Danish mastermind Bjarke Ingels; the author of the Bjarke Ingels Group, is known for his innovative and ambitious designs. His passion for the emulsion of technology and wild ideas breaks the dull sight of most spaces today. His systems frequently blend sustainability, functionality, and aesthetics. Some of his most notable systems include the 8 House in Copenhagen, the Google headquarters in California, the Amager Bakke waste-to-energy factory in Copenhagen, and the 2016 Serpentine Pavilion in London.

Design Philosophy 

Ingels is known for his unique architectural style that combines the rudiments of the traditional armature with innovative and futuristic design generalities. His approach is frequently characterized by his use of bold, sculptural forms and unconventional accouterments, as well as his focus on sustainability and functionality. One similar illustration is the “8 House” in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Relating to one of his principles, the structure is a mix of traditional constituents, retail, rowhouses, and apartments in untraditional ways. This is achieved by mounding the colorful modules of a civic neighborhood into layers. The apartments are placed at the top while the marketable program unfolds at the base of the structure. The apartments profit from the view, sun, and fresh air while the office spaces combine with life on the road. The structure is hoisted up on the northeast side and pushed down at the southwest allowing light to enter the space.

Bjarke Ingels: The Danish Architect Who Pushes the Boundaries of Form and Function - Sheet1
Form and Function-8 House_https://whereisthenorth.com/bjarke-ingels-architects-perspective/

Ingels’ designs frequently emphasize the integration of nature and the terrain into the erected terrain, and he constantly incorporates green spaces, public amenities, and collaborative spaces into his structures. His work is also characterized by his capability to acclimatize and respond to the specific requirements and environment of each design, performing largely customized and point-specific designs. He places a strong emphasis on the integration of form and function in his architectural designs. He believes that good design should not only be visually striking but also largely functional and responsive to the requirements of the people who will be using it. 

Approach To Form and Function

Ingels’ approach to form and function frequently involves a process of trial and disquisition, as he seeks to find new and innovative ways to break design challenges and produce structures that are both beautiful and functional. He frequently incorporates slice-edge technology and accouterments into his designs to achieve this thing. In practice, he explains that “structures should respond to the original terrain and climate in a kind of discussion to make it inhabitable for mortal life”, largely perfecting the vocabulary of architecture.

Bjarke Ingels: The Danish Architect Who Pushes the Boundaries of Form and Function - Sheet2
Form and Function-Section explaining the use of form_https://id.pinterest.com/pin/269653096408685912/

Thoughts on Sustainability 

Sustainable development & renewable energy are important to Ingels and he refers to it as “hedonistic sustainability”. It prioritizes sustainability without immolating comfort or pleasure, and a belief in the power of design to ameliorate people’s quality of life and produce positive social change. He aimed that design can be made economically profitable and environmentally sustainable. Hence, one similar design is the Copenhill, a waste-to-energy conversion factory in Copenhagen. He incorporated a ski pitch in the roof with CO2 emitting from the Chimney. The green panel on the top mimicked the sense of snow and the structure also managed to successfully reach its carbon-neutral thing.

Form and Function-Copenhill conversion plant_https://whereisthenorth.com/bjarke-ingels-architects-perspective/

At the same time, Ingels is also largely attuned to the social and artistic environment of each design, and he seeks to produce structures that are responsive to the specific requirements and solicitations of the people who will use them. This frequently involves close collaboration with guests and stakeholders, as well as an in-depth analysis of the point, the original terrain, and the broader artistic environment. Bjarke’s primary thing was to make fictional ideas into everyday reality. He plays with the idea of the armature and turns his fractions of contextual imagination into structures. Unlike the popular videotape game ‘Minecraft’, he thinks of the armature as “world craft”, which he defines as the craft of making our world. He pushes his boundaries to produce surreal places that excite everyone. An extension of this idea, he believes “Yes is more” wherein he steps out of predictable and boring boxes. This idea is addressed in the design of “Via 57 West”. He incorporated aspects from two different ends to produce this dynamic masterpiece that’s both climate responsive and unique. 

Overall, Ingels’ approach to form and serve is largely integrative, and he seeks to produce structures that not only meet the practical requirements of their druggies but also inspire and delight them aesthetically.

Bjarke Ingels: The Danish Architect Who Pushes the Boundaries of Form and Function - Sheet4
Form and Function-Via 57 West_https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VIA_57_West#/media/File:VIA_57_West_-_exterior.jpg

 

Author

Pratiksha is a final year architecture student who has a keen interest in Indian architecture and History of Architecture. She believes that one must understand the past in order to make sense of the present & shape a better future. She believes that her interest in writing can make an impact on the community.