Showing posts with label Seattle Architecture. Show all posts
Color Coded Walkability
28 June 2008
Walk Score has developed color coded maps for some cities... The maps are pretty self explainatory, green is good and red is bad, with the various shades in between. My neighborhood is a lovely shade of light green. I'm pretty hopeful that the area is becoming even more walkable... there are a number of restaurants and businesses opening up in the area..
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99K House
14 May 2008
A good friend of mine left my office about a year ago to work at a fairly new firm... Recently, they entered their first competition - the 99K House - and they were not only finalists, but they won the competition! ORA's design for a compact, adaptable home is sustainable too. For more info, check out the 99K House Competition..
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A New LEED Office
18 April 2008
Its great to see architectural firms actually following their own advice... GGLO has recently finished a new expansion to their Seattle office, and kept it green in the process! Their new expansion has achieved Silver LEED status, and looks like a healthy (in the non-toxic sense!) and fun place to work!.
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Graypants
06 April 2008
These three objects by local architecture and design firm Graypants are really quite nice... and even green, too! The light fixture and scrap chairs (lowest picture) are made from leftover materials like cardboard and newspapers. The forms are pretty simple, but very successful... The corrugated cardboard gives off a very nice quality of light, and the chairs actually look comfortable! We should all keep an eye on this young design duo in the future!.
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Pretty Sweet... and in Seattle!
31 March 2008
A friend of mine works with a guy who designed and built this house (with artist studio below)when he was living in Seattle. Its pretty sweet, especially for a young designer. I especially like how the design incorporates some typical 'pacific northwest' detailing like exposed glulams and blackened steel brackets without overdoing the local typology. The result is still a great modern design... It looks like there was a pretty decent budget (just take a look at the custom ladder leading to the loft area), but the attention to detail is what makes this such a great project. Rather than simply rely on a good form, the designer has made it great by enhancing the 3d volume with simple and clean details. The gabions are a fun addition to the backyard, too....
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Pecha Kucha and Polaroids
16 February 2008
Last week a friend and I attended Seattle's latest Pecha Kucha... We didn't stay the entire time, mainly because it was so hot inside, but also partly because I wasn't completely taken with the material. Still, there was one slideshow that I found particularly interesting, not only for the content... but also because it opened my eyes to the fact that polaroids are disappearing! I'm very sad to say (although most of you probably already know) that Polaroid has stopped making cameras as of 2008 and as of 2010 will stop making film. I personally have very fond memories of childhood polaroids, and it really seemed like polaroid photography was making a comeback, so I'm very sad to see them go! I wonder if there will be a grassroots movement to save polaroids, similar to saving gocco.
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Photos by Gary Payn, Caroline Moore, and Mark Kilson all via Sprayglue
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Seattle's Modern List
17 December 2007
I'm having some computer troubles at the moment, so posting might be sparse this week. In the mean time, check out the Modern List Seattle, brought to you by the same guys who do the Build Blog (Not to be confused with BLDG Blog).
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Its an interesting resource for modern architecture, design, and local resources.
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2007 Seattle AIA Honor Awards - Unbound
08 November 2007
Montecito Residence, Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen - Commendation
Stirling Residence, Pb Elemental - Commendation
Centre for Music, Art and Design, Patkau - Commendation
Bellevue City Hall, SRG - Commendation
Outpost, Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen - Merit Award
Rolling Huts, Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen - Merit Award
Olympic Sculpture Park, Weiss Manfredi - Honor AwardC & I attended the AIA honor awards this past monday (with a few friends)... Having never attended the Seattle honor awards before, I was a bit surprised about the format. The first part of the evening was a bit of a mingling period, with drinks and food, a few models, and a slide show of all the evening's entries (not just the winners). Once we entered the theater, we could see that the stage was set with a couch and chairs, with the format of the evening becoming ever more clear. The jurors were invited on stage (Jeanne Gang, Joshua Prince-Ramos, and Frank Harmon) where they presented the winners in a discussion format, all moderated by the UW's dean of Architecture, Daniel Friedman.
