Atelier A+D

Local Architecture

2008-07-24T20:59:00.000-07:00

Bonnval

Botanical Garden

Prague National Library

Local Architecture is a Swiss firm doing just that... Their designs carefully take into account the local environs and people, with a modernist bent. They've got a few built projects, but I think the images of their unbuilt work actually better conveys what they are all about...

Function Over Form

2008-07-23T21:20:00.000-07:00

Georg Parthen's photographs of utilitarian structures are quite beautiful... Sometimes the simple form is really all you need...

Folded Stair

2008-07-22T21:39:00.000-07:00

I've featured Kevin Low and Small Projects before, but when I saw these images at Treehugger, I just had to post them... This folded stair is gorgeous, made even more spectacular with the great lighting and black and white photography.

Tate Version 2.0

2008-07-20T19:48:00.000-07:00

When the first images of the Tate addition by Herzog & deMeuron were released, I was extremely disappointed. As I mentioned earlier, I really felt like the design was forced - much unlike most of their projects. This new design, while not perfect really seems like a huge improvement. The press release states 'The revisions have been shaped by a desire to integrate the new building both with the existing building and the local environment.' Its bizarre to think that H&dM didn't give much thought to the local context, after all this is a huge part of architecture... But, I'd like to think that they took the complaints as an opportunity to refine the design, rather than dumb it down. Beyond the refined palette and form, the architects have also provided a more green and energy efficient design.

All in all, I'd say that the design is not perfect, but it is definitely much improved.

Ready to Make a Statement?

2008-07-17T20:58:00.000-07:00

Most of Brand van Egmond's designs are completely over the top... and that's exactly why I love them. If you're ready to choose a statement lighting piece, then you have to check out this husband and wife team's work! These dutch artists have really blurred the line between art and design, created some spectacular fixtures.

3X JKMM

2008-07-15T21:52:00.000-07:00

The winning design for a 2002 competition, this design for the ARMI Center is currently on hold. Hopefully the Finnish Architectural Museum and Design Museum will get their funding together in order to move this project forward. The form is simple, but there are some playful parts of the project, including a roof form that lifts slightly upward, giving us a little wink.

I really love the palette of colors and materials in this Helsinki day care center... Again, the forms are simple, but playful. JKMM Architects took full advantage of all light available, which is obviously important in a place like Helsinki. The bright interiors and warm materials make this a place I'd like to spend time in, as a child or as an adult.

Lastly, this recent project, the Turku Central Library seems to take the great attributes of the earlier projects (simplicity, a combination of cool colors and warm materials, and a playful quality) and really refines their design aesthetic. I'm really digging all of these projects and will definitely be keeping my eye out for more work by JKMM.

Le Corbusier in India

2008-07-14T21:41:00.001-07:00

A few images of Corbu's work in India via ¡arturii!'s flickr.
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Push

2008-07-10T21:35:00.000-07:00

Lervik Design is a multi-disciplinary design firm based in Stockholm. They do a great deal of interior work, and generally design the lighting fixtures and furniture... I especially like the lighting effects and fixtures in this Gothenburg nightclub, Push.

2008-07-08T21:25:00.000-07:00

The forced perspective of Esther Stocker's art installations have a very architectural dimension to them...
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Samsø Denmark

2008-07-06T19:57:00.000-07:00

Samsø, Denmark has been in the news recently due to their incredible development of green energy. Since the late 90s when Samsø's energy was derived mostly from imported coal based electricity and oil, the island has opted to make a concerted effort to become more environmentally friendly. The island, which has about 4300 inhabitants was coaxed into green energy little by little, through town meetings and such. Soon, as more residents were using green energy it became the thing you do... whether you erect a micro turbine in your yard, or install heat pumps at home. Now, with 11 land based turbines (which produce enough electricity for the entire island) and 10 off shore turbines (which counteract the island's other energy use, plus some), Samsø has an incredible amount of wind generated electricity for such a small population. Additionally, the island has wood chip and straw burning plants, burning items that would have released CO2 into the atmosphere anyway, but this time getting heat in return. The island has become a bit of an experiment/showcase for Denmark... But really, this 'experiment' could be used as a standard all over the world.

Recently, I've been traveling to Hawaii for work (don't bother telling me how bad it is to fly - I already know). Whenever I fly into Maui, I think about how sad it is that I don't see more photovoltaics. I mean, if Hawaii isn't the best place on earth for solar energy, then I don't know what is. There is consistent sun year round, and solar energy would really help the cost of electricity, which is huge on the islands. On my last trip as I was lamenting the lack of panels, I noticed a string of wind turbines high on the mountain. I guess they have been there for a few years, but this is the first time that I noticed them. A little research, and I discovered that the turbines are providing 20% of the island's energy. Now imagine if they combined the 20 existing land based turbines with some off-shore turbines and more solar panels... the island could be nearly carbon neutral!

Doing Good Through Design

2008-07-04T08:01:00.000-07:00

War Victims - 'child soldiers' by Pablo Grand Mourcel, France

Water Scarcity by Rémy Le Rumeur, France

Child Mortality by Behrooz Gorgin, Iran

Global Warming by Sadık Sakin, Turkey

Human Rights Violation - 'freedom' by Napin Mandhachitara, Thailand

Hunting - 'stop commercial whaling' by Cédric Quissola, France

STDs - 'aids' by Onur Gökalp, Turkey

Good 'O8 has created a contest for advertisers and graphic designers to allow them to use their craft for good, rather than sales. They created 7 topics and asked designers all over the world to create 50x70 posters based on these topics. Thirty winners were selected from each category (above are a few of my favorites) and could potentially be used by charities across the globe.

