French firm Studio Malka Architecture has announced a new project that will see the addition of a striking collection of curved, modular extensions to the French Embassy in Vienna, Austria.
Built in the early 20th century, the embassy is situated within two buildings that express an Art Nouveau style. The project calls on the refurbishment and vertical extension of the two units that are both modern and informed by the site’s history. The result was the decision to develop a light and modular extension.
As noted by the architects, the curved, shell-like components serve as more than mere ornamentation but as functional pieces, “in the daily use of its architecture.” The system, which Studio Malka Architecture says was created in ancient Egypt, collects, amplifies, and diffuses natural light throughout the entire building, as well as creates natural ventilation.
“More than a century after its creation, the project of the new French Embassy in Vienna reconnects with Art Nouveau’s fundamental DNA, while inscribing the project in the contemporary architectural landscape,” concludes the architects.
2 Comments
"The system collects, amplifies, and diffuses natural light throughout the entire building, as well as creates natural ventilation." Please illustrate and convince me (and others).....how. Sections, details and more would be most helpful. Appears to be mere superscale ornamentation. My sympathies for the single poor lonely tree in the 'plaza'. Why?
"The system, which Studio Malka Architecture says was created in ancient Egypt..." has been sitting in an Amazon warehouse for 3700 years. UPS could not be reached for comment.
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