A DESIGN SUPER BLOG*

Steel, wood, stone and glass merge to form a simple structure

2008-11-05T14:46:00.003+08:00

Steel, wood, stone and glass merge to form a simple structure

Having been entrusted to carry out a residential project on this site, the architects decided to explore the posibility of designing a house that would generate the least impact possible and could be adapted in the best way to the natural conditions of the site.

This is how the architectural concept of this house was born: a lineal spatial organisation with platforms on different levels and with different angles that allowed Gomez Crespo Arquitectos to adapt and integrate architecture to nature.
The architectural design consists of areas built with steel structure and glass. This evokes a sense of lightness, transparency and harmony with the surroundings. Wooden beams were used to give warmth to these open spaces.

The colours chosen played an important role in the design process: the metal structure painted as the colour of tree trunks, the concrete sections coloured to reflect the earthy shades of the area, the stone walls and flooring chosen in earth tones and glass used to allow total transparency and integration. Water treatment, solar energy and passive ventilation were considered in the design.

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=10572

Site-sensitive design creates New Charles River landmark in Cambridge

2008-11-05T14:46:00.001+08:00

Site-sensitive design creates New Charles River landmark in Cambridge

Architect Kyu Sung Woo has designed a new graduate housing complex for Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. The 115,000 sq ft project is a part of University's ongoing effort to house 50 percent of its graduate, professional and doctoral students, further supporting a strong residential campus community and helping to alleviate pressure on the local housing market. The scheme houses 215 beds in over 30 different suite types, and includes a faculty director's suite, a fitness room, study lounge spaces, a multipurpose room, and a garage that extends under the building, its courtyard, and a new public open space along Memorial Drive.

The 10 Akron Street project occupies a prominent location on the Charles River, at the corner of Memorial Drive and Akron Street and is one of a series of new residences for Harvard affiliates as well as low and moderate income units built for local residents. Adjacent is Peabody Terrace Housing by Jose' Luis Sert, with whom Woo studied and worked. Visible from across the Charles River, the simple and elegant design composition is a seamless extension of the campus, recalling the scale, massing and textures of Harvard's traditional brick river houses, wood-frame neighborhood context, with references to Sert.

From the river side, the six-story brick block with glassy bay windows, is appropriately scaled to active Memorial Drive and the river. Along Banks Street, the siding on the low-rise wood-clad building refers to adjacent three-story wood frame houses and Peabody Terrace's vertical concrete formwork. The massing composition of these two building elements forms a courtyard open toward the public open space, Harvard provided to the City of Cambridge. Together, the courtyard gesture and the park establish a contemporary and welcoming gateway to campus. The entry portal at 10 Akron Street frames an axial view of the Sert complex through the courtyard and the park, and a section of the building cantilevers dramatically over the outdoor deck to preserve sightlines from the community to the river at street level. Projecting bay windows create shade and shadow, animating the façades, and capture remarkable views of Charles River and Boston beyond.

At the individual scale, architectural detail and discerning material selection and color palette create familiar yet contemporary textures and surfaces. Double height curtain wall windows at the corners reveal two-story study lounges. Internally, to foster a sense of community, studies and other public spaces distributed throughout the floors and the extra wide open stair are opportunities for spontaneous encounters. Subtle changes in material and the use of localized intense colors at unit entries punctuate corridors which terminate with striking views of the outdoors. Apartment are designed for maximum flexibility in furnishing and partitioning, made more spacious with generous glazing and bay windows.

In keeping with Harvard's university-wide commitment to sustainable building and campus operations, the project was designed to achieve a high level LEED certification. Green-minded finishes include regionally-sourced siding with recycled content; renewable bamboo flooring and wall paneling, and low-VOC finishes; building systems are designed and engineered to minimize energy usage. Landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates designed a graceful seasonal garden with groupings of trees and clumped plantings native to New England, connecting the courtyard to the riverfront terrace. In the courtyard, serrated and diagonally laid paving edged with large river smoothed rocks recall peaceful stone gardens.

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=10571

Joel Sanders completes eco-friendly NYC penthouse

2008-11-05T14:45:00.001+08:00

Joel Sanders completes eco-friendly NYC penthouse

This Noho loft for real estate developer Matthew Blesso offers a fresh take on green architecture, demonstrating that you don't have to forgo high style in the interest of saving the planet.

Designed by New York architect Joel Sanders with associate architect Andrea Steele and landscape designer, Balmori Associates, the design of this 3200 sq ft loft is predicated on the notion that if you merge building and landscape, by bringing nature in and pushing living space to the outdoors, unexpected things can happen.

The loft's interior is awash in lush vegetation, sustainable woods and natural fibers. Exterior wood decking and plants flow into the heart of the penthouse forming a "planted core" that separates the private and public realms. A glass wall separates the bathroom from the planted zone, allowing the owner to bathe surrounded by vegetation. This "living wall" links the interior to the roof. An open staircase provides access to a rooftop garden planted with grasses and sedum, which has been transformed into a veritable "living" room furnished with a mini-kitchen, a large movie screen, and an outdoor shower surrounded by lush vegetation.

Sharon McHugh
US Correspondent

(Associate Architect Andrea Steele www.andarchitects.com

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=10577

Exclusive insight into changing market conditions: WAN talks to Davis Langdon and Norman Foster

2008-11-05T14:44:00.001+08:00

Exclusive insight into changing market conditions: WAN talks to Davis Langdon and Norman Foster

As the collapsed residential markets around the world show no sign of life, so architects are increasingly forced to look to other sectors to fill the gap. This week, both camps in the US Presidential race announced huge plans to invest in the rebuilding of much of America's crumbling infrastructure. At the same time, Gordon Brown the UK's Premier and London Mayor, Boris Johnson confirmed plans for major infrastructure projects, including Crossrail, would go forward.

Speaking to WAN in Barcelona last week, Lord Norman Foster expressed that this same investment has been true in past crises: "If you look at past periods of (economic) distress, or recessions, some of those have been typified by investment in infrastructure. If the private sector is not able to keep the construction industry in employment, thriving, then you are forced to turn to the public sector."

But while plans such as Crossrail and Building Schools for the Future, two key UK infrastructure pushes, promise to deliver billions of pounds worth of investment into the industry, they have been under planning for years with the timing being inconsequential, although convenient. Any economic boost in the industry that these schemes would have had therefore has been traded down as a band aid to the gaping wound of the crunch and one that Steve Waltho, Head of Infrastructure at Davis Langdon, says cannot compensate for the losses occurring in the housing, commercial and office sectors.

Across the pond, however, investment in infrastructure has been rebranded as a sales tool for elections. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) last week highlighted the importance of infrastructure in an advancing society as their President, David G Mongan, addressed the US House of Representatives.

"The dangers of the nation's crumbling infrastructure to our economic health are as great as those posed by the current financial crisis," he said. "The nation's infrastructure is the foundation on which our economy stands. Without a modern, functioning system of highways, bridges, mass-transit, drinking-water systems, sewage systems, levees, dams, school and other elements of the infrastructure, economic recovery will be impossible. Simply put, without proper investment and attention to these networks, our nation's economic health, competitive advantage, and quality of life are at risk."

And this is a message that both the Republican and Democrat camps have taken on board creating policy and investment proposals in response but the treatments are polar. While Obama pledges major investment ($60 billion over ten years) to rebuild roads, bridges, ports and rail McCain would put investment into energy by upgrading the national electric power transmission system instead. The contrast leaves further insecurity hanging over the question of infrastructure's ability to save the market.

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=10586

New Eye Park development introduces technological improvements to a rapidly expanding Dubai

2008-10-24T11:22:00.001+08:00

As part of Dubai's ongoing plan to become a worldwide tourist, entertainment, and leisure destination, Tameer Holding Investments have employed retail design firm Callison to develop six mixed-use towers in the heart of the new Dubailand development. The new towers – to be collectively known as Eye Park - will offer over around 1.9 million square feet of residential space, and 100,00 square feet of retail space, along with full amenities, car parking, and shopping areas.

Create a Reflection in 5 K.I.S.S. Steps

2008-10-22T11:55:00.001+08:00

Create a Reflection in 5 K.I.S.S. Steps

If there is one thing I have learned in my years as a graphic designer, it's that I need to keep things simple. I always try to keep in mind the old adage, K.I.S.S. (keep it simple silly). Now, I'm aware that normally the word "silly" is replaced by "stupid," but the word "stupid" is not a very positive thing to be repeating to yourself each day.

Standard, Enhanced, Custom, and Multi-User Plans

2008-10-22T11:37:00.001+08:00

Standard, Enhanced, Custom, and Multi-User Plans

What You Need to Know

Sometimes in our quest to find great images for our deadline-driven creative projects, it can be tough to find time to read the fine print. Though important, these legal details are sometimes overlooked. While it is essential that you read through the license terms in their entirety, this article will serve as a primer on these important issues and help guide you to the license and subscription plan best suited for your needs.

Creating a Vector Face in Illustrator

2008-10-22T11:23:00.001+08:00

Let's take the mystery out of creating a vector face using Illustrator. Although there is no single way of doing it, I will guide you step-by-step from sketch to the finished illustration using the magnificent Pen Tool. No reference photos will be needed, just your vivid imagination and drawing skills combined with a basic knowledge of Adobe Illustrator.

