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The Benefits of Hiring a Cleaning Service

Do you feel overwhelmed by the amount of dust and grime accumulating in your home? Having a professional cleaning service can make all the difference.Cleaning Service

Yakima Cleaning Service is a specialized business that offers a variety of services. They have different equipment and customers and must abide by strict standards.

For example, medical cleaning services have to follow CDC guidelines and use disinfectants. They also have to provide training for their workers.

Whether you’re a busy business owner, a stay-at-home parent, or someone who just wants to live a clean life, it’s important to hire a cleaning service to save time and money. In addition to the obvious benefit of having your house or office cleaned professionally, a cleaning service can also help you focus on other tasks that are more important.

Depending on your specific needs, you can select a company that specializes in services such as carpet cleaning, window cleaning, or janitorial services. A professional cleaner knows the best methods and techniques, has access to high-quality cleaning supplies and equipment, and adheres to a streamlined procedure. This allows them to work more efficiently than the average person and complete the job in a fraction of the time.

Hiring a professional cleaner can also save you money by taking some pressure off of your employees. While it’s necessary to keep your workplace clean, forcing your employees to do this on top of their regular duties demoralizes them and reduces productivity. A cleaning company can take the load off your employees so that they can focus on their jobs, making them happier and more productive.

When choosing a cleaning company, be sure to read reviews and ask for references. It’s also a good idea to choose a licensed company that’s insured and bonded. This way, you won’t have to worry about your property being stolen or damaged by the cleaning crew.

While it may feel awkward to let a stranger into your home, a reputable cleaning agency will ensure that their employees are trustworthy and reliable. In addition to vetting their candidates, the best cleaning companies will also use CRM software that tracks employee schedules, quality assurance, and customer concerns. This helps to prevent unnecessary stress and ensure that all of your needs are being met.

Lastly, hiring a professional cleaning service can save you money on expensive cleaning supplies and equipment. You can trust the company to know which products are safe for your family and pets and which ones aren’t. This will ensure that your household or workplace is free from harmful chemicals, which can be dangerous if not handled correctly.

Saves you money.

Cleaning services offer a cost-effective way to get your home or workplace looking great again. They provide high-quality cleaning, focusing on areas that often get neglected and need attention the most. They also have access to professional cleaning equipment that can remove stubborn stains and dirt that regular cleaning products just can’t get rid of. This type of cleaning is also good for surfaces like carpets, wood floors, brick, and concrete. It can be very satisfying to watch a dirty and stained surface transform into its former glory!

It can also save you money on cleaning supplies. Professional cleaners will know which cleaning products are best for different fabrics, materials, and surfaces. This can help you avoid overusing harsh chemicals that can cause damage. They can also advise you on how to care for your belongings to make sure they last longer and keep looking their best.

Hiring a cleaning service can also save you money by freeing up your or your employees’ time. This gives you the freedom to focus on important business matters or spend time with family and friends. You can even use the extra time to pursue hobbies or relax. If you’re running a business, the extra time can allow you to focus on generating revenue or attending to customers.

If you run a commercial property, hiring a cleaning service can be even more beneficial. It can allow you to focus on generating revenue by signing contracts with other businesses. You can also take advantage of recurring revenue streams, which are more reliable than one-time sales.

Having a clean work environment is essential for employee morale and productivity. A clean and organized workspace will encourage employees to be more productive in their jobs and will help reduce absenteeism. Hiring a professional cleaning company will also save you money on costly sick days.

Whether you need regular office cleaning or deep spring cleaning, a good cleaning company will understand your needs and tailor their services to suit you. They will also be flexible and adaptable to your changing needs, which is an excellent business practice.

Gives you peace of mind.

Having a clean and organized home or office can contribute to a feeling of well-being and reduce stress. However, it can be a challenge to keep up with cleaning tasks, especially when life gets busy. Using professional cleaning services can eliminate the need to worry about the state of your space, giving you peace of mind that it will always be in good shape.

Hiring a cleaning service also gives you the opportunity to customize your needs and communicate directly with your cleaner(s) about your priorities and pet peeves. For example, if you have trouble seeing dust and dirt on your baseboards, let your cleaner know so they can focus on that area of the house during each visit.

