Best of interior design and architecture

Modern Creative Family house with Foot by Kimihiko Okada - Modern lábasház kreatív kialakítással

2012-01-11T01:54:00.000-08:00

Japanese architect Kimihiko Okada has designed the Toda House in Hiroshima, Japan.
The site is located in a residential area developed on a gentle perch in Hiroshima, overlooking a far view of the Inland Sea and Miyajima. The land of this area is developed into platforms form with several levels. The architecture was requested to have a view over the roof of the neighboring house, standing one level lower, and to consider security, for the site is located at the edge of the residential area, and to leave some space for extension when the client opens a small shop in the future. To respond to the requests, the house is lifted from the ground. Like a bird’s nest, it called up architecture’s primary function of relief from disturbance. The house is open to the view and yet protected from the fear and environment. Slab and roof consists of one continuous plate. The variations of circulation and diverse spatial relations were achieved by placing a penetrating staircase. The extended plate made possible the future extension and softened the impression from the ground level. Spandrel wall changes its height accordingly to the thickness of slab. Together with the slab, the spandrel wall creates the continuous but various environments.

Best of interior and architecture

Origami Building by Manuelle Gautrand Architecture

2012-01-06T21:51:00.000-08:00

Manuelle Gautrand Architecture have completed the Origami office building in Paris, France.

Situated within 200 metres from the Arc de Triomphe and now hosts the French headquarters of the Barklays Capital Bank. The building was designed and developed with a strong sustainability approach. The façade is dressed in a double skin of glass and, in an origami manner, with its pleated marble pattern it forms a sun-screen in front of a curtain wall. It gives a desired mineral touch which thus contributes to the building’s integration into the neighborhood.

Project Description:

This office building stands on avenue Friedland, in the immediate vicinity of the Arc de Triomphe and Place de l’Etoile, in a luxurious Parisian neighborhood.
The project was implemented in two parts: the main building on a 20 meter-wide stripe on the avenue, and an extension in the rear, between two courtyard gardens. At the ground floor level, the lobby plays on transparency between the street front and the main garden. The building in the rear of the lot is more private, and it is there that the cafeteria and meeting rooms are laid out, with garden space on both sides.
The unusual location of the site led us to design a project that would embrace and take advantage of the view and immerse into the natural light. An emblematic showcase of the building – the main façade is mostly glass, partially covered with a second-skin of screen-printed marble pattern.
The rendered effect is a tremendous origami and the view of this delicate folded marble can be enjoyed both from exterior and interior of the building.
The panels are composite, a film of marble mounted on a twin layer of glass. The symmetrical panels that are folded and assembled by two form an “open-book” pattern and thus highlight the design of the veins of the marble.
This second skin is translucent and acts as a breast wall to ensure privacy as well as filter daylight, creating a soft interior atmosphere.
Marble folds create a vibration along the 30 meter-long front. At both ends, in continuity with the façades of neighboring buildings, the origami becomes calmer and flattens out. But in the central part it forms a delicate bas-relief.
The project then develops into the depth of the site with the same objective of clarity while adding a strong presents of plants. The offices roofed with large lawns weave around the two courtyard gardens.
The lobby functions as a meeting point of these two atmospheres – the urban and sophisticated of the main façade, and the more private and verdant of the other side of the building. The interior spaces were designed in a contemporary spirit, highlighting the luminous atmosphere with light-colored and soft materials.

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Visit the Manuelle Gautrand Architecture website – here.

Photography by Vincent Fillon

Best of interior and architecture

OLED Installation by labme

2011-10-31T22:31:00.001-07:00

labme, an open source design platform for the creative usage of OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes), created the world’s largest OLED installation with 1400 OLEDs provided by OSRAM.

Best of interior and architecture

Nordpark Railway Stations – Innsbruck

2011-10-20T02:25:00.001-07:00

photo credit: Werner Hutchmacher

Rising from the midst of grey and white of Innsbruck’s surrounding alpine peeks is the stage for Zaha Hadid’s 1.8 km long Nordpark Cable Railway. Comprised of four new stations and a cable-stayed suspension bridge over the river Inn, takes you from the center of Innsbruck to the top of the mountain in less than half an hour.

The design for each station adaps to the specific site conditions at various altitudes, whilst maintaining the coherent overall architectural language of fluidity. This approach was critical to the design for the railway, and demonstrates the seamless morphology of Hadid’s most recent architecture.

photo credit: Werner Hutchmacher

photo credit: Thomas Mayer

photo credit: Roland Halbe

photo credit: Werner Hutchmacher

photo credit: Roland Halbe

Shell & Shadow’: a unique architectural language of fluidity inspired by natural ice formations, for stations along Innsbruck’s northern chain of mountains. Lightweight organic roof structures float on concrete plinths, their soft shapes and contours creating an artificial landscape that describes the movement and circulation within.

“Each station has its own unique context, topography, altitude, and circulation. We studied natural phenomena such as glacial moraines and ice movements – as we wanted each station to use the fluid language of natural ice formations, like a frozen stream on the mountainside.”
Zaha Hadid.

Zaha Hadid, an architect who constantly continues to amaze and inspire me with her creations taking in the natural landscape and creating something futuristic in feel yet relevant, workable and infinitely modern.

Best of interior and architecture

Lilypad House by Jorge Hrdina Architects

2011-09-29T01:48:00.000-07:00

Jorge Hrdina Architects have designed the Lilypad house in Sydney, Australia.

Description from the architect:

The Lilypad House was designed to accommodate ease of access by wheelchair and provide the inhabitants with a sanctuary from typical suburban consolidation.
The refined twin portal frames of radial timber laminations stand as freestanding structures that anchor the two ends of the house.
Rather than completely consume the site as the neighboring houses, the lilypad house employs low walls and ceilings while wrapping itself around a sun filled garden courtyard that forms a connection with the park directly opposite. No physical boundary exists between the house and the natural landscape, allowing for a thoughtful meander between public and private.

Visit the Jorge Hrdina Architects website – here.

Photography by Brett Boardman

Best of interior and architecture

Unique Staircase Design by Philip Watts

2011-09-16T00:38:00.001-07:00

This unique staircase design was created by Philip Watts Design for a private client. Talk about unique, right? It is very sculptural, yes - and somehow reminiscent of a spinal column or an elongated shiny ribcage. The piece is super intense and probably an acquired taste, but unarguably mind-blowing. Leave it to Philip Watts Design to come up with something of this impressive and dramatic nature. A piece like this has so much influence in an interior scheme and certainly makes an unforgettable statement. In this case, we love the idea of contrasting the shiny staircase against the weathered brick wall. For more inspiration, go to Philip Watts Design.

Best of interior and architecture

Modern Day Bells

2011-08-01T03:56:00.000-07:00

Lin Yu (Yuu Rin)

Designer: Rie Isono

I don’t know what should I call these – modern day sound objects, bells or soundscapes. Japanese designer Rie Isono has clearly succeeded in encompassing traditional casting techniques and modern technologies & aesthetics to produce this murmur of a sound like hand made products.

Put it in the living room, on the door, in window or on your desk, I suppose it can be your relaxation-play buddy. Lin Yu series is available in 3 variations.

