Posts
Anthropologie Display
27 February 2009
Per MSN
I think the AIA might be behind this public relations push... but its still nice to see a case made for Architects on a mainstream website. Client education often seems to be half the battle...
3X Fresh Architectures
25 February 2009
I really love this signage by Fresh Architectures... I'm not sure if they designed the pendant lamps, but I love those too.
A fun restaurant interior by Fresh Architectures...
Lastly, a residential complex by Fresh Architectures. I really appreciate the attention paid to the human scale and public spaces in this design. They seem to have succeeded in creating a community rather than simply a collection of homes.Worth $28 Million?
24 February 2009
I can totally understand paying for high design... but $28 million for a chair?! and this chair?! It just doesn't quite seem worth it.... In this current economic climate, you could probably buy an entire country for that amount!
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Ruta Peregrino
23 February 2009
Located near Guadalajara Mexico, Ruta Peregrino is a pilgrimage trail traversed by over 2 million visitors during Holy Week alone. HHF Architects designed this concrete structure as a rest and service area for pilgrims - one of the many architect designed structures on this path. The simple spiral design has a definite spiritual sense to it - walking upwards towards the heavens. Its nice to see a simple design provide more than just shelter, but also provide inspiration for visitors.
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Kitchen Update
17 February 2009
Here are a few updated photos of our house remodel... The kitchen is ALMOST done, and we can finally eat sitting down, since I finished building a table last week. The table is really small, its actually meant just for two people, but 4 can squeeze.
In case you want a reminder of the old kitchen... check here
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Peabody Essex Museum
The Peabody Essex Museum is a fantastic museum located not far from my parents in Salem, MA. We all ( me, C, and the rents) spent some time there while we were visiting. The collection itself is really interesting and diverse - a wide range of nautical art, as well as egyptian, indian, and native american (among others). But, the jewel of the collection is the Yin Yu Tang house (a chinese merchant's house that was re-erected at the heart of the museum. Visitors are able to walk through the home, and learn a bit about life as part of the Huang family, who lived there for 200 years. The two story house is a courtyard plan, with no external fenestration... the only openings are in towards the courtyard. It really encourages socializing between the different family members and renters. Its absolutely worth a visit to see the home, checking out the plan, koi pond, and clever (and ancient) detailing.
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In addition to the collection, the museum itself is worth checking out. Designed by Moshe Safdie, the light filled center of the museum acts as a gathering space and a connector between the different wings. There are also a series of new bright (but indirectly lit) gallery spaces, that make the museum a really relaxing place to spend some time.
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So Cute and Perfect
This cute little house is located just down the street from my parents' house. Its located right on the beach, with dunes on both sides of the house. I've been watching this house for years, and in my entire lifetime I don't think I've ever seen anyone in it. I've thought a bit about trying to contact the owners and see if they'd be willing to make a deal with me, but I know I can't afford it. My dad now tells me that there has been some activity at the house, and it looks like someone is going to be living there, at least in the summer. I just hope they don't bulldoze it to make room for some McMansion. I'd just be completely devastated..
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Hallgrímskirkja Church
11 February 2009
The Hallgrímskirkja Church was designed in 1937 by then state architect Guðjón Samúelsson. Located in Reykjavík, Iceland this Lutheran parish commemorates the hometown poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson. The structure is very interesting, with some deco (yet brutal) sensibilities. Years later, its still the 4th tallest structure in all of Iceland.
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Whoa
09 February 2009
A fire at Rem Koolhaas' CCTV Building
see here
edit: according to these photos that I just found... the fire doesn't appear to be at THE cctv building, but rather the adjacent tower (also by OMA)
It Might Need a New Name
07 February 2009
Blight may not be the best name... but the concept is fantastic. These blinds have tiny solar panels on each individual piece which collect power during the day when closed, then that power can be used in the evenings, when we need it most! A very clever idea by Belgian designer Vincent Gerkens.
Via DVice
Piku Residence
03 February 2009
I've got mixed feelings about the exterior structure of this house by Dirk Denison Architects.... but, I find the interiors - particularly the top shot- quite compelling. The play between light and shadow is very dynamic and I'm sure would be one of the best parts of living in the house.
COA Elementary
02 February 2009
The Ulrich Herzog Elementary School by Coast Office Architecture has got to be one of the coolest schools I've ever seen. [Although I must admit that I'm not entirely positive that the last two photos are from the school - I was having issues with COA's website.] Can you imagine how much fun and positive energy must be coursing through that school? I'm sure the kids just love learning in such an energetic environment. However, since most of the images are of the public spaces - toilet rooms and halls - I wonder what the classrooms are like... Surely they must be a bit more mellow, or the kids would be bouncing off the walls instead of paying attention. But still, I can't imagine a boring all white classroom in a school like this.
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Via Yatzer
