Showing posts with label UK. Show all posts
Starting Tomorrow
19 June 2008
Starting tomorrow (or perhaps already today for some readers) is the New London Architecture Festival. Taking over for the London Architecture Biennale, the celebration will include about 12 pavilions, all sorts of lectures and exhibits, and even a jelly (jello?) competition. I'll be interested to see more of the pavilions and hear from anyone who has a chance to visit. More information can be found here.
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Hiding Cables
10 June 2008
Its a reality in the modern design world that we have to deal with an ever increasing amount of cables and wires... that is, until they come up with wireless electricity! The big problem with a lot of new technological advances, is that they are changing so fast, that we don't really know exactly what we'll need in the future. For this reason, it can be difficult to plan ahead with wire placement... if you locate all the wiring behind the finishes, you'll have to cut it out if you ever need to change it. But, on the other hand, if you leave them exposed, you've got a big mess. C and I are having this exact problem right now with our remodel. We've got a projector whose cables we'd like to hide... but not knowing if we'll have the projector forever, or if the next version will need the same cables, we're hesitant to put the cables in the wall. British architects Quinn provided a design for digital agency Poke, that celebrates the cables and makes them a central design feature, rather than try and hide them. I kind of like it... I'm not sure if it would work on a smaller scale, but I like the thought.
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Global Warming and Global Consumerism
01 June 2008
Amelia Roberts has created a very interesting graphic commentary of the west's consumerism as a direct consequence of global warming..
Via Its Nice That
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No Babies Falling Down That Well
27 February 2008
Even though Christian Randall specializes in conservation architecture, the design of the glass cover on this well is quite modern. I'm not exactly sure of the particular location within the house, but I'd love to think that this well is just located in the middle (well, maybe not quite the middle) of some room or hall, and that the inhabitants' daily routine causes them to walk over it, just like any other floor finish. To me, imagining that this well cover is used just like any other floor makes the surprise of what is below all the more special..
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It shouldn't be so funny....
18 February 2008
But, I just love Sarah Wigglesworth's name. It sound more like a character from a children's book, than a world renown architect...
A lot of architects are getting into modular and flat pack building, but one of the things I like most about G-box, is that it can be assembled by only two people! That really makes it the perfect studio addition to a back yard or garden.....
Sarah Wigglesworth's Cor-ten clad Cremorne Center seems just at home at the edge of the River Thames, as did the two shipping containers that previsouly housed the facilities. I quite like that the firm kept the industrial nature of the site intact, while adding some sophistacted and softening features such as the light poles and subtly shaped building structures. In fact, I'm a bit sad that this project is in the UK, and not Seattle... it would be perfectly placed along Seattle's shores.
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Insane set of stairs
05 February 2008
I'm not sure if these qualify as stairs, roof, deck, or skin.... but whatever the case, Plasma Studio created one insane piece of construction.....
Via Arkinetia
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Also... by the way, things are a bit crazy around here, so I'm not sure what I'll be able to post for a while, but I'll do my best to update regularly.
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Andy Warhol at the National Gallery of Scotland
14 August 2007
I love these images of the Andy Warhol exhibit at the National Gallery of Scotland (via the Guardian)... The arrangement of the artwork is very clever. I especially like the gun paintings hung over some wallpaper made from Warhol's prints. But really, I think the most clever and witty installations are the exterior columns wrapped to resemble Warhol's famous soup cans. Expo 2010
09 August 2007
The Shanghai World Expo 2010 is getting closer all the time... The UK has been working towards selecting a design and has narrowed the field to 6 architectural teams, including Marks Barfield Architects' shown above. I find this design (out of the bunch) particularly intriguing, even though I must admit that this image looks more like a collection of make-up jars than a collection of buildings.I can't wait to see the winner when announced on September 21...
Via ExpoMuseum
What would Robin Hood Think?
04 August 2007
I'm not entirely impressed with the form of the Sherwood Visitor Center as designed by Make Architects (personally, I'd like to see a building with a greater sense of permanence, rather than one that could easily be a temporary art installation)... but, I do really like the ideas behind the form.Designed as a gateway to the fabled forest, the structure is intended to provide an iconic entry to the rest of the forest, including observation decks, and a tree top restaurant and walkways. The most impressive part of this design is that it manages a zero carbon footprint using local materials and the incorporation of wind power, rain water collection, and waste recycling systems.
I think that Robin Hood would approve of a design that manages to give back to the community without taking from the Earth. Its really no wonder that Make Architects beat out the competition with this entry.
