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

{far 4}

Map Tote Bags
Ceramic tableware made with colored clays, not paint

Glass case/candle holder/centerpiece

All pieces found at far 4, a shop with russian roots, located in Seattle I've just found out about... looks like I'll be making a visit soon!

.

.

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

.


Scotland
.

Romania?

.

.

.

Lot Ek?
.

Luxembourg
.

.

I should really remember this firm... especially since I know they are Seattle based...
.

Australia
.

Belgium (After the Party)

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

.

Beligium
.

Ben Nicholson (a former professor of mine... a bit disappointing, but fun to see)
.

Brazil (original exhibition structure)
.

Original Carlo Scarpa Structure
.

Norway (those sliding glass doors are INSANE)
.

Droog (One of my all time favorite design collaboratives)
.

Frank Gehry (he should really stick to furniture)
.

Frank Gehry
.

Herzog & deMueron
.

Israel
.

Ove Arup
.

Russia
.

Zaha Hadid
.

Scan Here

If the building were yellow and blue instead of red, it would be the perfect design for an IKEA. I don't generally like buildings that are so representative of an object, but this red bar code building by Vitruvio and Sons is an interesting addition to the surrounding greyscape of this St. Petersburg neighborhood.

.

.

Hang Your Coat Before You Sit Down

Living in a teeny tiny house, I can really appreciate this multi-purpose design by Erohina Yulia. Even though this particular chair is meant for cafes and such, I think it would be really useful as a bedside chair. C is always throwing his clothes for the next day over the side of a chair... so much so in fact, that I've often thought about getting him a valet. Of course, they're not exactly modern in design, so this chair would be a great alternative!

.

Via Gizmodo

.

.

A Few тела

Russian designer Vadim Kibardin has created a large array of industrial, furniture, and fashion designs, especially considering his relatively young age. I particularly like the chairs above (the infinity and taiga III) because they are good looking designs and more importantly are not overwhelmingly large... I think it can be really hard to find smaller well designed chairs.