https://cloudsao.com Clouds Architecture Office Thu, 15 Jan 2026 19:24:38 +0000 https://cloudsao.com en https://cloudsao.com/Splash-Page Fri, 28 Sep 2018 21:30:10 +0000 Clouds Architecture Office https://cloudsao.com/Splash-Page The strength of CLOUDS AO comes from a process oriented approach involving rigorous research and design studies to meet the highest degree of resolution for a given project. https://cloudsao.com/Info Fri, 28 Sep 2018 21:30:11 +0000 Clouds Architecture Office https://cloudsao.com/Info Proven Design Excellence The work of CLOUDS Architecture Office has received numerous awards, including consecutive AIA New York Honor Award for the St. Mark’s Bookshop and CRS Studio, and the AIA New York Public Project Award for the Staten Island September 11 Memorial. The firms work has been featured in international publications such as Architect Magazine, Domus, Surface Magazine, Shinkenchiku, The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, NBC, BBC, National Geographic, Dezeen’s Book of Ideas, the BLDGBLOG book and in exhibitions at the AIA New York Center for Architecture, The Storefront for Art and Architecture, Mori Museum, New York Film Festival, Vitra Design Museum and Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. https://cloudsao.com/NEWS Fri, 20 Jun 2014 23:31:59 +0000 Clouds Architecture Office https://cloudsao.com/NEWS 11 March 2026Hunan TV (MGTV) ‘News Seeking Truth’ broadcasts interview with Clouds AO about&nbsp;Analemma Tower project 12 January 2026Firm profile and interview published in ab Magazine issue 244/245 ‘The Future of Dwelling’October 3 2025‘Making Energy Visible’ exhibition curated by Tülay Atak opens at AIA Center for Architecture. Graphic Design by Annija Ceska Exhibition Design by Clouds AO July 24 2025 Clouds AO will participate in Hiroshima Architecture Exhibition 2025 alongside Fujimoto, Ishigami and other Japanese architects in section&nbsp; titled ‘NEXT ARCHITECTURE: Connecting to Tomorrow’ opening October 2025July 12 2025 Article by Kyoko Sato featuring Mars Hydrosphere and interview with Clouds AO partners on Japan Contemporaries May 30 2025 Groundbreaking for Seiryu Park Renewal project, construction underwayFebruary 11 2025Clouds AO has been invited to participate in the 19th International Architecture Exhibition, titled Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective., curated by Carlo Ratti and organised by La Biennale di Venezia, opening to the public on May 10th. 19 December 2024 Prototype of a light fixture using Japanese mulberry paper is on exhibition at Gifu Mino-Washi Museum in collaboration with Atelier TECNO FORM&nbsp; see it until 10 March 2025 April 12 2024The Diana opens in Brooklyn, featuring interiors designed by Clouds AO. 29 November 2023 In 2025, our Mars Ice House model will be on view in the ‘Futures in Space’ exhibition at the newly renovated Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC.23 August 2023 Fukuoka city selects Clouds AO design proposal for Seriyu Park in Hakata neighborhood. The project is expected to start construction in 2025. 5 May 2023010 Building published in Architect’s Newspaper. 1 May 2023Clouds AO firm profile piece ‘Boundaries and Limits of Architecture Expanded’ published in this months AXIS Magazine available only in print. 5 March 2023010 Building published in latest issue of GA Japan and also on Dezeen and DesignBoom. 1 December 2022Clouds AO designed 010 Building is now open in Fukuoka, Japan. 25 May 2022 Analemma Tower published on Architectural Digest ‘See How the World’s First Floating Skyscraper Would Be Built’ and Elle Decor Italia. 1 May 2022 Online lecture at Tokyo University ‘3D Printed House - from Mars to Nagoya and beyond’ 28 April 2022CRS Studio published in INTERIOR Korea issue No 428. 6 March 2022Serendix Sphere first assembly of 3d-printed house in Japan completed. 25 September 2021 Interview article published in Goethe Magazine (Japan).17 February 2021Analemma Tower images published in PIN-UP online. 28 December 2020Yunosato Aquaphotomics Lab completed in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. 22 December 2020Spherical Next House 3d-printed housing system patent pending in Japan. 15 June 2020Mars Ice House added to permanent collection of SFMOMA. 26 July 2020Double Ring House featured on Business Insider. 20 May 2020 Clouds AO designs space avatar robot for avatarin, part of a platform which allows ground based users to view the earth from aboard the ISS in real time. The intentions of the operator are transmitted to the remote avatar and resulting sensations such as sight, sound, and touch detected by the system are fed back to the user. 21 December 2019AVATAR X LAB will be exhibited at 2019 Shenzhen Biennale of Urbanism / Architecture opening on 21 December 2019. 20 June 2019Mars Ice House will be exhibited at SF MoMA as part of their upcoming show titled Far Out, on view 20 July 2019 through 20 January 2020. 6 September 2018Clouds AO has completed concept design for the&nbsp;AVATAR X LAB research park in OITA prefecture. The press event was held at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Sagamihara campus, where various AVATAR robots were demonstrated. 22 June 2018 Science Gallery Dublin opens Life at the Edges exhibition featuring Analemma Tower. 30 May 2018 Very nice interview of Clouds AO by BYRON magazine (in Japanese). 8 January 2018 The New York City Department of Transportation notified Clouds AO that they have been selected as a finalist for the Gateways to Chinatown design competition. 21 December 2017 We will be presenting our work at the City of Tomorrow Architecture and Design Summit on January 27th at the 92nd Street Y. 23 August 2017 Mars Ice Home selected for NASA's upcoming MISSE-11 mission launching in Spring 2019. Materials specified for the habitat structure will be flight tested for one year aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Swatches will be mounted externally on the ISS, to investigate the effects of long-term exposure to the harsh space environment. 9 June 2017 We will be presenting at Border Sessions on June 28th and 29th at The Hague. 18 May 2017 Partners from Clouds AO will be speaking at Design Terminal Budapest on May 23rd and TEDxCibeles in Madrid on May 27th. 4 April 2017 The Finch gets a great review in the upcoming issue of The New Yorker. 29 March 2017 Partners from Clouds AO will be speaking at Space Forum 2017 in Luxembourg on May 10th. 10 February 2017 Vitra Design Museum opens Hello, Robot exhibition featuring our Mars Ice House project. 30 December 2016 NASA announces design concept for a new space habitat called Mars Ice Home developed in collaboration with Clouds AO during a design session at NASA's Langley Research Center earlier this year. 1 November 2016 New headquarters for Times Bridge Management (TBM) are completed in the Ginza district of Tokyo, Japan. TBM is committed to sustainable products made from limestone, such as their new paper called LIMEX. 19 October 2016 Mars Ice House presented at the Innovative City Forum hosted by the Institute for Urban Strategies and the Mori Memorial Foundation at the Toranomon Hills in Tokyo Japan. You can read a related interview with Masayuki Sono here. 19 October 2016 Aerostead: Inhabiting the Third Sphere presented at Aerial Futures symposium hosted by the European Cultural Centre at the Palazzo Michiel as part of the 15th Architecture Biennale in Venice, Italy. You can watch the presentation here. 30 July 2016 Mars Ice House exhibited in The Universe and Art show at the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo, Japan. Our model will be on view until 9th January 2017. 1 July 2016 Our work is included in two new books: Planet B: Ideas for a New World Memories of the Moon Age 24 June 2016 Clouds AO designed a set for Ten Thousand Leaves a musical performance by Becca Stevens and Aya Nishina with live video projections by Shimpei Takeda. It will premiere at Jazz Gallery on 24th June 2016. 26 May 2016 Clouds AO interviewed by The Guardian for a piece about the future of mega cities: Story of cities #future: what will our growing megacities really look like? 24 May 2016 Clouds AO participated in the conceptual design of an exo-planetary habitat made of ice to house a crew of four at NASA's Langley Research Center. A subscale test article is proposed for demonstration in Langley's thermal vacuum chamber. 21 May 2016 We collaborated with Terence Koh to design a hexagonal fiber optic light collector for his latest exhibition. It will be on view at Andrew Edlin Gallery until July 1st. 1 March 2016 The New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects selected the CRS Studio project designed by Clouds AO for it's Honor Award in the Interiors category. Winning projects will be on view at the Center for Architecture in the 2016 Design Awards exhibition opening on 15th April 2015. 7 December 2015 Presentation of the Mars Ice House project at Genspace. Watch the full talk here: https://youtu.be/44ciTnkBlfE 30 September 2015 The Finch wins a Michelin Star! 27 September 2015 Clouds AO is awarded First Prize in NASA's 3d Printed Mars Habitat Competition. 26 May 2015 CRS expands its facilities with a newly designed studio by Clouds AO, now open at 123 Fourth Avenue. 9 March 2015 The New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects selected the St. Mark's Bookshop project designed by Clouds AO for it's Honor Award in the Interiors category. Winning projects will be on view at the Center for Architecture in the 2015 Design Awards exhibition. The exhibition will open on April 23rd and be on view through June 17, 2015. 25 February 2015 Clouds AO has been nominated for the 2014 Iakov Chernikhov Prize. Considered by Abitare as the most prestigious prize for young architects, the bi-annual award recognizes the vision of an architectural office that responds to the challenges of our time 5 February 2015 Clouds AO talks about its Tsunami Evacuation Shelter project as part of The Invisible Season: A Presentation during Filmgate in Miami 3 December 2014 The Finch restaurant opens tonight in the Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn! 7 November 2014 Commissioned by American Standard, the Unseen Expression window installation opens at DXV showroom in the Flatiron district 27 September 2014 Artifacts of Fukushima: Selections from Unknown Spring projection installation opens for The New York Film Festival at Lincoln Center 11 September 2014 The Staten Island September 11 First Responders Memorial was dedicated on September 11, 2014 19 July 2014 Freshly designed St. Mark's Bookshop opens in new location at 136 E 3rd Street 24 May 2014 Aqualta and Double Moon exhibited in 'COMING SOON: Real Imaginary Futures' On view at Bureau Europa, Maastricht NL from 24 May through 2 August 2014. 14 February 2014 Fish &amp; The Knife restaurant opens in Houston. 14 January 2013 Expanding Liminality, an article about harnessing climatic fronts to be published in the premier issue of the International Journal of Interior Architecture + Spatial Design. 08 October 2012 Five Twenty Minus Five awarded Honorable Mention in Transforming Seattle's 520 Floating Bridge Competition. 12 August 2012 Third Sphere: A Collapse of Boundaries and the Birth of a New Domain, an article about architecture in the atmosphere is published in the journal KERB. 04 June 2012 Clouds Architecture Office selected as finalist in Pruitt Igoe Now Competition for two entries titled Forest of Floating Minds and Double Moon. 10 September 2010 Issey Miyake Pleats Please Soho designed by Clouds Architecture Office opens on the evening of Fashions Night Out. https://cloudsao.com/010-BUILDING Thu, 22 Dec 2022 01:36:37 +0000 Clouds Architecture Office https://cloudsao.com/010-BUILDING 010 BUILDING <img width="2000" height="1331" width_o="2000" height_o="1331" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a4cc9e707855789b6858ada9ef8328d40035f8d884f0a7f5497877865a460de3/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_0437.jpg" data-mid="166963039" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a4cc9e707855789b6858ada9ef8328d40035f8d884f0a7f5497877865a460de3/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_0437.jpg" /> Restaurant and Bar programs are placed facing riverside with sweeping views of the skyline 010 Building is located in the heart of Hakata ward in City of Fukuoka, the largest city in Kyushu region&nbsp;known as&nbsp;Japan's&nbsp;gateway to Asia. The site is on the Naka River next to Nakasu (a lively entertainment district famous for its nightlife and street vendors) and contrasting modern commercial complex Canal City. The developer, startup company Zero-Ten, envisioned to create a new hub that embodies Fukuoka's emerging culture and its colorful mix of local and global talent. The new 010 Building houses a multi-purpose immersive theater with bars, a creative restaurant run by celebrity chefs that opens onto a large riverside terrace, a fine dining hideaway on the top floor with striking views of the city, a VIP lounge, and roof terraces.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <img width="2000" height="1325" width_o="2000" height_o="1325" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/fee9b25666dd07fc69fc83882a2837196962281c838431fd0e033f85030af048/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_0399.jpg" data-mid="162526704" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/fee9b25666dd07fc69fc83882a2837196962281c838431fd0e033f85030af048/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_0399.jpg" /> 010 Building as seen from bridge overlooking Naka River In order to connect to the surrounding city fabric and riverfront, the double height theater which has the largest volume was raised up into the air to free the ground. The base geometry is composed of symmetrically stacked pure square masses that are rotated 45 degrees to each other. The overall volume is wrapped with gently curving stainless steel "curtains" in a spiral composition which responds to internal programs and framing views, with an aim to creating a dynamic form and varied spatial experience that amplifies the unique spirit of the energetic city. Taking full advantage of an open site, the whirling curtains open up in all directions inviting people from multiple approaches.&nbsp; The result is a seemingly floating architecture without front or back, an iconic silhouette that can be identified from distant bridges and across the city. The building does not have a traditional façade, there are no preferred sides, its sculpted form faces in all directions equally - like an actor in the city. The satin metal curtains reflect the constantly changing liquid aura of the weather and open sky by day, and shimmering city lights and neon by night. <img width="2000" height="1325" width_o="2000" height_o="1325" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/97fbc3a61129073880c2d7a8efe12d5658586919f89e92df6c3e744cba020404/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_1147.jpg" data-mid="162526714" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/97fbc3a61129073880c2d7a8efe12d5658586919f89e92df6c3e744cba020404/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_1147.jpg" /> Exterior view of south-east corner <img width="2000" height="1325" width_o="2000" height_o="1325" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d3ca880ad00c7a3fff3afc69f03741fb713299eef95b7c1234d53d36bcab245a/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_0063.jpg" data-mid="162526691" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d3ca880ad00c7a3fff3afc69f03741fb713299eef95b7c1234d53d36bcab245a/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_0063.jpg" /> Exterior view of north-east from main approach <img width="2000" height="1325" width_o="2000" height_o="1325" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/94f1377d40cd63c856d09970d255be2dc50d98dc8d2db50204bddd5bba901397/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_0173.jpg" data-mid="162526697" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/94f1377d40cd63c856d09970d255be2dc50d98dc8d2db50204bddd5bba901397/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_0173.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="1325" width_o="2000" height_o="1325" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/54a1514aa7cb481452589ce221ec7f24664238e811e25eb1c8c67b82c140976f/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_0167.jpg" data-mid="162526696" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/54a1514aa7cb481452589ce221ec7f24664238e811e25eb1c8c67b82c140976f/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_0167.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="1325" width_o="2000" height_o="1325" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5dc50bc6873ab90f70c9ea55a8306b395ea16cec496bb8777fb4216ded14efe5/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_0147.jpg" data-mid="162526695" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5dc50bc6873ab90f70c9ea55a8306b395ea16cec496bb8777fb4216ded14efe5/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_0147.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="1325" width_o="2000" height_o="1325" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d77f34a32783e721c7c1ed3a19ad0efdcea79a6e53dd6e6de57bd2c4839932e4/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_0191.jpg" data-mid="162526699" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d77f34a32783e721c7c1ed3a19ad0efdcea79a6e53dd6e6de57bd2c4839932e4/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_0191.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="1325" width_o="2000" height_o="1325" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/903129fa9d07d13361e43c99d0a59c05a5902f54d4f8374bfbc992c34ce1341f/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_0182.jpg" data-mid="162526698" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/903129fa9d07d13361e43c99d0a59c05a5902f54d4f8374bfbc992c34ce1341f/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_0182.jpg" /> Details: exterior ribbon wall <img width="2000" height="1200" width_o="2000" height_o="1200" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0515fa2dc13833245ba02f69d2795aa12df8fa87ee095c1305e4662d03df6858/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_SECTION.jpg" data-mid="162526719" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/0515fa2dc13833245ba02f69d2795aa12df8fa87ee095c1305e4662d03df6858/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_SECTION.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="1200" width_o="2000" height_o="1200" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0a2466f78b7c78a57923dd3a8321f83425398938e7048f5287d2f8b6e58487a9/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_ELEV-NW.jpg" data-mid="162526716" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/0a2466f78b7c78a57923dd3a8321f83425398938e7048f5287d2f8b6e58487a9/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_ELEV-NW.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="1200" width_o="2000" height_o="1200" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8a6c633220873516364036fce3a421efe8a1235fbbf38b367749f152faef6048/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_ELEV-NE.jpg" data-mid="162526715" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8a6c633220873516364036fce3a421efe8a1235fbbf38b367749f152faef6048/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_ELEV-NE.jpg" /> Drawings:&nbsp; cross-section and elevations Inside, the central theater volume is coated with a vibrant red, vertically connecting the tall space with a glow. The inside face of the spiral curtains naturally supports stairs up through the atrium. A unique triple height beaded light fixture connects each level and entices guests up the stairs to the theater. Inside the two tiered theater, a stage extends out into audience both horizontally and vertically, with a special hoist system to engage guests in an immersive experience.&nbsp; <img width="2000" height="1325" width_o="2000" height_o="1325" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/95e5c5f738d24fba13b362532bffe12fc7edf400f91ae24bf0436e8c65dec41b/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_0922.jpg" data-mid="162526711" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/95e5c5f738d24fba13b362532bffe12fc7edf400f91ae24bf0436e8c65dec41b/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_0922.jpg" /> <img width="1325" height="2000" width_o="1325" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6d5cb8526c1665256ca1ff39b06266eee05cbe46ce727d395b0cf8dedf4f6c41/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_0894.jpg" data-mid="162526710" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/6d5cb8526c1665256ca1ff39b06266eee05cbe46ce727d395b0cf8dedf4f6c41/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_0894.jpg" /> Interior views of triple height stair lobby The building is lifted off the ground allowing for open circulation around it, compressed spaces beneath overhangs expand out to a terrace and riverfront park that are publically accessible community amenities. The landscape design also reinforces a peculiar impression by deploying a unique mix of tropical species with unusual forms and colors. Riverside breezes sway leaves and grasses to add movement. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <img width="2000" height="1325" width_o="2000" height_o="1325" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f12363d64a144c2d4f9d6b7d1d76524d484a80ca9f12880c07ed5228091a8565/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_0214.jpg" data-mid="162526700" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f12363d64a144c2d4f9d6b7d1d76524d484a80ca9f12880c07ed5228091a8565/CLOUDSAO_010Theatre_0214.jpg" /> View of terrace and skyline framed by curving ribbon wall from beneath cantilevered overhang&nbsp; Location: &nbsp; Hakata Ward, City of Fukuoka, Japan Completion Date:&nbsp; December 2022 Program:&nbsp; 1F Cafe Restaurant and Terrace, 2F Theater and Bar, 3F Restaurant and Theater lounge &nbsp; Owner: &nbsp; Zero-Ten Co Ltd Design Architect: &nbsp; Clouds Architecture Office Executive Architect and Theater Design:&nbsp; NKS2 Architects ＋Takumi Nakahara Architecture Restaurant Design:&nbsp; Nobuo Araki/The Archetype Bar Design:&nbsp; Mundi Space Design Labo Structural Engineering:&nbsp; Ohno Japan Construction:&nbsp; Saeki Kensetsu Co Ltd Lighting: &nbsp; ModuleX Inc Landscape: &nbsp; Eiji Asada/Ordinary+Space Photography: &nbsp; GION https://cloudsao.com/SERENDIX-SPHERE Fri, 18 Mar 2022 18:48:16 +0000 Clouds Architecture Office https://cloudsao.com/SERENDIX-SPHERE SERENDIX SPHERE <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/451b1ee156afcb7a531c4674aed59cbff55bd1e3a3032fb8f9926d400b2b4b78/-CLOUDS-AO_Sphere-Next-House_1.jpg" data-mid="136934969" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/451b1ee156afcb7a531c4674aed59cbff55bd1e3a3032fb8f9926d400b2b4b78/-CLOUDS-AO_Sphere-Next-House_1.jpg" /> Sphere set on mountaintop overlooking oceanSerendix Sphere is an advanced housing prototype that employs in situ 3D-printing technology to quickly and economically fabricate small residences. The design is a progression of our interest in habitats for extreme environments, and builds on the success of the award winning Mars Ice House concept prepared for NASA. <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/174214bc32c48fe3f1a615c0d0338a666ab977cd588e379f0661c36ac311d2c6/-CLOUDS-AO_Sphere-Next-House_2.jpg" data-mid="136835605" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/174214bc32c48fe3f1a615c0d0338a666ab977cd588e379f0661c36ac311d2c6/-CLOUDS-AO_Sphere-Next-House_2.jpg" /> ‘Glamping’ unit deployed lakeside for a productive retreat <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f8b7ca57bfaa8e4edaab3b6306a3d9c2429c3dc659180bd02dd346fdbcea158a/-CLOUDS-AO_Sphere-Next-House_7.jpg" data-mid="136934972" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f8b7ca57bfaa8e4edaab3b6306a3d9c2429c3dc659180bd02dd346fdbcea158a/-CLOUDS-AO_Sphere-Next-House_7.jpg" /> Interior of unit at night with projection mapped video Digital additive manufacturing allows for cost effective variations and flexibility by streamlining the fabrication process, minimizing labor and material transportation. With its swift production and structural capacity, it is also envisioned to serve as emergency shelters in an event of a natural disasters which have been increasing globally in recent decades. <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2e28dcf88f91f91264e3095928dfdfc3d2b7ce4637fd8071a8c3c29511109bf1/-CLOUDS-AO_Sphere-Next-House_17.jpg" data-mid="136934978" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2e28dcf88f91f91264e3095928dfdfc3d2b7ce4637fd8071a8c3c29511109bf1/-CLOUDS-AO_Sphere-Next-House_17.jpg" /> Assembly of the 3D-printed parts (&nbsp;© Serendix ) Sphere is a form that has the largest surface area to volume ratio and structural high stability. It also has versatility that can fit in diverse site conditions and orientations. Serendix Sphere, designed by Clouds Architecture Office is aimed to create smart, durable and sustainable dwelling prototype by expanding the potential of additive manufacturing technology in design and construction. Sphere is composed of twelve identical base segments trimmed from a cylinder. The resulting volume has a unique geometric property that its shape changes from round, hexagonal to softened square depending on vantage points. This creates a dynamic effect as if it is constantly changing its profile as people walk around the structure. When multiple units are installed in a cluster such as in case of cottage or camping ground, this provides diversity and avoids the Next House from looking monotonous while maintaining a consistent design vocabulary. <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/626acf44235769d209f8b69f676d030dd7f72655f1b7734659dca811dc89efa5/-CLOUDS-AO_Sphere-Next-House_8.jpg" data-mid="136923037" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/626acf44235769d209f8b69f676d030dd7f72655f1b7734659dca811dc89efa5/-CLOUDS-AO_Sphere-Next-House_8.jpg" /> <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ac038b3041a2131fe6267d4744aa5d3e4f2a9c80b1ec1be8a0d4530a0ffdb741/-CLOUDS-AO_Sphere-Next-House_9.jpg" data-mid="136923038" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ac038b3041a2131fe6267d4744aa5d3e4f2a9c80b1ec1be8a0d4530a0ffdb741/-CLOUDS-AO_Sphere-Next-House_9.jpg" /> <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3a0bb9f37ee60d7277378780059d24bf70ed9453f0d3c7166b880f99f8b93aa9/-CLOUDS-AO_Sphere-Next-House_10.jpg" data-mid="136923039" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3a0bb9f37ee60d7277378780059d24bf70ed9453f0d3c7166b880f99f8b93aa9/-CLOUDS-AO_Sphere-Next-House_10.jpg" /> <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f0a7bb163ec6179bd6c06b860faea5bb0500421abd5bc700abf44de4b9ad00ac/-CLOUDS-AO_Sphere-Next-House_15.jpg" data-mid="136835630" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f0a7bb163ec6179bd6c06b860faea5bb0500421abd5bc700abf44de4b9ad00ac/-CLOUDS-AO_Sphere-Next-House_15.jpg" /> <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a48aa091d12756f8e70245b830bcb0ccf5ff1f4b1cb1a575f19da2f057a6f75f/Print-process_2.jpg" data-mid="136864406" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a48aa091d12756f8e70245b830bcb0ccf5ff1f4b1cb1a575f19da2f057a6f75f/Print-process_2.jpg" /> Formal concept diagram, variations, parts assembly, 3D-printing and assembly By taking full advantage of customization capacity of 3D printing, window locations can be flexibly adjusted and even the entire base model can be rotated in vertical orientation to achieve variations in design and form (such as vault, dome and pitched roof profiles) to satisfy customer preferences, use and site conditions. Multiple units can also be connected and expand to house larger programs and floor areas. Viewed from the interior, curving walls create an immersive spherical projection setting to form multimedia screen. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/86d775fba66da6445ebca23a3a91ea29d3388046c0138d32fa9453dc42cbb9f0/-CLOUDS-AO_Sphere-Next-House_13.jpg" data-mid="136835628" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/86d775fba66da6445ebca23a3a91ea29d3388046c0138d32fa9453dc42cbb9f0/-CLOUDS-AO_Sphere-Next-House_13.jpg" /> <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2175a8c5cc8177643efe4d567e2803fc22d6aabe2fdd7f56812f3988b3bd2672/unloading_1c.jpg" data-mid="136923312" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2175a8c5cc8177643efe4d567e2803fc22d6aabe2fdd7f56812f3988b3bd2672/unloading_1c.jpg" /> 3D-printing parts setup for container transport <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/750f23b34b3342f753c4b74a44aed0fee37d0cdb2890915adbda237ee6ba742a/-CLOUDS-AO_Sphere-Next-House_18.jpg" data-mid="136941811" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/750f23b34b3342f753c4b74a44aed0fee37d0cdb2890915adbda237ee6ba742a/-CLOUDS-AO_Sphere-Next-House_18.jpg" /> <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0195248633e0f2e5b709e87dee927188a31af5d08086a2e3b1dd07a70cef318a/-CLOUDS-AO_Sphere-Next-House_30.jpg" data-mid="146821996" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/0195248633e0f2e5b709e87dee927188a31af5d08086a2e3b1dd07a70cef318a/-CLOUDS-AO_Sphere-Next-House_30.jpg" /> Full scale mock-up The goal is to print each unit on site for highest efficiency. Due to identical base geometry of all members it can also be pre-printed in controlled factory environment and assembled on site in case the site condition limits use of in situ printing. First full scale prototypes have been printed on two different continents and a proof-of-concept unit has been assembled in Japan. The fabrication process is planned to be further developed and upgraded for coming prototypes. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Location: &nbsp; Worldwide&nbsp; (based in Komaki, Aichi, Japan) Completion Date:&nbsp; March 2022 Owner: &nbsp; Serendix IncDesign: &nbsp; Clouds Architecture Office Structural Consultant: &nbsp; Chihiro Katoh Assembly and Constrution: &nbsp; Hyakunen Jutaku Co Ltd, Kaede Koumuten, Nabejyu Co Ltd https://cloudsao.com/MARS-HYDROSPHERE Thu, 24 Apr 2025 01:47:11 +0000 Clouds Architecture Office https://cloudsao.com/MARS-HYDROSPHERE MARS HYDROSPHERE For decades, people have speculated about settling on Mars. Companies are actively developing rocket-based transportation systems, some with the goal of moving a million people to Mars. But where will they live? Mars Hydrosphere is a concept for an underwater merchant city built inside a crater in the southern latitudes of Mars. Water is necessary for sustaining life. The average human consumes approximately one hundred fifty liters per day. There is proven evidence of an abundance of water ice on Mars, as shown by the 2008 NASA/JPL Phoenix probe. Radiation exposure is a risk of living on Mars. Hydrogen (or water) is an effective shield against radiation. Mars Hydrosphere is a human settlement located within the water reservoir that would be necessary to sustain a population of 10,000 people. Water is a good thermal insulator, while its transparency will act as a liquid sky, allowing access to natural sunlight. This would not only help maintain circadian rhythms and mental wellbeing, but also increase functionality and productivity. <img width="3000" height="2082" width_o="3000" height_o="2082" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/51f2024c96627f2325e14aca44488dfdbd89e1280e850872cdab71f8c13a06f2/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_section_00-Z-b_New_100_LR.jpg" data-mid="232923703" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/51f2024c96627f2325e14aca44488dfdbd89e1280e850872cdab71f8c13a06f2/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_section_00-Z-b_New_100_LR.jpg" /> Figure 1:&nbsp; Cross section through 1500m diameter crater within Lowell Crater complex in southern latitudes of Mars, showing merchant city submerged in water reservoir <img width="3000" height="4158" width_o="3000" height_o="4158" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9bf439903388f7b41e6bf6c3d1ed47e41e43ed36501424ee5ceb53a2fb52b432/Mars-Hydrosphere-Plan-Elev.jpg" data-mid="234781316" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/9bf439903388f7b41e6bf6c3d1ed47e41e43ed36501424ee5ceb53a2fb52b432/Mars-Hydrosphere-Plan-Elev.jpg" /> Figure 2:&nbsp; Top view and Elevation of settlement assembly SITE Lowell Crater is one of the few places on Mars in the southern hemisphere that is at a low enough elevation to facilitate direct landings for spacecraft. As a relatively pristine complex crater, its terraces and peak ring can provide insights into large basin formation, not just on Mars but across the solar system, adding science value to this location. Being at a high southerly latitude increases the chances of finding water ice in the regolith as a resource for people and fuel. Its position is well suited as a anchor trading and logistics hub, facilitating further exploration and understanding of Mars. <img width="3000" height="955" width_o="3000" height_o="955" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/bf1d9c0613433cc09452b79812962e1d8ec31a994775993fd98576906c75ab26/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_BW-Section-Science_LR.jpg" data-mid="233266251" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/bf1d9c0613433cc09452b79812962e1d8ec31a994775993fd98576906c75ab26/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_BW-Section-Science_LR.jpg" /> Figure 3:&nbsp; Section Diagram outlining main components of crater city system <img width="3000" height="1688" width_o="3000" height_o="1688" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/fb2c2d545450ac24ef2df0a820ad6e4d36cbdf480b8b52c75cef175a9b03b207/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_04_above-water_LR.jpg" data-mid="233266244" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/fb2c2d545450ac24ef2df0a820ad6e4d36cbdf480b8b52c75cef175a9b03b207/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_04_above-water_LR.jpg" /> Figure 4:&nbsp; View of top surface of pressurized water reservoir with transparent film cover to allow for liquid water and prevent sublimation, ECLSS units mounted to tops of repurposed rockets <img width="3000" height="1688" width_o="3000" height_o="1688" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/743835702308daccdd278690afbeb762877beeac55159f58d158bdc4af695528/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_06_Roof-Garden_LR.jpg" data-mid="233266246" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/743835702308daccdd278690afbeb762877beeac55159f58d158bdc4af695528/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_06_Roof-Garden_LR.jpg" /> Figure 5:&nbsp; Upper level of underwater city, with open public space, vegetation and transparent liquid sky for natural daylight <img width="3000" height="1688" width_o="3000" height_o="1688" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c7c8cc4d8bb168afc3d29c0625cf70633bbfc59a076082a0c684301f6f560718/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_02_under-water_LR.jpg" data-mid="233266243" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c7c8cc4d8bb168afc3d29c0625cf70633bbfc59a076082a0c684301f6f560718/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_02_under-water_LR.jpg" /> Figure 6:&nbsp; View from underwater, clear transparent membrane dome pressurized with breathable atmosphere WATER Life depends on water. At a minimum people need clean water for drinking, cooking, washing and agricultural irrigation. New York City has seven water reservoirs with a total capacity of more than 552 billion gallons, serving a population of 8.25 million residents in the five boroughs, this is a storage allotment of 66,970 gallons per person. On average, New York City water consumption is 1 billion gallons per day, or 120 gallons per person per day, which is higher than the European average of 40 gallons per person. The design proposes a daily usage of 40 gallons per day, and a total storage capacity of 60,000 gallons per person, which yields reservoir of 600 million gallons (2.27billion liters). This water reservoir is important not only for consumption, but also protection, as a shield against cosmic (GCR) and solar (SPE) radiation which occurs at harmful levels to human health on the surface of Mars. The city is designed to be submerged 5m below the surface of the water, providing an adequate amount of hydrogen to block most of the harmful gamma rays. The transparent liquid sky allows for efficient containment of a bubble of breathable air that is somewhat protected from micro-meteorite strikes, creating a conditioned open atmosphere similar to Earth’s surface. This affords the city a large public space for gatherings. Due to the physics of phase change for water, liquid water does not exist on Mars, unless its freezing point is lowered by salty perchlorates. Clear water would skip the liquid phase, sublimating directly from solid ice to vapor. The concept calls for saline water to be stored within a sealed pressurized reservoir, warmed by heat shed from the submerged city. Desalination pods would filter water for human consumption.<img width="3000" height="1688" width_o="3000" height_o="1688" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3ff7a5ddc6a2a42ca227761cd54ba7c79ef331aca6bba7855a7a7c961ef0069c/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_03_under-water_LR.jpg" data-mid="233266293" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3ff7a5ddc6a2a42ca227761cd54ba7c79ef331aca6bba7855a7a7c961ef0069c/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_03_under-water_LR.jpg" /> Figure 7:&nbsp; Pressurized saline water reservoir warmed by heat gain from occupied city, stocked with sea bass and seaweed &nbsp; <img width="3000" height="1125" width_o="3000" height_o="1125" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/50fd4c71c6cdf81f8834ca0ec81acb6becdc5c19ea3a391ee3556dcae7bab1bc/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_BW-Pressure-Diag_LR.jpg" data-mid="233266249" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/50fd4c71c6cdf81f8834ca0ec81acb6becdc5c19ea3a391ee3556dcae7bab1bc/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_BW-Pressure-Diag_LR.jpg" /> <img width="3000" height="3130" width_o="3000" height_o="3130" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f686e85255f7c9fadab9793093a0726a3cc609e0e808c394e1eef11fe55471fc/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_deployment_LR.jpg" data-mid="233266252" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f686e85255f7c9fadab9793093a0726a3cc609e0e808c394e1eef11fe55471fc/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_deployment_LR.jpg" /> <img width="3000" height="3000" width_o="3000" height_o="3000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4205e72d8aaf0576b59659f9fe6339352a0089432c9e0ceb28e4e3f8ec6a97b0/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_BW-Exploded-Axon_LR.jpg" data-mid="233275064" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4205e72d8aaf0576b59659f9fe6339352a0089432c9e0ceb28e4e3f8ec6a97b0/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_BW-Exploded-Axon_LR.jpg" /> Figure 8a:&nbsp; Pressure diagram&nbsp; &nbsp; Figure 8b:&nbsp; Deployment sequence diagram&nbsp; &nbsp;Figure 8c:&nbsp; Exploded axonometric PRESSURE The layout of the city is contingent on the equilibrium between air and water pressures. The clear membrane underwater dome would be pressurized to 1.0 standard atmosphere (112 kPa), which is equal to the pressure of liquid water at a depth of 30m below the water’s surface. This constrains the cross-section of the city to a height of only 25m. The 400m diameter of the dome is maximized within the structural limits of catenary curvature. The 3d-printed bowl shaped city is hung from an air beam compression ring, part of this bowl is submerged to increase depth and usable floor area allowing for greater density of people. <img width="3000" height="1000" width_o="3000" height_o="1000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2bcc50f29cd86a020ebdacbf895bb80023a5957ef3d0ff59bc2fed86cf92f04b/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_BW-Section-Arch_LR.jpg" data-mid="233266250" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2bcc50f29cd86a020ebdacbf895bb80023a5957ef3d0ff59bc2fed86cf92f04b/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_BW-Section-Arch_LR.jpg" /> Figure 9:&nbsp; Architectural cross section through city and pressurized dome <img width="2000" height="2000" width_o="2000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/612ef02d015b04e78fa77fd10b56b42a609977ad75b495de4fdab1018a348cea/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_66_0Plan_12m_Roof-garden_LR.jpg" data-mid="233562093" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/612ef02d015b04e78fa77fd10b56b42a609977ad75b495de4fdab1018a348cea/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_66_0Plan_12m_Roof-garden_LR.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="2000" width_o="2000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1cf0f4587adde965ac6281275a77cd49c5f1097d59de03e75d956264697fe4cc/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_66_2Plan_7-5m-Public_LR.jpg" data-mid="233562096" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1cf0f4587adde965ac6281275a77cd49c5f1097d59de03e75d956264697fe4cc/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_66_2Plan_7-5m-Public_LR.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="2000" width_o="2000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9265a7db2449e7e93e4d031498b88d500fc58caa8d721954e78f70d719effd39/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_66_3Plan_1-5m-Residence_LR.jpg" data-mid="233562097" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/9265a7db2449e7e93e4d031498b88d500fc58caa8d721954e78f70d719effd39/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_66_3Plan_1-5m-Residence_LR.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="2000" width_o="2000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f13a61229348ffb6a400210e625a3e9a9ce650eb271303e6fa574d3dc8b404c6/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_66_4Plan_-7-5m-Trading_LR.jpg" data-mid="233562099" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f13a61229348ffb6a400210e625a3e9a9ce650eb271303e6fa574d3dc8b404c6/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_66_4Plan_-7-5m-Trading_LR.jpg" /> Figure 10:&nbsp; Floor plans STRUCTURE The underwater structure is a tensile inflated membrane dome, harnessing uplift forces from the pressurized atmosphere to keep the city afloat. It is a hybrid of Earth made and in situ fabricated materials. Lightweight, flat-packed transparent films and woven fiber cables (Dyneema) are shipped from Earth, and are the primary components of the airtight tensile dome. The floating city is a compression structure and can be fabricated from 3d-printed and sintered regolith, excavated from the crater itself. Transport rockets are repurposed and incorporated into the city structure as high precision manufactured vertical circulation elements facilitating communication between the underwater city and the surface above. Pumps, valves, intakes and outlets in the rockets can be used to distribute conditioned air for climate control systems. <img width="3000" height="2250" width_o="3000" height_o="2250" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2dac247435132473b76dd591a142523643155654b64f083ee914c16afb32b314/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_model_side-1_LR.jpg" data-mid="233266254" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2dac247435132473b76dd591a142523643155654b64f083ee914c16afb32b314/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_model_side-1_LR.jpg" /> <img width="2464" height="3000" width_o="2464" height_o="3000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d63b9a66f995528645c6a3b6224f069dfa1965af91a12d61983f9c7e5ec4231a/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_model_front-1_LR.jpg" data-mid="233266253" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d63b9a66f995528645c6a3b6224f069dfa1965af91a12d61983f9c7e5ec4231a/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_model_front-1_LR.jpg" /> <img width="3000" height="2250" width_o="3000" height_o="2250" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5b5fb36b6f97b60e4ddbbe969eb1f403d3ee5a0233ce609df6ffb85ad2189f2e/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_Venice-Biennale_install-1_LR.jpg" data-mid="233266255" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5b5fb36b6f97b60e4ddbbe969eb1f403d3ee5a0233ce609df6ffb85ad2189f2e/CloudsAO_Mars-Hydrosphere_Venice-Biennale_install-1_LR.jpg" /> Figures 11-13:&nbsp; Photographs of scale model as installed at the&nbsp;19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, curated by Carlo Ratti. Model&nbsp;with thermoformed PETG dome, suspended underwater with pressurized air pocket, 3d-printed city module, internal lighting and aerator Location: Lowell Crater, Mars Date: May 2025 Project Team: Design Architect: Clouds Architecture Office Project Designers: Ostap Rudakevych, Masayuki Sono, Maria Clara Machado Structural Engineer:&nbsp; Jun Sato, The University of Tokyo + Jun Sato Structural Engineers Co Ltd TECHNICAL COLLABORATORS: Joseph Dituri PhD (University of South Florida) Kevin Kempton (NASA Langley Research Center) Kirby Runyon PhD (Planetary Science Institute) Luca Gamberini (Nemo’s Garden) Jeffrey Montes (Blue Origin) Stefan Harsan Farr (identityplus) Jared W. G. Atkinson, PhD (Impossible Sensing Energy Inc) https://cloudsao.com/POST-9-11-MEMORIAL Thu, 15 Jan 2026 19:24:38 +0000 Clouds Architecture Office https://cloudsao.com/POST-9-11-MEMORIAL POST 9/11 MEMORIAL <img width="2000" height="1432" width_o="2000" height_o="1432" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/655fa7d7c9747bcf7d324f0aff09fa38f2593e4892d76f559904267574613ad8/CloudsAO_Post-911_02D.jpg" data-mid="243394456" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/655fa7d7c9747bcf7d324f0aff09fa38f2593e4892d76f559904267574613ad8/CloudsAO_Post-911_02D.jpg" /> Figure 1: View seen from west side looking towards East River Clouds AO has been selected as one of four finalists for the Post 9/11 Fallen Service Member Memorial design competition organized by the City of New York. The design envisions to create a place that honors all the Service Members perished in the Global War on Terrorism. It is conceived of as space that tells stories of their priceless contributions and collective memories, and is composed with two spiral walls connected at top to symbolize embracement and eternity. Seen from various orientations, the form changes constantly to inspire various meanings.&nbsp; <img width="2000" height="1333" width_o="2000" height_o="1333" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3839f9f678abe9fcf65ed95d80acb88f6413ad8f586757a9c469b429ef0d60dd/CloudsAO_Post-911_01C.jpg" data-mid="243297607" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3839f9f678abe9fcf65ed95d80acb88f6413ad8f586757a9c469b429ef0d60dd/CloudsAO_Post-911_01C.jpg" /> Figure 2: View seen from path along the Little Bay Park <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3e40cd30b7455fb7cc5d4e7c93d80d90b87f25055189c478eb04baca4580afd8/CloudsAO_Post-911_10-INT-01b.jpg" data-mid="243298073" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3e40cd30b7455fb7cc5d4e7c93d80d90b87f25055189c478eb04baca4580afd8/CloudsAO_Post-911_10-INT-01b.jpg" /> Figure 3:&nbsp; View looking up at the base of memorial The memorial is proposed on the east side of entry plaza to Little Bay Park in New York to allow space for gathering and ceremonies, at the same time creating a space with sense of privacy in public realm. The walls are positioned in point symmetry which face cardinal orientations. The walls follow surface of cylinders that are tilted and interlocked, providing geometrical purity. Central axis of cylinders creates upward release, whereas symmetric form imply imaginary bottom to pierce into the ground to anchor the piece to homeland. <img width="3074" height="2084" width_o="3074" height_o="2084" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/12824764537e64c5b26326b3ba6ee39b36fcfa33f78ed771ade773e2345e8a25/CloudsAO_Post-911_11-PLAN.jpg" data-mid="243297724" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/12824764537e64c5b26326b3ba6ee39b36fcfa33f78ed771ade773e2345e8a25/CloudsAO_Post-911_11-PLAN.jpg" /> Figure 4: Site Plan <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0dfbc1a4d2b78676bc049aaa0cdd0bdba36a81a079c217a2d79383632b61aa3f/CloudsAO_Post-911_12-DIA.jpg" data-mid="243297725" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/0dfbc1a4d2b78676bc049aaa0cdd0bdba36a81a079c217a2d79383632b61aa3f/CloudsAO_Post-911_12-DIA.jpg" /> Figure 5: Geometric concept and Elevation&nbsp;<img width="4032" height="2524" width_o="4032" height_o="2524" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e24dba87eb1878bbbef522bf6ebc606e23045bece15688a196b40f4941bc490d/CloudsAO_Post-911_21-IMG_7581-3B.jpg" data-mid="243299228" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/e24dba87eb1878bbbef522bf6ebc606e23045bece15688a196b40f4941bc490d/CloudsAO_Post-911_21-IMG_7581-3B.jpg" /> Figure 6: Scale model seen from north side&nbsp; <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ceadfa0688189c4726ef55da8b20ddc2f3a642c1d4ce28a56ecf1755bc69e34a/CloudsAO_Post-911_22-IMG_7556-2.jpg" data-mid="243297717" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ceadfa0688189c4726ef55da8b20ddc2f3a642c1d4ce28a56ecf1755bc69e34a/CloudsAO_Post-911_22-IMG_7556-2.jpg" /> Figure 7: Scale model seen from east side Inside walls, each Service Members is honored on walls with their unique individual portrait, name and other facts on 9"x11" stainless steel plaque. Portrait artworks and texts are cutout to allow natural and illumination lights to pass through to bring them to life. The portraits highlight personal aspects in dignified and clear line which become the heart of the memorial. <img width="2000" height="1333" width_o="2000" height_o="1333" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c24e7630ee996a4b7306e057ce1568499db79e9922937a137f7af30e27b52de0/CloudsAO_Post-911_11-INT-03.jpg" data-mid="243297722" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c24e7630ee996a4b7306e057ce1568499db79e9922937a137f7af30e27b52de0/CloudsAO_Post-911_11-INT-03.jpg" /> Figure 8: View inside the memorial walls <img width="2000" height="1333" width_o="2000" height_o="1333" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3c51bba078164e94a528c591aac684711424bc5407968c2a264b13b3858e440e/PLAQUE-2.jpg" data-mid="243405089" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3c51bba078164e94a528c591aac684711424bc5407968c2a264b13b3858e440e/PLAQUE-2.jpg" /> Figure 9: Details of individual Portrait Plaques.&nbsp; Portrait artworks and texts are cutout to allow natural and illumination lights to pass through to bring them to life. &nbsp;(note: portrait images and names are imaginary for samples) <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f7a3d22fe67b6226f816d790929093b2f10ca4e7c23c5c65bc84121c2f7939d5/CloudsAO_Post-911_02D-NIGHT.jpg" data-mid="243297719" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f7a3d22fe67b6226f816d790929093b2f10ca4e7c23c5c65bc84121c2f7939d5/CloudsAO_Post-911_02D-NIGHT.jpg" /> Figure 10: View at night, the memorial will be illuminated with uplights as an icon at the edge of East River that can be viewed from various vantage points. Location: Queens, NY Date: November 2024 Project Team: Design Architect: Clouds Architecture Office Project Designers: Masayuki Sono, Ostap Rudakevych https://cloudsao.com/YUNOSATO-LAB Fri, 12 Nov 2021 00:27:04 +0000 Clouds Architecture Office https://cloudsao.com/YUNOSATO-LAB YUNOSAT0 AQUAPHOTOMICS LAB <img width="2000" height="1330" width_o="2000" height_o="1330" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8e8be135cbe8d4cb63fbeb1ba7e1d9ff93e995c12f48edf8cc0ff5a40e5546a2/CloudsAO_Yunosato_01_GION.jpg" data-mid="124319583" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8e8be135cbe8d4cb63fbeb1ba7e1d9ff93e995c12f48edf8cc0ff5a40e5546a2/CloudsAO_Yunosato_01_GION.jpg" /> Lobby looking towards spherical void with transparent floor and view of Mount Koya in the distance Aquaphotomics is a field of science that investigates water spectral patterns as a source of holistic information for biological and aqueous systems. The Yunosato facility is an Aquaphotomics research laboratory where the interplay of water and light are explored. <img width="2000" height="1331" width_o="2000" height_o="1331" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/49ce2e17afe034669bb5e0342c2ecdfd83dfd3d6c5c89b44d697a0282e08439b/CloudsAO_Yunosato_08_GION.jpg" data-mid="124325013" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/49ce2e17afe034669bb5e0342c2ecdfd83dfd3d6c5c89b44d697a0282e08439b/CloudsAO_Yunosato_08_GION.jpg" /> View of conference room and lobby from spherical void The entry sequence is a transition from familiar rectilinear forms to more fluid and lofty curves that open up towards the view of Mount Koya, a world heritage temple settlement site and holy center of esoteric Buddhism in Japan. <img width="2000" height="1500" width_o="2000" height_o="1500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a14bd366ccf9745930eda64a6934615494bab0783b3cc04e2ec745988f6f1881/CloudsAO_Yunosato_20a_Noriaki-Eto.jpg" data-mid="124325065" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a14bd366ccf9745930eda64a6934615494bab0783b3cc04e2ec745988f6f1881/CloudsAO_Yunosato_20a_Noriaki-Eto.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="1500" width_o="2000" height_o="1500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/90a38ef3c838d77ba3823aca936479aa431e9d4c4f01de836c044569075bf9c9/CloudsAO_Yunosato_20_Noriaki-Eto.jpg" data-mid="124325064" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/90a38ef3c838d77ba3823aca936479aa431e9d4c4f01de836c044569075bf9c9/CloudsAO_Yunosato_20_Noriaki-Eto.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="1500" width_o="2000" height_o="1500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/919a9577715c674f34ceb009b5baec1cfd7f5b06ad14de3516a7bb3dbe6445a0/CloudsAO_Yunosato_20b_Noriaki-Eto.jpg" data-mid="124325066" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/919a9577715c674f34ceb009b5baec1cfd7f5b06ad14de3516a7bb3dbe6445a0/CloudsAO_Yunosato_20b_Noriaki-Eto.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="1500" width_o="2000" height_o="1500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c3c02c67b8d0d28d0f98b452c4bb84e623e59ed455ee9e38f3ecfe8b57027449/CloudsAO_Yunosato_22_Noriaki-Eto.jpg" data-mid="124325067" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c3c02c67b8d0d28d0f98b452c4bb84e623e59ed455ee9e38f3ecfe8b57027449/CloudsAO_Yunosato_22_Noriaki-Eto.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="1500" width_o="2000" height_o="1500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/bf98448e45bc823ecb29859aec288524497cfb738a8bd1a7ef48fd7b05238788/CloudsAO_Yunosato_23_Noriaki-Eto.jpg" data-mid="124325069" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/bf98448e45bc823ecb29859aec288524497cfb738a8bd1a7ef48fd7b05238788/CloudsAO_Yunosato_23_Noriaki-Eto.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="1500" width_o="2000" height_o="1500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e2d7734c9ef4c4c4bc11a08713583dd83e6cfceac3554ae0268c4e6f0676f48b/CloudsAO_Yunosato_22a_Noriaki-Eto.jpg" data-mid="124325068" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/e2d7734c9ef4c4c4bc11a08713583dd83e6cfceac3554ae0268c4e6f0676f48b/CloudsAO_Yunosato_22a_Noriaki-Eto.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="1500" width_o="2000" height_o="1500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/283375812c7c277daa7e339011c04c83a186fbfafadffa4bca1d402c77342440/CloudsAO_Yunosato_26_Noriaki-Eto.jpg" data-mid="124325070" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/283375812c7c277daa7e339011c04c83a186fbfafadffa4bca1d402c77342440/CloudsAO_Yunosato_26_Noriaki-Eto.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="1500" width_o="2000" height_o="1500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2d784995013536d89b5ce6232314e1a0fb1221e1accfe566a11d407e1ab34b65/CloudsAO_Yunosato_27_Noriaki-Eto.jpg" data-mid="124326172" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2d784995013536d89b5ce6232314e1a0fb1221e1accfe566a11d407e1ab34b65/CloudsAO_Yunosato_27_Noriaki-Eto.jpg" /> <img width="1500" height="2000" width_o="1500" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f13b88aa66a9795ee184782fa1c573bf163953db7e4b3d85074f4059092a0a8d/CloudsAO_Yunosato_30_Noriaki-Eto.jpg" data-mid="124325071" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f13b88aa66a9795ee184782fa1c573bf163953db7e4b3d85074f4059092a0a8d/CloudsAO_Yunosato_30_Noriaki-Eto.jpg" /> Sequence of photos showing the construction of the conical plaster ceiling The research center extracts mineral-rich spring water that flows underneath the site. A triangular glass floor in the gallery echoes the spring, expanding the space downward, creating a floating sensation. Under the glass floor, textured mirror refracts light to create a luminous backdrop for a suspended model of a water molecule. The combination of the conical roof and transparent floor create depth and movement in the small space. <img width="1331" height="2000" width_o="1331" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a297ddbc43823306a1848e5c43017fbdbe88f737c8dbabbd9dd82fc74fc257e6/CloudsAO_Yunosato_03_GION.jpg" data-mid="124326479" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a297ddbc43823306a1848e5c43017fbdbe88f737c8dbabbd9dd82fc74fc257e6/CloudsAO_Yunosato_03_GION.jpg" />Trasparent glass floor with suspended ‘BuckyBall’ model&nbsp; (Shogo Shigeoka＋Michiyo Masuyama) The main wall of the conference room is a large scale art glass that reflects light and casts fluid reflections across the room. A custom designed conference table with an undulating steel support frame sits on an oak floor that extends out to the terrace, connecting interior and exterior, expanding the space. &nbsp;&nbsp; <img width="2000" height="1330" width_o="2000" height_o="1330" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/128dd896e1174ada08297505023b0cd8d2ed8359077c55fc9fd40b8e7e9c2659/CloudsAO_Yunosato_10_Noriaki-Eto.jpg" data-mid="124325018" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/128dd896e1174ada08297505023b0cd8d2ed8359077c55fc9fd40b8e7e9c2659/CloudsAO_Yunosato_10_Noriaki-Eto.jpg" /> Art Glass wall by Eto Noriaki <img width="2000" height="1330" width_o="2000" height_o="1330" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5730575ad03adda3813923813cae9524105fc4198c5f806f117c79c3c04a6283/CloudsAO_Yunosato_12_GION.jpg" data-mid="124325022" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5730575ad03adda3813923813cae9524105fc4198c5f806f117c79c3c04a6283/CloudsAO_Yunosato_12_GION.jpg" /> Evening view showing transition from rectilinear to curvilinear geometry <img width="2000" height="490" width_o="2000" height_o="490" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a04ab1cd02f563f7179689f1787597bc6b16cc1628711a70da52ef13a6a1bff6/CloudsAO_Yunosato_19_CAO.jpg" data-mid="125031745" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a04ab1cd02f563f7179689f1787597bc6b16cc1628711a70da52ef13a6a1bff6/CloudsAO_Yunosato_19_CAO.jpg" /> Photographs of scale model with lighting study <img width="6000" height="4000" width_o="6000" height_o="4000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1c459d5fe9dd9c2e2ab76bc804c78c8c72eb0c646fa4f9ebb51a94cb47331d22/CloudsAO_Yunosato_18_CAOb.jpg" data-mid="124327047" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1c459d5fe9dd9c2e2ab76bc804c78c8c72eb0c646fa4f9ebb51a94cb47331d22/CloudsAO_Yunosato_18_CAOb.jpg" />A curvilinear void between the gallery and conference room is subtracted using spherical geometry to connect the two spaces. Seen from different points of view the spherical void appears in varying forms: from crescent, half circle to full sphere, suggesting phases of the moon. In Japan moonlight is associated with the creation of life and is believed to imbue water with the breath of universe. This cosmology formed the fundamental vision for this facility and provided inspiration for the design concept to be experienced both spatially and symbolically. &nbsp; &nbsp; <img width="6048" height="4024" width_o="6048" height_o="4024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/28a08d5a19d1088b5cf36e070725206d3121007c6338a0e7c3969f97485e38d7/CloudsAO_Yunosato_13_GION.jpg" data-mid="124325025" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/28a08d5a19d1088b5cf36e070725206d3121007c6338a0e7c3969f97485e38d7/CloudsAO_Yunosato_13_GION.jpg" /> Exterior view <img width="2000" height="1331" width_o="2000" height_o="1331" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/90f5706378398e3bf6f26a04ca1433cb42db8a59213c77b7d417c6f1b601a2ff/CloudsAO_Yunosato_17_GION.jpg" data-mid="124325055" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/90f5706378398e3bf6f26a04ca1433cb42db8a59213c77b7d417c6f1b601a2ff/CloudsAO_Yunosato_17_GION.jpg" /> View of overall building&nbsp; (design by Atelier Tecnoform) Location: &nbsp; Hashimoto, Wakayama, Japan Completion Date:&nbsp; December 2020 Program:&nbsp; Lobby and Conference Room Owner: &nbsp; Shigeoka Co, LtdDesign Architect: &nbsp; Clouds Architecture OfficeExecutive Architect: &nbsp; Atelier Tecnoform Co, Ltd ＋Atelier archi and craft＋Jackie &amp; Partners LLCConstruction: &nbsp; Maruyamagumi Co, LtdMechanical, Electrical and Plumbing: &nbsp; Kasamato Fascility Co, LtdLighting: &nbsp; Kotake Electric Temperature Control Co, LtdWater Molecule Art: &nbsp; Shogo Shigeoka＋Michiyo Masuyama　Glass Art: &nbsp; Noriaki EtoLandscape: &nbsp; Ryoujyuen Co, Ltd Photography: &nbsp; GION, Noriaki Eto https://cloudsao.com/DOUBLE-RING-HOUSE Mon, 01 Oct 2018 02:04:28 +0000 Clouds Architecture Office https://cloudsao.com/DOUBLE-RING-HOUSE DOUBLE RING HOUSE<img width="3000" height="1462" width_o="3000" height_o="1462" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/37f95d0c1da2639e9b9d330a424899c8bd47a4fa0cdbebbc190063c191c30a36/CloudsAO_Revo-Precraft_Ocean-front_1.jpg" data-mid="25352111" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/37f95d0c1da2639e9b9d330a424899c8bd47a4fa0cdbebbc190063c191c30a36/CloudsAO_Revo-Precraft_Ocean-front_1.jpg" /> Clouds Architecture Office developed a concept for a small one bedroom, two-story house that can be applied worldwide at an affordable design cost. The idea is to offer a well designed small house buildable anywhere in the world on a variety of sites. <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/fe1d514f254d3de09756ed25b28ad2f80c1690d1df4d587ce1b6fdfe6f60b4ee/CloudsAO_Revo-Precraft_P8250527.jpg" data-mid="25352112" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/fe1d514f254d3de09756ed25b28ad2f80c1690d1df4d587ce1b6fdfe6f60b4ee/CloudsAO_Revo-Precraft_P8250527.jpg" /> When designing a house, we start by researching the specific conditions of a site: sun exposure, climate, topography and potential views. Spending time at a site allows us to uncover qualities that may otherwise not be apparent. In this case we had to adjust our design methodology to allow for a universal site anywhere on the globe. <img width="3000" height="1500" width_o="3000" height_o="1500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f0a898419e1d06a8d16a84c76965e758618751039fb59f900d773d42d1a89500/CloudsAO_Revo-Prefab_INT-01C.jpg" data-mid="25352107" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f0a898419e1d06a8d16a84c76965e758618751039fb59f900d773d42d1a89500/CloudsAO_Revo-Prefab_INT-01C.jpg" /><img width="3000" height="1500" width_o="3000" height_o="1500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/23f022f38e62e332daa20bd99566ac4684ba9c4b88247c46d65df61fd7bc5dad/CloudsAO_Revo-Prefab_INT-02F.jpg" data-mid="25352108" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/23f022f38e62e332daa20bd99566ac4684ba9c4b88247c46d65df61fd7bc5dad/CloudsAO_Revo-Prefab_INT-02F.jpg" /> How can we design to conform to any place? Is there a form that allows for the most flexibility? We tried various shapes and configurations and settled on the globe: a circle in plan, it can be rotated any amount to position openings towards the best orientation for a given site, while maintaining the same basic circular footprint on the lot. <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5177299e507681207fb1499acaac3f1f844bdc3fd5fd81000992fe4ccbf8e893/CloudsAO_Revo-Precraft_GREY-dwgs.jpg" data-mid="25352113" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5177299e507681207fb1499acaac3f1f844bdc3fd5fd81000992fe4ccbf8e893/CloudsAO_Revo-Precraft_GREY-dwgs.jpg" /> The orb is structurally strong: forces are resolved equally along its surface without load concentrations. Geometrically the orb allows for a maximum interior volume within a minimum surface area. The interior will also feel larger because of the seamless curved surface. The curved exterior shell is adaptable to most any climate, shedding rain and snow efficiently. <img width="3000" height="1469" width_o="3000" height_o="1469" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/61e5cbc3e92f85d0c597002c3c12415f7cf62930de5b0fd65b14a387a4d56c3f/CloudsAO_Revo-Prefab_P8250520.jpg" data-mid="25352109" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/61e5cbc3e92f85d0c597002c3c12415f7cf62930de5b0fd65b14a387a4d56c3f/CloudsAO_Revo-Prefab_P8250520.jpg" /><img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3870ed7e53062c2da8e4339eb04d009e54630ec3e9e68046984bd5a377b94600/CloudsAO_Revo-Precraft_Snow-Meadow-4.jpg" data-mid="25352110" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3870ed7e53062c2da8e4339eb04d009e54630ec3e9e68046984bd5a377b94600/CloudsAO_Revo-Precraft_Snow-Meadow-4.jpg" /> Location: Worldwide Date: ongoing Project Team: Design Architect: Clouds Architecture Office Project Designers: Masayuki Sono, Ostap Rudakevych https://cloudsao.com/AVATAR-X-LAB Mon, 01 Oct 2018 02:04:27 +0000 Clouds Architecture Office https://cloudsao.com/AVATAR-X-LAB AVATAR X LAB <img width="3000" height="3000" width_o="3000" height_o="3000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c9b71f01cb4ff59cac197a9f7eef5a556ccf977c72215a28f1327a1a756aae98/CloudsAO_AVATAR-X_fr-abv_WEST-nite-2E_s.jpg" data-mid="37502719" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c9b71f01cb4ff59cac197a9f7eef5a556ccf977c72215a28f1327a1a756aae98/CloudsAO_AVATAR-X_fr-abv_WEST-nite-2E_s.jpg" /> The space age has allowed us to leave Earth for the first time to explore other worlds, opening the door to a new era of discovery. In conceptualizing the design for the AVATAR X Lab @ Oita campus, we wanted to convey the innovative spirit and energy of the space age. <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/51437803c015cba849916a8c53001cd692102e317fac2f07b88276da77718a78/CloudsAO_AVATAR-X_SITE-PLAN_aligned.jpg" data-mid="25352098" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/51437803c015cba849916a8c53001cd692102e317fac2f07b88276da77718a78/CloudsAO_AVATAR-X_SITE-PLAN_aligned.jpg" /> The project is a partnership between ANA Holdings Inc. and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA); a part of AVATAR X, a collaborative program for the advancement of space exploration and development. ANA and JAXA are both experts at launching vehicles into the atmosphere, the feeling of suspension or 'being in the air' is natural for both entities. The AVATAR X Lab Building is designed as a suspended building floating above a moon-like crater. The multi-story structure floats eighteen meters above the crater bottom, and is accessible by a bridge. <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/346a80c556b65ebec1378aa1bd4a4ab0f0f56215bcec945f2e0ab79247a3cc95/CloudsAO_AVATAR-X_w-w_BACK.jpg" data-mid="25352104" border="0" data-scale="100" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/346a80c556b65ebec1378aa1bd4a4ab0f0f56215bcec945f2e0ab79247a3cc95/CloudsAO_AVATAR-X_w-w_BACK.jpg" /> <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4dc731f1f9a6bfe73b8c49d1f65d70f414241828af898a41f0ff86a5e57fd434/CloudsAO_AVATAR-X_w-w_TOP.jpg" data-mid="25352097" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4dc731f1f9a6bfe73b8c49d1f65d70f414241828af898a41f0ff86a5e57fd434/CloudsAO_AVATAR-X_w-w_TOP.jpg" /> <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a4e8c4955891eefb27678d069b68bab18f63e3780dbd7259bec4f85c8e7561ca/CloudsAO_AVATAR-X_w-w_SECTION.jpg" data-mid="25352103" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a4e8c4955891eefb27678d069b68bab18f63e3780dbd7259bec4f85c8e7561ca/CloudsAO_AVATAR-X_w-w_SECTION.jpg" /> When astronauts board a spacecraft they cross a bridge; when we board a plane we walk across a jet bridge between the terminal and airplane. This is our last contact with familiar ground before taking off for someplace new. The suspended building embodies this crossing of thresholds: after passing over the bridge you ar transported to a new place, the AVATAR X Lab Building, where technological innovation will change how we see the world. <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/82495db186b6f036161f827ace1dc05e59cbaedd2fac05622bc568ae9015be58/CloudsAO_AVATAR-X_Bridge-Axial.jpg" data-mid="25352101" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/82495db186b6f036161f827ace1dc05e59cbaedd2fac05622bc568ae9015be58/CloudsAO_AVATAR-X_Bridge-Axial.jpg" /> The research campus will be located in Oita prefecture, Kyushu, Japan. The site was chosen due to its resemblance to a lunar landscape. The campus will be used as a test field for a consortium of global tech companies who have signed up to participate in developing Avatar. The campus will consist of several buildings, as well as a moon simulation terrain, which will be used to experiment with tele-operated remote semi-autonomous construction of lunar surface habitats using Avatar robots. <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/bb9721acc0a865d93271dc13a8b28df0a31a53584d2ee6ecebeaaeba45313c60/CloudsAO_AVATAR-X_OPT1_APPRCH-3d.jpg" data-mid="25352099" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/bb9721acc0a865d93271dc13a8b28df0a31a53584d2ee6ecebeaaeba45313c60/CloudsAO_AVATAR-X_OPT1_APPRCH-3d.jpg" /> <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d874a5e7df8b4dbe541ead764f00b4d525d16c92b4af40c8a2014c9794077ea6/CloudsAO_AVATAR-X_ring_approach-2b.jpg" data-mid="25352100" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d874a5e7df8b4dbe541ead764f00b4d525d16c92b4af40c8a2014c9794077ea6/CloudsAO_AVATAR-X_ring_approach-2b.jpg" /> The AVATAR X Lab Building will be situated at the heart of the Oita campus, floating above a crater. The site plan is a radial organization centered around the crater, with other programmatic elements based on five directives necessary for human advancement in space as defined by JAXA, orbiting around them. <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/448fc9c574689dfe762149bfb838e39ecd847ba4d7fdd08d5363c46a69a26795/CloudsAO_AVATAR-X_GION-model_0097B.jpg" data-mid="25352102" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/448fc9c574689dfe762149bfb838e39ecd847ba4d7fdd08d5363c46a69a26795/CloudsAO_AVATAR-X_GION-model_0097B.jpg" /> The design for the AVATAR X Lab Building is intentionally iconic, conveying the pioneering spirit of flight, by utilizing construction techniques gathered from space architecture and aviation. The AVATAR X Lab Building will be a unique symbol representing the leading edge of technological development. <img width="3000" height="3000" width_o="3000" height_o="3000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/97950365d0e618dd04a6a310df203e1989d4f1669c3506c39ed0fe2f061680f9/CloudsAO_AVATAR-X_look-up_3B.jpg" data-mid="37505032" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/97950365d0e618dd04a6a310df203e1989d4f1669c3506c39ed0fe2f061680f9/CloudsAO_AVATAR-X_look-up_3B.jpg" /> AVATAR X is part of ANA's AVATAR Vision a breakthrough endeavor to advance and pioneer real-world Avatar technologies, and JAXA's new research and development program J-SPARC (JAXA Space Innovation through Partnership and Co-creation). Together with a growing list of public and private partners, AVATAR X hopes to catalyze new space-based businesses that will provide key services and an unprecedented level of access to space. Location: Oita, Kyushu, Japan Date: ongoing Project Team: Design Architect: Clouds Architecture Office Project Team: Masayuki Sono, Ostap Rudakevych, Yuko Sono, Kevin Huang Structural Design: Jun Sato / University of Tokyo + Jun Sato Structural Engineers Co Ltd Model Photography: GION