because Scott has blended the old and the new by incorporating the remains of the original 1879 theatre into her design to serve as a conference centre and rehearsal room. I also love the purpose of this building, Shakespeare is a part of our cultural inheritance and his work should be celebrated in a building that reflects this. The building also allows for further creativity of the arts as people can collaboratively work together in the space. Finally its a symbol of social development as its the first important public building to be built by a women.

The three core issues that make this a modern building:

• The art deco features Scott has included in the design, such as the staircase.

• the cultural influence of the building, the arts can drive a positive impact on health, community and education.

• The minimalistic exterior of the building, with the flat roof as well as the geometric and linear shapes used creates alignment.

Posted by Jessica Birch

Architect: Amanda Levete

Date built: 2003

Typology & social value:

The Selfridges building is a commercial building in the centre of Birmingham that has an emphasis on experimental architecture. Despite being a retail building the Selfridges building holds significant social value. The building has become a symbol of Birmingham’s modern identity and its iconic design has made it a landmark that is recognised internationally, in addition to this it also represents Birmingham’s drastic transformation from a post-industrial city to a hub of urban-renewal.

The creation of this building has also provided numerous jobs for the local population and its presence as a prominent store has attracted other large buisneses, contributing to the economic revitalization of the area. Echoing this, the building draws many visitors into the city due to its unique design and the shopping experience inside, in turn this influx of people into the city supports both retail economy and the surrounding businesses

Reasons for choosing:

I have chosen this building as growing up I have always associated Birmingham with this building, and I find it interesting that a relatively new building such as this can become such a bold symbol of the city’s regeneration to modern design. The buildings futuristic form challenges conventional architectural norms, blending high-tech with organic aesthetics and for this reason it has managed to reshape the city’s image and served as a catalyst for social, cultural, and economic transformations. It acts as a prime example of how buildings are not just functional spaces but also agents of change and can redefine how people interact with urban environments

Three core issues making this a modern building:

1.Use of advanced materials

The buildings iconic exterior is covered in thousands of aluminium discs, an example of using materials in unconventional ways. The façade acts as both a striking visual but also provides weather-resistant cladding.

2.Architceture as an experience

The Selfridges building redefines the retail experience as it combines a commercial space with art, therefore providing a immersive environment that can engage people. This idea of creating not just a space that is functional but a dynamic, emotional experience echoes ideals of modern architecture

3.statement on modernity

the buildings form and aesthetic reflect a broader commentary on modernity and urban identity. It provides a visual break form Birmingham’s industrial past, positioning the city as forward thinking. This also aligns with modernist architecture and the will to use design to reflect societal changes

Olivia Benion

Architect name: Caroline Drake

Date built: 29th September 2008

Typology and social value: Meetings, conferences, large social events and exhibitions, leisure sector.

The reason for choosing/selecting this building: I think the building location is unique to Chester, with it being the oldest racecourse still in operation in the world. I also think it is a huge social attraction that brings the community to Chester for the races every year. Finally, I like the facade of the building where the architect took inspiration from the white posts and rails of the racecourse and included them in the design.

The three core issues that make this a modern building:

• Modern approach as it has a low, flat profile to minimise the disruption of views from the stands.

• The landscape is reflected and extended by the pavilion’s sedum-planted roof, which, as a sustainable form of construction, provides insulation, and low water run-off.

• Large amount of glass to allow natural light into the building.

Student name: Megan Roach

Architect:Xu Tiantian

Date built:2018.01---2018.12

Social value: The workshop has established cooperatives of raw materials and processors at the village level, which has improved the quality of the traditional tofu making process. Promote the development of local economy, villagers become beneficiaries, income level has been improved.

Reason for choosing:The building demonstrates the practical value of the building. Its completion promoted the local economic development, changed the quality of life of local residents, and made great innovations in the external shape and internal function while maintaining the original architectural characteristics.

Three core issues:

1.The building breaks the limitations of traditional architecture and opens a part of the space to allow pedestrians to participate in it, which is a breakthrough for the local traditional architecture.

2.In the case of novel design methods, this project also uses a large number of traditional building materials and structural systems, which is a combination of modern and traditional.

3.The completion of this building is of great significance, not only changing the living standards of the residents, but also making the area more open and more people visit because of this building.

Jinduo.Sun

Architect Name: Hanan Al-Hashimi

Date Built: 18/05/2016

Typology: Cultural Museum

Social Value: The museum is used as a vital institution for maintaining and promoting Palestinian history, culture, and heritage, promoting a sense of identity and community.

I chose the Palestinian Museum because it plays an essential part in showing the rich cultural heritage of Palestine and provides a platform for dialogue and education about Palestinian history and identity.

The Three Core Issues that Make This a Modern Building:

Sustainable Design: The museum shows its dedication to environmental care by using sustainable approaches in both its operations and construction.

Cultural Significance: As a modern cultural institution, it is dedicated to recognising and promoting local histories and narratives.

Architectural Innovation: The design includes modern architectural components that fit the surrounding environment and provide inviting areas for guests.

Ibrahim Abufara

architect name: Jinqiu Zhang

date built: 1991

typology and social value: History Museum，not only reflect national traditions but also exhibit strong local characteristics. They showcase the features of traditional Chinese palace architecture, representing Shanxi's rich history and vibrant culture. The museum serves as an educational resource for both locals and tourists, fostering community involvement and appreciation for local history.

reason for choosing: The architectural design of the museum embodies the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty. The structure showcases a clear hierarchy, blending dispersion with cohesion. It highlights a classical, dignified style while integrating traditional culture with modern technology. This design reflects the spatial composition characteristics of traditional Chinese palatial architecture, emphasizing the concept of "Tai Chi in the center, directions from all sides." Furthermore, it illustrates the Eastern philosophical principle of "transcending the external image to attain a state within," which has permeated the spatial consciousness of the Chinese for centuries.

issues that make it a modern building:

1. Functional

   It effectively utilizes the current trend of museums focusing on audience service. It creatively designs a flexible floor plan, separating functions such as dining, cultural merchandise, and social education, allowing for adaptable use.

2. Spatial

   The design integrates indoor and outdoor spaces in a cohesive manner, while the space itself closely aligns with the functions of contemporary museums.

3. Technology

   The Shaanxi Museum employs modern reinforced concrete structures. It also utilizes contemporary fittings and materials, striving to embody the characteristics of the era and reflecting current aesthetic consciousness. For example, the extensive use of large glass panels and prefabricated wall slabs emphasizes the contrast of solid and void in its forms.

   name of student: Jingyi Wang

Architects：Zaha Hadid Architects

Date Built：2019

Typology：Art architecture-Theatres and art galleries

Social value：The project can undertake world-class large-scale opera, dance theatre, symphony and other elegant art performances. It will be the largest, most functional, nationally leading and internationally first-class international culture and art centre in Hunan Province, filling the gap between the city's and the province's high-end culture and art platforms. It has become the leading cultural media centre in China at present.

Chosen reason：The project has important social value and a very modern design.

Three core issues:

Minimalist and geometric aesthetics: In true Hadid-fashion, the Changsha Meixi Lake International Culture & Arts Center defines itself by extreme sinuous curves that radiate from each of the three independent structures and links them by a pedestrianized landscape that offers a “strong urban experience”.

Versatility and adaptability: To cater for a wide range of performance types, the Grand Theatre includes full-service features, while the Small Theatre is more flexible, with all 500 seats in the theatre being able to be moved around at will.

Site responsive design: Despite their unique definition and independence, these public institutions supply each other in all aspects of their environment.The working hours of the different venues also overlap to ensure continuity throughout the 24-hour cycle.This dynamic composition further establishes a strong relationship with the surroundings, thus giving the ensemble a sense of monumentality.

Jiaxu Zhang

Architect: Abigail Hopkins - Sanei Hopkins Architects

Date Built: Finished in 2015

Typology and Social Value: The Contour House is a contemporary family home located in the heart of the Peak District that utilises a series of open plan spaces.  The house is designed along the contour line, in a linear fashion and is made with local stone and timber.

Reason for choosing: The Peak District has 109 conservation areas, so modern buildings usually contrast the setting. However, rather than contrasting, the Contour House frames the environment and takes advantage of the beautiful views, including those of Chatsworth House. The Contour House captures the vernacular architecture of the area through the use of local materials, and the stone will age in a similar way to the infamous dry stone walls of the Peak District. Moreover, the Contour House shows many sustainable design principles where possible, for example, electricity is generated from the ground. Overall, I am interested by this building because it integrates the local architecture with modern solutions.

3 core issues that make this a modern building:

• The building has a curving linear plan as it follows the contour lines. This is unconventional architecture in the area.

• The primary heating source is electricity generated from the ground to minimise energy consumption.

• The building utilises renewable materials, the superstructure is all local timber, in order to maximise carbon storage and minimise the amount of energy consumed, and carbon emissions.

Phoebe Whawell

Architect: Gosia Lebiest, 3DReid architectural practice.

Date completed: December 2012.

One Angel Square is part of an £800m mixed-use development which aimed to revitalise the northern part of Manchester City Centre. The building is designed to facilitate change and transformation within the workplace without excessive refit costs. The building incorporates eco-friendly features, such as green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient systems, emphasising the importance of green building practices, as well as inspiring other projects in the region. While primarily serving as an office building, it also includes public spaces such as a café and meeting areas, fostering community interactions among employees and local residents. It is currently used by the Co-operative Group; being the headquarters of a major organisation, it contributes to local employment and economic activity in the area. At it's completion, One Angel Square is the largest commercial office building in Manchester, and sets a new national benchmark in sustainable design within the commercial sector after achieving a BREEAM 'Outstanding' rating.

I chose this building because of it's award-winning sustainable design, which has not only had a hugely positive impact on the surrounding area, but will also influence other projects across the country to place a larger focus on environmental aspects. The principles of the design reflect not only the Co-operative Group's values of community and social responsibility, but also reinforce the cultural identity of Manchester.

Three core issues:

The building incorporates advanced technology, including smart lighting, HVAC systems, and occupancy sensors, as well as the building being future-proofed, which enables it to adapt to temperature increases. This integration enhances energy efficiency and creates a comfortable working environment.

Eco-friendly practices are a priority. The design minimises environmental impact, showcasing a commitment to sustainable development.

A strong focus on community reflects modern architectural trends that prioritise social connectivity alongside functionality.

Oscar Davies.

Date Built: 2021

Typology and Social Value: The bus station facilitates transport to and from the city and breaks down barriers that may have previously prevented people from commuting easily (this will also have great environmental benefits as a more sustainable method of transport becomes more appealing). Joined with a new central library barriers to education are also broken down.Situated at the southern gateway to the city visitors from the south or any railway passengers will pass by the building. The station provides a new face for nottingham and will promote investment into the city over time leading to further social developments and a greater level of economic prosperity.

Core issues:

• This is a regeneration project and the station replaces an outdated, ugly and unsafe building by creating a more open, green city plan. Modern architecture is moving in the direction of regeneration and refurbishment and the building is a good representation of this.

• While it can be argued that the building was an unneeded expense and will have caused damage to the environment through the demolition of the original and its own construction its net impact is still positive and it does take a green approach through the use of modern technologies such as EV charging stations and solar panels.

• Library promotes learning and relaxation which will improve the prospects of people in the local area and improve connection by serving as an accessible community space

Post by Zac Morgan

Nenthead, North Pennines, Cumbria, UK

Architect Name:

John Coward Architects, Dearbhail Keating

Date Built:

Originally 1873, Re-opened after restoration August 2019

Typology and Social Value:

The old classification of this building was a Weslyan Chapel, however it is now an Arts and Visitor Centre. The Social Value of the building is the fact that it provides a space for the community to gather. The locals fort for the restoration of the chapel to take place, therefore it is something for them to be proud of, and unite over. The chapel has always been a centric part of the village, therefore the fact it is of use connects the locals back through history to their families and heritage gives it social value. The community hold lunches, quizzes, bingo, talks and a pop up cafe. Many walkers and cyclists stop to enjoy the Centre. Their website talks of giving the talent of the area a place to be displayed.

Reason for Choice:

I chose the building because I'm passionate about heritage and reuse. I think it is good that the past is being preserved, especially such beautiful stain glass that is found in this building. I think the use of the building is very special to the community. I am also inspired by Dearbhail Keating, who specializes in historic buildings.

3 Core Issues Making it Modern:

1. The change of use from a chapel to an Arts and Visitor Centre, makes the space more inclusive for the whole community.

2. Restoration is a sustainable thing to do, which is a huge focus in modern architecture. The project also involved recycling pews to create a serving counter, which is also sustainable.

3. The new design choices were carefully considered and historic decoration research was looked at, meaning technical solutions could be reached, like using breathable paints.

Student Name:

Grace Dorling

Suzhou Shishan Grand Theatre is located in Shishan Cultural Square, between Tiens Lake and Lion Rock, which not only enjoys the natural resources of real mountains and rivers, but also sits on the rich business, cultural tourism and transportation resources of Shishan business district. In addition to the convenient viewing of the performance, the audience can also hike the "Internet celebrity check-in place" Lion Rock, immerse themselves in the Suboxi Pavilion, visit the Shishan Market, and appreciate the unique charm of the new cultural landmark of the city. Create a rich and diverse Yangtze River Delta art and culture gathering place.

Reasons for choosing:

1.Seiwa Sejima is one of my favorite architects. Her buildings are often in an important "penetrating" style. Suzhou Shishan Grand Theater perfectly embodies its "penetrating and flowing" design style, and the whole building is like a girl's smart and flowing skirt, flowing and undulating between Tiens Lake and Lion Rock, complementing the natural landscape.

2.Kazuyo Sejima is Japan. It is well known that there are irreconcilable contradictions between China and Japan because of the war. I believe that seeing the work of Japanese architects in Chinese mainland is a symbol of peace and a reflection of the tolerance and openness of modern China.

The three core issues:

1.The roof of the theatre is mainly made of glass and aluminium metal tension nets. The tension net provides shade during the day, and at night, the interior lights will illuminate the Shishan Park at night through the curtain wall.

2.The design of the public spaces makes clever use of the ground and basement levels, with the ground floor featuring an entrance plaza and restaurant, while the basement level brings in natural light through sunken plazas and high ceilings, creating a sense of openness and airiness. This is the only theater in China that can quickly transform into a concert hall through the movement of the overall anti-acoustic dome, bringing a more shocking sound field experience to the audience.

3.It is a green and energy-saving building that uses solar energy to reduce consumption.

Post by Xiaowei.He

Architect: Sarah Wigglesworth

Date built: 2005

Typology and social value: The dance studio contributes to the vibrancy of the busy neighbourhood it is situated in by providing an uplifting space where people can get together to share their love of dance. The dance studio works with dance artsists and people from underrepresented communities in the local area because they believe dance is an art form that speaks to many. The building itself was designed with dance in mind. The curves in the roof, mimic sweeping arms and the weightless quality of a dancer’s body.

Reason for choosing this building: I chose this building because I love the way Sarah Wiggleworth designed the building with the dancers in mind. Every aspect of the building is somehow related to the way dancers move and that creates an incredible and inspiring space for people to use. I also like how the building was a disused Victorian school and it is now a collection of new studio spaces that are used daily.

The three core issues that make this a modern building:

1. Functional design and open floor plan - The roof’s rhythmic design, along with carefully positioned clerestory windows, allow light to enter the building whilst avoiding any glare. This allows the space inside to be open and flowing.

2. Material choices – A combination of both existing and new materials were used for this building. The exterior and interior brickwork ties in with the school history whilst the glass and wood create a new and more modern feel to the dance studio. Elements like the suspended staircase backs onto a patchwork façade of glass, solid panels and louvres.

3. The studio provides a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds to come together, encouraging collaboration and socialisation.

Lauren Mountain

Date: 2020

Architect: Miya Ushida

Typology & Social Value: This residential home takes inspiration from its views of the solent seen through the small copse of trees. Designed for a retired island couple, in their early seventies, that desired a space to host generations of family. The materiality (Cotswolds stone) holds imporantance for its continuity and its nostalgia to the client, reminicent to her childhood home in the area.

Chosen Reasoning: I chose to study this home for its elegant pallete and peaceful existence in its' landscape. Growing up on the island a connection to the sea is natural, I admire the architectures connection between form and the solent. The continuous use of raw matertials throughout construction creates a calm and homely serenity to the space. The design intent to connect the home with the view and landscape as well as the inner connections of the house with family are carefully thought out by Miya.

Modern in 3:

1 - FORM: bold primary forms with carved openings

2 - MATERIALITY: a raw collection of materials, mainly cotswold stone, intertwined with portland stone, interior timber finishes, all constructed and finished with clean modern form

3 - CONFIGURATION: instead of creating a generic house form, Miya divides the home across 3 spaces, each with an outline represnting a small house. The entrance hall is central, opening up to views on entry.

Post by Emily Barrow

Date built: 1955

Typology and social value: A residential house designed for a couple to live in, with the intention of being simple without excluding the chance of also being 'radical'. Derek and Jean Sudgen requested the Smithsons personally to build their house, and they lived there for the rest of their lives happily. It is a listed building, which is rare for a home, and is almost unchanged from its original state. A covenant on the land required every house had to be built of brick with a tiled roof. This is what lead to the traditional yet modernist approach of mixing brickwork with large windows.

Reason for choosing:

I chose this building because I like how timeless it is. The home looks like it could be contemporary or traditional, as it merges the two themes via different components. Also, I think that the interior design is amazing, with an entirely open plan kitchen-diner-living area with a wall of glass windows facing the garden. The use of space is well thought out not just for maximising the use of the site it is on but also for the comfort of it's occupants. The house seems to be ready to last forever, with the shelving and fireplace being inset into the concrete.

Three core issues making this a modern building:

1. The house has been Grade II listed since 2012. This implies the house is worth preserving, both from a cultural and environmental point of view. This relates to modernity as being listed means being relevant, or containing something that people now can learn from. Furthermore, the fact the house can still function easily in the same condition as when it was built shows it was built sustainably, and with the adaptations to a modern future.

2. The house is made out of reused London stock bricks. This is modern as it limits the embodied carbon of the house. The house uses minimal finishes, leaving the materials on show, both showing the style of 'new brutalism in England' that the Smithsons were known for and limiting the use of unsustainable processes and finishes needed. Also, a key material used is timber, which is renewable. Timber makes up the main staircase and parts of the exposed structure.

3. Lastly, the house is facing South-West with its main facade. This is environmentally beneficial as in the temperate climate of England this will cause the maximum use of natural daylighting and heating. Such attention makes the building modern as it shows that it has been designed with passive strategies in mind to come first before the addition of AC and other technologies.

Ramona Vecchi

Shenzhen, Guangdong, China

architect name:

Heng, Liu

date built:

2014-2017

typology and social value:

Institutional building.

It's a wedding hall for the official marriage registration.

reason for choosing/selecting this building:

The project tries to combine the process of registration——arrival, waiting, registration, get marriage license, and gathering with relatives and friends——with the experience of space. It connects these various functional places around the pool into an holistic space in sequence, so visitors can experience different spaces during the process.

Compared with men who may prefer to go directly through space, women prefer to feel, stay and communicate with the space. This project emphasize the space of communication and pay attention to people's feelings.

the three core issues that make this a modern building:

1. Appearance design

The building uses irregular shapes and lines, giving people a bright and open feeling, different from the rules of traditional buildings.

2. Functional spatial layout

The building is multi-functional, dividing the different functional areas for different needs during the process.

3. Humanistic care and social functions

The building focuses on the comfort of the users and also meets the social need for marriage registration.

student name:

Yixu, Ouyang

Architect: Georgie Wolton

Date built: 1976

typology and social value: The building was designed by Wolten to be her own personal home. Although initially this doesn't seem to have any inherit social value, being a expensive home for a well off architect in London, but the value is defiantly there. As Catharine Croft said - To build her own house exactly as she wanted it within the male dominated world of architecture was an act of feminist rebellion.

Reason for choice: Woltons field house was one of my main inspirations during my second semester at Liverpool, this combined with her being part of team 4 has meant her name is always popping into my head. So, when researching for this task her Belsize lane house was a clear and obvious choice.

Three core issues that makes it a modernist building:

1. large relationship with the wild garden the house inhabits, this is done through the large windows

2. There is a long free open floorplan within the building

3. the clean square lines that make up the houses aesthetic

Hani Dajani

3. the clean square lines that make up the houses aesthetic

Hani Dajani

Architect: Zoe Reeve-Jones

Built: September 2021

Typology and Social Value:

The bumblebee barn serves as a 4 bedroom family home.

Reason for choosing the Bumblebee Barn:

The family house is a stunning 21st century modernism architecture building with traditional elements. The layout of the house was designed carefully, placing the bedrooms all on the right side of the house and the living/dining space on the left hand side at the entrance of the building. Also, its a semi-detached which I love about houses cause most houses in the UK are attached. The back garden is massive and has a view of a beautiful green fields of Suffolk.

The passive design strategies for this building are:

1. Marley fibre cement cladding was used as it requires less maintenance.

2. skylight windows are used for natural light to enter the rooms from above.

3. orientation of the front of the building is facing south which is good because the 2 of the bedrooms and the living room will receive sunlight.

4. ventilation is good for this house as there are large glass windows everything is on the ground floor so it will cool inside the house while outside being hot during summer.

5. solar panels were added on the roof for absorbing solar rays to power the electricity.

   
   

   Overall, the style of the building is a beautiful and has a few passive design strategies which make reduces the carbon footprint and a lot of thought has gone into the construction of this Bumble Barn.

Written By:

Isiah Denton

Architect name- Jade Meeks (Ellis Williams Architecture Firm)

Date built- March 2022 (Opened to public)

Typology and Social Value- The Yoko Ono building provides an educational place for students to learn, with it containing 2 large lecture theatres. The building is also used a performance centre where a wide variety of groups can perform to the public. It has provided an additional performance space to an already music culture city. The building is a modern brick building following the same materiality of the surrounding teaching rooms, it looks to be inspired by the streamlined architecture movement following a similar style to the Philharmonic just a 5-minute walk away.

Reason for choosing- The reason I chose this building is because of the connection it has to me, being a building in my university. As well as being something that I walk past nearly every day. The building was also designed by Liverpool university graduates with Jade Meeks being one of them.

Three Core issues that make this a modern building-

1.Acoustic Demands- The spatial and acoustic demands meant that the building had to integrate various acoustic features within the auditorium. Through the use of carefully crafted surfaces and materials the building can provide an acoustic environment that is suitable for performers, conductors and people in the audience.

2.Building surface area- The lectures theatres were arranged vertically, which allowed for a much smaller building space. This meant that there was space for public park alongside the south elevation.

3.Community Engagement- The building is a public place that promotes engagement and social interaction, through the use of the auditorium cultural events, music performances and workshops which promotes community engagement.

Daniel Irvine

Location: Beirut, Lebanon

Architect name:  Lina Ghotmeh

Date built : 2020

Typology and Social value:  Stone Garden is essentially a residential structure made up of apartments with spacious balconies and gardens that resemble traditional Lebanese homes on a vertical scale. On the lower levels of the building, there is a gallery area that serves as a centre for culture and the arts. This mixed-use component gives the tower, which is mostly residential, a social and communal purpose. The building's façade, which resembles old buildings or ruins, is nearly hand-carved or corroded, drawing inspiration from archaeology. This illustrates a typology that values memory, history, and the imprints of time.

Stone Garden's architecture reacts to the violence and reconstruction that have characterized Beirut's past. The textured façade represents both the tenacity of the Lebanese people and symbolizes the scars left by war. The project's emphasis on memory is a reflection of the necessity of maintaining cultural identity in a city that has undergone numerous reconstructions. The structure acts as a living reminder of the past by including details that are evocative of traditional Lebanese architecture and landscape.The incorporation of green space, such as private and public gardens, embodies the social ideal of bridging the gap between urban and natural environments. This encourages well-being and provides residents with a getaway from the city in a densely populated area like Beirut. The gallery promotes cross-cultural interaction and the artistic community in Beirut, by giving local artists a place to show their work

Reason for choosing this building :

I chose the stone garden building because it represents beautiful and meaningful themes all at once whether it’s cultural identity, resilience, sustainability and implementing traditional and contemporary design. It’s just a building its history and passion about Lebanon and their people and the fact that it was designed by a woman inspires and motivates me to implement those ideas in the future

Three core issues:

-        Maintaining its sculptural façade, materials used are sustainable

-        Affordability and social inclusivity

-        Has a great impact on the community

Name of student : Lina Mohamed

Architect(s): 300 women

Date: 2023

Typology & Social Value: The typology, being a temporary community/event space, goes hand in hand with the barn's social value as this pop-up space was constructed by 300 female and non-binary volunteers for the 2023 WOW Festival. The majority of social value is brought to the space in allowing women to be involved with design and construction, industries that are heavily male dominated, while also creating a strong sense of community within the locals involved in building the space and those that attended the WOW Festival.

Reason for Selection: It's very inspiring to see so many women volunteer to get involved with the construction (and deconstruction) of this building, as well as running the festival held in the barn. As this was a temporary space, the building itself was been made out of more sustainable materials that were mainly locally sourced. The barn was only up for a day so it didn't require much energy to run, meaning the building not only had positive social impacts, but few negative environmental impacts too.

Three Core Issues:

1) Bridging the gap by getting 300 women involved in the building's construction.

2) Sustainability in using locally sourced, low embodied energy materials and little energy.

3) Community engagement is at the heart of this project as many locals were involved in construction and the festival itself.

Architect: Ellen van Loon

Date Built: December 2019

Social Value: The Conwy Culture Centre embodies significant social value by serving as a community hub that provides connection, learning, and well-being among locals and visitors. By offering a modern library, diverse arts and heritage activities, and a welcoming café, the centre encourages social interaction and cultural engagement. Its inclusive design, with accessibility features and dedicated spaces for workshops and community meetings, promotes participation from everyone.

Reason for choosing: I chose this building mainly because of my first hand experience with the building over recent years since it was built. Additionally, the modern design works very well with the surrounding historic castle and buildings which I admire.

Core issues:

1. Has a very low flat profile

2. Natural Light Management: While the emphasis on natural light is positive, glare and heat gain during peak sunlight hours could pose discomfort if not properly managed.

3. Accessibility: Although the centre aims to be accessible, there may be areas where improvements are needed, such as clear signage or navigation aids for individuals with visual impairments.

Post by Iwan Roberts

Date built：March 2019

Typology and social value:

Outside the Tank Art Center is a park open to the public, while inside is a rich space for exhibitions and events. The new building is discreetly hidden in the landscape and park, which is not only a respect for industrial heritage, but also a response to the city's thirst for nature, and an exploration of the establishment of a new kind of art institution. It is a borderless art museum where people can travel freely between art, nature and the city; It is also an unfinished museum, and the flexibility of the space allows it to adapt to various needs and evolve

Reason for choosing this building：

i pick this building because it is humble and inclusive, it attracts people to come here to get close to nature and feel art.The museum building is no longer an "object", rejecting people from thousands of miles away with a cold attitude, on the contrary, the unwalled space welcomes anyone to enter and experience at any time, whether it is walking, jogging, walking the dog, taking photos or picnicking on the grass.TANK has also become a venue for various events such as art festivals, book fairs, fashion weeks, artificial intelligence conferences, etc., bringing vitality to the surrounding communities and cities.

Three core issue

1.Shanghai Tank Art Center is one of the few cases in the world where tank space has been renovated. A group of disused aviation fuel tanks that once served Shanghai Longhua Airport has been revitalized by OPEN Architects for six years to become a comprehensive art center

2.Creating a growing "land art" is at the heart of design. In this large-scale work, which covers an area of almost 5 hectares, the earth is a canvas smeared with greenery, and the buildings are dotted like jewels.

3.The diversified design of functions makes the transformation strategy of oil tanks different,Tank 1 is planned as a two-storey live-house, with a drum-shaped liner to enclose a venue with acoustic performance suitable for performances. Tank 2 was designed as a dining room, with a circular courtyard hollowed out inside, and the roof was changed into a platform with a view of the river; The interior of Jar 3 is intact to provide a dome exhibition space for large-scale art and installation works, with only an openable skylight at the top, bringing in natural light and even rainwater when needed. Tank 4 is placed inside a cube and divided into three layers, making it a relatively traditional art museum suitable for hanging works on shelves. Tank No. 5 is added to the size, and a rectangular volume passes through the tank, forming two outdoor stages facing the "City Square" and the "Lawn Square" respectively

The unique Tank Art Center defines a new era of urban art institutions.It shapes a humanistic spirit of equality and sharing

Yuan Tian

Architect: Tran Thi Ngu Ngon - Tropical Space

Date build: 2019

Typologie & Social Value:

• a café on ground floor and a private residence within the floors above

• all housed within a cluster of large brick volumes.

• public space: on the street level takes shape as a simple rectangular block that opens outward onto a open-air courtyard

• private: single-family dwelling organized between three large blocks perched on top

Reason for choosing:

• feeling the modernism without modern materials

• love the way they work with ventilation

3 core issue-Modern Building:

• usage of brick to open up its interiors to natural light and to its surroundings

• upper levels integrate perforated brickwork to introduce natural filtered sunlight which further creates patterned shadowing.

• interstitial space between the Cuckoo House’s three upper volumes creates a private courtyard where the children might play outdoors while remaining separated from the café below.

Uploaded by An Khanh Nguyen

An Khanh Nguyen

Architect: Rachel Haugh ( SimpsonHaugh architects)

Date: 2004

Typology and social value:

The Beetham tower serves as a distinctive landmark hotel and residential apartment building in Manchester city centre. At the time it was constructed it symbolised the reinvention of Manchester after the devastating IRA bombing in 1996. As a result of extensive investment at this time, city living became an appealing place to live and was available to the masses proving them with an opportunity to live in a central hub of history and culture. It attracted buyers, investors, and tourists creating an economic boom for the city which increased local property prices. Money made was reinvested into the city bringing further developments and it served as a catalyst for the current competing skyline of tall buildings in Manchester.

Reason for choice:

When searching for a female architect for this project, knowing I was from Manchester, home of Emeline Pankhurst, I was surprised there was such a scarcity of female architects with their name rightfully on their own buildings. When I saw Haugh's name on the Beetham tower I was empowered to know this pioneering project was lead by a female architect. Everyone who lives in or has visited Manchester knows how prominent Beetham tower is on the skyline, even though its height has now been exceeded. However, recognition for Haugh has only been a relatively recent acknowledgement, 28 years later. Only when they have expanded to introduce additional partners has Haughs name been added to the company name SimpsonHaugh architects.

Furthermore, in an interview with Laura Mark for the Architects Journal (2015) Rachel Haugh suggests that, in a male dominated profession, "it [gender inequality in architecture] is not about gaining more women but retaining them in architecture. Compared with other professions the level of reward is very low. The problems for women are to do with low reward, high commitment, the difficulties of flexible working and responding to the needs of childcare." This highlights how structural inequalities continue to disadvantage and limit women's opportunities.

Three core issues:

1. Curtain walling glazing:

The buildings sleek façade was achieved by using the curtain walling technique which is a modernist approach. The glass façade is broken down into a window grid with separate sheets of glazing, held together by vertical mullions and horizontal transoms. The external envelope is then lifted, hung, then fixed from the concrete ceiling slab above in a downwards tension instead of compression. It is fixed to the concrete floor slab in restraint to hold it in place. This glazing doesn't provide any structural support, and instead merely encloses the space, creating a sleek, seamless, perfectly smooth glazed façade with minimal joints. On the south façade openable-louvres protrude allowing control of solar gain on the interior.

2. Structural cantilever:

Floor 23 of the Beetham tower, where the sky bar cloud 23 is located, has a 4m cantilever with two large glass windows in the floor looking down onto the ground below. Cantilevers are another modernist symbol of experimentation with the limits of structural tension. The cantilever works by transferring the horizontal load from above, that is then transferred down vertically across to the end that is supported by a floor joist. This can then transfer the load down horizontally into the foundations of the building. Paired with curtain walling the building has a sleek, 'floating' modernist aesthetic.

3. Beetham tower was the tallest building in Manchester until 2018:

The tower was constructed using post-tensioned flat slab concrete for all 47 stories. Post-tensioning is a method of reinforcing the concrete slabs with steel bars to strengthen the concrete, allowing the building to stand at 169 metres tall, and up until 2018, it was the tallest building in Manchester's skyline. The base of the building is slender, whereas it grows on the 23rd floor due to the cantilever to minimise ground space in the city but maximise the sky space.

Post by Poppie Swift

Architect: Yasmeen Lari

Date: 2023

Social value:

The dismantlable mosques hold their social value by being a place for prayer for visitors of the exhibition. Being a part of an islamic art exhibition also relates to its social value because it becomes a way for people to connect and share their thoughts. It also has an environmental value because it is built using bamboo which is natural and sustainable material and the building is also dismantable which means that it can be built and removed without negatively affecting the quality of the environment around it.

I chose this building because in a way it is both a building and an art piece which brings two of my interests in one place. Another reason is because the design of the building and the choice of materials reflects Yasmeen Lari’s approach which takes into account the social, environmental, physical and aesthetic aspects of architecture.

key reasons that make this building a modern building:

The architect takes into account modern day issues such as the carbon footprint of the building. It is also considered modern because it uses materials the are not usually available in this city which is a modern way of thinking that doesn’t follow traditional vernacular architecture. Another reason is that it was built for an art exhibition and not entirely for its purpose.

Yara Nassruldeen

Architect: Zaha Hadid

Date built: 2011

typology and social value: leisure facility- sports centre

I chose this building as I believe that it is an important building in the borough of Stratford in east London as it brings social, economic and environmental value and opportunities to it, due to the area being neglected after deindustrialisation therefore facilities like the London aquatic centre can help to bring value to the area and give new opportunities to locals economically and socially. this building shows how much a population can benefit and improve through thoughtfully designed architecture. the creation of these public spaces can help bring communities together but also give opportunities for locals that they may not have had before the regeneration, therefore creating spaces like sports centres in derelict and deindustrialised areas is proven to be very beneficial for the communities and population of Stratford.

Typology and social value:

The London aquatics centre is a sports and leisure facility that was designed to hold global function like being an Olympics venue as well a public facility for sports like swimming.

