SPOTLIGHT: ACME | MINORIES REDEVELOPMENT IN THE CITY OF LONDON

ACME is a contemporary architecture and urban planning firm, established in London of 2007. ACME's objective is to create the "pinnacle of perfection" in each of their physical "expressions." On an urban scale, ACME strives to achieve profitability, cultural mixing, and sustainability. Their urban work shapes residential, public, and commercial spaces. Several of these projects have received international recognition from architectural committees and presenters—projects have won RIBA and ArchDaily awards. 

ACME, on behalf of 4C Hotel Group, has submitted planning application for the Minories Redevelopment in the City of London. The development includes a "20,000 sqm office building, a 16,500 sqm Hampton by Hilton Hotel with 370 rooms, and an 8,000 sqm residential building." Additionally, the schematics include public green patches and urban squares. According to ACME, these design aspects are integral to the "regeneration and expansion of the core fabric of the City of London…helping to re-structure an area with a very inconsistent physical and social fabric."

A beautiful design feature of the redevelopment is the façade. It is a "curtain wall and two layers of fins that help unify and animate the large surfaces of the façade. The fins give a resonant and dynamic appearance to the office massing and also perform as a shading device. The depth of the fins varies depending on the orientation in order to enhance their performance."

ACME remarks that within its site boundary the "Minories development is a microcosm of this evolving environment." Moreover, the site’s prime positioning next to corporate hot spots, "provides the opportunity for the building to play a role in the life and image of the city." With this development, ACME aims to "resolve the specific complexities and contradictions of this key site."

 

ACME is one of the talented design firms featured in our forthcoming BOOK!

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http://www.acme.ac/   |||   http://www.acme.ac/projects/minories?p=text

"ACME." MINORIES. ACME, 2013. Web. 28 Jan. 2014.