Phos Architects: Mersey Observatory

Spine generic viagra online osteoporosis causes the bones in a person's spine to become discount amoxicillin brittle, leaving them vulnerable to fracturing. If you need help purchase advair online remembering your appointments, try setting an alarm or downloading a buy clomid without prescription reminder app on your phone. Children who identify with a buy cheap compazine online "deaf subculture," or those who have learned how to use cephalexin overnight sign language, might feel less isolated. Common signs of stress compazine no prescription in females include feeling overwhelmed or depressed, physical symptoms such cheap clomid as headaches or digestive issues, and emotional symptoms such as tizanidine irritability or mood swings. However, due to the relatively recent augmentin sale introduction of vaping products, there is still not enough research viagra from india to fully understand the long-term effects of vaping. Further understanding order lasix no prescription the role of JAK inhibitors is one focus of research, find discount prednisolone and scientists are currently developing a number of additional JAK inhibitors..

phos_observatory-1.jpg

[Image: View of Observatory]

A proposal by Phos Architects‘ has recently been shortlisted [along with 4 other proposals] for the design of the Mersey Observatory in Crosby [North of Liverpool, UK] – on a site currently occupied by a now obsolete radio tower. The design competition, held by RIBA, received around 100 entries from all over the world – which were reduced to the 5 remaining finalists. These 5 will meet with the judging panel in February, and a winner should be announced sometime in March.

Here we have featured the submission by Phos Architects, a London based firm [which we think has the siiickest entry].

phos_observatory-2.jpg

[Image: View of Observation Garden, located at the top of the Observatory]

So, for starters I have to say that I’m straight geeked off these renderings – the simplicity and lighting is stunning, creating an almost tangible atmosphere [I wonder if it would look as good built?]. Image quality aside, the design itself is pretty siiick itself . Volumetrically it appears as a play on the traditional lighthouse concept, but with a very contemporary look and feel. The central mass of the building seems to float above the lower level – creating what Phos describes as a ghostly quality [referencing both the previous tower and heavy industry]. The observatory then opens to the sky as a glass box toping the metallic central volume – allowing for a 360 degree view of the local waterfront.

phos_observatory-3.jpg

[Image: View of Observatory]

Approaching the observatory, visitors travel across a fragmented landscape of concrete that appears to morph into the natural rock on the site. This concrete base continues inside the observatory, ‘eroding’ into an amphitheater – and extending upwards to form the building’s core. Greeted by this public space – along with a cafe – the visitor is drawn inwards through the ground treatment, and then upwards by the light. Moving upwards, the views on the intermediate level are very controlled – so as to not give-away the grand views provided from the garden on the upper level. Finally reaching the top of the structure, the visitor is greeted both by the previously mentioned 360 degree views, and also an enclosed garden offering local species of plants in a controlled environment.

phos_observatory-4.jpg

[Image: Ground + Intermediate level plans]

In the designers’ words:

Light

Reaching for the sky above the observation garden is a shard of glass and light. A physical and metaphorical torch of guidance and warning, of information and reassurance, of changing seasons and attitudes.

Sustainability. Material. Construction

The building will be constructed primarily from concrete, weathered steel and glass, thoughfully sourced to be energy and cost effective. Designed and detailed to be constructed efficiently with minimal material waste, capable of deconstruction and re-use. Internal space will be passively ventilated through the lightwell and solar gain from the observation garden will be stored to heat the ground and intermediate floors. Supplementary renewable energy is provided by dedicated ‘marine current’ turbines.

The proposed Mersey Observatory is the culmination of an industrial coast, signaling the transition from a man-made environment to the protected ecosystem beyond.

phos_observatory-5.jpg

[Image: Observation Garden plan – which is on the roof]

::Visit the Phos Architects website here::

Posted: January 10th, 2008
at 3:04pm by orangemenace


Categories: architecture,green arch,featured ninjas,towering pagodas

Comments: 8 comments



 

8 Responses to 'Phos Architects: Mersey Observatory'

Subscribe to comments with RSS or TrackBack to 'Phos Architects: Mersey Observatory'.

  1. this is a pretty sick design. I want to see what the fragmented concrete would look like. I’m not sure I understand it completely.

    Mark Anthony

    13 Jan 08 at 4:47 pm

     

  2. yeah man, i’m not that sure what it looks like either…SOUNDED ill tho. if you go the the Phos website then they have a larger ground floor/site plan which gives a better idea of what they’re talking about.

    orangemenace

    13 Jan 08 at 8:39 pm

     

  3. the fragmented concrete minds me of something predock did (that I enjoy)

    Canadian Museum for Human Rights

    Mark Anthony

    14 Jan 08 at 12:06 pm

     

  4. Canadian Museum for Human Rights

    sorry I forget an F…

    Mark Anthony

    14 Jan 08 at 12:07 pm

     

  5. The Black Tower of Barad-Dur?

    If the Mersey competition was of interest to you, you might also want to check out this proposal:

    http://jumartti.pp.fi/arkkitehtuuri/Mersey Observatory/The Mersey Observatory.htm

    Cheers

    Jan

    19 Jan 08 at 6:56 am

     

  6. i really like the Phos proposal, even though i dont quite understand it… Looks good though..
    I think Jan is a sore looser and shouldnt advertise his entry here…

    Rob

    27 Jan 08 at 5:17 am

     

  7. ahahaha – is that link really to Jan’s proposal? That’s hilarious…

    Thanks Rob, but no worries – everyone can feel free to plug themselves on MNP, although the LOTR ‘Black Tower of Barad-Dur’ reference was a little harsh [and funny].

    I agree about not understanding the project 100% – but if you go their website the have a nice narrative that might help you visualize those parts that aren’t clear from the images.

    orangemenace

    27 Jan 08 at 8:23 am

     

  8. Thanks orangemenace,

    Just been to Phos website and they have uploaded more stuff for this Mersey project..I really was impressed by the otherworldly quality of the ones you have shown here.

    I guess the new ones are for phase 2, they look a bit different, perhaps more real but still v.cool! I don’t think they lost that quality at all, especially the night shot.

    Anyway check it out…I think there’s gonna be an exhibition as well in Liverpool somewhere..if anyone lives round there!

    Rob

    12 Feb 08 at 8:49 am

     


 

Leave a Reply