Wednesday, November 10, 2010

10 best boat journeys... ○○○

Boats are often overlooked as a way to see the world; we invariably have limited time to get from A to Z so we fly, missing B to Y. In a lot of cases, though, boats are the best, and frequently the only way, to properly see a destination. Here are ten of the best boat journeys the world has to offer.

1. Fjords, Norway

Image by Maltesen
For more than a century, Norway’s legendary Hurtigruten ferry route has linked the numerous coastal villages and towns. Year-round, 11 modern ferries head north from Bergen, reaching Kirkenes before returning. Take the 11-day round-trip that pulls in to 34 ports and offers various opportunities for side-trips, or just cruise a stretch (or two) of this trip. Features on the full itinerary include fabulous fjords and islands that see the midnight sun, medieval monasteries and Art Nouveau towns.

2. Halong Bay, Vietnam




Bobbing on the emerald waters of Halong Bay and moving through its 3000- odd limestone islands is simply sublime. The tiny islands are dotted with beaches and grottoes created by wind and waves, and have sparsely forested slopes ringing with bird tunes. There are more than 300 boats based at Bai Chay Tourist Wharf waiting to sweep you away to the World Heritage waters. Day tours last from four to eight hours, though (recommended) overnighters are also available.

3. Amazon River, South America


Image by Bruno Girin
From its inconspicuous source in the Peruvian highlands to its mouth near Belém in Brazil, the Amazon River measures more than 6,200km (3,853mi). Its flow is 12 times that of the Mississippi, and it carries one-fifth of the world’s fresh water. String up a hammock on a slow boat (of varying quality) between Manaus and Belém in Brazil or Trinidad and Guayaramerín in Bolivia. Its edges are crowded with jungle or settlements, and your slow boat can take anywhere from four to six days.

4. Franklin River, Australia


Image by robynejay
Not for the faint-hearted, rubber-rafting down the wild Franklin River is a challenging and, at times, treacherous undertaking. The isolated wilderness of Tasmania’s World Heritage area protects ancient plants and endemic creatures. Accessing it by boat can only be done between December and March, and requires eight to 14 days – only experienced rafters are eligible. Rafters usually access the unpredictable river – given to fits of flooding – at Collingwood River (49km or 31mi west of Derwent Bridge) and finish at Gordon River, having prearranged a pick-up.

5. Quetico Provincial Park, Canada


Image by Loimere
Paddling along the glassy surface of Northern Ontario’s pristine lakes puts you smack in the middle of the country’s signature wilderness. Combine canoeing and camping to spot moose mooching at the water’s edge or drop a line for a spot of sport fishing. The 4,800-sq-km (1,853-sq-mi) park is known for its remote canoe routes (1,500km, or 932mi, of them), and there are opportunities for guided and self-guided forays in and around the park.

6. Kerala’s backwaters, India


Image by Sarah and Iain
The network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals that fringe the coast of Kerala make for some fascinating explorations. The basic little wooden boats cross shallow, palm-fringed lakes studded with cantilevered fishing nets, and travel along shady canals. A popular eight-hour cruise runs between Alappuzha and Kollam (also called Alleppey and Quilon), which includes a landing at the Matha Amrithanandamayi Mission – the residence of one of India’s very few female gurus.

7. Milford Sound, New Zealand


Image by katclay
You don’t have to go far to see why Milford Sound is the South Island’s most visited fiord. Sheer, weathered walls dominate the serenity here that’s often doused with rains. Cruises run for an hour or two, and depart from a huge wharf – a five-minute walk from the car park. Choose to sail or motor among the spectacular valleys looking for glimpses of the area’s endemic wildlife, such as hoiho or yellow-eyed penguin. Overnight cruises are also worth considering, with boats sailing the full 22km (14mi) length of the Sound and offering kayaking trips to shore.

