Floating cities, the LEGO House and other architectural forms of the future | Bjarke Ingels

LEGO and the Power of Design

Introduction to LEGO's Influence

• The speaker humorously notes their resemblance to a LEGO man, highlighting how LEGO has become a universal symbol of creativity across various cultures.

• Excitement is expressed about collaborating with the LEGO family to design the "Home of the Brick," an architectural model made entirely from LEGO.

Interactive and Engaging Architecture

• The design aims for interactivity, featuring interconnected playgrounds on the roof and allowing free access for citizens in Billund.

• Emphasizes that Danish design ("formgivning") means giving form to what does not yet exist, reflecting a forward-thinking approach.

Empowerment Through Play

• Highlights that LEGO serves as a tool for children to create their own worlds through play, fostering collaboration and co-creation among peers.

Adaptability in Architecture

• Discusses a social housing project in Copenhagen where wooden blocks are stacked creatively, allowing for adaptable forms that fit urban contexts.

Innovative Solutions in Urban Design

Overcoming Site Constraints

• In Vancouver, challenges like setbacks from bridges and park shadowing led to innovative thinking about building height and footprint.

• The solution involved elevating the structure above restrictions, creating an inviting visual experience when crossing the bridge.

Transforming Negative Spaces into Positive Experiences

• Describes an art gallery under a bridge designed with local artists, turning an otherwise negative space into vibrant street art—dubbed "the Sistine Chapel of street art."

Cultural Adaptation in Architecture

Bridging Landscapes with Museums

• A museum project spans across a river in Norway, integrating exhibitions with natural landscapes while enhancing visitor experiences.

Energy-Efficient Designs

• In China, an energy company headquarters features a facade inspired by Issey Miyake fabric that adapts based on sunlight exposure—reducing cooling energy consumption by 30%.

Sustainable Innovations

Merging Functionality with Aesthetics

• The elegant appearance of buildings often correlates directly with their performance efficiency; aesthetics can drive sustainability.

New Architectural Concepts: Courtscraper

• Combines elements from Copenhagen’s courtyard buildings with Manhattan skyscrapers to create communal spaces within dense urban environments.

Future-Oriented Projects

Waste-to-Energy Power Plant Innovation

• A new waste-to-energy plant in Copenhagen will be toxin-free; plans include adding an alpine ski slope on its roof—a playful yet functional addition.

Nomadic Living Solutions

Designing Resilient Urban Spaces: The Dryline Project

Introduction to the Dryline Concept

• The discussion begins with the impact of economic, industrial, and climate changes on Manhattan, particularly post-Hurricane Sandy.

• The city of New York invited a team to explore flood protection solutions that would not isolate urban life from surrounding waters.

• Inspired by the High Line park, the project aims to enhance waterfront accessibility while providing necessary flood defenses.

Community Engagement and Design Features

• The design process involved collaboration with Lower Manhattan residents to ensure their needs were met in creating flood protection.

• Key features include pavilions under the FDR that can slide out for water protection and stepped terraces for enjoyment and safety.

• Rolling hills in East River Park will serve dual purposes: noise reduction from highways and storm surge defense.

Global Context of Rising Sea Levels

• By 2050, it is projected that 90% of major cities will face rising sea levels; examples include Hamburg's flood-resistant neighborhoods and Sweden's wet gardens.

• A vision emerges for a floating city designed around Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), integrating renewable energy sources like tides, currents, wind, and solar power.

Innovative Urban Ecosystem Design

• This floating city concept emphasizes local food production (fish/plant-based diets), waste management through composting/recycling, and energy generation from waste.

• The architecture will be modular and buoyant to withstand tropical storms while maintaining a low center of gravity for stability.

Future Vision: Floating Communities

• Vertical farming systems (aeroponics/hydroponics), ocean farms, and biorock reefs are integral components aimed at habitat regeneration.

• Small islands can cluster into larger communities accommodating thousands of residents; this model promotes organic growth akin to cultures in petri dishes.

Floating Cities: A Vision for the Future

The Concept of Floating Architecture

• The idea is proposed that architecture can be designed to adapt to various cultures, envisioning floating cities tailored to different regions such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Scandinavia.

Climate Change and Rising Waters

• It is highlighted that the human body and Earth's surface are both composed of 70% water, emphasizing a connection between humanity and aquatic environments.

• The urgency of developing alternative floating habitats is stressed due to rising sea levels threatening island nations, regardless of global carbon-neutral efforts.