Architectural Cases

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has unveiled striking visuals of a proposed pedestrian thoroughfare spanning the Chao Phraya River, a visionary project set to redefine urban connectivity. Positioned strategically between existing vehicular crossings, this new bridge will serve as an exclusive route for individuals on foot and bicycles. Its distinctive architectural form is characterized by a gleaming, gold-hued metal lattice, which creates a semi-enclosed volume through its intricate diagonal grid pattern, promising both aesthetic appeal and functional design.

As it reaches the heart of the river, the bridge gracefully expands into a public plaza, thoughtfully adorned with lush landscaping. Here, a series of stepped terraces introduce a delightful interruption to the linear flow of circulation. Integrated timber platforms provide comfortable seating within the steel framework, while vibrant tropical plants nestled in planters along the tiered levels add to the verdant charm. This open and inviting design also ensures an unobstructed visual link to the water below, fostering a continuous connection with the river's dynamic presence. Furthermore, this initiative marks a significant urban enhancement, creating a vital link between the historic Phra Nakhon district and the residential area of Thonburi, providing a much-needed alternative to traditional ferry services for those traversing the river. Access ramps and staircases will thoughtfully integrate the elevated pathway with the existing riverside promenades, ensuring seamless transitions, and the use of consistent paving materials will guide commuters effortlessly from land to bridge. The bridge's distinct golden hue will also offer a striking contrast against the surrounding urban environment, making it a prominent landmark.

The intricate latticework of the bridge serves a dual purpose, functioning as an intelligent passive shading system. The density of the metal weave intelligently adjusts along the structure's length, responding dynamically to solar orientation. Denser sections effectively filter the intense tropical sunlight, while more porous areas allow refreshing breezes from the river to permeate, enhancing comfort for users. Discreetly embedded lighting fixtures within the steel beam intersections will elegantly illuminate the walkway after dusk, ensuring safety and ambiance. The bridge's elevation has been carefully calculated to accommodate the passage of essential river traffic, including express boats and heavy cargo barges. Robust concrete piers, anchored to the riverbed, provide unwavering support, engineered to withstand the powerful water pressure. These vertical supports are strategically aligned with the current's flow, meticulously minimizing turbulence around the base, ensuring both structural integrity and minimal environmental impact.

This innovative pedestrian bridge represents a forward-thinking approach to urban development, prioritizing human-centric design and fostering a deeper connection between the city and its natural waterways. By creating dedicated spaces for active transportation and integrating green public areas, Bangkok is not only enhancing mobility but also cultivating a more vibrant, sustainable, and enjoyable urban experience for all its residents and visitors.

Arid Architects has embarked on an ambitious project named 'Veil,' a comprehensive renovation and expansion of a two-story corner building dating back to 1951 in Athens' Patissia district. This undertaking has culminated in an 850-square-meter structure that harmoniously blends residential, co-living, and co-working functionalities, deeply engaging with the surrounding urban landscape.

Athenian Architecture Reimagined: The 'Veil' Project

In the vibrant Patissia district of Athens, Greece, a significant architectural transformation has been completed by the Athens-based firm Arid. The project, known as 'Veil,' meticulously redeveloped and extended a 1951 two-story corner building, enhancing its existing framework with three contemporary floors. This expansion resulted in an 850-square-meter edifice now housing residential units, shared co-living accommodations, and collaborative co-working spaces.

The design drew inspiration from Karamanlaki Street's distinctive "prassies"—semi-open front gardens created by building setbacks. This local characteristic influenced the new volume's strategic retraction, leading to the creation of terraces and voids that maintain street-level openness and visual connectivity. This thoughtful approach ensures the enlarged building integrates seamlessly, preserving a sense of lightness despite its increased scale.

The architects skillfully merged modern design with the original building's features, such as marble surfaces, wooden floors, and timber window frames. The newly added upper levels are enveloped in perforated aluminum panels, forming a double-skin facade. This innovative element not only softens the building's visual mass and blurs its boundaries but also filters light, providing dynamic reflections and regulating interior conditions. The facade's movable louvers and rotating panels allow for adjustable daylight and privacy, giving the upper stories an ethereal quality that contrasts with the robust base.

Beyond its aesthetic and functional upgrades, 'Veil' redefines the traditional Athenian "polykatoikia" social model. By incorporating diverse residential options with communal co-working areas and a shared rooftop garden, the project fosters a collective urban living environment. This initiative respects Athens' long-standing tradition of dense, mixed-use residential life while adapting it to suit contemporary lifestyle and work patterns.

The 'Veil' project, conceived and executed by Arid, was brought to life through the collaborative efforts of a dedicated team including Mathilda Beraha, Dimitris Sotiropoulos, and Giannis Schinas. Calen served as the contractor, with engineering expertise provided by HMeng for mechanical systems and Andreas Alexandropoulos and Dimitris Antonopoulos for structural integrity. Rometal contributed to the facade, Anastasia Philipopoulou managed lighting design, and Scape handled the landscape architecture. The striking visuals capturing the essence of 'Veil' were expertly photographed by Giorgos Sfakianakis and Giorgos Kordakis.

The 'Veil' project by Arid represents a thoughtful evolution in urban design, proving that historical structures can be reimagined to meet contemporary needs without sacrificing their inherent character. This development provides an inspiring blueprint for future architectural endeavors in densely populated urban centers, demonstrating how innovative design can foster community and enhance quality of life through integrated living and working spaces, all while respecting the local architectural vernacular. It is a testament to sustainable urban renewal, emphasizing adaptive reuse and community-centric design.