Showing posts with label US. Show all posts
Quarts in a Gallon
15 June 2008
We were just talking at work about this problem... none of us can ever remember how many cups to a pint/quart/gallon... And until we go metric, we're going to need to find a way to remember. This graphic is cute and handy!
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Via Swiss Miss
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Drink Up
11 June 2008
Two lounges, the diva lounge and the sheer lounge... both by Studio Luz. I'm not totally sure what I think about the designs, but I'd love to learn more about the materials....
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Howeler + Yoon
08 June 2008
Even though I grew up not far from Boston, I really don't know that much about the city's architecture... having studied and work entirely outside the Boston area... Most of what I know about the local vernacular, has to do with the historic architecture, rather than modern. So, its always exciting to me to learn about young and modern firms in the area....
I quite like all of these projects by Howeler + Yoon. Above is a landscape design - Switch - in which new and old techonologies, and soft and hard textures are braided together to created an integrated and interactive landscape. I really like the lit pavers... reminds me of the glass cobblestone project by 2b Architectes... mostly I like the attention paid to the bricks. Much of my memories of Boston are colored by the bricks of the city, so its nice to see a design that integrates this historic feature, with a thouroughly modern design.
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Architects are a bit obsessed by the mobius strip... this dress, the mobius dress, is just another example of using the strip as a design solution. The series of photographs makes the dress interesting, probably more interesting than it would be on its own...
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This design for the Davol Loft in Chinatown combines two lofts into one, with a pretty spectacular coutyard in the center. The simple forms and materials of the skylights, courtyard, and bathroom modules allow light to penetrate entire space. In my opinion, the courtyard is a particularly great feature. Courtyards are a fairly common feature in Chinatown - I remember a school field trip to Chinatown in middle school, where we visited a school with their playground on the roof - but, this courtyard offers privacy while still allowing the owners to enjoy the outdoors. Oh.. and just as a sidenote - I'd like to point out that once again, a Corbu chaise lounge is in the background of the top photo....
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Dwell on Design
23 May 2008
Most everyone probably already knows that the Dwell on Design Conference and Expo is taking place in Los Angeles, June 5-8.If you haven't already checked out the conference, consider going... it should be well worth it. And if you're already in the area, then you have no excuse!
Here is a link to the conference registration... Dwell has been nice enough to send us a code for a free ticket to the exhibit - BDODEC , and a discounted conference ticket code - GRP22SP .
They are also offering Atelier A+D readers a free month to Dwell's online magazine. If you don't already subscribe, check it out!
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I hope some of these links will be helpful! I sure wish that I could attend the DOD... maybe next year!
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Seamless
22 May 2008
These projects by Blasen Landscape Architecture are amazing examples of a seamless blend of architecture and landscape. I'm really in love with the clean lines, simple use of materials, and plant selection (I'm not really into flowery designs)..
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For Photography and Architecture Buffs
27 April 2008
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Via Materialicious
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And now I'm off to Hawaii for work... I'll get back to posting once I return later this week...
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Not for the Faint of Heart
20 April 2008
Most people would probably NOT be pumped to have these coat racks in the house... but I love them. How can you now get a chuckle when you see them?.
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Architecture for Auction
25 March 2008
While I quite like the idea of museums collecting significant architecture, much in the same manner that they would collect significant work, I'm a little bit nervous about such pieces going up for auction. We can only hope that the type of people willing to purchase a well-known piece of architecture at auction, will respect the original structure much as they would respect an original painting. .
We can certainly say that the auction house Wright, which is putting Louis Kahn's Esherick House up for auction is trying to attract buyers interested in the architectural value of the house. The idea that they are committed to a collection of works including art, design, and architecture shows an intent to maintain these properties for future generations. And their press release is certainly geared towards those of us interested in the architectural and historical value of the house with this to say about the property...
