Connectic, a pop-up hotel concept by Cooper Carry, recently won the 2019 Radical Innovation Award after being selected from a group of three finalists.
The concept employs modular construction techniques to fill underutilized spaces with collapsible, modular units that are flexible and adaptable to respond to a variety of environments. The units can be used to build a pop-up hotel in interstitial spaces between buildings, parking lots, and forgotten pocket parks or help solve space and density problems in urban cores.
The modules are brought to a given site in their collapsed form via trucks and then assembled by drones. Each module features lighting and HVAC track that is supported by the frame and plugs into central power; is a self containing plenum that holds the interior wall, furniture, HVAC, and plumbing; uses ETFE window panels with electrochromic glazing technology for privacy and a built-in customizable LED array; and is made from structurally self-supporting flat carbon fiber panels. No external structures or utilities are needed, but the modules can be connected to existing buildings.
See Also: BIG designs new vertical neighborhood for South America’s greenest capital
Connectic was awarded a $10,000 grand prize after winning a live vote by audience members at the 13th Annual Radical Innovation Award ceremony held on Oct. 16.
Related Stories
| Jan 21, 2014
2013: The year of the super-tall skyscraper
Last year was the second-busiest ever in terms of 200-meter-plus building completions, with 73 towers, according to a report by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.
| Jan 13, 2014
Custom exterior fabricator A. Zahner unveils free façade design software for architects
The web-based tool uses the company's factory floor like "a massive rapid prototype machine,” allowing designers to manipulate designs on the fly based on cost and other factors, according to CEO/President Bill Zahner.
| Jan 11, 2014
Getting to net-zero energy with brick masonry construction [AIA course]
When targeting net-zero energy performance, AEC professionals are advised to tackle energy demand first. This AIA course covers brick masonry's role in reducing energy consumption in buildings.
Smart Buildings | Jan 7, 2014
9 mega redevelopments poised to transform the urban landscape
Slowed by the recession—and often by protracted negotiations—some big redevelopment plans are now moving ahead. Here’s a sampling of nine major mixed-use projects throughout the country.
| Dec 31, 2013
BD+C's top 10 stories of 2013
The world's tallest twisting tower and the rise of augmented reality technology in construction were among the 10 most popular articles posted on Building Design+Construction's website, BDCnetwork.com.
| Dec 27, 2013
Grand Cancun to be first net-zero energy luxury eco-tourism resort
Using a marine platform concept instead of an artificial island, the development will create more space with less impact in the fragile marine ecosystem.
| Dec 20, 2013
Can energy hogs still be considered efficient buildings? Yes, say engineers at Buro Happold
A new tool from the engineering firm Buro Happold takes into account both energy and economic performance of buildings for a true measure of efficiency.
| Dec 13, 2013
Safe and sound: 10 solutions for fire and life safety
From a dual fire-CO detector to an aspiration-sensing fire alarm, BD+C editors present a roundup of new fire and life safety products and technologies.
| Dec 11, 2013
Wyndham unveils hotel prototype for its Hawthorn Suites chain
The extended-stay hotel prototype reduces development costs by 46% for franchisees and enhances the overall guest experience.
| Dec 10, 2013
16 great solutions for architects, engineers, and contractors
From a crowd-funded smart shovel to a why-didn’t-someone-do-this-sooner scheme for managing traffic in public restrooms, these ideas are noteworthy for creative problem-solving. Here are some of the most intriguing innovations the BD+C community has brought to our attention this year.