Li Xiaodong
We have to start somewhere.
Why did you submit the Liyuan Library for the Architecture of Necessity?
It seemed appropriate to choose that project because
it responds to the Architecture of Necessity manifesto in many ways. Just as
important as keeping to the five topics of the manifesto, architecture is about
finding the point of ”no more
and no less”.
Working with the awarded project, what was your
greatest learning?
Each project is a testing of new ideas. The Liyuan
Library has turned out to show how to stay close to nature without loosing the
understanding of technology.
What is the most urgent challenge within sustainable community
planning in China right now?
Chinese architecture has, during the late 20th
century, consisted of symbols. But architecture must be a matter of debate. As
well as usage of local materials, it is important to give the building a
meaning to the local people.
What inspires you to work for an architecture of
system change?
We have to start somewhere. Small architecture can
make a large impact, if you do it right. The tall landmarks you can find in
several cities around the world are often published as a single photo without
further architectural meaning. Big architecture can make little impact. In my
practice, I always strive for the balance of “just right”.
David Sim and Simon Goddard, Gehl Architects
Bicycling in China must not be replaced by car transportation!
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Gehl Architects and Christchurch City Council |
Why did you choose to submit the Christchurch project for the Architecture of Necessity?
DS/SG: It was so obvious. We work with projects in
developing countries as well as developed countries. Since the award is
Swedish, we chose a project where people hopefully can recognize oneself.
Working with the awarded project, what was your
greatest learning?
DS: The most touching part was that, when planning for
a new city after the earthquake, peoples wishes were to go “back to basic”.
SG: It is striking how important it is to listen to
the citizens. We arrived to Christchurch prepared to teach about how to rebuild
the city, but it turned out that we and the citizens learned from each other
during the process.
What is the most urgent challenge within sustainable
community planning right now?
SG: Globally we must have the developing countries to
value their already sustainable parts of the society. For example, bicycling in
China must not be replaced by car transportation. The developing world must not
make the same mistakes as us over again.
What inspires you to work for an architecture of
system change?
DS: The city of the future is less “futuristic”. At
the office, we work according to Gehl’s theory of “Life first, then space, then
buildings.
Ed Williams, Fletcher Priest Architects
People actually laughed at my idea, and now they love it.
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Fletcher Priest Architects Photographer: David Soar |
Why did you choose to submit One Angel Lane for the Architecture of Necessity?
We have several projects on the drawing board that
suits the demands for the Architecture of Necessity, but we chose to
submit One Angel Lane because it is a completed project.
Working with the awarded project, what was your
greatest learning?
The context in the city centre in London demands an
understanding of numerous actors involved. That kind of process is always
very slow and heavy with high expectations. For each completed project you improve
how to communicate your ideas to be able to realize them.
What is the most urgent challenge within sustainable
community planning in London right now?
To reduce the energy usage in all stages of the
building process. Also, the challenge of convincing without being aggressive.
At an early stage when designing the One Angel Lane, people actually laughed at
my ideas. It turned out as a very successful project, particularly
commercially, and now they love it.
What inspires you to work for an architecture of
system change?
We are very proud of the remarkably increased public
space created in the One Angel Lane project. More public spaces in the city is
an inspiration and a must to form a sustainable society.
Arne Toennissen, Roswag Architekten
We always prefer low-tech solutions.
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Roswag Architekten |
Why did you choose to submit the Pakistan school project for the Architecture of Necessity?
When we heard about the triennial, we were on the site
in Pakistan. The project responds to the manifesto and was very current.
Working with the awarded project, what was your
greatest learning?
As with previous projects, we find the educational
process to be the main reason. At our office we have a close relation with
universities and we run scientific research along with the design process. At
the same time it is important to meet the local artisans on their conditions,
and to respect and learn from each other.
What is the most urgent challenge for you as German
architects working in the developing world?
We always prefer low-tech solutions. In Germany,
high-tech alternatives are standard, and that must change. For example, natural
air circulation combined with the right choices of natural materials are
superior to high-tech air circulation systems.
What inspires you to work for an architecture of
system change?
To offer solutions and share them by open sources
gives hope to the future. It is important to develop an awareness, educate and
listen to each other.