Page 51 - samyn_ebook2

49
following the change in urbanism data, the second project (2005; fig. 12)
- The façade of the atrium and suspended flooring of the large meeting
rooms of the Council of the European Union (transformation and extension
of Residence Palace with Studio Valle Progettazioni and Buro Happold,
commissioned by the Building and Construction Authority)
(2005-2013; fig. 13 and 14),
- A parking area with 2800 spaces for GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals in Wavre,
where the structure is in metallic trellis and wooden floors (2007; fig. 15).
Conclusion
Volume and displacement indicators are very useful tools for the conceptual
engineer who is concerned with designing the lightest possible structures.
These past few years, I have often encountered the argument that light structures
cost more due to the extra labour they require. Today, this argument is rendered
void by the substantial increase in costs of raw materials that has been taking
place over the past 18 months.
The research into lightness, along with the possibility of disassembling and reusing
elements, is obviously also positive from an environmental point of view.
fg. 14