The Block 11 looks like a big slab of concrete that has been covered in hieroglyphics. The perforated facade panels are not made out of cement, however, and the images covering them are far from the ancient Egyptian markings. Instead, they are images that are characteristic of the province of Flevoland, which include birds, windmills, garden gnomes and bird houses.
Designed by MEI Architecture, the Block 11 is a parking garage in Almere, The Netherlands. Comprised of 413 parking spaces, it is an eco-conscious, transparent structure that is part of the city's urban expansion. The perforation encourages natural ventilation and creates an open atmosphere -- especially at night. The walls are also punctuated with plant holders that add a dash of refreshing whimsy.
Hieroglyphic-Like Parking Lots
MEI Architecture's Block 11 is Cultural and Eco-Conscious
Trend Themes
1. Perforated Facade Panels - The use of perforated facade panels in architecture provides an opportunity for innovative designs that enhance natural ventilation and create visually appealing structures.
2. Cultural Infused Designs - Incorporating cultural elements into architectural designs presents a disruptive innovation opportunity to create unique and meaningful spaces that reflect local identity.
3. Eco-conscious Parking Structures - The development of eco-conscious parking structures offers a disruptive innovation opportunity to combine sustainability with functionality, creating greener and more aesthetically pleasing solutions.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - The architecture industry can explore the use of perforated facade panels and cultural infused designs to create visually captivating and culturally rich structures.
2. Urban Planning - Urban planning professionals can leverage the concept of eco-conscious parking structures to integrate sustainable practices into cities' expansion plans, promoting greener urban environments.
3. Sustainable Design - The sustainable design industry can embrace the opportunity to incorporate natural ventilation and green elements into parking structures, combining functionality with environmental consciousness.