Architecture that 'disperses' -The 2010 World Expo UK pavilion designed by Thomas Heatherwick

In this particular design Heatherwick combines a complex structure with a simple, quiet, reverent message. The designer says he was inspired by the “relationship between nature and cities” and decided to celebrate the UK’s beautiful green spaces by teaming up with the world famous Kew Gardens in London and the Millennium Seedbank project, whose mission is to collect the seeds of 25% of the world’s plant species by 2020.

I find the design exceptionally inspirational.  The design 'reaches out' into the surrounding area with the aim to 'implant' elements from all around the world.  This is a similar aim to that of my personal project -to 'disperse' the scottish design talent from DJCAD within Dundee and throughout Scotland.

Architecture that 'disperses' -Kengo Kuma's Water/Glass house

Situated on a hill overlooking Atami, Japan southwest of Tokyo, this spectacular ocean view villa has a striking oval dinning room that appears to be on an island surrounded by water. Designed by architect Kengo Kuma (architect behind the new V&A in Dundee), this glass house in which water is also a key component has the effect of a structure floating on water. The oval dinning room is connected to the rest of the house by a glass corridor. The infinity-edge reflecting pool connects the house to the ocean and the coastline.

Kuma's aim was to frame space with only two horizontal planes - the floor of water and the ceiling louvers.  I love how the views of the water are perfectly framed, creating a place of tranquility and relaxation, perhaps a feeling that needs to be injected into a collaborative design space?