Domus Srilanka - September 2016

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At the end of September, the Cooper Hewitt Museum in New York opens its third exhibition on socially responsible design. We preview its contents with a piece by the curator describing the economic and social scenario encountered as she travelled 80,000 km around the United States in two years of research meeting designers, philanthropists, artists, students and workers – all in the conviction that design becomes a powerful means of change when local communities are directly involved.
Offering wide-ranging professional training which goes beyond traditional design fields is the strength of the teaching in this faculty – part of a university federation that includes a total of ten faculties, as well as graduate schools and research institutes. It is a vision that has led to a focus on the various problems presented by land use, and to an emphasis on computational and parametric design.
Sprawling over a low-lying area near the historic Sigiriya rock fortress, the Water Garden by Union Resorts & Spa is the architect’s representation of the aquatic gardens of the historical citadel. The unique design was inspired by the ancient landscape, traditional Sri Lankan architecture and respect for nature.
Three leading European architecture firms and one landscape architect participated in the city’s renewal plan for a defunct docking zone of Antwerp, each with the task of designing two tall apartment buildings on the water. The recently completed result forms the reconstitution of a swathe of urban fabric aiming to be a continuation of the historic city.