1. Let's start by creating some basic line art as the base for the illustration. I used Corel Painter to draw it, but pen and paper work just as well! Draw a female face, bearing in mind the basic proportions of the human face.

An introduction to Real Estate Opportunities in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

2008-10-13T11:14:00.001+08:00

Read full version at Orange - Property

Location :
The first of the Palm Islands to be launched, Palm Jumeirah represents one of the most exciting property developments of all time. This man-made island, off Dubai's popular coastline will cover an area of 7 million square meters and is surrounded by a 12 kilometre-long crescent shaped breakwater. Over 220 kilometres of beach front will be offered on Palm Jumeirah.

The Palm will offer residents a choice of some 2,000 villas from exclusive Signature Villas to beachfront Garden Villas and Town Houses. In addition there are 2,500 luxury apartments in a variety of styles and surroundings. Visitors and residents to Palm Jumeirah will be spoilt by the world-class hotels on the trunk and crescent of the Palm, the 220 boutique shops and restaurants on the famous Golden Mile, two marinas, spas and other first class facilities.

The Crescent
The Crescent is 12 kilometres long and surrounds the island, acting as a breakwater. This breakwater has been designed by international specialists and is able to withstand a four-metre wave. The Crescent on Palm Jumeirah will be one of the most desirable hoiday destinations in the world featuring 22 boutique hotels, each with its own theme.

The Crown
The Crown of the Palm consists of seventeen fronds. Each of the fronds provides residents a fabulous beachfront home in private surroundings. Buyers can choose from a wide range of different styled themed properties, ensuring that this is truly their dream home.
Signature Villas are on the 'fronds' of The Palm, providing the ultimate exclusive and luxury residence in a secure environment. These six or seven-bedroom homes have large private swimming pools and private beaches. The properties are finished to the highest standards and are offered with a choice of the following themes:

   1. European
   2. Mediterranean
   3. Arabic
   4. Contemporary

Garden Villas are available as three, four and five-bedroom properties. Each property features a fabulous private pool and stunning water views. These homes offer residents between 5,000 and 6,000 square feet of living space. The Garden Villas on Palm Jumeirah are fitted with the finest fixtures and are available with Mediterranean and Arabic themes.

Town houses offer owners 4,100 square feet of living accommodation in three and four-bedroom properties. Each of the Townhouses on Palm Jumeirah has the added benefit of shared swimming pools and private communal beach areas. As with all of the properties on this development they are finished to the highest standards.

The Trunk
The Trunk of the Palm will be home to some of the most luxurious apartments in the Dubai property market. At nearly half a kilometer wide, it will act as the central point of the palm Jumeirah with theme parks, marinas, shopping malls and restaurants. It will also feature a monorail system for the convenience of residents and guests.

Shoreline apartments are located on the right hand side of the trunk of the Palm. Sea-facing and canal-facing apartments ranging from 1 bedroom up to 4 bedroom penthouses are available. Each Shoreline Apartment has access to private swimming pools, modern gyms and children's playgrounds.

The Golden Mile Residences will comprise of 10 waterfront buildings, these will range from 1 bedroom apartments to penthouses and town homes. Together there will be a total of approximately 780 apartments which will afford residents exceptional services and views.
Marina Village Apartments - Oceana

Marina Village Apartments - Oceana is a major apartment project on the Palm Jumeirah. Located on the trunk of The Palm comprises of seven buildings. Each building comprises of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments offering owners spacious living accomodation, high quality finishes and panoramic views to the garden, beach and marina.

All residents of Oceana will be entitled to join the fabulous Regatta Club. The Regatta Club will include a number of world class facilities including a beach, running track, a large, landscaped recreation area, fully equipped gym, sauna and steam rooms, outdoor pool, children's pool and play area. The Oceana apartments are located within close walking distance from a first class shopping mall.

NY Museum gets needed upgrade

2008-10-13T11:08:00.001+08:00

From WAN

Smithsonian's Cooper Hewitt unveils expansion plan

The Cooper Hewitt, America's National Design Museum, has unveiled design plans for an enlarged and enhanced facility to house its vast collection. The $64 million project, which is slated to begin construction in January 2009, is being led by Gluckman Mayner Architects with Beyer Blinder Belle Architects on board as Executive Architect.

The ambitious project, which involves the restoration of the landmark Carnegie Mansion and the renovation of two adjacent townhouses, will almost double Cooper-Hewitt's exhibition space. Major components of the project include a new 7,000 sq ft gallery, restored galleries, a new National Design Library and expanded collection storage. When completed, the entire 4,000 sq ft of first floor galleries will be allocated to the display of the Museum' s permanent collection, an increase of 400 percent.

Beyer Blinder Belle will lead the Mansion's restoration work, which includes the addition of a new contemporary east stair that connects all three levels of galleries. The most visible architectural changes in the mansion will be this central stair and the new third-floor galleries. The stair design will be sympathetic to the character of the building, yet unify the disparate floors of the museum and facilitate public circulation. The new third-floor gallery will be transformed into a versatile and neutral vessel into which the museum can exhibit a wide range of temporary shows.

Sharon McHugh
US Correspondent

New cancer research facility underway in Lisbon

2008-10-13T11:05:00.001+08:00

From

New cancer research facility underway in Lisbon

The development of a new 300,000 sq ft cancer research facility in Lisbon has officially begun.

Symbolically, a small robot placed the first stone of the Champalimaud Foundation Centre at a ceremony attended by Portuguese Prime Minister José Sócrates. Officials hope the unit will lead researchers to make new discoveries, helping to enhance disease treatment and to bring forward scientific exploration in Portugal.

Consisting of three buildings, the centre is located at Pedroucos Dock on the banks of Tagus River and has been designed to provide a comfortable environment for people staying at its outpatient cancer clinic, as well as being environmentally friendly and enjoying optimal energy and resource management.

Building A will house a rainforest garden which can be visited by patients and staff, in addition to diagnostic, treatment and wellness centres; Building B is to encompass an auditorium, exhibition centre and restaurant; while Building C is expected to be an open-air amphitheatre to hold community events and public performances.

Stephen McDaniel, a principal at RMJM, commented that the project is "an excellent example of a holistic, site-specific approach to sustainability".

He continued: "For example, the proximity to the Tagus River allows us to have a geothermal heat-sink for temperature control, which is further controlled by the massive rainforest garden in the main building. The garden will be 80 x 40 metres, the size of a US football field."

RMJM Hillier are the laboratory and clinical design architects for the project, with Charles Correa appointed as design architect and Portuguese firm Consiste architect of the record.

The Champalimaud Foundation Centre is set to be the first development in a major regeneration of the Belem area of Lisbon, with an expected opening date of October 2010.

Darren Maybury
Reporter

The Oval Tower, Another Landmark For Dubai

2008-10-09T10:50:00.001+08:00

The Oval Tower, Another Landmark For Dubai

The Oval Tower is the latest piece of architectural whimsy to come out of Dubai. As you might guess, it is shaped like an oval. The tower in the Business Bay area will be home to 19 floors of office space and a leisure deck with a gymnasium with a sauna, shower and lockers. The building as two distinct parts, the tower and the podium. The podium of the tower will hold a dining area with a panoramic lift and staircase. There will be parking in both the podium and the basement for 651 cars.

Source : The Oval Tower, Another Landmark For Dubai

Modernity and tradition in Dubai architecture by Luiza Karim

2008-10-09T10:48:00.001+08:00

"The migration of an architecturaL style from an area to another foreign area is something that should be rejected because it will cut its relations to its heritage, traditions and culture. It leads to double personality and the loss of one's identity, thus to be a stranger in your house is the worst type of stranger."

The sheikh of Arab architects the late Hassan Fathi

Besides being a town on the old caravan route from Iraq to Oman, Dubai was also a transit port for dhows between India east Africa and the northern part of the Gulf. Gradually it developed into a busy commercial centre where people of different cultures and traditions settled and mixed, leading to today's multi-cultural society.

"Like most Arabian Gulf coastal cities, Dubai was established on land near a creek and fresh water. Creeks provided natural ports for dhows, and the sea was a convenient way of transportation, besides being a means of providing food and pearl diving," explains Rashad M. Bukhash, head of historical buildings section at Dubai Municipality.

Designboom.com : the future in dubai

2008-10-09T10:45:00.000+08:00

the future in dubai
dubai architecture: new buildings in the united arab emirates

the future of dubai's waterfront

---
duabi or dubai city is located on the northern tip of the united arab emeritus on the persian gulf. it has been ruled
by the al maktoum dynasty since 1833 and has existed in its modern state since 1971. the current ruler is
mohammed bin rashid al maktoum, who is also the prime minister and vice president of the united arab emirates.
the rather small city has a population of 1.6 million people and a 37 billion USD economy based largely on trade,
manufacturing and financial services. contrary to popular belief petrol and natural gas only make up a small
percentage of revenues.

the city has gained world-wide attention in the past few years because of its booming economy and ambitious
architectural projects. with a focus on business and tourism, the city is ramping up construction on an
unprecedented level. in fact, dubai is said to be home to 15% to 25% of the world's 125,000 construction cranes.
don't think that the architectural expansion is over, because a slew of new project are on the table and in
the works as we speak.

here is only a small portion of the buildings that are being proposed, constructed or developed in dubai
and its surrounding region.

