Month: January 2017
Edgley Design Creates a Contemporary Home by a 100-Year-Old Pear Tree in London, England
Have you ever noticed that England has some of the very best names for their homes? Rather than having a street number, some older or historical homes have titles that describe the home, the area, or what the style of the building was when it was first built. This is a long lasting tradition all over the country and Pear Tree House, a private home in London, England, is no..
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Italian Architect Leonardo Benevolo Passes Away Aged 93
via Laterza's Interview with Leonardo Benevolo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzto2DOcTpk)
Italian media have reported that Leonardo Benevolo, one of Italy’s foremost architects, critics, and historians, passed away yesterday at his home in Brescia following a long illness. Benevolo was an enormously influential figure in the field of architectural history who was continuously examining the problems and possibilities of our cities.
His writings—in particular the book History of Modern Architecture—have been widely circulated, translated and taught, and contribute to his legacy as one of the profession’s most distinguished architects and educators.
In the overview of the now out-of-print History of Modern Architecture, Vol. 2 (1971), MIT Press wrote,
Perhaps more than any other architectural historian in our time, Benevolo has made a determined effort to place developments in design and planning in their proper social and political settings.
Benevolo’s prolific career as an educator occurred alongside projects that he also designed and built, including the new headquarters of the Bologna Fair (realized with Thomas Jura Longo and Carlo Pomegranates), the master plan of Ascoli Piceno, the masterplan of the historic center of Bologna and the master plan of Monza (1993-97).
Italian newspaper Corriere Della Serra wrote that Benevolo joined Giulio Carlo Argan, Bruno Zevi and Manfredo Tafuri in the scholarly task of defining and historicizing modern architecture in Italy and beyond. His final publication, Il tracollo della urbanistica italiana, published by Laterza, was released in 2012.
News via Corriere Della Serra
Chicago – Illinois – USA (by Jesse Loughborough)
Chicago – Illinois – USA (by Jesse Loughborough)
💙 RED kala on 500px by Al-Waleed K. Al-Fuzaia, Khobar,……
19 Of Our Favorite User-Created Architecture LEGO Sets (Which You Can Vote Into Production!)
via LEGO Ideas
A lot of architects love LEGO—but few may be aware of the LEGO Ideas platform, which allows LEGO fans to submit their own ideas for future sets, and if they gather enough support, be considered for production as a real LEGO product. Here we’ve created a selection of our favorite architectural proposals from the platform; though some have already expired due to a lack of votes, many others included here are still open for voting to become a real set if you so desire. If on the other hand, you feel that our list is lacking a particularly LEGO-worthy building, this could be your time to shine; design your own set and gather support! One day soon, thousands of LEGO enthusiasts could be puzzling over your little architectural gem.
1. Barcelona Pavilion (expired)
via LEGO Ideas
Without a Mies van der Rohe building, this list would feel incomplete—and what better building to include than the Barcelona Pavilion? His simple, modern style is translated into LEGO without losing its essence.
2. Bauhaus
via LEGO Ideas
As an iconic part of architectural history, the Bauhaus building must be included on our list of favorites. The model, although simplified, is strikingly similar to the real building, as can be seen on the designer’s images of the set “on site.”
3. box N (expired)
via LEGO Ideas
Not modeled after an existing building, box N seeks instead to create a true “LEGO building,” using the existing standard bricks to study and analyze the architectural model. Through simple “addition and subtraction,” the architect behind its design creates spaces and voids, openings and skylights.
4. Donjon of Osaka Castle
via LEGO Ideas
Even if this design is not the most complicated set on this list, it is most certainly one of the most complete; the LEGO model proposes fully realized plans of all 8 floors of the famous Japanese castle. Because of this, the set is designed in a modular fashion, allowing LEGO fans to review each floor with ease.
5. Dynamic Architecture (expired)
via LEGO Ideas
This is a set that acts as a method for form finding, instead of a mere aesthetic or fun activity. Following the current trend of morphing architecture, this set is aiming to create a quicker, easier alternative to 3D modeling software.