Kotorin ( Lin Yu series)

(Material: copper alloy – gold finish, pendulum: hematite -natural stone,
frame: aluminum)

This sound object serves dual purpose. It can hold a card, a to do list or a photograph in its beak.

Door Rin

(Materials: copper alloy, pendulum: brass, frame: aluminium, height : 9 centimeters, accessories: metal plate for wooden doors and magnets for metal doors)

As the name suggests this Lin yu can be attached to door.

Mawarin ( Lin yu series)

Check all about these beautiful sound objects here and here.

Just touch or sway and play sound.

(Photo credits: Ryoukan Abe and last image source: Assiston)

Best of interior and architecture

Artistic Map

2011-08-01T03:55:00.000-07:00

Click to enlarge the image

World map or work of art! Map as seen on the website: Havaianas

Best of interior and architecture

Cradle by Ball-Nogues Studio

2011-05-19T06:25:00.000-07:00

Ball-Nogues Studio designed the Cradle sculpture in Santa Monica, California.

Description from Ball-Nogues Studio:

Commissioned by the City of Santa Monica, Cradle is situated on the exterior wall of a parking structure at a shopping mall – originally designed by Frank Gehry. The site is near the beach, and is heavily trafficked by tourists on foot and in automobiles. An aggregation of mirror polished stainless steel spheres, the sculpture functions structurally like an enormous Newton’s Cradle – the ubiquitous toy found on the desktops of corporate executives in Hollywood films. Each ball is suspended by a cable from a point on the wall and locked in position by a combination of gravity and neighboring balls. The whole array reflects distorted images of passersby.
Aside from the Newton’s Cradle reference, we wanted the overall shape to elicit things that we thought might be slightly provocative when inserted into the glitzy Santa Monica urban landscape. On one hand the installation resembles a big banana hammock and on the other it suggests the female reproductive system. Sometimes we think of it as a giant fly eye with hundreds of little lenses and at others its like sea foam or coral. Sometimes it resembles an urban scaled wall sconce and at others, a kind of imaginary awning for an invisible storefront. Regardless of what it looks like, it was an opportunity to develop a new kind of building system.
Cradle is as much a sculpture as it is an approach to making experimental structure in the post-digital era. We were interested in exploring ways of producing large scaled self-organizing structures. Cradle is comprised of an “informal” arrangement of parts; the relationship between each cannot be accurately modeled with digital software. The work is, however, an outgrowth of digital technology.
A key technical concept for Cradle is “sphere packing” – the phenomenon where multiple balls squeezed together and self organize under the effect of gravity, a process we could only approximate, at best, using computer modeling. Software was useful for visualizing Cradle and for designing the overall shape of the formwork used to make it but not for predicting where the spheres positioned themselves in the physical world.
The fabrication process was a bit like the process of slip casting ceramics except instead of pouring ceramic slip into a mold we “poured” hundreds of spheres. To our knowledge, this was the first time this technique has been used.

Visit the Ball-Nogues Studio website – here.

Photography by Monica Nouwens

Best of interior and architecture

Galleria Centercity | UNStudio/Ben van Berkel

2011-04-04T04:04:00.000-07:00

Ben van Berkel / UNStudio’s Galleria Centercity in Cheonan – “If museums are turning into supermarkets, why then should department stores not turn into museums?”

The Galleria Cheonan responds to the current retail climate in Asia, where department stores also operate as social and semi-cultural meeting places. Because of this, the quality of the public spaces within the building was treated as an integral aspect of the design.
Ben van Berkel

Eye Shopping – Re-conquering the public domain within a commercial destination

UNStudio‘s Galleria Centercity Department Store in the Korean city of Cheonan reclaims the social and cultural space within the private, commercial large scale department store.

Galleria Centercity, image courtesy UNStudio | photo by Christian Richters

Rather than being the outcome of a prescriptive, standard-critical approach, the design of the Galleria Centercity is based on observations of current behavioural tendencies in large commercial spaces. Particularly in South East Asia, department stores serve a highly social function; people meet, gather, eat, drink and both shop and window shop in these venues. The department store is no longer solely a commercial space, it now offers the architect the opportunity to build upon and expand the social and cultural experience of the visitor. If today we are seeing the museum as a supermarket, then we are also now seeing the department store as a museum.

Galleria Centercity, image courtesy UNStudio | photo by Kim Yong-kwan

An expanded interpretation of utility beyond efficiency and profitability is at the heart of the design. In view of this, along with a more varied programme, UNStudio’s design seeks to provide a stimulating experience for the visitor.

On the outside, this is translated into an appearance that is almost impossible to fix. The double layered facades are articulated in a trompe l’oeuil pattern of vertical mullions. The vertical lines on the façade make the scale of the building unreadable; does it contain three floor levels, or fifteen? On the inside, this play with scale and dimension is continued in a way that is at least as radical as the outside. Upon entering, the department store is revealed as a layered and varied space which encourages investigation and unfolds as you move through and up the building.

Programmatically, the Galleria Cheonan incorporates a number of cultural and public spaces, including an art and cultural centre and a vip room. In the basement, a food court and specialty supermarket constitute another distinct destination within the building, which is simultaneously integrated with the overall design strategy.

Galleria Centercity, image courtesy UNStudio | photo by Kim Yong-kwan

Cheonan –New city development as platform for innovation

Situated some 80km south of Seoul, Cheonan is well connected to the capital by railway and road, with a new high speed rail link having recently been completed. The area around the new high speed terminal is under development and – prominently visible from the main road – the Galleria Centercity marks the entrance to this new development area.

The most interesting thing to me about the effect of the Galleria Cheonan is that, because of the organisation of the atrium and the moiré treatment of the facade, Illusions are created which result in the seeming alteration of scales and the creation of double images. No image is permanent in this building.
Ben van Berkel

Galleria Centercity, image courtesy UNStudio | photo by Christian Richters

Dynamic Flow and optical illusion on a grand scale

The main architectural theme for the Galleria Cheonan is that of dynamic flow. This is found both inside and outside. The architecture of the 66,000 m ² building responds to its central position by presenting a deliberately changeable aspect all-around. Moiré effects, special lighting and animations ensure that the outside changes appearance constantly.
The double layered facade encloses the building, with a number of strategic openings incorporated into the inner facade layer.These openings provide daylight to the interior. At the same time, the lamellas of the outer façade prevent direct sunlight from entering the building, ensuring a cooler environment, while the use of white finishes throughout the interior minimises the need for artificial lighting.

Galleria Centercity, image courtesy UNStudio | photo by Christian Richters

The interior derives its character from the accumulation of rounded plateaus on long columns. The repetition of curves, enhanced by coiled strip lighting in the ceilings of the platforms, gives the interior its distinctive character. Four stacked programme clusters, each encompassing three storeys and containing public plateaus, are linked to the central void. This organisation propels a fluent upstream flow of people through the building, from the ground floor atrium to the roof terrace. As the plateaus are positioned in a rotational manner in space, they enable the central space to encompass way finding, vertical circulation, orientation and act as main attractor of the department store. The spatial and visual connections within the space are designed to generate a lively and stimulating environment, in which the user is central.

