Design with the sun
The Art of Creating Shadow – or shade, if you like – should be a compulsory subject in any design education. That is what we believe at Metadecor. Design the shadow first – and with that, we also mean all benefits that come from external sun shading: energy-efficiency, comfort (filtered daylight, ventilation, acoustics, et cetera). Shadow patterns create a deeper layer of architecture, a meaningful and untouchable quality in a space. It is an opportunity not to be missed.
During many discussions with architects and façade engineers in the past year, the topic was raised time and again: buildings can benefit immensely from a well-designed façade that reduces the heat load, filters daylight and (thus) plays a part in the energy-efficiency of the building. Start designing the façade from the inside out? At least dive into the (additional) functionalities of the façade – to get the performance of the building envelope in perspective. We are happy to engage with you about these topics during Future Façade!
Main design criterium
Shadow gives spaces an extra layer of experience and meaning. It creates ever changing angles of light and darkness and influences the way you look, move and feel comfort (or not) in that space. Behind facades with MD Designperforation or MD Formatura, the patterns add an extra layer of cognitive emotions. In most projects, that feels like a bonus. But what if we elevate the topic to a main design criterium? Start with the form and pattern of shadow and design a façade from that angle?
From art to science
The projects we are currently working on at Metadecor, give enough encouragement to dive deeper into the world of shadows. We really want to explore, experiment and experience architectural shadow and measure its effect on the wellbeing of the users of buildings and public spaces.
In other words, we will dive into The Science of Creating Shadow and invite architects, engineers and clients to join us on that journey. At Future Façade we will bring our latest projects and premiere a concept for dynamic external shading without the use of electricity. Facades that react to the sun with the help of that same source of energy and inspiration. Visit us at booth D061 to hear more!
Metadecor at Future Façade: booth D061. Visit SOMBRA in the Maze of Innovations. Lectures each day at 14:15 hrs in Theatre 2.
Project: Metadecor Headquarters in Kampen; Architect NVDTA; Design MD Formatura pattern in façade by Chris Kabel
Architectural shadow? Is there such a thing? At Metadecor, we believe there is. Over the years, we have created many façades with interesting semi-transparent patterns and figures, enjoying and describing the architectural expression of the exterior. During that same period, we – almost daily – enjoy the patterns that shadow creates on the floors and walls of our headquarters in Kampen. Geometrical patterns, in this case, created by the MD Formatura FO223 façade on the outside.
Project: Theatre Zuidplein in Rotterdam; Architect De Zwarte Hond; MD Designperforation by De Zwarte Hond and Metadecor; Image by Daria Scagliola
Middle Eastern Tapestry. The design in the façade of Theatre Zuidplein in Rotterdam was created using parametric design tools and choosing only one tiny triangle as the form with which to make an appealing composition. The effect in the façade is magical, especially during the night when the building lights up like a lantern. But the bonus is the effect the shadow has in the interior. With the right angle of the sun, visitors of the theatre experience shadow like a Middle Eastern Tapestry. Like walking in a fairytale out of One Thousand and One Nights.
Project: National Museum of Photography/Warehouse Santos in Rotterdam; Architects Renner Hainke Wirth Zirn Architekten & WDJArchitecten; MD Designperforation; Image by Hans Wilschut
Light as a tool. Whether the architect or designer uses artificial lightning or depends on daylight as the ‘magic maker’: shadow patterns are an opportunity not to be missed. Take the rooftop extension of warehouse Santos in Rotterdam, for example. The National Museum of Photography is currently working on the exhibitions with an expected opening later this year. But the rooftop short stay apartments are already in use and showcase the most complex shadow patterns you can imagine. In our interview with the architects Karin Renner and Karin Wolf (available on our website Metadecor.eu) they have told us about the surprising shadow effects of that façade. Yes, they knew it would be a major feature for the space, but with a low sun at the end of the day it really is mesmerizing!
