Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park
Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway in Zion National Park
Natchez Trace Parkway
Looking for a road trip this summer? Some of the best views are along these outstanding scenic roads in national parks across the country. So buckle up and let the journey begin with 8 of America’s best drives: http://on.doi.gov/drives 🚙💨
The American Institute of Architects has announced the winners of this year’s Small Projects Awards, which include a tiny floating sauna and a mobile dental surgery in a trailer (+ slideshow). (more…)
Geyser by Shazand’s Pics I really wanted to get a picture of the geyser with some blue sky so that it was possible to see the difference between the water and cloud, but it was so cold and because I didn’t know when the geyser was going to go off my fingers became numb and I couldn’t press the camera button on time. Although I missed the top of the geyser I still like the photo. http://flic.kr/p/fBeGMv
Dezeen promotion: designers can engage with social and political problems that are sometimes too big for governments to tackle, says Richard van der Laken, founder of annual social design conference What Design Can Do (+ interview). (more…)
Some great tips if you’re traveling for the holiday weekend!
The Obama Foundation has selected Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects (TWBTA) with partner Interactive Design Architects (IDEA) to lead the design of the Obama Presidential Center for Chicago‘s South Side. Chosen from a shortlist including Diller Scofidio + Renfro, John Ronan Architects, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, SHoP Architects, Snøhetta and Adjaye Associates, TWBTA stood out for their “commitment to explore the best ways of creating an innovative center for action that inspires communities and individuals to take on our biggest challenges.”
“We are deeply moved by the mission of the Obama Foundation and the role the Center can play in empowering that mission. It is a joy, an honor, and a responsibility to create a place that reflects the optimism and integrity of the President and the First Lady. This has been a transformative presidency and we will work to make a Center that embodies and expands the Obamas’ vision. We look forward to collaborating with our partners, Interactive Design Architects, and to working with the South Side community,” said TWBTA in a statement.
The Obama Foundation anticipates the the building could potentially be finished by 2020.
News via Obama Foundation.
From the architect. SRAM Corporation engaged Perkins+Will to design their new headquarters in the vibrant Fulton Market District of Chicago. Initial visioning uncovered SRAM’s desire for a space that connected their staff by providing them active and fun workplace choices through many collaborative space types.
For example, a 1/8 mile test track winds through the office, stitching the large open floor neighborhoods together. Also integrated into the workplace are commuter and test bikes, serving as screens along the bike track and open office neighborhoods.
The resulting design is punctuated by the SRAM red, a branding mark utilized in a controlled and functional way to tell the story of the company’s product offerings, philanthropy, and rich biking culture.
Sig Nordal 