Paul Michael Pelken at University of Stuttgart

Paul Michael Pelken gave a lecture, “perFORMance based design in interdisciplinary research, practice and teaching” at the Technical University Stuttgart – School of Architecture, Germany

P+ to teach two week studio workshop at Southeast University, China

P+ Studio was recently invited to teach a two week workshop at Southeast University in Nanjing, China in May, 2016. In this experimental course we will work within the context of Buckminster Fuller’s ideas on architecture and technology.

In discussing implications of these ideas, we will speculate the potentials of integrating smart technology in the built environment, and take into consideration the challenges of modern city planning and contemporary architecture within the context of experimental, low energy and zero energy constructs. In an ever-increasing age of technological and social complexity, architects and planners must foresee the possibilities of providing alternative solutions for the expansion of cities without degenerating life within them, as well as create more environmentally responsible and responsive designs when dealing with current global trends of energy and material consumption.

Vasilena Vassilev co-director of University of Sheffield Summer School

Vasilena Vassilev will be co-directing the University of Sheffield Summer School with Abi Van Hoorebeek.

The focus of our 2016 Summer School is to examine the urban corridor along the river Don in the City of Sheffield and propose “meanwhile” solutions to vacant or underused sites currently undergoing long-term re-development. In addition to attending lectures and visiting various sites around the city, students will work alongside academics and practitioners to design meaningful proposals that critically engage with the urban, social, and ecological conditions of the post-industrial city.

The studio will be taught by Ricardo Sosa Mejia and Arturo Revilla.

Vasilena Vassilev co-director of University of Sheffield Summer School

Vasilena Vassilev will be co-directing the University of Sheffield Summer School with Abi Van Hoorebeek.

The focus of our 2016 Summer School is to examine the urban corridor along the river Don in the City of Sheffield and propose “meanwhile” solutions to vacant or underused sites currently undergoing long-term re-development. In addition to attending lectures and visiting various sites around the city, students will work alongside academics and practitioners to design meaningful proposals that critically engage with the urban, social, and ecological conditions of the post-industrial city.

The studio will be taught by Ricardo Sosa Mejia and Arturo Revilla.

Wujin Green Building Zone Offices

The Wujin Green Building Industry Cluster Demonstration Area is the first of its kind and is promoted and sanctioned by the Chinese Government. All new buildings are planned to incorporate sustainable strategies, 20%-30% residential buildings are planned to achieve three-star Chinese standard of green building, and existing buildings will undergo an 80% energy-saving renovation in the next few years.

P+ Studio has been invited to design a Demonstration building, a place for interdisciplinary workshops and teaching, and a living gallery for members and partners. The design aims to take advantage of the adjacent water microclimate and green space for natural ventilation and interior comfort. The southeast facing building is designed to maintain stable internal temperatures and prevent overheating during the summer. The facade will be comprised of system with the capability of being upgraded and changed according to client needs and sponsored components will include pv panels, phase change materials and smart louver systems. In addition to solar panels and other more experimental facade technologies, the West Facade  will feature a green wall. Wrapping balconies will allow access for views and testing. The project is currently under construction, due to be completed at the end of 2015.

Lead Architects: P+ Studio
Local Architects: Nanjing University Design Institute

Final Reviews at Syracuse University London

P+ Studio led design studios at SU London just completed final reviews for the semester investigations: “Thames Tideway Tunnel Interventions.” The design and research carried out by the students focused on the new Thames Tideway Tunnel and its proposed CSO interceptor sites along Central London. As part of the studio investigations, the projects featured newly imagined landscapes, architectures, and sustainable infrastructure. The goal is to bring attention to the possibilities of an integrative urban design for London that is interactive, visually appealing, historically sensitive, and culturally engaging.

with guest critics:

Professor Peter Bishop, Director MArch Urban Program, The Bartlett, UCL
Graham Gilmour, Architect, Thames Tideway Tunnel
Michael Ramage, University of Cambridge
Peter Sofoluke, Architect, Thames Tideway Tunnel

Beyond Ground

Beyond Ground: Urban visions for London is now at the NLA through 31st of January!

Come check out P+ Studio’s new installation at the NLA. The exhibition scope:

“From visionary infrastructure to ground-breaking architecture, London has been a design laboratory for urbanists, architects, and engineers throughout the ages. In keeping with these traditions, the exhibition will offer a new take on ideas that have been under scrutiny and debate since the beginning of the 20th century, but are now again beginning to emerge. The designs range from floating urban villages to new integrated mobility proposals for greater London.

The exhibition will capitalise on exploring unique urban experiences, spatial conditions and hybrid infrastructural typologies, as envisioned by students from Syracuse University School of Architecture (SoA) London Program.”

Now through Jan 31, 2014
NLA – Building Centre
26 Store Street, London WC1E 7BT

Lecture at the Bader International Study Centre in Herstmonceaux Castle

P+ founders, Michael Pelken, and Vasilena Vassilev gave two lectures today as part of Professor Eric Litwack’s symposium “Architecture, Society, and Environment” at the Bader International Study Centre as part of Queen’s University based out of Ontario, Canada.

Herstmonceaux is a rather inspiring place with a very rich history. In addition to the Centre, it is also home to NERC Space Geodesy Facility and Laser Station and several ghosts!

It was wonderful to meet the faculty and tour the grounds. What a place!