July 2005
Events — July 31, 2005
Posted by Anthony
Day three wrap up
Another day at CA Boom and another day of home tours. I always figured that most people prefer to save the best for last, but today's selection of home tour residences, while featuring some nice homes, was lacking when compared to days one and two. The standout home today had to be the Ehrlich Residence (featured at right) by John Friedman and Alice Kimm. The Kumagai Residence, by Glen Irani, while only about 80% complete, promises to be quite the exciting residence when it's complete. I have a feeling we'll see this on next year's tour.
Photo Gallery: Ehrlich Residence
Photo Gallery: Kumagai Residence
Photo Gallery: Church/Loft
Speakers Panel hosted by Land+Living at CA Boom II Day One
It was a pleasure to host a wonderful panel of landscape design professionals on Friday at the CA Boom Speaker Conference. A thousand thanks to my guests David Fletcher, Tom Leader and Katie Spitz for their time, effort and thoughtful presentations. Many thanks also to Sandra Bartsch and the CA Boom staff who invited me to participate and who worked so hard to produce the speakers series. And a final thank you to all who attended the presentation.
CA Boom had originally planned to provide a podcast of the Speaker Conference, alas some things must fall by the wayside when putting on a large and complicated event with limited resources. Instead we will provide a glimpse of our panel discussion with a few images from each panelist's presentation along with a bit of text to give you a taste of what was covered.
Reference: Breaking Ground: New Directions in Landscape Architecture (L+L)
Events — July 30, 2005
Posted by Anthony
Day two wrap up
Another day at CA Boom and another great day of home tours. Today's home tour featured a pair of repeat homes from last year: The McKinley residence from David Hertz Architects and the Irani & Beaucage residence from Glen Irani Architects. In addition, we toured the Omura/Galperin Residence from Vaughan Trammell, and the Kozely/Farmer residence by Sant Architects which featured a fantastic landscape (at right) designed by Jay Griffith. We finished up our day at the Sheldon Residence by Mark Billy & Richard Warner.
The highlight of today's tour was definitely the McKinley residence. I missed attending CA Boom last year and after hearing James' praise for the design and attention to detail the home features, I was blown away. We made at least four laps throughout the home discovering something new each time. The McKinley residence was also featured in the Dec. 2001 issue of Dwell. Keep an eye out for more photos of this and the other homes on today's tour in the upcoming days.
We've yet to run into these guys on the floor or on the home tours, but MocoLoco is featuring some great photos from event as well.
Day Two Home Tours
Kozely/Farmer Residence
Irani House
McKinley Residence
Residence by Kanner Architects as seen at CA Boom II Day One
We had the opportunity to tour the 511 House, the private residence of architect Stephen Kanner and his family. This is the second year that Mr. Kanner has graciously opened his home for CA Boom, but we were unable to participate in the first day of the home tours last year.
Located in Pacific Palisades, California, the 511 House is a riot of form, color, texture and materials in an almost post-modern mix of California Modern and Googie road-side architecture.
Link: Kanner Architects
Related: Canyon View by Kanner Architects (L+L)
Reference: CA Boom II Day One (L+L)
Reference: CA Boom II Day Two (L+L)
Reference: CA Boom II Day Threee (L+L)
Events — July 29, 2005
Posted by James
Our summary of the first day
Today was the big first day! We ran the whole house tour circuit which included Neutra's Troxell Residence as restored by SH_Arc, Kanner Architects' 511 House, Harwell Harris' Entenza House restored by Michael W. Folonis, AIA and Associates as the highlights. Individual write-ups and photo tours of these homes are coming soon... in the mean time, some pictures below for your perusal.
I haven't heard my name over a PA system since I almost missed a flight in Dallas... until today when the speakers panel Breaking Ground which we hosted was announced.
Day One Home Tours
511 House
Entenza Residence
Troxell Residence v.2
Events — July 28, 2005
Posted by Anthony
Here we go again... your opening night teaser
Land+Living is glad to see CA Boom back and kicking... we (both editors Anthony and James) were on hand for the opening night kick-off. This year promises to be a worthy sophomore effort... already it is apparent that the event is a bit more mature, if a bit less ambitious.
