Inspiration for a new architectural education way. AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig
24/11/2021.
[Houston] USA
metalocus, EDWIN GUAILLA
metalocus, EDWIN GUAILLA
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Gerald D. Hines School of Architecture and Design, in the city of Houston, USA, the architects Rafael-Beneytez-Duran and Peter Jay Zweig have designed a dynamic and air-inflated structure, called AIRSCAPES # 1 , is an opportunity to look beyond static forms and work with the current possibilities that our time offers us, which is in a state of transition, of moving objectives, technologies and existential climate challenges.
In 1986, Claude Nicholas Ledoux, Philip Johnson, and John Burgee reassembled the new Architecture building at the University of Houston around an atrium. The postmodern atrium is represented by the regularity of classical iconographies within an axis and a strong sense of symmetry. The dynamic pneumatic structure challenges the values of the stable forms of the atrium using the ecology of the air, the turbulence of our time, the increase in temperature of those who see and interact with AIRSCAPE.
In 1986, Claude Nicholas Ledoux, Philip Johnson, and John Burgee reassembled the new Architecture building at the University of Houston around an atrium. The postmodern atrium is represented by the regularity of classical iconographies within an axis and a strong sense of symmetry. The dynamic pneumatic structure challenges the values of the stable forms of the atrium using the ecology of the air, the turbulence of our time, the increase in temperature of those who see and interact with AIRSCAPE.
AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig. Photograph by Imagen Subliminal.
AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig. Photograph by Imagen Subliminal.
AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig. Photograph by Imagen Subliminal.
AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig. Photograph by Imagen Subliminal.
AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig. Photograph by Imagen Subliminal.
AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig. Photograph by Imagen Subliminal.
AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig. Photograph by Imagen Subliminal.
AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig. Photograph by Imagen Subliminal.
AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig. Photograph by Imagen Subliminal.
AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig. Photograph by Imagen Subliminal.
AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig. Photograph by Imagen Subliminal.
AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig. Photograph by Imagen Subliminal.
AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig. Photograph by Imagen Subliminal.
AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig. Photograph by Imagen Subliminal.
AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig. Photograph by Imagen Subliminal.
AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig. Photograph by Imagen Subliminal.
Final model drawings. . AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig.
Final model drawings. . AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig.
Final model drawings. . AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig.
Final model drawings. . AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig.
Final model drawings. . AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig.
Final model drawings. . AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig.
Final model drawings. . AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig.
Previous models. AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig.
Previous models. AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig.
Previous models. AIRSCAPES #1 by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig.
The architects Rafael-Beneytez-Duran and Peter Jay Zweig create a strong concept through presence, that reminds us of how much static environments are perceived by the weight and solid materiality that have captured and dominated the architectural space. AIRSCAPES # 1 is inherently dynamic and opens up new fields of exploration.
It negotiates a sense of space with uncertainty, where stability gives way to being dynamic and interactive using the properties of air as an evolving architectural medium. AIRSCAPES # 1 looms as an inspiration for a new path in architectural education, an opportunity to look beyond static forms and enter the possibilities of dynamics.
It negotiates a sense of space with uncertainty, where stability gives way to being dynamic and interactive using the properties of air as an evolving architectural medium. AIRSCAPES # 1 looms as an inspiration for a new path in architectural education, an opportunity to look beyond static forms and enter the possibilities of dynamics.
Description of project by Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig
Can man live elsewhere than in air? Luce Irigaray.
In 1986 inspired by the project "The House of Education" (1773) of Claude Nicholas Ledoux, Philip Johnson and John Burgee reassembled the new Architecture building at the University of Houston around an invented atrium to collect the knowledge and new ideas of architecture into a historical, internal court. The post-modern atrium is signified by the regularity of classic iconographies within an axis and a strong sense of symmetry.
AIRSCAPES #1, a dynamic pneumatic structure challenges the values of the stable forms of the atrium by using the ecology of air, the turbulence of our times, the rising temperature of those viewing and interacting with the AIRSCAPE. Tempered by the ever-changing surrounding atmosphere, the floating structure of 380,000 cubic feet allows one’s mind to move freely within the “House of Education”.
