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foster + partners

Home Tag foster + partners
foster + partners shares the prototype design for a reusable face visor. covid-19.

foster + partners shares the prototype design for a reusable face visor. covid-19.

Apr 6, 2020

to aid the fight against covid-19, foster + partners has designed a general-purpose prototype face visor, suitable for cleaning and reuse. it is specifically aimed at fast mass production.

[ foster + partners press release ] we are sharing the design templates and material specifications as an open-source design asset. this is to encourage both designers and in particular large-scale manufacturers to investigate the potential of digital and laser cutting machines as an alternative to 3d printing technology.

the prototype visor, designed by a team of industrial designers, model makers, architects and analysts, is made from three components: a visor made from 0.5mm optically clear petg, an interlocking soft pp headband, and a surgical silicone rubber head strap that ties the two together. these were all cut on the practice’s digital flatbed cutters by its printroom and model making teams. each visor can be cut from sheets in under 30 seconds and the elements can be assembled in under a minute. with a single cutting machine, we were able to cut and assemble components for 1,000 visor masks in a day, representing a reduction of days in the time taken to produce 3d-printed alternatives.

the visors can be produced and assembled or flat-packed and distributed in large quantities in a short span of time. an important advantage is that the visor can be easily disassembled, cleaned, sanitized and reused, addressing the growing shortage of raw materials for visor production. we are now delivering these prototype visors to a number of london hospitals where they are being tested. we are also exploring means of getting the design approved for mass production and use by health workers.

> flat-pack reusable visor comes in two sizes — short and long.
> visor, headband and strap can be cut by a flatbed digital cutter or laser cutter.
> cutting time: <30 seconds > assembly: <60 seconds > each visor can be disassembled and cleaned for reuse.

> visor: 0.5mm petg or equivalent
> headband: 0.75mm polypropylene (pp) or equivalent
> adjustable strap: 1mm silicone

click here to download the assembly instructions
click here to download the file for the digital flatbed cutter (.dwg)
please note that by downloading these files you are accepting the following terms and conditions:

1 > this design for a flat pack laser cut visor (the design) is created and owned by foster + partners limited and is licensed for non-commercial use under the creative commons attribution-non commercial 4.0 international public license (“the ccl terms”).
2 > as set out in section 5 of the ccl terms, no representations or warranties of any kind concerning the design are given.
3 > by downloading and or using the design files, you:
accept and agree to the ccl terms.

acknowledge that:
a > this design has been created by foster + partners in response to the global covid-19 pandemic;
b > foster + partners has no prior expertise in the design and manufacture of personal protective equipment (ppe) and therefore this design has neither been made by reference to any specific regulations nor subject to any formal testing regime;
c > that any user of the design shall assume all responsibility for developing the design in conformity with regulatory and testing requirements of any markets it intends to make the visor available in.

notes to editors:

1 > one zund g3 m 2500 cutting machine or equivalent can cut 217 per hour.
2 > the template offers two sizes – short and long.

[ DesignApplause covid-19 response ] #covid19 #coronacvirus

the shortlist announced for ohare international airport renovation.

the shortlist announced for ohare international airport renovation.

Nov 15, 2018

above > the foster epstein moreno jv proposal

the city of chicago recently announced a $8.5 billion renovation of o’hare international airport including a new terminal that will be the centerpiece of the largest expansion in o’hare’s history.

to jump-start this vision, twelve global architectural firms were asked to submit proposals including danish architect bjarke ingels, studio fuksas of italy, chicago firms, gensler, hok, perkins + will, and chicago architect helmut jahn, who designed the stunning terminal 1 which opened in 1986.

a shortlist of five firms are highlighted below. two design contracts will be awarded: the winning team will design the global terminal and concourse. the second-place finisher is expected to design the satellite concourses. the eight-year project, made possible by the end of a 35-year lease with the airlines, would be paid for with future airline fees, and therefore would not require taxpayer dollars.

