Foster Sketches

I love checking out other architects' sketches...
via Gizmodo
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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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Le Corbusier in India

A few images of Corbu's work in India via ¡arturii!'s flickr.
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Architecture for Auction

While I quite like the idea of museums collecting significant architecture, much in the same manner that they would collect significant work, I'm a little bit nervous about such pieces going up for auction. We can only hope that the type of people willing to purchase a well-known piece of architecture at auction, will respect the original structure much as they would respect an original painting.

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We can certainly say that the auction house Wright, which is putting Louis Kahn's Esherick House up for auction is trying to attract buyers interested in the architectural value of the house. The idea that they are committed to a collection of works including art, design, and architecture shows an intent to maintain these properties for future generations. And their press release is certainly geared towards those of us interested in the architectural and historical value of the house with this to say about the property...

"Situated at a perfect angle on a property measuring more than half an acre, the house has a striking presence. The approach features a planar composition with a textured mortar finish bisected by a strong vertical chimney, while keyhole windows framed with Apitong and placed at irregular intervals punctuate the front facade. The floor plan reveals Kahn’s refined design of two symmetrical side-by-side rectangles that allow for both openness and structural clarity. Kahn’s use of pure geometry in the facades and interior spaces speaks to archetypal references that Kahn drew on throughout his body of work. Here, like in all his buildings, Kahn united this architectural history with the modern present in a truly unique structure...

...The architect and 2006 Louis Kahn professor David Adjaye states, 'I had the great pleasure of visiting the Esherick House in the Spring of 2006. As a student I was always mesmerized by its playful graphic geometry of the windows and the deceptive simplicity of its plan. It was a real surprise to see the care and joy of the materials still very much intact and it being lived in as I’m sure Kahn would have approved. There were two particularly ecstatic moments for me. Firstly was ascending the beautifully crafted, Japanese- or Shaker-esque, staircase with its simple timber balustrade, which overlooks the living room. The second was opening the shutter of the window in the library where knowledge and nature seemed to freeze into one image. The Esherick House is definitely one of Kahn’s most important works which defined lessons he’d go on to use in later projects.' "

So, if you're interested in buying this lovely and historic property, check out the Wright auction. If the house itself isn't in your budget, the photos by Todd Eberle are worth a look.
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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

Everybody's got a Bu

Note: The photos in this post have been deleted as the result of a letter I received from the photographer's public relations representative. While my Spanish isn't perfect, I understood enough of the letter to know that they didn't appreciate me posting the images on 'my commercial website'. I think its arguable whether or not this website is a commercial endeavor, however I must respect the artist's wishes. If you're interested in seeing the photos, please click through to the original website.
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I was initially drawn to this project by Sunday Melendo and Francisco Parron because of the beautiful contrast of light and shadow in these crisp white boxes. Its quite a modern and almost clinical solution for a grandparent's multi-generational home... Where are they going to put all the picture frames? But nonetheless, the contrast between light and dark (and light and lighter) is spectacular.

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But I must admit that the photography for this project really gave me a chuckle. It seems like nearly every published project has to place a corbu chaise lounge somewhere in the interior.... and this project has made the bu (as C calls it) the focal point of nearly every photograph! But, the bu really does look good in this project... C and I also have one (he bought it for me as a graduation project), but unfortunately our tiny house just doesn't do it justice. It doesn't have the room to breathe that the chair deserves and needs (and receives in this project). Still, it seems clear to me that the architect didn't direct the photo shoot, or the chair would have taken more of a backseat to the architecture.

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Via Jesus Granada
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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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Art in the Morning, Architecture in the Afternoon

The Mori Art Museum recently held an exhibit titled 'Remember Le Corbusier'. The installation, which included interactive learning stations, celebrated Le Corbusier's contributions to both art and architecture. Throughout his life, Le Corbusier refused to practice architecture all day, devoting the mornings to art and the afternoons to architecture. Not a bad gig.

So what do you think those kids thought of Ronchamp?

Via Yatzer

Better Late Than Never

During my first year at IIT, we all had to take an introduction to architecture class. This class took us to different architectural sites throughout the city, expanding our horizons and developing our sketching skills. The only problem was that the class was scheduled for Friday mornings, which we all know is a terrible time for a class. I managed to attend most of the classes, but there were a few key days that I missed. One of these days was the scheduled visit to the Robie house. [The sketch I turned in was copied from a book, which unfortunately showed an angle no longer able to be seen and was quickly caught by my professor!] Even thought I lived only a few miles from the Robie house for 5 years, I never managed to get myself down to Hyde Park to check it out. Missing the Robie house and the Farnsworth house were two of my big regrets when I left Chicago. But this trip, while visiting a friend who works in Hyde Park, I literally stumbled across the Robie house and decided to take a tour.

The tour itself was a bit of a disappointment, but I'm still glad that I went. I'd visited several of FLW's homes before, so I wasn't as amazed as I might have been otherwise. Plus, having already studied FLW, and the Robie house in particular, I didn't really learn anything new from the tour. And most disappointing, the house is undergoing a complete restoration, so much of the house was in shambles and there was very little furniture on site. Still... if you haven't been, I'd absolutely recommend a visit to this icon of Prairie Architecture.