Having a professional clean your home or office can help reduce absenteeism due to illness and stress. Studies have shown that employees who work in unclean environments take more sick days than those working in clean and hygienic ones. This saves companies money on lost productivity as well as medical costs. Cleaning services provide you with peace of mind knowing that your workspace is sanitized and disinfected regularly, helping to keep your employees healthy and happy. We offer a high-touch sanitizing service that focuses on the most important surfaces of your workplace to prevent infections from spreading.

Saves you energy.

If you have a lot of work to do on a day-to-day basis, allowing a cleaning service to handle your chores frees up the time that you would otherwise spend on such things. Then you will have more energy to focus on the important tasks at hand and be able to become more productive.

A good cleaning service should use the latest technology to clean your home. For example, some of them will employ quiet or noiseless vacuums that will reduce disruptions to your daily routine. In addition, some will also use UV cleaning to kill bacteria and germs that can cause illnesses.

This type of cleaning service is particularly important if you are concerned about the cleanliness and safety of your family members. Sanitizing your home can significantly decrease the amount of dirt and allergens in the air, which can contribute to symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, or even a fever.

You will be able to sleep soundly knowing that your house is sanitized and free from germs and bacteria. You will also be able to enjoy spending quality time with your family and friends in a clean environment.

It can be disconcerting to have strangers in your home, but most cleaning services will build up a trusting relationship with you over time. It will be worth it, though, when you see your home in pristine condition each week.

Some cleaning services can even help you organize your home. For example, they can help you sort your laundry or clean out your closet. They can also teach you how to do simple DIY cleaning projects, like cleaning your windows or sanitizing your microwave.

Whether you have an office or a home, hiring a professional cleaning service is a great way to save time and money. You will be able to focus on more important things and have a stress-free life.

If you are unsure of where to start, look for reviews online or ask colleagues and neighbors for recommendations. It is also a good idea to choose a company that is licensed and insured so that you can be protected in case of damage or theft.

How to Become a Roofer

If you are planning on becoming a roofer, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind. Some of the key points include certification, work week, and workers’ compensation insurance.Roofer

The roof is one of the most important elements in a house. A faulty roof can lead to costly repairs and consequential damages. So, when looking for a new roof, you may want to consider hiring a professional roofer. This will help ensure your satisfaction and ensure you get the best possible service and price.

While it is not always required, the best way to get your foot in the door is to get yourself certified. There are a number of certification programs from which you can choose. Depending on the Program, you will have to take a few tests, pay a fee and pass a licensing exam. Getting your certifications is a good idea if you plan to make a career out of your hobby.

There are several programs aplenty, ranging from the aforementioned to the more technical ones. For example, Roofer Certification offers a full spectrum of certifications for various industries, from roofing to building maintenance. If you are interested in the subject, visit their website for more information.

Another certification program to consider is the FORTIFIED Program from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. Upon completion, you’ll be rewarded with a certificate of distinction. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a number of fun and exciting events. It isn’t hard to see why this Program has become the unofficial state-wide rite of passage for many home improvement enthusiasts.

Having a solid roof is a must for many homeowners. With a leaky roof, you could be facing tens of thousands of dollars in repair bills. Getting the best-rated roof in your area is a top priority. Keeping your roof in tip-top shape is a great way to keep your home and family safe from the elements. In fact, your home’s roof is a very important component of your overall home health and safety plan. As such, you should take the time to learn about your options and find out what it takes to be an efficient, professional, and courteous contractor. When you’re done with your certifications, you can rest assured that your home and family are in the hands of competent professionals.

If you’re in the roofing business, you have no doubt heard the buzz about the four-day workweek. As a matter of fact, it’s a rite of passage for many roofing contractors. Aside from the novelty of being free to do errands and wiggle the shingles, it can be a bit taxing on the wallet. Fortunately, there are many companies that have a system in place for ensuring that workers are paid on time and in full. In addition to ensuring workers are properly accounted for, these companies have built-in perks for their staff, such as dental benefits, 401(k) plans, and paid vacation and sick time.

Of course, it’s not always the case. In fact, in many cities, you’ll find that the four-day workweek is a no-no. This is a particularly frustrating issue for residential roofers as they typically work from sun up to sun down. Thankfully, some cities have embraced the four-day workweek by requiring the same amount of overtime on the weekends. But how does one go about implementing the concept?