Only 5 Days
24 May 2007
As a sublime example of pre-fab architecture, David Adjaye's Northchurch House has lately been receiving a lot of press. Like many others, I've enjoyed seeing various images of the project, but I guess I wasn't actually reading the press very closely because I've just now realized that it only took 5 days to construct this beauty! Five days to build a timber framed house!! Its hard to get my head around that... even knowing that its pre-fab. I'd love a chance to check out the working drawings...Via
Soap Factory
21 May 2007
This light box is a proposal by Julie Snow Architects for the renovation of an existing Minneapolis factory into usable gallery and work spaces for emerging artists. The boxes or shafts of light are intended to house the utilitarian functions, such as duct work and egress, allowing light to enter the space with constraining the plan's possibilities. Currently the GC is pricing 3 different options (all by JSA) and hopefully the board will select one soon.Borgos Dance
21 April 2007
Whether its architectural spaces or furniture, London based design firm BorgosDance approaches every problem with a fresh, clean, and modern aesthetic. Shown above are the Louise T. Blouin Institute, miscellaneous furniture, a Barn re-development, and the BorgosDance Collection for MID.More After the Jump
11 April 2007
Jump Studios has been recently receiving press for their design of the London HQ for Red Bull. [Thanks Modern Self] Although, I definitely understand and appreciate all of the hub-bub surrounding this project, its not the only space by Jump that deserves attention. As a London based multi-disciplinary design team, Jump Studios approaches design from many different angles and sensibilities. This is something I have always really appreciated, and truly believe that this integration of many different types of design expertise is what makes their designs so successful.
Red Bull HQ
Diageo Pop-up Bar
Offspring Retail
Levi's BB Barcelona Summer 06Does anyone like this project?
04 April 2007
Proposed addition to the Tate ModernI can't help it... but I've had an immediate gut reaction about this proposed addition to the Tate Modern by Herzog & deMeuron. I hate it. I seriously hate it. I'm willing to give it another chance, since I've long been a fan of Herzog & deMeuron (I mean, who isn't?), but its going to take a lot more than some snazzy renderings to convince me that this is a worthy addition to the wonderfully designed Tate. I've been thinking about this project for the last few days, ever since I saw it posted on Dezeen... I just can't get it out of my head.
I've been trying to think about what would cause an architecture firm known for its simplicity of forms, clean lines, and innovative use of materials and skin to design such a heinous building. It looks like something an intern at Gehry's office would put together, trying but not succeeding to impress the boss. It looks nothing like the H & deM I know and love. I can't help but wonder if this is an effort to stay relevant and cutting edge, at the loss of the firm's identity. It really brings about the question of whether architects and artists can push the envelope of design, while remaining true to their roots. Personally, I'd like to argue that we can and should remain consistent in our ideology while constantly trying to further develop and create dialogue regarding those very ideological beliefs. I just feel like Herzog and deMeuron have completely left their developed history behind in favor of what they think is the architecture du jour.
I honestly hope that this project doesn't get built... at least not without some serious re-design. Although, I'd certainly be open to learning more about the project (if anyone can convince me that is isn't an atrocity, please do!), I have to admit that my gut reaction isn't likely to change. But I hope at least that something positive comes from this project... I'm just not sure what that could be right now...
I've been trying to think about what would cause an architecture firm known for its simplicity of forms, clean lines, and innovative use of materials and skin to design such a heinous building. It looks like something an intern at Gehry's office would put together, trying but not succeeding to impress the boss. It looks nothing like the H & deM I know and love. I can't help but wonder if this is an effort to stay relevant and cutting edge, at the loss of the firm's identity. It really brings about the question of whether architects and artists can push the envelope of design, while remaining true to their roots. Personally, I'd like to argue that we can and should remain consistent in our ideology while constantly trying to further develop and create dialogue regarding those very ideological beliefs. I just feel like Herzog and deMeuron have completely left their developed history behind in favor of what they think is the architecture du jour.
I honestly hope that this project doesn't get built... at least not without some serious re-design. Although, I'd certainly be open to learning more about the project (if anyone can convince me that is isn't an atrocity, please do!), I have to admit that my gut reaction isn't likely to change. But I hope at least that something positive comes from this project... I'm just not sure what that could be right now...
Eberswalde Library
Switchtower/Tokyo Prada
Stone House
Barcelona Forum
Stone House
Barcelona ForumFashion Architecture Taste
23 March 2007
FAT has been getting a lot of press lately for their recently completed Art Academy in the Netherlands. But, I think all of their projects are worth a look.
I really like the 'pop art' quality of their architecture and design. FAT is certainly not afraid to use texture, color, and graphics...Maggie's Center Inverness
21 February 2007
Page/Park Architects has recently been awarded the £25,000 Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) Andrew Doolan award for its design of Scotland's fourth Maggie Center.
I can't say that I'm the biggest fan of the design, but I'd have to see a bit more before I am too judgemental. However, I really like what the Maggie Centers stand for...
Maggie Keswick Jencks was married to the architectural theorist Charles Jencks. The two believed that 'good design could influence good health'. Following Maggie's death from cancer, the Maggie Centers (all designed by local or reknowned architects) were created and built to act as a caring environment for patients and their families... all with the idea that good design breeds a healthy body and soul.
Like I said, I'm not convinced on this particular design... but I really like the concept.
For more info on this project and the RAIS award check out the BBC article.