Category: Events
Posted by Nico on 3/31/2006 8:26:00 AM
Our quick summary of the last day
The last day of CA Boom 3 brought back the sunshine to our deprived LA architourists. The focus of the day was prefab and other alternative building methods, and we were not disappointed.
From a butler structure that will house a single family dwelling (and is supposed to be finished at a cost of $130 a foot), to an elevated, very clean "Swiss" abode, to a beautifully restored ranch house with an ecologically-sound terraced garden behind it... then a huge loft, above the architects' office, in the architects' building, and, last but not least, two very interesting variations of a prefab building solution.
The last day was a worthy epilogue to a great overall event, with the organizers focusing on innovative and future oriented technologies, building techniques and ideas about architecture as a whole.
Thanks, do stay tuned for more in depth product features etc. in the next few days, and we look forward to next year's event!
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Category: Landscape
Posted by James on 3/30/2006 8:27:00 AM
Design selected in an international competition
 A UC Berkeley design team has won the competition for a 15-acre park in Chiayi, Taiwan, a monument to peace commemorating the 228 Incident - a tragedy which occurred on February 28, 1947, when government soldiers killed thousands of Taiwanese citizens. It was illegal to discuss the events of 1947 until 1992 when the Taiwanese government issued a formal apology.
The design team, comprised of Professor Judith Stilgenbauer and graduate students Kit Shihting Wang and Calder Gillin, named their proposal Conceal/Surface, stating: (it) is about time, growth and the inevitable revelation of historical truths. The central design element is the bamboo room, a partially sunken courtyard planted with bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel) and enclosed by semi-translucent glass walls offering veiled views of the bamboo within. An underground glass enclosed viewing room will provide floor-to-ceiling view of the bamboo room.
Link: 228 National Memorial Park
Link: Selected proposals
Release: UC Berkeley - Professor, students win design competition for Taiwan peace park
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Category: Events
Posted by Nico on 3/27/2006 1:22:00 PM
Our quick summary of the second day
Day 2 of CA Boom 3 featured some great work overall, even if the weather was not cooperating today. Granted, there was no snow or rain (this is Southern California afterall, for all you non-CA peops), but the inside outside notion of living pursued in Steven Ehrlich's and David Hertz's projects did not come across quite as pleasantly, with cool, foggy and windy conditions making the visitors shiver at times.
All projects were worth having a closer look at, and it is great to see plenty of innovative work right outside of our doorstep. The tours were again well organized, and we were very happy that there was not another "no pictures of this project" incident today... Our galleries should be up and running in no time, and do stay tuned for the coverage of day 3, which featured mostly pre-fab and eco-friendly projects of the tour.
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Category: Architecture
Posted by Lorenza on 3/27/2006 10:39:00 AM
The exhibition marks the re-launch of the CUBE gallery in Manchester, UK
The exhibition Future Landscape shown at CUBE, Manchester, has now come to an end. Over the two months of being opened to the public, the exhibition has gathered under one collection several projects, bridging Architecture and Landscape, which, in a near future, will shape the North West region of England.
Projects of prominent architects based mostly in the region were thus displayed to give the opportunity to the public to gain an insight on how the region will be shaped in the years to come and also to express their views on such regeneration projects.
Varied graphic styles, design approaches and thus resulting design-forms were highlighted by this exhibition which brought to the viewer an understanding on the diversity of the projects and their suitability for the chosen sites.
Through walking and observing the works on display, the viewer was certain to find a project which stimulated his/her imagination.
Link: CUBE
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Category: Events
Posted by James on 3/24/2006 11:09:00 PM
Our quick summary of the first day
 Weren't we just here? The third year of CA Boom is underway and we're here for the third time - only seven months after we wrapped up our coverage of last year's show. They have moved the date up a few months this year for whatever reason, but it works for me since the weather is a lot nicer... though it is cutting into a potential ski weekend...
Some first impressions for this year compared to last: it seems a bit more crowded, fewer frills but overall seems better organized, a solid line up of homes for the first day tour, and a somewhat expanded exhibition area. There is a good vibe this year as things seem to settle in... as they say, third time is the charm.