The trick is figuring out what the four-day workweek means to your employees. For example, if you’re a roofing company with offices in different parts of the country, you may want to split the work week into two ten-hour days or vice versa. On the flip side, you may have to rely on subcontractors or outsourcing for the back office and support. Regardless of your company’s policy, the four-day workweek can be a boon to your employees.

However, if you’re looking for a roofer’s swanky spiel, you’ll need to find a way to squeeze a couple of extra hours out of each day.

What You Must Know For Your Article Marketing  To Ensure Success

Most of us have some hobby or narrow interest shared by only a small segment of the population. Whether it is Chinese kite flying or crewel embroidery, this hobby offers you a good entry point into marketing an article. There is a publication catering to almost every hobby. Find the right one and you will also find a truly interested audience for your work.

 

You should use effective color schemes while advertising on the internet, because color may be all you have to catch their attention. If your colors flow well and mesh together to create a pleasing sight, people will be more inclined to check out your product. If your colors don’t mix and they clash, then people will avoid your advertisement.

 

If you are not a very good writer then it would be best not to try to write your stories yourself. You should hire someone to do them for you so that you get all of the information you want put across and you do not make yourself or your company look bad.

 

Give your readers a way to share your content. If a person enjoys your content and wants to share it, you should definitely allow this. The more individual content shares you have, the more your site appears to the search engines. Sharing can also increase readership, by allowing people who might not search for you, to see your content anyway.

 

Make sure your articles are high quality. If you have a lot of typos, spelling errors, or grammatical mistakes, you make yourself look like an amateur. People won’t take you seriously and they’ll avoid all of your articles. The same is true, if you have incorrect facts or lie to your readers.

 

Knowing that the level of shared interest is the key, you are now ready to share your expertise with others. You have identified two or three publications that most closely match your hobby. You have immersed yourself in these publications. Now you are ready to write a successful article.

 

You can also visit our other websites and post your article.

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Yada Theatre // GOA


Project Status: Under ConstructionSize: 5000 sqft – 10,000 sqft

Text description provided by the architects.

Yangxian Xishan was born at a time when the construction of small town was turning from feverish pursuit of profits to rational development. It is a well-planned field experiment by developers and architects in the contemporary context of urbanization, and also the first town development project that is expected to realize “opening in the whole region and self-operation”.

© GOA

© GOA

Yada Theater is a cultural building in the town for residents and visitors.

Different from many buildings for performing arts in cities, Yada Theater located among green hills and tea fields is a true “theater in nature”. Based on the advantaged natural conditions, the design of Yada Theater, instead of adopting the “closed box” approach, interprets a unique experience blending art with nature for visitors from the perspective of “openness”.

© GOA

© GOA

The design draws on the cultural allusions of the literati collection in the Song Dynasty to create a contemporary cultural landmark located in nature. After completion, the theater will serve as a venue not only for performing arts activities in the town, but also for residents’ cultural life.

The central courtyard is the core of the theater, interspersed with a series of grey spaces.

© GOA

© GOA

To interpret “local characteristics”, architects studied local building materials, and finally selected the grayish green ceramic panels produced in Yixing as exterior wall materials, creating a simple and elegant atmosphere. The 530-seat multifunctional auditorium can realize transition between open and picture-frame stages, meeting the needs of professional performances such as concerts and dramas and adapting to the scenes of other cultural events.

© GOA

© GOA

A floor-to-ceiling glass curtain wall is used creatively in the stage background, which makes you feel as if you are sitting in a “Song-style couch” set in tea fields and water features.

As the project adopts integrated design, the design team, apart from the architectural, interior and landscape design, reviewed the integration effect of the illumination and curtain wall design as well as the special design of the auditorium, stage, lighting and acoustics, which is a new and meaningful attempt..

© GOA

© GOA

Yada Theatre Gallery

The post Yada Theatre // GOA appeared first on Journal.

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Pretty Penny: 9 Ways Copper Details Elevate Architectural Design

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletter. 

Apart from being well-known for its conductive properties in electrical wiring and industrial uses, copper is also famous for its health benefits (the mineral, after all, is found in all tissues of the human body). People across the world have also been using copper utensils to store water or serve food. And while copper is commonly used in its raw state, alloys like brass and bronze have also remained popular for centuries.