[ design objectives ]
> expand terminal and gate space
> replace aged infrastructure with state-of-the art systems
> introduce new technology and security innovations
> integrate domestic and international to create a seamless passenger experience
> enhance the passenger experience
> incorporate sustainability and enhanced accessibility features
> reflect the legacy of chicago’s innovation, architecture, and it’s diversity

[ scope of work ]
> increasing the airport’s overall footprint from 5.5 to 8.9 million sq ft.
> tearing down 55-year-old terminal 2 and creating a new global terminal
> adding 25% gate capacity at existing gates to accommodate larger aircraft
> increasing gate count from 185 to 235
> adding two new remote satellite concourses
> adding a tunnel to a new parking facility foreshadowing a future new terminal
> renovating terminals 1,3, and 5

while affirming the 14 project design objectives and scope of work expectations DesignApplause considers the heart of this project is replacing a 55-year-old terminal with a cutting-edge architectural solution that’s categorically a part of every world’s-best discussion.

[ uniquely different ] two concepts stand out: studio ord features ample neighborhoods and greenspace not seen elsewhere in terminals. foster epstein moreno jv boasts a world-first column-less concept under an extraordinary shell with a span of 550 feet.

[ wow factor ] one concept dominates: foster epstein moreno jv a space that pushes the limits of technology and truly lifts the spirits.

[ pro vs con ] what stands out…only one concept with zero con: foster epstein moreno jv.

[ shortlisted firms ]

above > the fentress-exp-brook-garza joint venture’s globally-minded terminal design for chicago provides an elegant, spacious, and sustainable gateway to connect chicagoans and the world with speed and efficiency. soaring spaces sparkle with sunlight and lift the human spirit. daylight and spatial composition guide passengers intuitively and purposefully. the latest technological advances shape a smart, seamless, comfortable, and unencumbered experience. from arrival to departure, every element of the new terminal is crafted to elevate the passenger, making their journey inspiring, engaging, stirring, and fun. our vision is to return the romance of air travel to all who pass through chicago’s o’hare.

above > foster epstein moreno jv / a joint venture led by foster + partners and chicago-based firms epstein and moreno. our design is based upon a sequence of memorable and distinctive spaces that create a gateway to chicago with architecture that is open, transparent, inclusive, welcoming and functional, in turn resolving the sophisticated security, airport and airline requirements in a way that meets the needs of both employees and passengers. three arches frame the landside of the building, merging into a grand single arch on the airside, thus dissolving the barrier between inside and out and allowing the spectacle of the airfield to be visible to all who pass through the gateway, and recapturing the romance associated with air travel.

above > studio ord / chicago is a city defined by motion; confluence – of our river, of trail networks, of railroads – has shaped our most vibrant civic spaces. studio ord’s elegant and efficient design for the o’hare global terminal and global concourse unifies the airport’s campus by converging seamless lines of motion across three terminals around a spectacular central oculus. this confluence becomes orchard field – a vibrant neighborhood that combines abundant green spaces with distinctive landmarks, bespoke retail pavilions, and diverse activity zones. richly layered and easily navigable, it captures the unique character of chicago and redefines o’hare as a 21st century international destination.

above > som / we have delivered global excellence in this great city, shaping chicago’s skyline, neighborhoods and public realm for more than 80 years. it’s said that our chicago buildings turn “pragmatism into poetry.”

our elegantly undulating o’hare global terminal aims to be the world’s best, through optimal functional planning, great design, and keen practicality – all quintessential chicago qualities.

we infuse the muscular heritage of chicago architecture and engineering with many lessons from the natural environment, to increase human comfort, save energy and define a distinctive sense of place. this can be chicago’s next great building and our new gateway to the world.

above > santiago calatrava, llc / o’hare’s global terminal by santiago calatrava is a masterwork of modern terminal architecture. with a glass façade and dramatic shell-like roof soaring over the approach road, the building unifies the terminal complex while establishing itself as its centerpiece.

inside, vaulted, light-filled spaces celebrate both the grandeur and simplicity of bygone travel as customers move easily to and from gate areas enlivened by chicago-focused concessions in an airy, park-like setting.

convenient links to adjacent terminals, satellite concourses, and public transit support a future vision plan that transforms the area opposite the terminal into a vibrant hotel, retail and business complex.

somewhat unusual is the jury is not being disclosed, not even to the architects. please stay tuned.

flagship apple michigan avenue on the chicago river opens.

flagship apple michigan avenue on the chicago river opens.