This year's opening party was wisely not billed as the "extravaganza" that was over promised last year. The event had a more subdued build up which was fitting for the low key event that it was. Lots more food, flowing drink, mixing DJ's and mingling design-peeps was the theme for the evening, and a pleasant evening it was.
As we've mentioned before, Land+Living will be at the event all weekend providing updated coverage, so stay tuned!
Oh, and we'll try to remember to bring some sunblock for Shane. ;-)
Events — July 28, 2005
Posted by Anthony
"The best of independent contemporary design"
CA Boom kicks off tonight, and we will be in Santa Monica throughout the weekend bringing you coverage directly from the event of the home tours, speakers conference and exhibitions.
Tickets are available online and at the door, remember to use code LLG510 for your discount.
Be sure to join us for
Breaking Ground: New Directions in Landscape Architecture, a panel discussion hosted by Land+Living on Friday at 4:00 pm.
Link: CA Boom II
Article: LA Times - It's showtime
Modernist house in Mexico City
If you are not familiar with the work of Mexico City architect Alberto Kalach, then we are pleased to be the first to introduce you to his work. If you have seen his work before, and that of the his former firm Kalach & Alverez, then you no doubt will enjoy seeing his work again.
The GGG House, built in 1999, is an abstracted modern structure inspired by the work of the sculptor Jorge Yazpik. It is also obviously influenced by the great Mexican architect Luis Barragán and recalls shades of Tadao Ando, Louis Kahn, Carlo Scarpa and even Le Corbusier (look for the windows à la Ronchamp). The building and landscape commingle beautifully with broad indoor/outdoor terraces, contained courtyards and planted roof tops.
Link: Alberto Kalach GGG House (many more pics)
A pathway above the national forest in Hainach, Germany
The physical act of climbing trees tends to lose its appeal when we get past our teens (well, for some people...), but now you can let the Peter Pan in you take flight in a safe way (does anyone remember that Michael Jackson interview on 20/20) by going to visit the German national forest in Hainach, Thueringen.The bridge spans 300 meters and you find yourself about 44 meters above the forest ground (meter=yard, more or less). Apparently one is almost certain to experience bats, woodpeckers and other inhabitants of the "Buchenurwald" up close and personal, and the glazed viewing platform even protects you rugged explorers from the elements. Not so convinced about the tower design itself (bit heavy, ey?), but how cool of a tree house would this have been when you were a kid?! Oh, and Archigram... take that!
Link: Nationalpark Hainich
Link: Under Construction Photos
Mid-century Catalan architect
Some of you may recall the contest that DWR was holding to identify the architect of a modern home last month.
The veil has been lifted, and the author has been revealed as Barcelona-born architect José Antonio Coderch (1913–1984), one of the most prominent post-war architects working in Spain.
Link: MEAM Net - José Antonio Coderch
Photos: El Poder de la Palabra
Photos: Casas - Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Granada - Casa Ugalde
Photos: Casas - Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Granada - Casa Rozes
Book: William Stout Books - Jose Antonio Coderch Houses
Reference: Name that modernist! (Land+Living)
Dedicated to awareness and preservation of important American landscapes
The Cultural Landscape Foundation's mission is to preserve the living heritage of American landscapes including public parks, historic sites, gardens, scenic highways, college campuses, farmland, cemeteries and industrial sites.
The TCLF website is provides a wealth of information about significant "cultural landscapes." Sections of particular interest include Landslide which profiles endangered landscapes; Pioneers which documents the lives and careers of people who have shaped the American landscape; and Classroom which aims to teach people to read the landscapes that are part of their surroundings.
Link: The Cultural Landscape Foundation
Reference: Pioneers of American Landscape Design (Land+Living)
Misc — July 25, 2005
Posted by Anthony
In a nature reserve in Lewes, East Sussex, internationally renowned land artist, Chris Drury has created a bed of reeds in the shape of a heart — not the “I-heart-you” heart, but the anatomical cross-section of a human heart. This “cardiac twist” is a form that is mirrored everywhere in the geometry of nature, a double vortex that in this case channels water from natural springs into the reed bed and then out to surrounding meadows.