8. Island-hopping, Greece


Image by Gavin Gilmour
With more than 1,400 islands, Greece has more coastline than any other country in Europe. So it makes sense to hop between at least a few, as the scenery varies dramatically: from the semi-tropical lushness of the Ionian and Northeastern Aegean Islands to the bare, sunbaked rocks of the Cyclades. Every island has a ferry service of some sort ranging from the giant ‘super ferries’ that work the major routes, to the small, ageing open ferries that chug around the backwaters.

9. Disko Bay, Greenland


Image by ilovegreenland
The town of Ilulissat perches at the edge of a 40km (25mi) ice fjord that produces 20 million tonnes of ice per day. To cruise among the bergs is truly amazing. The bluestreaked giants bob about the bay, with their true bulk concealed beneath the surface of the water – seven eighths of larger bergs typically lie out of view. A number of tour operators offer boat cruises around the ice fjords and the Bay in well-equipped vessels.

10. Galapágos Islands, Ecuador


Image by cdorobek
Get on board the wilderness experience of a lifetime by cruising the haunting beauty of the Galápagos Islands – 1,000km (620mi) from mainland Ecuador. Here you can swim with sea lions, float nose-to-beak with a penguin and stand next to a blue-footed booby. Live-aboard boats range from small yachts to large cruise ships, with the most common variety being the motor sailer (a mediumsized motor boat), which carries up to 20 people and cruises for anywhere from three days to three weeks.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Jennifer Aniston talks her dream house to Architectural Digest

Jen aniston two2
Jennifer Aniston plays cover girl to March's Architectural Digest, and while all the fuss seems to be about her Brad Pitt-free bathroom, I've uncovered some interesting design aspects about her remodeled digs, and her intentions in executing them.
Writer Cynthia McFadden speaks with the actress about the roughly 2 1/2-year project, led by designer Stephen Shadley.

"I am so proud of this house," Aniston said, "and I want to celebrate the people who made it: the master craftsmen who poured so much of themselves into its creation."

The "Friends" star first came across the home in the middle of renovation, and waited seven months until the owners agreed to sell, never doubting "the house would be mine one day."

She's named the abode "Ohana," based on the Hawaiian concept of extended family. It features 14-foot doors at the entry, leading to a travertine bridge over a koi pond and a spectacular Murano glass chandelier in its main hall.

Nodding to her green side, the majority of wood in the home was cut from fallen trees, and the roof features sizable solar panels. Entertaining is Aniston's niche, however, and the revamped pad can certainly accommodate that...
AD jen aniston
...with the likes of a walnut dining table that seats 24, a game room with vintage pool table and city views, and a cozy kitchen with a pizza oven and wine room.

 "I can just imagine the Rat Pack stopping by," she said, "someone is playing the piano [a fruitwood Sauter for you design nuts], and people are laughing in the next room."

And while the "His" section of her double bathroom has been converted to a spa bath with soaking tub, it's by no means a place for the lonely.

"It's like a big hug," Aniston said of the house. "People can get so distracted by the static."

Check out the full story, with photos from Peggy Sirota, when Architectural Digest hits stands nationwide next week.

-- Matt Donnelly

Thursday, March 18, 2010

SFMOMA architects in play... Bingooo...

The group of architects being invited to compete in SFMOMA’s proposed 100,000-square-foot expansion includes a mix of grand masters like Renzo Piano and Norman Foster as well as emerging stars like Norway’s Snohetta and London-based Tanzanian designer David Adjaye.
A dozen design firms are being looked at. Others include Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, Rem Koolhaas, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Steven Holl, and Mexican architect Enrique Norton, who is collaborating with Handel Associates on a mixed-use project at 706 Mission St. that will include new Mexican Museum.
A subcommittee of SFMOMA board members working on the selection process will hold preliminary interviews with the initial group and then whittle the list down to finalists, according to David Meckel, director of research and planning at California College of the Arts, who is advising the board on the selection process. Board members will then visit the offices and built work of the finalists.
“You have the luxury of time here,” said Meckel. “What the committee is doing is keeping an open mind and not assuming that people who have not built six museums don’t know what they are doing. I think this is in good hands. This is a deliberative process with people who are not under the gun. They are going to do the right thing.”
The only architect on the list who has designed a San Francisco project is Renzo Piano, who did the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. Diller Scofidio + Renfo designed the new Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston and the redevelopment of Lincoln Center for the Arts in New York.
David Adjaye designed the new Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver and recently beat out many of the architects on the SFMOMA list in a competition to design the new National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Snohetta has never designed a major museum, but is considered an emerging stararchitect based on a new opera house the firm did in Oslo and the Library of Alexandria in Egypt.
The New York-based Holl has designed nine museums, including the Museum of Natural History in Los Angeles and art museums in Finland, Denmark, Kansas City, and Najing, China.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Trees in India