Oct 20, 2017

above> image courtesy foster + partners

we were never worried. apple michigan avenue delivers a better than anticipated airy, transparent, floating paper-thin carbon-fiber roof architecture & design proclamation.

“apple michigan avenue is about removing boundaries between inside and outside, reviving important urban connections within the city,” said jony ive, apple’s chief design officer. “it unites a historic city plaza that had been cut off from the water, giving chicago a dynamic new arena that flows effortlessly down to the river.”

above> video courtesy apple

the airiness, a result of a roof supported only by four columns inside and a perimeter of glass walls that range in height from 14 – 32 feet. the glass sheets are laminated together offering both structural support and seemingly – seamlessness. above> image courtesy foster + partners

if you think it looks expensive, it is. $27 million or $1,350 per square foot.

conceivably project architect stefan behling’s best achievement was integrating the store to the newly developed riverfront. the city in recent years has invited all to come down to the river’s edge. the apple store has hands down won best concept in the category of a building to date. in contrast, just west of the new apple store, a new trump tower chicago presents a fine looking, but it has come to pass, not so inviting river’s edge landscape.

above> last september, apple’s senior vice president of retail, angela ahrendts, shows off an illustration of the company’s newest flagship store in chicago, an uber example, of open gathering places and avenues, dubbed “apple town squares.” the company will also invite creative professionals into its facilities, she says, for something called “today at apple.” image courtesy apple

at the chicago opening apple ceo tim cook reiterated that though all apple stores are meant to sell product, the philosophy is not akin to the creaky grocery store crammed with just shelves of products. it’s more like a fresh food market with a restaurant, a wine bar with baby grand piano, where some people hang out, get hungrier, and maybe buy edibles on the way out.

the former michigan avenue flagship which opened in 2003, is an example of the evolution, from at first a lot of shelves and tables selling product. but something new was added – a service/genius bar and a theatre for how-to classes. as the store evolved the service and training areas grew and replaced the shelves. whatever, the original store became unique among all michigan avenue stores, possibly all stores in downtown chicago – there were lines waiting to get in daily – i was in those lines – and the store opened one hour earlier, 9am, than most other retailers. a scary thought, maybe there are lines in other cities.

below > the new sales floor, in the foreground are boxes to sit on to watch a large video screen, further back tables for playing with new products and way, way back are shelves of product. image courtesy foster + partners

above> putting an apple logo on the roof was considered – a paper logo test a month prior to the grand opening. amid worries that a logo in this setting marginalized brand and architecture, the concept was discarded.

now with construction complete, DA lobbies for reassessing the alluring relationship of iconic silhouette and logo.

we fully endorse a less is more philosophy regarding credible achievement. here, end-product and team are exemplary. but there’s also this… it’s not what but how. afterall, the laptop roof concept itself, wasn’t an afterthought and didn’t get anyone nervous. and there’s a carefully located logo inside at streetlevel, nice.

an equally important philosophy – avoid decisions that may be construed as a miscalculation. this isn’t just about a building or a brand. this is about art. “art is never finished, only abandoned.” ~ leonardo da vinci

above> courtesy @lynettegrinter

architect> partner and project architect, stefan behling of foster + partners. the firm also created apple’s mother ship headquarters in cupertino.

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apple & nike drawn to chicago river.

apple & nike drawn to chicago river.

