French architecture firm Atelier 9.81 presents its latest project in the form of the Calais Port Tower, which is an office and lookout building along the Calais coastline. The structure is designed to replicate the look of stacked pebbles and does so using staggered concrete blocks.
It is made up of four white concrete blocks stacked on top of one another and detailed with decorative surfaces. Atelier 9.81 associate architect Cédric Michel tells Dezeen "We have opted for a visual fragmentation of the program. Like pebbles balanced on top of each other, this work is erected by accumulation, by stratification of stories contained in simple geometric shapes. From this idea of the cairn, it seemed important to us to use only one material. Also, with the extreme climatic conditions of the coast, the question of sustainability played a role in our choice."
Stacked Pebble-Inspired Towers
Atelier 9.81 Designs the Calaid Port Tower Building
Trend Themes
1. Pebble-inspired Architecture - The use of staggered concrete blocks to replicate the look of stacked pebbles in architecture presents an opportunity for innovative and visually striking building designs.
2. Visual Fragmentation of Buildings - The concept of visual fragmentation in building design, inspired by stacked pebbles, offers an opportunity for unique and aesthetically pleasing structures.
3. Sustainable Coastal Architecture - The consideration of extreme climatic conditions in coastal areas in the design of buildings, such as the Calais Port Tower, presents an opportunity for sustainable and resilient architectural solutions.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - The architecture industry can explore the use of staggered concrete blocks to create pebble-inspired buildings, offering a fresh approach to design and aesthetics.
2. Construction - In the construction industry, the concept of visual fragmentation in building design can be applied to create unique and visually appealing structures, providing differentiation in the market.
3. Coastal Development - The coastal development industry can focus on sustainable and resilient architectural solutions to address extreme climatic conditions, ensuring the longevity and functionality of buildings along the coastline.