Archinect - News

Michael Jantzen shows M-velope in St. Louis

2014-07-11T17:40:00-04:00

The exploration of new ways of thinking about the built environment is at the heart of a new exhibition at St. Louis', MO Bruno David Gallery which opened June 27.

Key piece of the show is M-velope by artist Michael Jantzen (read Archinect's 2009 interview with Jantzen here), an art retreat structure designed to provide shelter when trying to "escape from the norm."

The sculpture, 12 feet high by 12 feet wide and 20 feet long, takes up the center of the main gallery space and is Michael Jantzen's latest sculpture from his “M-velope” series.

The exhibition still runs until Saturday, August 23, 2014.

Scroll down for more details.

"Michael Jantzen has always approached his art and design as an inventor, rather than a stylist. By creating architectural art, he is reinventing the built environment so that it can continually be altered to meet the changing needs and desires of its occupants. At times, he attempts to invent systems and components that can be assembled and reassembled in various...

Editor's Picks #246

2012-01-15T13:46:00-05:00

Archinect member applet sounded offended by Sherin’s focus on passive technologies writing "The information you are writing is so main stream and only shows you are just discovering things known to first year architecture and design students". Yet, as Amy Leedham, correctly pointed out "While the passive strategies here sound obvious and simple, most people are not using them, hence the need to remind people."

Sherin Wing, brought the research for the newest installment of the COUNTOURS feature, wherein she looks at New, Energy-Efficient Technologies, in which she explores passive technologies such as the solar shading CRATE system, developed by a team consisting of Professor Ryan E. Smith, graduate students, and researchers from 3form.
Since it is titled Part 1, I look forward with interest for the rest of the installments.

However, Archinect member applet sounded offended by Sherin’s focus on passive technologies writing "The information you are writing is so main stream and only shows you are just discovering things known to first year architecture and design students. Just don't lecture architects about them". Yet, as Amy Leedham, correctly pointed out "Architects may have been employing passive strategies for 'thousands' of years but clearly many forgot most of these lessons since the invention of electricity as evidenced by the numerous glass boxes designed for the desert ...

Michael Jantzen's Black Hole Research Center

2012-01-13T14:16:00-05:00

Artists and designer Michael Jantzen has sent us his latest conceptual building design, The Black Hole Research Center. – previously

Project Description from Michael Jantzen:

The Black Hole Research Center is a conceptual design proposal for a large, solar powered building designed to be located in a hot dry climate. It would be dedicated to the science of, and the research into black holes. The structure’s design is symbolically based on the image of a large black hole located in the center of a large spiral galaxy. The symbolic black hole in the center of the structure is actually a very large array of photovoltaic solar cells that would power most of the research center. The array is elevated off of the roof of the structure to allow for natural central day lighting, and for natural ventilation. Additional ventilation and day light enters the perimeter of the structure through shaded glass doors and windows. Rainwater is captured off of the roof of the structure and stor...

Michael Jantzen's Transmutation Pavilion

2011-12-14T13:17:05-05:00

Artists and designer Michael Jantzen has shared with us his latest utopian pavilion concept, The Transmutation Pavilion. Read more about Jantzen in his insightful 2009 interview with Archinect writer Katya Tylevich.

Project Description:

The Transmutation Pavilion is a design proposal for a large, solar powered, interactive, public, functional art structure. The structure consists of three interlocking cylindrical forms, supported by four horizontal planes, which in turn are supported by eight vertical columns. Each of the cylindrical forms are different sizes, and are woven together one inside of the other, in different directions. Each of the cylindrical forms is fitted with two large, overlapping, sliding curved panels. These panels can be completely closed and/or opened around each of the cylinders so that two of the interwoven spaces can be completely opened, closed, and/or set at hundreds of positions between completely open or completely closed. The center cylinder i...