This building holds social value as it promotes health and well-being. This is because it provides affordable access to a swimming facility. As a result of this communities come together and learn new skills and sport, boosting both mental and physical wellbeing. The Centre has also developed into a hub for the community, acting as a space for social interaction and community development in addition to being a sports facility. By giving people from various cultures and backgrounds a place to gather, it promotes social cohesion which can help to build a stronger community. This leisure centre was initially designed to be a flexible leisure centre. This was done in order to accommodate the 2012 London Olympics but also have a use after the Olympics, for its local public as a swimming centre and Schools, school leagues, neighbourhood clubs, and locals will all be able to use the Aquatics Centre as part of a comprehensive program that caters to all age groups and abilities.

3 core issues that makes it a modern building:

1. sustainability approaches:

   Significantly, rather than adding sustainability after the building was designed and built, the design team concentrated on integrating it within the structure and system of it. The London aquatics centre is built in a way to be energy efficient. This was done by integrating low velocity ventilation systems with high efficiency heat recovery, and water based heating systems with variable speed pumps which will be a key tool in controlling the internal temperature in a sustainable way. Also, in its structure, there is high levels of insulation and envelope air tightness which stops heat from escaping out and cold UK air from entering it reducing the need using heating systems. Unlike many Olympic venues designed in the past, the London aquatics centre was built to be highly adaptive to post 2012 London Olympics as a public swimming pool, which highlights its modern approach of designing these type of buildings for long term community use.

2. The fluid geometry of moving water served as the inspiration for the London Aquatics Centre's architectural design, which created areas and a setting that complemented the Olympic Park's river scenery. In addition to characterising the volume of the swimming and diving pools, the Centre's pools are enclosed by a curving ceiling that rises from the bottom like a wave, a metaphor that aligns with its aquatic function. This design approach breaks away from traditional, rigid architectural forms and is a hallmark of modern architecture.

   
   

   Despite its impressive and large scale design, the building has a light internal structure that utilises the space frame structural system with double layer grids made of steel and space frame was supported by two reinforced concrete columns from the northern elevation and a reinforced concrete wall from the southern elevation, creating a wide, open space that enhances the user experience which brings an emphasis on the open, flexible spaces reflects a modern architectural philosophy of creating fluid environments.
   

3. use of technology and user centric design:

   The London Aquatics Centre is a prime example of modern architecture that places a high priority on user-centric design. With amenities for people of all abilities, the building is intended to be both inclusive and accessible. An atmosphere that puts the comfort and enjoyment of the user first is produced by the smooth flow of space, simplicity of navigation, and emphasis on natural light and wide sightlines. Its function as a centre of the community reflects the contemporary emphasis on user-centric design and social value.

Kejal Agcagul

location - city and country:

Sheffield- UK
architect name:

Penny Richards from Pringle Richards Sharratt
date built:

1996-2002
typology and social value:

A central place to bring community to the city centre of Sheffield. The winter gardens also is attached to the millennium gallery and located near the main Sheffield theatres and opposite the library. This is a beautiful relaxing indoor circulation space to link together the arts of Sheffield. With a hotel attached to it, it also brings tourism to the heart of the city. The city centre itself died with the construction of the Meadowhall shopping centre in 1990 which was built on the old steel works and was the second largest shopping centre in the UK at the time. There have been multiple attempts to revive Sheffield since, out of all the desperate attempts I believe this was most successful.

reason for choosing/selecting this building

-          Simply, I like this building. It’s always well kept and provides shelter from the rain and cold. The plants are beautiful and with it being near almost everything in Sheffield it’s easy to get to. It’s height of 22m makes it always visible, without it being a boring skyscraper. The building itself has stood for over 20 years yet it still looks brand new. The construction behind the structure is also impressive, using a variety of materials.

the three core issues that make this a modern building:

-          Used curtain walling and is made with 2,000 square metres of glass.

-          Used early modern steel styles of architecture similar to the crystal palace however it also implements wood into the style, making it different from others like it.

-          Built for the revival of the steel city that collapsed. Constructed to make an intriguing city that people would like to visit or spend their time in.

name of student who has made this post

Nina Postle

Architect: Louise Sheridan (Ellis Williams Architects)

Date Built: Early 2017

Typology and social value:

This building is a cultural centre that allows many different activities for varying age groups to co-exist in one building (as it is a theatre, cafe, bar, library, cinema). The project was widely successful in bringing tourism to Chester by achieving over half a million visitors within the first 7 months of opening.

Reason for choosing this building:

I chose this building as I am interested in sustainability and how pre-existing buildings are repurposed, and I think the way in which this building was repurposed was very successful as it brought many visitors to the area. I am also impressed at how it turned a classic Odeon cinema building into something so much more that had many more activities due to the extension of the building. Additionally, I have admired this building each time i have visited it and wanted the opportunity to research it further.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

1. A pre-existing building has been taken and repurposed into something similar, while still bringing new activities and characteristics to the building. Not letting older buildings go unused or be demolished is definitely a modern idea and has been executed well here.

2. This building also has utilised the space provided to give space for multiple activities. The cultural centre itself will bring people from all areas of the world/life to this building due to its amenities and performances that happen here. As well as this, the idea of bars, cafes, libraries , theatres and cinemas coming together in one building seems to be a newer concept.

3. Lastly, the once closed off cinema screen rooms that are now an open space that contain the foyer and bar makes this a modern building as open concept spaces is a design that have only became popular within the last 50 years. Although the layout of the space has been changed, a curved interior can still be seen that used to surround the previous screens for the cinema.

Student name:

Emily Williams

  Casbah, Algiers, Algeria

Architects:

  Princess Aziza Bey or Bent El-Bey (Meaning the daughter of The Bey-an Algerian head of regency - in Arabic)

Date Built:

  The exact date of the original building is somewhere in the 16th century; however, the French occupation completely renovated the building in the 1830s after a major collapse caused by an earthquake.

Typology: 

  Dar Aziza exemplifies the key characteristics of Islamic palatial architecture, particularly through its central courtyard layout, a hallmark of Maghreb urban design. This configuration not only provided a serene, inward-looking space for domestic life but also created a protective buffer from the external environment. The palace's design emphasizes privacy, with its high walls and lack of external windows, typical of traditional Islamic architecture. These features ensured that the interior life of the palace remained concealed from public view, reinforcing the cultural values of seclusion and modesty.

  The palace's spatial organization demonstrates a clear hierarchical structure, dividing public spaces for entertaining guests from private family quarters. This reflects the broader socio-cultural values of Ottoman-era Algeria, where the architecture was shaped by social norms related to gender roles and social status. The careful separation of public and private spaces reveals the importance of maintaining social boundaries within elite residences, which served not only as homes but also as symbols of power and status.

Social value:

  One of the most significant aspects of Dar Aziza's architecture is its focus on women's privacy and safety, which were crucial concerns in the cultural context of the time. The palace's layout embodies the Islamic tradition of gender segregation, where spaces for women were strictly separated from those used for hosting male visitors. This separation is particularly evident in the design of the inward-facing courtyard, a key feature of Islamic architecture, which allowed women to move freely within the palace while remaining shielded from the outside world.

  The absence of external windows and the high, protective walls surrounding the palace further emphasized the importance of modesty and seclusion. These architectural choices not only reflected societal expectations but also addressed practical concerns for women's safety, offering protection from the unpredictability of the urban environment. In this way, the design of Dar Aziza served both to uphold cultural values of modesty and honour and to ensure the security of the household's women, making it a vital part of the palace's overall architectural and social function.

   Dar Aziza is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a symbol of Algerian cultural heritage. As part of the Casbah of Algiers, a UNESCO World Heritage site, it represents the rich architectural traditions of Ottoman Algiers. However, its significance extends beyond its role as a royal residence. In the post-colonial period, Dar Aziza, like many structures in the Casbah, became a symbol of Algerian resilience and national identity, particularly in the context of resistance to French colonial rule. Its preservation underscores the importance of maintaining such historical landmarks as tangible links to the past and as vital expressions of cultural identity.

Reason for choosing this building:

  I chose to focus on Dar Aziza for my project due to its rich historical and cultural layers, particularly regarding the lack of proper accreditation for its namesake, Aziza Bent El-Dey. My research revealed that many pre-colonial Algerian structures, including Dar Aziza, have had their histories diminished or altered, particularly during and after French colonialism. The failure to acknowledge the contributions of women in architecture is particularly significant, as societal shifts post-independence led to a resurgence of cultural stigmas against women, affecting their recognition in public and political spheres. Despite local oral traditions celebrating women's roles, this historical erasure highlights the broader issue of gender marginalization in architectural narratives. As a student of architectural history, I find it essential to address these omissions and challenge historical inaccuracies, using Dar Aziza as a symbol of resistance against gender biases in Algerian architecture.

  Another reason for selecting Dar Aziza is its architectural complexity, which showcases a remarkable blend of cultural influences. The palace features a Skifa, a type of entrance linked to Tunisian architecture, alongside Moorish woodwork that reflects native North African traditions, with connections to the Berber community. Additionally, the Renaissance-inspired marble- likely carved in Italy- and the Egyptian-style faience cladding highlight the architect's exposure to diverse styles and techniques. This cross-cultural synthesis not only illustrates the architect was well-versed in regional cultural dynamics giving a level of depth to the architect strengthening her position as a key Algerian architect but also indicates a dimension of multiculturalism within structural designs something I believe to be lost as architecture modernises. By highlighting this we can accredit Aziza further and respect her as an artist despite the injustice done in previous years.

By examining Dar Aziza, I decided on this case study to emphasize the importance of recognizing the contributions of women in Algerian architectural history while celebrating the building's diverse cultural influences. This project serves as a platform to address historical omissions and honour the legacy of female architects whose contributions have shaped significant aspects of Algeria's architectural heritage. In doing so, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive understanding of the region's history, celebrating both the architectural beauty of Dar Aziza and its symbolic role in acknowledging women's vital contributions to Algerian culture and architecture.

Core points that make this building modern:

1)    The French refurbishment of Dar Aziza introduced various architectural elements that reflect modern design principles. The renovation aimed to enhance the building's functionality, adapting it to the needs of a colonial administration while incorporating contemporary European styles. This included the introduction of larger windows and alterations to the facade, which increased natural light and ventilation, aligning with modern architectural ideals of openness and connectivity with the exterior environment, Changing its more contemporary design which had the aim of maximising privacy Such changes can be seen as precursors to the modern emphasis on sustainable design and user-centred spaces, making Dar Aziza an early example of these principles in practice.

2)     Additionally, the French refurbishment of Dar Aziza has transformed it into a modern symbol of resilience and a site for modern identity exploration in Algeria. Following independence, the building became a focal point for reflecting on Algerian heritage, where the architectural changes serve as a reminder of the colonial past while also providing a space for dialogue about the country's future. As contemporary society increasingly values historical awareness and cultural diversity, the dual influences of traditional Islamic architecture and colonial modifications in Dar Aziza can be viewed as a reflection of Algeria's broader struggle for its modern identity and self-definition.

3)    The landscaping around Dar Aziza was also reimagined, often incorporating garden designs that reflected French aesthetic sensibilities. These gardens typically featured manicured hedges, symmetrical layouts, and ornamental plants, contrasting with the more organic and utilitarian gardens 'showing off' the exterior façade something not typical of traditional Islamic architecture in the region before the modern era.

4)    Lastly, the purpose of the French refurbishment was due to an earthquake collapse this resulted in some bearing columns being replaced to meet French standards of the time giving it a more modern engineering approach given that earthquake engineering is only a recent modern field of architecture.

Tarek Boudjadja

Architect:Zaha Hadid Architects

Date of Construction:Completed in 2019

Building Type and Social Value:

Cultural and arts complex, including a museum, a theater, and a smaller multipurpose hall.The Meixi Lake International Culture and Arts Centre is not only a significant cultural and architectural landmark in Changsha, China, but also a symbol of modern artistic expression. Designed by Zaha Hadid, one of the most celebrated female architects of our time, this building holds social value as it represents the power and creativity of women in a field traditionally dominated by men. Zaha Hadid was the first woman to win the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize, making this building an important representation of feminist achievements in architecture. The center enriches the cultural life of the city and supports artistic expression across various media, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility to diverse communities.

Reason for Choosing this Building:

The Meixi Lake Arts Centre was selected because of its connection to one of the most influential female architects of the 21st century, Zaha Hadid. Her work challenges architectural conventions and societal norms, pushing boundaries in both form and function. This building showcases her unique approach to fluidity and complexity, which are often seen as reflections of the evolving roles and perspectives of women in society and design. Additionally, this center serves as a cultural hub that encourages community interaction, education, and engagement with the arts, aligning with the principles of inclusivity and empowerment often championed by feminist ideologies.

Three Core Issues that Make it a Modern Building:

a. Innovation in Form and Structure:

The building’s fluid, organic form defies traditional architectural geometry, a hallmark of Zaha Hadid’s work. The use of advanced computational design technologies allowed for the realization of the building’s complex curves and dynamic shapes, challengthe conventional boundaries of architectural form. This innovation reflects the broader feminist struggle for breaking out of established societal and professional molds.

b. Accessibility and Public Engagement:

As a cultural center, the building emphasizes accessibility and public engagement, making art and culture available to a broader audience. It promotes social inclusion by providing a space for people of all backgrounds to experience and participate in the arts. Feminism advocates for equal access to opportunities and resources, and this building embodies that principle by fostering community interaction through the arts.

c. Sustainable and Contextual Design:

The design of the Meixi Lake Centre takes into account its environmental and cultural context. The building is integrated into the landscape around Meixi Lake, harmonizing with the natural surroundings while using sustainable design practices, such as efficient energy systems. This respect for context and sustainability parallels the feminist emphasis on creating responsible and equitable solutions for future generations.

Jianan.Huang

Architect: Sadie Speight

Date built: 1938

Typology and social value: A nursery providing care and education to young children. It creates a space for children to meet other children and develop socially whilst enabling parents to work during the day.

Reason for choosing: I like how practical the building is. Since its original construction it has been reconstructed due to fire damage but the original style has been maintained and the building is still in use today. It clearly works well for its purpose and is thoughtfully designed. The building is named after Sadie's husband, who also worked on the project, so I wanted to choose this building to recognise and credit Sadie's work too.

3 core issues making this a modern building:

• I think the building's style is very modern because it has a very functional approach to design. It is simple and uses the space efficiently without wasting material.

• It makes use of natural light with the large glass section, meaning less energy is required to light the building and the users enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of natural light and views outside. This could also provide good natural ventilation to the building.

• The service provided by the building would've helped to move away from the idea of mothers staying at home to look after the children by allowing both parents to develop careers.

Emma Buckley

Architect: Hend AlMatrouk, Studio Toggle

Date: 2020

Typology and Social Value:

The Ternion Project is a structure composed of three independent residences designed to be viewed as one. It is designed to be maintain the occupant’s privacy, in compliance with the social norms of the area, while also integrating the sense of community. The architecture of the building also reflects Arabic architecture with a modern twist. 

Reason for choosing:

The Ternion Project demonstrates a unique and innovative design by one of the leading architects in the middle east, Hend AlMatrouk. It showcases a modern approach to private villas, utilising passive cooling techniques rather than active as much as they could.. The design’s intent for the three villas to be read as a whole also adds complexity to the project that engages both residents as well as visitors. 

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

1. This project replaces the traditional gardens Kuwaiti homes have with private courtyards and a swimming pool. This makes the garden more accessible to the residents, as the traditional gardens are usually only used in winter due to the hot climate.  

2. The utilisation of open design encourages flexibility and adaptability, showcasing a more contemporary aesthetic.

3. As a result of Kuwait’s harsh environment, active cooling techniques are a necessity, however this project prioritises passive cooling techniques above active in order to keep energy usage to a minimum. One of these methods include full-height glazed windows, which enable natural ventilation as well as evaporative cooling.

   
   

Posted by Hessah Al Bader

Architects: Zaha Hadid Architects

Date: 2015

Typology and Social value: This building was built to provide additional space for the Middle East Centre's expanding library and archive at St Antony's College, University of Oxford. The new facility provides a 117 seat lecture theatre which enhances the capacity for lectures and seminars. The Middle East Centre aims to research and understand the modern Middle East. This means that the building provides educational value to the Middle East Centre, the University and to the general public as the building an be used as a general place of lectures of any topic. Architecturally, it has a unique, modern design with a sleek facade, leading up to a large, south facing window.

Reason for choosing this building: Visually, I am and interested in the building because of the uniqueness of it. It contrasts the surrounding buildings and the style of architecture in Oxford in general. I also like this building because of its educational value because I believe education is very important.

Three core issues making it modern:

1. The material choice and how they are used. Stainless steel panels constructed in Zaha Hadid's signature style, reflecting the surroundings meaning the building has a slightly different appearance from different angles.

2. The educational aspect it brings shows that there is a clear interest in educating and expanding peoples knowledge and providing information for everyone to access.

3. It has been designed to be sustainable by implementing modern techniques for example skylights replace the need for artificial lighting.

Jake Aston

Architect: Ellen Baines, P+HS Architects

Date Built: 2022

Typology and social value: The Day Treatment Centre at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital is a stand-alone facility for day-case surgeries, designed to deliver non-complex, elective procedures without the need for in-patient accommodation, reducing patients time away from home. Completed in just 38 weeks, it helps tackle NHS waiting lists by focusing solely on elective surgeries, avoiding disruption from emergency cases. Advanced technology ensures efficient, high-quality care, while thoughtful design enhances patient flow and staff welfare, creating a positive environment.

Reason for choosing: I chose this building as I am inspired by the urgent response to patient needs. The architects quickly responded to the increasing waiting times, a pressing issue in both the region and across the country. They delivered a well-designed and functional treatment centre. This proves the ability to adapt and respond quickly in times of need, but they also ensured a thoughtful design by drawing inspiration from the Freeman site with the black-lit aluminium cladding with repeating tree design. The intricate exterior design and advanced interior prove that the architects dedication for the project. They have set a standard for future healthcare projects by demonstrating speed, efficiency within a thoughtful design.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

1.        Contemporary Design. Back-lit perforated aluminium cladding embellished with a tree motif creates a dynamic façade. The architects avoided the hospital being a ‘bland box’ by adding this modern design, the tree design helps to connect the building with its existing environment, referencing the rows of trees at the Freeman site.

2.        The speed of delivery of the hospital. The project was completed in just 38 weeks. This demonstrated their urgent response to healthcare needs by prioritizing this centre without compromising quality. They utilised the Covid emergency legislation of ‘permitted development’ so that the scheme could be developed rapidly under time limited planning permission available to Local Authorities and Health Authorities.

3.        Advanced technology. The centre features state-of-the-art medical equipment designed to improve efficiency and patient safety. For example Q-lights which reduce infection risk, and the remote connectivity of theatre equipment.

By Sophie Grey

Architect: Lina Bo Bardi

Date Built: 1947

Typology and Social Value: Lina designed this building with the desire of publicizing and protecting art works between Brazilians, and until this day MASP museum continues to do that. The Plaza under the immense raised structure serves as a multipurpose square, that bring locals and tourists together, creating a sense of community. This terrace still serves as a meeting spot for protests, markets, shows, and even sun protection, while the museum above provides easy access to beautiful pieces of artworks and culture.

Reasons for choosing: This building highlights its apparent structure in a beautiful way, it protects the views from Sao Paulo by being raised and creates a nice space for the community, Lina Bo bardi worked together with great Brazilian engineers to create this big structural challenge, a glass box raised in the air with a 70 meter long free span underneath. I think Lina and this building have a massive contribution to Sao Paulo, my home city, and a direct impact on me and my artistic life.

Three core issues:

1. MASP had a significant influence on modernism buildings in Brazil, the building prioritizes the use of free spans, both externally and internally where no walls are used, creating wide open spaces, that provide a lot of flexibility for the museum.

2. The building plays a key role in the preservation and and promotion of the city's cultural legacy, its considered a must visit destination, it provides cheap and even free entry, creating a easy way for people to learn more about art.

3. The simplicity and functionality are also especial characteristics of this modern building, it discards the need of unnecessary decoration, focusing only on the art works pieces, and making the circulation and visualization for the visitors easier.

Clara Barroso Pedroni

Location: Porlock, Somerset

Architect: Lady Mary Lovelace

Date: 1912

Typology, Social Value:

A very early example of female lead architecture. As England officially began training women in architecture in 1917 Lady Mary Lovelace was among the first to have a building credited to her. Along with some assistance from Charles Voysey she designed the Lillycombe house, a home on her husbands land in Somerset. Due to the formers notoriety it was featured in The British Architect.

Reason for choosing building:

This building was chosen as the time it was constructed was not an era where budding female architects were given many opportunities to show off their skills. Mary Lovelace was among the first of her kind as an architect but was also a keen artist and member of her local community, organising the reconstruction of the local harbour and even gifting some of her redeveloped buildings back to the villagers of Ockham.

Three core issues that make it a modern building

1.      The building itself was made using locally sourced stone and Delobade slates which were produced just south-west of the area

2.      It was designed with “Every precaution necessary to guard against the wind”, an early introduction to vernacular techniques

3.      Influenced by Charlie Voysey it draws on his well used “Arts and Crafts” style originally pushed by William Morris. This style aimed to combat the incoming industrial feel that

was starting to develop.

Arthur Croft

Architect : Helena Kułak . LAAR.studio

Date built : 2016

Typology and Social value:

The Lubuskie Center deals with the classification and restoration of traditional varieties of fruit trees. It is used as a centre when coming to the growth of all different tree types and making a century old ritual going in the local community. With the local area being known for its apples both as fruit but also in pies and cider which is found to be sold across the country. This centre holds a lot of value in the community as a place to educate yourself as well as help and act as a community raising the trees around together.

Reason for choosing:

The reason for choosing this building was for its community value , being such an important part for the local community as it brings the whole area together. It can be seen as a central core for tradition and rituals. This building also brings the beauty of design with sustainability and creates a building full of harmony with nature and its surrounding. Being designed by women , especially from my home town , friends of my own family , made this project very personal to me looking into it , knowing that women in not such a progressive country in not the biggest of cities are still able to create gran designs.

Three core issues:

One of the modern factors of this building is its gable façade is fully glazed, which makes the interior visually connected with the surroundings. This allows plenty of natural sunlight into the building , and bringing the outside in which is a main factor when surrounded by apple trees.

Another factor is the projects use of an extensive green roof covered with sedum mats, while the external walls are finished with thermally treated wood cladding. This makes the building visually match its surrounding.

A final point is the building harmonises perfectly with the natural surroundings, which were used in the project not as an addition, but as a complement to the architectural form.

Tymoteusz Rutkowski

Date Built-  between 1993 and 1996, with the official opening taking place in September 1996

Typology and Social Value- The Bridgewater Hall is a concert hall, specifically designed for the performance of classical music and other musical events. It falls under the following architectural and functional typologies:

1. Cultural Building: As a dedicated performance space, it plays a key role in Manchester's cultural scene. 

2. Purpose-Built Music Venue: It is an acoustically designed space, featuring a "floating" foundation that ensures high-quality sound isolation. 

3. Modern Civic Architecture: The hall's design incorporates contemporary architectural principles with glass, steel, and open, light-filled spaces

Social Value of The Bridgewater Hall:

The Bridgewater Hall plays an important role in Manchester’s social and cultural life, contributing to the community in several ways:

1. Cultural Hub:

   • The hall is a key venue for the city’s major orchestras and hosts a wide range of performances, from classical concerts to contemporary music and cultural events.

   • Educational Resource:

     The Bridgewater Hall is actively involved in community outreach and educational programs, hosting workshops, youth music initiatives, and school visits. 

   • Economic and Civic Contribution:

     The hall attracts thousands of visitors to the city each year, generating economic benefits through tourism, hospitality, and local business. Public Space and Inclusivity:

     Architecturally, the Bridgewater Hall has an open, welcoming design, encouraging public interaction. Its transparent glass façade and open spaces make it inviting for the public, blending private concert experiences with the public realm.

     The venue is also accessible, promoting inclusivity by providing wheelchair access and services for individuals with disabilities. This ensures that the cultural experience is open to a broader section of society.

2. Promoter of Social Cohesion:

   The diverse range of events hosted at Bridgewater Hall—spanning different musical genres and cultural programs—attracts people from various backgrounds and demographics. 

Reasons for selecting this building- The hall is renowned for its exceptional acoustics, achieved through its "floating" foundation, which isolates the building from external noise and vibrations, conveying that the mission of the building was held up exceptionally.

It also has a sleek, modern structure featuring a glass and steel facade, with an open interior space that allows for impressive views of the city.

Three core issues that make the bridgewater hall in Manchester a modern building- 

1:(Innovative Acoustical Design)

The entire building is built on nearly 300 steel springs, which isolate it from ground vibrations caused by surrounding traffic, the nearby tram system, and the city’s infrastructure.

2:(Contemporary Architectural Aesthetic) 

The use of glass, steel, and concrete in the design gives the Bridgewater Hall a sleek, contemporary look. The hall’s modernist aesthetic is characterised by clean lines, large open spaces.

3:(Sustainability and Technological Innovation) 

Though built in the 1990s, the Bridgewater Hall incorporated forward-thinking sustainability measures. The design includes energy-efficient lighting and temperature control systems to ensure that the building operates in an environmentally responsible manner.

Architect Name: Claire Priest (Studio Brassica Architects)

Date Built: 2022 (renovation)

Typology and Social Value: Adaptive reuse of rural agricultural buildings. Winner of the Wales Architecture Award and RSAW Conservation Award, the Plas Hendy Stable Block is a prime example of repurposing historic rural structures. The stable block incorporates a tack room, hay loft and coach house, as it was built at a transitional time in 1906 when cars were starting to become popular, an unusual mixed typology which was the focus of the renovation. Now operating as an Airbnb, it offers social value by revitalizing local heritage and contributing to rural tourism, offering visitors a direct connection to the area's architectural history.

Reasons for Selecting this Building: Living just 10 minutes from Plas Hendy in Abergavenny, I feel a personal connection to this project. Led by Claire Priest, a female architect, the restoration of this building highlights the role of women in architecture, particularly in rural heritage preservation. I struggled to find a building near my home town designed by a woman, which further emphasised the need for more women in architecture. Its adaptive reuse as an Airbnb fosters a sustainable future for historic structures, and its proximity and female leadership make it an ideal study for me.

Three Core Issues:

1. Sustainability and Passive Design

   The building incorporates passive sustainability measures, such as opening the south façade to allow for natural light and providing passive heating during winters. This reduces energy use and enhances the buildings environmental efficiency, a key principle in modern architecture.

2. Innovative Sun Shading and Privacy Solutions Using Modern Technology

   Claire mentioned that a significant challenge was how to integrate the large amount of glazing in the building. The solution was pivoting louvres, designed with local metalworkers, that act as both privacy screens and sun-shading devices. Operated by a simple gear mechanism and a repurposed cartwheel, the manually-controlled system is an example of modern, functional yet tactile design.

3. Heritage Preservation with Modern Functionality

   The renovation preserves key historical features, such as the original tack room and hay loft, while introducing modern elements. For example the original stable doors were restored and repurposed as decorative features, maintaining the buildings historical character while making it functional for contemporary use.

Student: Mali Whittle

Leeds, England

Architect Name:

Irena Bauman

Date Built:

1919 (Originally)

2012 (Refurbishment by Bauman Lyons)

Typology & Social Value:

Originally built as a factory, the Tower works are a key element of the Leeds city skyline thanks to the three Italianate towers. Construction on the steel pin factory began in 1864 and continued to 1866, with an extension in 1899. The largest of the three towers resembles Giotto's Campanile in Florence and included a ventilation system that was extremely ahead of its time. After 117 years of operation, the site closed in 1981. Despite being almost beyond economic repair, the site was acquired by the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward who employed Bauman Lyons to create commercial spaces for start up businesses in the creative sectors and residential apartments, whilst also safeguarding the listed buildings. The revamp won the Best Altered Building at the Leeds Awards 2013.

Reason for Choosing This Building:

The Campanile di Giotto has always been one of my favourite examples of Italian architecture, therefore, having essentially a replica in my hometown was always a privilege. I do not remember much about the site before the renovations, however, since the refurbishment, I have visited the site and am thrilled that it is no longer a dumping ground that never fully recovered from WW2. I recall researching the area after this visit and coming across the work of Bauman. Irena Bauman moved from Israel to Leeds in 1972. Being a University of Liverpool School of Architecture alumna, owning a firm that will not travel more than 70 miles outside of the Leeds area for work, and being very conscious of sustainability, I find her to be a very interesting character who is not only an inspiration to aspiring female architects but to all individuals in the built environment industry.

Three issues that make this a modern building:

1) The work spaces were 'future-proofed' offering facilities for business expansion and development

2) The site was designed for a light-touch management strategy and links with the local Round Foundry Media Centre

3) The restoration of the listed entrance has helped to 'pump-prime' the site for future development and secure Holbeck a place on the map of Leeds.

Student Name:

Will Bertrand

Year Built: 2019

Social Value: The building was designed and built to bring a modern care centre to a remote part of Ireland with an ageing population who need easier access to healthcare. Complete with GP Suites, dental surgery rooms, physiotherapy rooms, occupational therapy rooms, offices, retail units and ancillary nursing services. Right in the heart of the small town the centre allows more permanent residents to access the nearby shops and restaurants. The building achieves an A2 Rating with natural ventilation and an energy efficient design.

Reason for choosing: This building kick started a modernization of an old town left neglected and forgotten and began a steady population increase from families wanting to live in the area now having access to high quality healthcare.

Three Issues:

• Primary Health care,

• Centralized location

• Modern and sustainable building

Student name: Thomas Barton

Architect: Sarah Wigglesworth Architects

Date built: 2003

Typology and social value: This small school building has been designed as a prototype to change the conventional design features of a classroom. Due to the close cooperation between the clients, users and architects, the classroom is suitable for the children with autism to learn efficiently.

Reason for choosing: I liked that the building is progressing how children with autism are educated by designed a space around their needs to learn efficiently.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

• Its contemporary features such as the geometry of the building.

• Its tilted south facing wall to limit solar gain into the space.

• Its use of modern materials like polycarbonate

Posted by Ivor Otter

Built date: 2018

Architect: Wenjing Huang, OPEN Architecture

Social Value:

1.Environmental protection: The museum's location under sand dunes conserves a fragile ecosystem, preventing human-induced destruction.

2.Cultural Advancement: As a non-profit, it fosters an appreciation for contemporary art through diverse exhibitions and programs.

3.Educational Outreach: Offers public art education, including charity programs and workshops, to enrich the community's cultural life.

4.Cultural Dialogue: Serves as a hub for international cultural exchange, attracting a global audience and promoting mutual understanding.

5.Economic Catalyst: Boosts local economy by drawing tourists and enhancing the appeal of the surrounding area.

6.Community Enrichment: Enhances the cultural vibrancy of the community, making art accessible and enjoyable for all.

7.Sustainable Practices: Employs energy-efficient and sustainable building techniques, modeling environmental responsibility.

Resons for selecting this building:

The building was inspired by children's sand-digging games on the beach, and the designer designed a series of "caves" in the middle of the dunes - the most primitive form of human habitation and the earliest place for artistic creation.

It not only offered the new gathering space for surrounding residents, but also created a brand new area for tourists who would like to come.

Three core Issues:

1.A series of energy-saving measures were adopted in the construction process. For example, the roof was covered by vegetation and sand to reduce the energy required in winter and summer. Skylights of different orients and sizes were opened to provide all-weather natural lighting for the museum. Replace traditional air conditioning with a ground source heat pump system with low energy consumption and zero emissions.

2.The space of the museum is a series of three-dimensional surfaces, built by a series of calculations and designs by the designer.

3.The whole building takes into account the theme of harmonious coexistence between man and nature, making the building integrate into nature and consider human activities everywhere.

Post by Yunze Li

Architect: Ellen Van Loon

Date Built: 2019

Typology and social value:

This buildings is spontaneous in its ability to embrace the community and landscape that surrounds it housing a library, exhibition areas, and meeting spaces along with an inviting café. Accessibility and connectivity to the surrounding area is recognisable with a clear modern design that lends to the environment opposing Conwy castle's walls. Having been to this place before you gauge immediately a welcome environment for community interaction. The flexibility of the space is seen with opportunity of different exhibitions, allowing the space to adapt to the community's needs whilst also acting as a serene, relaxing visit with the library and café. This suits the nature of Conwy with independent businesses and focus on the identity of the area.

Reasons for choosing:

I knew of this building before researching, and finding out that it has a female architect was refreshing, with its design resonating with the area and its needs perfectly. Visiting art galleries is a favourite pass time of mine or anywhere that celebrates/raises awareness on the culture and heritage. The focus therefore on art and involvement of community I felt passionate about. The centre runs activities and projects for different ages including dance sessions, storytelling, taster sessions to masterclasses with artists. Even its awareness with sessions for people with dementia and for promoting better mental health is something I think makes the architecture and designs of Van Loon truly come to life.

Core Issues:

The design is quite sleek and simple, with a clear circulation that feels open with an abundance of natural light through the glazing. User experience is well thought out but during certain times of year can receive to much glare through window.

This modern build clearly and visually conveys the idea of form following function.

The sensory garden showcases modern architectural design, integrating green spaces, promoting biodiversity, and providing a peaceful space for community connection and well-being. The project is sensitive to this issue of urban isolation, allowing the design to fit within its environment rather than take away from.

By Theo Mckernon

Architect: Shahad Alazzaz

Date built: 2022

Typology and social value:

Private house

Serenity House aims to offer a tranquil living space, for its residents while blending seamlessly into the landscape around it by taking cues from its proximity to the sea and distance from city chaos. With its use of elements and soft edges enhancing the living experience and allowing for a flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, for various activities. Venturing into areas is a journey of exploration—one that emanates a calming energy rather than taking it in.

The family aims at maintaining a resort style ambiance every day at Serenity House, in Alkhobar—a place where learning is valued and enhanced by interior decor and an impressive private art collection.

Reason for choosing:

The building’s fluidity and use of curves make it an interesting study in form and how architecture can break away from traditional boxy shapes.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

1. Fluid and Organic Forms:The building's flowing, undulating design rejects conventional rectilinear shapes in favour of organic ones that blend in better with the surroundings.

2. Indoor-Outdoor Integration: This home showcases a blend of outdoor spaces, a key focus, in modern architecture today with its large windows and abundant natural light that also provide picturesque views of the surroundings. The presence of patios and courtyards as living areas exemplifies the trend, towards integrating outdoor living spaces in contemporary design.