Check the designs out... there are so many fabulous and thought provoking designs...

Anyone know more?

2008-07-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

I ffffound this cute concrete box home... but I don't know anything about it. Anyone know more?

For Those Long Dark Winters

2008-06-30T21:05:00.000-07:00

If you are ever visiting Stockholm during the winter and are concerned about the lack of daylight... then perhaps you should consider the Nordic Light Hotel. The modern Scandinavian interiors are given a bit of whimsy with the use of colored mood lighting. Set on a 24 hour schedule, the lighting changes throughout the day, yet can still be calibrated to the individual guests' desires. And just in case you didn't find the light patterns in the rooms and common spaces helpful enough, you can even partake in light therapy through the hotel. More photos here.

Via Been Seen

Museum of Middle East Modern Art

2008-06-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

Dutch firm UN Studio has recently designed a building set to house the first Museum of Middle Eastern Modern Art, as well as a host of other activities including housing, commercial, and retails zones. I have to admit, that I'm glad the this building is more than just a museum... when I first saw it, I was having trouble comprehending why a museum with such a narrow focus we need such a huge structure.

To be honest, I'm not exactly in love with this building. Sure, its got some nice horizontal banding, consistent with a lot of UN's other work, but the symmetry and scale seem overly formal, which no really connection to the building's surroundings. I realize that much of the Dubai is under construction so there isn't necessarily a great deal of context, but this building seem to ignore the possibility of any interaction. And considering that this new building is being located in Dubai's historic district of Jadaf... I've just got to believe that the architects could have paid more attention to a sense of place. And to top it all off... whenever I look at the images, I just think 'Moby Dick'.

Via Yatzer

Color Coded Walkability

2008-06-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

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.

Via the Where Blog
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Athletes, bring your inhalers

2008-06-27T19:41:00.001-07:00

There has been a lot of discussion about the air conditions at the Beijing Olympics this summer... While the area is still undergoing a lot of construction, and therefore the air is filled with dust, this photograph has got to make both athletes and environmentalists anxious.

Via 765

Architecture for Humanity on Frontline

2008-06-26T20:51:00.000-07:00

Architecture for Humanity's work in India is currently being featured on Frontline. Purnima McCutcheon is working on the ground in India, in areas affected by 2004's tsunami to make a difference by providing a village hall. Supported by a team in San Francisco, Purnima is able to change lives through her designs... Check out the rest of the interview with Purnima, as well as an interview with Cameron Sinclair and Kate Stohr (founders of Architecture with Humanity) -and more info and photos. Purnima's take on sustainable design being beyond prius' and solar panels and absolutely necessary for the developing world is quite interesting. While the special is obviously geared towards the general public, designers and architects should also find it entertaining and thought provoking.

Tuned Mass Damper

2008-06-25T20:45:00.000-07:00

If you are like me, then you probably don't work with tuned mass dampers on a regular basis. In fact, my only experience would be in structures classes and when I was studying for the ARE. So, its really cool to see a tuned mass damper, not just in a building, but actually working during an earthquake. The Taipei 101 is currently the world's second tallest building and because it is located only 600 feet from a fault line, it required a ginormous tuned mass damper. During the Sichuan Earthquake, this four story 730 ton ball kept the building from tipping over. Not bad for something that spends most of its time as a tourist destination.
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Via Gizmodo
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New AutoCad Commands

2008-06-25T20:39:00.000-07:00

Don't we all wish...

Multi-tasking

2008-06-24T21:09:00.000-07:00

I'm a total sucker for design that can multi-task... whether its architecture, interiors, furniture or some combination of the lot... This OPtafel table by [in Tussen] is really fantastic. The simple form and clean lines are really appealing... and I love the way it can be treated as a desk, table, or both!
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Rest in Peace

2008-06-22T20:19:00.000-07:00

EM2N's competition design for a moturary hall in Erlenbach, Switzerland is a very simple, yet very nice solution. The simple form provides an area of sanctuary where visitors can focus on their thoughts of loved ones and commune with the outdoors. The way in which the form has been pulled apart, providing slots of light gives it an even more ethereal quality. Instead of providing a place of refuge for saddened family members, EM2N has created a structure that will encourage visitors to reflect in a positive light.

Well done in my opinion...

Rounded Corners

2008-06-21T20:44:00.000-07:00

Alexander Lotersztain's work (both furniture and interiors) all have a really nice sculptural quality... And all seem to have soft rounded corners... It really makes the materials seem approachable and comfortable. Who would have thought that concrete and coral could look so soft?

Starting Tomorrow

2008-06-19T20:38:00.000-07:00

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.

Cassina Milano

2008-06-19T20:05:00.000-07:00

I love this photo of a classic chair in a cage, from the Cassina Milano.

Via Yatzer

A Beauty in Bolzano

2008-06-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Bolzano Italy has recently opened their new building by Krüger Schuberth Vandreike... I imagine the simple form allows the artwork to take center stage, even though I don't see any artwork in these photos!