>>> Read more >>> designboom.com

Architecture in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

2008-10-08T12:28:00.001+08:00

Dubai in 1990 prior to the craziness

The same street in 2003

Last year

The madness. Dubai is said to currently have 15-25% of all the world's cranes.

The Dubai Waterfront. When completed it will become the largest waterfront development in the world.

All of this was built in the last 5 years, including that island that looks like a palm tree.

The Palm Islands in Dubai. New Dutch dredging technology was used to create these massive man made islands. They are the largest artificial islands in the world and can be seen from space. Three of these Palms will be made with the last one being the largest of them all.

Upon completion, the resort will have 2,000 villas, 40 luxury hotels, shopping centers, movie theaters, and many other facilities. It is expected to support a population of approximately 500,000 people. It is advertised as being visible from the moon.

The World Islands. 300 artificially created islands in the shape of the world. Each island will have an estimated cost of $25-30 million.

The Burj al-Arab hotel in Dubai. The worlds tallest hotel. Considered the only '7 star' hotel and the most luxurious hotel in the world. It stands on an artificial island in the sea.

Hydropolis, the world's first underwater hotel. Entirely built in Germany and then assembled in Dubai, it is scheduled to be completed by 2009 after many delays.

The Burj Dubai. Construction began in 2005 and is expected to be complete by 2008. At an estimated height of over 800 meters, it will easily be world's tallest building when finished. It will be almost 40% taller than the the current tallest building, the Taipei 101.

This is what downtown Dubai will look like around 2008-2009. More than 140 stories of the Burj Dubai have already been completed. It is already the worlds tallest man made structure and it is still not scheduled to be completed for at least another year.

The Al Burj. This will be the centerpiece of the Dubai Waterfront. Once completed it will take over the title of the tallest structure in the world from the Burj Dubai.

Recently it was announced that the final height of this tower will be 1200 meters. That would make it more than 30% taller than the Burj Dubai and three times as tall as the Empire State Building.

This is a city on crack.

The Burj al Alam, or The World Tower. Upon completion it will rank as the world's highest hotel. It is expected to be finished by 2009. At 480 meters it will only be 28 meters shorter than the Taipei 101.

The Trump International Hotel & Tower, which will be the centerpiece of one of the palm islands, The Palm Jumeirah.

Dubailand. Currently, the largest amusement park collection in the world is Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, which is also the largest single-site employer in the United states with 58,000 employees. Dubailand will be twice the size.

Dubailand will be built on 3 billion square feet (107 miles^2) at an estimated $20 billion price tag. The site will include a purported 45 mega projects and 200 hundred other smaller projects.

Dubai Sports City. A huge collection of sports arenas located in Dubailand.

Currently, the Walt Disney World Resort is the #1 tourist destination in the world. Once fully completed, Dubailand will easily take over that title since it is expected to attract 200,000 visitors daily.

The Dubai Marina is an entirely man made development that will contain over 200 highrise buildings when finished. It will be home to some of the tallest residential structures in the world. The completed first phase of the project is shown. Most of the other high rise buildings will be finished by 2009-2010.

The Dubai Mall will be the largest shopping mall in the world with over 9 million square feet of shopping and around 1000 stores. It will be completed in 2008.

Ski Dubai, which is already open, is the largest indoor skiing facility in the world. This is a rendered image of another future indoor skiing facility that is being planned.

Some of the tallest buildings in the world, such as Ocean Heights and The Princess Tower, which will be the largest residential building in the world at over a 100 stories, will line the Dubai Marina.

The UAE Spaceport would be the first spaceport in the world if construction ever gets under way. I'm not joking...

Some other other crazy shit...

The Dubai Metro system, once completed, will become the largest fully automated rail system in the world.
The Dubai World Central International Airport will become the largest airport in size when it is completed. It will also eventually become the busiest airport in the world, based on passenger volume.
There are more construction workers in Dubai than there are actual citizens.

http://dubai.isnuts.googlepages.com/

PEACOCK DINNER CLUB

2008-10-08T11:13:00.001+08:00

PEACOCK DINNER CLUB

OLSSONLYCKEFORS ARCHITECTS

location	Gothenburg
function	club, restaurant
contributed by	Kirsten_Hannema

Peacock Dinner Club is the first of a number of new dinner clubs in Sweden, following the concept of a restaurant that develops into a dance club during the evening. OlssonLyckefors Architects used the metaphor of a peacock to translate this idea into an architectural design; just as the peacock spreads its tail feathers, so the space changes without any physical changes taking place. The centrally located bar is laminated in gold, its top reflecting an ellipse of light on the ceiling. LED tubes are concealed in the bar's front along the floor-edge and underneath a rail running along its top. The seating, organized like the tail feathers of a peacock, has been integrated into a slightly elevated podium shaped around the bar. As the night advances the volume of the music rises and soft lighting changes into pulsing bright colours. The lighting walls are made of MDF, perforated according to a fixed pattern and backlit by RGB lights, thus allowing the dynamic colours to change gradually.

http://www.mimoa.eu/projects/Sweden/Gothenburg/Peacock%20Dinner%20Club

Free Vector : Baroque Ornament

2008-10-07T13:03:00.001+08:00

Copyright: Mauricio Duque
Author Website: snap2objects.com
License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License
Uploaded On: 22/09/08
File Size: 452 KB

Download >>

Free Vector : Flourish Pattern Vector

2008-10-07T13:02:00.002+08:00

Copyright: iheartvector
Author Website: iheartvector.com
License: Free to use in your personal and commercial designs
Uploaded On: 22/09/08
File Size: 196 KB

Download >>

Free Vector : The angel

2008-10-07T13:00:00.002+08:00

Free Vector : sweated from pain ... and all for that red dress

2008-10-07T12:58:00.001+08:00

sweated from pain ... and all for that red dress

Copyright: youworkforthem
Author Website: youworkforthem.com
License: free for personal use only
Uploaded On: 23/09/08
File Size: 299 KB

Download >>

VTI2 to transform lifeless Victoria Street in latest regeneration schem

2008-10-07T10:23:00.001+08:00

From WAN http://slickip.com/u/sldiR.7284722

For several years, Transport for London have been undergoing a series of advancements in London's famous underground system to ease congestion, particularly prevalent in central London, and to make travelling in Europe's largest city as comfortable as possible. But surrounding the internal developments of the labyrinthine underground network are those cropping up more visibly in the streets of London. A landmark design for Blackfriars Station which will once again abridge the station at either side of the Thames was revealed in September, similarly other stations including Shepherd's Bush have been remodelled to accommodate the ever increasing stream of travellers through the bustling city.

But the latest developments in London's travel lifeline are issued not in transport itself but in a trend for regeneration through transport. Part of the London Plan, developed under former Mayor Ken Livingstone in 2001, is the encouragement of high density building around transport nodes in the city. The concept is to reduce further travel horizontally and instead encourage those working and living in the city to climb vertically in commercial and residential towers based around key central stations, developed to cope with capacity travel. The latest of these to be revealed is the Victoria Transport Interchange, aka VTI 2.

A development by investors Land Securities, VTI 2 will occupy a 2.5 hectare site close to Victoria Station, the capital's busiest transport hub with approximately 115 million passengers each year. Upon planning approval, a development of six buildings with office space, private and affordable housing, retail and leisure units will be created.

Richard Coleman, townscape advisor for the project said it will be a massive transformation for an important area close to Victoria Station: "Currently the interior of the site is dormant and of no urban value. The existing streets are underused because they go nowhere. The recasting of the area, with streets following desire lines, and very high quality architecture will serve people's needs and pave the way for redistributing the bus station uses presently cluttering up the forecourt of the station which has more people using it than heathrow airport. The heights of the buildings are very carefully calculated, in consultation with the city council, to respect the setting of Belgravia, Buckingham Palace and views from the Royal Parks."

The plans represent a similar regeneration to those presented in Renzo Piano's London Bridge Tower, aka Shard of Glass. These schemes offer particular regenerative efforts due to a legal agreement, Section 106, which is created to protect areas where larger developments are planned. It allows additional development to adjacent areas which may be affected by the larger scheme. This system runs side by side with the London Plan in encouraging regeneration of facilities creating a balance between public and corporate benefits.

The VTI 2 development is a collaboration between world-renowned Kohn Pedersen Fox and the less known Benson and Forsyth and Lynch Architects who will design the residential aspects of the project. If planning approval is granted construction could begin in 2010. Land Securities plans for Victoria will continue with the submission of plans for approval at Selhurst House on Victoria Street and Wellington House in Buckingham Gate in the coming weeks.

Niki May Young
News Editor

FREE VECTOR : Tres

2008-10-06T11:51:00.001+08:00

DOWNLOAD http://slickip.com/u/sldiR.HEgbConzZp

Vector graphics is the use of geometrical primitives such as points, lines, curves, and shapes or polygon(s), which are all based upon mathematical equations, to represent images in computer graphics.

Vector graphics formats are complementary to raster graphics, which is the representation of images as an array of pixels, as it is typically used for the representation of photographic images. There are instances when working with vector tools and formats is best practice, and instances when working with raster tools and formats is best practice. There are times when both formats come together. An understanding of the advantages and limitations of each technology and the relationship between them is most likely to result in efficient and effective use of tools.