In design, copper has been used in a variety of ways ranging from small lighting fixtures and vases to entire building façades. The metal’s earthy tone and malleable nature make it a very handy material in a designer’s arsenal. In addition to different scales, it also works with a variety of design styles – from rustic restaurants to sleek contemporary apartments. The following projects illustrate a few ways in which designers have incorporated copper into their designs in diverse ways.


Hotel DAS TRIEST, PORTO Bar by BEHF Architects, Vienna, Austria

Industrial Accents

One of the easiest ways to incorporate metallic finishes is by using them as accents to highlight other materials, forms and furniture. The interior of the Hotel DAS TRIEST, PORTO Bar by BEHF Architects is a good example of this technique. The studio has used the versatile material in multiple ways in the design. In addition to the cladding on the entrance, the metal is used to create minimal shelves and gridded ceiling décor that defines and warms the space. The theme is reinforced by adding a copper finish to the travertine store bar. Wooden furniture lines the interior, echoing the warm tone of the striking copper accents.


Grotta Aeris by SOFTlab, Raleigh, North Carolina

Dramatic Entrance

From windows to mirrors to shiny stone walls, people are often tempted to glance at their reflections as they walk by glossy surfaces. Reflecting this human tendency, a copper-clad entryway is bound to be a crowd stopper. With their sculptural doorway in Raleigh, North Carolina, SOFTlab proves exactly this. The grand entrance is created by putting together copper-toned composite panels to resemble crystalline forms in nature. An organic rock-like mass is created by joining 70 flat-cut black aluminum pieces and then adding the copper panels on top using high-strength magnets. Taking this a step further, LEDs are placed in the seams to breathe life into the structure as they create reflections on the metal surfaces.


Sharp by Havel Ruck Projects, Houston, Texas

Juxtaposition With Black

The warm tones of copper often appear brighter when placed next to darker colors. Pairing it with hues like black or navy blue also tones down the reflectiveness of the metal, making it more usable. Havel Ruck Projects made a house-shaped cupric void in a home in Houston, Texas. As it moves along the length of the home, the void takes a 180-degree twist to form the shape of an inverted pitch roof house on the other end. The plywood walls of the void are coated with copper foil to capture and reflect sunlight inside. Here, the black façade of the house balances this illuminated core and creates a strong visual contrast.


Copper Reception by Mizzi Studio, London, United Kingdom

Statement Furniture

Copper can be used in more than just ceiling panels and lighting fixtures. Take for example this reception area in London, designed by Mizzi Studio. The stunning space features a statement desk covered entirely in copper. The malleability of the metal allows it to be bent into a curved cocoon that acts like a cubicle. The surface of the desk was left untreated to integrate it with the exposed finishes in the entire space.


Shenzhen Bay Gallery by Studio Link-Arc, LLC, Shenzhen, China

Façade Treatment

Although less common, architects are also incorporating copper in exterior surfaces. Highly malleable copper sheets can be curved, folded or perforated to create different volumes and forms. Shenzhen Bay Gallery by Studio Link-Arc, LLC features a dramatic metallic façade with several openings and patterns. The perforations in the façade help control the amount of light that enters the building while also creating interesting shadows that dapple and define the interior space.


NOXON by On Architects Inc., Ulsan, South Korea

Scorched Surfaces

Apart from use in their natural state, metal surfaces can also be treated in different ways to create interesting effects. For example, they can be painted or chemically treated to create a weathered appearance. This effect can be a step further, as in the case of NOXON by On Architects Inc. by scorching copper elements. These plates on the external walls were beaten by hand and then fire-treated to create unique patterns, keeping in mind that copper will oxidize with time and further enhance them. The aged appearance of the building is also a nod to the historic character of the surrounding neighborhood.


Potovoltaric Pavilion Potsdam by O&O Baukunst, Potsdam, Germany

Functional Finishes

Photovoltaic panels can be more than just an energy-generating element. O&O Baukunst created the Potovoltaric Pavilion Potsdam as an experimental design that incorporates such panels. The photovoltaic panels held in steel frames make up the elevations of the pavilion. The copper backs of these panels are visible inside, standing out against the pale floor and ceiling.


