Shoes

I love shoes. I mean, really what woman doesn't? And even though these shoes are totally cracked out, and I would never wear them (mostly because I don't wear heels) nor would I be able to afford them - I love these shoes. They look like a studio project and definitely seem like they are designed by an architect. They're probably not so practical for walking down the street, but why does everything have to be practical? Sometimes it is ok to just appreciate the design.

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By Andreia Chaves


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Invigorating

Ok... just to warn you, I've got a ton of photos of the Venice Biennale (some of them are labeled, more are not). If you ever have a chance to visit, I would highly recommend it... Especially, if you are like me, and feeling a bit jaded by work. The Biennale was so invigorating and refreshing, and really reminded me of all the things I love about architecture... Oh, and I saw David Adjaye. But, don't worry... I didn't run up to him like a groupie or anything!

UN Studio

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Scotland
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Romania?

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Lot Ek?
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Luxembourg
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I should really remember this firm... especially since I know they are Seattle based...
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Australia
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Belgium (After the Party)

This was my favorite installation... more than any other installation, you really experienced this space.

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Beligium
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Ben Nicholson (a former professor of mine... a bit disappointing, but fun to see)
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Brazil (original exhibition structure)
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Original Carlo Scarpa Structure
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Norway (those sliding glass doors are INSANE)
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Droog (One of my all time favorite design collaboratives)
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Frank Gehry (he should really stick to furniture)
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Frank Gehry
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Herzog & deMueron
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Israel
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Ove Arup
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Russia
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Zaha Hadid
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Completed in 1996

This project has Niemeyer written all over it... but if you're thinking it might have been built in 1966, try fast-forwarding 30 years to 1996. The Contemporary Art Museum Niteroi in Brazil by Oscar Niemeyer has become an icon of the city, helping to draw visitors from across the bay in the main city of Rio. Not bad for an architect that was nearly 90 years old when this was completed.

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Via

Happy Birthday Oscar!

Its been brought to my attention that I very nearly missed Oscar Niemeyer's 100th birthday! So without further adieu... I'd like to give a happy birthday to this very special architect!

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Up for a drink or a laugh?

I was checking out Marcio Kogan's website to try and find more information about a project featured in Wallpaper and stumbled across these images. I really like Kogan's site... the imagery is as playful and energetic as the architecture. In fact, I even thought I saw a bong while the page was loading! Anyway... these two images really cracked me up; created for two different projects, that guy with a drink must be a particular favorite of the office!

Takes Your Breath Away

And not in a good way.

These images clearly show the divide between the wealthy and poor inhabitants of some of South America's largest cities (Sao Paulo and Caracas respectively). Sadly, slums like this exist all across the globe, hovering on the outskirts of our rich cities. It certainly makes you think about how we as architects can effectively help change lives in these cities.

Sao Paulo

Caracas

Via Blog Like You Give A Damn / DD

Drop It Like Its Hot

Its impossible not to like Rafael Morgan's smart commentary on energy use in the form of these Light Drops. While I wouldn't expect these to become commonplace in a home... they'd make a great addition to a musuem, club, or gallery.

Via Design Llama

Another Sweet Office

Another great office building... this one is by Brazilian firm Triptyque. The interior shots are pretty stark, but the facade is quite interesting. The articulation of the details is more similar to a piece of furniture than to your average suburban office complex. In fact, the lower left photo reminds me a lot of the wall bench by Coggan & Crawford.

Via Josh Spear

Inside/Outside

The du Plessis house by Marcio Klogan is a sublime example of architectural space flowing freely from inside to outside. Look closely at the photo and notice the exterior courtyard beyond... I noticed this project when flipping through a book I bought this weekend from Peter Miller bookstore, and wasn't surprised at all to find that it had been one of the 2004 Architectural Record Homes of the Year. Influenced by the Brazilian lifestyle, where Marcio's office is located, he's mastered the difficult proposition of providing enclosed space at the outside. This space is neither interior nor exterior...

I particularly appreciate the relatively low ceilings in comparison to the scale of the space, creating an intimacy that might otherwise be lost if the room was opened further. Moreover, the stone walls and ceilings combined with the pool are reminiscent of cave living (an equally if not more intimate habitat) which helps the occupants identify the space as protected from and open to the elements.

Lovely.