FREE VECTOR : BUGS

2008-10-06T11:42:00.001+08:00

FREE VECTOR

Download link http://slickip.com/u/sldiR.aDtWSZyHfP

http://www.mgipson.com/2008/03/22/vector-bug-illustrations/

COURTYARDS FOR MODERN LIVING

2008-10-06T10:22:00.001+08:00

BOOK From worldarchitecturenews.com

http://slickip.com/u/sldiR.VccUNcZhzR

COURTYARDS FOR MODERN LIVING

CONTEMPORARY OUTDOOR SPACES

STEPHEN CRAFTI

The homes in Courtyards for Modern Living feature courtyard gardens and terraces designed to become part of their interior spaces. Providing an attractive solution for often time-poor owners, these low-maintenance gardens function as outdoor rooms and become extensions of everyday living spaces. This book illuminates the important connection between architecture and the landscape in contemporary gardens. Many of the outdoor spaces featured in this book are architect-designed, while others are the work of landscape architects and designers. A spectacular garden by landscape architect Jane Irwin is featured, together with designs from the award-winning landscape designer Jack Merlo. While each designer's approach to the outdoors is unique, all demonstrate a mindfulness of the need to bring the outdoors inside - to extend the sense of space on both sides of the floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors. Materials used within these homes are often extended to the outdoor space, allowing a feeling of continuity that cannot be achieved with distinctly separate indoor and outdoor spaces.

ISBN13

9781864702828

Publisher

THE IMAGES PUBLISHING GROUP

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224

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15 September 2008

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Auckland's central business district undergoing a transformation

2008-10-06T10:17:00.001+08:00

Original @ http://slickip.com/u/sldiR.YPxFXLTBoA

Copyright Rowan Fraser

Auckland's central business district undergoing a transformation

The Britomart Project in Auckland's CBD is a large transport, heritage and urban revitalisation project spread over seven inner city blocks. The 5.2 hectare precinct sits 200m from the city waterfront and at NZD 350M it is the countries most expensive infrastructure project undertaken by a local authority.

This mixed-use development by the Auckland City Council aims at reconnecting train, bus and ferry services by providing an innovative, well-crafted transport hub. By project end 18 heritage buildings will have been renovated and retrofitted – NZ's largest heritage restoration project to date. In combination with six new buildings by local and international architects the entire development will create a vibrant mix of shops, cafes, apartments, business and new public open space.

The key to the development, and its most significant completed building to date, is the Britomart Transport Centre building designed by Californian Mario Madayag with support from local Jasmax. The Transport Centre's role as architectural anchor in the precinct is advanced by its prominent frontage onto the very busy Queen Street, and its programme. It illustrates the central ideas of the masterplan by being both a contemporary high-tech extension and a sensitive retrofit to the Chief Post Office building of 1911.

A fine steel louvred cube thrusts from the neo-classical envelope toward the heart of the precinct. Underground, the platforms of the rail terminal are brightly lit with multicoloured lights. Volcanic cone lightwells draw light down into the underground, while providing at ground level the studs which form the vertebrae of the central axis of the masterplan. Silver ersatz native tree trunks run the triple heighted void from the station into the distribution cube creating a strong verticality and sense of upward lift. One finds in this building the high tech tempered by obvious regionalist aspirations.

The implementation of the rest of the masterplan is moving ahead. Next on the to-build list is the Central Building, Takutai Square and the East Building expected to begin construction shortly under the command of local master architect Pip Cheshire of Cheshire Architects.

Rowan Fraser
Reporter

A new look for Dubai

2008-10-03T16:26:00.001+08:00

O-14 Tower introduces innovative design to Dubai's Business Bay

The latest addition to Dubai's expanding Business Bay area - the O-14 Tower – has recently been drawing international interest, due to its unique design in the context of its surrounding area. The tower, designed by architects Reiser and Umemotos comprises 300,000 sq ft of space over twenty-two stories and is located along the extension of Dubai Creek, occupying a prominent location on the waterfront esplanade. The project originally broke ground in February 2007, and as of September 2008 the first nine floors and exterior shell have been cast, revealing the beginnings of the perforated concrete shell exoskeleton.

The design of O-14 fundamentally shifts away from the current architectural norm in Dubai building design, by not employing the now ubiquitous curtain wall solutions and above-ground parking which have typified new developments in the area. Instead the architects have favoured a shade-producing, concrete load-bearing shell and an open public space at the tower base, achieved through employing a below ground parking solution. The design element that provides the O-14 with its individual look is a forty centimetre-thick concrete shell, interspersed with over a thousand openings that create a lace-like effect on the buildings façade. Chief architect for the project, Jesse Reiser states that they wanted something original, which would "turn the normative idea of a tower literally inside out…we discarded the idea of a typical Dubai structure early on."

In order to achieve this, the designers cast super-liquid concrete around the original steel meshwork of the building before removing the thousand or so fill-ins, thus giving the tower its distinctive perforated shell. These perforations help serve as a solar screen to the occupants of the tower, and a one-metre gap between the O-14's concrete shell and its main enclosure will create a 'chimney effect,' causing hot air to rise and creating an efficient passive cooling system.

With the O-14 due to open in Spring 2009, Jesse Reiser feels that the finished building will reflect the main objective of creating a unique take on traditional Dubai architecture, "we looked at traditional Islamic architecture but wanted to use that as inspiration, rather than copy it, and to try and intertwine the decorative and the practical."

John Edwards
Reporter

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=10429

Cubs try to keep focus

2008-10-01T17:41:00.001+08:00

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/sports/cardinals/story/2485ce7114c4d889862574d50013e6db?OpenDocument

CHICAGO — In previous films and documentaries about John Lennon or, say, Bette Midler, director John Scheinfeld always knows where the narrative is going to take him. The route may surprise, but not the destination. As he focused his lens on the Chicago Cubs, their fans and a 100-year-old quest for salvation, he came to appreciate the uncertainty of the story.

"For the first time," he said, "I don't know what the ending is."

TREND HUNTER'S TOP 10 FASHION WATCH

2008-04-08T08:44:00.001+08:00

Original at http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orb-bracelet-watch

Top 10 Fashion Watches + Orb Bracelet Watch - Time for Style (GALLERY)

With most people relying on their mobile phones to tell the time, designers are coming up with creative, fashionable watch designs that try to bring the watch back into your lifestyle as a fashion accessory.

The Orb Bracelet Watch is a unique take on traditional watch design with a modern and futuristic sensibility. The watch comes in two basic colors - black and white. But you can change the time lines' color using the provided software, making it a true fashion accessory.

Three lines flow around the watch, with each line displaying a time unit: hours, minutes and seconds. A gemstone on the side which works on finger touch can be used for time adjustment and settings.

The bracelet watch is an entry at the Signity Watch Design Contest 2008, and is designed by young Serbian designer Djordjie Zivanovic (Djo).

Here are ten more fashionable watch designs, from the 80's vibe Time-It to the exquisite Luna Watch:

Unusual Fashion Watch - Luna Watch

(TREND HUNTER) The beautiful unconventional Luna Watch by designer John Pszeniczny is a unique stylish accessory that takes its inspiration from Swarovski's expertise in crystal and Signity's brilliance in gems. It also takes a cue from Apple's design aesthetics: Simple function with a fluid beautiful design … [More]

Wireless Rechargeable LED Sports Watches - TIME-IT (GALLERY)

(TREND HUNTER) The new Time-It LED fashion / Sports watches incorporate wireless technology & fully waterproof comfortable silicone with a design that draws some of its inspiration from the 1980s slap bracelets. The band is a flexible "snap curl" design that wraps around the wrist and is perfect for sports or leis… [More]

Flexible Electroluminescent Watches - DD101 with pSEL Technology

(TREND HUNTER) The DD101 watch is a funky bangle design that uses a flexibile electroluminescent display. The technology, called pSEL, means that there is a plastic electroluminescent device inside the bangle. Press the button on the side and the time is revealed. The DD101 was designed by O.D.M. design, whose … [More]

Timepiece Merges Old and New - Nike Presto Hourglass Watch

(TREND HUNTER) Are you anal about being exactly on time? Then you probably want to avoid this Limor Yaron Presto watch designed for Nike. As you can see it takes it's uniqueness from an hourglass. The lower dial shows the hour and as it fills up, it indicates the minutes of the hour. Half full is half past! See no… [More]

Rotolog Watch: Ultra Hip with Wood Inlay

(TREND HUNTER) "We make the little sh*t better," say the watchmakers at Nixon, And after seeing their newest design, we can't help but agree. Stylish, water-resistant and precise, the Rotolog is one of our favorite new timepieces. The watch boasts impressive-sounding technology ("custom right-read Direct Time Japa… [More]

PIMP Watch

(TREND HUNTER) The PIMP watch is the latest in a long list of crazy accessories to come out of Japan. Unlike your standard time-piece the PIMP watch uses around seventy LED's to tell the time using three different colours. The LED's will light up once a minute to display the time, all that's involved is some simpl… [More]

Pixel Watch For Ladies - EL Modern Timepiece

(TREND HUNTER) The Pixel Watch is a modern polycarbonate piece of art available in pink, brown, and white. This nerdy timepiece is also waterproof up to 10 meters. Our friends at Gearlog note, "Besides displaying the time and date, if you happen to glance at the watch between 9 pm and 3 am, it will show funky an… [More]

