© Milad Pallesh
Architects: bureau SLA
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Area: 2500.0 sqm
Project Year: 2016
Photographs: Milad Pallesh, Siebe Swart
© Milad Pallesh
From the architect. The Marine Base in Amsterdam has been a restricted military area for centuries, located in the heart of the city. In January 2015, the compound has begun a gradual transition towards a more public program. The departure of the designated marine units will be completed in 2018. Building 27E, a former education facility, is the first building on the site to be renovated for a public program. It had recently been dismantled and stripped down to a bare concrete skeleton. In June 2014 The Central Government Real Estate Agency commissioned bureau SLA to present a design accommodating new uses within the building. To host the Dutch Presidency of the European Union, taking place during the first half of 2016, the building was completed in January 2016.
© Milad Pallesh
The building is situated on the waterfront, next to the Maritime Museum and the Nemo Science Centre (a design of Renzo Piano). It was part of an ensemble of two identical elevated volumes, connected by a single storey base. Since 1962 the building served as a technical education facility for soldiers. True to the “Five Points of a New Architecture” of Le Corbusier, the two buildings were elevated above ground. In these days, the columns on which the building rests, the ‘pilotis,’ were pleasing elements for sculptural expression. The upper floors consist of a grid of columns, floor beams and floors with solid brick ends. A set of concrete emergency stairs faces the water. All the concrete has been poured in situ: the grain of the shuttering planks is still nicely detailed in the visible concrete. Access is provided under the colossus in a subtle embedded entrance area.
Plan
© Milad Pallesh
Plan
The building is located in the heart of the city. The design consists of a new layout, new services and new facades. The building can now be used as working space, but also facilitates meetings with a large number of people. To make this possible a number of changes have been implemented, of which the large lobby, spacious restrooms, the elevator, extra emergency stairs as well as fixed sunscreens are the most prominent. Each floor measures 500 m2 of net floor space. The first tenant is Makerversity, a London based pioneering community that brings together the best and most exciting makers, providing them with the space, tools and collaborative environment necessary to grow their business.
© Milad Pallesh
The facades consist of large 3.5 x 3.5 meter triple glazed windows set into deep window bays. The structural grid is clad in dark, pre-moulded fiberglass reinforced concrete panels. Operable windows are designed as triangular “dog-ears” as not to (optically) subdivide the glass panes. These triangular windows are made of etched frosted glass. The main windows are fronted with solid timber screens of Accoya wood, an acetylated wood with excellent sustainable properties. The pattern of the blinds may look random at first sight, but is in fact an interpretation of all the national flags of the countries of the European Community – with an eye to the Dutch presidency of the EU in 2016. The etching on the windows in the staircases is based on a drawing of the famous Dutch minimalist artist Jan Schoonhoven (1914 – 1994).
© Milad Pallesh
Each and every person on this earth needs time to “recharge their battery”, so to speak. We are all filled with real emotions. Even that one person you know who seems to totally maintain their composure at all times. Deciding to neglect your mental health could be a serious mistake leading to mental exhaustion. The last thing that any of us wants to do is not be able to pay attention during an important meeting because we are stressed about our work. Or maybe being short with a loved one unexpectedly. As the saying goes, everyone wants to put their best foot forward each day and the only way to ensure that happens is to stay on top of your personal mental health. How to Know You Need a Mental Getaway You Dread Going Into Work – This could end up being a much larger issue, (maybe you really need a new job) but if your disdain for you work is sudden and changes day by day then you might need some time to yourself. If one day you’re filled with motivation and the next you think you might cry at the mention of working, you may just need to reset your emotional meter. Your Family/Friends Are Stressing You Out – If you are spending all of your time trying to mend the problems of your family members or friends, it’s time to realign with yourself. Many people out there feel empathy much stronger than others, but emotionally taking on the burden of others is just not the way to live a fulfilled life. A majority of your mental emotional capacity should be spent on your own life. You Can’t Recall The Last Time You Did Something For Yourself – When was the last time you just sat and painted your nails or built something with your hands? Doing something just because it is what you want to do should be a regular occurrence. Whatever that little treat you like to give yourself shouldn’t be pushed to the side. Even if it is just taking an hour to soak in a bubble bath or read a new book – cherish that time because you deserve it. You Can’t Seem to Remember What Your Interests Are – We are all guilty of becoming wrapped up in our work or family and friends. However, their interests should never be assumed to be your own. Just because a mother happens to have 3 young children doesn’t mean her passion in life is parenting. I’m sure she loves the time she gets to spend with her family, but she is a well-rounded individual with intimate aspirations. In Your Free Time You’d Rather Do Nothing – Don’t get me wrong, I frequently love stuffing as much Netflix time as possible into my evening, but I am also a person with interests and desires. I feel accomplished when I finish a project I’ve been tirelessly working on or even just get out of the house for a little while. So, on days when you just cannot be bothered to get out of bed, take a shower, or even feed yourself – know the jig is up. Especially when you can’t seem to shake this feeling for days, it’s time to kick it into mental getaway overdrive. You Never Call in From Work/Take Vacation Time – It can be so easy to want to work day in and day out, especially if your work follows you home. Financial stability and workplace professionalism are the goals of numerous men and women. Yet, failing to take time to yourself will result in swift occupational fatigue. Setting boundaries with your employer and not accepting more work than you can handle will guarantee your personal time is respected. You’re Regularly Not Sleeping Well – Not chronic insomnia, but stress induced awful sleep for a short period of time. If some kind of anxiety has recently taken over your mind and won’t allow you to get proper rest, it’s time to take a day off and recover. On your day off, take time to mentally address the issue and shrink it back down to size so you return to everyday activities feeling rejuvenated. What Makes a Successful Mental Getaway? Continually indulging yourself when you’re feeling down makes it hard to lift your spirits. So, while binge watching a random TV show or drinking a bottle of wine feels good temporarily, at the end of the day you will have made no progress. By doing this you are pushing your problem to the side, but the worry is still constantly forcing you to lose focus. If you need to have a good cry or scream into a pillow, definitely do so – it always makes me feel better. Then, get up and do something that will clear your mind completely. After you’ve successfully wiped the slate clean and completed your task, allow your issue to resurface itself. Chances are that you’ll be able to address it with a completely fresh outlook. What Should I Do During My Time Off? There is some sort of glaring reason that you need a mental getaway. Allow your mind, spirit, and/or body to enjoy something it has been lacking. Avoid anything that will diminish your mental and emotional state even further. The day should be spent lifting yourself back up. If You Want to Stay Home: Start a project that requires your full attention for several hours or do something you’ve been meaning to get done for a while.