Heart of Reeds has been in progress since 2000, helped along through consultation with environmentalists, botanists, landscape architects, and Lewes locals (of which Drury is one). The four-acre piece is formed primarily of organic materials already present at the site, and all man-made materials used in the construction are made of local, recycled plastics and natural wood.
I don't have any money left to fill it with food but it sure looks good
I had to confess to my wife today that I am in love with another... a stainless steel refrigerator. Ironically, I have just been talking about my on-going obsession with free standing commercial stainless refrigerators, the chunky old-school kind with multiple compartments and doors, glass a-top and solid below. And then I stumble across this beauty... if only it had big ol' pull-lever latches...
Stainless steel inside and out, this refrigerator conforms to the US Department of Energy's stringent standards for residential use - consuming less energy than a 100 watt light bulb. The styling is a wonderfully simple, with fine attention paid to the details: dual compressors, three evaporators, auto-closing hinges, exterior drawers with glazed lids for both crisper and freezer.
Set to debut this fall, we can only imagine the cost of this 'fridge considering that Sub-Zero is the Rolls Royce of refrigeration. But damn if it isn't a beauty.
Link: Sub-Zero PRO 48
Contemporary interpretation of medieval timber framing in the south of England
Designed by London based Adam Richards Architects, the Flinthouse in Wiltshire provides an entrance and kitchen to a subdivided wing of an 18th century manor house.
The new structure is anchored by a gabion garden wall filled with reclaimed flint. The cedar framed building is a modern version of a medieval cruck timber framing which provides an open roof volume within. Horizontal cedar slats float over large areas of glazing, modulating light and views as well as relating to traditional horizontal wood cladding.
Firm: Adam Richards Architects
Eminent landscape architect Robert Murase, FASLA, passes away
The positioning of stone in the landscape is an ancient and sacred tradition and has always interested me - from the stone walls and megaliths in Europe - to stone gardens in Japan.
• Robert Murase
We would like to pay tribute to the life of distinguished landscape architect Robert Murase who passed away suddenly this week. An article by Randy Gragg in The Oregonian chronicles Mr. Murase's life and career.
Article: The Oregonian - Robert Murase dies at age 66
Firm: Murase Associates, Inc.
Via: The Dirt [Thank you, Dave]
Art — July 21, 2005
Posted by John T. Unger
Form in Motion
I found Judith Wrend's work while researching mobiles, but what really grabbed my eye are her sculptures and wall-hanging works. One pretty much expects color, playfulness and an exquisite sense of balance from artists working in kinetic sculpture— it's just part of the genre. With over thirty years of focus on kinetic work, Judith has certainly got those basics down cold.
What sets her apart from most of the post-Calder crowd is a flair for composition. Her linear elements do more than just hold planes in space, as so often happens with mobiles. She incorporates line as an integral gesture, signaling motion even in static work. While some of her work falls into the category of pure abstraction derived from the play of balanced forces of motion, the most interesting pieces are those which readily display her fascination with forms as they occur in the natural environment.
Judith Wrend Studio
Art — July 21, 2005
Posted by Anthony
Stainless steel and copper tubs
Stackable shelving from Boom Design
If you're looking for a storage system that can grow with you, check out the Hive Cubes from Boom Design. The system uses individual storage spaces connected via pins for infinite expansion. The units are available in 3 colors and are constructed of wood (we don't yet know what kind of wood but will update as soon as we hear back). A wall mounted configuration (Hive Wall Shelf) is also available
Link: Boom Design
Update: Helena from Boom got back to us and the storage units feature a walnut veneer finish.
Personal — July 20, 2005
Posted by Anthony
My t-shirt is cooler than your t-shirt
How's this for a cool company: some guy named Jake wins a t-shirt contest in London. Jake thinks t-shirt contests are cool. Jake hooks up with some other guy named Jacob to create a funky website called Threadless. The two Jakes then run a perpetual t-shirt design contest with cash prizes given to the contest winners. In addition to that, they make up limited-editions of your shirt design which are made available in their catalog for all of us to buy. Cool huh?
Featured at right is Sweet Creep by Philip van Bruchem.