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I was a bit surprised at how critical the jurors were of architecture in Seattle. While I myself can often be quite critical of the cities strict reliance on regionalism (sometimes I think that if I ever seen another timber framed structure with exposed bracketing I might die of boredom), I found it a little odd for the jurors to be so overly critical. I mean, this was an awards show after all. Its not to say that the jurors has nothing positive to say, but they certainly found issues with each and every project, and especially with Seattle architecture as a whole. It made me wonder what they thought of the non-winning entries.
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To me, the strangest part of the criticism, was that the final selections didn't seem to reflect that critique. I actually agree with the jurors' main statements... Seattle Architects are masters of craft (or grammarticians, as one juror said). With nearly unlimited budgets, this architectural community has created some of the most exquisite jewel boxes I've ever seen. Perfecting an idea of craft, and a regional design aesthetic that has become stronger and more refined over time, architects and designers in the Pacific Northwest have created some immaculate spaces.
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However, as the jurors repeatedly mentioned (and I wholeheartedly agree) this regionalism is lacking a consistent exploration of concept. Furthermore, many architects in this area seem to be too timid to push an idea or diagram that diverges from the local aesthetic. While I concur with the juror's statements up until this point, I disagreed on one of their last... The jurors all implored local architects to use their skill as master craftsmen and designers to create a beautiful space for the community, rather than creating a multitude of single family residences for wealthy homeowners. This seems like a valid request, except for the fact that its already been done, and the jurors seemed to ignore this fact.
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The city of Seattle has put a great deal of money into the local library system, building a number of neighborhood libraries (not just Rem's SPL) by local architects. Many of these libraries are magnificent pieces of architecture, not just for their craft and design, but also for the ways in which they engage the community. In many neighborhoods, these libraries are quickly becoming icons and destinations in their own right. Now, I know that at least 3 of these libraries were entered into the AIA Honor Awards, and yet, not one of them won. While the jurors continuously asked us to create significant architecture for the entire community and not just the individual, they proceeded to select 4 single family 'jewel box' homes (of the 6 built projects). Personally, I would have liked to have seen them back up their statements with appropriate selections.
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Thoughts?
Zum Zum
20 September 2007
I was first attracted to Bjarko Serra's work (a local Seattle firm) though a magazine article illustrating their own home remodel. Checking out their website, I found this great project. Zum is just the kind of gym/spa that Seattle bobos love. I find that timber framing is a bit overdone in the Pacific Northwest, but I quite like it in this setting... I think it has to do with the fact that the heavy timbers are balanced by the preexisting brick structure. No matter what the reason... I think this project is work a visit. Do you think they'll let me in without joining the gym?
Tom Kundig on MSN
13 August 2007
I stumbled on this interview with Tom Kundig on msn of all places... Something of a local architectural hero, Tom gives an interesting albeit brief interview that is worth a read, especially if you are into pacific northwest architecture.Live in Seattle? Got an Opinion?
03 August 2007
If you're annoyed with the way the local AIA is run... now You've got a chance to voice your opinion. The AIA Seattle has set up an online survey to help find a new direction for the chapter. So fill it out and help improve the Seattle AIA... You might win a gift certificate to Perter Miller or ITunes while you are at it...Just Signed Our Lives Away
05 June 2007
Well, its officially official. C and I just signed all of the loan documents tonight!! We get the keys on Thursday and I can not wait to start measuring.... This tiny mid-century modern gem is absolutely livable as is, but I really can't wait to start remodeling. I've been running through a few things in my head, and will be sure to post some of them once I've got them on paper. Even though I'm really excited to start re-designing and remodeling, I'm sure it will be quite some time before everything gets done (or even started). In the meantime... it will be fun to bbq in the backyard!Glenn Murcutt at the UW
19 May 2007
Last night C & I attended a lecture by Glenn Murcutt at the University of Washington. Although after we arrived and settled into our seats, I realized that it wasn't actually going to be a lecture, but rather an interview of this famous architect. I started to get a little nervous that an image free show would be difficult to get through... I mean after all, as architects and designers we tend to use images to express and understand ideas. Its hard to imagine a lecture by an architect without any sort of graphics.However, I shouldn't have worried. Glenn Murcutt is in actuality one of the most charismatic speakers I have had the opportunity to experience. While long winded at times, he has an obvious passion for his work and undeniable charm. His answers varied from clear, poetic, and humorous, and it was as easy for us to get lost in his thoughts as it was for him.
