Architecture can often become a product of its environment, responding to community needs while blending into an already established environment. In the case of Crosstown Elementary School, its creation was in response to Vancouver’s imminent need for more primary education facilities. The result is a four-story structure that blends seamlessly into the “urban fabric” of the Canadian cityscape.
A $2.4 billion project to rebuild and refurbish 260 schools in England is underway with the latest project clad in Alucobond aluminum composite material (ACM). The endeavor is part of an initiative known as the Priority School Building Program (PSBP) and is overseen by the Department for Education (DfE). Each project takes an estimated 11 to 18 months to complete and all schools are due for completion by the end of 2017 – two years ahead of schedule. The short-term goal is to achieve the best schools for students, while over the long-term building a stronger economy and an equal society.
| Project Name: | Aalborg House of Music |
|---|---|
| Project Location: | Aalborg, Denmark |
| Alucobond Materials: | Alucobond Plus NaturAL Brushed |
| Year of Completion: | 2014 |
| Architect: | Coop Himmelb(l)au |
| Fabricator: | AE Staalmontage A/S |
| Photography: | Martin Schubert & Duccio Malagamba |
Austrian firm Coop Himmelb(l)au’s recently completed “House of Music” showcases architecture’s ability to serve as a physical representation of music. The new venue hall and music school is located on the edge of Denmark’s shallow Limfjord, offering spectacular views to students and patrons.
| Project Name: | The Katsumata Centre at Kardinia International College |
|---|---|
| Project Location: | Bell Post Hill, Geelong, Australia |
| Alucobond Materials: | Alucobond Spectra Cupral |
| Year of Completion: | 2011 |
| Architect: | James Deans & Associates |
| Photography: | Tim Loft |
As a tribute to the Kardinia International College’s founder and life-long educational advocate, Yoshimaro Katsumata, the Katsumata Center for sporting and performing arts was created. The multipurpose facility was envisioned to embody the school’s progression both culturally and educationally.
| Project Name: | Skolkovo Moscow School of Management |
|---|---|
| Project Location: | Moscow, Russia |
| Alucobond Materials: | ALUCOBOND, Various Colors |
| Year of Completion: | 2009 |
| Architect: | Adjaye Associates |
| Fabricator: | Alcon Trade Sistem |
| Photography: | Ed Reeve |
The Skolkovo Moscow School of Management by David Adjaye of Adjaye Associates was inspired by the geometric abstract artworks of Kazimir Malevich. The building’s design was intended to reflect not only the innovation and advancement of Russian business, but culture as well.
| Project Name: | University of North Texas’ (UNT) Apogee Stadium |
|---|---|
| Project Location: | Denton, Texas |
| Alucobond Materials: | 48,320 sq. ft. 4mm Sunrise Silver Metallic 1,334 sq. ft. 4mm Custom Mean Green |
| Year of Installation: | 2011 |
| Architect: | HKS, Inc. – Dallas |
| Fabricator/Installer: | NOW Specialties Carrollton, Texas |
| General Contractor: | Manhattan Construction Co., Dallas |
| Images: | Daryl Shields – HKS |
The University of North Texas’ (UNT) Apogee Stadium – the first newly constructed collegiate football stadium in the nation to earn LEED Platinum certification – opened in Denton, Texas, in September 2011 as the new home of Mean Green football.