3. Sustainable and Natural Material Use:

Wood, stone, as well as concrete or stucco are among the natural elements used in the building, which is typical of modern, sustainable architecture.

posted by Aisha Algahtani

ARCHITECTS: Louisa McMurray and Percy Thomas Architects.

DATE BUILT: Construction for the Millennium centre started in 2004 and finished in 2004.

SOCIAL VALUES:

• It’s inclusivity. The Wales Millennium centre is meant to be accessible to all in order to promote participation regardless of ability.

• Cultural diversity. The Wales Millennium centre celebrates rich cultural heritage showcasing a variety of artistry and languages.

• Sustainability. The Wales Millennium centre is committed to being environmentally sustainable. They also promote awareness towards ecological responsibility.

REASON FOR CHOOSING:

• Architectural vision

• It’s cultural significance to Wales

• It’s an interesting building

• It’s sustainability

• It’s inclusivity

THREE CORE ISSUES THAT MAKE IT A MODERN BUILDING:

• Innovative design. The building is a contemporary design with a well known curved roof. It uses modern materials such as steel and glass.

• It’s sustainability. The building has incorporated sustainable design elements such as implementing energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures, and also its use of environmentally friendly materials.

• It’s cultural relevance. The design allows for interaction and engagement while also encouraging social connection and involvement.

STUDENT NAME: Faye Fine

Architect: Shahira Fahmy

Date Built: 2014

Typology and social value: A modern house extension. This project gave new life to an existing house by creating a contemporary, progressive aesthetic and improving the thermal comfort of the home through cross ventilation and fenestration

The reason behind selection: This project provides a fresh modern twist on Egyptian residential architecture while employing sustainable design strategies such as passive cooling and thermal comfort to respond to the hot humid climate. An issue that many contemporary buildings in the region struggle with.

Three core issues that make it a modern building:

Environmental Design:

Modern architecture has become increasingly aware of environmental design in recent years, and that is reflected in this building, which utilises passive cooling strategies.

Simple yet elegant construction:

The building is designed in a minimalistic fashion with a clean straight silhouette. It has glazed walls with seamless junctions between floor and ceiling allowing for a satisfying visual continuity. The design also uses fenestration to play with transparency blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor, private and public.

Independent of traditional floridity:

Unlike the traditional vernacular of the region, this project maintains sleek and sharp contours reminiscent of many modern buildings across the globe

Post by Sajidah Osman

Architect name: Tiantian.Xu (Founder and lead Designer of DnA Architects)

Date built: 2019

Type and social value: Music Studio by the Sea is a seaside public building facing the sea, an art project that combines architecture, music and the natural environment. The music studio presents a unique spatial design concept that blends natural, acoustic and architectural aesthetics. The building will be able to accommodate professional recording and performance studios, as well as outdoor entertainment and performance areas. Music studio by the sea also have a unique social value, encouraging artists to think and express themselves in new ways. Because of the emphasis on interaction and harmony with nature, to a certain extent, improve people's awareness of environmental protection and sustainable development. Music studio by the sea becomes a place for community art activities, promotes cultural exchanges inside and outside the community, and drives the development of local tourism economy. In addition, by combining music creation with the natural environment of the seaside, a spiritual healing space is provided to help people escape the stress of the city and feel the healing power of nature.

Reasons for choosing/selecting this building: As a place of pilgrimage for young Chinese who pursue music, literature and art, Anaya is so popular precisely because of its good artistic atmosphere and diverse cultural inclusiveness. The high matching of the building or installation with the natural environment also continues to attract young people from all over the world. Tiantian.Xu chooses to create art in this background. Through the art form that connects nature and human creation, the design explores the potential of architectural space in artistic creation, and provides more opportunities for the society to think about the relationship between human and nature.

From an architectural point of view, I was impressed by the distinctive brick color, which contrasts sharply but elegantly with the golden sand and blue sea. For the consideration and integration of non-technology, it is also worth my in-depth study.

From the perspective of personal style, her works not only have the practical function of architecture, but also often integrate the thinking of art, philosophy and social issues, with a strong personal style and social responsibility. Through the language of architecture, profound thoughts on the environment, society and humanity are conveyed, exquisite design skills and avant-garde artistic concepts are displayed, and cultural and ecological issues of contemporary society are also responded to.

The three core issues that make this a modern building:

1. Modern architecture emphasizes practicality and functionality, form usually follows function, and the layout of buildings should be simple and orderly. This is one of the characteristics of Music studio by the sea. The main space feature is a 360 degree amphitheater of performance space. The volume is deconstructed into four fragments. When reconstructed vertically, the space forms a 180-degree outdoor public amphitheater, two indoor casual performing area, and a 120-degree roof top theater.

2. Music studio by the sea has a simple appearance and clean lines. It is located on top of a sand dune as a sculptural red concrete volume. The overall building is simple but full of design.

3. Music studio by the sea pays more attention to the openness and fluidity of the building space. It breaks the closed house structure in traditional architecture ways and creates more open space design, striving to interact with the natural environment. The composition of an open box with amphitheater fragments is articulated according programmatic and technical requirements. The acoustical effect at the 180-degree outdoor theater will create a dialogue between building and nature. During the summer concert festival, this building can also be used as a 3-dimensional stage on the beach.

POST BY Yuzheng.Lu (201850374)

Architect name: Jo Kember, Gillig Dod Architects

Date built: 2014

Typology and social value: This redevelopment of the reception to Blackpool’s Teaching Hospital was built to improve people’s experience upon entering the hospital. It converges the, previously, multitude of entrances into one. This improves the circulation around the building and makes it easier to navigate the hospital. This large, circular atrium is made of glass, providing an influx of natural light into a space which is often associated with unknown and scary times. This space is fully accessible and contains a few, small retail shops along with access to all parts of the hospital, including newly built offices.

Reasons for selecting this building: My main reason for selecting this building is for the aimed improvement to the experience of visitors. Walking into a hospital can be intimidating and worrying, but what this design aims to do is lighten the space as much as possible and create comfortable zones of interaction. The design of the building considers people’s needs and provides a visible central point at the hospital making movement around the space easier. The circular atrium space, filled with windows juxtaposes the rest of the hospital which contains lots of sharp lines and the outdoor area has also been re-landscaped, to provide a calming natural aspect to the hospital.

Jess Lunio

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Architect name: Nadia Bakhurji

2017

Private villa with modern design

The project is located in a quiet  district of Jeddah. Two techniques were used in the design of this residence. The initial design adopts classic Andalusian style of architecture and transforms it onto an abstract modern material, reflecting the beauty, elegance, and luminosity of its surroundings while highlighting historic architectural features within an open and fluid atmosphere. The second technique focussed specifically on the legacy of Andalusian architecture. The emphasis was on the hierarchy of spaces ranging from semiprivate to private, the depth of view, and the axiality and shaping of views. The interior and exterior walls finishes and surfaces showed the develop design of the Andalusian period.

The reason why I chose it: The architect's unique blend of culture and modern design, while still maintaining the Islamic style, caught my attention. When researching the building, I was particularly impressed by how the architects divided the guest and family areas, ensuring privacy for the family. Also, I'm very interested in maintaining the culture and identity in a modern way, as I believe every country should preserve its identity in its architectural structures.

Three core issues that make this a modren building:

- The open spaces, both indoor and outdoor, reflect an urban and adaptable approach to living environments. Modern design uses open layouts to promote mobility across distinct areas, enabling smooth motion and communication between interior and exterior spaces.

- The addition of palms and outdoor garden layouts reflects an effective connection between nature and the constructed atmosphere, a prevalent concept in modern design. Its interaction with nature, incorporating a minimalist structure within the outdoor environment, creates a serene, contemporary atmosphere.

- The design incorporates a prevalent modern architectural theory: visibility and openness. Windows hide the divide between indoor and external areas, which allows sunlight to enter and encourages a sense of relationship with the external surroundings.

Shahad Alserihi

Architect: Linda Mvusi and Mashabane Rose architecture

Date built: 2001

Typology and Social Value: This is a modernist museum built at the beginning of the 21st century characterized by its thick stone walls, exposed concrete and exposed staircases.

Reason for choosing/selecting this building: The building is an important part of the country's history as it was one of the first buildings to shade light on the racial segregation in society during apartheid. It does this through having different halls that visitors are meant to transition through replicating the apartheid from the beginning to the end. Another way it does this is by handing out discriminated tickets that people have to use when walking through the racially divided entrance

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

1. The building is built on reclaimed land that used to be a Gold mine in the 1800s

2. The buildings form is defined by its organic shape set next to rectangular shapes which is an example of modernist architecture

3. The building is a mix of different architectural forms to create a unique experience for visitors as they transition from dark spaces to brighter spaces and finally courtyards and exterior spaces symbolizing South Africa's journey from apartheid to democracy

Name of student: Salifyanji Siame

Date: 2009

Architect: Caruso St John Architects

Social Value:

The Nottingham contemporary is a modern art gallery that is freely open to the public, this means that smaller artists can produce and showcase their work with the opportunity to sell.

This provides a space of opportunity, connection and peace whilst also providing extra services such as cafes.

Reason for choosing:

I chose this building because of how it stands out; it isn’t considered ‘conventional’ compared with the surrounding architecture.

The use of bold forms and materials really outlines the image the architects were trying to convey as well as outlining the purpose of the building.

3 core issues:

1.     The building’s façade surpasses ‘conventional’ techniques with the research into different textile finishes as well as its final precast cladding system.

2.     The building is committed to environmental sustainability, with its use of natural light and LEDs to create a comforting environment without causing damage. Including the use of waste management: the non-recyclable waste is taken by the council and incinerated and the heat produced is used to warm the building.

3.     With its modern design, the building tries to incorporate the history of Nottingham as well, with its use of patterns and textiles to refer back to 20^th century architecture and the production of lace in Nottingham.

Sebastian Adams: 201712512

London, Kensington Gardens, England

Architect name:

Frida Escobedo

Date built:

15^th June to 7^TH October 2018

 Typology and social value:

-          Designing for the serpentine pavilion has been part of an ongoing pioneering competition that has allowed for opportunities for talent to be displayed. It began with world-renowned architect, Zaha Hadid in 2000 and has ever since exhibited the biggest names in international architecture such as Sou Fujimoto from Japan and Selgascano from Spain. Escobedo was the 18^th and youngest architect to win the 2018 competition to design the temporary structure, enabling her to explore British and Mexican design approaches in her building.

 reason for choosing

-          This building particularly stood out to me due to its incorporation of Mexican and British design influences. Escobedo conveys that contrast in layers is a significant feature that is apparent in Mexican architecture. She exhibits this through the building's exposed façade, where the wall is built in a lattice structure. This is built with two intentions in mind: one being for comfort and one to allow the breeze to seep through.  Another reason why this particular building appealed to me is due to its parallel alignment with the Greenwich Museum. This detail is included to allow the sun to light through the pavilion to encourage the passing of time inside which is significant as the museum is referred to as ‘the global standard marker of time’.  I found this particularly interesting as having a structure such as the Serpentine Pavilion in a city that is known for its hecticness juxtaposes each other.

The three core issues that make this a modern building

(1)    The Serpentine Gallery designed by Escobedo heavily emphasises time and space. the building itself encapsulates themes of compression and expansion with how the building is laid out; with some rooms having more open spaces and others being more private and enclosed.

(2)    Combining Escobedo’s Mexican heritage within her design fits the city of diversity. London is a city that’s made up of all sorts of different cultural backgrounds which are celebrated.

(3)    The deliberate choices of materiality and structural representations help convey the building’s intention of allowing visitors to experience the ‘passing of time’. For example, the curved underside of the canopy is cladded with mirrored panels which reflects the triangular pool that lies directly beneath; this plays with the idea of exploring time and space within the infrastructure. To enable the slowing down of time and to take in the moment in a city that is constantly active and busy.

Name of student who has made this post

Vanaika Gomes

Architect Name: Ellen Van Loon (Office for Metropolitan Architecture)

Date Built: June 2023

Social Value & Typology: Aviva Studios is a cultural space within the city of Manchester, carrying on the legacy of the Manchester International Festival. It focuses on delivering spaces to host artistic works, performance or visual, and was commissioned to try to counterbalance the cultural supremacy of London in the North. The studios cover 143,000 square feet, with a 2,000 person auditorium and a 5,000 capacity workspace. The larger site features two public squares around the studios, allowing for further use of the surrounding area. The design utilised part of the grade II listed building Colonnaded Railway Viaduct.

Why I chose this Building: I chose this building as i visited it as part of the Manchester International Festival in the summer of 2024, sampling the food available and experiencing the 'Sweet Dreams' installation. As someone who has lived in both the north and south of England during my life, it is important to me for councils to make clear attempts to improve the divide in class, culture and wealth that exists at present time within the UK. As this building attracts prominent artists and boosts tourism to the north, it successfully bridges that gap to a degree, matching my ethos. Whilst not being initially aware that this building was designed by a woman, the significance of Ellen Van Loon as the senior architect cannot be understated for such a significant building within Manchester's culture.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

1. A highly adaptable design. This building is required to display the artwork and media of a wide range of artists at any given point, meaning its spaces must be open, well lit, acoustically sound and adaptable for the vision of each successive artist. The pieces range from small to large, so flexibility of design is imperative to the success of the project, a key aspect of modern architecture. The internal walls of the structure are movable, allowing for the spaces to react to whatever is required of them. This adaptability allows viewers unexpected angles and vistas of the performances and pieces on display.

2. The Building uses modern architectural materials and processes. It makes use of natural light where appropriate and employs green roofs and walls where appropriate. These increase insulation and reduce the urban heat island effect, it is also an example of passive techniques being included within the building. Factory International was constructed using low carbon concrete and recycled materials, reducing its carbon footprint. It also utilises energy efficient, sustainable energy sources for its heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

3. Community engagement. Aviva studios and factory international have been constructed to boost community engagement, provide jobs and increase the cultural experience of the wider Manchester area. The food courts, large public spaces, and impact on Manchester international festival make the community a better place. This means the building has a positive lasting legacy past the instillation of the building itself. It gives back to the community, which is another core issue within modern architecture. It hosts workshops and educational programs to further engage and inform the local community as well.

By Luke Martland

Architect : Xu Tiantian

Date Built: 2018

Typology and Social Value:

It is an industrial building for brown sugar production.

The Brown Sugar Factory in Songyang is Xu Tiantian's efforts to highlight rural villages in China through an small architecture. It supports local industries and local females' employment issues . The factory provides a modern, functional space for the traditional process of brown sugar production, helping the preservation of local agricultural practices and the village’s economy.

Reasons for choosing:

I see Xu Tiantian respects the existing cultural and agricultural practices while introducing modern architecture that complements the natural landscape. She is using her(an architect's) way to support local women’s economic roles and highlighting the importance of their work in rural economies. This demonstrates the diverse possibilities of architects.

Three core issues:

Sustainability: The design encourages sustainable, eco-conscious practices, so it uses local materials with minimal environmental impact.

Empowerment of Women and Community: By modernizing traditional industries like sugar production, the factory supports local women’s economic roles and highlights the importance of their work in rural economies.

Blend of tradition and modernity: It enhances production efficiency and honors the cultural heritage of the community by incorporating traditional methods into a modern facility. This ensures old practices keep vital and relevant in today's economy.

Post by Jinyang Zhang

Date built: 2011

Typology and social value: As a gallery and landmark in Expo 2011 Xi'an, it is used as a museum to exhibit something about culture for people after the Expo. Additionally, residents or tourists can get a beautiful view from the top of the tower freely.

Reason for choosing

As the capital of thirteen dynasties in ancient China, Xi'an is a city whose cultural heritage profoundly affects me. The architecture incorporates traditional Chinese aesthetics and is set off beautifully with its surroundings of gardens and lakes. The design of this building maintains the charm of the square pagodas of the Sui and Tang dynasties, while adding modern elements, which not only reflects the connotation of Chinese architectural culture, but also highlights the fashionable and contemporary urban style, and is a practice and demonstration of eco-architecture.

Core issues

• The air-conditioning system of Chang'an Tower is powered by ground-source heat pumps, which make effective use of renewable resources, use only about 40% of the electricity of traditional central air-conditioning, and emit almost no greenhouse gases. In addition, the landscape lights on the tower are all LED lights, which are energy-saving and environmentally friendly, with a long life, and rich color changes.

• The tower has a structural steel frame, with transparent safety glass for the roof and all eaves, and glass curtain walls for the walls, it has the advantages of light weight, high strength, good seismic performance, easy industrialized production, etc. It is also energy-saving, land-saving, recyclable, and less polluting to the environment when it is built and dismantled, which is a large upfront investment but favors sustainable development.

• The preservation of the ancient elements is to make this building get along better with the city and to reduce the effects of homogenization of the city by the international style of modern architecture. Although many elements or ideas in this building reflect the characteristics of ancient architecture, it is different from ancient architecture and highlights the spirit of the progressive era.

Post by Enbo Guo

Challender Court

Location: Bristol, England

Architect: Emmett Russell (Rachel Witham)

Year: 2018

Typology: This is a council housing project on a former site of a garage, leaving the architects with minimal space to work with. It includes 8 one bed flats, providing housing to 8 separate people in Bristol who needed housing.

Reasons for choosing: The building was tasked with being low maintenance, robust and low energy, meaning that the architects needed to utilise Passivhaus techniques in their design, they are highly insulated and triple glazed.

The building is also social housing, something this country is in desperate need of more of, and creating good quality housing for working class people is vital for a successful country.

Three core issues that make it modern:

-            As council housing, it helps provide for the country with a growing level of poverty thanks to decades of austerity, putting 1000s more people into absolute poverty, leaving more and more people needing to use food banks to survive

-            It is climate conscious, using Passivhaus techniques, with the architects understanding their site conditions and using a thermal envelope which works with the climate.

-            Using a repurposed site, they have created generous spaces under tight restrictions, showing that housing doesn’t need to be hugely spacious, and using a repurposed brownfield site shows that new development doesn’t require taking away green spaces

Luke Foulder-Hughes 201715809

architect name: Jinqiu Zhang

date built: 1991

Typology and Social Value

Shaanxi History Museum complex is a cultural building integrating culture, education, scientific research and social services, and its architectural types reflect the functional diversity of museum buildings. The social value of this complex is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1)Cultural heritage protection and dissemination: As a national history museum, Shaanxi History Museum undertakes the important task of protecting and displaying the heritage of Shaanxi and even the whole Chinese civilization. It not only preserves important artifacts, but also disseminates historical knowledge and cultural values through exhibitions, educational activities and public interaction.

2)Social cohesion and identity: Museums are an important link between history and modern society, promoting public awareness and recognition of history and culture. Through the display of cultural relics from different historical periods, it allows people to see the social changes in the course of history and gain a sense of identity and belonging in modern society.

3) Education and public service functions: Museums are important places for social education. Shaanxi Provincial History Museum has continuously expanded its social functions by holding exhibitions, lectures and educational activities, and has become an open place for the public to acquire cultural knowledge and improve cultural literacy, providing cultural education and aesthetic experience services for the society.

reason for choosing/selecting this building

1) Cultural and historical status: Shaanxi Province, as one of the cradles of Chinese civilization, has extremely rich historical and cultural resources. Shaanxi Provincial History Museum, as its cultural carrier, shows the historical context from prehistoric civilization to modern times, with important historical and cultural symbolic significance.

2)Combination of architectural design and traditional culture: The architectural design of the museum combines traditional and modern architectural elements, traditional Chinese architectural style and modern architectural technology, showing the dialogue between historical culture and contemporary architectural art, which makes it a typical case of studying the integration of traditional and modern architecture.

3) Social education and influence: Museums are not only places to display historical relics, but also the main places for social and public cultural education. Its influence is not only limited to cultural inheritance, but also includes the influence on contemporary social values and public cultural life, which is a typical case of studying the social function of cultural architecture.

The Three Core Issues That Make This a Modern Building

1) The fusion of tradition and modernity

The architectural design of Shaanxi History Museum is the product of the combination of traditional culture and modern architectural technology. Its large roof and symmetrical layout draw on ancient Chinese architectural styles, but in structural design, material use and spatial organization, it reflects the flexibility and innovation of modern architecture. This combination of tradition and modernity is one of the core expressions of the building's modernity.

2) Functionality and social participation

As a modern building, Shaanxi History Museum not only pays attention to architectural aesthetics, but also pays attention to the functionality of the space. The design of its open space, exhibition space and public leisure area promotes the broad participation of the public, making it not just a static cultural exhibition place, but a public cultural space full of interaction. This emphasis on functional and social interaction reflects the trend of modern architecture to focus on public needs and social functions.

3) Environment and sustainability

One of the core issues of modern architecture is environmental sustai

Name：Boyu Wei

Architect: Viktorija Diciute

Date Built: 1960

Typology: The Neringa hotel is a great example of soviet-era modernist architecture as it displays minimalistic features and clean line aesthetics, which are typical for this type of architecture. Also its functionalism, through the incorporation of materials like steel, concrete and glass to emphasise the shape and form of the structure, define this building as modernistic.

Social Value: The building is a key symbol of modernism and innovation in Vilnius and Lithuania as a whole. When the building was first built, it represented progress from the architectural and societal standards of Soviet Lithuania and then developed into an urban focal point.

The building, particularly the cafe within, also developed into a cultural gathering space for writers and intellectuals, during the soviet era. It acted as a free environment for political discussions and other conversations amongst the soviet confines of the surrounding areas.

The building now is a heritage site which reflects upon the workings of some of the most successful Lithuanian architects and serves as a cafe and hotel to accommodate tourism and hospitality.

Reason for choosing: The reason for choosing this building in particular comes down to the vast cultural and historical values it represents in the local community. The fact that the co-leading architect of the original hotel project was a woman, symbolises perseverance and determination to strive for equality, especially in a time of confinement and struggle that was the soviet occupation.

Three Core Issues:

1- During the hotel's recent renovation, architectural conservation was a key focal point. Through the preservation of existing elements within the building, environmental impacts where significantly reduced. By focussing on restoration of existing modernistic elements, transport and waste emissions are minimised, preserving the carbon footprint of the project.

2- Incorporation of modern HVAC systems for the purpose of heating, ventilation and air conditioning follows the modern sustainability approach to design. These systems are known to be more energy efficient than traditional methods, therefore use less energy overall and are more environmentally friendly. The optimised climate control is advantageous in the varied Lithuanian seasons (very cold winters and hot summers).

3- Large expansive windows cover a vast majority of the building's envelope, which is a crucial feature in modernistic architecture. They allow natural light to irradiate the structure's interior, again increasing the sustainability of the building by minimising artificial light requirements. Also, the plethora of windows aim to create a sense of connection between interior and exterior spaces, blurring the boundaries of the built environment and nature.

Mykolas Kuklys

Architect: Sara Harraway (Director at CPMG)

Date: 2020 - 2022

Typology & Social Value: Commercial Installation (Restaurant & Bar)

Reason:

The Canal Turn is a structure built on a derelict, post-industrial brownfield site that is the first phase of development in gentrifying an area within the city of Nottingham that has been neglected for decades. This area is now being dubbed as 'the island quarter', and attempts to create a new cultural and social hub within the heart of the city, merging both modern and traditional Nottingham aesthetics - such as the use of redbrick and strong geometric forms to create a building that feels authentic to the city. The first phase in development offers an elegant restaurant and bar on the city's historic canal, and utilises nearby restored Grade II-listed Victorian warehouses to host live music and other cultural events. The second phase of development in the island quarter is an ambitious collection of tower blocks, offering flats, office spaces and hotel rooms within the heart of the city.

Michael Hewitt

Architect: SimpsonHaugh

Date Built: May 2010-April 2017

Typology and Social Value: Two St Peter's Square is a 12 storey office building situated in St Peter's Square in Manchester. It is sat amongst other notable buildings such as the Town Hall, the Town Hall Extension and the Central Library, transforming the space into a community-driven space. Its design allows it to fit cohesively within the square, but adds an additional aesthetic aspect that catches people's attention. The architects took into account the character and the historical setting of the area when designing this office building. It also benefits from 'natural daylighting and solar shading' (Simpson/Haugh) and the picturesque views of the surrounding architecture.

Reason for choosing: I chose this building as I was immediately drawn to its notable facade. It has a floral connection, with its symmetrical, flower-like, intricate design at the front and responds to the outside by bringing more of an interesting aspect to the square. Its elegancy and appearance makes this building memorable and welcoming. The architects are a company called Simpson/Haugh, with one of the founding partners being a woman named Rachel Haugh. As their company is focused mainly in Manchester, she has played a significant role in the design of many of Manchester's buildings and responds to the needs of the city and the clients.

Core issues that makes this a modern building:

1. Use of modern materials and a modern design, with a contemporary glass facade which allows natural light to enter the building. Its open plan design gives tenants the opportunity to customise their space, making it more adapatable and allowing them to create their own work environment.

2. Tracery panels add character, not only to the building but St Peter's Square too, allowing it to be noticeable and distinct.

3. It has energy efficient strategies for the heating and cooling systems, optimising insulation and ventilation and minimising its impact on the environment.

By Emily Openshaw

Architect: Susie Le Good, AHMM Architects

Built: October 2015

typology and social values: The Child Loss Bereavement centre consists of a series of rooms configured like a large house, set inside a secret garden on the grounds of Alder Hey Hospital. The architecture is easy to use and was formed through a conversational process with the client and users.

The Alder Centre provides bereavement counselling for parents and anyone affected by the death of a child, it is said that losing a child is something that parents will never get over, but this centre has been designed to help them learn to live with it through different forms of therapy in a more familiar, homely setting making it the first of its kind.

Reason for choosing: I chose this building as child loss is a heart-breaking part of many women's lives (on average around 7,000 babies and children under the age of 16 die each year in the UK.) The centre has been designed to provide a mixture of spaces for different people and types of therapy, which includes 1-1 counselling, informal setting chats and group sessions. Natural and healthful materials are emphasised throughout the design. Roof tiles manufactured in the UK have been utilised to reduce the carbon footprint of material transportation. For the roof structure, they chose low-carbon, FSC-certified wood, and the inside brick walls were left uncovered to save plasterboard and provide thermal mass for overnight cooling.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

• the design emphasises the layout of each room providing an open but private space, through a staggered layout of the rooms, they each have an entire glass wall to frame the walled gardens.

• Materials are edited to a minimum, essentially just brick walls and timber flooring. this is pushed further by reusing bricks from the demolished hospital, the site where the centre has been located, which also cuts the embodied carbon.

• The building consists of the public and private design of 7 staggered, separate therapy rooms all connected by 'the heart' which is a large communal kitchen/ living area, therefore accommodating all of its users.

  By Lauren Jesse

  
  

Date Built: February 2019

Typology and Social Value:

• The Buzz.ar is a community and retail centre with an outdoor event space overlooking the lake. It also offers a space for cultural and social events as well as recreation.

• The Buzz.ar has embodied great cultural importance to Malaysian societies. It acts as a place to bond over with family and friends during their free time, more commonly known in Malaysia as “Lepak”. Thus, it gives people a space to participate in social events such as flea markets and outdoor movie nights. Therefore, fulfils the sense of social enrichment and gathering that is widely celebrated throughout Malaysia, while being outside enriching the natural bond of visitors to the environmental landscape.

Reason for choosing the Building:

• Initially, I was drawn towards the sentimental and social value of the building. However upon closer inspection, the rustic yet modernistic mix of the style enhances senses of familiarity. A simple safe space. A connection to people and the outdoors. A hive that pulls people in. With mirrors reflecting the lake, it gives you the poetics of being safe in a compound but out in nature at the same time. Most importantly, this building and architect has shown the capabilities of Malaysian women architects to set a name for us in the corporate world. Eleena Jamil Architects, one of the few firms led by women in Malaysia.

Three core issues that makes this a modern building:

• Minimalist approach in its form, a series of connected pitched roofs with cut up cubes as wall in each plan. It also promotes a clean and simple facade with an accent wall in the main area.

• Materiality also plays a big role, that is the choice of combining glass, concrete, bricks, and steel as the main structure and facade of the building. Not commonly seen in a traditional Malaysian house.

• Sustainability actions featured in the Buzzar. For instance, the sun roofs to allow sunlight penetration, brickwork with ventilation holes applied at toilets, and slatted roofs catching the northwest wind while providing shade.

  
  

  Posted by Hanna Kamziru 

Aiton & Co, Norah Aiton and Betty Scott 

1931 

Typology and social value:  

The Aiton & Co office building is a modernist factory building, reminiscent of many of the factory buildings in the midlands, in the way it lays close to the ground, and is drawn out along the street. The building contains multiple floors, and alternates layers of brick, with window openings. The Aiton Factory and offices were set up to manufacture pipes and coordinate their sale and distribution in the 1930s. Aiton & Co was constructed in a time of slum clearance and urban renewal, where many people were rehomed in better quality housing in the suburbs. This vacancy left room for entrepreneurship in Derby, an opportunity that was taken up by Aiton & Co. The industrial movement was instrumental in modernisng the UK and making it into what we have today, and the Aiton factory was one of the cogs that turned this wheel. 

Reasons for choice: 

The Ainton & Co Pipe Manufacturer is a modernist industrial building which serves as a clerical centre for the company, containing offices and manufacturing spaces. The building was designed by Norah Aiton and Betty Scott, and was commissioned by Aiton’s family as the first architectural project following their graduation from the Architectural Association. The building is stylistically modernist, with a simple cuboid shape, and a functional lack of ornamentation aside from the company branding. It was also conceived and constructed during the modernist period, being finished in 1931. The office block was realised in the context of 1930s Derby, which was buzzing with industrial action. Derby boasts the world’s first factory, and was integral to the industrial revolution in the UK. Rail and iron were the major industries at the time, and slum clearance in the 1930s indicated to an aspirational outlook from the industrialised England of the time. This optimism is echoed in the investment into new industries and manufacturing opportunities, such as Aiton & Co pipes. In this way, the factory offices play a crucial part in the modern progression of Derby. The offices also progress modern ideas through being the building that earned Aiton & Co their figurative foot in the door. These women in architecture become visible on the street, as their creations are tangibly realised in Derby. 

This building is therefore an invaluable modern building, through its modernist design, its part in endorsing female presence in the built environment, and its part catalysing England’s modern industrial progression.  

Architect: Blue Sky Architects

Date: 2015

Typology and social value: The UTC combines traditional academic teaching with practical projects provided by local employees. It focuses on health sciences and engineering technologies.

Reason for choosing: I chose this building as I think it is important to have an educational building that focuses on engineering and sciences to help encourage girls to have a career in these fields, which are dominated by men.

Core issues:

1. The shape is very geometric and clean which is a characteristic of many modern buildings

2. Curtain walls are used throughout the building, a technique which was first used in 1864

3. The main façade is steel with lower level brickwork, a modern material choice

Posted by Lucy Seddon

Architects Name: Sarah Featherstone, Featherstone Young.

Date Built: Originally 1992, redeveloped in 2018.

Typology and Social Value:

• Ty Pawb is both a community centre as well as its original purpose as a people’s market. The market allows local artists and crafters to display and sell their products.

• Ty Pawb also contains a food court where local businesses and cooks can showcase their food.

• The building also hosts cultural and social events such as Focus wales.

Reason for choosing:

I chose this building not only because it’s one of the only buildings in the Wrexham area designed by a woman, but because it serves as a home for Welsh culture and the Welsh community in Wrexham. The building hosts celebrations of the Welsh language such as Focus Wales and Welsh leaning lessons.

What makes this a modern building:

• The interior uses a rustic and modern brutalist design with exposed services, combined with soft home elements with light wooden furniture and chairs.

• The buildings exterior uses a modern artistic design in contrast with the buildings original 90s aesthetic.

• The buildings interior layout is modular and rearrangeable to allow for a great amount of space uses.

Gareth Morris

Name - The Old Pottery

Location - Bristol, Uk

Architect - Elizabeth Jayne O'Neill 

Date built - Begun April 2021 - Complete June 2022

Typology and Social Value - The construction of the building took just over a year, lowering the cost for construction and cost for hiring equipment and workers. The architect used a minimalist design to reduce the amount of materials used in construction and lowered the carbon footprint.

Reason for choosing/ selecting building - The building is situated close to my home. The architect has made an effort to make this building both sustainable and environmentally friendly. The architect has chosen methods of construction that increase the speed of construction and utilise the space of the building.

Three core issues that make this building modern -

1. The Old Pottery design maximises the use of space in a building to reduce the amount of clutter from day to day living.

2. The Building makes use of SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels). SIPs are a construction methods that helps erect buildings with speed and ease.

3. Building utilises the use of natural light and solar gains, this is as the building at the front is south facing.

Student - Sebastian Cross

Location

Bristol BS8, United Kingdom

Date built: 2022

Typology and social value: This is an innovative energy solution located in the heart of Manchester and aims to provide a sustainable heat and power system for certain parts of the city. As well as supporting local economy’s by only employing 22 members of staff for this project who include 4 apprentices and a graduate from a local university, giving them experience and education though industry and with the money that was saved from this it has been given to local charity’s.

Reasons for choosing the building: The

building is a statement in the center of Manchester with its unique look and structure created for its function with the steel reflectors that move in a wave like motion using the wind which reflect the sun light into its towers chambers allowing the LEDs to be powered for the night when it’s illuminantion is needed.

3 issues that make this building modern:

• Opportunity’s for education through employment of students and apprentices for this project.

• It’s intricate facade with the structure grounded in one of the latest digital modelling.

• The use of modern materials such as steel sheets and it’s intelligent locking system where the sheets are cold formed together and welded along the seems creating a holistic shell structure.

  Name and number:

  Anabelle gallagher

  201720050

Architect: Nicola Rutt

Date Built: 27^th Sep 2021

Typology and social value: Built as a University central hub, the building acts as the heart of the campus. Students use the building as a social space, with a variety of seating areas, help desks, workspaces and international offices. Quiet study areas and meeting rooms for student and staff alike inspire gatherings of all types of people. Being part of UCLan’s £200million university renovation project, the building boasts its modern nature with many sustainable features and striking architecture.

Reason for choosing the building: I would see this building twice a day every day during my bus journey to sixth form, and I got to see its construction from start to finish. It was particularly interesting to see the layers of structure coming up and I would be very interested in the changes made daily as I sat on the bus. I initially had no idea it was designed by a female architect, so it was a perfect choice for this project as it was one, I have a good connection to.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

-          Sustainability features- The architects made use of devices such as energy efficient systems, natural ventilation and a big focus on natural light. The natural light is particularly important as it makes for a warmer, cosier feel inside, which is typically harder to achieve in such a large space.

