Month: August 2016
Vaughan Civic Centre Resource Library / ZAS Architects + Interiors
© doublespace photography
- Architects: ZAS Architects + Interiors
- Location: Vaughan, ON, Canada
- Area: 3306.0 sqm
- Project Year: 2016
- Photographs: doublespace photography
- Other Participants: WSP/MMM Group, Scott Torrance Landscape Architect, Aquicon Construction Co. Ltd, Colliers Project Leaders, ZON Engineering Inc.
© doublespace photography
From the architect. Resulting from an extensive visioning process exploring the evolving role of the library in the digital age, The Vaughan Civic Centre Resource Library by ZAS Architects is a visionary maker-space dedicated to community learning, gathering, creating and celebration.
Engaging new users in record numbers since opening, the transformative community centerpiece aims to empower local residents of all ages and demographics, inviting an exploration of learning in the library with the tools and technology of the 21st century.
Site Plan
The library’s ethereal façade and shifting translucent form beacon the community, making a clear statement that this is a meeting place created for the future of the city.
Revealing layers of open interior spaces, the reflective façade appears ever-changing in a constant play of light. It’s complex geometry forms a loop around the central interior courtyard, it’s pattern shifting glass panels representing the overlap of ideas and user groups who gather inside.
© doublespace photography
Marking a transformation from traditional historic library architecture, flexible spaces create an empowering community amenity, encouraging social interaction and group learning. Akin to a contemporary bookstore, the library’s marketplace café, and open reading area welcome visitors as they enter the immersive environment.
Sections
In contrast to the monochromatic exterior façade, colourful furniture and glass animate a fluid series of bright spaces, balancing open meeting areas with places for private study. Dynamic natural lighting acts as a guide throughout the space, directing visitors as they explore the collection.
Prominent and visible from the library’s entrance and also around the building is an anchoring outdoor garden courtyard and symbolic red maple “Tree of Knowledge”. Collaboration spaces, meeting rooms, a ‘teen-only’ lounge, public-access computers, a large study hall, and an extensive children’s activity area form a circle around the courtyard, representing a circle of community.
© doublespace photography
From the café to the central outdoor courtyard, the vibrant two-storey facility hosts extensive public activity space far beyond the library’s collection of books. Accessible for all, visitors are encouraged to animate ideas within the library’s maker-spaces. Computer modeling and 3D printers, a media suite, sound recording studio, video studio and green screen all creates hands-on opportunities to learn, discover curiosities and hone craft.
Site Plan
Multi-generational and diverse, each space within has been designed to foster learning for wide-ranging user groups. Students from primary school to post-secondary, new Canadian residents, teens, toddlers and parents have all been given spaces to learn and connect with one another in social interaction zones that includes flexible furniture arrangements.
© doublespace photography
Indicative of a library’s ‘function in –flux’, highly flexible, movable book collection stacks offer flexibility for librarians and visitors to use the space in multiple ways, as the needs of the community evolve daily or annually.
Exposing residents to new possibilities of discovery, public areas are transparent and visually interlinked. Expansive glazing at the street level engages all passing by to join the activity inside. Social zones, lounge seating, and individual study space also surround the perimeter windows, maximizing light and views while creating a direct connection with the neighbourhood beyond.
© doublespace photography
15 Inspirational Rap Songs To Start Your Day
You’re reading 15 Inspirational Rap Songs To Start Your Day, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.
What better way to get out of bed in the morning than with a healthy dose of raw power! Get your daily dose of energy from these inspirational rap songs, that are sure to get you ready to take on the world.
*Some of the videos and lyrics are explicit.
15. Whiz Khalifa – “Work Hard Play Hard”
“Work Hard Play Hard” is simply a perfect mantra for the keep you going through the whole day. That deep, dark bass helps a lot in getting you in that perfect mood to get things done. Nothing can stand in your way!.
14. Dj Khaled “All I Do Is Win” feat. Ludacris & Snoop Dogg (2010)
The title really says it all. With an all-star cast of rappers, Dj Khaled may be a newcomer, but he’s sure to rise to top, just through sheer confidence and determination.
13. Eminem – “Without Me”
This is one of Eminem’s less gritty songs, but the fun beat, and over the top lyrics make this one a great morning soundtrack to get your gear on, and do your thing.
12. P-Money + Gappy Ranks – “Baddest”
“Baddest” is exactly a lyrical masterpiece, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s one of those songs that just makes you want to move your legs. It hooks you in from the very first seconds with those slow, determined drums, and by the time it gets to the first chorus, you’re ready to conquer the world.
11.Dr. Dre – “Still D.R.E.” feat. Snoop Dogg
Try as you might, there’s something about this song’s understated beat that just makes want to get out there and show the world what you’re made of. This classic isn’t flashy, or loud, it makes you feel like you’re in control, and know exactly what you’re doing.