Dec 7, 2015

nic15-chi-river1

above> looking east towards lake michigan, orleans street bridge in foreground

last january 2014, mayor rahm emanuel gave notice that he envisions big plans for the chicago river. the news included continued development on the chicago river walk project and evening lighting concepts along the walk and the bridges.

below > rendering of mayor rahm emanuel’s proposed city lights competition in chicago | looking west, dearborn street bridge in foreground | city of chicago

chicago-river1-1920x960

chicago-river3

below> june 2015, two new sections of the riverwalk opened to the public: the river theater between clark and lasalle streets | loop spy jennifer

chicago-river-phase3

october 2015, emanuel unveiled plans (the jetty) for the final six blocks of development along the chicago river’s main branch, from state street to lake street. this project, developed for the chicago department of transportation by sasaki in collaboration with ross barney architects and benesch engineers.

below > rendering of the jetty between wells and orleans streets | city of chicago

chicago-river-jetty1-1920x940

apple-river2

above> new apple flagship in the works on michigan avenue | renderings courtesy of chicago department of planning and development

november and december 2015 several big names feel drawn to the river – were they following river development the past 23 months? in november, apple announced a new flagship store, a glass pavilion with a michigan avenue street-level steps that spill down to the chicago river’s riverwalk. the architect for this project is london-based foster + partners. [ details ]

nike-barge1

above> nike turned a barge on the chicago river into a floating gym

december 2015, nike, nearing the culmination of its month-long #GetOutHere social media campaign urging followers to exercise outdoors during the winter, turned a barge on the chicago river into a floating gym. it’s important to keep in mind, this is a first, a major brand, heck any brand, using a barge ON the river, if only for a week, for the purpose of promoting their business.

worth mentioning, nike started planning a single national #getouthere event more than six months ago. chicago was selected as the location for this december event, per jim beeman, a nike vice president. “we always hold that chicago has some of the hardiest athletes in the world when it comes to battling the elements,” he said.

sadly, a very smart man, robert boudreau didn’t take into account that docking up on the river requires the usual red tape one might imagine. going back to september 2015, when the chicago architecture biennial was launching, boudreau, in 1974, wanting to build a 200 foot floating ‘outdoor concert hall’, was smart enough to hire esteemed philadelphia architect louis kahn to design it. he also was smart enough to ask the city of chicago if he could host concerts on the river walk in front of the steps of the river theatre during the opening week of the biennial. he asked the city just several days notice. a real shame it didn’t happen. [ details ]

anyway, floating a pop-up on the river is a no-brainer. please allow for the red tape.

below> point counterpoint ii | louis kahn

louis-kahn-boat2

new chicago apple flagship in the works.

new chicago apple flagship in the works.

Nov 18, 2015

click on image to engage lightbox | 6 images | renderings courtesy of chicago department of planning and development

rumored in august that apple was going to erect a new flagship store on pioneer court near the michigan avenue bridge is now a reality. the owner of the property will present the following proposal to the chicago plan commission thursday.

the proposal calls for on the 401 north michigan plaza, a 14 foot high glass pavilion with a thin wright prairie style looking roof. street-level steps are to spill down to the chicago river’s riverwalk. the pavilion concept matches apple’s glass cube entrance in front of the general motors building on fifth avenue, new york city.

though the nyc cube, as well as the original flagship store on michigan avenue, and recent lincoln park store, were all designed by incumbent apple architecture firm bohlin cywinski jackson, the architect for this project is london-based foster + partners. f+p also designed the space-station-like apple headquarters in cupertino, california, which is currently under construction.

the existing michigan avenue flagship, built in 2003, seems to always have people wrapped around the building waiting in line to get in. pioneer court has also proven to be a popular venue, remember marilyn monroe several years ago? not sure this location will add to the store’s success, but the glass kiosk style entrance concept mirrors the design-centric mentality of apple. the new store will sit below street level and occupy 20,000-square-feet. construction to start next year.

apple-nyc2

on fifth avenue, new york city

apple-river7

above> existing michigan avenue flagship below> lincoln park store

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above> apple corporate headquarters in cupertino

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marilyn monroe on pioneer court 2011

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