-          Connection to Public realm- The building is well integrated into the surrounding area. The large open space in front of the building feels inviting, and offers a good change of scenery compared to the busy city it lives in. There is a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces, helped by the large amounts of glass panel windows on the north-west façade.

-          Bold, Modern Design- The striking, uniform design makes this building feel like it is of the modern era. The sharp lines and large glass windows are a typical aesthetic within this era of architecture.

Name: Barney Smedley 201733776

Architect: Emma Cockroft

Date Built: 2017

Typology and Social Value:

The Three Acres Inn is a leisure establishment which includes both an inn and a restaurant. The pub was a dining destination after the end of the local mining industry saw a decline in traditional custom. The staff tend to work there for more than 20 years which means that it is important for local employment.

Reason for choosing the building:

I selected this building to credit Emma Cockroft for her contribution towards the green oak extension. When searching up the Three Acres Inn, most articles that came up were crediting others that were involved in the construction process but did not mention the specific architects like Emma that contributed towards the design of the entryway.

Three core issues that make it a modern building:

1. Use of traditional materials in innovative ways – In the construction of the extension, green oak was used as the main structural component. Green oak is a traditional construction material, however, the use of the material in the construction of the extension means that the carbon footprint of the building was reduced, as well as this, the oak traps carbon within itself. This in itself is a characteristic of a modern building.

2. Wheelchair accessible – Typical pubs which have been open since the late 60s have not been wheelchair accessible, once of the features of the extension on the entryway means that it is now wheelchair accessible. This is a modern characteristic.

3. Abundance of glass to let in natural light – The exterior of the pub extension highlights the addition of an oak and glass façade entryway. This allows for lots of natural light to disperse into the spaces. This is a modern characteristic.

   
   

    

 Name of Student: Daania Iqbal

Architect name – Amelie Chai

Date Built – 2018

Typology and social value – This private villa marks Myanmar’s architecture emergence on the global stage. While showing a standard in architectural evolution, it also can address the practical needs of the residents.

Reasons for choosing this building –

1.     Environmental design – The white colour is mainly used on the surface of the villa to reflect the sunlight, reducing the heat absorption in hot and humid region. Also, the design prioritizes natural ventilation to maintain comfort without heavily relying on artificial cooling systems. In addition to this, locally available materials like timber and limestones were used. This contributes to the sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint of transporting imported materials.

2.     Innovative design – Tree House has the innovative design by breaking generic design. Its use of tall, inclined timber columns, inspired by the natural growth of trees, introduces a fresh and unconventional approach.  

The three core issues that make this a modern building

1.     Strategic layout plan – Not only the building but also the available landscape were carefully considered during the planning stage. The integration of nature into the villa’s design reflects a harmonious relationship between the built environment and its natural surroundings.

2.     Concept – The villa’s concept is inspired by the “tree house” idea, using tall timber columns that evoke the verticality of tree trunks. Some of these columns are deliberately inclined, mimicking the way trees grow in nature, whether straight or at angles. This gives the structure a unique and organic feel.

3.     Balance between form and function – The striking visual modern form also serves functional purposes by giving comfortability to the users of the buildings.

Mo Mo Pe Than

Architect name: Zaha Hadid

Date built: 2010 - 2014

Typology and social value: The Lingkong SOHO building is a group of comprehensive office buildings.

Reason: This building is a group of four buildings connected by the bridges in the air, which is near my home in Shanghai, can be seen near the expressway in the city. The beautiful curves in this building not only add beauty, but also maximize the utilization of the limited floor area. And Zaha incorporated the traditional Chinese concept of "knot" into her design, which attracts me the most.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

1. breaking the unwritten rules of traditional architecture:

   The form of this building breaks the tradition of Chinese architecture and extensively adopts the rare curved form in China. But at the same time, it also combines traditional elements of Chinese knots, connecting the four buildings through aerial bridges to embody the concept of "knots". This can be considered as a revival of tradition. And bold curved lines were used to increase land utilization to meet the requirements of modern society for architecture.

2. modern materials:

   The main materials used in the construction of Lingkong SOHO include FRP, concrete, steel bars, and some new environmentally friendly and high-performance materials. This is very different from the soil, wood, bricks, and tiles used in traditional architecture, but instead uses some more durable materials produced by modern society.

3. stragety friendly to both human and environment:

   Lingkong SOHO has obtained the LEED Gold pre certification in the United States. In order to ensure indoor air quality, the building adopts a fresh air filtration system, and the PM2.5 filtration effect of the fresh air in the office reaches 90%. At the same time, in order to save energy, reduce emissions, and lower building energy consumption, Lingkong SOHO will also plan to establish a new generation of intelligent building energy-saving management system combined with BIM system.

Runhe Li

Architect name – Zaha Hadid

Completed by 2017

Typology and social value – KAPSARC focuses on energy economics and policy research. It hosts events, conferences, and seminars, and has earned a LEED Platinum certification for sustainability.

Reasons for choosing this building -

·       Sustainable architecture project:

The building has been awarded the LEED Platinum certification, demonstrating its dedication to energy efficiency through its efficient use of natural light and ventilation.

·       Environmental Integration:

The system utilizes natural cooling and native desert flora for biodiversity and sustainability, incorporating reflecting pools and shaded courtyards for cooling.

·       Innovative Design Features:

The project's modular design allows for future expansion while maintaining aesthetics, while its porous interiors enhance thermal comfort and energy efficiency.

The three core issues that make this a modern building:

1.         KAPSARC's strategic layout

The hexagonal prismatic structures in the modular system enhance functionality, sustainability, and research collaboration, while minimizing material use and promoting environmental considerations and adaptability.

2.     Concept

The honeycomb-like honeycomb structure minimizes material use while ensuring structural integrity.

3.     Balance between form and function

The center's design, featuring open courtyards and public spaces, enhances its functionality as a research hub, promoting community interaction and collaboration among researchers.

Posted by Zainab Etfif

201743627

Architect: Marina Tabassum

Date Built: 2005-2012

Typology & Social Value:

This place of worship, specifically this mosque, was built when considering the adaptation of Islamic architecture within it's modern contexts, without abandoning the significance of tradition. Having won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2016, this building demonstrates a harmonious blend of architectural excellence and sensitivity in creating spaces of spiritual importance.

Reason for Choosing:

Being a relatively new country (and my country of ethnicity), the effects of historical events and societal progess can be noticed by family members who have been directly affected. The country's developments, ranging from advancements in women's rights to access to clean water, have moved alongside a more complementary, modern approach to the architecutre. The building, designed by a woman in a society where women in leadership roles often face challenges, powerfully symbolises these shifts in attitude. At the same time, it honours important historical and cultural traditions, such as the spiritual significance of Islam.

Core Issues:

1. The strategically placed openings and skylights allow for natural ventilation and lighting, which not only provides a more comfortable environment given Bangladesh's hot and humid climate, but also eliminates the energy consumption required for artificial methods as it contains none.

2. Taking a step back from the traditional dome shaping of mosques, the more geometric shape of the hall, in it's octagonal shape and repeating brick wall patterns, provide a sense of symmetry. This provides a spacious and functional area to house worship.

3. The shift to more geometric and functional shapes also benefit in load bearing capabilites. These simpler, more modern load bearing mechanisms in contrast to more complex shapes such as domes, demonstrate the more modern application of tradional materials (brick).

Name of Student: Madyan Chowdhury

Architect: Susan Philips

Date: 1988

Typology and Social Value: A meeting place for members of parliament, acting as a symbol for Australia’s democracy. It acts as a place where decisions that shape the nation are made, a site for celebration, memorial, and protest. Most importantly, acting as a place to represent the people of Australia.

Reason: It is one of the most important buildings in representing Australia’s nation. Located in the Capital City.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

1.      The incorporation of the building into the landscape is a key element in the design. It approaches Walter Burley Griffin’s modern vision for Canberra, which aims to integrate the built and natural environment. The building was chosen to ‘nest’ within a hill rather than be built on top as this would symbolize a government imposed upon the nation. By being submerged with the landscape, the building symbolically rises from the Australian landscape, as a true democracy should rise.

2.      Layout – the parliament house uses two curved walls as a division device between the Senate and House of Representatives, a division that physically represents Australia’s bicameral parliamentary system in which laws can only be passed if both houses agree.

3.      Materiality – The verandah is made up of 22 columns and is topped by a glazed glass roof. The screen wall is clad with slabs of Italian Carrara marble. The materiality pays tribute to the tradition of verandah in Australian homes, which gives shelter from the sun and rain, and is where guests are welcomed and farewelled.

Mathilde Giesbertz

Architect Name: Zaha Hadid

Date Built: 2016-2019

Typology and Social Value: The Al Janoub Stadium is a public building typology that helps bring football and sport fans together. It successfully hosted the World Cup 2022, and continues to be used for sporting events in the country and region.

Reason for choosing/selecting this building: Built by one of the greatest architects of all time, with her unique futuristic designs, that incorporate sharp angles, curves and mix of materials. This stadium uses many modern materials and technologies do help adapt with the hot weather of Qatar and is symbolic to Qatar’s heritage

The three core issues that make this a modern building:

- Sustainable Technologies: The Al Janoub Stadium incorporates modern sustainable technologies such as a cooling system to help in create a comfort enviornment for the football fans and players during the desert heat. In addition to the cooling system, the roof design of the stadium help to reduce solar heat gain.

- Innovative Architectural Design: This stadium is built by a Zaha Hadid who also originally comes from Iraq, a country that neighbours Qatar. This makes her more educated in the Arab heritage which is why she implemented in a great way Arab/Qatari heritage by designing a building  that represents the typical shape of a fishing boats called dhows, that were commonly used in the region for people’s livelihood before gas and oil was discovered.

- Materials: The stadiums characteristics includes steel and ETFE panels which gives the stadium a sleek appearance.

Name of student: Alya Al-Jaber

Architect: Louise Sheridan

Date: 2016

Typology and Social Value:

This building serves as a cultural centre that accommodates a diverse range of activities, enabling different age groups and communities to coexist within a single space. The project has been highly successful in attracting tourism to Chester, drawing over half a million visitors within the first six months of its opening.

Reasons for choice:

Multi-Functional Design: Storyhouse serves as a versatile cultural centre, combining a theatre, cinema, library, and community spaces, all under one roof. This multi-use approach exemplifies modern architectural trends that prioritise flexible, adaptable spaces.

Community Integration: The building's purpose extends beyond cultural entertainment, fostering social cohesion by providing spaces for various age groups and communities. This inclusive approach reflects contemporary values of accessibility and community engagement.

Tourism and Economic Impact: Since opening, Storyhouse has significantly boosted local tourism, drawing in over half a million visitors within its first six months. This demonstrates the building's success as a modern attraction that contributes to Chester's cultural and economic revitalisation.

Revitalisation of Historic Areas: Storyhouse integrates modern architectural elements within a historic setting, respecting Chester's heritage while introducing contemporary design. This blend of old and new showcases a modern approach to urban development.

Cultural and Educational Hub: By offering a space for cultural activities, educational programmes, and creative arts, Storyhouse fulfils the modern building purpose of serving as a cultural and intellectual hub for the community.

Three core issues that make this building modern:

Innovative Multi-Use Space: Storyhouse combines a theatre, cinema, library, and community spaces into one seamless facility. This innovative design reflects a modern architectural trend toward creating multifunctional buildings that cater to diverse community needs, optimising space and enhancing accessibility.

Sustainability and Adaptive Reuse: The building incorporates sustainable practices, including the adaptive reuse of a former 1930s Odeon cinema. This modern approach to architecture embraces environmental responsibility by repurposing historic structures, reducing the need for new materials, and blending heritage with contemporary design.

Community-Centric Focus: Modern buildings often prioritise social engagement, and Storyhouse embodies this by offering spaces that foster community interaction, education, and cultural expression. Its inclusive programming and design make it a hub for different age groups and communities, aligning with contemporary values of social integration and accessibility.

Student Name: Sachin Bharti

Finished in：2014
Program: clubhouse
Team Leaders: Wang Quan, Cai Shanyi

Tengchong, Yunnan, China.

Architect
Qi Shanshan.

Date Built
The project was completed around 2018.

Typology and Social Value
An'zhi'ruo'su (Peaceful Inn) is a hotel that provides visitors with a tranquil environment to escape urban life and connect with nature. The design emphasizes respect for local culture and the natural environment. It serves as a model for sustainable development, promoting local tourism while raising awareness about environmental conservation and cultural heritage preservation.

Reason for Selecting This Building
An'zhi'ruo'su (Peaceful Inn) was selected for its unique design philosophy, which seamlessly integrates modern aesthetics with the natural landscape without disrupting the environment. It also showcases innovative solutions to complex site challenges, blending traditional elements with contemporary design.

The Three Core Issues That Make This a Modern Building

Ecological Integration: The design prioritizes harmonious coexistence with the natural environment, using local materials and preserving the topography to minimize environmental impact.

Cultural Expression: The project reflects Chinese culture, particularly that of Yunnan, through its forms and materials, maintaining a strong sense of place and identity while embracing modern design.

Technological Innovation: Advanced engineering solutions and green building materials are employed to meet the sustainability goals, including passive design strategies to address the site’s challenges.

Completed in 2021

London

Typology and social value

-              The museum offers great social value as it highlights the historical significance of domestic spaces. It also engages visitors by the use of interactive and immersive installations. Through these interactions the museum can educate and promote awareness of multiple cultures and lifestyles.

Reason for choosing this building

-              This museum highlights an interesting social issue regarding gender roles in the home with an importance on rethinking the future. The domestic environment has always been an area where woman have been oppressed and whilst in this has changed recently in the UK, it is still an issue in many countries. Because of this the education is so important for younger generations and happens through the museums work with schools and young people.

Three core issues

-              The Museum’s design has eco-friendly practices in place. This sustainability makes this a modern building as it has a great vision for the future.

-              The Museum actively represents diverse narratives related to home life including addressing issues of gender, class and race.

-              The integration of digital technology withing the building and design make this building more accessible to people.

Post by Oliver Schlich

Architect: Sarah Croft, Croft Architecture

Date built: 2018

Typology and social value: The Saltbox HQ is the base for the Christian charity, Saltbox, which work in partnership to socially transform and strengthen communities. This charity works on befriending and committing welfare checks for isolated older people, support the homeless and those at risk if homelessness, practical help with debt relief and benefits advice, and also provides support and outreach for Church and community groups. The charity has roughly 3000 volunteers and raised £2.4 million last year to help local communities. Each year, they are looking to further help and grow their community.

Reason for choosing: I chose this building as it was designed on a tight budget and a limited time schedule. Also, it shows how communities can be brought together despite challenges individuals face and differences they may have. I believe that a charity like this, that brings people together should have a modern and practical workspace, which this building provides.

Three core issues:

·         It has flexible workspaces. This means that volunteers can adapt the layout to provide the right setting for various purposes, such as meetings, workshops or community events. There are also areas dedicated to collaboration work, to help encourage brainstorming and teamwork. There are private desks too for when people prefer to work alone.

·         Accessibility. Thoughtful design ensures that entrances, restrooms, and common areas are all easily accessible to disabled individuals. Through the building there is also elevators and clear, bold signage to cater for majority of people’s needs and disabilities.

·         Health and wellbeing. When designing, Sarah wanted to maximise natural light through large windows as well at a skylight at the top of the stairs. She wanted this as it helps to improve mood and productivity, also it reduces the need for artificial lighting and, therefore, reducing energy usage. These large windows provide good ventilation too

Olly Downe

Built: 2009

Typology and Social Value

Previously a two-storey brick building being used for retail, the architect proposed a three-storey extension as well as a dynamic new facade. The building now functions as an office space. Located on a previously misused and underdeveloped alleyway, the design improves the street visually and functionally, and its unconventional facade draws attention to the place, making it safer. The construction of the extension uses a steel framed structure, and an envelope consisting of aluminium cladding, galvanised steel fins, insulation and CNC plywood frames, and is finished on the inside using jesmonite plaster.

My Interest in the Building

I selected this building because it tackles issues which I believe are important, such as sustainability and the mental well-being of occupants, and does so in a creatively unconventional way. Its fluid, dynamic facade is eye-catching yet subtle, and visually improves the city I am from. For these reasons, I am drawn to this building.

Three Issues that make it a Modern Building

Firstly, the building incorporates sustainability through several design features. For example, it uses a passive stratgey for daylighting and heating through thoughtfully angled glazing. The openings created by the sculptural form of the facade are aimed at the sky to maximise solar gains in a narrow urban street in which sunlight is limited. Secondly, the seemingly complex facade has been designed to be incredibly low maintenance. A tongue-and -groove system has been employed for the connection of the aluminum profiles in order to ensure water-tightness, and a hidden gutter system is used to shed rainwater. These mechanisms, as well as a high durability paint and self-cleaning glass, help to make the building more efficient. Finally, in maximising daylighting while also providing views out, the architect has designed a pleasant place to work. This is an important issue for modern office buildings as it can greatly affect the mental well-being of the building's users.

Post by Jack Havard

Architect: Glancy Nicholls Architects (Aiste Labeikyte)

Date built: 2023

Typology and Social value: The Goodsyard is a mixed use development. It offers residential apartments, commercial and retail spaces. The design responds to grade II listed surrounding cemeteries. The site has been restored to interpret its original heritage of the lost goods warehouse. By enhancing the areas appeal, the Goodsyard can boost tourism and contribute to the cultural and economic vitality. This contributes to a live-work-play lifestyle, which boosts morale amongst the community.

I chose this building due to its historical background. The Goodsyard site has links to Birmingham's industrial past, particularly as a railway goods depot. It played a crucial role in the transportation of goods and the redevelopment of this site emphasises the importance of the history surrounding the Jewellery Quarter. Also, the Victorian-era buildings showcase the architectural style of the period, and this reflects the rich industrial heritage.

Three core issues:

• The Goodsyard redevelopment incorporates sustainable practices, such as energy efficient technologies, locally sourced materials and green spaces. This focus on sustainability shows contemporary architectural principles aimed at reducing the impact on the environment.

• The Goodsyard has a mixed functionality and features a mix of residential, commercial and recreational spaces. This modern approach encourages community interaction and promotes diverse needs within a location.

• The redevelopment of the warehouse emphasises community engagement and inclusivity. The local residents and the stakeholders both had a voice in shaping the project. This creates a sense of belonging within the community.

Post by Madeline Ayers

Architect: Dow Jones Architects

Date Built: 2019

Typology and Social Value: Maggie's Cancer care

Maggie's Cancer Care organisation was founded in 1996 with the first centre being opened in Edinburgh and since then many centres have been constructed in the UK and a few abroad.

Maggie's Cancer Care was founded by Maggie Jencks after her own experience with the illness. Her drive centred around the ideology that "nobody would lose the joy living in the fear of dying when diagnosed with cancer". Her company ensures that patients and carers alike live in comfort in space and in the experiences of others, whilst also close to but outside of hospitals that treated Maggie poorly during her treatment. Maggie and Charles (her husband) designed the blueprints for the centres together, enlisting help from some of their friends in the architectural world, having been a designer herself.

Charles stated that “if you look after the carers, the carers can look after the patients” and I think that this encompasses the ideology of the founders perfectly.

I chose this building as I feel that it is imperative to the social and environmental value of the city and healthcare in Cardiff as a whole. Its values lie in caring for the community and designing with people in mind. In addition, there's a certain poetic beauty in passing the architectural responsibility to another female - male design partnership.

Biba Dow studied architecture at Cambridge University and opened Dow and Jones Architects with Alan Jones in 2000. She has taken point on many projects such as Bevis Marks Synagogue and Grand Junction at St Mary Magdalene. She has also been involved in teaching architecture at many UK universities.

Three values that make the centre a modern building:

1. Passive design

Although the floor of the structure is seen as detrimental to the environment, this is balanced by the use of timber and steel sheets for the main structure and facade. Furthermore, concrete is a thermally dense material and will absorb heat during the day and slowly release it at night. The large open plan interior allows easy circulation and ventilation. The courtyard space also acts as a sun trap allowing heat to radiate into the interior during the day, similar to the middle-eastern vernacular that has become much more widely incorporated into modern architecture.

1. Geometry of space

The centre consists of a large open planned space to prevent the inhabitants from feeling claustrophobic as many often do in a hospital setting. The facade facing the car park is solid whereas the parts that face the trees and field are open, creating incidental spaces that look out into nature. Douglas fir elements with built in storage are used to segregate and organise parts of the space which add to this natural and organic atmosphere. The high-ceilinged social space is illuminated with lots of natural light and forms a comfortable environment for patient and carer alike, this space is called the cwtch. Cwtch is a welsh phrase when in this context refers to a cosy, comfortable and personal space comparable to a hug, such being its literal translation.

The design of the roof is inspired heavily by the hillsides of wales, which have a vital part of the mining history of the country. This aspect paired with the large chimney is typical of the welsh vernacular and works to create a familiar space for the local inhabitants.

3. Efficient execution and construction

The centre was delivered in just over 16 months even though it was not prefabricated and only cost around one third of the original proposed budget. Designed to be a temporary structure, it was constructed as such however it is likely that it will become more permanent. the concrete base and minimal material palette made for simple and efficient construction.

The reference to the welsh mining history of the structure is something that I found particularly interesting and there are many folk tales surrounding those who worked in the mines which would make an interesting basis for my part of the group film aspect of this project.

Niamh Hobbs

Architect: Malene Bjørn

Date built: 1979

Typology/ Social value: While Bjørn is not from Kuwait, she is a woman who designed the most notable building in the country, yet she receives little to no recognition. When Kuwait commissioned a Swedish company to design a water supply system, the chief architect was Sune Lindström, husband to Malene Bjørn. Initially intended to function only as a water tower and look similar to the other water towers found across the country, the Emir of Kuwait wanted a more interesting design. She designed the three towers which have become a landmark recognised globally, yet no one knows it was designed by a female architect. Each tower has a different function, the tallest one, standing at 180 m, serves as a restaurant, rotating observatory, and water reservoir. The second tallest tower, standing at 140 m serves only as a water reservoir, while the smallest stores equipment. The towers capture the modernity of Kuwait society and provide a commentary of the prosperity of the country after being liberated from British rule. The towers have become a symbol cultivating a national identity by representing Kuwait's cultural heritage through modern means. 

Reason for choosing building: The towers serve important functions within the water supply system while being aesthetically pleasing. With the design changes, the engineering of the building had to take into account the difference in the applied load. The engineering of the building is simply a marvel, as it has a platform which rotates 360 degrees every 30 minutes. The towers have incredible history as they survived the Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait and the oil fires in the 90s.

Three core issues: 

1. The materials used work together to create a durable yet visually striking tower. Reinforced and prestressed concrete, steel, and glass all work together not only for structural stability, but aesthetic purposes. In modern architecture, concrete is a favored material choice as it is durable and versatile. Given the load from the stored water and restaurant, concrete was a clear choice. The steel used in the building offers extra durability, while the colorful steel discs on the exterior enhances the visual impact. The use of innovative materials allow the building to be durable and look aesthetically pleasing without compromising the functionality. 

2. The structural design or form of the towers consist of spheres and slender cones. Through the use of minimalistic shapes, the design creates a distinctive and memorable silhouette. The tower also features technological advancements, with a rotating platform that compliments and maintains a sleek design. The shape of the building contributes to its ability to withstand high winds and seismic activity as it has a larger base. The design encouraged creativity in architecture, exploring different forms and styles that were new to the region at the time. 

3. The integration of the landscape from the park to the waterfront creates a harmonious blend of the built environment with nature. The color of the spheres take from its surroundings while the white cones offer a stark contrast to capture the onlookers attention. Unlike many coastal towers, the Kuwait towers are not an eyesore as they enhance the scenery rather than diminish it.

Post by Fatemah Alhayen

Date: 2014

Typology and social value: Its dynamic, articulated façade gives the cityscape visual interest. Its design contributes to Kuwait's increasing need for modern living spaces by offering creative housing options in a neighbourhood that is heavily inhabited and dominated by expats. Along with stressing the importance of female architects in the area, the tower also highlights sustainability and urban efficiency.

Reason for choosing this building: It was created by one of Kuwait's top female architects and is a prime example of creative modern architecture. The building's dynamic, eye-catching façade and emphasis on sustainability are examples of modern architectural styles. The project is a good choice for examining gender representation in the built environment since it emphasises the importance of women in architecture.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

1. Geometric Façade: Two essential elements of modern design, visual drama and movement, are added by the dynamic, angled brick façade.

2. Minimalist Design: A modern, functional aesthetic is reflected in clean lines, simple forms, big windows, and sparse adornment.

3. Sustainability: In accordance with contemporary sustainability ideals, the design probably makes the most of natural light and makes use of sturdy materials.

Posted By Sarah Abozeed

^{-Central London, England, WC2R 2PP}

Architect/Designer 

^{-Disputed between historians, records state Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, however a female architect is argued and during this period women were infamously uncredited with their work.} 

Date Built

^-1942

Typology and Social Value 

^{-Waterloo bridge originally named Strand Bridge commemorates the victory over Napoleon in the battle of Waterloo 1815. The original bridge was rebuilt due to nearing structuring failure and safety concerns, The bridge serves as a testament to female fortitude, working in conditions that systemically chose to discriminate and object them daily with much ridicule from male counterparts. Only in 2015 was it historically accepted after historian Christine Wall presented an irrefutable argument via a series of photographs proving that there was female contribution. However much later through the years to be socially accepted-more than just an urban myth as it was back then. it was vital for WWII linking both sides for easy transport across north and south London. Now its a crossing for vehicles and people offering expansive views of London's best landmarks.}

Reason for selected building: 

^{-One may argue that a bridge is not a building. although somewhat contested online. The main reasoning for choosing waterloo bridge was the fact of exploring the female injustice and influence they had on the pioneering women after. its incredibly difficult to find any structure built or designed by women during this period. Waterloo bridge is the only example to my knowledge of women during the 1940 period building a structure that its in commercial use to this day. I chose to be somewhat different picking a more difficult period to find female architects and designers. Furthermore from further research into feminist pages and certain news articles its disputed that there was much female input within the design and that it may of even had a female architect. But due to the major inequalities with women within the industry they were never recognized. Considering it took 73 years to be recognized for the entire construction of the bridge, I don't doubt a female designer designing the bridge but never credited being implausible. This accusation is further supported by the fact that female artists submitted entries within a competition to designs for the plinths that was rejected never to be seen, even from the likes of famous female artists like Barbara Hepworth.} 

^{Choosing this building allows me to educate myself on the struggle of women within the design industry which is what architecture and engineering ultimately fall under.}

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

^{-Compared to traditional bridge structure of its time its modern with the fact its building composition is of reinforced concrete, this is a composition of concrete and steel rebar which runs throughout the concrete providing unrivalled strength and security. The design is very unusual for bridges, with no supports spanning across the bridges but rather only at the edges in order to keep it 'light' and 'sweet', its actually an engineering nightmare but it works, perhaps testament to the excellent artisan nature of the female engineers and workers}

_{-An cultural enlightenment of sort arouse from the waterloo bridge construction, it destroyed the idea of women just being nothing more than submissive and the possession of men. That in just such a small time they were able to assimilate themselves into the hard labouring roles men took up and that they could match the quality, speed and efficiency of their male counterparts in their work. After all the bridge is still standing. It gave women confidence, a pioneering project if I may say so. The design aspect however was more cleverly shunted and censored, women were tightly restricted within construction and design fields, just barely being allowed to design small cottages and houses. I believe there to be a female architect and at the very minimum heavy female input into the design and construction of the waterloo bridge but it was never materialised in the history to not disdain the patriarchal hierarchy above them.}

_{-The bridge follows a simple no frills design, its predecessor the strand bridge was adorned with Doric columns and ornamentation. The old Waterloo bridge followed a design reflective of the societal design standards, a baroque and ostentatious design. The modern design while much more straightforward and no nonsense is reflective of the progressive themes within modern design. Waterloo bridge design could be categorised within the brutalist and utilitarian architecture style. A competition arose for designs to adorn the four plinths on the corners of the bridge, many of those entered were female architects/designers/artists alike. None of which were used for unknown 'suspicious' if I may so, reasons. other than this there is no other design attempt or stimulating aspect of the bridge.}

Name of student:

_{-Arun Rattanpal}

Architect name: Hind Almatrouk

Date: 2021

Typology and Social Value:

Typology:

Mixed-Use Residential: The Jade building is intended to be a multi-family residential complex that integrates contemporary living areas and fosters social interaction within the neighbourhood.

Contemporary Architecture: Clean lines, open areas, and creative material use define this design, which combines contemporary aesthetics with practical living.

Sustainable Design: Energy efficiency and sustainable materials are key components of contemporary urban architecture, and the building integrates these eco-friendly techniques.

Social Values:

Community Engagement: By providing common areas, the design fosters social contact between people, fostering a feeling of community and belonging.

Cultural Relevance: By incorporating regional architectural features, the structure honours Kuwaiti heritage and culture while encouraging a relationship between locals and their surroundings.

Quality of Life: The emphasis on light, space, and gardening improves the quality of life for the inhabitants by creating a cosy urban living place.

Sustainability: Promoting eco-friendly behaviours is in line with worldwide movements for sustainability, which aim to provide a healthy environment and way of life for coming generations.

Reasons for selecting this building:

The Jade Residential Apartment complex is my choice because it perfectly combines contemporary architecture with cultural significance, capturing the changing face of Kuwaiti urban life. In addition to meeting modern living needs, the building's creative architecture encourages community involvement with its well-planned common areas. Furthermore, because it emphasises environmental responsibility while improving the quality of life for its citizens, its dedication to sustainability aligns with my ideals. In an increasingly urbanised world, the Jade building serves as a symbol of how architecture can influence social relations and foster a sense of belonging.

Three core issues that make this a modernist building:

-Form Follows Function: With a plan that maximises living space while reducing superfluous ornamentation, the design places a premium on functionality. The modernist idea that a building's shape should be dictated by its intended use is shown in the emphasis on simple lines and functional areas.

-Innovative Materials and processes: The structure deviates from conventional approaches by utilising modern materials and construction processes. In keeping with modernist principles, this use of contemporary materials improves sustainability and energy efficiency in addition to adding to the visual appeal.

-Integration with the Environment: Natural light, ventilation, and landscape integration are all taken into account in the building's design. This emphasis on blending in with the surroundings reflects the modernist idea of designing areas that are sensitive to their circumstances.

Name of student: Roza Alzoabi

Architect: Georgie Wolton

Date Built: 1975-76

Social Value & Typology:

Known for its unique architectural features and landscape design, this very personal building acts as Georgie Wolton's home and studio. With each room feeling connected to the three gardens, it heightens the importance and benefits of indoor-outdoor living at this time. It blends contemporary elements with traditional aesthetics, adding character and architectural importance to the residential community.

Why this building?

Georgie Wolton was one of the first women to work independently, post World War II. Her work is personal and catered to her lifestyle and studio, creating a home that is a reflection of her needs and architectural style. Though this building is structurally simple, the unique features and creative handling of daylight and spatial proportion elevates the interior well.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

Architectural style:

This building features clean, minimalistic, linear elements, along with large windows, not typically used for its time. Long corridors and feature panelling contradict the values of post-war living, with efficient use of space and low costs as a priority.

Design:

Open plan, flexible living contributes to modern ideologies that prioritise function and freedom.

Material use:

Glass, concrete and exposed steels give this building a modern feel, through the use of contemporary materials. For the time, these materials were expensive and impractical for such a crucial use, such as housing.

Abi Jennings

Architect: Joy Hockey

Date Built: 1990s

Typology: Residential Building

Social Value: Since this is a small residential building, the majority of the social value lies within its ability to provide to its primary residents. Although it does not cater to a large amount of people, I believe it is still essential in society for homes to provide space for social collision and enrichment, just as much as any public space. A home environment can become part of an ecosystem of enrichment for the people that occupy it with proper layout and flow directing. This building does that with its centric design, open floor plan and 2 reception rooms which encourage community.

Reason for Selection: The reasons I decided to study this building are varied, it has such a unique design for a residential building (octagonal), which instantaneously caught my interest. As well as the unique shape, there is also the beautiful wavy dome roof, made of copper, it has a very distinct look. The architect behind this house (Joy Hockey) also interested me, since she worked for the military in WWII in-between studying for her architectural degree, and I find her perseverance to pursue her passion inspiring.

The 3 Core Modern Values:

1. Open Plan Design: The layout of the building is almost completely open, with few elements which divide the room spaces. This maximises the use of the rooms and also provides a continuous flow design with a centralised component to tie it together.

2. Natural Light: The large and numerous windows in every direction allow for maximum natural lighting on both floors, which is also helped by the open floor plan, since the light can penetrate the space without interruption.

3. Simple Unornamented Design: The house is made up of simple clean lines and straightforward (if a little unusual) shapes with very little additional detail, each material is able to speak for itself and its structural quality is displayed honestly.

By Lori Cobon

Architect name: Tosin Oshinowo

Date built: December 2017

Typology and social value

The Fowóralé House is a beautiful example of modern architecture that doesn’t shy away from cultural values. This building is a private beach house, therefore provides a sense of privacy, allowing for intimate family and community gatherings, creating a separate space from the densely populated city of Lagos. As such , the house becomes a vessel through which memories and bonds can be created. This level of privacy is representative of the social status of the client.

As a private space, the building is therefore a symbol of the social status and identity of the clients. Situated in Lagos the design displays subtle motifs and traditional patterns, taking these aspects and adapting them to modern living requirements. One such example is the stepping stones across the infinity pool, to emulate rocks in a village stream. By incorporating elements that resonate with the local community, the house promotes pride in Nigerian culture.

The building demonstrates the harmonious relationship between indoors and outdoors, showcasing a core value in Nigerian culture. The structure frames the vertical and horizontal views of the calm beach environment (Which remain largely undeveloped) making use of many arches and pathways. In addition to this, the building features an open floor plan, leading into terraces and gardens, embracing the environment. By embracing the environment, the building becomes a role model for future urban development in the area.

Reason for choosing/selecting this building

I chose this house as it is a prime example for how traditional forms and Nigerian heritage can enrich contemporary architecture.  Also, by choosing this building I would be highlighting an underrepresented voice in architecture, that of a black woman. The building shows the potential for urban development in Lagos. An issue with urban development is the lack of respect for heritage and culture, and so the building ends up as a carbon copy of buildings found in western cities.