Trees in India known for their grandeur and majesty are like the green pearl in the Indian crown. Trees occupy the important place in the history of India. Trees have always been associated with wisdom and immorality in India. Hindu literature describes a celestial tree as having its roots in the heaven and its branches in the underworld that unites and connects beings of every kind. Banyan is the National Tree of India. India's medicinal are no less diverse. Peepal, banyan (Bodhi tree), banana, and Tulsi are some of the plants that holds special cultural and religious significance in India. Indian Rosewood, Kikar, Aleo Vera, Ashwagandha, Cork, Brahmi, Sal, Khair and Garden Asparagus are some of the popular trees grown in India.

Banyan Tree

Banyan is the National Tree of India. It has the widest reaching roots of all known trees, easily covering several hectares. It is said that at one time more than 10, 000 people can sit under its shade at one time.
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Peepal Tree

Hundred of trees are protected as living natural monument in India and Peepal or is one of them. It is popularly known as the Bodhi Tree in India, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. It is the sacred tree of India.
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Neem Tree

Neem tree is popularly known as the Miracle Tree. It is a useful tree in rehabilitating the waste land areas. Even today Neem Tree is the focal point of village life and the village council meetings under the shade of this huge huge tree.
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Garden Asparagus

Garden Asparagus is an herbaceous perennial and is well known for its edible young shoots. Garden Asparagus is known to have more than 250 species all over the world. The delicate flavour of Asparagus make it favourite among the vegetable lovers.
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Arjuna Tree

Arjuna is the large size deciduous tree. Terminalia Arjuna tree is common throughout India especially in the sub Himalayan tracts and Eastern India. In Indian mythology, Arjuna is supposed to be Sita's favourite tree.
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Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is the popular herb with the botanical name of Aloe barbadensis. Aloe Vera is used as the source of medicines for thousand of years. It is believed to have been used for the preservation of the body of the Jesus Christ
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Tulsi Plant

Tulsi is the sacred plant of India dearer to the Lord Vishnu. Tulsi symbolises purity. Many people wears the Tulsi beads, which is said to have certain physical and medicinal properties. It is known as Holy Basil in English and Tulasi in Sanskrit.
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Amla Plant

Amla is the wonder plant, a unique gift of the mother nature to the mankind. Its fruit is the richest source of Vitamin C. It holds the special reputation of being the most powerful rejuvenating herb. It is popularly known as Indian Gooseberry
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Ashwagandha Plant

Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that grows up to the height of 0.5 m to 1.5 m. Ashwagandha is the powerful herb that is believed to increase health and longevity. One can find this medicinal plant in the Ranthambore National Park in India.
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Brahmi Plant

Brahmi is the small creeping herb with the numerous branches. Herpestis monniera is the other known specie of Brahmi plant. It is rich in Vitamin C. Brahmi is the name derived from the Lord Brahma. Brahmi represents the creative energy of this earth.
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Eucylyptus Tree

Eucalyptus is the tall evergreen tree. There are more than 700 species of Eucalyptus all over the world. Eucalyptus is mainly used as the pulpwood in the manufacture of the paper as well as raw material.
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Indian Mahogany