Link: Threadless
Events — July 19, 2005
Posted by James
Speakers Conference at CA Boom II - July 29, 2005
Land+Living has been asked to host one of the speakers conferences this year at CA Boom, and we have chosen to focus our topic on the role of landscape architecture in the design world and in shaping the society at large.
The panel will be held Friday, July 29th from 4:00 - 5:15 pm and will feature noted landscape architects David Fletcher, Tom Leader and Katie Spitz.
It is sure to be an interesting discussion, and we encourage you to attend (remember to register with our L+L discount code).
Link: CA Boom II Speakers Conference - Friday
Reference: CA Boom is a comin' (Land+Living)
Originally posted 7/18/2005
UPDATE: All panelists have been confirmed - David Fletcher, Tom Leader & Katie Spitz.
Art — July 19, 2005
Posted by James
Isabelle Pateer's Other Waeyes Portfolio
I have had a long standing fascination with construction sites... not unusual for a person of the architectural persuasion, I suppose. Sometimes I actually find unfinished buildings to be more interesting than the finished product.
Dutch photographer Isabelle Pateer features some wonderful images of construction sites as part of her portfolio.
Link: Other Waeyes Portfolio
Via: Things Magazine
New contributors at Land+Living
There has been a frenzy of offline activity here at Land+Living during the past couple of weeks. We have been hard at work planning for the future, and part of that plan includes the addition of new contributors.
Over the past 14 months, we have worked hard to establish the base and tone of Land+Living and now we feel that it is time to add some new voices and viewpoints... and so that you know exactly who is saying what, we have just added a by-line to each post as well… see, it says "posted by James" up there.
A few new contributors will be making their Land+Living debut in the next couple of months. Please join Anthony and me in welcoming our L+L newbies (like Deborah) who are sure to add their own unique perspectives to Land+Living! Bios will be uploaded as each contributor comes online.
Furniture — July 18, 2005
Posted by John T. Unger
Shaker Minimalism in Steel
Rarely do I go to Chicago without visiting the Ann Nathan Gallery to see Jim Rose's newest works. Simple, solid, and highly functional, Rose's hand-crafted steel furniture is designed to last through decades of daily use, just as the Shaker originals which have been his inspiration since his first show in 1996. The natural patina of his salvaged materials closely resembles the tone and texture of antique wood and is achieved by wire brushing the scrap steel and applying a protective wax finish. From a distance, one could easily be fooled into believing the work was in fact a classic antique. Up close, the genius of using burnished steel to recreate these masterpieces of spare design becomes apparent in the depth of the finish and the perfection of each plane.
Rose is a craftsman of the highest order. His seating is comfortable, drawers and cupboard doors open easily and without a sound. His methods of construction guarantee permanence while achieving an aesthetic minimalism under the surface of the work, which adds a hidden layer of beauty in tribute to the ideals and goals of his historical precedents.
With over 250 designs available at last count, Rose has closely studied traditions of American furniture making as well as the religious traditions informing Shaker craft. He views his work as an ongoing tribute to a strong genre in design, and creates his modern interpretations in respectful homage.
Link: Jim Rose Catalog
Modern planning redefined by a movie maker
Disneyland is not regarded fondly by the architecture and design community at large with it's faux castles, jungles and streets and oversized rubber-headed rodents gallivanting about. But there is no denying the genius of the planning concepts and methods pioneered and honed by Walt Disney and his "Imagineers" and the impacts that their work has had not only on American and international cultures, but also on the design professions.
At Disneyland, designers created the first physical space conceptualized as an interactive experience using cinemagraphic story telling devices to choreograph the free movements of visitors through a three dimensional fantasy movie. Sequences of spaces and transitions were carefully planned to combine disparate elements into a cohesive whole.
An article in the LA Times talks a bit about the influence of the park on everyday places such as malls and revived downtowns, "lifestyle centers" and other places where the distinction between fantasy and reality has been blurred beyond the gated and bermed Magic Kingdom.