Unique Watch Design - The Handcuff Watch (GALLERY)

(TREND HUNTER) This is as good as it gets if you're into handcuffs and that sort of thing for...well whatever strikes your fancy. Joking aside, pervs, this handcuff watch is a very interesting piece of jewelry. I'm not gonna get into any philosophical or psychological mumbo jumbo about this watch representing repr… [More]

Wireless Timepiece For Athletes - Nike+ Amp Watch Monitors Runs

(TREND HUNTER) This new Amp+ Sport Remote Control has just made its first appearance at Nike's online store. The remote control can be used with Nike+ shoes, allowing you to wirelessly track and monitor your runs and personal progress. When you're not pounding the pavement, it serves as a functional, sporty-stylis… [More]

E-Ink Watch

(TREND HUNTER) Seiko has introduced the first watch using E-ink. The Seiko Spectrum was recently launched in Japan (only 500 units available) at a cost of US$2200. At 34mm thick and 134g it may be start of a new wave wrist watch technology. [More]

Click any photo for a larger image:

USB cassette tape comes with 1GB of storage

2007-10-29T17:42:00.000+08:00

Make a MIXA USB Cassette Tape

Now you can take an ordinary looking cassette tape, personalize it to your liking and use it as a USB flash drive! The retro style make-a-MIXA USB cassette tape comes with 1GB of storage and a set of designer stickers for you to decorate it with or you can upload your own images to use. Featured on OhGizmo! the MIXA costs around $40 and includes international shipping. Don't they remind you of the retro-chic cassette wallets? Fun and functional!

Via - Make a MIXA USB Cassette Tape

Business of Design Week (BODW) 2007

2007-09-11T14:41:00.000+08:00

Business of Design Week (BODW)
Bringing the best of the global design industry to Hong Kong, Business of Design Week (BODW) is Asia’s leading international conference dedicated to design, brand and innovation.
Uniquely focused on the intricate relationship between business and design, BODW is an international platform for designers, experts and entrepreneurs to network and share ideas, and an essential introduction to design for students and the public.

Why Attend BODW?
There’s no greater concentration of design talent in Asia! BODW speakers are leaders from design, academia, government and the private sector. Some of the world’s most influential and successful creative masters have participated - Frank Gehry, Tadao Ando, Daniel Libeskind, Andree Putman, Philippe Starck, Ross Lovegrove, James Dyson, Sir Terence Conran, Karim Rashid and Ron Arad.

The week-long programme has many innovative elements – a three day international forum, the HKDC Awards, and an array of outreach programmes, concurrent conferences and exhibitions to showcase the value of good design.

What is Special About BODW 2007?
BODW brings the world’s best to Asia and attracts over 10,000 participants to listen and learn, exchange ideas and network with global design business leaders.
Italy: BODW 2007 Partner Country

Presenting Italian design’s mastery, craftsmanship, and modern inspiration; bringing together the leaders who maintain Italy’s position at the forefront of international design alongside acclaimed international and Asian speakers, BODW 2007 promises to uphold its status as one of the year’s most important design events.

Who Should Attend BODW 2007?
CEOs and senior management in manufacturing or service businesses
Designers
Entrepreneurs
Design practitioners and those in related businesses
Policy makers and influencers, trade association leaders
Academics and design educators
Students and the general public

When and Where?
Business of Design Week 2007

Date:

Monday 10th December – Saturday 15th December
Venue:

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)
Organiser:

Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC)
Register now! Visit www.bodw.com
BODW is organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) and funded by the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Innovation and Technology Commission.

ZAHA HADID’s Performing Arts Centre in Abu Dhabi

2007-09-05T13:56:00.000+08:00

ZAHA HADID’s Performing Arts Centre in Abu Dhabi by Emily
We’re gaga over these renderings of Zaha Hadid’s proposed Performing Arts Centre in Abu Dhabi. We haven’t heard much about how green the building will be, but we’re excited to see more and more star architects inspired by natural and organic forms (check out the leaf-like windows!). The Performing Arts Center will be part of a multi-billion dollar cultural district with other buildings by Frank Gehry, Jean Nouvel, and Tadao Ando. In her own words, Ms. Hadid describes the structure as a “biological analogy” whose primary components (branches, stems, fruits, and leaves) are then “transformed from these abstract diagrams into architectonic design.” We can only hope that such poetic biomimicry will be translated into green functions, materials, and technologies as well.
Via Dezeen via Tropolism

Interzinc's 7th Annual Student Design Competition Water Dispensing Mechanism

2007-08-27T17:31:00.001+08:00

Interzinc's 7th Annual Student Design Competition Water Dispensing Mechanism

Deadline: June, 2008

This competition is open to North American engineering and design students who are enrolled for the 2007-2008 academic year. You will be challenged to design and develop any type of water-dispensing mechanism other than a faucet or sink, it can be used inside or out and may be stationary or movable. The only design stipulation are: it must be used to disperse water effeciently for intended application and it must use the unique design characteristics of zinc castings and the casting process.Three winners will be selected and given a grant of $2000 for use at the college or university at which they are currently enrolled, in addition $1000 will be donated to their faculty advisor for use at his or her discretion within the department.

L'argus Light Commercial Vehicle of the Year Award 2008 - Design Contest

2007-08-27T17:30:00.004+08:00

L'argus Light Commercial Vehicle of the Year Award 2008 - Design Contest

Deadline: November 5, 2007

Traffic flow is an issue for most of today's cities. There are differences from one city to another in terms of topography, city planning, traffic flow planning or even local culture, but all cities share the problem of goods delivery. Besides their differences, cities often have similar issues: increasing urbanisation and urban density, out-dated equipment, expanding service sectors... Added to this, development is often restricted due to the requirement of preserving the cities' historical centres.The student will first need to select a series of cities, which he/she has grouped on the basis of points they have in common: similar situations, comparable urban problems, same type of issues of urban development and transport (the cities do not necessarily have to be in the same geographical and cultural areas.) You will then list the general obstacles to and the specific problems of goods delivery that people have in these cities. The student will finally suggest an innovative commercial vehicle concept that provides solutions to the problems, justifying his/her choicesThere will be a monetary award for first place and the two runner ups as follows:
First Place (1 winner) = € 3000 and in field work placement in a Design DepartmentSecond Place (1 winner) = € 1500Third Place (1 winner) = € 500

Riverfront Design Competition

2007-08-27T17:30:00.003+08:00

Riverfront Design Competition
Deadline: October 5th, 2007
The AIA 150 is hosting a Topeka Riverfront Design Competition for students K-6, 7-12, and College. Over $4,000.00 in prizes will be awarded to the winners. The competition deadline is October 5th, 2007.

Terras Guada: Francisco Mantecon International Advertising Poster Design Competition 6th Edition

2007-08-27T17:30:00.001+08:00

Terras Guada: Francisco Mantecon International Advertising Poster Design Competition 6th Edition
Deadline: September 30, 2007
Terras Guada is inviting all graphic artists, design schools and universities from all over the world to take part in their 6th edition poster design competition. The winning design will form the company's advertising campaign for a one year period. Participants may base their entries on a theme of their choice, but the concept should relate to white wines of the Albarino variety: Terras Guada and Abadia de San Campio wines. Credit will be given for creativity and incorporation of the company's logo into the design. The competition is open to any natural or corporate person.There will be a monetary award for the first placed team/individual and two runner ups as follows:
First Place (1 winner) = € 6000Second Place (2 winners) = € 1500 Euros for each of the two runner ups
The jury will be chaired by Jose M. Fonseca Moreton, the chairman of Bodegas Terras Gaudad. Other jury members include Pilar Barreiro Mosquera, Manuel Estrada, Enrique Costas Rodriquez, Paulino Novo Folgueira, Alberto Luchini & Takahiro Shima (the winner from last year's competition. The jury's decision will be announced on December 31, 2007

The 2nd ADVANCED ARCHITECTURE CONTEST

2007-08-27T17:29:00.001+08:00

The 2nd ADVANCED ARCHITECTURE CONTEST

Deadline: September 17, 2007The IAAC (Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia), is organizing an international competition of architecture: The 2nd Advanced Architecture Contest. It is a SELF-FAB HOUSE competition open for students and young professionals all over the world that places the accent in the construction of self-sufficient dwellings, in which the emphasis will be on exploring people’s capacity to construct their own homes, especially through the use of digital technologies.The proposals must be digitals and delivered via e-mail in 3 PDF files DINa3 format.Registration is free.The prize (total value: € 39.500, 00) will be distributed at the discretion of the Juries following the bases scheme.

Quiksilver Innovation Contest

2007-08-27T17:28:00.003+08:00

Quiksilver Innovation Contest
Deadline: September 10, 2007 QUIKSILVER ROSSIGNOL GROUP is proud to launch the first edition of the INNOVATION CONTEST, the annual futuristic competition opened to progressive passionate athletes and designers everywhere, from professionals to amateurs. Applicants are to submit their best futuristic ideas and product concepts within the outdoor sports lifestyle category. The product concepts submitted will be judged on real future innovations in design and technologies that have been developed with users needs in mind while practicing boardsports and leisure activities. On September 27, 2007 a prestigious jury composed of celebrated leaders in the fields of design, sport and innovation will judge the 30 finalists and select the 3 winners. First place will be awarded €5000 and the presentation of the project at the ISPO Show in Munich on February 2008, second place will be €3000 and third will be €2000.