Indian Mahogany is a fast upright growing tree with a broad rounded symmetrical crown. Swietenia mahagoni is the scientific name given to the Indian Mahogany. It is mostly propagated through seeds. .
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Indian Rosewood

Indian Rosewood holds many medicinal properties. Indian Rosewood is mostly propagated through the root suckers and seeds. Many people in India grow Rosewood because they believe harvesting the wood denudes the rain forests.
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Tulip Tree

Indian Tulip or the Portia Tree is a very large tree with heart shaped leaves and the cup shaped flowers. The fruits, flowers and young leaves of the Indian Tulip tree are edible. It is also known as the Scarlet Bell tree and the Fountain tree.
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Khair Tree

Khair is the moderate size deciduous tree, which is widely grown in Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, Corbett National Park and Ranthambore National Park in India. It is propagated through the stumps or seed and is useful in the dental problems.
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Kikar tree

Kikar is the small thorny tree. It is cultivated for erosion and fuel wood. Its wood is used for the paper production. It is mainly grown in the cold temperature. Kikar is widely found in the State of Haryana in India.
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Sal tree

Sal is a large sub deciduous tree. It is worshiped among the Buddhist and Hindus in India. It is mentioned in many scriptures that the Buddha was born and died under the Sal tree. It is found in almost all the parts of India.
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Cork Tree

Found in the tropical forests of India, Cork is the tall deciduous tree. Stem and roots of the Cork tree have great medicinal value. The bark of the Cork tree is used in the production of yellow dye. Its flowers are used in rituals in India.
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Teak Tree

Teak or Tectona Grandis is one of the most popular tree of India. It is mainly used in the making of furniture and doors. Teak also holds the medicinal value. The bark is bitter tonic and is considered useful in fever.
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Turmeric Plant

The plant of Turmeric is a herbaceous perennial, which is 60 -90 cm high. The powered rhizome of this plant is used as an condiment and as an yellow dye. The rhizome of the turmeric plant is highly aromatic and antiseptic.
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Thursday, January 28, 2010

Architectural Updates

By Nico Saieh — Filed under: Infrastructure , Selected , , ,

© Jesús Granada

Architect: Julio Barreno
Location: Cadiz, Spain
Technical Architect: Rocío Román Aguillar
Project Area: 200 sqm
Project Year: 2009
Photographs: Jesús Granada

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European Workshop Waterfront Urban Design

By Sebastian J — Filed under: Events , Uncategorized , ,

ULHT (Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias) organized an international workshop on the theme of waterfront design (European Workshop Waterfront Urban Design) EWWUD. This event will take place between 14 and 28 March 2010 and has several international specialists in nine foreign universities.

Solutions for the relocation of port facilities and the consequent waterfront regeneration of old ports are dependet upon the capacity of both port and city to sucessfully develop the necessary means of negotiation, to work towards mutual improvements. while Port Representatives privilege the efficiency of maritime activity, City leaders pursue improvements to their citizens quality of life.

Exchange of good pratices between port cities is required with two goals: to support the port’s needed to expand and relocate, and to produce urban waterfront REGENERATION that integrates rather than segregates neighborhoods and their citizens. The Workshop’s objectives and list of universities involved, after the break. read more »

House on the Mountain / Alric Galindez Arquitectos

By Nico Saieh — Filed under: Houses , Selected , , ,

Architects: Alric Galindez Arquitectos / Santiago Alric, Carlos Galindez, Federico Lloveras
Location: Bariloche, Argentina
Collaborators: Alfredo Quiroga, Sofía Peluffo, Joaquín Adot
Interiors: Patricia Gurfinkel, Sofía Mendoza
Structural Engineer: Jorge Zapata
Contractor: Arrieta & Arrieta construcciones
Interior Area: 591 sqm
Exterior Area: 70 sqm
Project year: 2008
Photographs: Courtesy Alric Galindez

read more »

Congress and Hotel Centre / SHL Architects

By Sebastian J — Filed under: Hotels and Restaurants , , ,

Schmidt hammer lassen architects have won a competition for a Congress and Hotel Centre on the central harbour front of Helsingborg in Sweden, which is a 15-minute ferry trip from Elsinore in Denmark. The property development competition was won in conjunction with Swedish developer Midroc and engineering/architect consultants Sweco.