Experimentarium by CEBRA, Hellerup, Denmark

Grand Staircases

A central staircase often becomes a focal point in any space. But it attracts even more attention when it is covered in gleaming orange metal. The large helix staircase in CEBRA’s design Experimentarium fills the central void in the science center, connecting its four floors. The DNA strand-shaped copper staircase hints at the scientific nature of exhibits within the space both due to its form and material.


Copper Cube Haus by DIG Architects, Mumbai, India

Sleek Kitchens

Plain metallic surfaces can add a dash of glamour and complexity to minimal or monochrome interiors with little effort. As an added bonus, these details also reflect light, making a space look cozy or spacious. In Copper Cube Haus, DIG Architects created a central kitchen block and covered it entirely in copper. This box adds warmth to the space, as it intensifies the cozy effect created by warm-toned lights, and helps separate the living area from the other functional spaces. The theme is repeated in the bathroom by using copper accents in the black and white bathroom.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletter. 

The post Pretty Penny: 9 Ways Copper Details Elevate Architectural Design appeared first on Journal.

Shenzhen Longhua District Science and Education Institute affiliated experimental school // CAPOL INTERNATIONAL & ASSOCIATES GROUP


Project Status: BuiltYear: 2020Size: 500,000 sqft – 1,000,000 sqft

Text description provided by the architects.

Shenzhen Longhua district Science and education institute affiliated school project is located in Longhua District, Shenzhen. The project area is 2,039.93 ㎡, with a total construction area of about 48,000 ㎡, a height of 24m, 5 floors above ground, and 1 underground floor. It is a nine-year school with 45 classes, offering about 2,100 degrees.

In terms of functional setting, the campus is centered on the resource center centrally arranged on the east side, connecting teaching areas, sports fields, and dormitory areas.

© CAPOL INTERNATIONAL & ASSOCIATES GROUP

© CAPOL INTERNATIONAL & ASSOCIATES GROUP

Different spaces are connected in series and interact with each other, thus breaking the traditional corridor-style cross-sectional spatial relationship. The teaching area adopts a single corridor layout, which is efficient and practical; other teaching auxiliary rooms adopt a more flexible layout, with free circulation and interesting experience. Dislocation between the platform and the room to create more public spaces.

© CAPOL INTERNATIONAL & ASSOCIATES GROUP

© CAPOL INTERNATIONAL & ASSOCIATES GROUP

The plan creates a complex and efficient campus space.

The resource center near the playground is designed into a form of stepping back,creating an interesting facade on the side of the sports field. According to the timeline of school users, the stepped area has analyzed and sorted out the story line of the resource center, forming a rich spatial form; the boundary layer changes, echoing each other, lush plants are planted on the edge of the platforms.

© CAPOL INTERNATIONAL & ASSOCIATES GROUP

© CAPOL INTERNATIONAL & ASSOCIATES GROUP

East facade creates the image of an ecological and green natural academy.

On the side of Meilong Road, main road of city, is the west facade, which is also the main image. Adopting the prefabricated architectural design, using simple and clean lattice language, several large holes are selectively “cut out” in the neat facade, which becomes the window to view the city, creating a colorful activity space for students.

© CAPOL INTERNATIONAL & ASSOCIATES GROUP

© CAPOL INTERNATIONAL & ASSOCIATES GROUP

It also solves the problem of rigid facade image caused by lattice structure..

© CAPOL INTERNATIONAL & ASSOCIATES GROUP

© CAPOL INTERNATIONAL & ASSOCIATES GROUP

Shenzhen Longhua District Science and Education Institute affiliated experimental school Gallery

The post Shenzhen Longhua District Science and Education Institute affiliated experimental school // CAPOL INTERNATIONAL & ASSOCIATES GROUP appeared first on Journal.

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Meandering Mazes: 7 Labyrinthine Walkways To Explore

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Mazes have held significance in several cultures across history. Defined as a one-way path from one point to another, often in a space filled with numerous alternate paths that lead to dead ends, mazes can be traced back to Egypt in the 5th century B.C. Throughout different regions and their mythologies, they have been looked at as paths for reflection, adventure and/or fortification.

In current times, mazes are often used as public attractions or landscape elements. They have also been used in movies like Inception, The Shining and Labyrinth to create suspense and tension. There is something about a maze that inspires curiosity and a sense of adventure that can captivate visitors over and over again as one discovers new routes with every journey. The following collection explores how designers are adapting the traditional idea of a maze into different kinds of art installations and public interventions. In turn, these designs are changing how people interact with their environment and experience different spaces.