Galleria Centercity, image courtesy UNStudio | photo by Kim Yong-kwan

Media facade – The largest illuminated surface of its kind in the world

The strategy for the building enclosure consists of creating an optical illusion. During the day the building has a monochrome reflective appearance, whilst at night soft colours are used to generate waves of coloured light across the large scale illuminated surface. The lighting design was developed in parallel with the architecture and capitalises on the double layered facade structure. Computer generated animations specially designed byUNStudio are incorporated into the lighting design and refer to themes related to the department store, such as fashion, events, art and public life.

Galleria Centercity, image courtesy UNStudio | photo by Kim Yong-kwan

Place branding – not name branding

Rather than creating a platform for a multiple billboard effect made up of individual brand identities, the thematic animated content of the fully integrated media façade facilitates a more holistic and site-oriented urban approach to branding.

Galleria Centercity - Double layer facade, drawing courtesy UNStudio

Galleria Centercity - Facade concept, drawing courtesy UNStudio

Galleria Centercity - Knot Axon, drawing courtesy UNStudio

Project: Galleria Centercity, Cheonan, South-Korea
Client: Hanwha Galleria Co. LTD
ARCHITECT: UNStudio, Amsterdam | http://www.unstudio.com/
Design team: Ben van Berkel, Astrid Piber with Ger Gijzen, Marc Herschel and Marianthi Tatari, Sander Versluis, Albert Gnodde, Jorg Lonkwitz, Tom Minderhoud, Lee Jae-young, Woo Jun-seung, Constantin Boincean, Yu-chen Lin

Interior: Ben van Berkel, Astrid Piber with Ger Gijzen, Cristina Bolis and Veronica Baraldi, Lee Jae-young, Felix Lohrmann, Kirsten Hollmann, Albert Gnodde, Martijn Prins, Joerg Lonkwitz, Malaica Cimenti, Florian Licht, William de Boer, Eelco Grootjes, Alexia Koch

Best of interior and architecture

Brisbane Domestic Terminal Car Park Façade

2011-03-19T03:10:00.000-07:00

Urban Art Projects (UAP) is collaborating with established American artist Ned Kahn and the Brisbane Airport Corporation to create an eight-storey, 5000sqm kinetic façade for the car park of Brisbane’s Domestic Terminal.

Viewed from the exterior, one side of the car park will appear to ripple fluidly as the wind activates 250,000 suspended aluminium panels. As it responds to the ever-changing patterns of the wind, the façade will create a direct interface between the built and natural environments. It is further embellished with rippling lines from the surface of the Brisbane River: a site-specific reference to the city’s most iconic natural feature.

Inside the car park, intricate patterns of light and shadow will be projected onto the walls and floor as sunlight passes through the kinetic façade. The design also provides practical environmental benefits such as shade and natural ventilation for the interior.

Urban Art Projects is a menagerie of artistic and technical talents. Led by Principals Matthew and Daniel Tobin, UAP is comprised of designers, artists, draftsmen, metal workers and project managers. Together, we conspire with artists and clients alike to realize site-specific artworks.

Urban Art Projects is a specialist consultant committed to the delivery of large-scale, high quality art and design works amid a wide range of architectural and landscape projects.

Established in 1993 as an art-based design and construct organisation, Urban Art Projects has established a strong industry reputation for the delivery of high quality outcomes in the area of public art.

Urban Art Projects is both a design studio and workshop. We design and/or build the majority of artworks we curate. Thus, we ensure that the creative intent of each piece is realised, and each project delivered on time and to budget.

Urban Art Projects employs over 70 full-time personnel within our Strategy, Design, Project Management, Fabrication and Administration departments. Our head offices and foundry are located in Brisbane, Australia, with offices in Los Angeles, Houston and Shanghai.

Brisbane Domestic Terminal Car Park Façade, image courtesy Urban Art Projects (UAP)

Best of interior and architecture

OMS Stage / 5468796 Architecture

2011-03-11T05:34:00.001-08:00

Architects: 5468796 Architecture Inc.
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Structural: Lavergne Draward & Associates
Lighting Design: Ambiances Lighting + Visual Design
Project Manager: Mark Penner
Metal Fabricator: Melvin Kleinsasser
Project area: 784 sq. ft.
Project year: 2010
Photographs: 5468796 Architecture Inc.

“The Cube” is an open-air performance venue set against the backdrop of historic warehouses in Winnipeg’s Exchange District. The design commission gained through an invited competition, recognizes that the stage typically functions as such during a very limited time season, and questioned what opportunities the venue could provide during the rest of the year. In its final rendition the stage is articulated as a multi-functional environment that shifts from a vibrant performance space to an ephemeral, glowing,interactive pavilion and focal point.

The outer shell of the stage is a dynamic membrane composed of diamond extrusions strung together to form a flexible curtain that draws back to reveal stage and structure within. The retracted skin in turn becomes a draped and undulating ceiling landscape providing a backdrop for performance and allowing adjustments to the stage’s acoustics. When closed, the angled diamond pieces capture and refract light or images to their outer surface, creating a unique pixel matrix. Programmable lighting shines onto the pixelated skin offering a canvas for interactive displays – seasonally programmed and available for active engagements by local artists. The Stage in its closed position also accommodates small gatherings and exhibitions inside.

© 5468796 Architecture

Innovation

An important objective for the project was to provide a secure screen which could be opened and shut for various programming. The challenge was to create a unique meshwork, that would be “soft” enough to drape open, and rigid enough to provide a solid barrier. Early prototypes were developed that examined chain-mail as a precedent – a flexible protective membrane that could form the venue’s envelope.

A second key goal was to explore the capacity for the membrane to capture images projected upon its surface. Technical constraints were imposed by the distance from the screen to the back wall of the stage (where the projector would be housed), and the fact that images would hit the back screen face, but would be observed when looking towards the stage. We examined the size and number of elements necessary to effectively capture the projected images. Research was done that determined which “short throw” projector would be required to expand the image within the short projection distance available to us. In addition we explored, through prototypes, the depth of the cells, their ability to flip the projection, maintain resolution, and image integrity.

roof plan

Working with a local manufacturer we commissioned samples of various extrusions, initially made from flat aluminum pieces welded together. Once a suitable prototype was selected, the manufacturer ordered custom aluminum extrusions from which individual pieces could be cut. The scale of the project merited the purchase of a self feeding saw, which steam-lined manufacturing of the 18,000 metal pieces. In addition, a polishing drum rolled each piece to grind down and finish the edge surfaces.

Individual extrusions were strung together through pre-cut holes using aircraft cable to hold cells in place. The orientation of each piece alternates up and down vertically along the line of the cable, with adjacent rows of cells being riveted together at every third piece. The membrane is thereby able to cascade gently, while maintaining continuous surface integrity. Pre-strung panels of screen were erected on site before being riveted together to form a continuous assembly.

In its final installation, the screen is able to hang vertically, sealing off the 28’ x 28’ cube. When lifted, the screen folds back in a gentle curve revealing the performance space below, and forming an acoustical backdrop. When closed, the polished aluminum extrusions form a light reflecting surface, that is able to interact with floor lights and projectors to create dynamic, programmable light displays.

By questioning the year-round relevance of the stage program, the team were motivated to develop a constituent part of the program (security, screen, canopy), into a new project feature. The skin thereby transcends its role as shell and takes on a new role of emblem.