Architect’s description and more images after the break. read more »

Williams Studio / gh3

By Nico Saieh — Filed under: Houses , Offices , Selected , ,

© Larry Williams

Architects: gh3
Location: Lakefield, Ontario, Canada
Principal in Charge: Pat Hanson
Project Team: Deni Papetti, Walter Bettio, Diana Gerrard, Raymond Chow
Structural: Blackwell Bowick
Mechanical: Patrick Lam
Construction manager: Jim Thompson
Project Area: 167 sqm
Construction Year: 2007
Photographs: Larry Williams

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Orange Memorial Park / Marcy Wong & Donn Logan Architects

By Nico Saieh — Filed under: Public Facilities , Selected , , , , ,

© Sharon Risedorph

Architects: Marcy Wong & Donn Logan Architects
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Owner: Sharon Ranals
Structural Engineer: Umerani Associates
General Contractor: RGM & Associates
Landscape Architects: Gates & Associates
Project Area: 595 sqm
Budget: $5.3 M
Project Year: 2008
Photographs: Sharon Risedorph

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Memory Museum / Estudio America

By David Basulto — Filed under: Museums and Libraries , Selected , ,

© Nico Saieh

Sao Paulo based practice Estudio America recently completed the new Memory Museum in the cultural district of Matucana in Santiago, Chile.

Interesting combination, as the Sao Paulo architecture scene has a strong heritage from Brazilian architects Oscar Niemeyer, Mendes da Rocha, Lina Bo Bardi, and other architects from the modern movement. The result? A pure volume, on which every effort has been put into the structure, cantilevering between two ponds on which a line of shadow on the base make the volume gravitate. Finishes are simple, with no pretension.

Under the volume, a big shadow welcomes visitors, who pass by a small lobby before entering the triple-height inside the container, with the different exhibition spaces. Circulations go on the perimeter, from where the perforated copper skin offers a perfect view of the outside.

More photos of the museum after the break, and the complete photoset on Nico Saieh’s website:
read more »

AD Round Up: Industrial Architecture Part II

By Sebastian J — Filed under: AD Round Up , Industrial Architecture

From Italy, Chile, Austria, Taiwan and Argentina. Here’s our second Round Up from our previously featured industrial architecture. Check our first part here!

Cabel Industry / Massimo Mariani
Just out the edge of the town of Empoli, the building is the Cabel headquarters (a company dealing in computer systems for banks), it covers an area of approximately 4.500 square metres and it is incorporated on the local industrial estate. Partially set into the ground, the building is composed of two extended floors (read more…)

Inotera Headquarters & Production Facility / tec Design Studio
The Asia Pacific region, an evolving hub for advanced technology and creative intelligence, benefits from a unique juxtaposition of hi-tech development and natural environment. We seized this opportunity, investigating strategies that integrate the latter two and bring the human being back to the center of all deliberation (read more…)

Olisur: Olive Oil factory / Guillermo Hevia
A volume of architecture simple and emphatic, which reinterprets allegorically anonymous architectures of the central valley, sits on the softer mountains of olives, looking subtly with its wooden facades and colors that stand out with the luminosity of the place. The body will mimic the geography and planning lines of trees on their facades (read more…)

Industrial Plan in Junin de los Andes / Alric Galindez Arquitectos
On a valley placed on the right margin of river Chimehuin, we can find the city of Junin de los Andes. It develops along N°234 national road, part of the Seven Lakes turistic circuit, and it is the main entrance to the National Park Lanin. The Industrial Plan´s terrain is on the roadside, and is the very fisrt building we meet (read more…)

SSC voestalpine Stahl Service Center / x Architekten
The building functions as an interface between road, rail and waterway transport. The delivery and outgoing goods sections embody the dynamism and efficiency of the company voestalpine SSC. Architecturally, the financial success of the enterprise is symbolised by the wide open access gates (read more…)

P.S.1 2010 entry: Weathers Permitting by William O’Brien Jr

By David Basulto — Filed under: Competitions , Structures , ,

As I told you on our previous post, the summer installation competition held by the MoMA and the P.S.1 is a platform for young architects, and that’s why we are presenting you all the entries for this year. You can read our whole P.S.1 competition coverage here.

