This is the 16th annual architecture and design competition celebrating the growing role of copper and its alloys in contemporary design. The jury of the semi-final this year consisted of four architects, winners of the previous 15th competition "Copper in Architecture": Einar Yarmund (Jarmund / Vigsnæs, Norway), Craig Kaski (Grid Architects, Great Britain), Davide Macullo (Davide Macullo Architects, Switzerland), Anu Puustinen (Avanto Architects, Finland).
An unprecedented number of projects have been announced at the Competition - 82, including for the first time projects from Russia, and not one, but as many as 5! As a result, the jury was faced with a difficult choice task. The jury members were very impressed by the high level of competition entries, examples of high-class solutions both in terms of the buildings themselves and in terms of their harmony with the surrounding architectural and natural landscape. But, in the end, the jury was forced, this is its task, to focus on ten projects that stood out from the rest, demonstrating the greatest variety of typologies, approaches, and unique architectural qualities.
So, in 2013, the list of finalists was as follows (in order of receipt of applications):
• Seinäjoki City Library, Finland. JKMM Architects.
An assertive yet respectful copper-clad yet highly modern addition to the world's densest Alvar Aalto development.
• Runestone guards, Ellinga, Denmark. NOBEL ARKITEKTER
At first glance, a simple solution made of bronze and ancient runestones that protect the national treasure of Denmark. The proposed solution significantly enhances the visual impression of the object.
• Memorial in Beslan, Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, Russia. Conceived by Dr. Krekeler of Generalplaner GmbH.
Dedicated to the victims of the 2004 drama in the Beslan school. The delicacy of the perforated copper alloy structure is striking in the project, and the solution itself is full of dignity and emotion.
• Palace of Justice LCV, Venice, Italy. C + S Architects
The simple form of dark copper cleverly uses the local typology of industrial development, and the building itself occupies a special place, uniting the freestanding buildings that surround the automobile entrance to the city.
• Residential building Dolomitenblick, in Sexten, Italy. Plasma Studio.
Copper and wood dominate the sculptural mass of this residential building in the Dolomites, as if growing straight out of the landscape, but retaining the traditional form of the roof.
• L'Atelier Cultural and Media Center, Gournet-en-Bre, France.
The center by Vincent Parreira is conveniently located in the countryside of the city, with a modern interpretation of vernacular architecture veiled in copper mesh.
• Clarion Post Hotel, Gothenburg, Sweden. Semrén & Månsson.
Cute and modern copper and glass additions to the traditional façade have transformed this national but unwanted landmark into a glittering hotel, creating a new visual landmark in the urban landscape and a catalyst for urban renewal.
• Educational and cultural complex, Pau, France. Marjan Hessamfar & Joe Vérons Architectes Associés.
Panels of gold copper alloy, slightly perforated for transparency, have become part of a discreet palette of materials that integrate the various elements of this school complex.
• Radiation therapy center, Hof, Germany. Hiendl Schineis Architekten
These are simple cubic shapes and are by no means typical for copper facade solutions. Crisp, well-defined, though not perpendicular lines, a flawlessly smooth surface with a high reflectivity that will turn matte over time - impressive simplicity.
• House of Culture and Creativity, Guimaraes, Portugal. Pitágoras Aquitectos
A project to rebuild the ancient center of one of the most historically important cities in Portugal, using interconnecting abstract cubic shapes covered with brass mesh and profiles.
The finalists and winners, as well as their projects, as well as the projects of the laureates of the Competition, will be presented to the public and specialists at the BATIMAT exhibition, in Paris, on Monday 4 November 2013.
Architects and journalists are invited to the event in the Zoom 5B conference room at 11am on November 4th. A buffet is scheduled for 12:30. As space is limited, it is recommended to pre-register by e-mail [email protected] by 15 September.
Visitors to the French exhibition will be able to see the works of all the laureates throughout the exhibition at stand 118 in pavilion 5A (wing N) - both roofing and facade solutions, as well as personally communicate with the finalist architects on November 4. Also at the stands will be available the latest issue of the free magazine "Copper Architectural Forum" and a special brochure.
NP "National Center for Copper"
www.copperconcept.ru
Aviation Lane 5, Moscow, 125167.