The Buckminister Fuller Challenge

2007-08-27T17:28:00.001+08:00

Entries Beginning: September 4, 2007On the occasion of the 112th birthday of one of the 20th century's most prescient futurists and global thinkers, The Buckminster Fuller Institute (BFI) announces the launch of the first annual The Buckminister Fuller Challenge.Established to catalyze the vanguard of a global design revolution, the Challenge will award a single $100,000 prize annually to support the development and implementation of a solution with significant potential to solve the world's most pressing problems in the shortest possible time while enhancing the Earth's ecological integrity.

Drop City Gallery/"Take A Seat"/Call For Artists - Designers

2007-08-27T17:27:00.002+08:00

Deadline: September 1, 2007Medium: Two-dimensional drawings, sketches and any other supporting materials for a contemporary chair design to be executed by the artist. The finished chair must be functional and hold the weight of an average-sized, full-grown or young person. In addition, the chair must be constructed of renewable resources and/or salvaged and recycled materials. Please call with questions regarding material use and guidelines. Three-dimensional, finished rendition of the chair must be delivered to Drop City Gallery no later than December 1, 2007. For more info check out

The Great Indoors 2007

2007-08-27T17:27:00.001+08:00

Deadline: September 1, 2007The Great Indoors Award 2007 – a new, biennial, international interior design award – invites designers, architects and clients to submit a project or projects in the following categories: Show & Sell (Retail), Relax & Consume (Leisure), Concentrate & Collaborate (Work), Serve & Facilitate (Public) and Interior Design Firm of the Year (open to architects and designers). The award ceremony and conference/workshops will take place from 16 through 18 November 2007 in Maastricht, the Netherlands. Check out the site for more info: www.the-great-indoors.com

Body Glove Design Contest

2007-08-27T17:26:00.000+08:00

Deadline: August 19, 2007*contest deadline has been extended!!!* The Body Glove Design Contest is a nationwide search for creativity, innovation, and originality. Be the one to design our next big thing: a sporty, fashionable Body Glove case for the Apple ®iPhone®. Your design could be used to create the newest product for the Body Glove technology accessories line and you could win up to $5000 USD! Please visit our website for additional details.

BraunPrize Award: Win a Trip to Germany!

2007-08-27T17:25:00.000+08:00

BraunPrize Award: Win a Trip to Germany!
Deadline: August 15, 2007

The BraunPrize is a bi-annual international design competition established in 1968 to foster, develop and inspire young design talent. The BraunPrize has grown to be one of the most coveted awards for young talent within the industry. The 16th edition of the bi-annual BraunPrize will be held in Kronberg, Germany on Thursday 12th September 2007. This year, in conjunction with Core 77, the BraunPrize is offering you the chance to attend the ceremony - including travel to and from Germany and a two night hotel stay - to see for yourself the wealth of talent on offer, as well as the chance to meet designers at Braun and tour Braun's headquarters.To enter the drawing, complete the form here and correctly answer the 3 multiple choice questions. On August 16, 2007 one lucky winner will be selected to receive an all-expense-paid trip to Germany and an invitation to the gala awards ceremony! Don't wait - entries will be accepted through August 15 only!For full details, rules and schedule click here.

Camerarius

2007-08-23T14:08:00.000+08:00

This shade-producing object resembles an oversized flowerpot holding a plant with large leaves. An artificial interpretation of a natural shade-maker. The 90 x 120 cm shade-sails, which are height-adjustably and mounted on 300cm long stainless steel rods, sway gently in the wind. The angle of the rods can be varied as well. The pattern of holes in the high-quality stainless steel base, which give the rods their support, allows for thousands of variations. The set includes: 1 Standbox 57x57cm 5 Rods 300cm 5 Sails 90x120cm

Found at http://www.pid.se/en/outdoor/camerarius_1510.html&image=6064

Fish Bowls by Roger Arquer

2007-08-22T17:54:00.000+08:00

Fish Bowls by Roger Arquer

Fish Bowls is a new project by designer Roger Arquer that presents 15 variations on the standard fish bowl including Do Not Piss Me Off (above), which “tells us about the power to decide between the life and death of the fish”.

“Each piece examines a topic or suggests a solution to an issue,” says Arquer. “Dear Neighbour (above), for example, tell us about the delicate relationships we have with our close neighbours, Suicidal Tendencies prevents your fish from committing suicide, and Russian Dolls (below) gives your fish a chance to decide how big it wants to be. I once read that a fish grows according to the space it has, that’s what inspired me in this case.”

Fish Bowls will be exhibited in London this September as part of an exhibition called Conversational Spanish 02. Curated by Hector Serrano, the exhibition also shows the work of other Spanish designers including El Ultimo Grito, Martin de Azua and Marti Guixe.
Conversational Spanish 02 is supported by ICEX (Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade) and takes place at the Noel Hennessey contemporary furniture showroom, 67a Great Titchfield Street, London W1W 7PT, from 18-25 September 2007.

Handy Magnet

2007-08-22T17:45:00.000+08:00

Handy MagnetMAGWEAR MAGNETIC WRISTBAND

How annoying is it to be working on a project around the house and you keep dropping the screws your using? Or how about those of us that hold nails in our mouth while we are hammering? Definitely not safe. Well this little magnetic wristband is here to improve home improvement. Simply strap this magnetic tray onto your wrist and the powerful pull of the magnet will hold most hardware, tools and other metallic objects conveniently on your wrist. It's simply genius - we can't believe no one thought of this before. The perfect companion for any home project and especially useful on ladders, under cars, in crawlspaces, hanging pictures, sewing, or in any situation where you don't want to drop things.
$18.00

Via UnCommon Goods

Charger*

2007-06-15T14:44:00.000+08:00

From : Wallpaper*

Roaming off piste with a pocket full of batteries is hardly the spirit. Fortunately, Solio’s portable solar recharger, incorporating high-efficiency cells and sophisticated circuitry, is compatible with most mobile phones, PDAs, iPods, digital cameras and GPS systems. A vital piece of rescue kit should you become stranded on a mountain.

Website
http://www.solio.com
£77,

FOOD&DRINK

2007-06-15T14:43:00.000+08:00

From : Wallpaper*

As avid devotees of the post-prandial peppermint tea, we hail the arrival of its warm-weather alter-ego, peppermint- infused mineral water.

Made with water from the Rockies and peppermint from Oregon and Washington, Metro Mint is our new favourite thirst-quencher.

LG Prada Phone

2007-06-15T14:41:00.000+08:00

From : Wallpaper*

When Prada joined forces with Korean electronics giant LG to develop the Prada phone, it didn’t just tinker with the exterior aesthetics (although it did produce a case in the company’s signature ‘Saffiano’ leather). The label collaborated in developing the key elements of the user experience and, in this case, that means breakthrough technology. The advanced touch interface eliminates the need for a conventional keypad. Sleek and ultra-slim, at just 12mm wide, the phone contains a 2-megapixel camera, an MP3 player, a video player and a document viewer within its extra-wide LCD screen. When not in use, all that disappears and the phone’s exterior reverts to pure, uninterrupted black.

Website
http://www.lgpradaphone.com

£600, from select Prada stores

Fast Architecture Design Competition

2007-06-15T14:39:00.001+08:00

From Core77.com

The Urbantine Project is a competition aimed at emerging designers and architects, with the winner getting Â£10,000 to create a structure which will be showcased in the outdoor spaces at The Truman Brewery as part of Tent London 2007. For those who don't know, Tent London is a multi-faceted design destination happening during the London Design Festival in September. This project will be one of six main events happening as part of this show.

Specifically, the brief is to design a structure that responds to issues of rapid change in the 21st Century workplace. Shown above are examples of 'fast architecture' from the competition web site. It's not often you get someone to pay you 10K to build a wacky clubhouse, so take advantage of their generosity. The deadline is July 16 and info and applications are available at their web site.

A Brave New World of Computing

2007-05-18T10:06:00.000+08:00

Microsoft's Next-Gen PC Design Competition winners create innovative designs that take traditional PCs outside the box. [Source : Microsoft ]

LOS ANGELES, May 15, 2007 -- The inspiration for Allen Wong’s Next-Gen PC Design Competition entry came from a visit to a remote village in Kenya. “A hand-painted sign on the local elementary school promised ‘Computer Training,’ but the local villagers told me that it was false advertising,” recalls Wong. “The school didn’t even have windows, much less Windows!”
Wong, who with design partner Matt Conway went on to create the BulbPC, one of the competition winners, was inspired by his experience in Kenya to develop a new and revolutionary PC design that can meet the needs for computing and computer education in the developing world as well as address the IT requirements of first-world workplaces.

Wong’s Kenyan inspiration mirrors that of other winners in this year’s Next-Gen PC Competition, a Microsoft-sponsored event that challenges young design professionals and industrial design students to think beyond the constraints of traditional computing form factors.

>>>> Continue

MADE in China, a PC with a distinctly Asian interface, designed by John Leung.
Click for high-res version.

