Wong Mun Summ and Richard Hassell! These two changed my perspective on what architecture could achieve. Their book showcases projects like the Oasia Hotel Downtown, where a skyscraper becomes a habitat for birds and vines. It's wild how they merge pragmatism with poetry—their designs combat heat island effects while creating spaces that uplift communities. I got hooked after seeing how they integrate rainwater harvesting systems into stunning facades.
Their approach feels particularly urgent now, when concrete jungles dominate. WOHA proves sustainability doesn't mean sacrificing beauty; their structures are lush, vibrant canvases. What's cool is how they draw from Singapore's tropical context but adapt principles globally. I once tried sketching my own 'breathing building' inspired by them—ended up with a mess of vines and walkways, but hey, their work makes you want to reimagine your surroundings.
Ever seen a building that feels like a forest? That's WOHA's signature, courtesy of founders Wong Mun Summ and Richard Hassell. Their book documents how they pioneered bioclimatic design long before it was trendy. I first noticed their work in the Alila Villas Uluwatu—luxury fused with cliffside ecosystems. Unlike starchitects who chase bold forms, these two prioritize how spaces feel: breezy, shaded, alive. Their projects in Asia prove high-rises can be humane, even ecological. After reading their case studies, I catch myself judging cities by their green-to-concrete ratio now.
The minds behind 'WOHA: Breathing Architecture' are Wong Mun Summ and Richard Hassell, two visionary architects who've reshaped how we think about sustainable urban spaces. Their work isn't just about buildings—it's about ecosystems, weaving nature into high-density environments in ways that feel almost magical. I stumbled upon their book after visiting Singapore's Parkroyal on Pickering, a Hotel draped in greenery that made me realize architecture could literally breathe life into cities.
What fascinates me is how their philosophy transcends traditional design. They treat each project like a living organism, incorporating vertical gardens, natural ventilation, and communal spaces that blur indoor and outdoor living. It's not just aesthetics; it's a radical reimagining of urban resilience. After reading their case studies, I started noticing how few architects prioritize this harmony—WOHA makes it feel effortless, like their buildings were always meant to coexist with the environment.
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Welcome to West Ora Academy, where the supernatural reigns supreme and the magic never ends!
Our academy is a haven for all creatures of the night, from dragons to shadow weavers to sirens and more. Each species has its designated building, where you'll learn everything there is to know about your kind and your unique powers. And for those of you who are hybrids, you'll have the unique opportunity to call more than one building home. So come join us at West Ora Academy, where the supernatural world is waiting for you to discover it!
Get ready to unleash your inner power and become the supernatural you were always meant to be!
High school is never easy. Multiply that by ten, and you have what it's like to attend West Ora Academy with its diverse body of various species.
Told from multiple points of view, follow half siblings Jesse, Augustus, and Ares as they navigate high school and the drama of relationships. While Jesse struggles to handle being blackmailed by the guy
she thought she loved. How will she handle it when she realizes he's her mate?
Her brothers have their own issues. August and Ares find themselves in a love triangle as they both fall for their childhood friend Nova.
Will Ares push aside his feeling for his brother's sake, or will he fight for Nova?
Can Nova trust her feelings for Augustus, the playboy?
"Don't! Stay right there!" she yelled.
Killian’s face instantly hardened, He hated those words. He hated the boundaries she kept trying to draw between them.
"You know how much I hate it when you say that.." he gritted, He didn't stop moving, until he invaded her space, "And you know how much I fucking hate it when you step away from me, Elara."
He looked entirely unhinged.
"If I have to destroy your entire world, bleed your family dry, and break your wings just to keep you under my roof... I will do it." He murmured, with a breathless smile..
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"Over and Over Again.." he vowed, his hands suddenly wrapped around her waist, pulling her against his chest.
He leaned down, his lips brushing her
"And I will ruin absolutely anyone who dares to stand in my way." he delivered the final, chilling promise.
~︎~
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'WOHA: Breathing Architecture' is one of those gems that keeps popping up in discussions. While I totally get the appeal of wanting to read it for free, it's tricky because it's a pretty niche architectural publication. I checked sites like Archive.org and Open Library, but no luck there. Sometimes, university libraries have digital copies you can access if you're a student, but that's not a universal solution.
Honestly, I'd recommend keeping an eye out for sales or secondhand copies—I snagged mine for half price during a bookstore clearance. If you're really set on digital, maybe try reaching out to WOHA's studio directly? They might have excerpts or PDF samples floating around. It's a stunning book, though, so if you can swing it, the physical copy is worth every penny with all those lush visuals.