6. Grand Central Terminal
via LEGO Ideas
“The Heart of New York City” is depicted in a beautifully LEGO-detailed model, including the interiors, passed through by hundreds of thousands of people each day. This model strikes a pretty much perfect balance between architecture and LEGO.
7. Holmwood House (expired)
via LEGO Ideas
Designed by Alexander Thomson, the original villa is now a tourist attraction in Glasgow, Scotland. The model is proposed as an architectural, white set after the style of many LEGO architecture sets, despite the sandy stone facade of the real building.
8. Hungarian Parliament Building (expired)
via LEGO Ideas
Despite being what the designer himself calls a “micro-scaled model” of one of Budapest’s landmarks, this LEGO set contains an incredible amount of detail. It collected more supportive comments on LEGO Ideas than usual, but sadly not enough votes to realize its design.
9. Nakagin Capsule Tower (expired)
via LEGO Ideas
Whereas most of these sets were created for fun, this one was taken on with a greater goal in mind: to immortalize a building in danger of demolition through a simple LEGO set. Focusing mainly on capturing the building’s unique form, it’s a simple, relatively small set.
10. National History Museum (expired)
via LEGO Ideas
If this proposal had been realized, it would be the largest LEGO set in existence, with 80,000 bricks. Due to its already enormous size, this set does not delve into the interiors of the building—but after finally completing the facade, you’d probably be very thankful for that.
11. Palace of Italian Civilization
via LEGO Ideas
This minimalist model contains only the facade of the building, just adding a darker box behind it to serve as a background for the white bricks. By sticking to just a few existing pieces, the model keeps an authentic LEGO appearance but still manages to quite accurately replicate the Palace of Italian Civilization.
12. Pantheon (expired)
via LEGO Ideas
Given that it’s an architectural classic, of course somebody proposed a Pantheon LEGO set. However, like many of the classics, this one hasn’t made it to the review stage either.
13. Sungnyemun (expired)
via LEGO Ideas
Located in Seoul, Sungnyemun is one of the largest castle gates in Korea and, as seen in the incredibly complex model, also one of the most beautiful. It already exists as a smaller LEGO set, but this one is attempting to tackle all the intricate details that make the building so majestic.
14. The Cloth Hall
via LEGO Ideas
Seeking to perfectly emulate the original “Renaissance jewel,” this model is based on the building’s original architectural plans, including some interiors of the building, while still keeping it on a relatively small scale.
15. Parthenon
via LEGO Ideas
A well-known historical building now only seen as ruins, this LEGO set is aiming to recreate the Parthenon as it was originally designed.
16. The Shard (expired)
via LEGO Ideas
Representing the newest building on the list, this set is built almost entirely out of transparent LEGO plates and roof tiles, yet still manages to look incredibly sleek. Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough to garner the votes needed to be reviewed by LEGO.
17. University of Tokyo (expired)
via LEGO Ideas
It’s not easy to decipher the LEGO model’s construction from the provided renderings, but in spite of this, the proposed set looks like a grand one to accomplish.
18. Viipuri Library
via LEGO Ideas
Though this is probably the most minimalistic set on our list, its simplicity is exactly what got it here in the first place—especially because it’s an Aalto building. Despite the lack of detail, this model captures the architecture exactly the way LEGO should.
19. Villa Rotonda (expired)
via LEGO Ideas
Another set inspired by Italian architecture, the Villa Rotonda’s geometric plan seems like a good design to test through LEGO. Due to the small size of the LEGO model, details such as windows are sacrificed, but if you don’t have enough time to spare on the large, complex sets, it’s an ideal model to complete in a short amount of time, using few pieces.
Now that we’ve seen what can be done, perhaps you won’t be afraid to realize your dream of creating your own, real LEGO set. Who knows? Yours could be on our next list of LEGO favorites.