Best of interior and architecture

Stunning Bulgari Resort in Bali

2011-03-07T22:36:00.000-08:00

Oh, Bali! Do you ever fail to disappoint? Just when we thought we had exhausted seeing all your scenic hotel resources, there pops another one! Designed by Milan based architectural studio Antonio Citterio and Partners, the Bulgari Resort in Bali represents a contemporary interpretation of a synthesis of Italian design and traditional Balinese style. Location too is a prime selling point here. Perched on a 150m high cliff, the resort offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean to all its 59 villas. Scroll for images…

Best of interior and architecture

Adam Cornish’s Wooden Hammock

2011-03-07T01:47:00.001-08:00

Among the scant few hammocks whose luxuriating lines we’ve virtually encountered here on 3rings—Royal Botania’s Kokoon, Victor Aleman’s Mua, and Dedon’s Nestrest—fabric seems to hold sway as the material of choice. Hardly surprising that, given its lineage as constituting the very essence of the concept, which I might crudely summarize as “something soft and pliable hung between two trees.” In light of this common knowledge, the daring design by Australian Adam Cornish is all the more surprising. His “Wooden Hammock,” winner of the recent Herman Miller design competition, is constructed entirely of plantation-grown plywood, except of course for its supportive cords, the suspension apparatus that establishes its “hammock-ness.”

Wooden Hammock. Deigned by Adam Cornish.

An Ergonomics of Human Movement

One commentator is on record as saying she likes the piece because it “looks like a human spine.” That attribute is certainly cause for affection, since we’ve no choice but to love the very makings of our interior physiology. But what might the comparison say about the Wooden Hammock’s functionality? Plenty, as it were, since the individual junctions between segments of laminated plywood and rubber bumpers facilitate motion in much the same way as our vertebra and discs. The assembly allows a flexion-extension/lateral rotation movement to occur, that, very like our own backbones, helps one to find the most comfortable position for a given set of constraints.

In day to day life, these constraints run the gamut from sitting at your desk, to bending down to pick up your kids, to getting in and out of your car. With the Wooden Hammock, however, the constraint is of a more modest variety, narrowed, in fact, to the enviable pastime of lying down. Even so, the piece expands the repertoire of this essential human activity—beyond the bed, beyond the sofa, beyond the traditional stretch of fabric that constitutes the traditional hammock. What’s more, the Wooden Hammock conveys a striking new aesthetic that blends placidity with panache, thus lending a bold, if Buddhist, addition to your backyard landscape.Best of interior and architecture

Tron-esque Chaparral Electric Warehouse

2011-02-25T04:59:00.000-08:00

Are warehouses supposed to look this cool? Are warehouses in Albuquerque, New Mexico supposed to look this cool? (No offense, Albuquerque). We’re not sure how we’re only now seeing this sweet structure by Albuquerque firm Mullen Heller Architecture that was completed in 2008, but we’re sure glad our eyes have had a chance to glance at its sexy sleekness and hypnotizing glowy-ness.

From their website: “Located in Albuquerque’s historic Sawmill District on a nearly unbuildable lot, the new warehouse for Chaparral Electric met the owner’s goals of accommodating their storage needs while obliterating the conventional notion of warehouse design.”

“Canted white metal panels were suspended off the pre-engineered building structure for a modern sculptural façade. Slots between the white panels create movement made even more dramatic by LED lighting. The “lantern” on the corner of the building, created by simple translucent panels, works with the LED pattern to reinforce the owner’s business – electrical lighting and contracting.” Yes please.Best of interior and architecture

color and dimension

2011-02-18T11:28:00.000-08:00

Vibrant and explosive paper colors combined with variety of patterns and rythmic forms result in amazing arrangements. Jen Stark pieces all together with this humble material. Her color inspiration originates from the OpArt. The optical illusions are created by angles, color interactions and figure-ground relations. She also explores spacial relations of color perception.

Best of interior and architecture

The Met Hotel in Thessaloniki by Zeppos Georgiadi Architects

2011-02-17T10:34:00.000-08:00

Zeppos Georgiadi Architects designed the Met Hotel in Thessaloniki, Greece; while the “Chan” restaurant inside the hotel was designed by Australian designer Andy Martin.

Best of interior and architecture

Wexler’s Barbeque Restaurant

2011-02-17T10:11:00.000-08:00

Aidlin Darling Design designed the interior of Wexler’s Restaurant composed of a restrained palette of zinc and rift-sawn oak warmed by the honey glow of indirect lighting.

Reminiscent of an agrarian heritage, the materials are given an uncharacteristic sense of refinement similar to the cuisine itself. Evocative of smoke and charred wood, a dynamic undulating ceiling installation composed of laser cut MDF fins bridges the gap between old and new by linking the modern insertion to the historic facade.

Best of interior and architecture

materials:paper

2011-01-07T03:05:00.001-08:00

A talented photographer Cara Barer’s self published book “The Book’s Story” include unique shots of phone book, magazine, and comic book pages figured in harmonious forms and colors.

Built with roadmaps, light blue is recognizable right away as the body of water color.

Manhattan’s yellow pages

colors work well together over a contrasted black background

for more information and picturesBest of interior and architecture

Shake hand door knob by Naomi Thellier De Poncheville

2011-01-07T01:09:00.000-08:00

Designers are those people who try to make things we use every day, ordinary things, look special, in a unique way and do that in a very innovative and original manner and create beautiful things, often works of art out of usual things. For example this nice designer called Naomi Thellier De Poncheville thought that doorknobs are far too boring, so she decided to create something special, a special design that will make people notice the doorknob and smile and feel welcome in your house. And what could make you feel more welcome than a warm hand shake? Well, it’s cold in this case.

This special door knob is called “Hand-le” , as a word game that tries to draw your attention on the hand shape of this door knob. The designer had the idea and presented the project in London in 2006 during the London Design Festival. She collaborated with Pols Potten who produced the Hand-le and they were really successful. The handle is entirely made of aluminum and imitates a human hand perfectly, which can be scary for some, but really amusing for others.

Best of interior and architecture

The Mira, Hong Kong by Charles Allem

2010-11-17T04:22:00.000-08:00

Miami-based interior designer Charles Allem did an incredible job with The Mira Hotel, making it one of the most stunning hotels in Hong Kong. With its modern yet warm vibe and incredible lighting, the hotel has done its share to attract a younger, hipper crowd, but it is still predominantly patronized by working professionals.

Located on Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, in the heart of one of Hong Kong’s busiest shopping and commercial districts, The Mira Hotel is a short walk to the subway (MTR), bus links, as well as the Star Ferry. Adjacent to the hotel are a number of shopping malls, boutiques, bargain outlets, as well as your pick of cheap and upscale eateries.

The MiraSpa. The 1,670-square-metre space houses an indoor infinity-edge pool, jacuzzis, a bar serving smoothies and snacks, nine treatment rooms, and a flotation lounge, where after my treatment I relaxed on one of the three heated waterbeds to a calming playlist from my own iPod and mood-altering light therapy. Bliss.

All treatments are performed using products by the cult London brand Elemental Herbology and the Parisian cosmetologist Anne Semonin.

