The living wall

Providing a new context to the term ‘green hotel’, is the swanky 5 star Athenaeum Hotel in London’s Piccadilly.  In addition to the green efforts that many hotels incorporate of energy saving and waste reducing, comes the ‘living wall’ presented by botanist turned artist Patrick Blanc.   The wall, or ‘wall garden’ as it is more commonly known, spans the entire side of the building, from the ground floor to the penthouse suite, subsequently rendering it the tallest garden in Britain!  Boasting over 12,000 plants from a range of 260 different species the garden provides a varied sanctuary of flourishing wildlife, in an unusual composition.  Blanc carefully selected the plants, not all indigenous to the UK, in order to suit both the climate as well as the overall aesthetic.  A substantial collection of nettles, the world’s largest in fact, as well as Japanese Iris’s and Chinese begonia’s among many others make up this installation of biodiversity, a treat for the budding botanist.  But it does not just act as a showcase for impressive greenery – it also acts as natural insulation for the building as well as an air purification system...so it really does live up to it’s ‘green’ appearance!

Blanc’s signature gardens can be found spanning buildings all over the world in countries from Paris and Madrid to Tokyo amongst many others.  He has perfected his technique of growing his gardens, not on soil, but on a specially designed synthetic felt material within which the plant roots can anchor and grow.  An automatic fertilization and watering system is also in place, completing the components of an intelligent system and great example of botanical architecture. Personally I think it is quite a fun way of jazzing up the side of a building, almost like a sort of live mural or canvas.  Blanc, pioneer of the wall garden – who knows, you may see a living wall coming to a building near you!

The London Bridge Quarter

Behold the latest visual representations of London Bridge Tower aka ‘The Shard’ presented to you by the Renzo Piano Building Workshop.  As part of the London Bridge Quarter makeover, a 2 billion pound development, the Shard is set to be the tallest building in the UK and one of the tallest in Europe measuring in at a staggering 1017ft.  It will lose out to the Federation Tower in Moscow by approximtely 50 metres.  This height is quite significant, almost three times the height of St Paul’s Cathedral, that will no doubt take president as the most prominent feature across the London skyline.  The Shard will provide the centerpiece of the London Bridge Quarter redevelopment, encompassing offices, restaurants, apartments, retail areas and a hotel, joined to a public piazza and passageway to London Bridge Station.  The concept is that an urban environment will be generated 24 hours a day.

The name says it all…in a design that resembles a handful of glass shards pieced together beginning wider at the base and narrowing to the tip, piercing upwards towards the sky.  From the pictures it appears incredibly sci-fi-esque with a pinnacle that might shoot a beam into space at any second.  Upon visiting the official website, it states the inspiration behind the Shard’s design is in fact based in the ‘historic form of London’s masts and spires’ featuring a 16^th century scene of the river Thames full of the many masts of hundreds of boats and ships.

The design is unique and refreshing if not a bit bizarre, combining art, design and architecture in great harmony.  This uniqueness stands it in good stead to become an internationally recognised brand.  I look forward to experiencing the monumental building upon its completion in 2012.       

A 'Snuggle'-ly way to stay

Contemporary German architectural group Raumlaboberlin have designed their own dream mobile hotel for festivals, workshops, symposiums or any other such events which require temporary lodgings. 

‘Snuggle’ consists of a number of modules each secured in a scaffolding area, with platforms for each mattress enclosed by willow meshwork and a waterproof textile coat.  Each room has a separate entrance that is individually closeable, with rooms connected to each other via a series of tunnels.  Open or closed coverings on each module can act as windows, entrance/exits, or tunnels to the next room. 

I love the concept that these dinky little pods are able to adapt to where-ever their surroundings may be, winding in and out of trees or pathways to create a novel and flexible design each time.  For me, this flexibility is one of the main advantages of the design, extendable in terms of size, number of rooms needed, and enabling the accommodation to be removed and rebuilt elsewhere.  The recycling and sustainable element added here is very fitting with the organic feel and ‘at one with nature’ theme.  ‘Snuggle’ provides a unique alternative to a tent, with I can imagine, great views to match.