Teulo Talks: High Performance Buildings: Part Two: Escher GuneWardena, Mariana Cabugueira Pod + Starke

Frank Escher and Ravi GuneWardena

Escher GuneWardena

11.30am - 12.30pm

BIO:

The extraordinary range of projects of Escher GuneWardena Architecture – small, conceptually rigorous projects; ecologically and socially innovative urban design proposals; and work in the fields of contemporary art and architectural history – reflects the broad cultural interests of the firm’s principals, Frank Escher and Ravi GuneWardena. They frequently collaborate with internationally known contemporary artists, thinkers, consultants, and cultural institutions such as the MAK Center, The Eames Foundation, and The Getty Conservation Institute.

Escher GuneWardena addresses issues of sustainability, affordability, the relationship between form and construction, seeking to establish simple formal manifestations of the complexities of each project. Recent residential projects include the Jamie Residence, the Sola/Wright Residence, and the House with Five Corners. Work on historic structures includes restoration of John Lautner’s Chemosphere as well as of his personal residence, Phase 1 restoration work at the Eames House, restoration of Paul R. Williams’s personal residence, restoration of Gregory Ain’s Greene Residence, and an extensive restoration of A. Quincy Jones’s historic Pilot House.

Their work was recognized in the 2003 National Design Triennial, and in OPEN HOUSE: Intelligent Living.

Talk topic:

Frank and Ravi are thinking for their talk they would give a very brief overview of their practice with a focus on historic preservation projects. These include many current or recent projects such as: John Lautner's Chemosphere, restoration of Lautner's personal residence, Eames preservation, Gregory Ain house restoration, A.Q. Jones's Pilot House, restoration of Paul R. Williams's personal residence, and more.

Mariana Cabugueira Podcast

Zaha Hadid Architects London

12.30pm - 1.10pm

NZRAB CPD: 5 Points

ADNZ CPD: 0.5 Points

Talk topic:

Mariana grew up in Portugal before settling in London. Mariana explains how this has helped to shape her work. Mariana discusses the various design opportunities she has been able to explore in the UK and internationally that she might not have in the Portuguese industry.

Mariana discusses the opportunities and challenges she explores when working with parametric, generative and digital design. The work Mariana does as Senior Architect Designer at Zaha Hadid is specifically in the International Competitions and Commissions High-End Design cluster. She explains what it is that draws you to the competitive side of architecture.

One of Marianas competition-winning projects is Tower C, one of two twin towers now in construction in a new tech district of Shenzhen, China. Mariana tells us about the concept behind the design and where she is now in the build process.

In addition to Mariana's professional practice, she also teaches Maya Audodesk at Architectural Association’s Design Research Lab. Mariana explains what is it that makes Maya such a powerful tool for emerging professionals.

Benjy Simmons

Starke Windows and Doors

Benjy will take us through the core elements of window and door joinery design for performance in New Zealand.

Firstly, the elephant in the room; most joinery in New Zealand might look good, but is awful. We are a long way behind the most of the world in terms of our thermal performance, and we’re one of the few places where standard cold aluminium frames are still the default. This 50 year old stagnant market is about to undergo a 10 year period of dramatic and consistent change. Watch this space!

Secondly, we will look at what good looks like in terms of best-in-class joinery, glazing and installation details, and what needs to happen here in New Zealand get there with education, legislation and commercialisation.  

And thirdly, we’ll look at how Stärke’s mission is to bring change through volume production, approved recessed window detailing, high performance thermally broken suites, and world-leading uPVC suites.

Learning outcomes and AACA competencies:

3. Design: Conceptual Design

3.2 Application of creative imagination, aesthetic judgement ans critical evaluation in formulating design options.

4. Design: Schematic Design

4.1 Evaluation of design options in relation to project requirements

5. Documentation: Detailed Design

5.1 Application of creative imagination and aesthetic judgement in producing a resolved project design