10. Lil Wayne – “Money on My Mind”
Lil Wayne’s message is pretty straightforward. If you need to get into the proper mindset, with a clear and simple goal, this is the one for you.
9.Chamillionair – “Ridin’ Dirty”
Those juicy beats are enough to get anyone anyway starting the all pumped and ready for action. This rap classic just has that certain something to get you going.
8. Beastie Boys – “Sabotage”
Beastie Boys is a borderline rock band, though their music tends to borrow from a lot of genres. “Sabotage” is maybe one of their less experimental hits, but that intro certainly does the trick when you need something to get out of bed in the morning.
7. Missy Elliott – “Work It”
Missy Elliott’s “Work It” has that smooth beat that eases you out of the bed and into the hustle and bustle of the day. It gets you right in that I got this mindset. And the really catchy rhythm makes it great for a light, early morning workout.
6. Drake – “Started from the Bottom”
Drake is certainly one of those successful music artists that seems to do everything effortlessly. But it’s important to remember that even he had a long way to go to reach this point. This song should inspire you to do the same.
5. Ice Cube – “It Was a Good Day”
Ice Cube is hip hop royalty by now. Considering his estimated net worth, the song, “It Was a Good Day,” no longer sounds like a pipe dream. This song is good reminder how little it takes to find happiness. It might one of Ice Cube’s more mellow songs, but it’s force seems to come from within, snappy rhythms, or flashy verses.
4. Public Enemy – “Fight the Power”
Voted in the top 10 best hip hop songs of all times by the Rolling Stones magazine, “Fight the Power,” was written specifically for the movie “Do the Right Thing,” by the brilliant director Spike Lee. It’s simple lyrics and raw force are sure to motivate you to withstanding anything the day throws at you.
3. Aesop Rock – “None Shall Pass”
Aesop Rock tends to be more of lyrical rapper. Lord of the Rings may not be something you usually associate with hip hop music, but the image of Gandalf, “With a cane to the sky/ Like none shall pass” is sure to give all the determination you need for the day.
2. Nas – “The World Is Mine”
Nas’ hard, fast lyrics go surprisingly well with the smooth jazz track in the background. It’s a great song if you’re not the type person that spring into action instantly, but needs time to think things through, and prepare for the day ahead. This song will give the cool confidence you need to succeed.
1.Coolio – Gangster’s Paradise
This one may have slightly darker lyrics, but that glorious chorus is bound to make you wake up with the sense that you’re on a mission, and you’re the only guy for the job. It may be interesting to know that Coolio has radically changed career tracks a few years back, so maybe that will motivate into making that big change you were fearing.
Image Source: 1
You’ve read 15 Inspirational Rap Songs To Start Your Day, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.
Le Corbusier’s Maison Guiette is his only surviving Belgian building
World Heritage Corb: Maison Guiette in Belgium was Le Corbusier‘s first commission outside of France, but is one of the lesser-known of his 17 buildings that have been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list (+ slideshow). (more…)
Seljalandsfoss by schieflicht Seljalandsfoss…
Lake District, Cumbria, England photo via kelly
Kaplan Family Pavilion at City of Hope / Belzberg Architects
© Bruce Damonte
- Architects: Belzberg Architects
- Location: Duarte, CA, USA
- Area: 650.0 sqm
- Project Year: 2015
- Photographs: Bruce Damonte
- Project Team: Hagy Belzberg (Partner-in-Charge), Daniel Rentsch (Project Manager), Andrew Kim, Ashley Coon, David Cheung, Cory Taylor, Susan Nwankpa, Micah Belzberg, Chris Sanford, Kristofer Leese, Chris Arntzen
- Landscape Architect: Ahbe Landscape Architects
- Structural Engineer: Nous Engineering
- Mep Engineer: California Energy Designs
- Civil Engineer: VCA Engineers
- General Contractor: Winters-Schram & Associates
- Leed Consultant: Green Dinosaur
© Bruce Damonte
As modern medicine has evolved, so too has our understanding of health. More recently, there has been a shift towards a more holistic approach to healthcare that, in addition to treatment, now includes mental and spiritual well-being, and our relationship to the environment as preventative care. To reflect this change, our design of the Kaplan Family Pavilion at the City of Hope, a leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases, not only introduces a new architectural language to our client’s campus, but creates environments to support and encourage Wellness.
Model
Our client initially proposed replacing a building to the west of our site to mark the institution’s centennial, but our design team was inspired by the “wishing trees” found across campus; these trees hold hundreds of personal notes tied to branches with messages of hope for the health of loved ones. Instead, we suggested moving the site slightly east to both re-align an off-axis promenade on the campus grid, and to use an existing century-old camphor tree as the project’s focal point. Our 7,000sqft project comprises two buildings wrapped around the camphor that houses new space for exhibits, events, administrative offices, and storage at the heart of a more than 100 acres campus in Southern California.
