Archinect - News

Snøhetta launches national park regeneration project in Japan

2024-04-26T11:57:00-04:00

Snøhetta has announced a new regeneration project with the Japanese private environmental agency BOND. The scheme for a yet-unnamed national park has several planned outcomes aimed a different social and environmental issues in Japan, which is experiencing a crisis of aging and still recovering from damages caused by seismic events in January and throughout the course of the last decade.

In a social media post, Snøhetta says: “Our masterplan will strengthen the relationship between earth, people, and nature, while beginning to heal and restore the scarred landscape to its original state of biodiversity and natural richness. Eco-concepts for health, wellness, and educational facilities are woven together with active public spaces spread across the park. This ecotourism development is the first step in furthering BOND’s vision of linking top stakeholders, government agencies, and locals to offer sustainable solutions for some of the long-term challenges facing the country.”

The firm h...

Álvaro Siza Vieira completes off-grid, minimalist chapel in Portugal

2018-07-12T14:15:00-04:00

Described as "a pure architectural project" by the architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, the Hillside Chapel he recently completed has no electricity, heating or running water. Instead, the modest chapel relies on natural ventilation, and clever use of materials such as insulated bricks and limestone to create an off-grid, conceptually interesting materialization of faith.

The chapel is surrounded by natural landscape, making it a peaceful, spirit-restoring retreat. All images courtesy of João Morgado.

Aerial view emphasizing the geometry of the chapel and its surrounding natural landscape. All images courtesy of João Morgado.

One of Portugal’s most celebrated architects, the Pritzker Prize winner was approached to design the Capela do Monte by a Swiss-American couple. The couple, who have been living in Portugal's Algarve region since the mid-1980s, are building out a spiritual retreat in the country's southernmost region for which the non-denominational space will serve as a focal point.

S...

Jason F. McLennan selected to design Leonardo DiCaprio's restorative eco-resort

2015-04-15T12:16:00-04:00

When it opens to guests in 2018, 'Blackadore Caye, a Restorative Island' will feature the trappings of many luxury resorts, with sprawling villas, infinity pools and stunning sunset views. But the 'Restorative' in the title refers not just to the impact the island might have on visitors, but to the island itself. Blackadore Caye has suffered from overfishing, an eroding coastline and the deforestation of its mangrove trees, and the partners mean to put it back to rights.

After co-purchasing the unpopulated Blackadore Caye off the coast of Belize for reportedly $1.75 million in 2005, actor Leonardo DiCaprio recently revealed plans with Delos chief executive Paul Scialla and lead architect Jason F. McLennan to build an eco-conscious resort dubbed "Blackadore Caye, a Restorative Island”, slated to open in 2018. The resort's design will follow Living Building Challenge standards and include Delos' signature health-conscious amenities for guests. It'll also feature artificial reefs, fish shelters, and plant nurseries to what the partners say will eventually restore the island.

While the millionaire-friendly resort could propel Belize's economy, it brings up the debatable topic of ecotourism and its legitimacy. As it seems, giving money to an environmental conversation program isn't vogue enough for the rich and famous.