All images via: Dezeen

Surely everyone agrees. Electricity pylons or transmission towers are terribly unsightly constructions at the best of times. Maybe the Australians say it best, calling them Iron Men, but that gives each cloned metallic colossus a rather too human aspect. All the same, architects Arphenotype are looking to change such preconceptions with their newly born design for a power transmission network in Iceland.

What do you think? With their sci-fi styling, these conceptual pylons do look easier on the eye than your average steel lattice monstrosity, although it could just be lack of familiarity that inspires this attraction. Those graceful, curved lines definitely have a freshness and imagination about them though. Could this be love at first sight?

Standing at between 17 and 32 metres tall, the height of each tower would vary according to its individual latitude and longitude. Arphenotype compare the concept to adaptability in nature, waxing lyrical about “evolution through phenotypes” and how the pylons are intended to be adaptable to specific landscapes in different locations:

“Architectural form and its relationship to nature, environment and society has rich antecedents to the human body. The idea is that the power net is building one main spine of nowadays society which enables living on a high standard in an age of communication; therefore the spines of the power net reflects an organic language.”

Say what? It’s got to do with offering an organic kind of design, although perhaps more specific information is needed on how exactly it relates to the human body – and not one of the aliens from Starship Troopers. Simpler terms might be nice too; all this highfalutin language may not be the best way to win new fans.

In terms of construction, the design is based on a tripod shape, which again is linked to an effort to integrate the structures with the surrounding topography. The pylons are to form a continuous gradient, and each one will be blessed with a unique quality – though how this will work when it comes to replacing parts remains to be seen.

Taking fibrous systems in – where else? – biology as inspiration, Arphenotype propose that an “aramid-fibre-matrix bounded with eco resin” be used as the main material for their pylons. Not sure exactly what this is, but it isn’t steel, and apparently it’s to be coated in a reflective colour that “will be cleaned through natural weather conditions and will reflect the nature itself.” Charming.

Less superficial observers – those less smitten with the physical aesthetics of these things – might raise doubts about the practicality of pylons that come in all shapes and sizes – as long as they’re curvaceous – not to mention their potential overheads. As pure designs though, they have a futuristic aesthetic that’s hard not to appreciate. In short, they look simply darling.

A great resource filled with technical and visual information relating building technology. In the current issue of Arup Journal there’s an article about the Denmark Pavilion Expo 2010 Shanghai. In the article it covers various aspects of the design process as well as a detailed coverage about the structure of the building. Nonetheless, the rest of the magazine is worthwhile reading.

Architect magazine can be viewed online, it is also available to download as a pdf. Once you’re in the magazine click under archive to view the 2010 issues.

“TAC Technically Advanced Construction is a new postgraduate course for graduates and professionals established by the Department of Building Environment Science and Technology (BEST), Politecnico di Milano and Co-de-iT. It will run for three months and will allow participants to achieve high levels of knowledge in the design-to-production process through the use of advanced digital tools for design and machines for the creation of physical models. The entire course, based at the Polytechnic of Milan, will take place through studies, workshops and working periods assisted (during the development, manufacture and test trial) by a team of highly skilled professionals and teachers (from studies and international schools like AA London, ARUP, Buro Happold, Zaha Hadid, Gehry Technologies, SPAN Architects …).”

Visit Co-de-iT for more information about the course.

Flying Architecture has a contest to win a highly detailed Eames Lounge Chair. The deadline is January 15th, 2011. For contest details visit Flying Architecture.

Graphic Design Free Resources offers free images, vectors, 3d objects, photoshop tools, tutorials, and templates.

The 16 finalists for the Dance and Music Center in the Hague have been announced. This is a good source to see what international firms are doing and also the way they layout boards, what information to include, some rendering styles, and more. Take a look them by clicking on the the links below:

• 01. Aedas Limited
• 02. Architectenstudio HH- Rapp+RApp / Jean/Marc IBOS / Myrto VITART
• 03. Benthem Crouwel Architekten- Merkx+Godod architect
• 04. Capita Architecture
• 05. Cruz y Ortiz arquitectos
• 06. de architecten Cie.- KPMB Architects
• 07. Diller Scofido+Renfro/ Solid Objectives/Idenburg L
• 08. Henning Larsen Architects A/S / Grontmij Nederland
• 09. Ian Simpson Architects/ Jonkman Klinkhamer archite
• 10. Jo Coenen & Co Architekten/ ARCADIS Nederland
• 11. Mecanoo architecten
• 12. Neuteling Riedijk Architecten/ Kirkegaard Associat
• 13. Office for Metropolitan Architecture (O.M.A.) Stedebouw/ ABT
• 14. RAU
• 15. Wiel Arets Architect& Associates
• 16. Zaha Hadid Architecs

Software: Autodesk 3dsMax, Rhino 3D

Description: In this 3ds Max/Rhino video we will  explore the workflow of  exporting/importing geometry in and out of 3ds Max and Rhino. We will begin by creating curves forming a helix in 3ds Max, export them to Rhino to create a panelized surface, then import that geometry back into 3ds Max to create parametric details. The goal of this exercise is to study the functionality of one software platform versus another, understanding what tools are useful in each program.

Topics Covered:

• Creating curves forming a helix in 3ds Max
• Importing curvature in Rhino from 3ds Max
• Rebuilding curves to generate a panelized surface in Rhino
• Importing panelized surface into 3ds Max and adding parametric detailing

via: Design Reform

Software: Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010

Description: In this Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010 video tutorial, we will begin the construction of a parametric louver system. This louver system will be embedded in a curtain wall family by arraying generic model component family that is within a lined based family.  From there we’ll create shared parameters to drive the model from a schedule. This is the first of a series of videos that will explain the the process of creating parametric families within Revit.

Topics Covered:

• Creating Generic Model Family
• Arraying components
• Nesting components in a curtain wall family
• Creating shared parameters and relationships
• Driving parameters from a schedule

via: Design Reform

Another website with a great introduction and beyond to Grasshopper. D-O-F [design optimization fabrication] brings a series of videos with in-depth explanation . Some of the topics covered in the videos include:

• working with some parameters
• logic components
• scalar components
• vector components
• curve components
• surface components
• intersect
• xform components
• paneling tools, grasshopper

Here’s the link to their videos: