The Wings of Calatrava

The efforts of the authorities in Dallas and a substantial donation have made possible the flight of Calatrava in Texas.

Hi, I warned him several times to Calatrava: "You do not do this to me, I have many commitments in Dallas and I cannot devote much time to contemplate the surrounding landscape". Obviously, he has ignored me (again) and has designed two bridges (in fact three) that not only have been around the World: have forever changed the image of the most powerful city of Texas.

If someone thought at some point that the assassination of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was going to turn the tide of the city, remained in ostracism, nothing to do with the reality: this city has given an example of fortitude and strength to the rest of the State and, therefore, to the rest of the Nation. Okay, I admit, I speak with passion because for me it is the best city in the United States, and clear, I can't, I want not, (I must not) hide my passion for the Texas City where so many good business has closed my family since time immemorial, I, Rodolfo, owe much to this city, personal and economically.

Margaret Hunt Hill of Trinity river

The two bridges designed by Mr. Calatrava cross the same river, Trinity River, the first, already completed in the year 2012 and that it crosses the Interstate 35, was a revolution aesthetic to the city, the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. The opening was delayed a few days by my fault, the Dallas authorities had warned me that without my presence was not going to inaugurate the bridge, in the end, it was a pleasure to be the guest star for this fantastic construction. The bridge cost 120 million of dollars (110 million of euros), consists of a tour of 365 meters, where by their six-lane, cross per day more than 14,000 vehicles (some say that 40,000). The shape of the bridge does not simulate an arc, in my opinion, represents a gateway to the city, the cultural and active part of this (my favorite).

I counted 58 steel strands (a pleasure) that cross over the bridge in both directions, and that pass through the white structure in its upper part, a milestone. The total height is almost 122 meters and its structure is made up of sections of steel white that are introduced into the bed of the River on both sides of the rails. The advantage of this type of structure is that the forces of steel burden are transmitted to the foundations (in the middle of the river) in the form of vectors (representation of the address of the forces) perpendicular to the horizontal plane, this greatly reduced the area of distribution which have to withstand loads. The cables are installed directly on the axis of the bridge, supporting the beams that act in the form of overhang on both sides, in this respect is important to consider the calculation with two possibilities: that a section is fully charged and the other not and that both are charged. I know that it is pretty obvious, but it is worth recalling it.

A very funny question (in my view) are the critical voices that have arisen because this bridge is very similar to the other two located in Reggio Emilia (Italy). It's funny because were also designed by the same engineer and architect, Calatrava; for example, it is as if we criticize to Richard Gere by to do two films of the same genre, is simply ridiculous.

Margaret McDermott of Trinity River

The other two bridges called Margaret McDermott, correspond to the Interstate 30 and are in honour (as the first, already described) to the deceased Margaret Hunt Hill, which was a famous philanthropist of the pass century (1915-2007) in the State of Texas. Yesterday I was "monitoring" as they lifted the white arches of steel that will have a maximum height of 83.5 meters and will include a tour of 343 meters (fantastic). The typology of these bridges is more classic: are arches of which emerge the steel cables that support the beams of the bridge, these wires are distributed evenly to bear the burden by identical sections. This makes the forces to which the steel elements are subject believe tangent vectors to the arch at its junction with the bases of concrete, in other words, appear greater tensions in the foundations.

The American Bridge company is the contractor responsible for the supply and placement of all the elements of the steel bridges, including, of course, the arches and 98 support cables, in total, the outrageous amount of 3.292 tons of this metal (I know Islands who weigh less). In their installations are made pieces so that its realization, transfer and commissioning work is more simple and practical as possible. We must bear in mind that these pieces should be placed in its final position, supported and then soldered with precision, as always, these welds will be made by professional and proven by a equipment thoroughly (the occasion requires it).

Disagreements

As in all the great works of administrative origin, the controversies and the changes of opinion have been present. First was replaced the original project of the Margaret McDermott Bridge, composed of four beautiful white arches of steel, by a new with the two current arcs for the amount of 104 million dollars (95 euros), which was later increased to the 115 (105 euros). However, the Government Group with 10 votes in favour and 2 against approve the new budget, after a magnificent anonymous donation of 5 million dollars, budget cuts and extra contributions of several administrative entities, all for Dallas.

Another clear disagreement, was echoed in the room of the City Hall of Dallas, was given for one of their councillors (Scott Griggs), considering that the maintenance of the bridges (Hunt Hill and the McDermott) would have an annual cost of 600,000 dollars (550,000 euros), a 1 per cent of the budget of the city for all their vials. Luckily for us, they did not take into account this fact.

The wings of Calatrava are ending of deploy, in them, apart from circulation of vehicle engine (which will have rest areas to watch the sailing ships navigating by the river) will also enjoy the walkers, cyclists, persons with reduced mobility, and to parents with prams, all well delimited by a few curbs designed exclusively for this event well as lights for view the magnificence of the set. I repeat: Calatrava has done it again. Bye bye.

The Wrap of Polystyrene

With shaped of perfume bottle this unique building is ready to move like no other

Hi, that the small jars contain large poisons is not always true, sometimes the large jars contain worst poisons, is a question of quality and not of size. That's one of the reasons why I am looking for an island to build my future construction: there are large and small, deserted and overcrowded, of low altitude or of abrupt geography. They also have the advantage of remoteness that you will not find in a continent.

My eyes have settled in the Mykonos Island (and then my feet) in Greece, that has as main characteristic the overpopulation of churches and chapels because, in the past, its population was composed of pirates (normal) devotees and whenever they obtained "fortune" they built one. The name of the island is rooted in an ancient giant (Mykonos, son of the Anio King of Delos and grandson of the God Apollo) who perished in the war of the Giants (Gigantomachy) against the gods. It has the mythology that was thrown into the sea, next to the other Giants, in the form of stone (that stuff). On this occasion, I also posed my eyes (and then my hands) on a curious construction, unique architecture, and most unique Architect: Chanel Contemporary Art Container.

The Wrap of Expanded Polystyrene

When it comes to use the imagination it is clear that not all the people are equal, me, Rodolfo, I see what others can't because I have imagination and talent, so I wasn't surprised when the friends of Chanel told me: "Let's create a Mobile Museum!", but, I thank enormously the attempt to "surprise". Such is my preparation that, before they tell me in whom had thought for the design of the building, I tell the name: Zaha Hadid,the first woman to receive the Pritzker Prize, but that is not all, the architect of Iraqi origin is an avant-garde of front line, revolutionizing forms and concepts using cutting-edge technology and setting new limits for the sinuous shapes of our buildings. She is a person who has already changed the world of architecture.

The "wrap of polystyrene" (thus I call it I) was created with a particular reason: the journey of the works of artists of various generations and geographies (Yoko Ono, Wim Delvoye, Sylvie Fleury, Stephen Shore, and many more) by several of the most important cities of the world (Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York, Moscow, London and Paris). The idea is to create a movie in three dimensions within the Museum, so the visitor enters in the building with a MP3 player that guide mental and physically with music created by Soundwalk Collective (in direct collaboration with each artist). In 2011, having finished their long journey, the itinerant building was donated by Chanel for the Institute of the world Arab Jean Nouvel where you can visit in the heart of Paris, all a sign of generosity.

But we going to the practical: the construction has 700 square meters distributed in a sinuous form of 29 x 45 meters and is made with an envelope of 400 panels of FRP (fiber-reinforced polymer materials), PVC and ETFE on the ceiling, and a structure made of profiles of aluminium and arches of steel of different shapes and sizes. The building has only a gateway, and its distribution is such that you travel in one direction, you cannot miss, even if you want, on the way you'll enjoy works of art. As a central axis, the museum has a courtyard of 65 meters covered with glass where you can rest, disconnect the MP3 and ask other visitors about their experience, this also serves as the entrance of natural light, clear. On the outside exist a terrace of 128 square meters that, when required, can be attached for forming a spectacular recreation area.

The expanded polystyrene

The Stage One Company was responsible for the construction of 400 FRP panels with curves of enormous technical complexity, such was the complexity which had to develop a different manufacturing system by taking advantage of their knowledge and technology, this required of computer design methods to optimize its construction. The manufacturing time (and the cost) was reduced in the 50% compared to traditional manufacturing methods (I love the traditional term). It must be borne in mind that the panels have shapes and sizes in all three dimensions, this, along with the use in its elaboration of different materials combined with flame retardant resins and the need to support extreme loads of wind, did that they devoted a broad workshop of 1,500 square meters exclusively to the project.

The FRP walls are stuffed inside with a well-known building material: the expanded polystyrene. This material is mainly used as thermal insulation in walls and floors or roofs. It has a low density (between 10 and 50 kg/m³) which makes it a material light weight and easy to handle. Its composition is based on bubbles of air occluded in a cellular structure of polystyrene (almost 98% of air volume), is not a hygroscopic material (property absorb and expel water from a material) reaching only between 1 and 3% of water absorption, has an excellent performance in impacts of varied nature, this makes it ideal for the packaging of various products. The expanded polystyrene can reduce 35% consumption energy of a building, if used correctly and with the right design.

As disadvantages we have that it is easily disaggregated, is flammable and can be attacked by various chemical agents, also as finishing have frankly deterrent aesthetics. It is evident, therefore, that this material must be always protected by others more enduring as the FRP, the aluminum or mortars of different fracture. 