Article: LA Times - A Park With a Powerful Spell
Link: Wikipedia - Disneyland
Link: Disney corporate history - Disneyland
Link: Disneyland Beginnings
A modern base camp in the Sierra Nevada
Earlier this year, I spent 5 days with a friend in California's Sierra Nevada on a backcountry ski and splitboard tour. Our destination was the Palisades Glacier located east of the town of Big Pine off Hwy 395. Due to the distance one needs to travel over difficult terrain, the Palisades Glacier is one of the least visited locations in the Sierra during the winter months. It's remote, avalanches are common, sunny weather can turn stormy in minutes, and help is a long ways away. So, I have to admit that I was somewhat intrigued to discover a design competition proposal from the firm ERW Design for a modern mountain hut tucked away in the Palisades.
The plan is comprised of several buildings with each building serving a separate function. There's a building for bathing, eating, and sleeping. This is meant to capture the "spirit of wilderness camping." I personally don't buy into that as it sounds like more of a marketing ploy aimed at the Cayenne/Range Rover crowd, but I do like this design.
Link: ERW Design
Link: Palisades Glacier Mountain Hut Competition
Outdoor — July 14, 2005
Posted by Anthony
Urban Stone
The STO bench system from Macaedis is comprised of 12 different bench modules. Made of natural stone, the models can be linked together to create an organic flow or used as stand alone pieces to accent your urban environment.
Designs are varied, including basic benches, benches with recessed seating, with back and arm rests, fountains, and tree wells.
"Stone is the finest of all natural construction materials. Its physical characteristics and its historical significance cause feelings of comfort that can hardly even be approached by other materials. Its long, beautiful ageing process has all the dignity of a natural cycle. Architecture in buildings and in urban spaces must relate to its surroundings. Stone brings us into touch with our history and our culture, conveying the perceptible message that is a natural part of the human environment.
It transmits wealth, depth, elegance and quality as no other material."
Link: Macaedis
Events — July 14, 2005
Posted by James
CA Boom II: July 28 - 31, 2005 in Santa Monica, California
It's almost here, have you registered yet?
We are pleased to be able to offer Land+Living readers a discount online or at the door using code llg510 (pre-registration provides a better discount).
Land+Living will also be hosting a panel discussion entitled Breaking Ground: New Directions in Landscape Architecture as part of the Speaker Conference... watch for our "official" announcement of panel participants soon featuring David Fletcher, Tom Leader and Katherine Spitz.
We'll see you there!
Link: CA Boom II
Reference: CA Boom II (Land+Living)
Student work from the AA
More student work to browse, this time from the Architectural Association in London.
The AA has set up a website featuring student work from all levels and programs at their projects Review 04/05. Lots to see…
Link: AA Projects Review
Via: Archinect
DWR contest to identify the architect of a 1952 modern home
The recent DWR newsletter features a contest to identify the designer or location of a 1952 house by an "influential but relatively obscure" architect. The first 20 responses to either name the architect or the location of the residence will receive a book devoted to the architect in question.
The images are worth a peek even if the contest doesn't appeal to you.
Link: DWR Newsletter
Submissions: summersurvey@dwr.com
UPDATE: Click here for the answer
American Society of Landscape Archiects 2005 Professional Award winners selected
Thirty-three projects were seleced to receive awards from a field of over 520 entries.
"This year’s awards projects demonstrated the rising cultural relevance of responsible planning and good design across a range of scales and project types in the United States and abroad," said Gary Hilderbrand, FASLA, jury chair and principal at Reed Hilderbrand Associates Inc. "By bringing forward a compelling set of diverse projects, this jury showcased some of the successes landscape architects are having with the complex issues that arise for thoughtful design practices today, including the drive for clarity, expressiveness, rigor, and durability in design."
Link: ASLA 2005 Professional Awards
Launch event in Los Angeles
CITYWORKSLOSANGELES, a volunteer based forum of members from the architecture and design community acting as a catalyst for real world solutions in Los Angeles, is holding a book launch event on July 28th from 5 - 8 pm at the Herman Miller Los Angeles National Design Center.
The CITYWORKSLosAngeles: HANDBOOK answers 4 basic questions:
1. What stops people from getting involved in making a difference in the world?
2. What are the major challenges facing our world?
3. What can the average person do in their everyday life to make the world better?
4. What are examples of community based and socially relevant design projects?
The book is priced at $10 and will be available for sale at this event.