We continue with William O’Brien Jr, who has been very related to the academy and is currently a professor at the MIT School of Architecture and Planning and he also runs his own practice in Cambridge, MA.

© William O'Brien Jr

His proposal for the summer installation, Weathers Permitting, constructs an elevated boardwalk with a topology which collects water, which varies or evaporates depending on the current weather at the location. The action of the weather over the boardwalk reminds me of the weathering effect described by Mohsen Mostafavi on his book On Weathering: The Life of Buildings in Time.

More about William’s proposal after the break:

read more »

Kemang Medical Care / Aboday Architects

By Nico Saieh — Filed under: Health , Selected , ,

© Happy Lim Photography

Architecture: Aboday Architect
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Project Architect: PT. Parama Loka Cipta
Client: Private
Structure Engineer: PT. Agoes Kurnia
M&E Consultant: PT. Policipta Multidesain
Interior Desainer: PT. De Stijl Cipta Kreasi
Main Contractor: PT.Adhi Karya Cab.III
Gross Floor Area: 6,500 sqm
Construction: 2006–2008
Photographs: Happy Lim Photography

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Stockholm Bypass / Rotstein Arkitekter

By Sebastian J — Filed under: Infrastructure , , ,

Stockholm Bypass (Förbifart Stockholm) is the new highway linking the southern and the northern parts of Stockholm, planned to be open in 2020. The major part of the project – 17 of the 21 kilometres – consists of tunnels. The length of the tunnels requires extra care in designing a safe and attractive environment.

Early conceptual sketches are now interpreted by researchers in behavioural science and traffic safety in cooperation with Rotstein Arkitekter, the architects in charge of the tunnel design. Daylight illumination in the tunnels, optical guidance based on curvature and designed underground domes (working as lungs with fresh air and natural light) are creating continuous flows and unique landmarks.

An early stage of the design concept is now featured in this autumn’s main exhibition at the Swedish Museum of Architecture, spotlighting infrastructure – road and rail traffic – and its connection with urban planning.

More images after the break. read more »

Shifting Sands / Work AC

By Karen Cilento — Filed under: Mixed Use , News , ,

Work AC’s design for a utilitarian industrial building for the Brooklyn navy yard becomes an opportunity to explore the efficiencies of scale through possibilities of long-span structures. A two-story truss rests on four columns at the ground level, allowing the upper floor to cantilever out past the entrance, creating a dynamic entry point and a new shared entrance plaza. The stripped facade is comprised of low-cost standing seam metal panels in a variety of colors. The color palette is taken from the varied hues of the surrounding buildings as a way to tie this contemporary structure with the existing context. The form, a long rectangle with the top level shifted off center, allows space for a shared green terrace on the back side of the building while the protruding side makes the protected entry condition. The top floors are also lifted and clerestory windows inserted to provide extra natural light for the lower floors. The building’s placement on the site was studied using the assumed 23,333 sqf footprint as well as acknowledging the fact that buried 138 KV electric lines still had to be accessible.