All standard double rooms are furnished in one of four different colour schemes – red, green, silver or purple. Each room is also equipped with a Nokia mobile phone, plus a complimentary local SIM card – a nice touch, I thought, as there is nothing worse than coming home from a long trip and being landed with unexpected roaming charges. Plenty of high-tech amenities were offered: a Bose iPod dock, a large flat-screen TV, a wireless PC, dependable Wi-Fi and, for those sticky Hong Kong summers, powerful air conditioning.

Whisk is the hotel’s signature European restaurant run by chef Justin Quek. Set dinner menus are available but for à la carte offerings try the baked miso marinated cod (HK$272; Dh129) or the tagliatelle with sautéed Maine lobster ($288; Dh136). For dessert, house specialties include the raspberry soufflé ($140; Dh66) and the flaky apple tart with roasted almond and caramel ice cream ($200; Dh95). Not your average thick-crusted apple pie, this is made from a thin, crispy puff pastry and is not to be missed.

On the same floor is Vibes, a garden lounge that is destined for parties. Striving to be a spot of fresh-air fun, Vibe boasts DJ booths, lotus-shaped firepods that light up at night, and flowing waterways.

Best of interior and architecture

Departure Lounge by SPACE Architects

2010-10-11T01:58:00.002-07:00

SPACE Architects was selected from among several architecture firms to design the new final departure lounge for a recognized brand of financial services and credit cards. This project is located at terminal 2 of Mexico City airport. The challenge was not straight-forward, the customer was looking for a design that brought together many things at the same time. The main challenges were to generate a multi-purpose space that would represent a contemporary and cosmopolitan image that summarize the brand to design a new experience, in a globalized world in which the brands and products are in a headlong race to position themselves in the minds of the customers to use built spaces as a natural extension of the brand, a complicated but vital challenge.

A specialized Branding team was used for this project, who together with the architects generated a hybrid methodology as a result of mixing Branding and architecture. The project design concepts emerged as a consequence of a search for the definition of the brand’s “emotional promise”, that is to say that the project was developed around the idea of designing a group of well worked out emotions that would develop as a consequence of a brand experience. To be convincing, the experience would have to be a sensory experience, an experience that would include all senses and that would seek to arouse the emotions.

At the beginning of this century neuromarketing started to be used in England as part of the development of a new science using magnetic resonance to define what motivates consumers in their decision making. Such studies have had many revealing results but one in particular has generated a new way of understanding architecture. The way that the brain codifies the majority of the information that it receives is by translating it into emotions, like this it gives a value to things, good brands are connected emotionally with their users through experiences and the great majority of the experiences take place in built spaces. In order for architecture to be transcendent it will have to be defined as starting with the search for emotions that will enable it to connect with its users.

In the case of the final departure lounge the fundamentally functional aspects were worked on at the same time as working on the emotional definition of the space, the great majority of the persons that use these spaces take advantage of them to work before getting on a plane. The emotional solutions would have to be very functional as well being able to give a solution to all the users’ different needs and work habits. That is how this space is made up with some private meeting rooms, informal meeting areas with virtual divisions, Wi-Fi and support areas. Together with these working spaces, the final departure lounge also has recreation and entertainment areas, such as the lounges for a game of dominos or cards, a small massage room, and a beauty-hairdresser’s salon.

In general this space is without any doubt a taster of what many other office building spaces will be like in the not so distant future, spaces that will represent properly the expectations of their brands and that will be sufficiently flexible to practically support any way of working and meeting. The project was developed with a methodology generated by SPACE in which all projects seek to be designed in a sustainable manner. This space consumes around 50% of the energy that other similar spaces commonly consume, by means of openings in the ceiling that let in natural light, the design maximizes the usage of daylight in the interiors, additionally generating extremely natural and pleasant sensations. The materials utilized in the project have a high recycled material content, and the majority of them are easily renewable.

Best of interior and architecture

Virgin Atlantic Heathrow Clubhouse Interior Design

2010-10-11T01:58:00.001-07:00

A few months ago Virgin Atlantic’s internationally renowned Upper Class service. Now, to Virgin, first class doesn’t just mean turning left when you board the plane, jumping queues, or even a swanky lounge with serve yourself drinks and snacks…. no, Virgin’s take on first class is extending the full VIP treatment – and coming immediately after 6 days in a field in Somerset, this was going to be some well needed luxury.

Before I’m escorted towards what is possibly one of the most breathtaking VIP lounge’s in international air travel, you get a glimpse into just how much impeccable service is integral to Virgin’s Upper Class offering. Yes, the day begins with chauffeur service direct to Virgin’s very own entrance, at which I’m greeted by a luggage handler – this is the last time I see my bags until New York – and a charming member of staff who, whilst walking from the limo, checks me in – at which point I’m sent straight through to a personal security area and am shown towards the ridiculously lavish Heathrow clubhouse. This takes no more than 5 minutes. This could be very easy to get used to.

So, as you’ll see – the Heathrow Upper Class clubhouse is a rather splendid affair. Designed by award-winning London based architects, SOFTROOM, in conjunction with Virgin’s own design team, the sweeping, organic space blurs the lines between distinct areas, offering an imposing space with a grand scale that sits up and shouts “wow” right at you, whilst juxtaposing said wow-factor with a luxurious subtlety. The amenities are equally “wow”, and equally luxurious – yes, there’s free booze – in fact the champagne is virtually thrust into your hand the minute you check in – and yes, there’s free grub, and rather good it is too. But, this isn’t any old VIP lounge, because here we have designer cocktails, 3D TV, games room and pool table, a library stocked with design, architecture and fashion coffee-table tomes, a complimentary Bumble & Bumble hair salon and, a Cowshed spa complete with treatment rooms, steam room showers, a sauna and a circular hydro spa pool. One beautifully cooked full English breakfast, a few glasses of champagne and a Thai foot massage later, and I was just about ready for boarding.

Best of interior and architecture

Modern Rooftop Gardens

2010-09-16T02:05:00.001-07:00

Sometimes we need a few moments to get away. Find peace among the city life. For those of us who are city dwellers the rare patch of green is just that, rare. Sometimes the only space option is the roof.

Whether your own private retreat or to share with others, here are a few modern interpretations of sanctuary amongst the sky scrapers. Mixing steel, wood and concrete…these designs successfully evoke tranquility. It is amazing what a bit of air, sunshine and some seeds will do. Best of interior and architecture

Too Many Balls In The Air?

2010-09-09T01:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you feel like you have too many balls in the air? Not for Ratcliffe Fowler. They are just enough as we can see from his Nike Ball Man in play. Each strand hangs in suspense from the ceiling, forming the shape of an athlete at play. A total of 5,500 skill balls weighing a total of 4.75 tons. One out of place might bring it out of balance.

Balancing the balls in this kinetic sculpture at BMW’s Museum, Munich, is exquisite. Simply, beautiful. There is nothing simple about how it fluidly performs. Art+Com created the 714 metal orbs which drop out of the ceiling, dance around much like synchronized swimmers do performing their water ballet. The orbs eventually create the outline of a car, yes a BMW, then glide onto a mirrored floor. Enough said. Please watch the performance and enjoy the music while waiting.

Best of interior and architecture

Baptiste Debombourg Staples Art

2010-08-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

Have a look at the following Aggravure by France artist Baptiste Debombourg. It looks usual and even a bit boring, yeah?! But the realization of its unique design comes only after a closer inspection … The whole picture is made from … staples.