AIRSCAPES #1 is air-born: Its presence reminds us how much the static environments are perceived by the weight and solid materiality that have captured and dominated architectural space. AIRSCAPES #1 is inherently dynamic and opens new fields of exploration which can include: negotiating a sense of space with uncertainty, where stability gives way to being dynamic and interactive using the properties of air as an evolving medium of architecture.
By breathing, we exchange and live in the space of air as a material substance. We accumulate aerosol substances that penetrate through the lungs to the blood, to the brain, and finally to our very moods and thoughts: these accumulated forces which respond to air creates unpredictable internal weathers and turbulences. AIRSCAPES #1 is in a constant state of change: Forgotten air, layer over layer of different temperatures from the atrium’s cold floor to the one-hundred-foot temple at the top of the “House of Education”.
AIRSCAPES #1 hovers as an inspiration to a new path in architectural education, an opportunity to look beyond the static forms and enter the possibilities of the dynamic. The 21st century is in a state of transition, of moving targets, technologies, and existential climate challenges: Architecture, by its very nature can rise to the moment.
More information
Architects
Project team
Project Concept.- Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig. Graphic Ideation.- Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig. Peter Jay Zweig.- Static Pneumatic. Carlos Soto, Graphic Development. Rafael Beneytez-Duran.- Metastable Pneumatic. Patrick Margine, Graphic Development. Prototypes fabrication and testing.- Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Ophelia Mantz, Bigger Than Life, Mark Bachman, James Durant. Airscapes #1 Installation.- Rafael Beneytez-Duran, James Durant, David Edquilang, Brian Lee, Brian Liu, Aaron McEuen, Jakob Roberts. Exhibition Concept.- Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig. Exhibition Installation.- Peter Jay Zweig, Khoi Bui, Carlos Soto Castellanos, Bayou Fine Art Imaging, Printing, Barry Rudick.
Collaborators
Sponsor.- University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture + Design Dean Patricia Belton Oliver. Material Research.- CoAD UH. Material Research Center Director.- Ophelia Mantz. Material Connexion.- Andrew Dent, Michael Isserlis. Auxiliary Structures.- Joseph Colaso, Structural Engineer, Zach Brinkerman, Fabrication, David Edquilang, Fabrication, Brian Lee, Fabrication, Brian Liu, Graphic Development, Aaron McEuen, Fabrication Director, Jacob Roberts, Fabrication, Jakob Thomas, Fabrication. Pneumatic Structure.- Bigger than Life, Mark Bachman, Bryan Kinney, James Durant. Film.- Carolina Heras. Video Performance.- Patrick Margain, Brian Liu, Ana Sevilla, Kaede Polkinghorne, Franco Denari. Film Electric management.- Erik York.
Construction
Fabrication Coordinators.- Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Peter Jay Zweig.
Area
380,000 cubic feet.
Dates
2021.
Manufacturers
Lighting.- 4 Walls Entertainment, Texcam INC.
Location
University of Houston - College of Architecture & Design, Houston, USA.
Photography
Imagen Subliminal.- Miguel de Guzman + Rocio Romero.
Rafael Beneytez-Duran
Rafael B. Duran completed his BArch and MArch studies in architecture at the School of Architecture of the Polytechnic University of Madrid (ETSAM-UPM) in 1998 and awarded PhD by ETSAM-UPM in 2016. Rafael B. Duran´s practice spans the fields of architecture design, architecture technology and architecture theory. His PhD. dissertation, titled Atmosphere as Form in Architecture, explores the idea of atmosphere in the context of design practices from 1818 to present.
B. Duran is co-principal of Z4Z4-Z4A Office of Architecture, Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Architecture at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design. B. Duran´s works The Tobogan House, Conference and Exhibitions Hall of Huesca, Castilla y Leon Pavilion Expo 2008 or Peep Show London have been recognised and awarded at the ACSA Faculty Design Award 2019, S.ARCH Award 2018, Architectural Review Emerging Architecture 2016 (Finalist), COAM 2016 Award (Finalist), 2016 London Biennale Manila Pollination, 2016 London TransArt Triennale, 2016 The Architecture and Design Film Festival New York, NY, and Los Angeles, CA, Simon Architecture Awards 2016, 3rd Istanbul Design Biennale 2016 Are We Humans?, Spanish National Award of Public Parks and Gardens 2015, XI Spanish Architecture and Urban Design Biennale 2011.