The three core issues that make this a modern building

Fowóralé House is a remarkable example of modern architecture in Nigeria. Many aspects of the building classify it as a modern building. One of which being its integration with the environment. First evident in its passive design features, like natural ventilation, and water harvesting. As well as this, the building highlights the environment framing it, using a series of arches and openings within the open plan of the building.

Another feature is the functional flexibility of the building, evident in the open floor plan, making it easy to use spaces for different functions. As well as this the building is heavily connected to outdoor spaces, blurring the boundaries between the internal and external spaces, making it easy to use for different gatherings. This also highlights the need for evnvironmental preservation, a common feature of modern architecture.

Finally, the minimalist design aesthetics, utilising clean lines and hard edges. Common to modern architecture, the house utilises clean edges and finishes. This aesthetic enforces the modernist ideal of simplicity in design. To achieve this minimalist aesthetic, the building utilises modern materials, such as concrete, glass, and steel, creating a sense of solidity. The choice of these materials also enforces the modernist notion of avoiding aging of materials.

Tamunotaribo Jack

Architect: Paula Santos

Date Built: 2007

Typology and Social Value:

This is a student accommodation for students in Coimbra, Portugal, and its sole purpose is to provide an adequate place of residence for students at the university. This building's design caters to the needs of its occupants for the following reasons: The levels of the building are unaligned (the lower floors protrude forward) to create a courtyard for residents on the upper floor, which creates opportunities for socialisation without the need to exit the floor or the building. Moreover, the building is built around a central corridor with dorms placed around it - this allows for optimal natural light exposure in all the dorms as the building itself is situated in an open site with minimal obstacles blocking the sunlight. Large windows have also been placed in each dorm to maximise the amount of natural light, minimise energy use, and provide good views of the outside of the building. This design feature contributes to the overall well-being of residents as the natural light entering the building creates a well lit space for residents and creates a positive environment, as well as the large windows which provide a good view of the outside and enhances their quality of life.

Reason for choosing this building:

I chose this building in particular because I am also living in a student accommodation which shares similar design features to this student accommodation in Coimbra. A feature that stood out to me the most is the use of large windows in this student accommodation in Coimbra, which my dorm also has, for the overall purpose of improving residents' moods. The way that this building has been carefully designed in a way that pays attention to students' needs and improves their quality of life during their stay emphasised to me the importance of the utilitarian aspect of architecture and how a building can impact its users.

Three core issues making this a modern building:

1. The incorporation of large windows in every dorm for natural lighting and views of outdoors creates a more inviting and positive living environment for students - this aligns with modern design principles

2. The central corridor with dorms around it facilitates navigation which makes the building user friendly

3. The building uses prefabricated concrete panels and contemporary construction techniques which shows the attempts of ensuring a sustainable and efficient outcome during the buildings design process.

   
   

Name of student: Briana Afonso

Architect: Sheila Sri Prakash

Year: 2014

Typology and Social Value: Commercial building - office for Sheila Sri Prakash's firm Shilpa Architects. The office follows passive design strategies that align with the firm's goals of building sustainably.

Reason: Sheila Sri Prakash was the first woman in India to open up her own architectural firm. She founded this firm in 1979 - a time when working women and women in leadership were still being stigmatized in India. Shilpa Architects is a firm that emphasizes the importance of sustainable architecture, starting with the design of their own office in Chennai.

Three core issues: lower construction and energy maintenance costs; mostly natural lighting and improved air quality for productivity; 6% generation of power from PV panels

Student Name: Nandita Gayathri Dayanand

Architects: Betty Ng,

CONTEXT AND SITE:

Its an old factory and industrial district situated at the north-western end of Kowloon in Hong Kong.

A PIXELATED LANDSCAPE:

The podium is made up of 3 levels and comprises four main program components: 1, commercial retail and F&B shops. 2, two main office lobby entrances for each of the twin towers. 3, A reconfigurable and multifunction auditorium. 4, A large continuous green landscape which extends from the second floor down to the ground level.

THE ARCHITECT:

The female architect for this building is Betty Ng, she is a Registered Architect in the Netherlands, a RIBA Chartered Architect in the United Kingdom and an International Associate member of AIA, United States.

Prior setting up COLLECTIBE, Betty was Design Director at OMA Rotterdam with Pritzker Prize Laureate Rem Koolhaas, she co lead the winning proposal for the Axel Springer media Headquarters in Berlin and the 80,000 m2 Hermitage Museum Art Repository in St. Petersburg among many projects internationally.

Student: Ashley Poon Lok Yee

Architect Name: Kathryn Valentine

Date refurbished: 2022

Typology: Music venue and entertainment space

Social Value:

The band on the wall is run by a charitable, non-profit organisation, Inner city music ltd. The complete transformation of the venue aimed to create a ‘collaborative hub for young people, the local community and Manchester creatives, and to celebrate the cultural diversity of Greater Manchester’. Any designed object will give off an impression of the psychological and moral attitudes it supports, this project is no exception. Inclusivity, a place free from judgement and just a world away from what lies the other side of its walls is the psychological experience I felt personally when spending an evening in the space. There is now an entire floor dedicated to Band on the Wall’s innovative learning programme, World of Music. For artists and performers, I reckon these emotional ties are even stronger, a space to be themselves and share their talent.

Reason for selecting this building:

I did my work experience with an architecture firm in Manchester, OMI Architects. There was an architect called Kathryn Valentine who I was lucky enough to shadow for part of the week, this was her project at the time. I accompanied her to one of the final site meetings of the renovation of The Band On The Wall. It was the first time I’d seen architecture in practise, and she conducted this site meeting in a way that inspires me still today. Not only was the transformation of the site amazing but the way in which the people, each of their own profession all coming together in this meeting to execute the project was also pretty amazing to watch. The morals of the project and this inspiration it brought to me is what made me want to write about Kathryn Valentine and her work.

The three core issues that make this a modern building:

This building, although nestled beautifully inside three separated 19th-century buildings, I feel sits very much a notion of modern architecture. A technological transformation, urbanisation and industrialisation, and cultural engagement could pretty much have been written down by the Kathryn at early site meetings as the three moral and psychological attitudes this transformation set out to bring to the young people of Manchester.

A technological transformation in that the £3.5m physical transformation has truly make it the best showcase music venue of its scale in the UK. Not only has Kathryn transformed the building but the Band on the world team has transformed the organisation, refocussing their mission on celebrating the music of all the diverse communities in the UK.

Urbanisation Industrialisation has been achieved through the community that Band on the wall has created and the opportunities they are creating for them. Getting people involved in music making and producing accessible digital content to inform and educate people about the charity and the rich musical heritage of Manchester and its inhabitants. It is communities like this that make Manchester the city that it is, without them Manchester would struggle for personality or particular interest.

Cultural enlightenment and the moral and psychological attitudes the band on the wall supports is, like any good architecture, evident in the details of design as well as the charity it is owned by. Inner City Music celebrates music, its power to engage, inspire, distract and enjoy. The charity works to celebrate and promote the music of many cultures, as well as provide the local communities and musicians with learning programmes that intertwine with artistic programmes. They also work to remove physical and psychological barriers to access both music and the space by providing the highest quality facilities for deaf and disabled people. Working closely with them they seek feedback and improvements. In hindsight it is although these three core issues were identified in the development stage of Kathryns design and used as design drivers throughout the project, not, as in the case of so many modern buildings, an afterthought.

Emma Seymour Mead

Architect name: Edwina Kimble

Date built: 2018

Typology and social value:

Architect: Louise Sheridan (Ellis Williams Architects)

Date: 2017

Typology and social value:

The Storyhouse serves as a multi functional building, not only serving as a cinema, theatre, library, cafe and meeting space, but also holding many events and gatherings that help to bring the community together. It also holds significance as it has successfully brought in many tourists since its opening, with Queen Elizabeth and Meghan Markle hosting the official opening. This attracted large crowds from all over the country and helped bring light to the new building.

Reason for choosing this building:

I chose this building as I liked the fact that even though the Storyhouse is a contemporary building, its thoughtful integration into Chester's historical surroundings allow it to compliment the city's rich architectural heritage. The facade is made up of a mixture of red brick and local sandstone to blend into the traditional stonework in the area.

The three core issues that make this a modern building:

• The building is sustainable in many ways such as the use of renewable energy sources like solar panels and harvesting rainwater systems. It also minimises energy consumption through the use of energy efficient lighting and HVAC systems, reducing the carbon footprint of the building. The materials being locally sourced also helps reduce transportation and therefore emissions.

• The original library and theatre that stood before the Storyhouse has been repurposed into a building of a similar purpose but with even more functions, preserving the historical features of a city so rich in history while allowing it to move forward and develop.

• Although the exterior was designed to compliment the historical surroundings, the interior is made to look much more modern, with the open plan encouraging collaboration. Modern building materials are also utilised, including polished concrete and glass to give it a sleek and contemporary feel. The building also uses a range of digital resources such as e books, online databases and tech workshops which demonstrates contemporary learning.

By Elize Selley

By Junnan Zhou

Architect: Margot Schürmann

Building Date: Completed 2002

Typology and Social Value: The Shürmann-Bau is a large modernist office building, originally designed to serve as the new headquarters to the parliament of the West German government. Its completion was delayed as a result of flooding and German reunification and was subsequently used as the headquarters for Deutsche Welle, Germany's international broadcaster. It is a figure of the post war rebuild effort in the then capital, acting as a symbol of reunification and the return of political to Berlin.

Reason for choosing this building: I chose this building because it is a historic and outstanding example of architectural modernism, showcasing great attention to detail, thoughtful design decisions in terms of rhythm and circulation, which is successful in a subtle and natural manner. It is an outstanding example of a modernist office building which is often accredited to the husband of Margot Schürmann, despite her being arguably the driving force behind the success of this project and their practice in general.

What makes this building modern?

-            The building follows the ideas of functional minimalism, both in its design and materiality: incorporating clean minimal facades with a precise design language. This, in combination with the tailored use of modern materials such as concrete and extensive use of glass creates a visually interesting and functional building.

-            The building, as any building should be is tied into its environment. Situated on the banks of the Rhein, it keeps within the design language of the surrounding important structures, such as the Post Tower and Langer Eugen. It also represents the modernity of its use, with the infostructure for broadcasting and media integrated into the fundamental design.

-            It is also adaptive having been designed for one thing and then being used for another in reality, showing its ability to change over time to be fit for different circumstances. The change in the design also led to more resilient design strategy when it comes to environmental response proving its success in adaptability which is a key aspect of modern design.

Student: Joshua Witham

Architect: Ellen Van Loon, OMA

Date Built: 2023

Typology and Social Value:

A place to house the Manchester International Festival, it is a new space that accommodates for performances and exhibitions, as the festival began to struggle to find somewhere to provide this. The building was designed by OMA architects, the lead architect being Ellen Van Loon. The building consists of a theatre, a warehouse and the towers. The configuration of the building gives hierarchy to these much larger spaces where the exhibitions and the performances take place, these zones feel stripped back and open due to high ceilings and the frame and pipework of the building being exposed. Aviva Studios seems to falls into the ‘culture shed’ typology growing in cities as it includes a ‘warehouse’ and so has this industrial quality about it.

Reason for choosing:

This building’s exterior, consisting of a concrete box and a polyhedral metal addendum, is striking in its environment. The materiality and façade systems indicate the industrial nature of the building. The purpose of the building is well accommodated for, with the space being so flexible, e.g. one warehouse space can easily be divided into two with individual panels that are manually moved around a track, which is ideal for when exhibitions and performances need to take place simultaneously.

Ellen Van Loon obtained this project through a competition, she says that the brief was short but the client was asking for what Van Loon and her colleagues had always dreamt of building, her intentions and passion for the project are communicated effectively through the building.

3 core issues that make this a modern building:

1.      Industrial buildings and factories would use techniques such as exposed steel connections and raw concrete, in this case they have been portrayed in a new way while still displaying the forms of an industrial building

2.      The polyhedral addendum shape is a great signification of a modern building, this is apparent as the shape is almost alien to the more traditional buildings surrounding

3.      Shows examples of technological integration with a movable, full-height acoustic wall, making the spaces more flexible and adaptable to different needs.

Natalya Dolden

Architect name: Claire Wright

Date built: Old Victorian wash house built 1846, redesigned in 2002

Typology and social value:

The Women’s Library in Aldgate was a specialist library and museum, dedicated to preserving the history of women’s lives and achievements in the UK. It was a multi use space, including exhibition spaces often used to focus on the suffrage movement, social history and women’s rights. It also had event spaces for lectures, workshops and other public events. The Library and archives housed collections of books and manuscripts related to women’s history. 

The social value of this library is significant, particularly in terms of gender representation, education, and historical preservation. The Women’s Library acted as a hub for feminist discourse and activism. It held workshops, talks, and exhibitions that not only educated but also empowered people to engage with social justice issues. These provided a space for dialogue around gender equality and contemporary issues faced by women.

Reason for choosing/selecting this building:

The reason I chose this building is due to the significant message it conveys. The building stood as a symbol for women’s successes and women’s struggles alike. It helped bridge historical gaps in traditional archives, where women's contributions are often overlooked. By making their collections accessible, understanding and knowledge sharing of gender issues over time was promoted. In a time where even as a modern society women’s contributions are still underrepresented, the powerful message behind this building and its uses is inspiring, and it supported these ongoing cultural and social missions. This is why it is very unfortunate that this library closed in 2013, when it should’ve been a priority to keep it up and running.

The three core issues that make this a modern building:

• Preservation of heritage: Originally a Victorian wash house, the structure of this building was incorporated into the modern library. When it was redesigned, a modern, functional interior was created while preserving the original historical facade. This reflects a vital feature of modern architecture; serving present needs while respecting the past. 

• Sustainability: The library had an eco-friendly design, in which it made the most of natural light, by incorporating large windows and skylights. This allowed for natural lighting throughout the building, and minimised the need for artificial light and in turn reduced electricity usage. Being an old building that was reused, the environmental impact of the library was far less compared to that associated with new construction. These factors contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of this building, an issue that’s highly emphasised when discussing modern architecture.

• Flexibility: The way in which the interior spaces were designed allowed for flexibility in the use of the space. The building had an open layout which allowed for various uses such as lectures, workshops, and exhibitions. Depending on what was needed for a particular event or occasion, spaces were rearranged to accommodate, meaning it was very versatile. This building created dynamic spaces for community engagement.

Lana Tamimi

Architect: Elizabeth Rhodes

Date Built: 2018

Typology and Social Value: A commercial project, utilised as a community centre for a scout group.

Reason for choosing this building:

I chose to focus on this building for several reasons:

1. Historical and Cultural Value: For the community, the new scout hut building represents a shared history of community involvement, with decades of children, parents and volunteers participating in scouting activites, with the old scout hut building having longstanding roots in the community.

2. Youth Development: Scout huts serve as vital spaces for youth organisations that focus on personal development, team-building and leadership skills. The Scout Hut in Long Eaton provides a dedicated space for young people to engage in structured, supervised activities that encourage the development of these skills.

3. Community Hub: Beyond scouting, the Scout Hut doubles as a community center for local events, classes, meetings and other gatherings. This makes it valuable to many, especially in fostering community spirit.

4. Volunteer Engagement and Local Involvement: Maintaining the Scout Hut involves local volunteers who commit time and resources to keep it running. This enhances community engagement and civic responsibility, as it gives people a chance to contribute to a valuable local asset. For many, especially those with a history in scouting, the hut becomes a cherished community pillar.

Overall, the Long Eaton Scout Hut serves as more than just a physical structure; it's a community asset that enables connection, skill development and local pride.

The Long Eaton Scout Hut can be considered a modern building due to three core aspects:

1. Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Design: Modern buildings often emphasise sustainability, using energy-efficient materials, insulation and renewable energy sources like solar panels. These features help reduce environmental impact and operational costs, which is crucial for community-funded spaces like a scout hut. Additionally, sustainable features demonstrate a commitment to conservation, a key value in scouting.

2. Adaptable and Multi-Functional Space: Modern community buildings should be designed with flexibility in mind. This means the scout hut could be equipped with modular furniture, open-plan areas and sections that can be easily reconfigured to accomodate various activities and group sizes. This adaptability allows the building to host not only scouting activities but also other community events, maximising its utility for the Long Eaton community.

3. Accesibility and Inclusivity Features: A modern building should prioritise accessibility, providing wheelchair ramps, wide doorways and accessible restroom facilities to ensure that all members of the community, regardless of physical ability, can use the space comfortably. Inclusive design might also include sensory-friendly features to accommodate neurodiverse individuals, making it welcoming to a broader population.

These elements make the Long Eaton Scout Hut a forward-thinking, community-oriented space that aligns with modern values of sustainability, versatility and inclusivity.

By Daisy Beresford

location - city and country: St. Martins, Shropshire

Architect name: Anne Netherwood

Date: October 2017

Typology and social value: This project was built on site by the clients offering a place for private worship in the garden of the clients’ house. Constructed with a timber frame and wall plate provided by a carpenter on top of a concrete and brick foundation. Then the wall structure and insulation were built using straw bales making the three tiers of stakes which hold the bales together as they are laid, the walls and floor are finished using lime render and limecrete to help waterproof the bales but maintain their permeable qualities. The circular design of the project is emblematic of places of worship across the globe, harking back to a more primitive type of worship which links into the traditional nature techniques used in its construction and its self-built status as places of worship in the past were often built for the community by the community. This links to Anne Netherwood's past projects of church conservation in the area and her accreditation from the RIBA as a Conservation Architect.

Reason for choosing: I chose the architect Anne Netherwood because of her passion for conservation and keeping old building fit for use which aligned with my interest in the idea of retrofitting pre-existing buildings. I was drawn to this particular project due to my interest in sustainable and traditional building practises. The projects use of natural, locally sourced materials as well as using their own manpower to build it significantly reduces its impact on its surrounding environment. It is representative of how embedded religion is to rural life and how places of worship have always doubled up as places of community, however I think that this build shows as the world modernises a shift towards individualism rather than community, people tend to turn to more private places to practise worship.

three core issues that make this a modern building:

1. Minimal Ornamentation of the building as a whole, simple exterior detailing the finish of plaster, brickwork and slate as well as the reciprocal roof framework exposed underneath the overhang, showing a truth to the materials. The interior providing simple seating around the edge, a pedestal in the centre, a wood burner and candles; with an emphasis on functional space.

2. Asymmetrical configuration of the building with the two forms; a circle and a rectangle tacked together to create the open space within, creating this open floor plan with a easily transversed flowing space.

3. An effort made towards controlling the access of daylight to the interior, through the use of an overhead skylight and small window towards the back, directing the occupant’s attention and worship towards a specific point in the centre.

Lead Architects: Zaha Hadid

Built date: 2019

Typology and social value:

Culture & Arts Centre incorporates a contemporary art museum (MICA), a 1,800-seat theatre with supporting facilities and a multipurpose hall.

1.Complete function: These three civic institutions are uniquely defined and separate, yet complement each other with different opening times creating vitality throughout the day and evening.

2.A real depth to the natural acoustics:Architects have continued the seamless, organic architectural language in the asymmetrical auditorium space. Glass-fibre reinforced gypsum (GFRG) panels have been used to create one single surface with many pleats and folds that house a variety of acoustic panels and extend into the space to accommodate seating areas.

3.Media communication hub:The largest and most versatile cultural centre in Hunan province, the Culture & Arts Centre connects directly with its station on Line 2 of Changsha’s new Metro System.

Three core issues :

1.Hibiscus flower appearance:The building is located in Meixi Lake, the building shape is also like hibiscus flowers, known as the world's largest "hibiscus flower".

2.asymmetrical auditoriums:they can give a real depth to the natural acoustics.

3.Organic architectural language:their organic architecture signified by fluidity and curves – a uniquely Zaha Hadid design.

Post by Anqi Liu

Location- Wrocław, Poland

Architect- Jadwiga Grabowska-Hawrylak

Date 1973

Typology and Social Value - In Wrocław, architectural typology is quite diverse, reflecting its rich history and modern developments. Such as Medieval and Renaissance buildings, gated communities, post war architecture and some more modern contemporary architecture. The Grunwaldski Square complex is used for housing. The social value is that it creates a community space for people living in the area.

Reasonings for your selection- Jadwiga Grabowska-Hawrylak is iconic for being one of Poland’s first prominent female architects, known for her innovative and creative designs. She played a crucial role in the post-war reconstruction of Wrocław, with notable works like the Grunwaldzki Square housing complex. She had a long lasting effect on the architecture industry for females in Poland as she was one of the only women in the field that worked separate from her husband.

Three core issues that make it modern:

1.      The Grunwaldski housing complex is modern due to its Brutalist architecture

2.      Mixed use design integrating residential and commercial spaces also architecture due to its honeycomb façade, functional living spaces and concrete panels.

3.      Its role in providing affordable social housing post-war.

Post Made By Martina Despotovic

Architect: Amanda Levete

Date Built: 2017

Typology & Social Value:

The extension includes a gallery for temporary exhibitions as well as a public courtyard (Sackler Courtyard) that connects Exhibition road to the V&A museum. This serves as a new museum entrance and houses a café and shop.

The V&A museum is one of the world’s greatest museums of art and design and this extension provides a continuous connection between the street and the museum, making exhibition road a place where culture and knowledge of the designed world is accessible to everyone. The new entrance helped to drive up the number of visitors in the V&A museum by 26% in 2017/18, with about half of the visitors entering via the exhibition road quarter, as the open courtyard was less intimidating and more attractive to non-traditional museum-goers, compared the other entrances of the museum. The Blavatnik Hall, a new exhibition space, also provides a fluid transition between various galleries and facilities, providing views of both indoor and exterior spaces, making an overall smoother visitor experience. This all contributed to the extension being awarded Cultural Project of the Year in 2017.

Reason for choosing building:

I have experienced first-hand walking through exhibition road and being immediately drawn in by the grand colonnades and light porcelain tiles in the Sackler Courtyard. At the time I was unaware that this was actually an extension of the V&A museum, which I had never been to at the time, and this magnificent entrance urged be to go inside and explore. I believe that the Exhibition Road extension was truly successful in increasing the number of visitors in the V&A Museum and interest in cultural understanding and the arts. The extension is also one of my favourite parts of the museum as I love the juxtaposition and blend of modern architecture and the historical context of the museum (this differs from the architectural style in the rest of the museum)

Core issues that makes it modern:

1. Emphasises functionality

   The project puts the user experience at the forefront of its design, seen for example in the fluid connection provided by the Blavatnik Hall. The Aston Webb Screen (constructed 1909) was also removed to create the open entrance to the Sackler courtyard. The screen had a large solid stone wall that derived pedestrians on the road of the views of the surrounding building. Removing the solid wall whilst maintaining the colonnade provided access to the west side of museum from the road.

2. Openness and transparency

   The removal of the Aston Webb screen and the courtyard create a sense of openness. This opened up space and revealed three previously hidden architecturally significant facades to passers-by. These can also be seen through the skylights in the stairwell leading to the gallery below. The extension also efficiently utilises the space of the Exhibition Road Quarter. Having the gallery 18m below ground leaves more open space for the courtyard and having large glass windows and skylights in these surrounding buildings ensures that connection with the airy openness and light of the courtyard is not lost, even when indoors.

3. Innovation and experimentation

   The construction of this project challenges traditional methods of construction and engineering. The Sainsbury gallery that sits 18m directly below ground was constructed within 1m of Grade I listed building whist the museum remained completely accessible. The Sainsbury gallery’s exposed steel columns which carry the weight of the Museum’s collections above also visibly presents this to the public. The extension also creatively respects and integrates the museums history and traditional while still taking on new and exciting geometrical forms fitted to a 21^st century standard, such as the inclusion of 11,000 handmade porcelain tiles in the courtyard, inspired by the rich tradition of ceramics in the V&A.

Melita Orekoya

Architect: Zaha Hadid

Date built: 2006-2010

Typology: Performing Arts Venue.

Social value: The Guangzhou Opera House enhances the cultural identity of the city. It attracts numerous tourists, boosts the local economy, and stands as a symbol of modern architecture. Additionally, it provides a space for cultural events and social interaction within the communities.

Reason for choosing this building: I chose the Guangzhou Opera House because it has both an impressive exterior and a powerful cultural essence. Its design concept, inspired by the flowing river, harmonizes the building with nature. It stands as a landmark in my hometown and serves as an important site for cultural exchange.

3 core issues that makes this a modern building:

1. Innovative Architectural Design: Designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the Guangzhou Opera House's exterior draws inspiration from the natural landscape of the Pearl River, featuring flowing curves and unique geometric forms. This design is not only visually striking but also harmoniously blends with its surroundings, embodying the perfect union of nature and urban space.

2. Advanced Technological Applications: The interior of the opera house incorporates state-of-the-art acoustic technology and building materials, such as glass-fiber reinforced gypsum (GRG), ensuring excellent sound quality and an outstanding experience for audiences. Additionally, the structure's design is highly complex, utilizing numerous modern architectural techniques to achieve its unique form.

3. Multifunctional Cultural Space: The Guangzhou Opera House is not only a venue for performances but also hosts various cultural events and art exhibitions, making it an important platform for cultural exchange in Guangzhou. Its multifunctionality allows it to accommodate different types of performances and events, meeting diverse cultural needs.

Student Name: Feiyang Fang

Mikhail Riches, Annalie Riches

Date Built:

Original building completed in 1961

Phase Two regeneration completed in March 2022

Typology and Social Value:

Park Hill is a Grade 2 listed brutalist housing scheme. The Phase Two regeneration scheme provided 195 homes for private sale/rent & 2500m² commercial space. This led to a variety of different flat types, a mixed community and a place where both first-time buyers and families can live, work, and play.

Reason for choice:

I chose this building as although the original structure was designed by a man, the phase two regeneration (as well as the on-going phase four regeneration) was designed by the practice Mikhail Riches; whose founding director is Annalie Riches. There are also many other women who are involved in these projects.

The history behind Park Hill is also what made me choose this building as I have grown up hearing about the stories that have made it the iconic building it is today.

Three Core Issues Making It Modern:

1. Its brutalist structure, consisting of raw concrete, bold geometric shapes and exposed materials highlighted its structure rather than hiding it. This was an introduction to post-war architecture and influential to modernist architecture.

2. The Phase Two renovations successfully preserved the original structure and character while still creating a modernised, energy-efficient environment. This was done through thermal imaging to identify the thermal bridges (often occurring where the exposed concrete was) and adding insulation from the floor to ceiling in each flat to achieve the best thermal performance.

3. The focus of the regeneration completed in 2022 as well as the purpose of the original project in the 1950s was urban renewal and meeting modern living needs. In the 1950s this was achieved by focusing on the renewal of urban housing in the post-war times. Whereas in more recent times, due to new modern standards and ways of living the flats have been reconfigured and modified to suit and accommodate current living needs.

Student Name:

Gracie Tierney-Kitchener

Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait

Architect Name: Zahraa Al-Mahdi

Date Built: 2018

Typology: Cultural Centre and Museum Complex

Social Value: One of the biggest museum complexes in the world, the cultural centre offers educational and cultural experiences that honour technology, science, art, and natural history. In Kuwait, it has emerged as a major hub for education and community involvement.

The Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre is my choice because it combines cultural relevance with contemporary design. It acts as a centre for culture and education, bringing together a variety of exhibitions that stimulate curiosity and learning.

The Three Core Issues that Make This a Modern Building:

Innovative Architecture: The center's design incorporates state-of-the-art structural elements and materials to give it a modern appearance while supporting a range of cultural events.

Sustainability: To reduce its environmental impact, the building incorporates eco-friendly techniques, such as energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials.

Community Engagement: The facility offers instructive and engaging experiences, fostering an environment that promotes education, discovery, and cross-cultural interaction.

Name of Student: Zaid Almutairi

Architect: Rebecca Ramos

Date: 2020

Typology and social value: The Maggie's Centre is a space connected to St James's Hospital that has been created for the use of cancer patients, providing a place to bring the patients together in a more comfortable and relaxing environment while undergoing treatment.

Reason for choosing: I chose this building as I believe that it's a really inspiring idea to try and make people feel that bit better by creating a space that feels more natural and welcoming, moving away from the traditional rooms found in hospitals that often look very mechanical and make people feel a sense of unease.

Core issues:

1. The structure is built from prefabricated, sustainably sourced spruce timber that form into arches giving the building an almost treehouse like look to it

2. It has a green roof system in place consisting of a concrete slab, insulation and a layer of lightweight aggregate soil beneath the variety of plant species along it that help to provide the building with warmth in the winter months

3. Building is naturally ventilated and uses porous materials such as lime plaster in order to help maintain the internal humidity

Olivia Golding

Architect name: Harrison Stringfellow Architects (Female-lead)

Date built: Refurbishment took place in 2017.

Typology/social value: Equestrian centre/Riding school- provides opportunities to children and the community.

Reason for choosing building: The project was led by the community to reform a decrypted old theatre. As a result, children were given the opportunity to learn how to ride horses (something they unlikely would have experienced due to the low income area). It is also unexpected, as horses are not usually found in city centres, this breaking of the status quo is similar to how women such as Lina Bo Bardi challenged the typical "image" of an architect.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

1. It is sustainable

   • By turning the disused cinema to into an Urban Riding centre, there was less carbon emissions than destroying the cinema to build a potentially temporary structure on top. As well as the stable yard for the horses was built using reclaimed and recycled materials.

2. It enriches the community

   • Dingle is historically a low income/working class area. As a result, the children within the community would have very little access to afterschool activities, let alone something such as horse riding which has always been associated with the upper class. By collaborating with the community, Harrison Stringfellow architects were able to provide free/subsidised riding lesson to the children of the area. This makes it a modern building as it is user centric, which most modern buildings are.

3. Its affordable.

   • The goal of the Park Palace Ponies was to provide a community service and opportunities (work with local business, jobs and volunteering work). As a result they wanted to save as much money on the creation of the build as possible, this way any unused funds could be put towards the community straight away. This meant the building need as much done for as little as possible in order to function properly. This is a key issue most modern buildings are faced with as architects have to do more with less.

Izzy Stone

Architect: Ellis Williams Architects (EWA)

date built: Completed & opened 2022

Social Value: Located in Liverpool, also known as the city of music, the Yoko Ono Lennon centre was built in aims of providing a multi-purpose space for performances, university events and lectures.

Reason for choosing: This building gives significant honor to the late and iconic beatles member John Lennon and is named after his wife Yoko Ono who is also an ambassador for this new learning and performance space. Whilst the couple are both extremely musically talented, they both continue to inspire the next generation of musicians and keep the reputation of this 'city of music' alive.

This building was also built to hold a capacity of a 70-piece orchestra and allows for the best acoustics.

Three core issues:

-designed with acoustic specification from arup which can adapt to different styles like jazz, folk, pop, electro-acoustic and experimental music.

-a modern layout to allow for seating up to 400 guests whilst being an adaptable space for different university and public

events

- materiality responds to the context of the sydney jones library with the same use of a concrete plinth. The use of red brick reflects on the University of Liverpool proudly being a red brick university but this also helps in supporting the acoustics.

Posted by Keira Betonio

Architect: Magda Borowiecka

Date built: 1981

Typology and social value:

The southwyck housing estate is characterised by its raw concrete structure and bold geometric forms, typical of brutalist architecture. demonstrating a key example of post-war social housing in London, this style was aimed at providing functional living spaces, while making statement about modernity. Utilising concrete is cost effective and aids in efficiency in construction, which was essential during the post-war housing. The estate includes a mix of flats and maisonettes, catering to different family sizes and needs. This diversity is crucial for accommodating a wide range of residents, while maximising the use of available land. Through this, a vibrant and dynamic living environment can be achieved, reflecting the principles of social housing and a community oriented design. Southwyck is significant as it reflects the social housing policies of the time, aiming to provide affordable housing in urban areas. It represents a response to the housing crisis faced in post-war Britain. The estate’s design incorporates principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). Including features like well-lit public spaces, clear sightliness, and active street fronts, reducing opportunities for crime by increasing visibility and natural surveillance.

The housing is strategically located near essential services, like schools and healthcare facilities. This accessibility enhances the quality of life for residents, ensuring they can meet their daily needs without extensive travel. The presence of local businesses additionally encourage economic activity and community engagement.

Reason for choosing this building:

The estate holds emotional resonance as it represents a community space where diverse stories and lives intersect. Its design and the community it fosters can evoke feelings of belonging and identity. A concept that fascinates me, having lived in an isolated house. The innovative, and community infused design by Borowiecka reflect thoughtful design principles that prioritise social interaction and accessibility. Highlighting Borowiecka is crucial as her design exemplifies the often-overlooked influence of women in architecture. Despite the significant impact her design has within the community of Brixton, her work frequently goes unrecognised in historical narratives. Through my research of Southwyck I find it significant to challenge the male-dominated narratives in architecture and advocate for greater recognition of women’s designs.

The three core issues that make this a modern building:

1. The estate features a unique architectural style that reflects contemporary design principles, including the utilisation of raw concrete and bold geometric shapes, typical of the brutalist movement. This modern aesthetic challenges traditional housing designs and embraces new forms.

2. The layout of the estate emphasises communal living, with shared spaces that encourage social interaction among residents. This focus on community is a hallmark of modern housing developments, aiming to create a sense of belonging and connectivity.

3. Southwyck includes sustainable practices, with features that promote natural light and ventilation, contributing to energy efficiency and a healthier living environment for residents.

Student name:

Amy Patel

Kingston upon tames, south west London, England.

Town House by, Grafton Architects (Yvonne Farrell and Shelly McNamara) Constructed between, 2017-2020

Typology and social value:

town house situated in the heart of the Kingston university campus provides a modernist and very spacious building for students, Kingston university alongside Grafton Architects aimed to create a building that provides a gateway to informal learning. The building provides strong links to the town centre for students ultimately exemplifying its social value to not only the students but to the local community. Kingston university’s unique outlook on education is reflected through the largely open plan interior providing excellent spaces for collaborative work. This is achieved by its use of colonnade which provides a large space without barriers intending to draw students and visitors together through space. This concept is reflected by the collonading facade in the surrey county council building opposite. There are many social aspects to the building from its, interpretation of council building to its social amenity’s such as cafes and performance spaces.

3 core issues that make it modern;

Sustainable design

Firstly the innovative design with sustainability in mind, Grafton architects have incorporated energy efficient systems such as its use of robust and high quality materials, one of these being the concrete frame which was produced through the use of cement replacements and precast units. The cement also utilises thermal mass to keep the indoor temperature regulated in order to reduce energy usage. All of which which ultimately reduce the carbon footprint of the building.