According to the artist he used 35 000 staples and 75 hours to create this masterpiece.

The picture shows how a “Superman” flies straight down towards the earth.

Nice!Best of interior and architecture

The Bend into Bamboo Ceilings by MOSO

2010-08-12T06:37:00.001-07:00

Just because pandas don’t munch on the high “Moso” bamboo - also known as Phyllostachys Pubescens - doesn’t mean we don’t eat it up in design. In fact, it makes it easier to appreciate a natural resource knowing our species’ affinity for good design doesn’t disturb the nourishment of another.

Multi Layer Veneer Ceiling Panels. Designed by MOSO.

A company with the same name as the 15 to 20 meter high bamboo - MOSO International B.V. - is blasting off into the innovative, high quality bamboo product scene. In fact, their Multi Layer Veneer Ceiling Panels (in Side Pressed Natural) were recently featured in the gorgeous 200,000 square meter design of Terminal T4 of the Barajas Airport by Richard Rogers in Madrid, Spain. Focusing on the development of innovative and trend-setting products made of bamboo and based in The Netherlands, MOSO takes advantage of their technological expertise in sustainable design with over a dozen branches around the world to reach anyone wanting a solution to beautiful design the environmentally-friendly way.

Extremely comprehensive, the website of MOSO describes their use of a cellulose fleece-backed bamboo veneer that helps to avoid cracks during handling. This aspect of the panel also helps ease with the pressing of the veneer to a substrate panel during construction. The bamboo ceiling panels are made from five layers of bamboo veneer pressed together with two layers of glass fiber giving them improved strength with an added ability to bend them as needed. To top it off, all of MOSO’s panels have been sealed with a fire retardant solution that meets all fire regulations in Europe and the USA.

As important to its composition is the way it is skillfully designed. The Multi Layer Veneer Ceiling Panels are offered in three different colors: natural, caramel, and khaki. Besides the sheer beauty of a light, bamboo capping your space in varied shades, bamboo design also refers to its overall effect on the environment. Naturally, MOSO has refined their processes from the start, harvesting of bamboo in China, to the end result using it in a ceiling project over in Uruguay. In fact, they use E1 standard glues from European companies and burn sawdust and bamboo leftovers to provide most of the energy for their factory.

MOSO bamboo products - already beautiful from floor to ceiling - get even better when understood with their profound respect from harvest to installation.Best of interior and architecture

Sand Drawings :: Jim Denevan

2010-08-11T05:28:00.000-07:00

Jim Denevan is an artist based out of Santa Cruz, California who travels the globe creating large scale pieces of land art. Drawn on sand, earth, and ice, these incredible works of art are both created and destroyed by the very materials that enable their existence.

Unlike Robert Smithson, known for the Spiral Jetty, Denevan's work feels less about sticking it to The Man (the over-commercialization of art) and more about the ephemeral nature of man himself. Or, maybe he just does it because it looks cool. Thoughts?

See more: www.jimdenevan.com

More pics after the jump!

Best of interior and architecture

Mediatheque Casiraghi Gorizia

2010-08-11T02:56:00.000-07:00

Waltritsch a+u projected the new Mediatheque, part of a larger complex named Casa del Cinema (Home of the Film) located in the Gorizia, Italy.

Here is the project description:

The new Mediatheque is part of a larger complex named Casa del Cinema (Home of the Film) which includes the Kinemax multiplex, several associations dedicated to the cinema culture, the DAMS Cinema section of the Udine University, and finally the Mediatheque. One place, located between the city main square and the castle hill, which gathers commercial, cultural, educational and promotional activities dedicated to the film culture. This combination of different activities is obviously quite unique, and particularly important for the small city of Gorizia.

The Mediatheque stands on the ground floor between the street and one internal passage, so it has two entrances, facing the city as well as the University. The simple plan layout divides the space into three main areas open to the public: the newspaper and magazines hall, the study space and the video room. Behind the reception and reference point, which is visually connected to both entrances, the are separated rooms as storage and one office.

All spaces are bound by book and media shelves at full height. One shelve line is marked by a strong color, different for every area, providing specific identity. The same colored shelve line defines the glass facades as well, becoming a communication vitrine, where you directly expose new arrivals, or organize a small exhibition directly facing the public street. The newspaper and magazine area have a custom designed star shape reading table and a cross shape information counter, and is thought for informal gathering. The tables in the study room can be reorganized in order to host reading evenings or presentations.

Part of the project is the new façade on the public street as well. A series of colored glass panels on the higher part of the facade are facing the built and natural context of the historical city heart. The dialogue with the surrounding buildings goes through the use of the typical color palette of the building render, and the slight and not intrusive reflection of the surroundings provided by the colored glass. This allows the context to be dilated into the Mediatheque building façade: a “form of transit” of the everyday life.

Photos by Marco Covi, © Dimitri Waltritsch

Best of interior and architecture

Uptown Penthouse / ALTUS Architecture + Design

2010-08-05T22:07:00.000-07:00

Architects: ALTUS Architecture + Design
Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA
Contractor: Streeter & Associates
Project Area: 2,500 sq ft
Project Year: 2008
Photographs: Dana Wheelock & ALTUS Architecture + Design

This sixth floor penthouse overlooks the Minneapolis lakes, Uptown area and downtown beyond. Designed for a young professional, the space is organized through distinguishing the private and public realms through sculptural spatial gestures. A curved white marble dust plaster wall that pulls one into the space delineates the private master suite. The master bedroom space is screened from the entry by a translucent glass wall overlaid with a perforated veil creating optical dynamics. This functions to privatize the master suite, while still allowing light to filter through the space to the entry. Suspended cabinet elements of Australian Walnut opposite the curved white wall and Walnut floors draw one into the living room and kitchen spaces.

Stair Study 01

A custom perforated stainless steel shroud surrounds a spiral stair that leads to a roof deck and garden space above, creating a daylit lantern within the center of the space. The concept for the stair began with the metaphor of water as a connection to the Chain of Lakes. An image of water was abstracted to a series of pixels that were translated into a series of varying perforations, creating a dynamic pattern. This abstracted imagery was then laser cut into the stainless panels that wrap the perforated steel stair. The result creates a sensory exciting path of movement and light, allowing the user to move up and down through dramatic shadow patterns that change with the position of the sun, transforming the light within the space.

floor plan

The kitchen is composed of Cherry and translucent glass cabinets with stainless steel shelves and countertops creating a progressive, modern backdrop to the interior edge of the living space. The powder room draws light through translucent glass, nestled behind the kitchen. Lines of light within, and suspended from the ceiling extend through the space toward the glass perimeter, defining a graphic counterpoint to the natural light.

Within the master suite a freestanding Burlington stone bathroom mass creates solidity and privacy while separating the bedroom area from the bath and dressing spaces.

Best of interior and architecture

Beautiful Contemporary Bathrooms from Neutra

2010-08-05T21:53:00.000-07:00

These bathroom designs by Neutra are pretty inspiring as they give us a stylish perspective on the fusion of traditional and modern materials. This take on modern bath design seems too good to be true with scenic views that any sceptic would confuse for wallpaper! If only all bathrooms were this massive…

The rich textures enveloping this bath lend an exotic experience to a modern space.