More images and diagrams after the break. read more »

Ross Street House / RWH Design

By Nico Saieh — Filed under: Houses , Selected , , ,

© Zane Williams

Architects: Richard Wittschiebe Hand
Location: Madison, Wisconsin, USA
Client: Fred Berg & Carol Richard
Mechanical Engineer/ LEED Coordinator: Fred Berg
Structural Engineer: Diana Quinn, PE
Landscape Architect: Lisa J. Geer, ASLA
Project Area: 250.8 sqm
Budget: $500,000
Project Year: 2009
Photo Credits: Zane Williams

read more »

Le Temps des Environment / Nicolas Dorval Bory Architect

By Karen Cilento — Filed under: Art , News , ,

Nicolas Dorval Bory Architect designed an extension artist residency for the International Art & Landscape Center on the island of Vassivière. Situated in the middle of an artificial hydro-electric lake, the project explores the concept of ”de-spatialization” and “blurred architecture” by breaking the building components down into fragments, lines and dots. The building gradually begins to dissolve allowing “its temporal dimension to be experienced as its geometrical dimensions disappear into architecture and landscape.” The team studied time progression to invent a new kind of space and organization based on their conceptual ideas.

More images after the break. read more »

Bowling Pitch / Chartier/Dalix Architects

By Nico Saieh — Filed under: Selected , Sports Architecture , ,

© Mathieu Janand

Architects: Chartier/Dalix Architects
Location: Meaux, France
Client: City of Meaux
Engineering: EPDC, Ivry sur Seine (94)
General Contractor: Sylvamétal, (groupe Beaudin-chateauneuf) St Thibault des Vignes (77)
Project Area: 2,350 sqm
Budget: 2 M€ > 810 €/sqm
Project Year: 2007-2008
Photographs: Mathieu Janand

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P.S.1 2010 entry: Cumulus by Freecell

By David Basulto — Filed under: Structures , , , ,

© Freecell

Last friday we presented you the results of P.S.1 summer installation competition, held by the MoMA and the P.S.1. As the idea of the competition is to identify and showcase young practices, here at ArchDaily we’d like to introduce you not only the winner as we did last Friday with SO-IL’s Pole Dance, but also the other contestants, as their proposals are good examples of what young architects are thinking these days. So in the following articles we are going to feature the entries by Freecell, William O’Brien Jr, Easton + Combs and BIG.

We start with Freecell, a design and fabrication practice based in Brooklyn, NY, directed by partners Lauren Crahan and John Hartmann. The firm specializes on small scale commissions, as you can see on the many projects featured at their website.

Their proposal “Cumulus” explores pneumatic structures, which respond to the weather changing its configuration between sunny and cloudy days:
read more »

Blob vB3 / dmvA

By Nico Saieh — Filed under: Offices , Selected , ,

Architects: dmvA
Location: No Location / Mobile
Principal: Rini van Beek / XfactorAgencies
Project Team: David Driesen, Tom Verschueren, Thomas Denturck
General Contractor : AD&S Thomas Denturck
Constructional Engineer: AD&S
Built Area: 20 sqm
Project Year: 2009
Photographs: Rini van Beek, Mick Couwenbergh

read more »

The Modern Castle / DEVE Architects

By Sebastian J — Filed under: Urban Design , , , ,

Copenhagen-based DEVE Architects were one of the winners of the Europan 10 Architecture competition. Their project was a revitalization of an industrial harbor area in Augustenborg, Denmark.

Their proposal primarily addresses the historical and spatial implications of building in the small city, but there are significant environmental considerations as well. The encompassing municipality of Sønderborg envisions a carbon neutral ‘Kommune’ by the year 2030, and they hope they’ll get the opportunity to contribute to that goal.

Architect’s description and more images after the break. read more »

Terminus / On Office

By Karen Cilento — Filed under: Hotels and Restaurants , News , , ,

On Office’s Grand Terminus Hotel in Bergen, Norway is situated next to an exisiting traditional “Heritage” building. For the modern extension, the architects focused on maintaining a relationship with the existing hotel, while also working with sun exposure levels. The triangulated form morphs off the end of existing to become an unique entity that is still tied to its context. The geometric form provides dynamic interior spaces that aim to “establish an intimate relation with the existing small houses in the surroundings.”

More images after the break.

read more »

House VdB / Grosfeld van der Velde Architecten

By Nico Saieh — Filed under: Houses , Selected , , ,

© Michel Kievits