Images by Pezo von Ellrichshausen

Vara Pavilion XV Venice Architecture Biennale 2016 by Pezo von Ellrichshausen, Venice, Italy

Unlike a traditional pavilion, the Chilean firm behind its design describes the Vara Pavilion as a series of exteriors within other exteriors. The intersection of spaces is achieved by interlocking ten cylindrical forms and placing openings at various spots in this network. As the user walks through the space, they are confronted by a series of narrow and large spaces that converge or open up based on the route they take. The radii of these curved forms are based on a vara, an obsolete unit of measurement that the pavilion is also named after.


Luminaria by Architects of Air

Luminaria is a traveling exhibit that has existed for the past two decades and has been showcased in 37 countries across the world. These inflatable structures draw inspiration from Islamic architecture, Archimedean solids and Gothic cathedrals, coming together as a series of plastic volumes in rainbow hues. The modular nature of this exhibit allows the studio to create a unique experience every single time; in each iteration, the 20 pods are zipped together on site in a different arrangement. In addition to adventurous walking paths, Luminaria also comprises about 30 pockets for people to sit back and relax.


Root Bench by Yong Ju Lee Architecture, Seoul, South Korea

Much like the roots of a plant, this structure spreads out in a park in Seoul in a circular form with a diameter of about 98 feet. The organic form originates from a central point and continues branching out and multiplying. The arms dip and rise from the ground to create seating with different heights and configurations. The structure is made of wooden panels that are supported by a metal frame with a concrete base. Form and color combine to create an almost natural element that appears to emerge from the landscape.


The Maze of Bamboo Screens by Yunchao Xu/Atelier Apeiron, Jiangsu, China

The temporary installation was an attempt to reuse the bamboo, wood, steel and stones wasted during the construction of the China Garden Art EXPO 2021. A maze-like walkway is created using curved segments positioned in different orientations. The central circular form fans out to create an open space where visitors may sit and enjoy. The slim gaps in the walls of the maze allow users to visually connect with others who are also walking in different parts of the maze while also maintaining a sense of seclusion. The addition of bamboo plants within adds to the sense of serenity offered by the neutral cocoons.


Images by Miguel de Guzmán

Yǔzhòu by Brut Deluxe, Hainan, China

Part of the Luneng Sanya Bay Light and Art Festival, the immersive light-based installation looks like a futuristic maze. It is composed using dichroic film-coated acrylic glass in triangular forms to create a spectrum of colors as one walks through the labyrinth. These walls also feature circular grooves with color-shifting LEDs. Unlike the inner transparent walls, the peripheral surfaces are covered in a mirror film to turn it into an infinite room.


Elephant Museum by Bangkok Project Studio, Surin, Thailand

The Elephant Museum is a part of the local government’s Elephant World project to create a sustainable environment for the Kui community and their elephants. The structure is laid out in a grid-like manner where the walls curve upwards in height towards the center. Several paths lead to four exhibition areas and several courtyards of different sizes. Some of these courtyards even contain small pools or floors filled with reddish earth. The clay bricks used to construct the structure are also handmade using local techniques, creating more jobs for the community.


LABIBU by Labscape Architecture

LABIBU is a conceptual landscape design that acts as a visual maze. Trying to mimic the vibrations in the environment, the bamboo and grass arrangement creates an artificial topography. The red form is created using paranematic design methods. The bamboo pieces are lower in height at the beginning of the maze and keep increasing as one navigates it further, creating a dark cocoon.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletter. 

The post Meandering Mazes: 7 Labyrinthine Walkways To Explore appeared first on Journal.

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Centuries of Work: 3 Cathedrals Whose Construction Lasted Longer Than Sagrada Familia

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The star-lighting event of Sagrada Familia on Dec 8, 2021 announced the completion of one of its 18 towers, the tower of the Virgin Mary. Since the first cornerstone laid in 1882, the construction of this other-wordly church — famously attributed to Antoni Gaudí, although a number of architects have been involved in the design — has continued for 139 years already. However, the finishing date of the whole project is likely to be extended beyond the expected date of 2026, due to a loss of tourist revenue during its nine-month closure in 2020 due to the pandemic.