© Bruce Damonte
Site Plan
© Bruce Damonte
The LEED Platinum certified Pavilion uses the landscape to shape the built form and vice versa. Two billowing, sinuous concrete walls protect the entrances to either side of the tree while subtly genuflecting and twisting to create seating to face an irregular, oblong bench around the camphor. The result is an outdoor sanctuary where visitors can enjoy fresh air while protected by the shade of the mature tree. 75 backlit LED plaques along the surface of both concrete walls also highlight the City of Hope’s many milestones while leaving room for future accomplishments to be added. The buildings’ openness to the north avoids excessive heat gain and exposure, but also led to additional drought-tolerant planting to draw a strong connection between the occupants and the outdoors.
© Bruce Damonte
The bifurcation of the program and building footprint has allowed the project to both feel grounded in its location, anchored by the camphor, but also transient, with the footpath cutting through the site to connect the project to the rest of campus. It is able to draw visitors from across the client’s community, offering respite and a place for reflection to support healing and wellness.
© Bruce Damonte
12 Minimalist packaging designs that do a lot with a little
From artisanal boutique to superstores, the trend for Minimalist packaging design continues to pick up pace. We’ve rounded up 12 examples, including name-brand ketchup without the name, a CD packaged in bubble wrap, and a stylish kit for surviving the apocalypse (+ slideshow). (more…)
World’s biggest aircraft “the Flying Bum” crashes on test flight
The bulbous aircraft known as the “Flying Bum” has slowly nose-dived into a field during its second test flight in the English countryside (+ movie). (more…)
Things You Didn’t Know That Occur While Traveling
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Whether you’re a first-time or frequent flyer, there’s a lot left to learn about the process of flying. From curb to check-in to sitting in your seat and taking off, the following 5 tips — and the below infographic, chock-full of information — will make flying easier and more transparent.
1. Checking in is Important
Unless you’ve chosen — and, potentially, paid for — your particular seat on the plane, you must be sure to check in before you actually head to the airport. A few years ago, airlines were found to have blocked off up to 40 percent of seats so that customers would have to pay a premium to get them.
Of course, not everyone is willing to pay an extra $20 or more for a particular seat, so the hidden or up-charged areas could potentially become available at a normal price to those who check in fastest. If that’s not incentive enough, checking in saves you face time at the airport, since you don’t have a see a gate agent to receive your seating assignment.
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2. Buy One Ticket at a Time
Imagine that you’re traveling in a group of four and searching online for four airline seats. If the travel site you’re using only has three free at a discounted rate and another at a normal fare, guess which price you’ll see for all four?
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That’s right. Most airlines will present a boosted fee if your request includes more than what they have available at the lowest price. Next time you fly, book each ticket individually so that you all get as much of a discount as possible.
See Also: 8 Reasons why travel should be a part of your life
3. Plan Your Trip on the Airline’s Schedule
It probably comes as no surprise that flights on Friday incur higher travel fares than other days of the week. When it comes to flying, the cheapest days to book your flight will usually be Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday.
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You can take this a research a step further by applying it to your next round-trip voyage, especially if you’re planning to take a nice, long vacation. Price-wise, it’s smartest to leave on a Thursday and return on Monday — it’s typically 20 percent cheaper than flying out on a Friday and returning on Saturday.
See Also: 5 Steps To Reinvent Your Life By Traveling
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4. You Can Make Security Faster
There’s nothing quite as daunting as arriving to the airport on a time crunch and seeing a sprawling line for security. Fear not if you have obtained your TSA Pre-Check clearance, though, as it allows you to step into a separate line for pre-checked customers.
The program costs $85, and your clearance lasts for five years. By submitting the required documentation, receiving Pre-Check and inputting your personal TSA ID number when purchasing your tickets, you will have a special mark on your boarding pass that allows you certain privileges not given to traditional flyers. For example, you can keep your light jacket on as you pass through security.
5. Don’t Wait for Lost Luggage
We don’t mean that you should immediately give up on a bag that doesn’t show up on the belt. Instead, don’t waste any time in reporting your missing baggage to airline personnel.
In most cases, airlines have very strict policies regarding lost and stolen baggage, which means you have a very small window in which to report your goods as gone. Giving word right away means that they will be more likely to maintain their liability and reimburse you for what’s lost.
Obviously, these aren’t the only tips and tricks to know next time you board an airplane. However, knowing these five little behind-the-scenes hints might make you feel more ready to take to the skies — and less likely to have the airlines take you.
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Now share our very useful and informative list of flying hacks to your loved ones. Happy trails!
Source: Stsintelli
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Sig Nordal 