Listening to Glenn Murcutt speak gave me the opportunity to reflect on my own goals for life and practice. It was interesting to hear him speak so passionately of his work, and yet also speak passionately of his personal life. It often seems that the more successful architects become, the less devoted they are to enjoying life outside of architecture. This is not true of Mr. Murcutt. He has developed a practice (until very recently a sole practitioner with no employees) that allows him to pick the jobs he wants, provide the ultimate care and design, and still enjoy life outside the practice. Unlike many well known architects, Mr. Murcutt has no interest in practicing abroad. In fact, he teased about other 'starchitects' who are continously building in new areas saying, "dogs need to pee on every tree... architects need to pee on every country." By focusing on design in Australia, Glenn Murcutt can have complete control of his jobs and the ensuing result. Although as he mentions, he will never be the richest architect by restricting his practice, his life and design are extremely fulfilling because he refuses to settle.
If you ever have the chance to attend a lecture by Glenn Murcutt (or even better, participate in one of his studios) then don't hesitate... He is certainly one of the most interesting and engaging architects I have ever heard speak.
35 Hours of SAM
04 May 2007
SAM addition by Allied Works/Original Seattle Art Museum by Robert VenturiHistory and Consumerism
15 April 2007
Ever since I made the life changing decision to follow C and move away from Chicago, I’ve bemoaned the fact that I no longer am a part of a larger architectural community. I recently decided that I’ve been complaining, but not doing anything for too long. So, I am making the conscious decision to involve myself in design events and make an attempt to meet new people. We’re talking baby steps here, but I like to think that something is better than nothing. Part of this new effort includes trying to attend more lectures, if only to learn more about the relevant local architects and engage a part of my brain that has been dormant for too long.
Last week C & I attended a lecture by Alex Anderson, a UW professor and theorist. The topic: The problem of the house. He based this lecture on his latest book, so he had plenty of research and forethought to offer. While, I didn’t think that he presented any earth shattering architectural theories, he did provide interesting discourse and imagery.
Last week C & I attended a lecture by Alex Anderson, a UW professor and theorist. The topic: The problem of the house. He based this lecture on his latest book, so he had plenty of research and forethought to offer. While, I didn’t think that he presented any earth shattering architectural theories, he did provide interesting discourse and imagery.
One of his more thought provoking ideas is that the house is unique to each culture, and that modern homes are direct descendants of the local culture and the (relatively) new phenomenon of commercialism. His book, and subsequent lecture stressed the idea of the French home... incorporating ideas of cultural design identity and obligation. He discussed the idea of defining oneself by one’s home and the objects which have been carefully collected for that home. This collection and design organization is a new privilege following the rise of commercialism. It makes me curious; if French, English, and German interiors can be easily recognized due to their roots in a historic cultural identity, are American interiors as easily defined by a much younger US culture? Design tv shows, magazines, and blogs are all the rage right now, and I wonder if this is influenced by a desire to develop a cohesive design sense, or could we argue that it is simply a consumerist’s desire for more more more?Image Via Walnut Wallpaper
Seattle's Hidden Gems
08 April 2007
Seattle is full of some really great examples of Mid-Century Modernism. This particular example is a church located just across the street from my apartment in the University District.Pecha Kucha Seattle
23 March 2007
I've been complaining for some time, that I just don't feel as invested in Seattle Architecture, as I once was in Chicago Architecture. When I was forwarded a note about the next volume of Pecha Kucha, it seemed like just the thing I was looking for...So, this past wednesday, C & I hustled downtown, not wanting to miss one second of imagery.
For those of you new to the concept of Pecha Kucha, it was started in 2003 by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham. These Tokyo designers were looking to bring architects and designers together for some meaningful discussion, and to provide the opportunity to showcase personal work, which might otherwise get overlooked. Hence the name Pecha Kucha, which means 'the sound of conversation' in Japanese. The idea is that each architect or designer has 20 seconds for each of 20 slides. This keeps the audience fully engaged for a quick 6 min. and 40 second overview.
Arriving at the See Sound Lounge (where the Seattle Pecha Kucha is held), C & I immediately missed the first portion of the event. The idea is that we can all meet with friends and chat. However, since this was the first event we attended, we didn't know anyone.
