Great Business Model or just a Great Space?

This temporary (1 year) shop for e-types is located in Copenhagen, and is a physical space to buy fonts... An interesting concept... At first, it seems like a strange idea for a shop (doesn't everyone buy their fonts online?!?). But, when you think of the shop as a designer's destination, I'm sure it will be fairly successful!

.

Via Dezeen

.

.

The Little Mermaid

I was wandering through the Vola website (great plumbing fixtures, if you're not familiar) and came across their inspirations section... They've got images of projects in which their products were used, including the Danish Pavilion by BIG Architecture for the Shanghai Expo.

The images are a lot of fun... they almost make me forgive the fact that the whole building is centered on the little mermaid.

Lucinahaven

Although most of my practice is residential, I am always drawn to light-filled colorful schools like here and here... so it is no surprise that this school by CEBR caught my eye.

.

However, with this project I find myself liking the idea more than the execution. The interiors are really lovely and bright, but the exteriors are a bit too busy for my taste. The hive idea is taken very literally and the wide variety of color seems overkill. But still, I am sure the kids love it and really... isn't that the point?

.

Via Below the Clouds

How Embarrassing

So, the World Expo 2010 is taking place in Shanghai, and many of the world's best architects have contributed designs. Many countries have hired the best architects found in their own country, while others have ventured out beyond their borders... but most designs have something in common... trying to articulate the priorities and passions of their home country, exuding confidence and creativity. Of course, I say most because the US is one glaring exception. What does our pavilion say about us? We could be locate along any highway in any suburb. We value conformity and corporate culture (which we can directly link to many of the problems plaguing our nation). We don't really have any place for innovation or creativity and we certainly don't value our architects, which is why we hired a Canadian to design a metal panelled representation of an eagle (there is that lack of creativity and ingenuity again).

.

Very Frustrating. An expo is not an office park.

US
UK

Spain

South Korea

Portugal

Denmark

Switzerland

Russia

Japan

Poland

Finland

Canada

Samsø Denmark

Samsø, Denmark has been in the news recently due to their incredible development of green energy. Since the late 90s when Samsø's energy was derived mostly from imported coal based electricity and oil, the island has opted to make a concerted effort to become more environmentally friendly. The island, which has about 4300 inhabitants was coaxed into green energy little by little, through town meetings and such. Soon, as more residents were using green energy it became the thing you do... whether you erect a micro turbine in your yard, or install heat pumps at home. Now, with 11 land based turbines (which produce enough electricity for the entire island) and 10 off shore turbines (which counteract the island's other energy use, plus some), Samsø has an incredible amount of wind generated electricity for such a small population. Additionally, the island has wood chip and straw burning plants, burning items that would have released CO2 into the atmosphere anyway, but this time getting heat in return. The island has become a bit of an experiment/showcase for Denmark... But really, this 'experiment' could be used as a standard all over the world.

.

Recently, I've been traveling to Hawaii for work (don't bother telling me how bad it is to fly - I already know). Whenever I fly into Maui, I think about how sad it is that I don't see more photovoltaics. I mean, if Hawaii isn't the best place on earth for solar energy, then I don't know what is. There is consistent sun year round, and solar energy would really help the cost of electricity, which is huge on the islands. On my last trip as I was lamenting the lack of panels, I noticed a string of wind turbines high on the mountain. I guess they have been there for a few years, but this is the first time that I noticed them. A little research, and I discovered that the turbines are providing 20% of the island's energy. Now imagine if they combined the 20 existing land based turbines with some off-shore turbines and more solar panels... the island could be nearly carbon neutral!

.

.

Beyond the Egg Chair

Arne Jacobson created many more masterpieces than just the iconic egg chair for which he is most known. His projects all have a common sensuality and mod graphic quality. Above are the Skovshoved Gas Station, Bellevue Beach, and Rodovre Town Hall.

Via Danda and Wrong Distance

Hover Craft

I love these minimal designs of the Hover Collection by Kristoffer Kjaer.

Via Moco Loco

Ageing Gracefully

I've always felt very strongly that architecture should not just be studied and admired, but it should be used and loved. This belief is part of what draws me to residential design - it is very rewarding to create architecture for people who truly want to use, occupy, and love every aspect of the space. However, in wanting people to use a space, we must understand that spaces will in fact be used and abused.

As architects and designers, its our responsibility to create designs that will lend themselves to ageing gracefully. Architecture is not and should not, in my opinion, be a disposable art form. While I certainly appreciate new materials and technologies, I have a real problem with architecture that can not withstand the use it for which it is created. For example, Rem Koolhaas' Seattle Public Library which was only completed in 2004, has already required restoration due the deterioration of materials in the main spaces. While I think that this is probably due to both budget constraints and that architect's disregard for reality in favor of the latest design craze... its really not acceptable to me that the building is already in need of repair.

The house shown above is mid-century architect and designer Finn Juhl's personal home. I'm not sure exactly when it was built, and I'm sure that some restoration work has occurred... However, its still really impressive how well the house has held up over time, particularly since its clear that it was well used and well loved. Its especially impressive when you think about buildings like the SPL that are already looking more forlorn and abused than this 50+ year old house. I can already hear the comments reminding me that its not fair to compare a public library to a private home, which is probably true. But, mostly I wanted to reiterate my admiration for a building that has managed to retain its elegance over time despite showing some obvious wear. We should all aspire to create such substantial architecture.

Of course, beyond appreciating the longevity of the structure, the building and all of the furniture inside is a spectacular example of mid-century modern Danish design. And I love it.

Summer is Here!

Today is the first day that has really felt like summer... in celebration, here is a great example of summer specific design! The Kastrup Sea Bath in Copenhagen by White Architects is a fun and elegant solution to a common problem. I love it and I'm ready to dive in!

Via Arkinetia