Linked Hybrid in Beijing, China by Steven Holl (photo via flickr/nicolette mastrangelo)

We talk about architecture from time to time here on Broken Sidewalk, but mostly as it regards what’s going on in Louisville directly.  It’s also important to keep an eye on some of the fresh ideas going on around the world concerning architecture and how it might transform cities.  We shouldn’t take examples from abroad as excuses to copy or replicate a project locally, but perhaps we can use them to serve as inspiration for our own city.

Here’s a rundown of some of the modern architecture that has caught my eye in the last week that you may also find interesting.  (I can’t post the actual photos here, unfortunately, because of copyright issues.)  What do you think, are these projects the future, a passing fad, or extremely ugly?  Hopefully this will be a semi-regular feature.

• Steven Holl Architects‘ “Linked Hybrid” towers in Beijing, China (pictured above) were recently named the Best Tall Building of 2009 by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.  The project consists of eight towers linked by sky bridges and includes green technologies such as geothermal heating and cooling and a greywater system. (Bustler)
• Pasel Kunzen of Rotterdam has designed an urban residence in Nieuw Leyden, Netherlands which incorporates a raised garden about which an open floor plan revolves to blur the relationship between inside and outside. (Architechnophilia)
• Danish architects schmidt hammer lassen has won a mixed-use project in Vilnius, Lithuania and includes offices, residences, a hotel, and more.  The buildings are composed on a block surrounding an open space and are arranges to create a complimentary skyline. (Bustler)
• Danish architects B.I.G. have spoken at the IdeaFestival and provided some inspirational examples of architecture from their practice.  Here’s an example of a women’s sports training, education, and research facility planned for Malmo, Sweden. (Dezeen)
• London-based Wilkinson Eyre Architects have won a design competition for a pool complex in Worthing, UK.  The waterfront facility includes several twisting and overlapping volumes to delineate spaces and guide views. (Travel with Frank Gehry)
• German firm Karo has designed a new outdoor library for Leipzig, Germany with sheltered seating areas and book niches.  Situated on an acutely shaped “flatiron” parcel, the building is made from materials recycled from a warehouse. (Dezeen)
• Spanish SOMOS Aquitectos have designed an 8-story social housing complex in Madrid clad in polycarbonate and aluminum panels in various shades of green.  Windows, also green, create an interesting texture on the monolithic structure when open and several sustainable practices have been implemented. (Dezeen)

[ Photo at top used under a Creative Commons license via flickr / nicolette mastangelo. ]