Striking Concepts: The Architectural Projects Unveiled this Month

Puzzle Ball Theatre

Guangzhou, China

Architects: Steven Chilton Architects

Taking inspiration from the ancient Chinese ornaments after which it is named, the Puzzle Ball Theatre is a bold, spherical structure taking the form of a twin-layered dome clad in GRC panels. The entrance features offset spherical surfaces to create an intriguing opening, while intricate glazing provides illumination while adding a delicacy to the project. The structure has also been designed to make construction and efficient, while drawing heavily on traditional Chinese aesthetics.

Image courtesy of Steven Chilton Architects

The Tulip

London, UK

Architects: Foster + Partners

Designed to resemble a flower bud, The Tulip is a 305m structure that is set to become the next addition to London’s skyline, sitting next to The Gherkin. It will house a visitor attraction offering dramatic views of the city from a series of sky bridges, internal glass slides and gondola pods. It is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating, with a host of green technologies, two green walls and 130 square meters of plaza space. While dramatic, the design has proved controversial, drawing comparisons with a sex toy.

Image courtesy of Foster + Partners

RED7 Housing

Moscow, Russia

Architects: MVRDV

Set to be the first project in Russia for Dutch practice MVRDV, the RED7 housing project features a gradient of blocks that takes inspiration from pixel art. Set to house 289 apartments, many of which have their own external terrace, the p Foster + Partnersroject will also include a sky lounge with an outdoor terrace, a co-working space, shopping facilties, a cinema and a two-storey fitness centre with a swimming pool. The scheme also includes parking for 284 cars.

Image courtesy of MVRDV

Eden Project North

Morecambe, UK

Architects: Grimshaw

Set to provide an answer to the world-renowned Eden Project for the North of England, Eden Project North is designed to sit on the beach of Morecambe. Grimshaw has once again taken up the design challenge, but this time is drawing inspiration from the area’s shellfish industry, with a series of pavilions inspired by mussels. Including lidos, gardens, performance spaces and observatories, the project is set to be a “seaside resort for the twenty-first century”.

Image courtesy of Grimshaw

Camp Lakota

Los Angeles, California, USA

Architects: Perkins+Will

Designed to form the basis of Camp Lakota, a campsite for the Girl Scouts of Greater LA , these A-Frame cabins are designed to be practical and modern, while providing nods to traditional Californian cabin design. Intended to be a camp for the future, it is being designed pro-bono by Perkins+Will. The design includes a series of accommodation cabins, alongside a large dining hall.

Image courtesy of Perkins+Will