Link: City Works LA [Thanks, Michael]
RSVP: rsvp@cityworkslosangeles.org
Making a case for native and climate-appropriate plants
We occasionally show our southern California bias... but I am not sure why the New York Times shows theirs so often.
The New York Times published an article yesterday profiling proponents of "native" plants in California, focusing on Rene Russo's crusade to promote native species... an interest we share and which we subtly display with our side bar Dudlea image. In my experience, newspapers are infamously inept in their coverage of nature and landscape, and while this article is interesting and worth reading, I find the poor reporting to be annoying. For example:
Native plants like senecio and aloe, which fill the yard in front of Andree Matton's house in Monrovia, Calif., thrive on less water than grass.
Senecio and aloe are not native even to this continent, let alone to Monrovia, California.
Article: NY Times - Flora With a Star in Its Corner
Reference: Garden/garden (L+L)
Misc — July 7, 2005
Posted by Anthony
This is the quick summary
Link:
Article by Kim Wilkie
Land+Living will be hosting a speakers panel for the upcoming Speakers Conference at CA Boom later this month... more on that later... but related to the topic that said panel will discuss is this article by Richmond, U.K. based landscape architect Kim Wilkie.
The contribution which landscape architects can make at this point is immense and pivotal. Landscape architecture addresses both the built and the cultivated environment. It thinks about city as well as countryside; housing as well as agriculture; cultural history as well as nature conservation.
Mr. Wilkie has several interesting articles posted on his website which is nice to see.
Link: The Future of Landscape Architecture
Reference: Shaping the landscape of the world
Pets — July 5, 2005
Posted by Anthony
Hip digs for your dog
We've been fans of Jesse Doquilo's work for quite some time now (see references below) so it's great to see him putting out new pieces. One of the pieces we like is the mutt dog dwelling.
For the pampered pet, or the owner with an appreciation for architecture, this unique dog dwelling features a skylight, a plush ultra suede cushion, and mod styling to fit your decor.
The mutt is available in poplar (featured at right) and cherry and can be custom sized for small or medium dogs. Horse sized dogs need not apply.
Link: Modern Object
Reference: Min & Italic Tables (Land+Living)
Reference: x-lounge (Land+Living)
Claude Cormier Architectes Paysagiestes
We've always found the website for Claude Cormier Architectes Paysagiestes (that's "Landscape Architects" for you non-franophones) to be rather amusing with it's theme of a landscape architect's Disneyland, excuse-moi, Courmierland in this case, with Frontierlandscape, Fantasylandscapes, Tomorrowlandscapes and Adventurelandscapes. To our dismay, the website is currently a bit low on content, but their work is interesting to browse even in abbreviated form.
What made us decide to feature Monsieur Cormier today was the discussion of our recent Shortcut post, which made us think of Cormier's design of Place d'Youville also in Montréal (shown right and below with more text).
Link: Place Youville
Firm: Claude Cormier Architectes Paysagiestes
Personal — July 1, 2005
Posted by Anthony
For a good time.
The recent post about Sport Utility Furniture got me thinking about skating again and the other day when I was at the local grocer, I picked up a copy of Transworld Skateboarding to try and get back in touch with my skating past (ha, who am I kidding). Anyhow, flipping through the pages, I came across the Nixon Rotolog watch.
What a cool watch! The Rotolog's case and band are machined from stainless steel with walnut wood inlays. It's also available in leather but c'mon, we all know the walnut is way cooler, brah ;-) My only bitch about the watch is the Nixon logo that's on the face. A logoless face would be much cleaner. I would prefer a slightly wider dial window with the logo on the dial. Ah, walnut and steel, so hot right now (ok, that'll be the last time I say "so hot right now" in a post).
Link: Nixon
Join the Land+Living team
We want you... but only if you're good.
We are looking for a creative person with an eye for design and a knack for finding the goods. What will you get in return? You get to hitch your wagon to our kick ass, critically acclaimed design web journal. And, you might even make a few bucks (emphasis on few) in the process.
If you are interested in being a contributing writer to Land+Living, contact us with a brief introduction to tell us why you think that you are up to the task. Good luck.
Link: 