Open planned space

Untraditional to an educational building the town house building is vastly open planned with over 50 percent of the 9,400sqm being open. This not only provides a unique and modernist stance on teaching and learning but also allows of multiple different uses for example it can be used for quiet study during the day aswell as providing space for students to perform in the evenings.

Natural light and ventilation (windows)

The Use of natural light which reflects of the white interior creating an open and airy space produces a modern feel to the space. Natural ventilation with mechanical windows provides an easy and effortless method of natural ventilation ultimately producing thermal comfort in the summer months. This is also seen in its use of landscaping where existing trees shade the large windows in summer months. As well as 3 large balcony’s also ensuring the building doesn’t overheat due to its large windows.

Name of student,

Amelia Greenway

Architect name: Jiang Ying (O-office Architects)

Date built: Original tea yard established in 1951; Renovation completed in 2020

Typology and social value: Originally a state-run tea plantation and factory, it was a prominent producer in the Pearl River Delta region. Its revival as a cultural and tea production site retains the local tea culture and promotes nostalgia for traditional lifestyles amidst rapid modernization.

Reason for choosing: The project reflects a unique combination of preserving industrial heritage, reviving local culture, and integrating modern spatial concepts within a natural landscape.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

·  Integration of Heritage and Modern Use: The project revives an abandoned industrial site, integrating historical elements with modern design, and promoting cultural and public engagement.

·  Sustainable Architecture: The use of local materials and landscape-sensitive construction showcases an emphasis on ecological sustainability and harmony with nature.

·  Social and Cultural Revival: The adaptive reuse strategy fosters a reconnection to local tea culture and history, creating a bridge between past and present, production and recreation.

Student name: Chen Song

Location: Hoxton, London

Architect: Naila Yousuf (Wright & Wright Architects)

Date Built: 2021 (existing building in 1714)

Typology and Social value: The museum of the home is a museum built into 300 year old almhouses in Hoxton. In 1911 these houses were brought and changed into an exhibition space before finally becoming a museum,  for furniture, developing into the museum of the home.  It demonstrates the different living conditions and styles through the years nothing inside the house and through to the gardens.

Choice reasoning: The museum demonstrates how a building can be repurposed and redeveloped through time to actively suit its environment, and the needs of the people around d the area.  It is a place where I have visited a few times, both before and after the most recent refurbishment, and the changes altered the whole feel of the museum and made the design more coherent.

Three core issues:

1. The building has been made to be entirely accessible, catering for anyone who would visit the building and the area immediately around it.

2. The modern sections of the building have been blended into the old original buildings, connecting them and adding sections that may have been overlooked previously.

3. The building implements new technology and design requirements into an old preexisting building, bringing it back into the standards of today's buildings.

By: Joseph Perry

Architect: Lucia D’Alessio (At Alan Joyce Architects Ltd)

Date Finished: 2018

Social Value:

This building is a college accommodating over 700 students for the Confetti Institute of Creative Education (part of Nottingham Trent University). The Confetti Digital Media Hub is a secure space for students, providing: social spaces, learning resources and education. The building follows the BREEAM standards making it a sustainable building for the city centre. Its contemporary design creates an uplifting building for the area, adding to the city centre attractions and benefiting other local businesses.

Reason for choosing this building

This building has provided education for many of my friends and pears in Nottingham giving them pride to go to a collage. It serves a wide demographic of students. Its modern and aesthetically pleasing design gives the area in town an uplift.

The meeting of the BREEAM Gold standard shows that large projects in my home town can be sustainable as well as looking good and being ergonomic at at the same time.

Three core issues:

• This building fits the BREEAM sustainable standard, by utilising modern technologies: exposed thermal mass, night-time purge ventilation and demand-lead ventilation control techniques. These resulted in a A rated energy performance certificated building and a BREEAM excellent rating.

• The use of modern materials and geometric shapes make it stand out as a contemporary design. Weathered steel cladding as a rain screen and aluminium curtain walling, which is 100 recycled material, show the uses of new and appropriate materials for the building.

• Confetti specialises in teaching preforming arts, media and musics studies providing a unique place to learn these ‘unconventional skills’. The school and building is fully accessible for anyone through the use of ramps and lifts as well as having a heavily diverse student and teacher base.

Joel Norridge : 201727169

Constructed: 2022

Architect: Jade Meeks (Ellis Williams Architects)

Typology and social value: The main function of the building is to be an auditorium for the University Of Liverpool, which has enough space for a 70 piece orchestra along with 600 seats. The Yoko Ono Lennon center provides a state of the art space for people who are studying music at the university.

Reason for choosing: My main reason for choosing the building is that it was designed by an alumnus of this university (Jade Meeks), and is also located on campus. I also absolutely love the aesthetics of the building, especially its interesting shape.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

1. The acoustic technology within the building which ensures that high quality sound can be heard all around the auditoriums seating space. The brick type was also selected for its acoustic insulation, to ensure that noise pollution from the outside can not be heard on the inside.

2. The building focuses on verticality to reduce footprint size, all of the lecture theatres within the center are arranged and stacked vertically.

3. The building is extremely wheelchair accessible in all areas, for example a ramp leading up to the entrance which has automatic doors, there are also wheelchair spaces within the auditorium and lifts leading between the floors. Every level of the building also has accessible toilets.

(Alfie Waller)

Architect: Francine Houben

Date Built: May 2013

Typology: The library serves as a cultural civic building acting as both a education and cultural hub for the surrounding community.

Social Value: The library holds immense social value, offering the community free access to educational resources through extensive literature collections, digital media facilities and resources that might otherwise be out of reach for many city residents. Additionally, the building showcases historic and cultural exhibits that celebrate Birmingham’s heritage, fostering a sense of pride and belonging. Through these features, the library not only serves as a knowledge hub but also as a cultural landmark that connects the community to its shared history.

Reason for choosing: I chose the Library of Birmingham because it offers a fresh perspective on what a library can be, with modern shapes and materials that reflect the city’s industrial heritage. Its exterior, covered in intricate metal patterns, tells a story of Birmingham’s growth through its canals and factories during Britain’s industrialisation. The library achieves this while upholding a strong commitment to education, supporting various forms of media to serve the community's diverse needs.

Three Core Issues:

-Contemporary design: The building’s design, with its use of simple forms and a metal exterior, is a defining element of its modernity. Its structure is distilled into two primary shapes, giving it a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from its surroundings. This minimalist approach, combined with unique materials, reflects contemporary architectural trends that prioritise both aesthetic impact and innovative simplicity.

-Sustainability: The building’s construction and operations were specifically designed to reduce carbon emissions, highlighting its commitment to sustainability. This focus on low environmental impact reflects a core issue in modern architecture, where the push toward net-zero carbon emissions is a driving force for innovation and progress.

-Community Centred Design: The building features expansive open spaces that allow natural light to penetrate deeply, creating a bright, inviting atmosphere. Sections of the building are linked by passages featuring interactive displays, immersing visitors in stories and narratives that enhance understanding. This design is especially impactful in the Shakespeare exhibit, which explores the traditional architecture of his era, creating a distinctive experience that contextualises and enriches the visual journey for visitors.

Name: Romeo Mlangeni

Architects: Sadie Speight and Leslie Martin

Date built: 1938

Typology and social value

Brackenfell is a grade II listed private residential housing designed for an abstract painter and textile designer. The painters studio is designed as a focal point to the building.

Reason for choosing

The building successfully blends into the surrounding urban environment while simultaneously showing off unique characteristics. In the local area, most other residential buildings follow the same style with little differentiation between them, this home stood out to me with strong individual character. 

Three core issues that make this a modern building

●      Innovative design: The building displays prominent characteristics where the architects challenges design norms with experimental building forms and layout. The exterior displays unique facades made up of irregular window and walls; the entrance uses cantilevered overhangs to create a distinct focal point above the entryway that distinguish from the local traditional styles.  

●      Prioritising functionality: The architects have designed the layout to fit the clients needs, the studio space is purposely designed for a designer, prioritizing functionality for the occupier

●      Responding to the environment: The building integrates with the environment by responding to the sites climate. The architect designed the studio to span the full width of the building including large raking windows facing the north and the south, prioritizing natural light for the designers space and creating indoor-outdoor connections.

Hannah Leafe

Architect name: OPEN Architecture

Date built: 2018

Typology and social value: 

The UCCA Dune Art Museum is carved into the sand, where it gently disappears. The reason why the art museum is created underneath the dunes was the reverence for nature and desire to protect the vulnerable dune ecosystem, because in light of the museum, these sand dunes will be preserved instead of leveled to make space for ocean-view real estate developments.

Reason for choosing/selecting this building:

OPEN Architecture was founded by female architect Wenjing Huang and Hu Li in 2003. Her work has always had a special style. Her design is very delicate, and she can pay attention to the society, the environment and many factors. The museum, located in a special sand dune setting, has a striking design concept and outcome.

The three core issues that make this a modern building:

1. Simplicity: The Dune Art Museum is in unique style with simple shapes and lines.

2. Open space: The internal space is continuous and airy, with introduce of natural light.

3. Environmental friendly: The design of the art museum is mainly considered of the protection of the natural habitat if sand dunes in Qinhuangdao.

Jingyan Xu

Medicinal Herbs Garden Museum

location: Kordan, Iran
architect name: Sanaz Ghaemmaghami
date built: 2016
typology and social value: the Medicinal Herbs Garden Museum typologically serves as an educational and cultural space, while socially, it offers value in promoting health, preserving cultural knowledge, and engaging communities in sustainable practices.
reason for choosing/selecting this building: I chose the Medicinal Herbs Garden Museum designed by Sanaz Ghaemmaghami because it reflects a harmonious blend of sustainability, culture, and health—topics that are increasingly relevant in today’s architectural discourse. The building not only serves as an educational space for the promotion of natural and holistic healthcare through medicinal herbs but also integrates sustainable design principles, which align with my interest in architecture that prioritizes environmental responsibility.
the three core issues that make this a modern building:

1. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design

2. Educational and Community Engagement

3. Blending Tradition with Innovation
name of student: Mina Nazari

Location

Kordan, Alborz Province, Iran

architect name: Marwa Al-Sabouni

date built: 7 May 2022 Brighton Festival

Typology and social value: The Riwaq pavilion, designed by Marwa Al-Sabouni and Ghassan Jansiz for the Brighton Festival, is a cultural hub on the Hove waterfront inspired by traditional Arabic colonnades. Its horseshoe shape fosters community interaction, hosting diverse arts events that encourage unity and cultural exchange through activities like dance and storytelling.

Reason for choosing/selecting this building:

I think it represents perfectly how team work really does matter as this project not only made a connection of unity between different cultures and boundaries that people may have, this building is not only a connection from heritage its also a connection to the people to work together, coming from a person who have lived in Syria this brings a lot of good memories of our land, culture and values.

Three core issues that make this a modern building

1. Situated on the waterfront in Hove, UK, it combines modern architecture with traditional Arabic features.

2. By providing an open, accessible venue for a range of cultural activities, the pavilion fosters diversity and places an emphasis on social involvement.

3. Its adaptable design enables it to fulfil a variety of purposes throughout the festival and is in line with contemporary concepts of sustainability and temporary architecture.

Laith Kummush

Greg Dunn-Rundle

Location - Chester, England

Architect - Louise Sheridan 

Date Built - 2017

Typology and social value - The inclusive, accessible, occupant-centred design of the Storyhouse facilitates a variety of activities including theatre, workshops and community events. The flexibility of it’s spaces enriches the community of Chester by acting as a social and cultural hub. 

Reason for picking - Sheridan’s work is impactful by reclaiming spaces for diverse communities; she considers groups historically excluded from the design process. This contributes to the feminist architecture movement by reminding us architecture should reflect the diversity of the community it serves. 

3 core issues that make it a modern building 

-Heritage preservation and modern functionality: The renovation of the Storyhouse restored the original art deco elements to the design which celebrates Chester’s rich architectural history whilst also adapting the interior to incorporate multi-functional spaces for versatile use. 

-Sustainability: The Storyhouse was designed with sustainability at the forefront of the design process and includes sustainable lighting, heating and ventilation systems that meet modern standards. 

-Integration with technology: The Storyhouse has integrated modern technology to enhance it’s functionality for example automated systems for energy efficiency and multi-use audio-visual displays. 

Betty Fisher

Architect: Annabelle Tugby (Annabelle & co.)

Date built: 2019

Social value: The terracotta house was constructed to go with an existing 1903 mock Tudor house that has grown to be a prominent property in the local community for its historical value. By using soft rustic red brick for the ground floor walls to match the materials of the adjacent property, this modern home blends in with the old structure and upgrades the site's setting. The large, transparent sliding doors facing both gardens on opposite elevations blur the interior and exterior spaces across the layout, providing active views and lots of sunlight throughout the day. The texture and inconsistencies formed by the hand-made terracotta tiles imitate the leaves of the surrounding trees, reinforcing the connection to the natural surrounding environment.

Choice reasoning: I chose this building because of the thoughtful planning that went into integrating the structure with the surrounding landscape in ways like having two open courtyards that provide solitude from the park while connecting it to its surroundings. The architect is inspiring in how she demonstrates great concern for what her client wants and the local environment throughout the design and construction process of the house, and she has showed remarkable perseverance despite being denied permission to begin work on this structure since the local community rejected her original concept. After considerable thought and discussion, it was decided that the primary goal of the house's design would be to enhance the surrounding area and blend in with the existing structure without overwhelming over the space. Reading about this project has been inspiring because it has shown me that every choice has a deeper meaning, and that even seemingly simple or uninteresting buildings are much more complex than they may appear. It additionally demonstrated how important it is to be mindful of a site's surroundings in order to avoid disturbing any natural or man-made environments.

Three core issues:

1. Traditional and high-quality materials such as brick, ensure that it lasts and maintains its appeal for years to come. While it is created using traditional materials like brick, it still has a distinct modern appearance.

2.  Contextual fit – respect the building's surroundings; the project was designed to not affect the pre-existing environment. Terracotta tiles as a roof finish and cladding on the first level walls reduce the building's visible height, making it submissive to the existing house.

3. focus on human experience connection to the natural environment - the window placement on the higher floor welcome views of the nearby park to the south and benefit from evening sun from the west side of the site, capturing as much of the sun's path as possible. Rooflights over stairs bring in natural light, reducing the demand for artificial lighting and therefore saving/preserving energy.

Paige Cornish

Name of architect - Denise Scott Brown

Location - 12 St martins st, London, SW1Y 5BS

Reason for choosing this building :

I chose this building because it was designed by Denise Scott Brown and her partner Robert Venturi. However, her involvement was ignored when she was snubbed for the prestigious Pritzker Prize in 1991 which was awarded to her partner Robert Venturi, completely overlooking her work on the project. Therefore, the Sainsbury Wing and Denise Scott Brown herself stand as a feminist statement as they symbolise the demand for equal recognition, credit and respect for women’s work not only in a male dominated field. This post modern building has won the 25 Year Award for a building that has ‘stood the test of time for 25-35 years’ and continues to set the standards of architectural design.

Three core issues that make it a modern building :

The first reason is the buildings postmodern architecture. The west wing extension embraces a post modern design by embracing both historical and modern aspects. The historical elements being columns and arches. The building design recognises and explores the then and the now which differs from the traditional minimal modernism.

The second reason is the advanced lighting and climate control systems which is used to protect the artwork. The extension was designed to provide both natural and artificial lighting to create a comfortable and inviting space for guests whilst using calibrated lighting to protect the pieces of art.

The third reason is the west wings layout as it prioritises flow and accessibility which reflects the feminist approach to a more inclusive and user focused building. The wing includes elevators and ramps showing modern view points and designs as the building is providing accessibility for all.

Name of student - Paige Browne

Female Architect and Practice: Katie Oneill, Sheppard Robson

Year (completion): 2013

Typology: Library

Social Value:

The pavilion extends not only onto the existing building but also into the wider community and serves as a primary source of education for the students and the public of Liverpool. It is a vital institution that maintains the cultural heritage of Liverpool and becomes a hub for people to connect and have insights into fundamental learning facilities. From its white façade that has cascades of environmental shadows, the installations animate the pavilion throughout the day creating a sense of imagination and inspiration for the younger public that will return to pursue education at a later date.

Reason for selection of Building:

An integral aspect of my upbringing would be the ostentatious display of architecture in Liverpool. Drafting and prompting up my sketchbook and then denoting the maturity of my drawing has been a strong feature of my life so far, initially done through a series of visits to The Aldham Robarts Library with my sister, who advocated intense dedication and passion for women having access to education. At the time, she was studying cyber security in Liverpool and was 1 of 3 women on her course. Her image as a woman in education significantly influenced my perspective on achieving academically in fields of work that are not dominated by women. So not only did this building promote significance for women in architecture but was nostalgic to me and I was shown that I could pursue any career as a woman in STEM. Not only does this Library represent the feminist movements of architecture, but it also has a personal significance for me. Each day I will pass this building on my way to university, and it serves as a reminder that I pursued architecture and overcame the metaphorical barrier that women do not belong in vocational roles. These events only illustrated a path of self-expression and amplified my interest in women in architecture.

The Three Core Issues that make this a Modern Building:

-            The two-floored building has full-length vertical white fins that divide the window panels into threads of natural light that open the space to a serene studio that animates the pavilion and enables the building to integrate into its new habitat

-            This integrating Library is a vital educational resource that supports individual growth and prioritises students to thrive both socially and academically for community engagement and empowerment

-            The innovation of the pavilion challenges the traditional constructive methods by integrating the traditional library into the extended pavilion. This transformation was designed not to interfere with the public pre-existing environment but to enhance the structure from the outside and enhance the picturesque views of the city from the inside

These ideas formed the main concept of the project and illustrate how access to education can influence and produce the visibility of women in STEM. Women in these fields can be obscured and removed from the context, potentially shaping perceptions of their roles in Architecture.

Chris Johnson

Architect: Meng Liu

• Completion: 2017

• Opening time: 2017.

- Surrounding environment introduction:

Located in Nanshan District, Shenzhen, the building is a modern, integrated commercial and cultural space. The neighborhood contains several important technological, commercial and cultural districts, further enhancing the plaza's geographical advantages and attractiveness.

The building's close proximity to the China Resources Headquarters Base and the Nanshan Science and Technology Park, as important commercial and technological centers in Shenzhen, provides a large number of office and business support services, as well as a large amount of foot traffic for MixC World, and the nearby Shenzhen Bay Venture Plaza also brings a large amount of business and social demand to MixC World.

At the same time, not far from the plaza is Shenzhen University as an important academic institution, a strong cultural atmosphere and MixC World's fashion and culture complement each other, attracting a large number of young people to come to shopping and participate in the activities, Nanshan Culture and Sports Center is also a strong cultural atmosphere to provide a combination of shopping and leisure integrated experience.

The building aims to create an open, inclusive and multi-functional urban living space through modern architectural design and a diverse functional layout that promotes social attributes, cultural exchanges and an enhanced quality of life for the residents in the neighborhood. The plaza is designed and operated to create an inclusive and open public space that promotes the integration of culture and commerce, enhances gender equality and social justice, and provides a diverse range of social and lifestyle opportunities.

As the area is a high-tech business and cultural district with social inequality issues such as rapid urbanization and high housing prices, the low-income working class is under pressure. The building is designed to provide an open and inclusive social space that promotes social integration and bridges the gap between the upscale residential area and the surrounding low-wage class residents. The design of this building not only focuses on commercial functions, but also provides the community with free access to cultural activities and social spaces, and through its inclusive spatial design and attention to the needs of the community, it becomes a place of great social value to the local community.

I chose this building because of my expectations of inclusiveness, social justice and gender equality in Guangdong, especially as Guangdong is a famously developing city in China, and the need for citizens to be inclusive and mindful of the equality of people throughout society. I am concerned that in the process of rapid development, some people's needs may be neglected due to the demands of economic development, but MixC World is a modern, multi-functional commercial and cultural complex. Designed by Meng Liu as the lead designer, it focuses on openness, inclusiveness and diversity, reflecting the modern city's focus on public space, gender equality and social justice. Through the open block design, the integration of culture and commerce, as well as the focus on green and diverse public amenities, Vientiane Place enhances the shopping experience and creates an urban living space that integrates art, culture, leisure, and socialization, demonstrating the unique perspectives and social responsibility of women architects in design. As a building created by looking at society from the perspective of a female designer, this building can serve as a model and benchmark for how future architecture can take care of the needs of a wide variety of people, demonstrating a program that respects citizens while creating a modern city.

Reasons for choosing this building :

1. Innovative design

The design of the building is innovative, focusing on development while at the same time taking into account the dissemination of culture.

2. Consideration is given to the problems that exist in modern societyThe design takes into account social justice, taking care of people in need of care, while focusing on the theme of gender equality.

3. Purpose of the building:

The design of this building promotes culture and commerce while taking into account economic development, while realizing equity and feminism in the installation of facilities, reflecting a focus on inclusiveness and diversity of identities, while rejecting discrimination and giving more care to those who need it.

Submitted by: Qizhe Tang

Architects = Jade Meeks and Nikki Hills, part of Ellis Williams architect firm

Date built = March 2022

Typology and social value = The Yoko Ono Lennon centre is an important building situated on Liverpool University campus, inside it houses the Tung auditorium which has 400 seats as well as room for a 70-piece orchestra, as well as this it also has 2 large lecture theatres one of which being the Paul Brett lecture theatre which houses 600 seats for students. The building also has many other facilities such as seminar rooms and public areas for socialising. The building itself is a significant addition to the Liverpool campus and is a key part of the campus for many students who use the building for their education and performances. The building itself also has won the MSA award highlighting the building and its excellence.

Reason for choosing = The reason I chose this building was due to the relation it has to me as being part of Liverpool University. As well as this I felt like the building has an important meaning on the campus due to the fact it is dedicated towards Yoko Ono Lennon who was a past graduate, as well as this one of the architects (Jade Meeks) who designed the building was also a graduate from Liverpool University. This makes the building feel a lot closer to the university and campus. On top of this I also really like the aesthetics of the red bricks used on the building and the style it adds to the campus.

Core issues =

1-       Smaller building footprint = The building was designed with a smaller building footprint to accommodate for other features to be added to the site, due to the smaller footprint it allowed there to be a small, linear public park next to the main public route. This was achieved by arranging the lecture theatres vertically, due to this factor it also helped to accommodate the volume and height of the Tung auditorium.

2-       Acoustic abilities = The Tung auditorium features many modern capabilities to allow it to be adapted to various types of performances such as pianists, singers and a 70-piece orchestra. This was done in the way that the room was designed by the architects as well as using modern acoustic technology to change the room to feature each varying performance.

3-       Campus additions = The Yoko Ono Lennon centre has added a key addition to the campus providing many new circulation routes for students and visitors to the area. The building has been designed to help it provide circulation routes to the Sydney Jones library as other destinations round campus. As well as this it has provided a key addition for events and concerts held by the university and others.

Sam McGivern

Date: 1937

The Grade II listed building was designed by Sadie Speight and her husband Leslie Martin for Alastair Morton.

The typology of the house simply represents a more traditional country house. This is due to many factors;

• Architectural Style: There are some classic features in the house. A blend of Georgian or Victorian influences are shown. Examples are some symmetrical facades and large windows.

• Materials: The use of local stone or brick is used, and slate roofing also reflects the regional architecture.

• Layout: Typically includes multiple levels with spacious rooms, often featuring high ceilings. The house is two stories high, reflecting traditional UK country dwellings.

• Surroundings: Set in landscaped gardens or natural settings, emphasizing the connection to the picturesque landscape of the Lake District.

• Functionality: The building now serves as a private residence, holiday accommodation, or a venue for events, often catering to visitors seeking a tranquil countryside experience.

The reason I chose this building is that I initially found it interesting that Sadie worked with her husband, Leslie Martin to design this house. And in particular, designed it for a particular use. A standout aspect is the large window above the garage which captures lots of light and is used for his studio. Another reason this was a standout building for me is its design, in particular the aesthetics of the exterior. The use of materials bode well with its style, creating a building that no doubt stood out during its placement in 1937.

Brackenfell house, as traditional as it may seem, also has some elements that can make an argument for it to be a modern building. The three core issues that make this argument are;

-          Design: As well as classic features in the house, it also features many modern aspects too. It has large windows with an open plan interior, meaning more light can access into more areas of the building. As well as capturing the views from the natural landscape.

-          Adaptability – The house was designed for textile artist and company owner Alastair Morton. The large window above the garage provides soft light for his studio.

-          Materiality – The use of brick and stone is arguably a modern use of its materials at the time. Particularly the way they were used. With 90 degree cut edges and many parallel and perpendicular lines of interest, fitting into the end of the Art Deco era.

Dan Sharples

Architect: Julia Cano (lead designer

and project architect)

Date Built: 2011-2016

Typology and social value:

Since its completion the Victoria gate development has provided 1,500 employment opportunities in retail, hospitality and construction. With 522 new construction jobs and over 1000 retail jobs. The Victoria gate, although a retail building, is a 165m investment in an area of Leeds that has been underdeveloped for many years. It replaced a disused, 1960s police station. The Hexi-grid façade, inspired by fabric patterns, provides a visual history of the rich textile industry in Leeds, creating a cultural landmark for the surrounding area. The development does not infringe on the local outdoor market on the adjacent site and the car park provides another way to access Leeds city centre, benefiting business and tourism in the city centre of Leeds.

Reason for choosing:

I chose this building due to its elegant and clever façade; I appreciate the way it references the textile industry through its Hexi-grid design, and I admire the way it uses reconstituted stone for the façade design. I find the scale of the project impressive as it is one of the largest retail developments outside London, which is why I wanted to highlight Julia Cano. She was the lead designer of the façade and concept design of this building which is a unique and beautiful design. Julia Cano has worked on many famous projects around the world with the likes of Heatherwick studios and deserves recognition for the iconic buildings which she has led in the design process.

Three core issues that make it a modern building:

Sustainable approach to façade design:

The use of reconstituted stone to create the diagrid façade, is a more sustainable approach in use of materials. The external material choice tries to reduce the embodied carbon of the building by using terracotta tiles which are produced locally. In terms of construction, 98% of waste was diverted from landfill.

Façade design:

The textured stone facade creates shadows and visual interest. This is especially important as there are few windows in the design. The building uses twisted aluminium fins with four different types of twists. This allows ventilation for the car park but also gives the impression of the Hexi-grid pattern. Glazed terracotta adds texture and gives the impression of woven fabric but also adds variation in the stone façade. The colour palette is consistent, with golden embellishments adding some contrast to the stone and brick. As a result, the façade has a sculptural form. This attention to detail, which is lacking in many new developments, means it will maintain a visually interesting building for the future.

Use of materials:

The choice to use red brick and light-coloured stone is a response to the material palette of the surrounding buildings. The use of curtain wall glazing gives the impression of an open-air shopping arcades, like the many Victorian ones around the Victoria quarter in Leeds. The building uses modern construction techniques. For example, the anodised aluminium fins, used in the carpark, are coated in a protective oxide layer through the electrolysis process. Acid etched finishes are used, giving the stone a more natural appearance and the façade is created by 20-ton pre-cast panels. The combination of traditional building materials and modern construction techniques make this a modern building that is considerate within its historical context.

Luas Broadberry

Architect name- Electrical Association for Women (EAW), Dorothy Newman and Adrian Powell

Date Built- 1935

Typology and Social Value- The building was made to be a suburban family home and is used for that purpose to this day. The home was designed to run fully on electricity to steer away from the coal-powered dwellings of the time. It uses technology such as refrigerators, electric hobs and clocks, which would soon become essential in all households. Although from the exterior it appears to be any other modernist home the message behind the design is a strong message of change for women’s rights and lifestyles. The all-electric house sent a message for women around the world showing that they could have a life outside the home and be more than just housewives.

Reason for choosing this building- I chose this building as I felt it was a key step in developing female independence and a life beyond the stereotypical housewife role which dominated society during the 1930s. This home changed the stereotype and although it still viewed women as the carer of the home it used technology to streamline household chores and allowed women to have a life outside of the house. Although one of the lead architects on this project was a man, Adrian Powell, the EAW and Dorothy Newman had equal control over the design and key uses of the building, making it a home for women. I also feel the overall design of the home especially its use of an all-white exterior façade makes it stand out in its redbrick terrace estate

Three core issues make this a modern building-

1-       The all-electric house follows the rules of modernism and minimalism in its exterior design, implementing simplicity via the use of clean lines, functional forms and a minimalistic exterior façade.

2-         Modern buildings often implement open floor plans to create an airy open interior space, the all-electric house also implements this technique. The ground floor space has numerous open-plan areas, creating a communal space where movement is free-flowing between the key living areas. This then transitions into a much more private space upstairs, with the bedrooms and bathroom.         

3-       As the name suggests, the use of electricity in this home is abundant and is a definite transition from the homes of the time towards a modern design. The all-electric house implements numerous technological aids, unseen at the time, which are now viewed as essentials in every modern-day home.

Name of Student- Rowan Daniels

Architect name: Cathy Saldaña

Built date: September 22nd 1967, underwent renovation in 2015.

Social Value: The VRPMC provides help to alleviate the ever increasing medical demand on a busy central thoroughfare with the mission of providing care to patients and their families. It is a prominent structure within Mandaluyong, and steers clear of the sterile, bleak typical hospital rooms that were common during its construction period. Renovations occurring during 2015 to expand the medical centre which was especially important in helping to ensure patient care could be kept to the highest standard during the outbreak of Covid-19.

Reasons for choosing: Cathy Sandaña throughout her works, has shown that sustainability is an intrinsic component of contemporary Filipino design, and has always implemented traditional and sustainable principles such as natural ventilation and rainwater collection. This approach was no different for the VRP Medical Centre. It has become a central beacon of Filipino innovation and is easily recognisable through its modern and sleek design, becoming a source of pride for Filipinos. Whilst researching, I have found that it is a place that provides not only medical care, but also a sense of community due to its location within the heart of Mandaluyong and is easily accessible by foot and local public transport routes.

Three core issues that make it a modern building:

1. The facade made of concrete on top of white and grey horizontal steel beams around the windows which provides shade from most of the direct harsh sun rays which consequently allows drafts of wind to enter, passively cooling down the building. She also includes the colours of the Mt. Grace healthcare group throughout the facade, being both functional, modest and respectful. Her design approach revolves around people and improving their overall experience without requiring excessive manual cooling devices in a tropical climate. Steel is also a more sustainable material due to its versatility, strength and ability to be repurposed.

2. Another modern characteristic includes the open plan patient rooms. This space is used efficiently and privacy is still a functioning feature once the full length curtains around a patient’s bed are drawn to prevent spreading of contact, however patients are still able to converse with one another and families are able to visit ensuring that patients don’t feel isolated in a new environment. This isn’t typical for hospitals but through proper hygiene and mindfulness of the staff, including a viable distance of each bed from on another, it becomes a great alternative to boxed in sterile, bland rooms.

3. The VRP has a minimalistic modern design with sharp defined edges coupled with a flat roof for quicker construction and easier maintenance which was typical for buildings of the same era. The building also has a lot of windows for natural lighting which is another defining modern aspect, but due to the facade, the drawbacks typical for large windows (heat gain) is greatly reduced.

Name: Heleyna Bergado 201734799

Architect name: Martha MacKinnon 

Date built: 21^st April 2020 

Typology and social value:  

Hospital for adults and older people, focusing on mental health support. Winner of Best Interior Design in the Patient Environment class at Building Better Healthcare Awards 2020. It has four 18-bed wards, two for adults and two for older people. The older people’s unit is split into functional illnesses (depression, anxiety, etc) and organic illnesses (dementia, Alzheimer's, etc). 

Reason for selecting this building:  

The architects on this project worked very closely with the local community and the carers and clinical staff to provide a space that is of maximum benefit to the patients, while helping to battle the stigma surrounding mental health facilities. This is something that I believe is essential and should be encouraged with all projects of this nature. The negative connotations associated with mental health facilities is something that can discourage people from seeking the help they need and can therefore have detrimental effects on many people’s lives so creating such an inviting and accepting space for this hospital will have a great positive consequence on the surrounding community. 

What makes this a modern building? 

1. Consideration was put into the interior spaces in terms of colour scheme, views and daylighting, using modern psychological studies to improve patient and staff morale. 

2. A double height glass facade on the front elevation paired with a series of sculptural elements gives a modern approach to the brickwork exterior that is split into bays that reflect the York street vernacular. 

3.  The collaboration between the design team, the clinical staff, and the users of the facility has formed an inclusive design that shows the marriage of the community and the architects. 

   
   

By Hannah Threlkeld 

Location: Bristol UK

Architecture practice: Emmett Russell Architects (Victoria Emmett and Tom Russell)

Date completed: 4^th of August 2020

Typology and social Values: It is a comfortably sized property that provides a nurturing space for a young family in the Redland area of Bristol. The building was built in the garden of the original property and aims to minimise the embedded carbon through a various means. This includes the implementation of a super insulated envelope, minimising the energy loss during the heating of the structure. It Does this by using Warmcel Recycled newspaper insulation. This both provides a highly insulator layer meaning less energy would be lost to the environment.

`Reasons for choosing this building: It sits within an area of Bristol that I think is pleasant with really nice examples of Victorian properties and it shows that modern buildings can co-exist with the historic

What Makes it a modern building: It is modern as it has the general minimalist features that is very common with modern buildings but at the forefront of the design process was the consideration of modern day problems such as sustainability, climate change and shortage of housing stock.

Architect: Atelier Li Xinggang (architectress: Yiting Zhang, Lingjie Yi, Manlin Zhong)

Date Built:2013

Typology and social value: In order to preserve as many of the existing trees on the site as possible, multiple courtyards, patios and lanes are introduced into the overall layout of the building, and at the same time as a reinterpretation of the spatial layout of the vernacular Huizhou architecture, and creating comfortable outdoor spaces.Triangular steel structural trusses (their slopes are derived from the local building) adapt well to the undulating roof. Local building materials such as bricks, clay roof tiles are used in modern and innovative ways to pay respect to history yet respond to our own times.

Reason for choosing：I chose this building for several reasons. The first reason is the participation of female architects in the design; the second reason is the integration of the building with the entire urban form; the third reason is the development of Hui-style architecture; and the fourth reason is to transform the original function into a multi-functional historical and cultural comprehensive museum.

