2006
UK Award Part 1
From Bundling to Beehive
Max Kahlen’s project proposes a design strategy for super high-rises based on a system of bundling.
Max Kahlen
Architectural Association
School of Architecture
Section detail. © Max Kahlen.
Jury
Colin Fournier
Gary Haney
Roger Kallman
Dan Ringelstein
Brett Steele
Ross Wimer
This project proposes a design strategy for super high-rises. The principle is based on a system of bundling. A diversity of spatial conditions, structure, and circulation are brought together into a coherent system that does not rely on floors in terms of its stability. The high-rise is developed as an organic “material,” grown from a set of initiating parameters that result in a building with the ability to adapt to its changing environment. The arrangement of smaller spaces around larger atria have a structural function and form microclimates of varying light and ventilation intensities.
Research—Sears Tower circulation system. © Max Kahlen.
Control mechanisms of breathing structure. © Max Kahlen.
Design criteria. © Max Kahlen.
Introducing ruled surfaces—interim test in Ghana. © Max Kahlen.
Spatial potentials. © Max Kahlen.
Details of skeleton and floor system. © Max Kahlen.
Rapid prototype model. © Max Kahlen.
Max Kahlen
Architectural Association
School of Architecture
Max Kahlen
is the director of the London/Porto/Oslo-based office Dyvik Kahlen. He studied at Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design and then at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London, where he graduated with Honours in 2008. Kahlen was a tutor at Architectural Association from 2009 to 2015, running design units in the First Year, Diploma School, and Media School. He is currently running a Postgraduate Master Course at The Royal College of Art.