Focusin on ... John Leung, whose design MADE in China won the Chairman’s Award, was inspired to create a ground-breaking computing and infrastructure model specifically designed to bring computing closer to the world’s 1.3 billion Chinese. “I saw so many PCs in the market that were made IN China, but none of which were actually made FOR China,” says Leung, 21, an undergraduate architecture student at the University of Melbourne, Australia
MADE in China involves a MADE (Massively Administered Digital Entities) hardware and infrastructure that consists of a touch screen interface and remote servers that store applications and data. The infrastructure is linked to the interface via 4G mobile phone networks. “Together, they result in a PC which is affordable, profitable, and environmental, all without compromising performance, aesthetics, and convenience,” says Leung.

50 Years of Helvetica

2007-05-15T14:08:00.000+08:00

2007 marks the fiftieth anniversary of Max Miedinger and Edouard Hoffmann's design Helvetica, the most ubiquitous of all typefaces.

Widely considered the official typeface of the twentieth century, Helvetica communicates with simple, well-proportioned letterforms that convey an aesthetic clarity that is at once universal, neutral, and undeniably modern.In honor of the first typeface acquired for MoMA's collection, the installation presents posters, signage, and other graphic material demonstrating the variety of uses and enduring beauty of this design classic.

As a special feature in the exhibition, an excerpt of Gary Hustwit's documentary Helvetica reveals the typeface as we experience it in an everyday context.

50 Years of Helvetica April 6, 2007–March 31, 2008 The Museum of Modern ArtArchitecture and Design Galleries, third floorOrganized by Christian Larsen, Curatorial Assistant, Department of Architecture and Design.MOMA: http://www.dexigner.com/directory/detail/7256/

25/25 : Celebrating 25 Years of Design

2007-05-15T14:07:00.001+08:00

2007 marks 25 years since the opening of the Boilerhouse, the original incarnation of the Design Museum. To celebrate this significant anniversary, as plans are being made for a major expansion programme, the Design Museum has invited 25 designers and individuals with an interest in design, each to select an object that they believe represents the best, or the most characteristic design of the period.From the 1983 Alessi Whistling Kettle, to the 2001 iPod designed by Jonathan Ive for Apple, the 25 selected designs, representing the best of industrial design, graphics, furniture, and fashion, designed or first manufactured between 1982 and 2007, will be exhibited at the Design Museum in 25/25 - Celebrating 25 Years of Design from 29 March to 22 June 2007.

The exhibition will offer a fascinating overview of the most important moments and developments in design during this period, as well as an insight into the thoughts of these key designers and design commentators, including Terence Conran, founder of the Boilerhouse, fashion designer Paul Smith, designers David Mellor, Jaime Hayon, and the Design Museum's Director Deyan Sudjic.

Other selectors include architect Richard Rogers and designer Ab Rogers, industrial designer Dieter Rams, product designers Richard Seymour and Dick Powell of SeymourPowell, world renowned graphic designer, visual artist, and computer scientist John Maeda, and Dutch designer Maarten Baas.Established by Terence Conran in 1981 in the basement of the Victoria & Albert Museum, the aim of the Boilerhouse was to put design at the centre of contemporary culture. It was a move to demonstrate both the richness of the creativity to be found in all forms of design, and its importance. Quickly outgrowing the V&A, in 1989 it moved on to become the Design Museum, in an architecturally striking transformation of a Thameside warehouse.

Since then the Design Museum has emerged as an institution with international significance, playing a vital role in placing design and architecture on the cultural agenda.

The Design Museum: http://www.dexigner.com/directory/detail/7244/

Kylie - The Exhibition

2007-05-15T14:05:00.000+08:00

Kylie - The Exhibition explores and celebrates Kylie Minogue, who began her career playing the character of Charlene, the girl next door in Neighbours, and went on to become an international pop sensation known the world over simply as Kylie.
The exhibition features costumes and memorabilia collected over Kylie's career and was inspired by her donation to the Arts Centre's Performing Arts Collection in Melbourne, Australia, in 2003. The Kylie Minogue Collection contains over 600 costumes and accessories, many created by the world's leading fashion designers. A selection of them are presented in this exhibition which has been divided into six themes - Music and Video, On Tour, On Stage, Image, Icon, and Backstage - to reflect the many aspects of Kylie's career.
Music and Video

'Can't Get You Out Of My Head' video from the album Fever, 2001. Photograph courtesy Parlaphone Records and EMI Records Ltd. (click image for larger version)
When Kylie’s first single ‘Locomotion’ was released in 1987 it became a number one hit in Australia. It took Kylie to London where she began to transform her image from the girl next door to the stylish, sexy Kylie first seen in the video for ‘Better the Devil You Know’ (1990).
In 1993 Kylie signed to independent UK recording label deConstruction. She began to focus on writing, producing and performing with other artists, achieving new credibility. Videos such as ‘Confide in Me’ (1994) were more experimental and cutting-edge.
When disco-inspired ‘Spinning Around’ (2000) was released, Kylie entered a new phase in her career. From the sophisticated glamour of ‘On a Night Like This’ (2000) to the funky electronica of ‘Can’t Get You Out of My Head’ (2001), Kylie yet again transformed herself both musically and visually. ‘Slow’ (2003) presented another version of sexy, glamorous Kylie.
On Tour

'Dancing Queen' corset and tiara, Intimate and Live tour, Australia and London, 1998. Photograph by Campbell Knott (click image for larger version)
Kylie has always enjoyed touring and performing live in front of large audiences. Her costumes are working outfits and by the end of the tour reflect the wear and tear caused by costume changes, microphone packs and make-up. That so many of her costumes have survived the rigours of international touring is remarkable.
Kylie’s early tours featured the costumes of prominent Australian designers, each one revealing a different look. Later she took a more integrated approach to create distinct moods and themes. In the KylieFever2002 tour Kylie wore costumes specifically designed for her by Dolce & Gabbana. The concert took the audience on a journey across time through six acts and featured eight costume changes.
Kylie Showgirl: The Greatest Hits Tour featured costumes by several major UK and European designers.

On Stage
Kylie has appeared at a wide range of charity occasions, special events and award ceremonies including the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards and the 2002 BRIT Awards.
While many of her appearances are tied to tours, music releases and videos, Kylie will often appear in stand-alone outfits created especially for the particular occasion.
One of her most high-profile appearances was at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games Closing Ceremony. She arrived in the stadium on the back of a giant ‘flip-flop’ in a pink sequined showgirl costume.
Kylie has also made many appearances at gay nightclubs, such as G-A-Y at the London Astoria, and at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Image

Kylie is one of the most photographed people in the world. Over 25 photographers are represented in this exhibition, allowing us to see the evolution and experimentation that characterise images of Kylie. The photographs are all formal – that is, staged for a purpose – whether that be a video shoot, album cover or magazine feature.
When Kylie began taking greater control of her image through her costumes she also began to use photography in new ways and to work with some of the world’s leading photographers. Throughout her career, images of Kylie have also appeared in international fashion and music magazines including i-D, The Face, Pop, Vogue and GQ.
Kylie’s image as projected through photography provides another way to explore her as a modern-day performer and celebrity.

Icon

Kylie is a cultural icon known the world over, dating from her first appearance as tomboy mechanic Charlene in Neighbours.
The 50p gold hotpants in the video for ‘Spinning Around’, a song that became a musical and visual anthem, and her memorable performance in the video ‘Can’t Get You Out of My Head’, wearing a deceptively simple white jersey hooded jumpsuit have helped to build this iconic status.

Backstage

This is where the creative ideas and staging behind some of Kylie’s videos, tours and special events take place. Her performances on screen and stage are the result of months of creative brainstorming, writing, design, rehearsals and production. She works closely with a core team, including her stylist William Baker and her musical director Steve Anderson. Depending on the project, there may also be video directors, designers and choreographers who work to develop and realise all creative elements.

It’s easy for the audience to forget that much of Kylie’s world revolves around the spaces backstage. Before a show there will be a flurry of activity as she puts on her first costume and gets ready to make her appearance. After stepping around equipment and over leads, her microphone is switched on and she emerges for another performance.

Source : http://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/fashion/kylie/exhibition/index.html

GRAVITY FREE: 2007

2007-05-15T13:59:00.000+08:00

GRAVITY FREE: 2007
“THE GEOGRAPHY OF CURIOSITY”

GRAVITY FREE is a unique multidisciplinary design conference of remarkable designers, design thinkers and innovators from around the world who are changing the way we see the planet. This year the theme of the GRAVITY FREE conference is “The Geography of Curiosity”.