This is not the first crisis that Sagrada Familia has confronted, given that it also faced a prolonged pause in construction during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. Apart from the financial and socio-historical factors, the complexity of the design itself has also contributed to the church’s high cost in time and money — even now, with modern construction technologies. While 139 years might sound like an unbelievably drawn out timeline in contemporary architectural contexts, the Sagrada Familia’s prolonged construction is not unprecedented in the architectural history of churches; in fact, many earlier Gothic structures took centuries longer to build. While Barcelona’s most famous structure may not serve as the bishop’s seat, this article considers three famous Gothic cathedrals that took many more centuries to build.


The south façade of Cologne Cathedral. Image by Velvet via Wikipedia.

632 Years: Cologne Cathedral (1248~1880)

Now a popular site to visit in Germany, this gargantuan gothic structure took more than 600 years to finish. At the time when the construction began, gothic architecture has just gained its popularity in medieval Europe. Cologne required an impressive, new structure to house the relics of the Three Wise Men, thus establishing the city’s importance to European Christianity. After demolishing the extant Romanesque style cathedral on the site, the construction was pushed forwards smoothly for some 200 years, with service areas including the choir finished and the structure soon in use.

The construction ceased in the 16th century due to financial roadblocks and a general decrease in enthusiasm for the gothic aesthetic. The cathedral was therefore not completed until the Gothic Revival period of the 19th century. Faithfully following the original design, construction was restored, and when the building was finally finished in 1880, it became the tallest structure in the world, with both towers exceeding 515 feet (157 meters).

St vitus cathedral
St. Vitus Cathedral. Image by Alvesgaspar via Wikipedia.

585 Years: St. Vitus Cathedral (1344~1929)

Another iconically intricate piece of gothic architecture, St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague also took around six centuries to build. The story of St. Vitus Cathedral holds some similarities to that of Cologne Cathedral. St. Vitus Cathedral also had a Romanesque precedent, which was considered unsuitable after the religious relics that it held acquired elevated importance. Likewise, the fashionable gothic architecture of the time was chosen to replace the older and more simple cathedral. The construction continued seamlessly for about 70 years until the Hussite Wars brought it to a halt in the early 15th century. Although it is of a considerably smaller size than Cologne Cathedral, the complexity and the expensive nature of gothic architecture meant that only half of the cathedral was complete before the wars began, including a choir, chapels and a bell tower which accommodates the largest bell in Czech.

Moreover, a fire in 1541 severely damaged the half-built structure, meaning that there was even more work to do. Unlike the Cologne Cathedral, whose gothic aesthetics was strictly preserved, as the construction continued in the following centuries, the building accumulated Renaissance and Baroque elements. This is seen, for example, in the Baroque cap on the bell tower. Mass restoration began in the late 19th century, finishing up the western part of the building in a neo-gothic style.

duomo di milano
The front façade of Milan Cathedral. Image via Duomo di Milano official site.

579 Years: The Milan Cathedral (1386~1965)

No conversation about the complexity of Gothic architecture is completed without mentioning the Duomo di Milano, whose complicated (at times dramatic) construction history is as famous as its complex aesthetics. The cathedral has 135 spires and over 3,300 statues, forming facades of visually astonishing complexity that follow an intense rhythm. Its building period spanned across the 14th century to the 20th, consuming almost the same years as St. Vitus Cathedral.

However, unlike Cologne and St. Vitus, the construction of Duomo di Milano was continuous over the six centuries, which has been extensively documented in a chronological list of the architects and engineers in charge. Different master masons held different ideas and design preferences — both in terms of aesthetics and engineering — which also reflected changing construction trends. The original Gothic style design was altered in the 16th and early 17th century, adopting Renaissance elements on both the exterior and interior to emphasize the Italian nature of the cathedral (traditional Gothic elements were increasingly associated with Northern Europe).

One obvious piece of evidence is the front façade that we see today, where the windows present a clear mixture of styles between the upper and lower layers. Apart from diverting ideas from one leading architect to the next, the choice of material also contributed to prolonged construction. Due to its soft and reactive nature, the rose-colored marble requires constant maintenance during the whole construction process and even after completion.

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Fountain Place // Sentech Architectural Systems


Project Status: BuiltYear: 2019Size: 5000 sqft – 10,000 sqftBudget: 50M – 100M

Text description provided by the architects.

