Ripple Garden

A wellness center for recovering cancer patients, by Valerie F. Schweitzer AIA (2015)

We propose clusters of fabric structures to create shade and collect rainwater into reflecting pools at the center of each pod. They are made with a basic aluminum frame, 3″ diamter aluminum poles, and Sunbrella fabric.

Inspired in part by animals that live and hang from trees, as well as their habitats. Three types of canopies vary in height, radius, and color, to create kinetic spaces beneath for healing cancer patients. The goal was to use fabric in a unique and architectural way–here the structures protect  from harsh sun light, while collecting rain water. The structures also loosely resemble flowers at various stages of opening and closing away from the sun.

Chasm Lighthouse

An Archetype Reimagined and a Tribute to the Concordia Victims, by Valerie Schweitzer AIA (2015)

Chasm lighthouse, on Giglio Island in Italy, esplores the edge of solidity and transparence, darkness and light,while memorializing the Concorida shipwreck. The lighthouse is a contemporary reimagining of an ancient nautical form, which reveal the porous bordres between land and sea.

The sculptural monument is meant to pay tribute to the 32 lives lost at the site, and contains an information center about the shipwreck.

The seeming tear in the lighhouse shaft synbolizes the tragedy while showing the inner guts of the structure–steel pipe, stairwell, platforms–that in turn upholds the floating glass and aluminum beacon of light.  the beacon’s red roof resembles sails of a boat and the saturated color signifiees that the memories of loved ones live on. Red-roofed shading pavilions and poppeyes reinforce the connection between earth and sky. The sea of poppeyes at the base of the “torn” concrete also resonates with loss and hope.

Visitors weave in and out of darkness on an upward reflective journey, due to the two widening “cracks” in the walls.

 

Giglio Island, Italy

Lighthouse  section and floor plans

 

Holocaust Memorial in Bologna

“A Passage from Barbs to Souls”  by Valerie Schweitzer AIA (2015)

From Descending  Bodies, To Ascending Skeletons, and the Void in between

 

 

With an economy of means, we attempt to make the passer-by stop and remember the mass murder that occurred in the concentration camps and the individual lives lost.

 

Please See Holocaust memorial page for a description that explains our intent.

Quotes in our brief:

“And the Dust returneth to the earth as it was, and the spirit returneth unto the Divine who gave it”. –Eccesiastes 12:7

“Memory is the scribe of the soul.” –Aristotle

“I’m staring at the man in the mirror.

I’m asking him to change his ways.

if you want to make the world a better place take a look at yourself and make that change” –Michael Jackson

 

Citation at www.futureofshade.com by Architizer and Sunbrella, 2017 (For shop drawings see Bubble Shade category)

Two Hollows Gate

A gate-like structure marking the new entrance for Folkets Park in Sweden, encourages city dwellers to appreciate the marvels of nature while lounging, circumambulating and gazing.  By Valerie F. Schweitzer AIA (2016)

Two Hollows allows for the gathering of park-goers on its playful steps and internal chambers, that couple as exhibition space. The two wood structures resemble the often overlooked but marvelous tree trunk, even mimicking its shedding of bark and regrowth. (wood is one of the most sustainable of building materials in Sweden)

Nine feet wide in diameter each hollow lends itself to fun exhibitions that can hold several viewers at a time.The glulam structural rings in each of the two hollows evokes the rings within a tree trunk that marks its age.

Memorial Concept

 

Winner, Architectural Digest “Open Auditions” 2008–Studio, Westport, Ct     See Westport Studio