"Situated at a perfect angle on a property measuring more than half an acre, the house has a striking presence. The approach features a planar composition with a textured mortar finish bisected by a strong vertical chimney, while keyhole windows framed with Apitong and placed at irregular intervals punctuate the front facade. The floor plan reveals Kahn’s refined design of two symmetrical side-by-side rectangles that allow for both openness and structural clarity. Kahn’s use of pure geometry in the facades and interior spaces speaks to archetypal references that Kahn drew on throughout his body of work. Here, like in all his buildings, Kahn united this architectural history with the modern present in a truly unique structure...
...The architect and 2006 Louis Kahn professor David Adjaye states, 'I had the great pleasure of visiting the Esherick House in the Spring of 2006. As a student I was always mesmerized by its playful graphic geometry of the windows and the deceptive simplicity of its plan. It was a real surprise to see the care and joy of the materials still very much intact and it being lived in as I’m sure Kahn would have approved. There were two particularly ecstatic moments for me. Firstly was ascending the beautifully crafted, Japanese- or Shaker-esque, staircase with its simple timber balustrade, which overlooks the living room. The second was opening the shutter of the window in the library where knowledge and nature seemed to freeze into one image. The Esherick House is definitely one of Kahn’s most important works which defined lessons he’d go on to use in later projects.' "
So, if you're interested in buying this lovely and historic property, check out the Wright auction. If the house itself isn't in your budget, the photos by Todd Eberle are worth a look.
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If I were Diane von Furstenberg, I'd want to work here too...
20 February 2008
In some ways, this new studio/office/flagship/apartment for Diane von Furstenberg really reminds me of the paraSITE that was up in Rotterdam while I was studying abroad. From the exterior, its got the same qualities of something leeching off of a subservient structure, and yet from the interior its gracefully integrated. The way that WORK Architects has managed to bring light in to all the main levels through their use of a 'stairdelier' is quite spectacular. It would certainly be a great place to work!.
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Via The Cool Hunter
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A Blob Overhead
20 January 2008
In general, I've got pretty mixed opinions about amorphous blog architecture... but something about this project is appealing to me. The labratory of art and ideas at Belmar by Belzberg Architects is an interesting insertion of a blob form into an existing retail space. The penetration of the blob through the glass entry wall, to form a covered entry space is in my opinion particularly well done. In fact, although its kind of reminiscent of someone sticking out their tongue, I still like it... Part of my usual critique of these blob forms is that they often ignore function completely in favor of form. I appreciate that this architecture firm attempted to create a functional design as part of their sophisticated amorphous form.
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Up Front and Personal
02 January 2008
This image of the properly named 'Kitchen Residence' by Front Studio caught my eye for a few reasons. First of all, the kitchen layout is similar to what I am thinking about for our kitchen, and the floor is just about the shade I'm hoping for... but, what really has my attention is the chandelier that I've long been coveting. And yes, I did say covet. Too bad I have neither the proper space nor budget to make it mine..
Whenever I see stairs like this, I wonder how the architect and homeowner managed to get by the local building department. Do they install a railing for inspection and then remove it for the photo shoot?
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This competition entry for Farmadelphia really appeals to me... The graphics are simple, yet they clearly express the design intent. And who wouldn't like to see more greenspace in the city, especially when its got an agricultural purpose?
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These are just a few of the great projects by New York women based firm, Front Studio. Check out their site for more...
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Thanks L.Cerre
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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?
Full of Energy
03 November 2007
I tend to like more minimal interiors, so I'm a bit surprised at how attracted I am to this project. The project is called Factory People by Bercy Chen Studio and is located in Austin Texas' SOCO District. A multi purpose space, this buildign incorporates a boutique, dance and music venue, and much more (all inspired by Andy Warhol's Factory). The upstairs addition is a clean simple addition whose form is consistent with the other buildings on the street. But downstairs is where all of the energy is... The colorful and industrial interiors reflect the surrounding neighborhood as well as the clientele, rather than imposing a particular style on the users. I'm really digging the vibe...
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?
Gary Comer Youth Center - Part 2
30 August 2007
One of the greatest things about the Gary Comer Youth Center is the services it provides. I've always been a huge fan of architecture that really serves people, and this building truly exemplifies that idea. Rather than serving as a testament to an architect's ego, this project actually helps to improve the lives of the community members it serves.
