NIO architecten calls for the projection of emotion into architecture
A new chapter in Buro Happold’s popular and inspiring ‘Architecture: Where to’ series, taking place in the practice’s Newman Street offices in London, opens on Wednesday 12th March – with a special preview launch on Tuesday 11th March at 6:30pm.
The exhibition, which features Dutch practice NIO architecten, focuses on the projection of emotion into architecture – through the use of building techniques in general, and by focusing on the role of the façades of retail and leisure buildings.
Maurice Nio, Principal of NIO architecten, said: “The architecture of retail buildings should not be about aiming for cheap effects. Instead, it should activate an appeal to animate, and evoke emotion. We have to project emotion into architecture, and the most important part of the architecture, in this respect, is the façade, the outer skin of the building.”
Founded in 2000, Rotterdam-based NIO architecten’s notable achievements include the enormous beetle/waste incinerator of Hengelo (‘The Hulk’), sound-barrier houses in Hilversum (‘The Cyclops’), Hoofddorp bus station (‘The Amazing Whale Jaw’), and the grey-red tunnel in Pijnacker (‘Touch of Evil’). The firm is currently designing an extension for the museum of contemporary art Luigi Pecci in Prato, Italy, with building work due to start later this year.
Led by Principals Maurice Nio and Joan Almekinders, the practice focuses on ‘making primary identities, obstinate entities that brave themselves against the lukewarm tide of consensus.’ The practice designs small and large-scale ‘utilitarian’ buildings, complex residential buildings, civil projects such as tunnels and highways, urban plans, commercial and private interiors, and retail and leisure buildings.
“Buro Happold set up the exhibition series to foster new links, and inspire discussion, between architects, engineers and other built environment professionals,” says Wolf Mangelsdorf, Buro Happold’s London structures group director. “Previous launch events, and the exhibitions that follow, have been extremely well attended and supported to date.”
The exhibition is open to the public and runs until 31st March.
Ends
Note to Editors:
Exhibition venue, times and dates:
17 Newman Street, London, W1T 1PD
Weekdays 9am to 5.30pm
12th March to 31st March 2008.
The closest tube stations are Tottenham Court Road, Goodge St and Oxford Circus.
Buro Happold
Press office and practice information at www.burohappold.com
Images of previous exhibitions are available on request.
For more information, please contact:
Chris White
Senior PR Consultant
Tel +44 (0)20 7927 9700 ext. 5136
Fax +44 (0)870 787 4115
Mob +44 (0)7912 163 741
Email chris.white@burohappold.com
Buro Happold is a multi-disciplinary international practice of consulting engineers established in 1976. We now employ over 1,700 staff in 21 offices worldwide, and our aim is to produce high quality engineering design in concept, in detail and in execution, on time, to programme and delivering excellent value for money. Our distinctive culture and ethos is still based on the same principles of care, value and elegance that were established when the practice was founded.
We offer structural, building services, civil, infrastructure and façade engineering, as well as a broad range of specialist consultancy services including sustainability, ground and environmental engineering, fire and security design, health and safety management, inclusive and urban design, project management, and specialist CAD and computer simulation provision.
NIO Architecten
For more information visit www.nio.nl/