Name of sudent:

Siyu.Wu

third reason is the development of Hui-style architecture; and the fourth reason is to transform the original function into a multi-functional historical and cultural comprehensive museum.

Architect: Julia Cano, acme architects

Year: 2016

Typology and social value: The Victoria Gate is a shopping centre in the heart of Leeds paying homage to the Victoria Quarter shopping centre across the street and acts and a continuation of the shopping loop. Its home to luxury shops such as john lewis and Rolex and offers a high end shopping experience. The centre also offers many dining options and often hosts events and pop ups such as art installations and special exhibits giving a voice to the Leeds residents. The Victoria Gate has also provided 1500 employment opportunities with 500 construction jobs and 1000 retail and leisure roles.

Reason for choosing : Victoria Gate follows many of the principles of what a modern building should be and revitalises the centre of Leeds. It fits nicely into the plot and seamlessly adding to the experience of the city. It also follows many sustainability goals with 98% of the waste from construction and demolition being diverted from landfill.

Three core issues:

1. One reason this can be classed as a modern building is how the facades and design features are incorporated to reflect the city and its history. For example on the east side of the building, there is a terracotta facade that pays homage to the Victorian buildings in the area. Another example is the patterned stone floor that is based on the Leeds woollen herringbone cloth. Subtle details like this that allow the building to blend in while still being something new and exciting makes it a good example of a modern building.

2. Another reason that makes it a good modern building is its integration into the city. It’s a natural extension of the existing Victorian arcade with the circulation flowing between the two halves seamlessly separated only by a road. It also makes routes through the building that were not possible before the construction which cuts down travel time for non shoppers as well. The thought of its impact on everyone was also heavily considered by the architect making it a good modern building.

3. Finally its effects on the local people and area with it encouraging more community with its events as well as creating thousands of more jobs. Ultimately a building like this should improve people's lives even if the shopping element is unobtainable to a lot of people, the building still had a net positive impact making it a good modern building.

Architect: Sarah Wigglesworth

Location: 9/10 stock Orchard Street, Islington, London

Date built: 1999

Typology: House and studio space for her and her husband.  The house adopts the spatial organisation of the office and is inspired by Bürolandschaft. An open plan is divided into departments that optimise social encounters between colleagues. The ensemble is placed in a setting comprising a hard landscape, cour d'honneur and an ornamental and productive garden.

Social value: This is a family-friendly and environmentally sustainable working place. Firstly, Stock Orchard Street aims to be net zero carbon, this is from being made of recycled concrete, enclosing the bedrooms in protective insulation, and straw cubes. Sarah states ‘most sustainable buildings are not necessarily the cheapest or most ecological or most recycled but any of this combined with architecture that people want to sustain because they love it’. Secondly, Wigglesworth has created an inclusive community space, with communal gardens and gathering areas like the dining room table that encourage friends’ family and residents of the area to come together.

Why did I choose this building: Living and growing up in London and wanting to learn architecture I grew up hearing the name Wigglesworth. I was lucky enough to walk past her house on the way to my dad's house, walking to the bus station or riding my bike to school. I am inspired by her innovative designs which were ahead of their time. The flexible design incorporates many different aspects so seamlessly it is an inspirational quality I try and follow in my studies.  

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

Technological transformation: In the early days of the design process Wigglesworth's intention was to look for a construction technique without a history. This led to the development of the bale building. The ‘hairy’ walls comprised 550 Cotswold barley straw bales, a thin timber frame and a ventilated steel screen to prevent the bales from rotting. Stock Orchard Street is a bio-based, reused and self-made building, called a modern example of vernacular architecture.

Urbanisation and industrialisation: Wigglesworth transformed ecological architecture from dull and unworthy of the title ‘green’.  To one which is distinct in its appearance and function.  Wigglesworth's urbanisation of the site started in January 1994, finding 9/10 Orchard Street in an auction catalogue. The previous use was in the secondary sector, making leaf springs for classic cars. This has transformed into the Quaternary sector offices for her and her husband. This has also attracted an influx of people, family and friends of the owners. Lastly, she included the community in the project by allowing the public to let people in to see the home once a year.

Cultural enlightenment: Stock Orchard House emphasises individualism in every detail. One example is the dining room table. The dual identity of a living and workspace is an exploration into the life of working and living in the same place. Wigglesworth contradicts the idea of capitalism that the men leave home, and work and women stay and care for the household. She highlights how there is little distinction between home and the workplace as they are both sites of production. Wigglesworth avoids tradition and created a space for social collaboration, networking and other parts for quiet contemplation

 By Grace Aiamble-Lina

Architect: Alison Brooks architects

Date built:2021

Typology& social value: This is a house

Building a sense of community and ensuring safety are two of a home's social values. its capacity to promote familial ties, offer safety, and create a feeling of community.This folding geometry abstracts the highly articulated facades and roofs of Belsize Park’s urban villas into a continuous, folded surfaces and intersecting vectors. This interplay, between solid and void, roof and façade, enables the house to become a singular, textured object, embedded in its context.

Reason for selecting this building: I selected this building because it’s very eye catching, especially the spacious interior with elongated spaces and wood with pleasant finishes, such as black cherry wood. I also like the building because of its complex structure it enables flexible space utilisation. Being attracted to the unique character and spaces that creative architectural designs generate, they promote social interaction and exploration.

3 issues that make this building modern:

1.The design process for the Mesh House utilized 3D CAD to form a polygon mesh, addressing the complex intersections of built volume, light angles, existing building lines using a software like this is very modern.

2.The house transitions from more opaque on the street side to transparent towards the rear garden, enhancing spatial continuity.

3. The facade is clad in small-format oxidized copper shingles, Copper clad walls are a modern design element in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Name: Sylvia Vuvu

Architect name: Ana Elvira Vélez

Date built: 2014

Typology and social value: 

Ana Elvira Vélez focused on the building's sustainable construction and incorporation into the surrounding environment while designing it to directly address the social and educational requirements of the rural community.

The Rural School was created to give the kids who live in this rural area access to an education. Additionally, the school serves as a social centre for community events and get-togethers. By employing environmentally friendly building practices and sustainable materials, its architectural style is extremely sensitive to the climate and environment of the area. Because it meets educational demands and fortifies the village's sense of community, this design raises the building's social worth.

Reason for choosing this building: I chose this building as it has a strong emphasis on responding to the direct needs of the community as well as being considerate of the climate whilst implementing a high level of sustainability. I believe it is a great example of how architects should respond to a given site, both environmentally and socially.

Three core issues that make this a modern building: Three things that define this as a modern building would be its sustainability and environmental integration, its community-centred design and its adaptability to rural needs.

Name of student: Juleiny Balanta-Muñoz

Architect: Amanda Levete

Date Built: 2021

Typology and social value:  

Maggie’s Southampton is a public building. It is an informal setting for cancer patients to receive support emotionally and gain practical advice. This space allows them to interact with others going through the same thing without the stressful feeling of being in a hospital.

Reason for choosing this building: I chose this building because it is an example of healing architecture and how importance is placed on outside spaces as well as inside spaces. The garden, which was also designed by a woman (Sarah Price) was designed as the focal point rather than an afterthought in creating the space. The whole concept was to create a building in the middle of a garden, so you are surrounded by nature. This was interesting to me because the location of the building is in Southampton hospital’s car park. I liked that they chose to ‘hide’ the outer landscape so they are in their own bubble. I also liked that they designed it to feel like a home rather than adhering to the usual characteristics of public buildings. For example, they decided not to have a sign on the bathroom door because there would not be any signage on your doors at home. It was minor details like this that encouraged comfort in the space when going through a difficult time. I just thought it was a smart the way they responded to the brief. Creative solutions like designing external stainless-steel walls to reflect the landscape off itself to make the space feel bigger is the reason why I chose this building.

Three core issues making this a modern building:

1. One of the main issues making this a modern building was the site. It was surrounded by concrete buildings, which is common in most cities. The brief they received emphasised the need of nature within the design so they needed to figure out how to remove the concrete landscape. They did this by inserting a garden into the site and placing the building in the centre. They also embedded the building into the ground to obscure the view of the car park at eye level.

   
   

2. There is increasingly less space within cities for additional architecture. Therefore, it is encouraged to utilise the space you have. This a one story building therefore more ground is taken up compared to if they decided to increase the height of the building. This is a difficult issue to avoid as cancer patients may find it difficult to constantly use the stairs. This also means visitors would be able to see the surrounding concrete buildings and the whole illusion of being in the middle of a garden would be ruined.

   
   

3. They used a concrete slab foundation, which is not sustainable. However, the other materials they have used in the building suggest they have tried to be environmentally conscious this is seen as they used ceramics not only aesthetically but also utilise their load bearing properties as well as insulating building.

Name: Jaweria Saleem

Architect Name: Alison Brooks (Alison Brooks Architects)

Date Built: 2021

Typology and social value: The Mesh house is a single-family residential dwelling. However, it differs in the design where it is more complex compared to a typical residence. This can be seen through the focus on sustainable and biophilic design principles. The house conveys how homes can embody environmental responsiveness alongside visual originality with fulfilling residential needs. The house combines contemporary design while also appreciating local architecture traditions. This can be seen from its lattice-like façade.

The Mesh house portrays a commitment to low-impact living where it supports rising awareness of how homes can blend with nature, rather than disturbing it. Passive colling and natural materials are integrated to promote sustainable living.

Reason of selecting: I have chosen this house as it is a influential example of eco-conscious design where it shows how harmony can be achieved between architecture and the environment. It also acts as an inspiration for future residential design setting a standard that will support human comfort and ecological health.

Three core issues:

1 – Aesthetics is combined with functionality in the woven façade that acts as a functional shading device

2 – Materials and forms that reflect traditional architecture are used while also implementing modern construction techniques

3 – The house incorporates biophilic design in which natural ventilation and large windows are integrated to create a connection to the nature outside.

Maryam Bashir

Architect name : Sarah Wigglesworth

Date built : 2010

Typology and Social Value:

Sandal Magna is a contemporary educational building that serves as a primary school. Its design prioritise sustainability and community engagement, creating a space that fosters learning and collaboration among students and staff.

Reason for Choosing/Selecting This Building:

I chose Sandal Magna because it exemplifies innovative architectural practices that address modern educational needs. The building’s design reflects a commitment to sustainability and adaptability, making it a significant contribution to contemporary architecture in educational settings.

Three Core Issues that Make This a Modern Building

Sustainability: Sandal Magna incorporates green materials and energy-efficient systems, emphasising environmental responsibility and reducing the carbon footprint.

Flexible Learning Spaces: The design features adaptable classrooms and communal areas that encourage interactive and collaborative learning, responding to the diverse needs of students and educators

Community Integration: The building’s layout and design promote community involvement, serving as a hub for local activities and fostering connections between the school and its surrounding environment.

Ethan Hotson

Date of built: 2020

Name of architect: llLab.

Typology and Social Value: The “Yangshuo Bamboo Pavilion” project designed by llLab. utilizes the architectural typology of bamboo structures to create a pavilion that both integrates into the environment and promotes social interaction. This typological approach highlights the flexibility and sustainability of the bamboo material for the local climate and landscape, and also emphasizes & highlights the beauty of local nature. The social value of the project lies in its role as a cultural venue that enhances the social fabric by encouraging community participation and providing a space for cultural activities and interaction between visitors. This makes the pavilion a vibrant part of the community, enriching the local cultural life and visitor experience.

Reasons for choosing/selecting the building: The 'Yangshuo Bamboo Pavilion' makes innovative use of local materials, utilizing local bamboo, demonstrating a sustainable development strategy that enhances visitors' sense of immersive interaction with the surrounding environment. The building exemplifies the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern design, providing an excellent case study of how architecture can respect and enhance the natural landscape. In addition, the pavilion promotes social interaction and community engagement through its open and accessible design, making it a fascinating subject for research into the social impact of architectural design.

Issues:

Sustainability and Material Innovation: The use of local bamboo minimizes environmental impact, incorporates hand-woven culture in an innovative way, and the structural columnar shape echoes the bamboo growth pattern to meet modern engineering and aesthetic requirements.

Environmental Harmony: The design integrates with the local culture and ecological landscape, and is a unique regional design that not only echoes the local history of “Liu Sanjie's Impression”, but also reflects the local commitment to improving the environment and coexisting with nature.

Functional Diversity: The building is versatile enough to be used for cultural performances and community gatherings, demonstrating modern architecture's focus on flexible, multi-purpose spaces to meet the needs of the community.

Student： Xiaoyu Zhou

Architect: Designed by Tonkin Liu

Date built: Designed in 2019 and completed in 2022.

Typology and social value: The building is a private space, yet serves various buildings and public spaces by helping the environmental impact for Manchester as a city and those living in it. It is not residential, yet the building provides heat and energy to surrounding buildings. The tower of light has a meaningful impact to celebrate the multi-cultural population of the city. Being a prominent and intriguing building in the city scape, it glows from LED lights, in various colours to celebrate different cultural celebrations and festivals, it adds a togetherness and celebratory impact to the city with Manchester being multi-cultural place and encourages diversity; at the same time as physically supporting becoming a low- carbon energy centre.

Reasons for choosing I chose this building as it has always intrigued me, since studying architecture my own curiosity for the space around me whether it be where I am now or where I grew up, has increased massively. I researched multiple buildings in Manchester with female / female dominant architects and I found myself being mainly intrigued by this one. The practise Tonkin and Liu consists of 8 people, 7 are women. When researching, I found the main fascination of the practise was nature and what we can learn from it, I find this to be a driving force behind a lot that interests me in architecture, and I find this is somewhat portrayed through the building as it has a subtle elegance and charm. The biometric structure has a light and almost paper lantern like aura, although it has such practical and sustainable value whilst upholding such an ethereal façade. It fascinated me.

Core issues that make this a modern building: The building demonstrates form following function, using enclosing flues to catch the wind, which powers the lighting and encourages the low carbon energy. The tower of light helps the environment and construction around it rather than taking anything away from surrounding buildings.

The buildings materiality is made by using thick steel sheets, the sheets are flat& thick (6&8mm) the pattern is curated using laser cutting, these qualities reinforce the thin, light shell lace structure. The steel is accompanied by 1373 glazed ceramic tiles.

The building displays geometric and intricate shapes which are extremely modern, with also enduring a minimalistic effect with the steel material appearing white with the tiles.

Core issues that make this a modern building: 

Technological transformation- The tower of light aims to help Manchester become a ‘low carbon energy centre.’ This is done through clever technology, using enclosing flues to catch wind and generates energy to various surrounding buildings. 

Urbanisation and industrialisation- Manchester was the world’s first industrial city. This building focusses on the cities manufacturing, but in a helpful way to combat the issue of carbon in the city. The building helps bring people to the city as the more buildings powered by low carbon energy, the more jobs involved in the buildings supported. Accompanied by the economic growth of Manchester as a city , buildings like the tower of light help the city to endure this but in a more sustainable way.

Cultural enlightenment- The tower aims to celebrate diversity within the city, glowing various colours through LED lights (when it is dark) against the skyscape, for different cultural celebrations and festivals. It has a visual impact on any passerby’s which honours Manchester’s multi-cultural population. 

Niamh Goulding Ansbro

Location: Xi’an, Shanxi Province, China

Date Built: 1986-1991.6.20

Typology and Social Value:

1. To record of the history: Xi’an is a capital city in many Tang Dynasties, having many antiques and historical history, it can show the Chinese culture in a real and close way to the public.    

2. Educational: Offers public history education. Can let public know more about the Chinese culture also improve the people’s culture confidence.

3. Showing the Architecture Power: As the biggest modern museum in China, it shows the Chinese architecture technology’s improvement and show the modern architecture concept the Chinese architects have.

Reason for choosing this building:

It is a building that link to the Chinese Modern Government, can somehow show the highest Architecture level in China in a specific period. It is also designed by the first female architecture academician in China, can show the female’s power and the influence in the Architecture.

Three Core Issues:

1. Do not like the traditional Chinese buildings’ timber structure, the museum used the modern technology and the materials like concrete to build.

2. Innovation and the combination are very apparent in this building, the building shows to the public how can tradition things and new things can combine.

3. Using the time logically to put the buildings in order, make the whole building huge but not in a mess.

Bowen Shen

Project Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects

Project time:2023

Project location: Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China

Typology and social value: museum

Shows the development of technology and the human imagination

The reason why I chose this building is that its distinctive shape fits the theme of science fiction. The discussion of the interior space is equally curious, reflecting the architect's imagination.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

1.An unconventional look: Chengdu is a major incubator for the creation of science fiction in China and the career of many famous Chinese writers, and the building's distinctive curved appearance shows the architect's high imagination, which is in line with the core of the building's expression

2.Environmentally friendly: Designed to meet China's three-star green building standards, the museum's natural hybrid ventilation system takes full advantage of Chengdu's mild subtropical climate to provide a comfortable environment for visitors and staff throughout the year, and photovoltaic panels in local locations help meet the building's energy saving needs

3.Conducive to urban development: The surrounding parks are planted with local native plants that can collect and store rainwater for natural filtration and reuse, making Qingrong Lake an integral part of Chengdu's sustainable drainage system, thereby mitigating flooding and increasing biodiversity throughout the city.

Architect: TACP Architects, including Charlotte Whittingham

Date built: 2011

Typology and social value: This extension on a pre-existing Victorian school building provides four fully independent classrooms as well as an expansion on both the kitchen and the hall. The extension is in response to a need for more school places in a growing rural village. The project involved the demolition of a vacant domestic building on site which would have otherwise been left to decay. The expansion of the hall and kitchen creates a space for pupils, teachers and parents to meet for assemblies, extra curricular activities, and community events.

Reason for choosing this building: This is a building that I have experienced in person, and had the opportunity to discuss with architect Charlotte Whittingham during work experience I completed with her. It also feels relevant that this is an educational building designed by a woman, when typically females have a greater involvement with education and raising children. Finally, I feel it is important to celebrate architecture that is seen to be more mundane as often these are the buildings that have high value in terms of how they benefit both individuals and the local community.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

1 The extension contrasts and compliments original Victorian school building by not competing for attention

2 The design uses space inventively to expand hall, kitchen, and add 4 classrooms in a confined site without sacrificing a significant amount of crucial outdoor space

3 The building uses retaining structures to accommodate for steep level changes on site

Name of student: Grace Haigh

Architect: Amanda Levete, Jan Kaplicky

Date Built: 2003

Typology and social value: The selfridges building is the main shop in the Bullring shopping centre and due to its modern architectural design that consists of 15,000 aluminium discs, its design increases shopping activity to the surrounding area.

Reasoning for choosing: I have constantly been in and around this building for many years and has always caught my eye due to its distinctive design that makes it stand out from the other buildings. Its innovative design embodies a bold and unconventional approach, challenging traditional architecture built within the surrounding area. This makes the building stand out within the city which almost redefines the cities identity by pushing its creative boundaries. the Selfridges building isn't just a shopping centre, but a statement in the city of Birmingham.

3 core issues that makes this a modern building:

1- the buildings curved shape breaks away from traditional architectural forms, aligning with the modern approach. The seamless curves required unconventional materials and innovating construction methods, bringing the design to life, inspiring surrounding buildings to follow this approach.

2- Material innovation in which the 15,000 aluminium discs create a visually compelling, textured façade, catching the light and shadows throughout different moments within the day. This constantly shifting visual effect extends the focus on modern architecture in terms of its interaction with the environment and following traditional buildings.

3- While this building serves as a retail space, its bold sculptural aesthetic also provides an experience and emotional response within its used, blending functionality and artistic expression together.

Student Name: Nikhil Mejer

Architect name: Jinqiu. Zhang

Date built: Completed on 06.20.1991

Social value: It is the first large-scale national museum with modern facilities in China. Shaanxi History Museum is a high platform and group combination building built according to the layout of the palace courtyard.

Reason for choosing: Shaanxi is of great historical significance as the ancient capital of more than 13 feudal dynasties in ancient China, and the cultural relics unearthed here are of high cultural value. Jinqiu. Zhang, as the first female academician in China, demonstrated her deep understanding of Chinese culture and Chinese architecture in such an important project.

post by Xiang.Huan

Typology and social value:

It is a national first-class museum, which is a comprehensive museum mainly displaying Ningbo's humanities, history and art. The exhibits include more than 60,000 pieces of precious bronze, porcelain, bamboo carvings, jade, calligraphy and painting, gold and silver, folk customs and other cultural relics from the prehistoric Hemudu culture to modern times. It is the representative work of "new provincialism" style of Lu Wenyu and her husband Wang Shu.

Reason for selecting this building:

The design of this building integrates the characteristics of Ningbo regional culture, traditional architectural elements and modern architectural forms and techniques, which is a very local representative existence. The designer introduced the concept of mountain to shape its mass, designed a strong sense of sculpture under reasonable layout, and then responded to the modern architectural form with traditional Chinese materials, which explained the "new vernacular idea" well.

It is worth mentioning that the female architect Lu Wenyu played a crucial role in the design of this scheme, although her husband is more famous than she is. The idea of volume segmentation and circulation, as well as the idea of retaining the traditional materials of the facade, were developed by her. She always inspires others in the team, and her name should be written.

Three core issues that make this a modern building

- The plan revolves around a traditional Chinese courtyard, organizing the various Spaces while also using this form to increase light

- The long horizontal Windows of the facade are made of a grid system, which reduces the heaviness of the building and increases the sense of scale.

- The interior and exterior of the building are wrapped in bamboo formwork concrete and more than 20 kinds of recycled brick and tile mixed masonry walls, which is a perfect translation of traditional and modern

Name of student:Yike Gui

Architect - Elise Owusu

Date - 2011

Typology and social value

This is an improved design of green park train station. This re design has benefited Londons transport greatly. Green park is based in central London, a very busy part in the city for both work and tourism. It has 3 train lines and transport around this area is very significant. The improved layout and design has benefited the public in terms of travel, the connections between different train lines has been made easier for the public allowing the journey around london simpler, safer and less stressful. The circulation and accessibility has improved, this is a key factor for having good quality transport in a density populated area. This is shown in the step free access, this feature has high social value as even those with disabilities are able to access the station that is key for the transport network.

Reasons for selecting this building

I was inspired by how Elise Owusu was able to take an old and bland design and turn into a beautiful form that merges into its surroundings whilst also being able improve transport for the public. Green park station is an old station and sits at the heart of Londons transport. Re designing this station and having it well run was key to insure the network functioned. Elsie Onwusu had realised this and her improvements are a big factor for why central Londons transport functions and runs smoothly. This was done in 2011 in preparation for the London Olympics, Londons transport had to remain functional during this very busy time, the design of the station had made this possible. Furthermore the re design not only provides functional benefits but also fits into Londons landscape really the materials and details not only improve the aesthetic of the building but the overall area of the site. Green park station currently is a key station in connecting Londons underground trains, the work of Elise owusu was crucial for this.

The positive impacts of green park station also led to positive outcomes for Elise owusu, due to her work she became the first black female to elected as a RIBA member in 2014 and has become an inspiration for many female architects and is the vice chair of the London school of architecture. Her achievements are truly inspirational and her buildings provide a great example of what modern architecture should be like.

What makes this building modern

1. The accessibility and entrances of this building has a modern approach. This building has been designed to have step free access benefiting all users. A key feature is the entrance trail connecting the station to the park. Elise ones has designed this station so it merges into the landscape and creates a connection between them. This has a positive effect on the public as they immediately interact with nature and the landscape of green park as soon as they leave the station.

2. This building has been designed to keep up with Londons constant improvement of infrastructure and transport. The new layout and design of the building creates easier circulation for train connections and insures this key station functions in the transport network. This can be seen in creating lifts from the Victoria line platform straight to the Piccadilly line, allowing quick access. The step free access for all 3 lines is key for having modern circulation in this building

3. The new design has taken a modern approach in terms of materials to insure sustainability. The main entrance features artwork by John Maine within the stone cladding. The use of renewable materials such as stone is a very sustainable approach to insure the building has limited environmental impacts whilst still being able to function and providing a secure structure. Because of this the city remains clean and healthy.

Tai Ashley Fraser

Architect name: Wenjing Huang

Date built: 2019

Typology and social value: Art Museum, a public art space, a new cultural landmark in Shanghai

Reason for choosing/selecting this building：

1. This art museum was transformed from an abandoned aviation fuel tank. The process of transforming industrial heritage into cultural spaces reflects the participation and influence of female architects in urban renewal.

2. In the era when aviation fuel tanks were built, women could not even receive education universally. However, in the 21st century, this aviation fuel tank was transformed by a capable woman with a good educational background, highlighting the changes of the times. Women have been allowed to receive education for only a few hundred years, yet they have achieved so much.

3. Historical and Educational Value: The reuse of industrial heritage provides a case study for discussing the role of female architects in preserving history and education.

The three core issues that make this a modern building：

1. Functional innovation and spatial transformation: Tank Shanghai transforms industrial sites into cultural spaces, reflecting the innovative reuse of old structures in modern architecture.

2. Environmental Responsibility and Social Culture: The center emphasizes harmonious coexistence with the environment and serves as a platform to promote social interaction and cultural diversity, showcasing the social responsibility of modern architecture.

3. Progressiveness of technology and materials: The Oil Tank Art Center uses modern technology and materials to improve the functionality and aesthetics of the building, while providing visitors with a better experience.

Laura Wu

Architect name: Ruth Guggenheim Nivola with Peter Chermayeff and Umberto Floris

Date Built: 1990

Typology and social value: Casa Museo Nivola serves as an artistic museum dedicated by Ruth Guggenheim Nivola to her husband Constantino Nivola, to celebrate and preserve his sculptures, drawings, and murals. It blends indoor galleries with open-air installations encouraging visitors to experience Nivola's works within a natural Sardinian setting that aligns with his connection to landscape and local culture.

The museum holds significant social value as it preserves Nivola’s artistic legacy and also serves as a community cultural hub. It frequently hosts exhibitions, educational workshops, and public programs, art appreciation and connecting local heritage with global modernist art movements. This outreach enhances the cultural identity of Orani.

Reasons for choosing: I chose Casa Museo Nivola because it beautifully commemorates the life and work of Costantino Nivola, built with deep emotional attachment and a sense of love by Ruth and those who wished to honor his legacy. Placed in the remote, culturally rich town of Orani, the museum adds to its meaning by situating his art where he was born, embedding it within a community that values its heritage and proudly celebrates Nivola's achievements. I’m also drawn to the building’s modern design, which elegantly fuses Sardinian tradition with contemporary architecture, offering an immersive experience that reflects the pride of Sardinian culture.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

• Integration of Landscape: Casa Museo Nivola combines indoor and outdoor spaces, blending with the natural Sardinian landscape, which is a hallmark of modern architectural design focused on a balance with surroundings.

• Minimalist and Functional Design: The building's clean lines, open spaces, and minimalist approach align with modernist principles, ensuring that form follows function without extra decoration.

• Fusion of Old and New: The design respects Sardinian cultural heritage while introducing contemporary elements, embodying a modernist dialogue between tradition and innovation.

Ella Astheimer

Location: Oxford st, Liverpool L7 3NY

Architect: Jade Meeks (Ellis Williams Architects)

Typology and social value:

The Yoko Ono Lennon centre was built for the University of Liverpool offering students a world class teaching experience. The building was designed to hold concerts, lectures and events and could compete with leading concert venues. The centre has a performance space called the Tung Auditorium that can house 399 people and has space for a 70 piece orchestra. It also has a Paul Brett lecture theatre that can house 600 students. It will host the Music Department’s popular Lunchtime Concert Series. The building was named in honour of Yoko Ono Lennon for her long-standing philanthropic support of the University.

Core issues that make this building modern:

• The building has modernistic features such as floor to ceiling windows, sharp edges followed by curves and overhangs providing shade

• The building uses an open plan interior with the use of modern materials and skylights

• The lectures theatres were arranged vertically which allowed for a much smaller building footprint - freeing up the site to deliver a linear public park alongside the main arterial route adjacent to the south elevation (Grove St).
  This also allowed for the large volume and height of the Tung Auditorium to be placed adjacent to the teaching spaces, separated by the main atrium circulation space.

Charlie Cannon

Architect: Leonie Wainwright

Arhitecture Firm: Ainsley Gommon Architets

Date Built: 2014

Typology: The Tan Y Fron building in Llandudno is a mixed-use development that combines extra care apartments, a health and social care facility, and a community centre. This typology is particularly interesting because it reflects a modern approach to addressing the needs of a diverse community, specifically catering to older persons, those requiring healthcare and the wider community.

Rationale: The building exemplifies the potential of architecture to create positive social impact. By bringing together different functions and user groups in a single development, Tan Y Fron aims to foster a sense of community and provide a range of essential services in one location.

Social Value:

Integrated Living: The inclusion of extra care apartments allows older people to maintain their independence while having access to support when needed. This fosters a sense of security and belonging within the community.

Accessible Healthcare: The health and social care facility, with its focus on dementia care, addresses a critical need in the community by providing essential healthcare services locally. This reduces the need for residents to travel for treatment and promotes early intervention and ongoing support.

Community Hub: The refurbished and extended Ty Llewelyn Community Centre serves as a central gathering place for people of all ages, promoting social interaction, and a sense of belonging. This can help to combat loneliness and isolation, particularly amongst older residents.

The three core issues that highlight the modern design approach of the Tan Y Fron building:

Sustainability: The building's commitment to environmental responsibility through features like gas-fired combined heat and power, rainwater harvesting, photovoltaic panels, and sedum roofing demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to design. These features not only reduce the environmental impact of the building but also contribute to its long-term operational efficiency.

Accessibility and Inclusivity: While the source doesn't provide specific details, the nature of the development suggests a focus on accessibility. Features like level access, wide corridors, and adapted bathrooms are likely incorporated to cater to the needs of older residents and those with disabilities. Furthermore, the integration of the community centre encourages inclusivity by providing a welcoming space for diverse groups.

Wellbeing: Tan Y Fron demonstrates a clear focus on wellbeing through its design. The central courtyard garden offers residents a peaceful outdoor space for relaxation and social interaction. The emphasis on dementia care within the health centre highlights a commitment to meeting the specific needs of vulnerable people.

Student: Mathew Davitt

Architects Name : Zaha Hadid

Date Built : Construction Finished 27 July 2011

Typology - The London Aquatics Centre is a building designed to hold a swimming pool for competative events. This is a building with a curved design being its main feature, this blends in with the riverside environment of the olympic park and also mimics water.

Social Value - This Centre has a high social value, as when it is not open for swimming events, the communtiy can use it as a regular swimming pool, where they hold lessons, fun days and other water based activities. This also holds a high social value as it was built for the olympics which brough a lot of tourism to the area.

Reason for selecting this building - I have chosen the London aquatics centre as my building as it is very close to my home and I even had swimming lessons there growing up. Therefore this makes me feel connected to the building. I have also chosen this building as I remember being in awe of the scale and complexity of its design wheever I would walk past or into it.

Three Issues that make this a modern building -

• The excessive use of concrete in its design

• Its Contemporary Design

• The Modularity of the building when events are held

Ryan Dixon

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Designer - LHC Design (Glayne Price)

Built - Completed in 2021

Typology and Social value - The Ada Lovelave building is an office building for scientific research companies in Exeter science park. Building promotes well paid STEM jobs in the region. The building is operationally net zero carbon and achieved a Breeam rating of "Excellent".

Student - Edward Walker

Location: Liverpool, England.

Architect: Emma Lepley

Date Built: 2020

Typology and Social Value:

The building is designed with both functionality and patient experience in mind. The winter garden allows patients to connect with nature in a peaceful environment even in the sites extremely urban setting. The building also has an external terrace on the chemotherapy floor which allows panoramic views of the city. The natural light and green spaces create a healing environment for patients.

The centre enhances the well being of patients and their families which is important for people going through long term medical treatment. The building provides a calm and inviting environment which is far less intimidating than other hospitals across the country. The centre and its staff support patients who are going through an extremely tough time in their lives and supporting people is an extremely important social value.

Reason for choosing/selecting this building:

Other than the fact that the building is a well designed and thought out addition to the city which benefits people in a multitude of ways. I find cancer treatment to be an important part of life with how many people are diagnosed within their lifetimes. It is also a cause that is close to me after losing my grandma in 2021 to the disease. I think it’s extremely inspiring to see a building designed by a woman that can help so many people and really have an impact on society.

The three core issues that make this a modern building:

1. Patient centred design. The building is clearly designed with patients in mind and focuses on providing a “comforting and less clinical feeling environment for patients and their families” - Emma Leplay

1. Integrated technology. The building is equipped for modern healthcare demands with state of the art and new research technology, this enhances patient care and operational efficiency.

1. Sustainability. High-performance façade limiting heat loss, Photovoltaic panels, 30% of energy generated on site by low and zero carbon systems, 23.6% reduction in CO2 emissions.

Sophie Wilcox

Architect: Benedetta Tagliabue

Date Built: 2021

Topology: This church is a good example of Romanesque architecture; the vaulted ceilings inside and the side chapels have been influenced by Gothic architecture. The artwork and Renaissance symmetry also give the building a harmonious design.

Social Values: The church’s social values focus on the Renaissance and foster its role through its religious devotion and how it uses religion to promote socialization, education, and interaction. The church is a charitable and cultural centre where people gather to share their ethical beliefs and get closer together as a community.

Reasons why I chose this building:

The reason why I chose this building is that it's a building where I would see myself going every day and spending time reflecting and making my life healthier. Looking at it from an architectural view, I love the sleek design that Benedetta Tagliabue introduced while still including the Romanesque architecture and the minimalism design on the interior, which focuses on the idea that there should not be any other distractions while being in a religious space. I feel like this is a much-needed building within the community, as it gets people together and educates them.

The three core issues that make this a modern building:

Adaptive Use for Community Functions:

To remain relevant today, the church may integrate contemporary uses such as holding educational programs, art exhibits, or community activities.

Style of Architecture:

The church demonstrates a change in architectural styles that reflects contemporary aesthetics by combining Gothic and Renaissance components. Its design's emphasis on harmony, proportion, and simplicity is in line with modern architectural ideas, which frequently place a higher value on minimalism and functionality.

Sustainable Practices:

The church might incorporate contemporary sustainability features, such as climate control or energy-efficient lighting, to lessen its environmental effect and demonstrate a contemporary dedication to sustainability.