Curiosity is the beating heart of innovation, the driver in problem-solving. This year, each speaker will explore one essential question at the heart of his/her work, a curiosity driver, if you will. Here’s just some of what we’ll be discussing:

• Why do clients fire designers? HENRY BEER • Where do “branded environments” most often fail? EVA MADDOX • Can we be creative on demand? (Creativity, Ego and Abundance) PAUL BUDNITZ • How do you make the boring better? KARIM RASHID • Why is 'real' important in contemporary culture? JIM GILMORE • What is common sense? FRANCO LODATO • In what ways are transformational environments changing? RON POMPEI • How can packaging be more than just a box? YARON KOPEL • What is Graphic Design For? DANA ARNETT • Why do the great cities of the world have no comparative data? RICHARD SAUL WURMAN • Why is EMOTION the next battleground in design? FRANK STEPHENSON • If narrative design is the answer, what is the question? KIT HINRICHS • Why does exhibit design still (mostly) suck? — the sequel. MARTY SMITH • How is technology helping to form new communities? JENNIFER SIEGAL • Why do we eat the way we do? HOMARO CANTU • How can design make the world better for five billion people? CAMERON SINCLAIR • Humor in design? MICHAEL VANDERBYL • What matters most to people now? LARRY KEELEY • Where to? LARS UWE BLEHER • Why has IBM failed to introduce a strategic product in the last 30 years? FRANK SOLTIS • What are the essentials of storytelling? JEANNINE OPPEWALL

This, of course, is what GRAVITY FREE is about. We bring together extraordinary people from an eclectic mix of design disciplines and — shazam — magic connections are made, electricity is produced, ideas are cross-fertilized, inspiration follows. We love the concept. We think you (and your clients) will, too.
GRAVITY FREE: 2007 provides a lighting fast way to cross-fertilize your own creative grab bag. It leaves you appreciating your role in the design community. Gives you a larger view of the world. Adds value to your company and your clients. Provides you personal and conversational access to design genius you wouldn’t have any other place. In short, it rocks!
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Registration is now open. The price is $1650.

Please note that seating is limited. Designers and clients get first priority. Others will be notified as space becomes available. If the Book Club premiums are important to you, you should consider registering at the earliest possible date to receive the most free books.

GRAVITY FREE: 2007 COME CURIOUS. LEAVE INSPIRED.
http://www.exhibitoronline.com/gravityfree/2007.asp

SMALL JENGA

2007-05-15T13:55:00.000+08:00

Not the most obvious of games to be made portable, Jenga can finally be with you wherever you go. Petit Jenga is a complete miniature Jenga set featuring a little “prodder” to assist the removing of blocks (your massive hands will be too big to remove with accuracy), as well as a little clear plastic carrying case that can be attached to your keys or belt loop if you’re a Jenga obsessive. Petit Jenga is 504 yen (£2.10/$4.20) from Strap-Ya.

Source : http://www.plasticbamboo.com/2007/05/11/tiny-jenga/

ARCHITECT+ARCHIVE LINK EXCHANGE

2007-05-14T14:21:00.000+08:00

Lighthouse Decor & More

Our lighthouse decor with its tranquil seaside scenery displaying lighthouses and sailing ships will bring the call of the ocean to your living room or den. These discount priced home accent pieces are sure to bring out the seafarer in you.

Thaiblog.info : the next step of thai blogger

2007-05-11T09:50:00.000+08:00

ThaiBlog.info building up blogger community among Thai internet users. Could be the first for 'Blog Search Engine' or 'Blog Directory' in Thai version and own by 'Keng' the popular blogger in Thailand.This site is giving quite 'quality' blog by using approval system before your blog has been added.

Social bookmark will be popular after blog has become very popular in our life time. Many services design for blogger, site statistic, directory, community and blog become more than a personal journal.

Another interesting social bookmark website is Zickr, very various link come up every hours. This is the sign of blogger movement that going more popular and will be an important part of internet community and our daily life.

about : www.thaiblog.info , www.zickr.com , www.keng.com

THE LOUVRE OF THE MIDDLE EAST : A project by Jean Nouvel

2007-05-10T21:11:00.000+08:00

The Louvre of Abu Dhabi giving a 24,000 suqare meters to serve 4 museums including contemporary art museum, national art museum. Look like a floating UFO isn't it?

No timeline notice in Jean Nouvel's website. Keep update at

CAR NOT CARBON : SOMETHING NEED TO BE CHANGED

2007-05-10T18:36:00.000+08:00

The Cars NOT Carbon competition aims to reward the best examples of creativity focused on greener motoring. It will be the centrepiece of the LowCVP annual conference on the 28th of June when the winners will be announced.

It will provide a platform for an interchange of ideas between participating professional agencies and further-educational establishments, and those responsible for deciding the marketing and advertising approaches of the motoring and fuel companies.

The objective of the competition is to raise awareness of the opportunities for promoting greener motoring in the UK and to encourage engagement between motor and fuels industry decision makers and the creative industries.

The competition aims to further raise the profile of low carbon transport in the context of meeting the urgent threats posed by climate change.The challenge is to develop an effective marketing campaign or execution based on 'real world' low carbon issues.ObjectivesTo reward creativity for campaigns which meet the brief.

To engage marketers and educational institutions around the issues of low carbon fuels, vehicle technology and responsible motoring. To create debate within the motor industry, media and general public. To encourage the uptake of new cleaner vehicles and use of cleaner fuels by fleets and consumers.

To encourage the efficient and responsible use of vehicles as well as reducing travel. Judging will take place between 29th May and 1st June.

More : http://www.lowcvp.org.uk/carsnotcarbon/

THE FRONDS : they are moving in....

2007-05-10T10:51:00.000+08:00

The the 8th wonder of this world, the Palm Jumeirah, a fastest growing project become real fantastic living place. The Fronds, a residence section, member are moving in and almost finish.

This project will sovle Dubai's beach shortage and extending tourism business. The villa connected to the Sub-Sea tunnel and surrouding by club house, retail shops and soon with hotel and resorts.

What a wonderful place to go....More image available at gallery.
found at http://www.thepalm.ae/jumeirah/tour-the-island/the-fronds/

URBAN OCTOPUS : The new Praque's national library will complete in 2011

2007-05-09T17:15:00.000+08:00

Praque, the city of art and beauty, a combination of architecture of the past and future. Within 2011, this city will have a new extraordinary and very unique design of a new Praque's national library which will be one of the top famous design in this world.

The new national library (octopus look a like) was desiged by Jan Kapliky, a Czech architect base in UK. Kapliky told press for the inspiration of this project that come from a sugar bolw,as well as World War II bunkers, baroque forms, the human body and jellyfish.

This project cost ~93 $ Million and giving 'Praque' a 35,000 square-meters for holding 10 million books and about 300,000 copies for public access that serving by a robot deliver book from the book shelfs automitically. (this should be a very .efficien way to manage books)

More about Jan Kapliky at http://www.future-systems.com/
Image from radio.cz/en/article/88974
Text by Pack

ARCHITECT'07 : Day 5

2007-05-05T23:56:00.000+08:00

ARCHITECT'07 : Day 5

Today I walking around the exhibition area which include project and international project from Thai architect also student workshops and I found thoes are very interesting.
Many international projects showing by 'Digital Gallery', the big plasma screen, and reveal the hidden potentail of Thai architects.

The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai was developed by Inter Design Co.,Ltd, a Thai design firm that released many international project in Dubai, Srilanka, Malaysia etc. Some gallery showing their awards winner design.

Jump to student's workshops. Many school and collage presenting such a creative, fresh and wicked idea to develope their work in architecture and interior design.

Many companies are very outstanding in their booth design which attract many visitor to step inside and meet the products. This is the last 2 days in this fair and more people comming during weekend.

For more information please visit http://www.architectexpo.com/
Text by Pack

CTRL+Z : Life with Undo - Olay Print Ad from the middle east!

2007-05-04T12:22:00.000+08:00

Middle East seem to be 'blank' for Advertising and Design Industry. (this statement could be right at 10 years ago) But now the quiet region becomming colorful, fashionism and bring all the top of design sparking. (what's on South East Asia? -- Nothing special)

The 'Undo' print advertising by Olay which created by SAATCHI&SAATCHI DUBAI has published in UAE win the grand prix award from Dubai Lynx 2007 (The Middle East and North African Advertising Awards)

Just put the sign of our daily keyboard function 'Ctrl+Z' on the Olay package, this print bring out the message clearly to audiunce. (for me, it's like when retouching the photo in photoshop and undo to get back into the original 'perfect' picture)

Let's keep our eyes on Middle East, the new hot, top, trendy stop of design and fashion! Check out more winner at Dubai Lynx.

Text by Pack

WOWBOW : when you give more heart to your pet

2007-05-03T17:00:00.000+08:00

What do you need to make more pleasure to your pet? Not only feeed them, love them but also 'Design' indeed. WOWBOW, from UK, released 'Mija' -- the doggy sleeping place coming with nice cushion and 10mm acrylic for its own square.

When your dog need more stylish, you need to pay 883 EUR for this nice bed !!! WOWBOW giving more design in pet's product (also your cat) check out at WOWBOW web site or order 'Mija' at Pid.se

Text by Pack

ARCHITECT'07 : Thailand

2007-05-01T22:55:00.000+08:00

ARCHITECT'07 : DAY 1
Seem like many expo, Architect 07, the main architect exhibition in Thailand - gathering many company showing their product and portfolios.Over 80% of the hall taken by construction and decoration business, and a few of nice design placed in the area of ASA,The expo will continued till May 6th. Many visitor coming due to the national holiday.

This is a good chance for exhibitors to make thier brand awareness and introducing new item to the market, so they won't miss this chance,Many exhibitor bring celebrities to promote the product, mini concert and some interesting show running all day long.

Some interesting conferences and workshops during the expo, check at the schedule at [ http://www.ttfintl.com/images/Final%20Table%20of%20Seminar.pdf ]