Talk to Architects Forum 2019 was held at Shanghai New Exhibition Centre. Aedas Global Design Principal, Ken Wai attended the forum and delivered keynote speech to share Aedas design experience under the theme of “Refined Design Methods and Realization of Building Skins”.
“Façade tells the story of a building and how the building interacts with people. It is as vital as functionality, spatial planning or lighting design to architecture.” Ken believes that architects shall, based on in-depth research to local culture, utilize the architectural language of façade, structure and functionality to address site conditions and realize Client’s aspirations.
Ken Wai took example from THR350 private residence in Hong Kong. Three staggering “ice cubes” are set to enclose a staircase, creating an artistic twist to the plain glazed curtain wall as it vividly depicts a grand scene of a waterfall draping from the cliff. Curvature of the glass panels was pushed to the limit in order to express the fluidity form of the sculptured staircase. In response to client’s enthusiasm for art and a need of privacy, the design delicately integrates the sense of order and randomness and blends the luxurious modern residence into the natural context it’s in.
Another example is the Hong Kong West Kowloon Station designed by Andrew Bromberg at Aedas. As a gateway and a new landmark of Hong Kong, the design intends to connect the station with the surrounding urban context and make one aware that whether arriving or departing – ‘you are in Hong Kong’. The design features a 20-meter-deep sunken atrium hall space where tree-like column-bundles lifts up the roof to allow passengers a first glimpse of the cityscape even from lower levels of the station. The accessible green roof encourages people to walk up to the top and enjoy the spectacular view of Victoria Harbour. With an integrated design approach, the design results in a structure where façade and internal spaces are closely connected which showcases a combination of strength and aesthetics.
Chongqing Gaoke Group Ltd Office Project also stands out for its façade design. Inspired by the dancing aurora, the design is characterised by the juxtaposition of rectilinear forms and tower Façades with double curves. The magnificent twisting sculpts an impressive torsional shape for the tower. With a maximum twisting angle up to 8.8 degrees per floor, it noticeably surpasses the existing super high-rise tower in the world by nearly 1.5 times (CTBUH Journal, 2016 Issue 3). After completion, it will be one of “The Most Twisting Towers in the world”. Innovative façade technology empowers precise execution of such challenging design.
Talk to Architects Forum has been successfully held for six editions at the Fenestration BAU China Exhibitions. With a mission to achieve integration and collision of architectural technology and art, it builds a bridge between architects and fenestration enterprises, and enhances architects’ attention to and understanding of architectural details.