How to Make Your Bathroom Truly Unique
There are so many ways to design and decorate your bathroom nowadays. It is no longer about the fixtures but also the visual appeal. It’s how you feel from the moment you step into the bathroom. Other than the physical design of the bathroom shape and size, you can do many things to transform this commonly overlooked room in your home.
Here are some bathroom design ideas that can transform your bathroom.
Printed tiles
You can dress your bathroom with a large format image of whatever you want. These are modern designs printed on tiles to turn your bathroom into a uniquely marvelous personal place. You can even have full images of places like Venice to give you a feeling of actually being there.
Walk-in shower
Nothing makes a bathroom unique like a free-standing tub and a walk-in style shower. A free-standing tub is an attractive centerpiece for your bathroom and gives it a relaxing atmosphere.
By adding these pieces, you give your bathroom a luxurious spa-like feel. This design gives a bathroom a functional and modern appeal in every aspect.
Wood clad tubs
Who would have imagined that wood would be used in a modern bathroom? Imagine a lovely bathroom with the tub clad in timber to match the sinks. All the walls are covered with wood which gives a natural appeal and relaxing ambiance to your bathroom.
Use big tiles to enlarge your bathroom
Whether you are building a new bathroom or renovating, you can choose big tiles for your bathroom. Big tiles are excellent at creating long lines without visually breaking up space.
If you can, use the same tile throughout the entire bathroom. This will make even a tiny space appear large. Opt for a cool-toned tile to provide a relaxing atmosphere.
Shell-filled bathroom
Adorning your bathroom all over with shells can make it look like you are at the beach relaxing. Bathrooms don’t have to be boring and traditional; you can make yours a fun place to spend time and even meditate in.
Build holding racks with narrow molding strips, plastic or wood to beautifully display the variety of shells all around the bathroom walls. This will give you visual satisfaction as you lie soaking in your tub.
Roadmap bathroom
If you love to travel, showcase it in your bathroom! Placing a large, high-quality waterproof map on your bathroom can make it look unique as well as providing you with a map to dream about and plan your next road trip out of town. By replacing your plain walls with a map of the places you want to travel to, you add excitement to an otherwise ordinary room.
Double shower bathroom
Why not do a double shower for your next bathroom renovation? It can be both fun and functional since two people can easily shower at the same time and even swap mid shower.
This design is suitable for a large bathroom that allows for free movement and provides spatial freedom to install additional facilities like a standalone tub. If you have at least one round corner in the bathroom, it will be unique to a level not easily matched.
Wet room
This design gives no discernible space for showering like most bathrooms; your shower place is decided the moment you choose to shower. With a tub at the wall, you have enough space to move around with the partially portable shower heads. This creates a sense of freedom to relax your mind after a stressful day or a long trip.
See Also: 5 Affordable Ways to Make Your Home Original
Having a functional bathroom doesn’t always mean enduring the boring designs from the past century. Creativity in the bathroom gives you memorable details that inspire you every morning before going out and rejuvenates you when you return exhausted from the day’s work. Pick from any of these ideas of even more crazy designs that break all the rules you have ever known when it comes to the bathroom.
The post How to Make Your Bathroom Truly Unique appeared first on Dumb Little Man.
Laurence Sonck Designs a Contemporary Residence in Ramatuelle, France
More and more, adult couples are choosing to live in communal residences rather than taking on the fiscal and physical commitments that come with being home owners. Rather than being solely responsible for the upkeep of things like yards, swimming pools, and the general area around their homes, people who live in communal residences split those responsibilities between them, which often means that the homes stay even more well put..
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Iñaki Ábalos’ Walter Gropius Lecture at Harvard GSD Dives Into the History and Evolution of the Monastery
As he ends his years of service at the Department of Architecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD), Iñaki Ábalos has given a Walter Gropius Lecture, customary for departing chairs.
Entitled “Architecture for the Search for Knowledge,” the lecture is named for Ábalos’ mantra by the same words, which is an aphorism written by Friedrich Nietzsche.