The Youth Center is an impressive facility that is primarily home to the famous South Shore Drill Team. The Drill Team is known for its abilities as well as for its record of keeping its members off of the streets and in school. Specifically serving a neighborhood the residents refer to as 'the pocket', students are required to maintain a C average and are strongly encouraged to attend college.
Now that the Team has a brand new facility, their programs have only grown. Students have access to heath facilities, tutoring, mentoring, dance classes, art, college preparation, and more. Counselors will even help alumni figure out their college tuition bills. Clearly, the people running and using the center are so much more spectacular then the building could ever be.
In my opinion, this is when architecture is at its most exciting... You can see how this building will engage its occupants, providing them with a fabulous center to learn and grow, and hopefully in turn allow them to give back to the community.
The Youth Center is an impressive facility that is primarily home to the famous South Shore Drill Team. The Drill Team is known for its abilities as well as for its record of keeping its members off of the streets and in school. Specifically serving a neighborhood the residents refer to as 'the pocket', students are required to maintain a C average and are strongly encouraged to attend college.
Now that the Team has a brand new facility, their programs have only grown. Students have access to heath facilities, tutoring, mentoring, dance classes, art, college preparation, and more. Counselors will even help alumni figure out their college tuition bills. Clearly, the people running and using the center are so much more spectacular then the building could ever be.
In my opinion, this is when architecture is at its most exciting... You can see how this building will engage its occupants, providing them with a fabulous center to learn and grow, and hopefully in turn allow them to give back to the community.
Lumen Chicago
29 August 2007
Saturday night (while in Chicago) we went out for dinner and drinks and met up with an old friend from school. After drinks at a nearby lounge, we visited Lumen (a pretty fab lounge) and I must admit that I was impressed.
This is the lounge entry... Most of the bar is made up of clean lines and modern materials (like the bamboo seen here), but the crux of the design is definitely the lighting. As you can see in this photos, lighting was used to emphasize the different forms throughout the project.
In this photo, you can see the extension of the bamboo from inside to out... The horizontal lines in the bamboo strengthen the effect of all of the low horizontal furniture. Obviously, the lounge was packed when we were there (unlike in this image), but the horizontality was still clearly evident.
Always a fan of multi-disciplinary design, I absolutely loved these beds. The large seating areas are more conducive to intimate moments than conversation, but they were right at home in this bar.
The mirrored bar was pretty sweet - like the rest of the project, clean modern lines were more important than overly fussy details. The built in liquor shelf is more artwork than a functioning unit, but alone as decoration at the bar, its obviously serving its purpose.
This image is much more what we saw on Saturday night... the lounge was hopping with people hoping to see and be seen. The lights shown on the ceiling were actually a series of led lights whose changing display seemed to keep in rhythm with the dj. They definitely added to the overall energy.
All in all, I thought it was a great project. The attention to detail was great, and the consistency in concept really provided a spectacular result.
Note: It was recently brought to my attention that I misunderstood William Emmick's involvement in this project. This was simply a case of miscommunication on a late night, but its obviously rustled a few feathers. I've edited the post accordingly, and have contacted Joel Huffman of Vertu Inc and confirmed that he was the architect responsible for this project.
All in all, I thought it was a great project. The attention to detail was great, and the consistency in concept really provided a spectacular result.
Note: It was recently brought to my attention that I misunderstood William Emmick's involvement in this project. This was simply a case of miscommunication on a late night, but its obviously rustled a few feathers. I've edited the post accordingly, and have contacted Joel Huffman of Vertu Inc and confirmed that he was the architect responsible for this project.
Gary Comer Youth Center - Part 1
28 August 2007
As a student, you should consider yourself very lucky if you have a studio professor who can push you creatively and intellectually, one that you can look up to both inside the studio and out. I was very lucky to have several professors at IIT whose own work I greatly appreciated, and who helped me to create my best work. John Ronan was one of my favorite of these professors, due both to his abilities as a teacher and mentor as well as his impressive work portfolio.