Wood elements always infuse a feeling of warmth and intimacy.

Primary shapes play into different forms here while the lounge chair gives the space an organic touch.

The repeating sinks balance the weight of the stone bathtub on the opposite side of the room. All the elements including the tinted glass divider are a warm neutral shade, reflecting a harmonious bathroom.

This large mirror plays the perfect balancing act between the natural stone wall and the over-sized chandelier.

This strikingly beautiful bathtub is all that is needed to really enjoy this window wall and its extraordinary views.

A floating double sink provides a lovely organic contrast against these cool stone tiled walls.Best of interior and architecture

ROLLS by Chikara Ohno of Sinato

2010-08-05T21:52:00.000-07:00

Japanese designer Chikara Ohno of Sinato has created the ROLLS installation at the Diesel Denim Gallery Aoyama in Minato-ku, Tokyo.

Description from the designer:

The characteristic of the material used for this installation, which is aluminum, is that it is very thin and easily bent by hands, yet harder than cloth or paper. Therefore it possesses both soft and hard qualities. By winding and sometimes extending this single, long strip of aluminum from the entrance to the back-end of the store, it creates a beautiful waving form, changing its function and features as the material strength changes. This flexible quality of the material represents a gentle connection between the softness of clothes and hardness of architecture.

Visit the Sinato website – here.

Visit the Diesel Denim Gallery Aoyama website – here.

Photography by Toshiyuki YanoBest of interior and architecture

Urbanhive | Kim In Cheurl

2010-06-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

Urbanhive - CONCEPT, image courtesy of Kim In Cheurl

Korean architect Kim In Cheurl designed the innovative Urbanhive tower located in Seoul, South Korea.Urbanhive is a 17 levels of 70 meter high tower with white exposed concrete and contextually sits on the corner of the street within the urban matrix, featuring the perforated architectural façade.

The holes in the skin are designed to be a method of looking at the city from the space, an architecture that can also be enjoyed from the city.
Kim In Cheurl

+ Project description courtesy of Kim In Cheurl

Prosody of place – Buildings make places and places form the urban landscape

Urbanhive - ELEVATION, drawing courtesy of Kim In Cheurl

Urbanhive is a17-storied, 70 metre tower with white exposed concrete and contextually sits on the corner of the street within the urban matrix. The red brick tower designed by Mario Botta stands on the adjacent corner of the street, creating a landmark place in the city.

The urban matrix consists of latitude and longitude, these lines of origin will cross paths and meet. Urban energy is gathered at these points. Not only the physical energy concentrated and spreading, but also the symbolic energy of the co-ordinates of urban space concentrates at these points.

Urbanhive; a punched concrete box is an element in the matrix, creating urban landscape and consequently making a relation between the place and the city.

Purity of concrete with monolithic simplicity catches the floating city for a moment, exposing the architectural structure and reversing the curtain wall (a skin wrapping a space).

The holes in the skin are designed to be a method of looking at the city from the space, an architecture that can also be enjoyed from the city.

Looking at the landscape of a city from a sequence of framed view enables us to discover new meaning of daily life.

The transparent glass screen, separated from structural holes, is only to maintain the internal conditions, not to serve as a window.

Urbanhive, image courtesy of Kim In Cheurl

The circular cell placed diagonally reduces weight of a rectangular tube, reinforced concrete structure.

The cast are made of P.O steel using a laser cutting machine and packed with high strength high flow concrete.

Exposed concrete is not only an external material creating an architectural façade, but it can also be the finishing material for interiors.

Interiors identified with exteriors blur the line between in and out.

Although it is a multi storied building, there is not an entrance hall or lobby.

A point where a building meets a city, it introduces a series of new spaces; voids and massing.

The open space spreading in and out of the building is a public space.

People can be directly connected to their own space form an urban road.

The corridor of each floor is open to the outside as if an urban road is extended.

The subway is linked from B2 floor and its entrance is covered as a part of Urbanhive.

+ Project credits / data

Architect: Kim In Cheurl
Project: Urbanhive
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Photography: © Park Young Chea

+ All images and drawings courtesy of Kim In Cheurl | Photo by Park Young Chea

Best of interior and architecture

Radiance / PROJECTiONE

2010-06-19T05:10:00.000-07:00

Popout

Working collectively, four graduate students have transformed their clients’ traditional and rarely used fireplace into something completely new. Entitled Radiance, the project is intended to exploit the traditional qualities of the hearth by re-centering the focus of the home around a contemporary ambient environment. The clients’ background, one an artist and the other an architect, allowed this project to become more of “a commissioned artwork rather than a client-based architectural intervention” – an opportunity that truly allowed PROJECTiONE to further their theories and interest in their plyLight sketch prototype.

More about the project, including images, after the break.

Inspired by the form, geometry, and organizational structure of shelf mushrooms, a series of pods – a radial set of 16 plastic components with an LED and a Passive Infrared Sensor – was arranged within an abstracted system. A Grasshopper definition was developed to create the overall pattern and generate final fabrication files, including toolpaths for acrylic and MDF milling, as well as wire length calculations for each component.

Kyle Perry

As far as construction, most of the elements were fabricated off site and attached to a metal framework that was erected around the fireplace. The MDF is the structural armature for all wiring, sensors, circuit boards, and plastic components. On the front side, the main LED wiring is exposed to express the organizational pattern while the reverse side contains all sensor, power, and serial wiring.

Adam Buente

The 512 LEDs in the pods correspond with 16 different Printed Circuit Boards (designed by the team). The boards have Integrated Circuits (TLC5940NT dip-28, made by Texas Instruments) utilizing Pulse Width Modulation (PWM or dimming), allowing the LEDs to be dimmed individually which creates a subtly varied setting.

Kyle Perry

The elements then pulse slowly out from the center when the sensor is triggered. There are two pulses that occur after triggering a pod’s sensor. A primary ‘pulse’, that fades to full intensity and quickly fades off, followed by a secondary ‘pulse’ which fades on quickly but dims slowly over nearly a minute. This pattern can be interrupted as new users trigger a pulse creating the dynamic lighting affect.

Adam Buente

The lighting effect creates “dynamic changes in intensities across it surface,” providing a constantly changing centerpiece for the home. ”By creating simple geometry and interactions at local levels we could render complex reactions and forms in the overall scheme. Though it was developed and organized through its sub-components, the result is a continuous system which reacts uniformly,” explained the designers.

Eric Brockmeyer

Kyle Perry

Best of interior and architecture

The Muse Bar by HEAD Architecture and Design

2010-06-19T04:43:00.000-07:00

HEAD Architecture and Design have sent us some photos of the Muse Bar interior they designed on the 26th floor of an office building in Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay.

The Muse Bar by HEAD Architecture and Design

To relieve from the tensed daily life in Hong Kong, our client has decided to open a Bar for people to relax & chill out with friends. HEAD architecture was asked to design a relaxing & stylish bar on the 26th floor of an office building in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. It is an open bar with two VIP rooms & has a capacity of accommodating 92 people.
The name of the Bar inspired us to form the starting point of an interior which was to be relaxing, stylish and provide a retreat from the implications of daily life in Hong Kong. According to the dictionary MUSE has a meaning of “to think or meditate in silence” and “to forget about the world around one”. A soft colour scheme of purple and black provides an “other-worldly” backdrop to a long curving bar running almost the entire length of the building core. This bar forms the focus of the interior and is fronted with a three dimensional sculptural facing. Reprised at the entrance this unique treatment creates an obvious link to the bar interior but also a striking point of entry.