Throughout the event, Ábalos delved into various mixed-use typologies, each of which is in some way related to the basic typology of the medieval monastery.
Highlights of the lecture include:
- 10:30 – 14:45 Ábalos introduces the theme of the relationship between education, research, and professional practice, as well as the overall typology of mixed-use projects, through the example of the medieval monastery.
- 14:45 – 17:30 Ábalos delves into the architectural typology of the medieval monastery, noting their “open ecosystems,” varying “circles of privacy,” and mixed uses.
- 17:30 – 22:20 Ábalos explains his dedication to the study of mixed-use projects in modernist and contemporary architecture, as well as subsystems of skyscrapers.
- 22:20 – 31:00 The namesake aphorism of the lecture is explored, in addition to its and Nietzsche’s relationship to monasteries. The background is additionally given on the basic elements of monasteries.
- 31:00 – 38:45 Ábalos discusses the history and evolution of the monastery, as well as the typical use of stone in monasteries.
- 38:45 – 46:05 After giving background on the monastery typology, Ábalos explores various monastic lifestyles, and how they affected their respective architectures, as well as how monasteries created the monastery palace typology.
- 46:05 – 53:40 Ábalos compares the two “monastery circles” of the revolutionary period, based on contributions from Thomas Jefferson and Charles Fourier, and their work in universities and phalansteries, respectively.
- 53:40 – 1:00:30 Ábalos shifts to more modern interpretations of the monastery typology, namely those of the 20th century in Europe and America.
- 1:00:30 – 1:04:10 Ábalos recounts his time as a professor and chair at the GSD, noting his teachings concerning mixed-use projects and various aspects of thermodynamics, and closes the lecture by tying together each of the various mixed-use typologies he has discussed.
- 1:05:10 – 1:29:00 Ábalos answers questions concerning the lecture.
News via: the Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD).
Tallinn Creative Hub / Kavakava
© Tõnu Tunnel
- Architects: Kavakava
- Location: Tallinn, Estonia
- Architects In Charge: Siiri Vallner, Indrek Peil
- Area: 11200.0 m2
- Project Year: 2015
- Photographs: Tõnu Tunnel, Kaupo Kikkas , Kaupo Kalda
- Project Team: Tarmo Piirmets, Raul Tiitus (Pink), Katrin Koov, Ragnar Põllukivi Kadri Klementi, Andro Mänd, Sten-Mark Mändmaa, Triin Maripuu, Ivan Sergejev, Elen Paddar, Martin J. Navarro Gonzalez (Kavakava)
© Kaupo Kalda
From the architect. Kultuurikatel is a former power plant, located in Tallinn between the Old Town and the sea. The project focuses on simple principles of spatial organization to meet the needs of creative users. The key of the project is openness.
Diagram
Original complex was built in the 19th century with various additions in the 20th century. Buildings are listed as heritage monuments and are owned by the city of Tallinn. After renovation it has different halls for performing and rehearsal, club spaces, studios, offices, integrated with a continuous common space enabling all kinds of possibilities.
© Tõnu Tunnel
Despite its alternative look, building is selected as a main venue for 2017, when Estonia holds presidency of the Council of the EU.
© Tõnu Tunnel
Floor Plan
© Kaupo Kikkas
Strategy and Design Concept
The project focuses on simple principles of spatial organization to meet the needs of creative users. The tight budget is a challenge – any intervention has to be precise and to the point. The key of the project is openness – it should enable later additions and unplanned developments. To integrate external impulses, workshops and users‘ input has been used. Communication with various parties was an essential part of the project. The design concept developed alongside the concept of the Cauldron itself. The project is built in stages, many spaces will be equipped with the barest minimum and to be finished by the user.
Diagram
Construction
It is renovation project and materials are used according to the initial architecture. Replacements and new additions are done in a sensitive way and surfaces are left unpolished as it was in original state (exposed concrete, steel, brick).
© Tõnu Tunnel
Sig Nordal 