While in Chicago, I was able to take a tour of the Gary Comer Youth Center, one of John's most recent projects, which is getting quite a bit a press right now. We were asked not to take photos of the interior, but I can tell you that it was just as impressive as the exterior.
What appear as bold graphic moves on the exterior are actually reflective of the interior spaces. A two story room for dance, rifle practice, and flag twirling, and an art studio with ample light create two of the boxes we experience on the exterior.
The center is much larger than it appears. The gymnasium, which doubles as an auditorium is located below ground, but visibly open to the parking/courtyard and the cafeteria areas. Visitors and students alike can walk around the perimeter of the gym, checking out the activity below. Once at the lower level, the enormity of the building is slightly more evident. The locker rooms are as large as I've ever seen, extending deep under the building.
The upper floors encircle the gym, providing space for computer labs, weight lifting facilities, a dance studio, an audio visual lab, and more. The upper most floor (where most of the offices are located) encloses a rooftop garden. This greenspace acts as more than just a 'green' roof, providing a living garden for the neighborhood's residents. The skylights that provide diffused light to the lower floors penetrate the garden as simple circular tubes and are reminiscent of the sculptures often found in city parks. Considering the limited amount of glass at the exterior facade, there is a great deal of natural light dispersed throughout the building.
Most of the interiors were very simple and clean. There were a few interesting details including cmu with a finish I've never seen before, quasi-exposed acoustic insulation, bent metal signage, and a stair rail that could not possibly meet code (but was of course very beautiful).
Personally, I think John Ronan is very deserving of all the accolades this project is receiving, and the students who use it are both lucky and deserving to have such a facility.
While in Chicago, I was able to take a tour of the Gary Comer Youth Center, one of John's most recent projects, which is getting quite a bit a press right now. We were asked not to take photos of the interior, but I can tell you that it was just as impressive as the exterior.
What appear as bold graphic moves on the exterior are actually reflective of the interior spaces. A two story room for dance, rifle practice, and flag twirling, and an art studio with ample light create two of the boxes we experience on the exterior.
The center is much larger than it appears. The gymnasium, which doubles as an auditorium is located below ground, but visibly open to the parking/courtyard and the cafeteria areas. Visitors and students alike can walk around the perimeter of the gym, checking out the activity below. Once at the lower level, the enormity of the building is slightly more evident. The locker rooms are as large as I've ever seen, extending deep under the building.
The upper floors encircle the gym, providing space for computer labs, weight lifting facilities, a dance studio, an audio visual lab, and more. The upper most floor (where most of the offices are located) encloses a rooftop garden. This greenspace acts as more than just a 'green' roof, providing a living garden for the neighborhood's residents. The skylights that provide diffused light to the lower floors penetrate the garden as simple circular tubes and are reminiscent of the sculptures often found in city parks. Considering the limited amount of glass at the exterior facade, there is a great deal of natural light dispersed throughout the building.
Most of the interiors were very simple and clean. There were a few interesting details including cmu with a finish I've never seen before, quasi-exposed acoustic insulation, bent metal signage, and a stair rail that could not possibly meet code (but was of course very beautiful).
Personally, I think John Ronan is very deserving of all the accolades this project is receiving, and the students who use it are both lucky and deserving to have such a facility.
Better Late Than Never
27 August 2007
During my first year at IIT, we all had to take an introduction to architecture class. This class took us to different architectural sites throughout the city, expanding our horizons and developing our sketching skills. The only problem was that the class was scheduled for Friday mornings, which we all know is a terrible time for a class. I managed to attend most of the classes, but there were a few key days that I missed. One of these days was the scheduled visit to the Robie house. [The sketch I turned in was copied from a book, which unfortunately showed an angle no longer able to be seen and was quickly caught by my professor!] Even thought I lived only a few miles from the Robie house for 5 years, I never managed to get myself down to Hyde Park to check it out. Missing the Robie house and the Farnsworth house were two of my big regrets when I left Chicago. B