Featured after the jump are some images from today's home with links to galleries of the day one home tours. Watch L+L for more content soon.
Link: CA Boom
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Category: Art
Posted by James on 3/21/2006 6:08:00 PM
Photographs of environmentally impacted landscapes
 I know that I've seen Photographs by David Maisel before - his striking landscape images are impossible to forget - but it was just last week that I came across his wonderful "Oblivian" series of aerial photos of Los Angeles at Polar Inertia and decided then and there that I must contact David and feature his work on L+L.
There is just something in the air, and it turns out that Mr. Maisel's work is a very popular topic these days; I learned from David that Geoff Manaugh of BLDGBLOG was working on an interview to be featured at Archinect; and it is an excellent interview. And there is much more to see on David Maisel's website and at the Von Lintel Gallery as well.
Link: David Maisel
Link: Von Lintel Gallery - New York
Link: Lake Project
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Category: Books
Posted by James on 3/20/2006 10:17:00 AM
Modern living spaces
 One of the things I like best about working at L+L is when we hear from people that being featured on L+L has led to good things.
That is the case with this forthcoming book about loft dwellings which will include the
Ben Avigdor Lofts by U-I: Avi Laiser & Amir Shwarz. The publisher saw the project right here on L+L... congrats, Avi and Amir!
The book is due to be released on May 1, 2006.
Author: Christian Campos
Link: Amazon
Publisher: Harper Collins
Reference:
Ben Avigdor Lofts (L+L)
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Category: Architecture
Posted by James on 3/17/2006 11:41:00 PM
A Dublin district resurected
 St. Patrick's Day seems an appropriate time to get back to my series on Ireland. Having looked at Dublin, both at large and in particular, this time I will focus on a particular district: Temple Bar.
Temple Bar was the pioneering effort of contemporary urban regeneration in Dublin in the early 1990's. An architectural competition to create a framework plan for the district was won by a unique group of young architects who collaborated as Group 91:
- Shay Cleary Architects
- Grafton Architects
- Paul Keogh Architects
- McCullough Mulvin Architects
- McGarry NiEanaigh Architects
- O'Donnell + Tuomey Architects
- Shane O'Toole Architects
- Derek Tynan Architects
The Temple Bar Architectural Framework Plan outlined architectural and urban design proposals which provided for sensitive, but bold thinking urban renewal. The result has turned Temple Bar into one of the most vibrant areas of the city with many award-winning modern buildings which integrate into the historical fabric of the city.
Link: The Reflecting City - Temple Bar
Link: Temple Bar
Reference:
Seeing Éire [prologue] (L+L)
Reference: Seeing Éire [I] - Ailtireacht na Baile Átha Cliath (L+L)
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Category: Events
Posted by James on 3/12/2006 12:31:00 PM
Exploring architecture and the built environment via the arts and culture
 The 10th Architecture Week, the annual British public celebration of contemporary architecture, will be held June 16-25, 2006, in cities throughout the U.K.
The Week includes walks, talks, tours, maps, events, visits to new buildings and architects' practices, exhibitions, family and children's activities, films and picnics.
Link: Architecture Week
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Category: Architecture
Posted by James on 3/11/2006 12:47:00 PM
A prefabricated house built by Living Homes designed by Ray Kappe
 Prefab seems to have been the panacea for many young architects seeking to make a name for themselves. Many efforts have not gotten off the ground and frankly many have not been overwhelmingly impressive. But a name like Ray Kappe (founder of SCI-Arc and a well respected west coast architect) lends a certain credibility to this prefab proposal.
There is a lot to like about Living Homes first product as designed by Kappe - green materials, solar power, living roof system, reduced construction waste. A model home is currently under construction in Santa Monica, California, and Living Homes is apparently developing a community near Joshua Tree National Park thus creating their own economy of scale. Plus they'll let you buy your own prefab to plant wherever you like.
You can check out Living Homes at CA Boom 3 where they will be exhibiting in the "prefab Zone" and presenting at the Speakers Conference.
Link: Living Homes
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