Dancing Fountains, striking 2-story high lobbies with glass panels spanning almost 30′ from floor-to-ceiling and interior feature walls that capture and reflect surrounding light are just the beginning of what make the renovation of Fountain Place a timeless architectural masterpiece. The 60-story office tower was originally designed in 1986 by architect Henry Cobb of I.M.

© Sentech Architectural Systems

Pei & Partners. A signature structure and icon on the Dallas skyline, Cobb described the original design for the building as “geometry pursued with rigor”- an ode to the towers subtractive form of a glazed prism employing the diagonal of a double square.

In 2014, Atlanta-based Goddard Investment Group purchased the building and undertook one of the most ambitious rehabilitations with the goal of re-inventing the space as an integrated complex.

© Sentech Architectural Systems

Employing architectural icon Gensler and New York-based architect James Carpenter Design Associates to lead the renovation of the lobby, the plaza and the common areas of Fountain Place, the existing mezzanines were removed to vault the ceiling and maximize penetration of light. During the renovation, in an effort to increase the connection between the interior entrance lobbies and Dan Kiley’s famous outdoor water gardens, the original mezzanines were removed to make way for the new structural glass façade and lobby enclosure walls.

© Sentech Architectural Systems

The existing lobby enclosure walls were replaced with a frameless, clear span monumental glass façade that embraces the visual connection between the tower lobbies and the bubbler fountains, Texas cypress trees, waterfalls and central fountain that make up the exterior garden. Utilizing Sentech’s VetraSpan all-glass full-height façade system, the low-iron glass panels span 29′-6″ from floor-to-ceiling and over 10′ in width with no visible supporting elements or additional structure to ensure complete transparency.

© Sentech Architectural Systems

Each panel weighs over 6,400 pounds, and the exterior façade totals approximately 6,720 square feet of structural glass. To achieve a clean aesthetic with the sizes required under load conditions, panels had to be manufactured with extremely tight bow tolerances, and the perimeter support systems were designed to reduce deformation while allowing for building movement.

To add to the striking aesthetic, the elevator cores were clad in 9′-high panels of backlit cast glass, creating feature walls that draw the eye and define the space. The elevator core’s translucent glass captures and reflects the surrounding cascades of natural light. Transparent and bright, this re-defined structure captures the original design intent of its architectural masters.

The resulting monumental, 2-story high frameless glass walls create transparent and seamless views from the lobby into the garden and beyond, enabling a harmonious transition between the interior and exterior environments. Fountain Place is LEED Gold Certified, and Winner of D CEO’s 2020 Best Redevelopment/Renovation Award.Executive Architect: GenslerArchitect: James Carpenter Design AssociatesGlazing Contractor: Admiral GlassGeneral Contractor: Turner Construction CompanyPhotographer: Timothy Hursley.

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Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center // nARCHITECTS


Project Status: BuiltYear: 2020Size: 10,000 sqft – 25,000 sqftBudget: 10M – 50M

Text description provided by the architects.

The Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center will inspire a new generation of environmental stewards, sharing a deeper understanding of how nature and energy are connected, their complicated history, and their mutually beneficial potential. As a net-zero building that meets the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s objectives almost thirty years before its targets, the building itself, as well as its real-time energy performance, will be prominently displayed as part of the permanent exhibition.

© nARCHITECTS

© nARCHITECTS

The building’s linear footprint emerges from the reuse of foundations belonging to a Robert Moses-era bathhouse, extended on two sides with additional piles. At 320 feet in length, the new one-story building has been designed as a “chalet for all”, continuing the public legacy of the site.

Organized around a series of interior volumes housing offices, support spaces, and classrooms, a continuous sequence of exhibition spaces flows outwards to a shaded exterior perimeter deck, and onwards to the site at large.

© nARCHITECTS

© nARCHITECTS

The building’s distinctive wave-like form, signaling the sloping ceilings of the gallery spaces within, conveys waves in both energy and nature.

9.5 acres of Moses-era concrete surface parking have been demolished, to be reused as a subbase under the building, new roads, and a new immersive landscape. Envisioned as a dune restoration project using native species, the landscape will also perform as an armature for an outdoor interpretive exhibition..

© nARCHITECTS

© nARCHITECTS

Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center Gallery

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