The Lighting is Everything  

29 April 2010






The light fixtures in this space really make it.... without them, it would just be a big (and overly tall) room. Instead, the fixtures bring the space into a more intimate and human scale.
I'm loving them...
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By Inaba via Space Invading
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North Hale  

27 April 2010






I love seeing what my friends from school are up to now that we're so far away from graduation...
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One of my former studio mates recently sent me a link to his firm and their recently completed project converting a 3 flat into an open office structure. In order to obtain the open plan, the architects (RS2) had to develop a steel structure which could span the entire width of the building, while supporting the roof loads. Our Miesian education is evident (but not too literal) in the design.
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Nice work Chuck!
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40 ways to celebrate 40 years of Earth Day  

22 April 2010

1. Stop drinking from individual water bottles and use a reusable one instead.
2. Plant a tree that will provide shade and beauty for years to come.
3. Insulate all ductwork to minimize energy loss in your home.
4. Walk or bike to work for one week instead of driving.
5. Attempt to go one week without bringing any new plastic into your home.
6. Investigate alternative energy sources for your home - The government is still offering tax credits!
7. Go vegetarian at least once per week.
8. Visit your local farmer's market for locally grown groceries.
9. Use catch basins connected to downspouts to collect water for gardening.
10. Turn off your computer every night. This saves $$ and energy.
11. Build a microbial fuel cell and use it to generate electricity from compost.
12. Build your own solar panel from recycled aluminum cans.
13. Turn off the tv for a night and read a book.
14. Get rid of your windex and use water and vinegar instead.
15. Get an energy audit done on your home.
16. Cancel any catalogs you receive in the mail, especially any duplicates!
17. Buy a solar charger for your cell phone or ipod.
18. Stop using chemicals on your grass and get used to a varied lawn
19. Go out to dinner at a local restaurant rather than a chain where food is shipped in from across the country.
20. Use recycled toilet paper, otherwise old growth forests are being cut down for our toilet paper.


21. Switch from paper napkins to cloth.
22. Take a walk and meet your neighbors, instead of sitting inside using electricity.
23. Turn off your ac or heat and bundle up or strip down instead!
24. Update your roof to support a green roofing system (or living wall instead).
25. Add shading devices to windows now, to help keep heat down in the coming summer.
26. Invest in wind turbines.
27. Donate a hippo roller - http://projecthdesign.org/ - to a community in need of accessible water.
28. Install a shower filter to eliminate chlorine, stop drying your skin, and improve the surrounding air quality!
29. Install a programmable thermostat.
30. Install a solar powered attic fan to reduce cooling loads.
31. Use a slow cooker for dinner - even though it is on all day, it actually saves energy!
32. Use salvaged materials whenever possible during both remodels and new construction.
33. Take a native garden design class.
34. Volunteer (or donate) with Habitat for Humanity, Builders without Borders, or Architecture for Humanity.
35. Attend a local Earth Day event - for Seattle check out http://blog.seattlepi.com/thebigblog/archives/202870.asp?from=blog_last3
36. Donate used clothing to a charity in need, rather than throwing them away (or letting them take up space in your closet).
37. Vow not to kill bees for the summer - we need them for pollination!
38. Log on to your local freecycle to share and recycle in your neighborhood.
39. Switch your printer to print double sided instead of single.
40. Build a new birdhouse to encourage nature to visit you!

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21 April 2010






Although I would prefer to see pictures of this house filled with furniture, books, etc.... I quite like this project. A simple exterior form with minimal detailing and fenestration, and yet the interior is filled with light. I also like the bridge through the main space... it helps break up the otherwise very tall room.
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St House by Taro Kono and Hiroshi Muranishi via Arch Now
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Pivot Door  

19 April 2010


I love some of Kevin Low's smaller design solutions... This pivot door is gorgeous.
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Interesting Survey  

14 April 2010

The AIA recently completed a survey which includes information on who exactly is making up the profession... It is interesting to see how the percentages of minorities (while still woefully low) have been increasing, but the percentage of women has stagnated a bit...
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There is a lot of other info if you are interested...
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What is this selling?  

This photo is supposed to be selling the beanbag chairs... but all I can think about is getting out on that gorgeous and surreal looking dock.
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Ready for a Safari  

10 April 2010








I really want to go to Africa.... and yes, I realize the continent is too big to visit in one trip (or a lifetime). I've got some specific ideas, but I won't go into too much detail here. C & I had once upon a time planned on going when I turned 30, but that snuck up way too fast... so then we decided we'd go for our 10 year anniversary, but now the economy and time are in cahoots to make this a 40th birthday bash! Still, even with years to go to save up, I have a feeling that we won't be staying anywhere near as nice as these hotels... but a girl can dream, right?
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All photos via minimalist baths
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Volume and Light  

06 April 2010






This is a great little summer house (or even full time house) by Tham & Videgard Arkitekter. It uses a simple form and palette of materials, but uses volume and directed views to create a special experience. The finished photos really show off the texture and light in the space, but I really love the study model photos. It is always great to see how architects actually think and work.
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Chapelle de St-Loup  

02 April 2010










Sometimes I it drives me nuts when buildings are sculptural for no reason other than to look good... but, in the case of chapels, I don't mind it... Chapels are meant to be icons for both their congregation and neighborhoods, so a distinctive design can often aid in defining the building as an icon (but, not a false idol!). This small chapel by Local Architecture manages to be both sculptural and simplistic, offering a meditative place for worship. The use of a solitary interior material helps to tone down what could otherwise be an overly ambitious form.
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Personally, I think this is a fantastic project...
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