Visit the HEAD Architecture and Design website – here.Best of interior and architecture

South Face | Massimo Iosa Ghini

2010-06-17T02:05:00.001-07:00

South Face, image courteys of Massimo Iosa Ghini

If you still remember our previous post for Massimo Iosa Ghini’s South Face installation in Milan last year, it is time for you to have a second thought and option when designing a vertical green for your project.

+ Project description courtesy of Massimo Iosa Ghini

South Face is a solution for a wide range of uses: perfect, for instance as a facade, wall or partitioning wall it finds its habitat in both urban and private settings. The system consists in a modular insulating wall made in hollow eco-concrete elements to which a substrate has been added to house a thick and scenic vegetation. The facade turns into a real and proper vertical garden, which absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere and thermally insulates the inside rooms.

Declining a “rough” material like concrete into a typical Massimo Iosa Ghini soft touch is just as fascinating as its vertical modularity for eco-sustainable metropolitan gardens. South Face perfectly represents il Cantiere’s mission: investing in production and project research to take concrete into unexplored settings.

+ Project credits

Design: Massimo Iosa Ghini
Year 2010

Company: II CantiereBest of interior and architecture

Scandianve Les Bains Vieux Montréal | Saucier + Perrotte architectes

2010-06-17T02:01:00.000-07:00

Scandinave Les Bains Vieux-Montréal is a new spa house designed by Canada architectural practiceSaucier + Perrotte architectes. The new spa center designed to provide a thermal therapy experience that engages each of the body’s senses.

The formal part of the project is derived from the contact between hot and cold… … This duality is articulated through both the spaces’ forms and the selection of various materials.
Saucier + Perrotte architectes

+ Project description courtesy of Saucier + Perrotte architectes

Located in the heart of historic Old Montreal and facing the vibrant piers of Old Port, Scandinave Les Bains Vieux-Montréal is an urban spa whose purpose is to provide a thermal therapy experience that engages each of the body’s senses. The building, rebuilt half a century ago after extensive fire damage, has housed warehouse functions until recently when it was acquired by the new owners: the new spa is positioned at the ground/entrance level.

The formal part of the project is derived from the contact between hot and cold — and more specifically, the naturally occurring phenomena associated with these conditions — the design distills the idea of cool glacial forms and the warmness of volcanic rocks. White angular masses of glacial topography coupled with volcanic geology bespeak the duality that is central to the thermal therapeutic experience proposed by the spa. This duality is articulated through both the spaces’ forms and the selection of various materials.

Upon exiting the dressing room, the visitor is immersed in a unique environment where walls, floors and ceiling are slightly angled according to a notion of interior topography through which visitors may wander.

These angles, though subtle, give bathers a perceptual difference from their everyday environs; the awareness of the corporeal relationship with their surroundings is heightened, thus grounding each visitor for that moment in time. Just as in a natural landscape, slight undulations in the ground plane create gentle slopes; depressions in the floor level generate basins of water for bathing. At particular moments, volumes emerge from the ground to sculpt interior zones for the sauna and steam bath.

Uniting the main space is an undulating wood ceiling that echoes the movements of the floor: walls of white marble mosaic appear to melt at the point of contact with the warm-colored wood on the ceiling, resulting in accentuated architectural reveals. Heated, cantilevered benches made of black slate offer visitors a warm place to pause in between a hot and cold bathing cycle.

Opalescent glass has been added to admit natural light through the building’s existing openings while providing a sense of privacy for the visitors. The light that permeates the bath area glows, adding to the purity of the space and the feeling of tranquility for the bathers while keeping contact with city life. Along de la Commune Street, a thin cascading layer of water flows on glass surfaces, filtering views so that from the exterior, passersby can see only shadowed silhouettes of the figures within the hot bath. Rounding out the holistic journey is a relaxation room where bathers can relax in rocking chairs or bean-bag lounge chairs.

+ Project credits / data

Project: Scandinave Les Bains Vieux-Montréal
Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada
Program: Reception, changing rooms, sauna, steam bath, hydro-jet bath, cold tub and shower, massage rooms, juice bar, relaxation area, offices.
Total Area: 1 000 m2 _10 700 sq.ft.
Budget: $4.6 million CAD
Schedule: January 2009 _ construction completion

Architect: Saucier + Perrotte architectes
Project Team: Gilles Saucier, André Perrotte, Jean-Philippe Beauchamp, Anna Bendix, Trevor Davies, Yves De Fontenay
Structural Engineer: Stavibel
Mechanical, Electrical Engineer: Leroux,Beaudoin, Hurens et associés
Contractor: Société Desjardins-Larouche
Client: Gestion Rivière du Diable
Photography: © Marc Cramer

+ All images and drawings courtesy of Saucier + Perrotte architectes

Best of interior and architecture

The Glass Pavilion by Steve Hermann

2010-06-16T02:24:00.002-07:00

California-based designer and developer Steve Hermann has sent us photos of a new home in Montecito that he has completed, and is now for sale.

This home is currently for sale, visit Steve Hermann’s website for more info – here.

Photography by Wm MacCollumBest of interior and architecture

The Pluto Bench by Simon Pengelly at NeoCon 2010

2010-06-16T02:24:00.001-07:00

At the 2010 NeoCon show in Chicago, the American furniture manufacturer Leland International introduced the Pluto Bench by British designer Simon Pengelly.

Scaled for one, or a cozy seat for two people, the Pluto Bench is designed to define personal space in public seat environments. The sculptural elliptical form is pleasing to view from any angle and when grouped together, creates intriguing arrangements.

Visit the Leland International website – here.Best of interior and architecture

Moment, hang on!

2010-06-11T00:57:00.001-07:00

Ribbons, yes but I am not going to talk about gifts and soft velvety touch you start feeling as soon as I say ribbons.

These Ribbons are made of sturdy stuff, in fact made of steel!

And the design is for everyday object – your plain old boring hangers.

But these coolest hangers are made by Thailand based STIL.

Ribbons by STIL

Ribbons+steel+hangers=deadly cool and creative outcome!

{What you say about my maths!}

These hangers are very functional too as the flexibility in design provides various styles of usage depending on the imagination of the users.

Check STIL’s other products here.

{What else you can make from ribbons, I am thinking!}Best of interior and architecture

Earth, Water and Comfort

2010-06-11T00:28:00.001-07:00

Auromode Studio by architect Andre Hababou

How pristine and earthy a structure can get!

Auroville is the place where most of the houses or buildings have lightest carbon footprints.

Andre Hababou, chief architect of Auromodele Atelier also explores the latest technologies for comfort of modern living without agonizing nature rather creating green environment.

Prema’s residence

But instead of Auromode studio I want to talk about another residence designed by architect Andre Hababou.

Beautiful curve, space and volume of the house is achieved painstakingly as the land where the house is; was difficult, sloping and barren.

Architecture makes every nook and corner of the house interesting.

Steps and water

Step garden + poolview

If overall design is architectural why the gates remain behind!Best of interior and architecture