Organize something that needs it.
Clean out junk that has built up.
Deep clean your house.
Mow the lawn, weed the yard, or start a garden.
Try a simple DIY project.
Try something artistic (like drawing, painting, or music).
Repurpose an old item.
Try a new (and possibly more complicated) recipe.
If You Want to Literally Getaway: If you’re looking for more of a literal getaway to refresh your mind and senses, planning a day trip might be the best option. Something close by that won’t take too much time or cost a fortune.
Take a jog or a hike.
Treat yourself to a spa/manicure/new hairdo day.
Go on a bike ride.
Go swimming (even at your local gym)
Check out a nearby city you’ve wanted to visit.
Go to a museum or an art gallery.
Check out local shows, events, or markets.
Go see a movie you’re interested in.
Volunteer your time.
Mental getaways should be spent however you feel most comfortable. Your mental and emotional health is never unimportant and should be treated as such. Please keep in mind, all the advice and mental getaways in the world cannot cure a mental health disease. If you find yourself suffering from constant sadness, depression, anxiety, or exhaustion it is time to seek the help of a professional. This information is not meant to cover up any signs of illness or to patch a bigger problem. If you find yourself needing to take many mental getaways frequently, there is most likely a larger problem that needs addressing immediately. Trisha is a freelance writer from Boise, ID. She is a dedicated vegan who promotes an all around healthy lifestyle – including mental health. You can check out her blog thatdangvegan.com or find her on twitter @thatdangvegan.
You’ve read 7 Reasons You Need to Plan a Mental Getaway, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.
photo via besttravelphotos
Courtesy of Conrad Gargett
Architects: Conrad Gargett
Location: Nudgee Rd, Banyo QLD 4014, Australia
Architect In Charge: Conrad Gargett
Area: 5400.0 sqm
Project Year: 2016
Photographs: Courtesy of Conrad Gargett
Courtesy of Conrad Gargett
From the architect. The Saint John Paul II Building is a landmark project for the Australian Catholic University Banyo campus. The siting and planning of the building and associated landscape was the key element within the campus masterplan to define the campus heart and for the enhancement of campus identity.
Courtesy of Conrad Gargett
The conceptual framework adopted resonated with a strong sense of continuity and constancy, enriched by the heritage and history of the previous Pius XII Provincial Seminary. The image of the heritage building reflected in the glass facade of JPII building heightens the community’s awareness of the significance of the heritage of the site.
Courtesy of Conrad Gargett
The building, designed in a cruciform plan, is defined by three axes: central, longitudinal and vertical. The central axis sets the symmetry of the building to pay homage to the existing heritage building. The longitudinal axis provides the organisational discipline for the building. The vertical axis symbolically connects man with the sky.
Courtesy of Conrad Gargett
The inclusive approach the design team and client lead to the creation of a community court, an ode to its historical past. The community court creates and evokes the ambience of the ‘Cloister’ and the formality of the ‘Great Court’. The permeability of the design facilitates activities and contributes to the vitality of the place. A series of spaces were designed for learning innovation, research and student engagement. The themes of journey and interest are interwoven through these spaces and the planting selection of biblical plants in the chapel surrounds drives this messaging.
Level A
The existing ‘forecourt’ area of St Paul’s Theological College became the Saint Francis Garden to provide a connection to the Saint John Paul II Building. It also visually encloses the SW edge of the Community Court. The concept adopts the discipline of the Sacred Garden, a locus for meditation and reflection. Saint Francis Garden is square in form, divided into four parts by paths that form a cross at their point of intersection. The existing Poinciana tree, in one of the four quarters is used to symbolise the tree of knowledge and the wood of the cross. The other three squares have a circular bed of the Francis rose (white), to commemorate each of the three Franciscan Sisters who came to the Pius XII Seminary in 1941. Other plants also bear allegorical meanings to symbolise an inclusive sanctuary for all.
Courtesy of Conrad Gargett
The building, with its contrasting contemporary vocabulary, is a centrepiece on campus for learning innovation, research and student engagement. The permeability of the base facilitates student support activities and contributes to the vitality of the place.
Courtesy of Conrad Gargett
The community court and Saint Francis garden have become a locus for learning, meditation, inspiration and reflection. The landscape has created a community hub, allowing students and staff to experience the spirituality and history of the site. Overall the landscape demonstrates the importance of place and refined connectivity.
Courtesy of Conrad Gargett
Tigress Swim Approach by Josef Gelernter
Sig Nordal 