Once the slides began, C & I hurried to find a viewpoint. I was anxiously awaiting the intellectual stimulation I was sure that would follow.
Unfortunately, I think I had set my expectations a bit too high.
First up was an architect couple from NBBJ. At least I think they were from NBBJ, it might have been Callison. It seemed that pretty much everyone in attendance was from NBBJ or Callison. Anyway, I digress... The images that we were presented amounted to the equivalent of your Aunt Mary's trip to Disneyland. Apparently, they had recently remodeled their house and thought that we would all be interested to see the photos taken while they were remodeling. This might have been interesting to their best friends, but as a perfect stranger I was mainly disappointed that I didn't even get to see the end result. I felt strung along. In their defense, apparently the theme of the night was supposed to be love, and their images were showing how their love for each other grew while they remodeled. Whatever.
Next up, was the couple Dan and Annie of Lead Pencil Studio. As soon as they walked up to take the mike, I was instantly embarrassed. Doesn't if figure that the only person we actually had any contact with before the presentations began, was Dan Mihalyo. And of course, we had managed to offend him during this brief contact by grabbing the bartender's attention even though he had been waiting much longer (not intentional, of course). After I got over my embarrassment, we were able to enjoy their presentation, which consisted of photographs taken from their travels (again with the theme of love). The images of stand pipes were quite clever and amusing, but the monologue that accompanied them was even more so... It was an enjoyable 6 minutes...
Following lpd, was Shahana Dattagupta... Her presentation was the first of the three that actually kept my eyes open with wonder. She presented some lovely watercolors, but what was truly impressive is that she sang (in Hindi?) along with the slides, instead of explaining them with words. I'm not sure if she wrote the song, or found one that worked... but she was captivating. More than once, I had to remind myself that there were images in addition to the singing. Honestly, I thought the watercolors were nice, but not spectacular... but I thought the presentation was fabulous. She really gave it her all and that takes guts.
After a brief break, we quickly began the next presentation. This one was provided by a local lighting designer. I wasn't that impressed with the images, but that may have had more to do with the couple behind us than the actual imagery. After the break, a new couple had decided to camp out behind us... And unfortunately for C & I, they insisted on giving a play by play throughout the entire show. It might have been fine if they had been interesting, but instead they just blocked out whatever was being said at the front. ' I love that moment, I so love that moment. '. Ok, I get it. You think you are an intellectual and want everyone else to think so too. But, trust me... the louder you say it, the less believable it is.
The next presentation really blew me away. Apparently, Sacha Maxim is the youngest presenter yet at Pecha Kucha Seattle. Even though she was just out of high school, she presented some absolutely fabulous photography. Her images were so mesmerizing, that I hardly noticed the obnoxious couple behind us. I really wish that I could find some of her images to show you... but you'll have to take my word. I've always considered myself a decent photographer, but Sacha has an undeveloped talent that I'll never match, no matter how hard I try. I'll be keeping an eye out for her work in the future.
The last presenter of the night provided us video imagery rather than still photos. Accompanying the video was a spoken poem... I honestly don't have a lot to say about this presentation... maybe I was just tired. I think that it was supposed to be a critique on global warming, but the only images I really remember were the first few that showed reflections of leave-less trees in running water. They were beautiful images that reminded me of the video of a plastic bag blowing in the wind from American Beauty.
Although, I wasn't supremely impressed, I will certainly return. Its my understanding that Pecha Kucha in Seattle is a new thing... I hope that as more designers from more firms start to become engaged and involved, that it will develop into something even more interesting. Maybe I'll have to check out another city's Pecha Kucha for comparison.
Ready for the ARE?
20 March 2007
There used to be a post here advising about a new ARE study class available in Seattle (among other areas). I say used to be, because I've decided to delete the information (and the two spam-like comments). I previously allowed the comments from the company's rep, because I thought they were harmless and moderately informative. But, now I've been spammed by this company (they sent me a pm on a forum I belong to)... and I do not appreciate spam!
They've now lost me as a potential client.
They've now lost me as a potential client.
Oh God No!
10 March 2007
For those of us who are already unimpressed with Seattle's skyline... its now in danger of being further descrated by the likes of Donald Trump. Because what Seattle really needs is a new gold encrusted, gaudily designed, testament to Trump's ego. Fabulous.