Modern Barn Conversion

A very nice barn conversion by RRA architects. Barns are particularly conducive to modern conversions, as they are generally the epitome of form follows function. And that form is generally classic and minimal. The additive portions of the project complement (rather than compete with) the existing structure very nicely.

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Lovely

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Via Archinect

London Design Festival 2010

TAF Architecture

Zaven

Stuart Haygarth

Lightbulb Umbrella

Ineke Hans

Brian Steendyk

Bouroullec Brothers

A few years ago C and I went to Italy and timed the trip so that we could attend the biennale. It was really a fantastic, inspirational experience, and I think I'm ready for it again. It is too late for me to make it to London for the design festival, but maybe I'll make it next year!

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Hanging Chair

A friend of mine sent this to me because she knows my affinity for coat racks... I have to say, I love this design. I probably wouldn't want more than one, but I think this folding hanging chair would be a fantastic valet. I know that we could certainly use one. It would be great for preparing your clothes for the next day and perfect for small spaces where you could hang up the valet when done.
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And the plywood edges... well, that just looks cool!
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By Phillippe Malouin
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Freya's Golden Cabin

This project somehow manages to be quite lovely, while still bordering on kitsch. The simple materials and form keep you from being overwhelmed by the story and cut-out tree imagery. I have to admit... the more I look at the project, the more it grows on me. Freya's cabin, designed by Studio Weave takes advantage of new technologies to giving new form to a fairy-tale typology. Wouldn't it be great to see this cabin in a new updated version of the Brothers Grimm?

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Comfortable Concrete?

I freaking love this concrete sofa by Grey Concrete.

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Via Despoke

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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).

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Very Frustrating. An expo is not an office park.

US
UK

Spain

South Korea

Portugal

Denmark

Switzerland

Russia

Japan

Poland

Finland

Canada

Patterns in the Concrete

I love homes with a neutral palette of materials and interesting textures. [In fact, this color palette is not all that different than the one I chose for my house].

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This particular house interior by AOC is great! The hearth alone is fantastic... the parquet pattern created by the formwork provides a focal point for the home while reflecting the old-school materials of the original home. And there are plenty of other interesting details (plywood panels form a negative space balustrade, picture frames form the handles on cabinets, bookcases become room dividers, etc) to check out...

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Now, what I really want to know is if the rabbit actually resides in the home, or if it was brought in for the photo shoot!

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Via Dezeen
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Would You Learn Here?

Designed by Gollifer Langston for the Camden school district, these classrooms of the future are both useful and flexible. The classrooms are designed to easily and cheaply "clip on" to existing schools, as well as adapt to changes in use and technology. Although these look great, I'd be interested to hear feedback from teachers and students. My sister-in-law is a teacher who once taught in a pod separate from the main school (although, not as stylish as this), and the aesthetic wasn't the only problem. Being totally separated and isolated from the main school can makes things tough for teachers. Let's face it.. without major strutural changes made to the existing school, these pods are not actually going to clip on, more likely they will be set up adjacent to the school.

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Elephant and Castle

The art installation by Nissen Adams for the Aldeburgh Music Festival is quite fun. Comprised of 7 installations, such as a house within ruins and a fantasy shopping center, the installation became the backdrop for performances of Hansel and Gretal.

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