Written by

Rami Fared Naama

Architect: Alexandra Slatter

Date Built: 2023

Typology and social value:

10 Brindley Place is a now refurbished office building with 210,000 square feet of mixed use space. Having combined with the previous 8 Brindley place it is able to offer a range of facilities including rock climbing walls, office spaces, hireable event spaces and more. Redevelopments like this play a key part in reimagining Birmingham's public image which has been very industrial and cold and embracing positive refurbishment like this is what has allowed Brindley Place as a whole to become a thriving area in Birmingham.

Reasons for choosing:

Having grown up in Birmingham I have seen a lot of areas transform with new redevelopments such as this, the shift to modern architecture here and across Birmingham has brought a new image and only bettered it. I also previously had the chance of work experience with Alexandra's firm Associated Architects having also spoken to her I wanted to look into one of her projects. What stood out to me was the BREEAM excellent rating it achieved and I wanted to highlight a building that promotes environmental sustainability as well as social and economic stability and improvement.

3 core issues that make this a modern building:

1. This building heroes environmental design, something that has and is extremely important. Its refurbishment was done in a back to frame style, replacing all masonry and insulation to an updated standard whilst maintaining a somewhat similar appearance as to not completely remove the history from the building. Along the construction process all of the waste is being recycled for new projects, and the now complete building has a 60% reduction in embodied carbon, half the carbon emissions and uses 60% less energy

2. The design of the building itself also has a very modern approach, with a double height entry space and providing naturally well lit spaces throughout it's a much more welcoming space than it was before. on top of this the approach puts Birmingham in a light of moving forward and growing which is key among most modern ideologies.

3. Functionality is a big part of this buildings design, by being a mixed use space it helps to not create isolated spaces that ultimately deter the public from engaging with it leading to a city formatted into areas that become one use as opposed to a freer flowing area. The gym and social spaces within the offices also promote productivity for the people working there as well as the physical and mental health benefits, the increased focus on environmental design such as levels of natural lighting also help with this along with the better level of thermal comfort achieved

Name: Harvey Jones

Architect: Qi Shanshan

Date Built: Summer of 2019

Typology and Social Value: ANNSO HILL is a new boutique guesthouse, situated in a narrow alleyway lined with B&Bs and storefronts. The site is composed with two characteristically different lot spaces forming an inverted“L”shape, which begins with a compressed street front zone on a steep slope, and ends on a long serene hillside aligned with beautiful tall trees. It not only connects people and nature, but also shows the combination of innovation and tradition.

Reason for choosing the building: The reason why I chose this building is its novel design. It chooses as its formal strategy to step back and react directly towards the landscape. Pressed against the hill, the roof shifts and climbs 30 meters upward, while the frontal tiles touch the very ground on the edge of alley. This approach, as a result, provides an open space for the public realm that is extremely rare in Heshun, as visitors and locals are drawn to any and all creative activities or social programs. This tilting geometry also adds a new trajectory of complex relationship that is perpendicular to the linear street, which connects both visually and spatially with the town and the“hidden”hill by a sequence of living conditions.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

1. The building extends up the slope, with a significant difference in height at the front and back, which conceals the entrance and dissolves the facade, and redefines the existence of the roof.

2. All walls are shifting and being slightly carved-in, in order to create another dimension of spatial reading and also for practical usage. There is an emphasis on the play of light and shadow through manipulating the geometrical relationship between walls and windows. All objects in the hotel-rooms are arranged in the lower horizontal zone, leaving the above space to collect the grand views of the outside.

3. ANNSO HILL is a cultural and living space for creation. As such, it expounds a new definition for both the cultural and architectural values of Heshun ancient town.

Name of Student: Yizhuo Wo

Location: Reading, England

Architect: Katie Duggan

Date Built: October 2021

Typology: Church Redevelopment for local community.

Reason: I clearly remember the church before, having visited several times, and remember the full construction process. Also, the community has ties to the scout group I was part of and as such I know several members of the community at the church.

3 modern aspects:

• Material choice of the extension provides a modern contrast with the original flint walls of the church. These materials also have a high thermal mass, allowing the building to keep on maintaining a more constant temperature inside and improving the comfort of the occupants.

• The function as a cafe and bookshop alters the function of the church to more of a community hub, than solely a place of worship, a feature that modernizes the use cases of the building.

• The new south-facing glass-fronted seating space acts as a means of increasing direct sunlight into the spaces of the church and will improve thermal energy gain, which will help to heat the large spaces within the church.

Jonny Ritchie

Date built: 1970 (renovated in 2019).

The Leeds Playhouse is a building designed for the performing arts, showcasing a diverse range of productions, from classic plays to contemporary works and new writing.

I chose this building as it is one of the UK's most important cultural institutions. The exterior of this building is stunning, with the use of coloured paned glass which intrigues and encourages all who walk past it to enter. It plays a huge part in the local offering a wide range of programs to engage with all different groups of people.

This is a modern building because:

1) The recent 2019 redevelopment, led by Haworth Tompkins, introduced a glass fronted façade and open-plan foyer, leaving a sleek modern aesthetic. The design maximizes natural light, enhancing the building’s visibility while connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces visually.

2) Leeds Playhouse includes universal accessibility whilst aligning with modern standards. The redesign included wheelchair access throughout, improved seating options, and accessible backstage facilities, ensuring the inclusivity of both the audience and performers. Additionally, the theatre provides accessible performances, including audio-described, captioned, and relaxed showings.

3) The building combines sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems to reduce its environmental footprint. With flexible public spaces like the foyer, community rooms, and rehearsal areas. The way in which this building was designed and how it is used shows its commitment to both environmental but also social issues.

Ted Bardgett

Architect name: Rachel Haugh

Date Built: 2004

Typology and Social Value:

Beetham Tower is a prominent skyscraper, which is known for its distinctive design and and impact on the city’s skyline. Standing at 169 meters it was the tallest building in the UK outside of London in 2006. The tower is used in many ways such as residential, hotel and commercial spaces. The Unique cantilevered design is a hallmark of modern architectural innovation.

Beetham Tower played a pivotal role in the regeneration of the Manchester City center as it helped the develop the surrounding area. It was built as city living became a nice way of living. Also attracting tourists aswell as buyers and investors increasing the surrounding economy as this also increased surrounding property prices.

I chose this building because when i searching for female architects near where i live i found that that there was many that were well known. Once i found that Rachel Haugh was the Architect for the Beethem tower i was interested to found out more about the building as well the architect. From living in Manchester everyone knows how significant the Beetham tower is to the city and how it stands out in the city skyline. I was really interested in Rachel Haughs career and how she has only become credited for here work recently as she’s joined various architects and her name being added to the company name of SimpsonHaugh architects.

Three core issues:

1) Cantilever - On floor 23 The Beetham Tower has a cantilever of 4 meters. This is located where the sky bar is and has teh addition of large windows looking onto the ground below. The cantilever involved careful calculations with the weight distribution and wind resistance.

2) Beetham Tower was constructed with the use of reinforced concrete and steel to allow the height of 169 meters. The base of the building is smaller than the top as it allows more surrounding ground space.

3) The Curtain Glazed walls. This is a modernist approach where the glass is broken down into smaller grids and separate sheets of glazing. The glazing doesnt effect the building structurally buty helps make it more aesthetically pleasing.

By Louis Ellison-Brown

Architect: Xu Tiantian

Date Built: 2016

Typology and social value: The Brown Sugar Factory is a factory that combines a brown sugar production plant, villagers' activities and exhibitions. It improves the traditional family brown sugar workshop by integrating the history of ancient sugar production inherited for a hundred years and the cultural traditions of the village's kernel, preserving the hardware and at the same time injecting a wealth of vitality and vigour. The site is located at a certain distance from the village, which not only reduces the disturbance and pollution to the village and the people, but also serves as an important transitional extension of the village and the countryside.

Reason for choosing this building:

1. The Brown Sugar Factory improves on many of the drawbacks of the original traditional family workshops, such as poorly constructed structures, haphazard management, poor hygiene conditions, and potential fire hazards.

2. The materials used in the building, such as red bricks and bamboo, are common and important local building materials, which can be rationally utilised and give full play to local characteristics. At the same time, brown sugar is an important village industry on which the local people rely for their survival, and the continuation and inheritance of this has provided abundant employment opportunities for the local people, increased the economic income of the farmers, improved the economic level of the village, accelerated the economic development, and gave full play to the advantages of the local location and resources, promoted the revitalisation of the countryside, and increased the cultural self-confidence of the villagers.

3. The Brown Sugar Factory does not adopt the closed form of traditional factories, but adds a lot of sight-open space design, so that the production site is like the scene of a theatre performance; its external and internal are the display of the scene, the field and the scene. The performative and demonstrative nature of the workshop gives it the nature of a ‘stage’, which is not only a stage for the village production activities, but also a stage for the superimposition of rural life and idyllic poetry.

The three core issues that make this a modern building:

·In the design of Brown Sugar Factory, we choose this common local light steel building form, which meets the needs of large-span production space, matches the functional attributes of the factory, and uses it in combination with the spatial functional attributes to form a clear material structure system. Because the ancient method of brown sugar production requires the use of open flames, chimneys, exhaust and other equipment are also integrated with the light steel structure in terms of design.

·The production exhibition area is paved with red bricks, separated from the black light steel shed frame, echoing the color of brown sugar. The ground of the processing area extends the lines of the fields into the room, and uses different red brick methods to distinguish them. The display area is designed with red bricks combined with greening to increase the richness of space and emphasize the functional attributes of the display area as a public rest space. The corridor around the production exhibition area is paved with cement to define the space and reflect the mobility and outdoor nature of the space. The logistics service block is paved with dark cement, which is distinguished from the red wall system, and the color suppresses the space.

·Vegetation cover, rainwater collection and treatment systems and other means can be used in the landscaping around buildings to promote ecological balance and protect the local natural environment. At the same time, environmentally friendly materials and green building standards can be used to reduce negative impacts on the environment, fully reflecting sustainable development.

Name: Lanting Jing

Architect: Shu Wang, Wenyu Lu

Completed in 2007

Typology and social value

The China Academy blends traditional Chinese and modern architectural styles. Using recycled materials like old tiles and bricks, it emphasizes simplicity and connection to history. The campus layout, with courtyards and narrow alleys, fosters social interaction, creating a harmonious community atmosphere. This design embodies cultural continuity and environmental respect, reflecting the traditional Chinese philosophy of harmony between humanity and nature. Beyond its role as an educational space, the campus stands as a model of sustainable design, respecting both cultural heritage and natural surroundings.

Reason for choosing

The architectural design of China Academy of Art blends traditional culture with modern architecture. Through the reuse of recycled materials and harmonious integration with the natural environment.

The three core issues

Sustainability and Material Reuse
The use of recycled materials, such as old tiles and bricks from demolished buildings, reflects modern principles of sustainable design.

Blending of Tradition and Innovation
Used architectural elements (courtyards, narrow alleys) with contemporary design, showcasing a modern reinterpretation of cultural heritage that balances the old with the new.

Integration with Nature

The campus is carefully designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, embodying a modern perspective on environmental integration.

Xiyan Yan

Architect: Elitca Panayotova

Date: December 2019

Typology and social value:

This is an 8 story office building located in the outskirts of Sofia and next to a very busy road that influenced the design of the building by making many stripes in the building to represent the speed of the cars on the road.

Reason for choosing this building:

The main reason I chose this building is because I admire the design and the shape of it. The facades are influenced by the high speed road next to the building so the it follows the speed of passage with the the white stripes that move up and down across the building, which makes it easy to remember when you drive by it. The building can also attract many visitors, not only because of the beauty of the building but the views of Sofia and Vitosha (mountain) that it provides because of its high location. There is also a garden in the south side of the building that has many different plants which improve the air and bring more people to sit around it. The materiality is another reason for why I selected this building as it is made out of stone and triple glazed windows which have good thermal and sound insulation to create a prefect condition for working inside the building.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

-the futuristic design of the building that stands out from the others and attracts many people to it.

-big garden in the south part of the building that takes up a quarter of the site, made to improve both design and air quality.

-the materiality of the building with stone and triple glazing widows that helps with thermal and sound insulation.

Student: Ivaylo Mitov

Architect: Rushan Hu

Date Built: 2021

Typology: Hotel

Social Value:

In the phenomenon of urban village renewal that has attracted much attention in recent years, the Youxiong Hotel in Nantou Ancient City, Shenzhen, designed by Neri & Hu, is undoubtedly a typical case. The ancient city area where the project is located reflects the collision between history and the present in the process of urban spatial change in Shenzhen, and the boutique guest house transformed by the self-built residential houses in the urban village also challenges the inherent typology of traditional hotel design from site selection to spatial organization.

Through the design of the building, the relationship of "seeing" and "being seen" between the hotel visitors and the original residents is equal and interactive: the hotel visitors become the "other" of the village life in the city, spontaneously paying attention to the panorama of life in the community; The village's indigenous people can also perceive life in the hotel's public space without obstacles and examine the changes that urbanization has brought to their own lives. As the lead architect Ruen mentioned in the interview, the most special achievement of the project is its community participation and positive impact on the daily life of the surrounding neighborhood.

Reasons:

a. Hu Rushan is my favorite designer.

Ms. Hu was selected as one of the 40 outstanding young designers under 40 in Greater China by the prestigious design magazine PERSPECTIVE Magazine.

b. This building is a good example of the coexistence of old and new.

In her book "The Future of Nostalgia," Svetlana Boym defines two types of "Nostalgia," "Reflective Nostalgia," which favors "miss" over "old," It is not a restoration of the past home and life, but a utopia with the nature of exploring the future. This discourse also provides a theoretical basis for discussing Ruen's practice in Nantou Ancient City. First, urban renewal aims to pursue higher quality of life, spatial efficiency and economy. Secondly, the community network and collective memory of urban village life should also be treated well and cherished. Therefore, Youxiong Hotel provides a phased reference for the spatial upgrading of urban villages, rather than the end of individual self-renewal. Architecture should integrate into the community with an open attitude and adjust itself according to changes in the external environment. Compared with the more static transformation of historical buildings or industrial relics, the environment of urban villages in Shenzhen is dynamic and full of tension. If the revitalization of traditional historical architecture emphasizes the transformation of "old" to "new" and "self" to "other" values, then the spatial practice of Nantou Ancient City reflects its connection with the past, present and future of the city, showing the unity of subject and object values. If we look at the temporal and spatial changes of the ancient city from a more macroscopic perspective, the effect of "self is other" is more obvious: the community is slowly changed because of the spatial activation of the individual buildings, and the individual buildings also reshape their own personality because of the integration of the community.

c. This building presents a design approach that allows outsiders and indigenous residents to communicate well.

At the base position, the public parts of the hotel sit flat to blend into the background of the urban village. However, the juxtaposition of coarse wood concrete, smooth stone and metal creates a defamiliarization of the perceptual level, which is the most skillful material strategy used by Ruen. The benches at the entrance outwards reflect the characteristics of "urban furniture" and create a space for dialogue between the visitors and the villagers through the openings and Windows. In the middle layer of the hotel, Ruen handles the space in the most controlled way, and the corrugated perforated aluminum sheet material is wrapped to bring a semi-transparent visual experience. On the top floor, a metal structure bar is added to emphasize the upward dynamic force to increase the building's visibility to the site. The open treatment of the roof helps to alleviate the cramped urban village experience. In addition, community rooftop life, which is connected with each other but with different personalities, is an important way to reconstruct the value of public space in urban villages.

Yuxin Wang

Date: 1936 
 

Typology and social value: East Wall is a grade II listed modern private residence designed by architect Elisabeth Benjamin. It was designated for many reasons including its architectural interest as an early example of the international modern style in the UK. As well as the early use of reinforced concrete in domestic buildings, which helped in the development of regulations regarding domestic concrete use in the UK. 
 

Reason for selection: I chose this building because of the story of the architect, Elisabeth Benjamin. She was among the first generation of female architects to practice as qualified architects on a large scale in the UK. However, her career ended early due to the pressures she faced, becoming a mother and moving away from London, the center of architectural activity, when her husband relocated the family during the Second World War. East Wall is the best preserved and well-documented of the three buildings Benjamin designed during her short-lived career. Despite having more opportunities and legal recognition, this building reflects how social expectations still limit the impact women have in architecture. 

Modern Characteristics: 

1. Plan and Layout – The building is situated on a large plot with the east wall bordering the garden to the west. It was designed as a two-storey rectangular structure, laid out on a grid, featuring a central east-west spinal wall that extends outside and creates apsidal projections at the north-west and south-east corners creating a serpentine shape in plan. The building has a spacious open interior. The brick central curvilinear spinal wall separates the living and dining rooms to the south from the kitchen and smaller service rooms to the north.  

2. Materials and Structure - The structure is made of steel-reinforced concrete frame, and a red brick spine wall adds gives the facade a textural element. Board-marked concrete elevations, painted white, contrast beautifully with the warmth of the brick used across the interior of the first floor. Large steel-framed south orientated windows bridge the building to its environment. The red brick and béton brut wrap around the apsidal stair tower, merging raw concrete with the warmth of brick. This combination reflects a thoughtful approach to materials that honors both modern and traditional design principles 

3. Geometric Forms – The living room that includes a fireplace set within a round-arched brick surround. A square, tubular metal element aligns with the fireplace and extends to a low shelf on the mantel. Beyond the southeast corner, a full-height square pier supports an overhanging roof, creating a shallow canopy over the dining room terrace. The roofline is straight, providing a partial canopy above the terrace, which is bordered by tubular balustrades with metal grilles. 

Anu Ibinayo 

Architect: Kate Macintosh

Date Built: Designed and built between 1968 and 1973

Typology / social value: Macintosh Court is a grade II-listed building comprised of 45 sheltered housing flats for over 55s owned by Lambeth council. Its inherent social value is that it is social housing for older people, however beyond that it is a building that has fostered community and connection for its residents. Its open courtyard spaces, with windows and balconies looking positioned to look out onto it, connect the residents both to nature and to one another. Purpose built social housing for older people promotes independence, can reduce loneliness, and in successful examples such as this, can also improve residents’ overall health and wellbeing.

Reason for choosing: I chose this building because I admire Kate Macintosh’s social values. Her work has so often led the way across public housing design, social theory, education, and tenants' rights. She is a lifetime advocate of social housing and often characterised as an unsung hero of social housing in Britian. Her virtuosity was recognised when she received an MBE. In addition Macintosh is a recipient of the Jane Drew Prize for women in architecture 2021.

This building is also interesting as a symbol of the post war zeitgeist. It highlights the values of a caring and compassionate society and embodies the vision of Nye Bevan’s “cradle to the grave” care. Perhaps it is now a reminder of a bygone era.

In addition, I also found this building compelling because it was under threat from Lambeth Council after falling into disrepair. Following outcry from residents and the local community, it has since achieved Grade-II listing, being named in Kate Macintosh’s honour and receiving funding from the council for restoration.

Furthermore, I chose this building, particularly over Macintosh’s other building located nearby Dawsons Heights, due to Macintosh Court being purpose built for older people and smaller in scale. It is especially important to care for more vulnerable people in society including with provision of sheltered housing. Macintosh Court accommodates for these different needs, providing an elegant solution.

3 Reasons it is a modern building

1 The design and construction were an experiment in modular construction - refining the modular and prefabricated construction necessitated by the second world war and post-war reconstruction.

2 The building utilises industrialised building systems and is predominately made of concrete blocks.

3 Macintosh Court has the hallmarks of a modern building: geometric form, clean lines in form with horizontal design flat rooves. It also utilises functional flowing and open space plans, as well as balconies and natural light connecting the residents to nature.

Charlie Bottrill

Location: Lyceum PI, Manchester

Architect: Sara Haghshenass ( Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios)

Date built: March 2012

Typology and Social Value:

The building, located in the edge of Manchester’s city centre, was commissioned by Manchester Metropolitan University  in 2012 to attract students in response to recently introduced changes in higher education. Two enclosed atria allow distinction between the business school and student hub. The business school is located in the taller atrium, and is composed of various formal teaching spaces including seminar rooms as well as lecture theatres. The smaller atrium houses the student hub, which encourages social interaction and conversation.

Reason for choosing:

I chose this building as I enjoy how it challenges the stereotype of the ‘male dominated’ industry of business. Its strong concrete structure and large internal spaces are juxtaposed by the large amount of glass used in the design. This juxtaposition adds a sense of openness to the space, not only increasing social connectivity within the space but also harnesses a connection to the surrounding context. To me, its transparency symbolises the interventions that need to happen in the industry of business, where toxic competition is encouraged.

Three core issues that make it a modern building:

The building achieved a BREEAM Excellent due to its innovative environmental solutions and design. Close to 20% of the building’s energy is from on site.

Its facade is composed of a curtain wall of opaque glass geometric structures that transform light, producing a variety of coloured patterns depending on the angle and direction of the sun. This creates a sense of life around the building and brings joy even on dark days.

It references local industrial buildings with its large use of concrete and exposed internal structures, showing its respect for the city’s history. Yet it challenges the conventional university building with its open and transparent interior that promotes interconnectivity.

Eleni Vourliotis

Location: Wilmslow, Cheshire

Date built:

Typology and social value:

-socially motivated architecture practice

- experience in social housing and disabled adaptations

-Lisa Rayners was a trustee of the learning disability and mental health charity

Reasons for choosing this building:

-it was an extension which means that they used recycled materials

Woodhouse, Loughborough

Architect: Elizabeth Rhodes (2021 extension)

Date Built: c1920

Date of extension: 2021

Typology and social value:

In 2019 the Spinneys was made a Grade II listed detached Arts and Crafts house. It has recently undergone careful renovations to transform it into a dream home whilst maintaining its architectural integrity and historical significance. The homes heritage status and location within a conservation area added additional planning and design considerations, requiring close collaboration with Charnwood District Council’s planning department and heritage specialists. The original building features:

-Brickwork in a white rough cast render with timber framing between sections.

-Swithland slate roof sourced locally from Swithland quarry.

-Picturesque early 20th century detailing including gabled bays and ornate chimneys.

The recent renovation features:

-White handmade bricks which add textural depth to the extension.

-Extensive use of glazing which allows abundant uninterrupted views.

-A large bronze frame which provides a warm, rich contrast to the original house.

Reason for choosing this building: The building stood out due to its Arts and Crafts architecture and the way the renovation incorporates modern design whist preserving its history. The approach of mixing the old and new architectural styles, especially with a Grade II listed building, makes it unique. I appreciated that it celebrates both the craftsmanship of the past and the innovations of the present.

The three core issues that make this a modern building:

-Contemporary Architectural Extension:

The new extension contrasts yet compliments the original design. It provides light, open spaces to create a modern and functional family home without overshadowing the Arts and Crafts architecture.

-Use of Modern Materials:

The extension uses white handmade bricks, large expanses of glazing and a bronze frame, creating a textural and visual contrast with the historical materials.

-Open, light spaces:

The modern extension has expansive glazing that brings in natural light and frames views of the garden which aligns with contemporary living standards.

Grace Coppard

The Three core issues that make this a modern building:

1. Human-Cantered Design. The core concept for Wang is “caring for people”, which is one of the core modernist principles, prioritizes user comfort, accessibility, and functionality.

2.Hybrid and Flexible Space Usage. The design of Wang allows the internal spaces to adapt various functions, quiet zones, study spaces, collaborative areas and event rooms. Demonstrating the multi-purpose design in one type of building, which steps away from rigid, mono-purpose design.

3. Sustainability and Environmental Considerations. Planting green spaces around the library incorporates the idea of modernist's eco-friendly approach. As such, it can reduce environmental impact and increase user comfort. Daven TH Cheung

Architect name: Marta Nowicka, DOMstay

Year of completion: 2014

Typology and social value: This project sought the conversion of a former ambulance station built by the St John Ambulance Association in the 1950s in the medieval citadel of Rye, East Sussex. It has been converted into a four bedroom home with open-plan living and dining space with terraces on either side, with original materials repurposed throughout the building, wherever possible. The project is an ode to Rye's historical heritage with surrounding architecture dating back to medieval times. Rather than demolishing the building, this female lead architect practice instead celebrated classic English architecture, promoting sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and economic growth.

Reason for choosing:

I believe a strong component to sustainable architecture growth is using materials that are already readily available, rather than producing more of what we already have. This project is a great example of this. Whilst being a modern project, it still respects the surrounding architecture with Rye being the home of great English heritage, an example being its shared courtyard with a Grade-II listed Georgian building, promoting the small town's cultural enlightenment.

Three core issues making this a modern building:

1 - The modernist movement focuses on sustainable building, conversion being an advocate for responsible design. This building is an example of technological transformation. This approach is popular in modern architecture since new construction is so resource heavy. This can contribute to a lower carbon footprint, energy conservation and lower construction costs.

2- St John features a contemporary interior design with an open, spacious floor plan and large windows, encouraging the flowing layout. The building's floor to ceiling windows on the ground floor are designed to flood the building with natural light, a common design choice in modern architecture.

3 - Another characteristic of modern design is minimal ornamentation with neutral/white palettes and a lack of adornment. St John's interior walls are entirely painted white, with any timber features being greyed. This also contributes to the maximising of interior natural lighting. A concrete plinth is laid in the centre of the ground floor, a material which is highly favoured aesthetically in modern design. The bathroom and kitchen feature stainless steel furnishings, an ode to the medical industry, this being an old ambulance station.

Biddy Davies 201745977

Architect: Jiang Ying, a female architect who is the chief architect of O-office Architectural Studio.

Date built: 2020

Typology and Social Value:

The Chapel of the Jinting Bay is a religious building dedicated to Mazu, a local deity in Chaoshan area of China. Mazu was an outstanding woman in history and was worshipped as a god by the local people after her death. Since then, the local people held some large sacrificial activities at specific times to pray for good weather.

Reason for choosing/selecting this building:

This building is of great significance to the area.

1). Culture and historical:

Mazu culture is an extremely important part of local culture. The building of churches can effectively make up for the lack of worship places nearby. For the local people, the church is set up on the beach to protect the safety of people who go out to sea to fish and people who play in the water

2). Architecture Design:

The building stands on the central axis of the city. This is where city meets country, and sea meets land. It connects traditional residential areas and urban areas, and connects the sea, which has been relied on for generations, with the land. This position is the best embodiment of Mazu culture. In terms of design, the landfacing side of the building is long and low, with a feeling of inclusion; The side facing the sea gradually Narrows and rises, eventually forming a huge facade. This is a good example of the local people's reverence for the ocean.

The Three Core Issues That Make Thia a Modern Building:

1). Application of Material

The building uses materials commonly used in modern construction: stone, concrete and glass. The exterior is white, with stone and concrete foundations and large floor-to-ceiling window glass.

2). Design Form:

The building adopts modern construction methods. The building draws inspiration from the local villages and towns to imitate the ancient auditorium, learning from the Western chapel. After passing through the courtyard, the huge Mazu statue stands in the courtyard looking towards the sea. The huge facades facing the sea resemble towers

3). Architecture Image:

The city-side facade of the chapel contains a horizontal space with a height to width ratio of nearly 1:10, inside are abstract forms of a traditional screen, courtyard and hall, and spreaded horizontally against the central axis of the new city. The 36-meter-long shaded walkway at the edge of the shallow pool presented a perfect frame and stage for the scenery.

Tianxiao Zhao

Architect: Xu Tiantian/DnA Design and Architecture

Date built: 2009

Typology and social value:

Located in Tong Zhou District, eastern outskirts of Beijing, Songzhuang is the most famous and biggest artist community in China. The first artists moved here in the early 1990’s, having been driven out of another community near the Old Summer Palace. For years these artists were virtual outcasts with lots of their artworks politically inspired, and they lived under the eye of authorities. With the booming of Chinese art market, artist population expanded dramatically in Songzhuang.

This architecture is a response to human needs, it was created to house artists and outcasts.

Reason for choosing this building:

As an architecture, this residence is a shelter in both physical and psychological form. The artists are able to live and work, generate artwork even in a not so open and tolerant environment.

The aesthetic is another eye catching feature that interests me. The masses are seemingly carelessly located, providing possibilities and representing the willingness to try new things.

Three core issues that make this a modern building:

1. The bold forms of bulky rectangular masses (resembling stacking containers) that led to an expressive configuration and unique spatial quality of accidental spaces as blank canvas for artists to fill up with activities. As well as the bold choice of colours, dark grey and orange.

2. The modern idea that artists hang out with fellows within their living and working space, instead of being isolated.

3. The building is built to suit the need la of booming population of artists, including those outcasted, especially. To some extent, it represents rebellion. Modern architecture should provide comfort to anyone regardless of the identity of residents.

Xiaohan Li

Architect: FaulknerBrowns Architects 

Date built: 2019-2021 

Social Value: As the City hall its where the seat of local government are and a services point for housing, employment and benefits. A shop window, with facilities for civic events.

Reason for Choosing: I chose this building because it shows how the city, I’m from is moving towards being more inclusive and the council is trying to better the city itself, and the City Hall was one of the first steps into doing so.   

Three core issues: Its overall a very modern building, with its sleek design and its open and well-defined floor plan, and use of traditional modern materials.  

It’s an inspiring new civic landmark, it is a positive step as a part of the wider vision for Sunderland city and the people who live there.  

The building celebrates the cities heritage with local craftmanship, and design tailored to it, the central steel staircase was fabricated by a local metalworker and former ship building firm, 20 minutes from site. 

Post by Maddison Weston

 Location: Suzhou, China 

Architect name: Rossana Hu 

Date Built: 2016 

Typology and social value: Suzhou Chapel is a landmark building by Yangcheng Lake in Suzhou, with a simple and atmospheric appearance, providing visitors with a 360 perspective to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Yangcheng Lake. The chapel has a very flexible space inside, providing a venue for ordinary activities. 

Reason for choosing this building: When I first began to learn architecture, I preferred those buildings with unique shapes and strong sense of design, and my design also paid more attention to shapes rather than internal space. My tutor asked me to learn more cases. Suzhou Chapel is the beginning of my acceptance of square box shape, it is very simple but clever. Especially after getting to know Rossana Hu and her past designs, I began to understand and fall in love with the architecture of these square boxes. 

Three core issues that make this a modern building: 

1. The exterior of the building is a white square box with vertical lines formed by metal sheets. Inside, there are windows of different sizes. The design is simple and neat, without complicated decoration. 

2. New building materials such as concrete, glass, folded metal skin with open holes are used to highlight the architectural aesthetics. 

3. The design emphasizes functionality and the use of space, such as a flexible mezzanine and a viewing platform for visitors. 

Student name: DanyanShen 

Location:Zhujiang New Town West Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China

Designer:Zaha Hadid

Type:Public Building -Performing artsbuilding - Theatre

Time line: The design began in 2003. Construction began in 2005. Completed in 2010.

Social value: After its completion, Guangzhou Grand Theatre has become a cultural landmark of Guangzhou and even China. Zaha uses its unique design style and high-tech building technology to show the integration of Chinese culture and world architectural design. At the beginning of the 21st century, it has brought extremely avant-garde artistic architectural works to the Chinese public, especially the citizens of Guangzhou. The theater also promotes the economic development of the Zhujiang New Town area.

The reasons: 1. Zaha Hadid is one of my favorite architects. She was the first female designer to win the Pritzker Prize. She can be regarded as one of the most representative female designers in the architectural design industry. I really like her design style and approach. Zaha's more characteristic streamlined design was used in the design of Guangzhou Grand Theatre. With a bold use of space and geometry, the polygonal lines in the building define areas and regions within the Opera House, cutting dramatic canyons inside and outside. At that time, it was already extremely avant-garde design and concept, and even today, it is still in the front of the world's architectural design. I love Zaha's play with space. There are not too many gorgeous decorations in her design, and there is no classical prosperity. She uses minimal lines and extremely subtle division of space to create this work of art.

2.Zaha's inspiration for the Guangzhou Grand Theatre project is also quite unexpected. The design language of the entire building is "rounded double gravel", and its image is the erosion effect of smooth pebbles in the two streams, fully integrated with the Pearl River. Like the smooth pebbles eroded in the stream, the perfect harmony with the location of the river, the unique shape is full of whimsy.

3. Many new design techniques are used in Guangzhou Grand Theatre. By cutting the space, Zaha makes the building and nature fully interactive, allowing natural light to penetrate into the building. GFRC units are used inside the auditorium to continue the fluidity and seamless architectural language. Guangzhou Grand Theatre has no vertical columns, no vertical walls, the use of irregular geometric shape design, resulting in the appearance of the "stone" is twisted and tilted, only the outer surface has 64 faces, 41 corners and 104 edges. Through the numbers, you can feel how genius Zaha's design style and approach is. Not using vertical columns is out of the realm of traditional architectural design and structure.

Core of issues:1.The Guangzhou Grand Theatre is known for its unique streamlined structure and unconventional geometric shapes. This streamlined design has stood in the opposite of traditional architecture, breaking the convention. Its design adopts the concept of "river and rock", and the shape of the theater is like a washed pebble, reflecting the perfect combination of nature and modern technology.

2.The Guangzhou Grand Theatre uses a number of cutting-edge building technologies, including a large glass curtain wall, a complex combination of steel and concrete, and high-precision computer-aided design (CAD) and construction techniques. The biggest feature of Zaha's design is the use of stone to form these irregular facades, and the use of gaps between the stones for drainage. The application of these technologies not only ensures the unique shape of the building, but also enhances its engineering feasibility.

3.As one of the important landmarks of Guangzhou's cultural development, Guangzhou Grand Theatre is not only a building, but also the cultural name card of Guangzhou. Its completion provides Guangzhou with a place for high-end art performance and cultural exchange, while strengthening the modern image of Guangzhou as an international metropolis with modern architecture.

Post by Weihang Li

Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait

Architect Name: Zahraa Al-Mahdi

Date Built: 2018

Typology: Cultural Centre and Museum Complex

Social Value: One of the biggest museum complexes in the world, the cultural centre offers educational and cultural experiences that honour technology, science, art, and natural history. In Kuwait, it has emerged as a major hub for education and community involvement.

The Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre is my choice because it combines cultural relevance with contemporary design. It acts as a centre for culture and education, bringing together a variety of exhibitions that stimulate curiosity and learning.

The Three Core Issues that Make This a Modern Building:

Innovative Architecture: The center's design incorporates state-of-the-art structural elements and materials to give it a modern appearance while supporting a range of cultural events.

Sustainability: To reduce its environmental impact, the building incorporates eco-friendly techniques, such as energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials.

Community Engagement: The facility offers instructive and engaging experiences, fostering an environment that promotes education, discovery, and cross-cultural interaction.

Name of Student: Zaid Almutairi