5 Building Projects To Look Forward To In 2022
2021 was racked up with the pandemic which brought a halt to building projects and construction schedules.
The highlighted buildings here will be noted for their cultural impact, conversations likely to be generated and their designs.
We look forward to their completion and access to the general public.
1. Beijing Sub-Centre Library
Snøhetta was selected and commissioned to design this pub in China following an international design competition in 2018. The project will be due at the end of 2022 and will offer a contemporary — yet timeless space for learning, knowledge sharing and also for open discussions.
The pub will also celebrate the cultural richness of China and Beijing at large.
The sub-centre will be distinctly different to conventional libraries, utilize technology, smart design and local resources — all this is due to set new standards. The library reveals itself and inner activities because of the highly transparent building, this feature invites passers-by.
The library’s roof has integrated photo-voltaic construction elements (BIPV) that replaces conventional roofing materials and at the same time utilize the prime exposure of the rooftop to sunlight for renewable energy production and creating one of the most environmentally friendly roofs possible.
2. Grand Theatre de Rabat
The fluid sculptural form is inspired by the Bouregreg River between the ancient cities of Rabat and Sale.
It incorporates an 1800 seat theatre, a 7000-person amphitheatre and an experimental performance space. The 47,000 square metres will be the largest theatre in the Arab world and Africa.
The institution will serve as a multifunctional and cultural venue. Its aim is to bring new cultural life to the city and includes a section dedicated to artistic revitalisation and entertainment that’ll host major national and international artistic and cultural events.
3. Hong Kong Palace Museum
The project will be completed by Rocco Design Architects. The museum is an important art and cultural facility which is situated in the West Kowloon Cultural Distinct, Hong Kong.
The building totals 30,000sqm and has 7,600sqm of gallery space dedicated to gold, jade items, bronze, paintings and ceramics, as well as displays on life in the Imperial Court.
Other museum facilities include a 400-seat lecture theatre, activity rooms, a shop and a restaurant.
The museum will be based on a contemporary interpretation of classic Chinese visuals and spatial aesthetics. The museum designs build a concept of a linked courtyard translated into a vertical series of atriums that draw visitors upward.
4. Lanternen
Snohetta won the competition for designing Lanternen, a new Maritime Centre in Esbjerg, Denmark.
The building’s design is inspired by the geometry and craftsmanship of boats, and they have collaborated with Danish architecture firm, WERK Arkitekter to pay homage to the maritime tradition.
It was due to be completed in 2021, and the building will accommodate multiple water sports clubs, boat storage, social spaces, a large workshop and a training workshop. Once completed, the building will enhance Esbjerg’s connection to the sea and become a community hub for maritime enthusiasts and a wide community.
Lanternen’s windows are intended to illuminate the building at night to resemble a lantern or a lighthouse. This is why it is called Lanternen.
The building has a circular form which will form the heart of Lanternen and will provide a common space for visitors using the training facilities and the clubrooms will be positioned around the perimeter.
5. Taipei Performing Arts Centre, Taipei
Taipei Performing Art Centre was designed by OMA in collaboration with a local architecture studio Kris Yao.
It’s said to be open to the public in summer 2022. It was commissioned by the Taipei City Government to support various performing art groups in the country.
The centre’s focal point is shaped like a planet and is an 800-seat theatre. The other auditoriums include the Grand Theatre which is a 1500 seat-venue and the Blue Box which happens to be an 800-seat multiform theatre that will be used for experimental performances.
When merged together, the Blue Box and the Grand Theatre forms a 2,300-seat venue and is named the Super Theatre.