Before I go, I supported the palms of the hands on the wavy surface of the Museum, as a farewell, what I felt is something that cannot be described: better to live it. Bye bye.

The Arches of Laminated Wood

Back of a cover with arches of laminated wood, it hides one of the best and most modern wineries of today.

Hi, I don´t like the velocity, but I'm a fan convinced of the rapidity, if you do not understand, don't worry, you will understand during the course of time between the beginning and the end of this text, for some reason I write articles with shortage of lines, so that you do not fall asleep on the road! (although in the background I know that you would never do it, to my, your friend Rodolfo).

The beauty of the mobile phones of today would not be possible without the famous inventor, Alexander Graham Bell, he patent the phone in 1876, this is an example of quickness and speed, because he arrived a few hours earlier than her compatriot Elisha Gray. The rapidity of Graham could with the speed of Gray, both were in a hurry but only one achieved the prize of going down in history as the person than patented the telephone. In the construction spends something like, run not always is synonymous with reach, and choose the adequate materials will give us quickly and effectively, as in the construction that I am presenting today, with a material that provides a physical and aesthetic qualities unparalleled: the laminated wood.

See from Peñafiel Castle: The Protos winery

Countless members of my family have visited during generations (since it was built in the 10th century) the famous Penafiel Castle. I know stories that you will not believe, but now is not the time nor the place to address these issues, if I mention the castle is because from there you will have the best possible view of the architectural wonder, I've based this article (also) historical in this construction. It would be unforgivable (although justifiable) that you visit "our Penafiel" and you do not enjoy of the Wine Museum. From its characteristic shape of ship, looking from the ramparts you can see, towards the North, a striking triangular structure composed of five half cylinders elongated and recumbents.

The simplicity of the proposal of the architects Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (remember you?) fits perfectly with the style of the area... but... What say I? It doesn't fit with the area! Indeed... I don't think that it fits with none part of the municipality of Penafiel, neither the Castle, on the contrary: they are out of all context, so that they are unique, and are inevitably, intertwined by something that does not understand of years or entities. It is like when the grandfather spends hours with the grandson and they discover that are equal.

This building has been put in the hands of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (which have had the invaluable help of Alonso Balaguer y Arquitectos Asociados) by the responsible for Protos, already know, the good wine (denomination of origin Rivera del Duero). The premises were clear: 10,000 square meters to build 19,450 square meters of winery in which to produce 1,000 tons of grape, store 3.500.000 bottles of wine and some 5,000 barrels. Of course the building complies with these functions and much more, and all for the modest sum of 25 million euros.

Arches of Wood

The most of the construction is hidden in the subsoil, the ideal site for treatment and the rest of the wine, the building is also connected in the subsoil with the old cellars of Protos (more than two kilometres of galleries), this burial is not casual: the temperature is low (about 15 ° Celsius), which favors the ripening and conservation of the wine. Above this are the areas of processing, fermentation and the storage tanks, the plant of bottling, the area of packaging, technical areas and, of course, access areas for vehicles. The areas of marketing, reception of guests, and, the most novel, a small Auditorium and a garden terraced with views to the castle which will delight users of offices located on the ground level.

The structure is formed by arches of laminated wood, which are supported in steel parts with form a "Reverse V" and that underpinned by concrete pillars, help convey the efforts to the foundation of the building. These arches are separated each other 9 meters and the distance between its points of support is 18 meters (how easy is the geometry!). These beautiful semicircumferences holding the boards (also laminated) of the cover by elements of steel (in the form of "V") that communicate the loads to the arches. The arches always work by compression and together with the triangles, are the ways more effective to transmit the efforts, hence its wide use in architecture and engineering.  Finally emphasize the air chamber which, along with the pieces of terracotta on the outside of the cover, provide one protection against solar radiation which does not have price.

Laminated Wood

The beauty and the usefulness of the wood is not in doubt, an organic material that grows and is able to withstand the most adverse conditions, even centuries after that it was split of the life, is a marvel of the physical and the chemical. But until the wood has limits and that's where the human ingenuity comes: the dissection of the wood in small thicknesses in form of sheets and their union by different types of adhesives establishes the laminated wood. The forms that can be taken through this material only are defined by the imagination of the designer, reaching up to thirty meters of light. If we glued the laminates with the same directions of the fibres will result in a correct transmission of efforts, this being the best way of working of the structural elements.

The disappeared Holtza S.A. was the company that made the arches that today bring us here. For our peace of mind we should require (or suggest strongly) that the laminated wood elements have a seal of quality that endorse them as the quality seal AITIM of Spain, the certificate of the Institute Otto Grafof Germany, the certificate Acerbois Glulam of France or the famous AITC certificate of the United States of America. 

The prefabricated elements give us greater rapidity in the assembly of structures but do not provide us with velocity of execution: so is my favorite the first before that the second. Bye bye.