B. Duran´s works have been published in Books and Magazines such as: DOMUS, MARK, ARQ, ACTAR, Architectural Review, Architectural Record, CENTER 23, AV magazine, ARQUINE, FUTURE, Detail, Tashen or Pasajes de Arquitectura; as well as by Media such as: Dezeen, Arch20, Architizer, Bannana Design, Archelo, Design Boom, Metalocus, Divisare, Afasia, or Archilovers. B. Duran has been teaching at the College of Architecture of Texas Tech University (CoA-TTU), Architectural Association (AA), Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Madrid (ETSAM-UPM), and Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura (ESAyT-UCJC) as director of Theory, Aesthetics, Composition Program.
B. Duran is co-principal of Z4Z4-Z4A Office of Architecture, Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Architecture at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design. B. Duran´s works The Tobogan House, Conference and Exhibitions Hall of Huesca, Castilla y Leon Pavilion Expo 2008 or Peep Show London have been recognised and awarded at the ACSA Faculty Design Award 2019, S.ARCH Award 2018, Architectural Review Emerging Architecture 2016 (Finalist), COAM 2016 Award (Finalist), 2016 London Biennale Manila Pollination, 2016 London TransArt Triennale, 2016 The Architecture and Design Film Festival New York, NY, and Los Angeles, CA, Simon Architecture Awards 2016, 3rd Istanbul Design Biennale 2016 Are We Humans?, Spanish National Award of Public Parks and Gardens 2015, XI Spanish Architecture and Urban Design Biennale 2011.
B. Duran´s works have been published in Books and Magazines such as: DOMUS, MARK, ARQ, ACTAR, Architectural Review, Architectural Record, CENTER 23, AV magazine, ARQUINE, FUTURE, Detail, Tashen or Pasajes de Arquitectura; as well as by Media such as: Dezeen, Arch20, Architizer, Bannana Design, Archelo, Design Boom, Metalocus, Divisare, Afasia, or Archilovers. B. Duran has been teaching at the College of Architecture of Texas Tech University (CoA-TTU), Architectural Association (AA), Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Madrid (ETSAM-UPM), and Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura (ESAyT-UCJC) as director of Theory, Aesthetics, Composition Program.
Peter Jay Zweig
Peter Jay Zweig, FAIA, is a Professor and Curator of International Exhibitions at the Gerald. D Hines College of Architecture + Design at the University of Houston. He is principal of the international award-winning Peter Jay Zweig Architects. He has authored numerous books, including: Risky Habit(at), Living + Dying InBetween the Real + the Virtual (2022), City of Refugees: A Search for Utopia (co-author), A History of the Future, and Houston: A Genetic City (co-author).
As an architect, inventor, curator, exhibition designer, and theoretician his work has focused on architectural experimentation and future scenarios. He has received worldwide patents for innovative building systems, including: concrete spray monocoque structures (2000).
He has been a curator and exhibited at the Venice Architecture Biennale, was one of five US architecture firms (BPZ) selected to exhibit at the 2010 Guangzhou Biennale in Korea, was curator of the traveling exhibition, “What Could Have Been”, and has exhibited and curated exhibitions in domestic and international museums, including: The Cooper Hewitt, the High Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, and the AEDES Architectural Foundation.
As an architect, inventor, curator, exhibition designer, and theoretician his work has focused on architectural experimentation and future scenarios. He has received worldwide patents for innovative building systems, including: concrete spray monocoque structures (2000).
He has been a curator and exhibited at the Venice Architecture Biennale, was one of five US architecture firms (BPZ) selected to exhibit at the 2010 Guangzhou Biennale in Korea, was curator of the traveling exhibition, “What Could Have Been”, and has exhibited and curated exhibitions in domestic and international museums, including: The Cooper Hewitt, the High Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, and the AEDES Architectural Foundation.
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