2019 has been a wonderful year for architecture, with innovative designs and use of new products to increase energy efficiency and create buildings that will last. We’ve decided to look back at the past year to admire some of our favourite architectural designs of the year. 

Beijing Daxing International Airport

This year saw China unveil their new airport, the largest airport in the world. The building nicknamed the Starfish has integrated some traditional Chinese architecture into the building, such as interconnected spaces around a central courtyard meeting space. By using modern architecture techniquies such as glass walls and a network of linear skylights the building is flooded with natural light. This building was created by Zaha Hadid Architects and well worth looking at.

National Museum of Qatar

The national museum’s structure has been created to mimic the desert rose, emerging from the ground, working in harmony with the existing structures around. The clever use of elliptical discs in the building allows it to rise and fall with the landscape around, and also provides the perfect overhang providing protection for both the visitors and the inside of the building from the hot sun. Designed by Jean Nouvel, this building has been created to celebrate and concur the harsh environment that the people of Qatar have overcome and thrived in. 

The Shed, a Center for the Arts

The Shed (formerly known as Culture Shed and Hudson Yards Cultural Shed) is now the cultural centre in Hudson Yards, Manhattan, New York City.

The structure has been designed with one goal in mind, to create a space for all arts, big, small, production, painting anything and everything can be accommodated within this building. 

The building is more than functional though, with the shell being made of a strong and lightweight Teflon- based polymer, called ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), with thermal properties similar to insulated glass. The Shed was created by the team of Diller Scofidio and Renfro in collaboration with Rockwell Group.

The Twist Museum

The Twist Museum resides in the Norwegian Kistefos Sculpture Park, as an art piece in its own right, however,  its main purpose is to create a bridge between the South and North side of the river. The bridge has allowed the walk around the park to become a continuous loop, but it has added so much more than just a walkway. The Twist has doubled the amount of indoor space in the park, with restrooms and a basement for the museum with a glass wall to bring the visitor closer to the river. This building and bridge was created by Bjarke Ingels Group, (BIG) 

JDW Architects

With our wide range of expertise, here at JDW, we work to deliver the best possible solutions for our clients. If you need advice, please speak to a member of our team on 016 3324 5020 or email us at info@jdwarchitects.com.