March 2006
Events — March 31, 2006
Posted by Nico
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!
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
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.
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
Events — March 24, 2006
Posted by James
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
Art — March 21, 2006
Posted by James
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
Books — March 20, 2006
Posted by James
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)
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)
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
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
German Architects are about to build the first Car Loft.
The acropolis of transportation engineering and home of arguably the greatest four wheel creations in history has taken the next step towards composing the ultimate ode to the automobile: the car loft. German architects Manfred Dick (who sought a patent for his concept) and Johannes Kauka are about to break ground for what promises to be a wet and steamy dream for car enthusiasts and safety minded yuppies alike.
Link: CarLoft [Thanks, Mom!]
Link: Heuer (pdf)
Contemporary Furniture Design Exhibit
THAW is one of the largest contemporary design exhibits in Western Canada, and will take place during The Works Art and Design Festival from June 23rd to July 5th, 2006. THAW 2006 is looking to showcase medium to large sized furniture, accessories and lighting designs.
The show is juried and curated by the Industrial Designers of Edmonton Association (IDEA), a group with which our very own Adriean is affiliated.
Deadline is April 1, 2006... no foolin'.
Link: THAW 2006 Call for submissions (pdf)
Link: IDEA
Site specific installations at Stone Quarry Hill Art Park
Stone Quarry Hill Art Park, one of the first outdoor sculpture parks in the country, is seeking site-specific installations from artists, architects, landscape architects who integrate notions of point of view, landscape, architecture and art. Proposals featuring collaborative and interactive concepts as well as green/organic architecture will be given special attention. Stone Quarry Hill is unique in its mission of showcasing emerging and established artists whose work focuses on the relationships between art and nature.
Deadline is September 1, 2006.
Link: Stone Quarry Hill
- Site/Sight: Landscape & Architecture
Via: Archinect
NYIT studio explores the big box invasion into urban territory
When the unstoppable Wal-Mart comes to town, there is sure to be a struggle, and the push to open big box stores in more urban areas has been no different - in fact it has raised new issues as can be seen in the current proposed New York City location.
A studio 3rd year studio at NYIT led by Matt Dockery explores "a hybrid public / private venture designed to allow New York City to reap the benefits of low-cost merchandise without suffering the negative impacts of Big-Box stores on public space, local business and the environment."
The site used by the studio is in Brooklyn adjacent to the proposed Atlantic Yards project designed by Frank Gehry. The charge to the students is to create a new building type to house a mixed program: big box retail, a public arts market, assembly hall, public services, and a parking garage.
Link: Big Box vs. Big Apple
Much more: BoxTank - Multi-Tiered Wal-Mart Becoming Reality
Art — March 4, 2006
Posted by James
Urban fragment images
City of Sound's Dan Hill has created some wonderfully layered photo composite images of cityscapes, one of which is featured in Artkrush's current Architecture and Design issue.
Great stuff... congrats on the publication, Dan.
Link: City fo Sound - Fragments gallery
Link: City of Sound - Artkrush features fragment
Custom contemporary furniture from reclaimed lumber
Andrew Moe is a
designer/craftsman and founder of a new green design company based in Brooklyn, New York. Moe builds custom contemporary furniture crafted from reclaimed lumber from old structures.
I love the quality of old wood, let's face it... new lumber just isn't the same... old wood provides a richness and quality unachievable with new material. And of course recycling old material saves trees and room in landfills. I am drawn mostly to the pieces which recall some sense of the past use of the materials - chunky beams and planks crafted into simple forms providing a nice contrast of rustic and modern.
Link: Moe Design Studio [Thanks, Andrew!]
Events — March 2, 2006
Posted by James
The 7th edition at Jardins de Métis / Reford Gardens, Québec
We announced the selection of the designers to participate in the 7th edition of the International Garden Festival a while back. And today we have some images to share of some of the gardens which will be on display. The Festival will feature eleven temporary gardens by designers from five countries.
The International Garden Festival runs June 24 to October 1, 2006 at The Redford Gardens / Jardins de Métis in eastern Québec.
Link: International Garden Festival [Thanks,Lesley!]
Link: Jardins Métis, Redford Gardens
Reference:
International Garden Festival 2006 (L+L)
Reference:
International Garden Festival 2005 (L+L)
Decodeine - Liquid Architecture
Architect and digital designer Dr. Margot Krasojevic has worked with Zaha Hadid and run studios at the A.A. and Bartlett as well as schools around the world. Her research and design practice is focused on time sequence, palimpsest and spatial narratives. During the past five years she has been engaged in work, publications, exhibitions and research on "pathological space" as displayed on her websites: Decodeine.
Dr. Krasojevic explores the perception of context as an environment of force and motion, a continuous seamless contextual metamorphosis rather than as a neutral vacuum, to question auto-pilot responses to our built environments. Both websites explore elements of projects which look at criteria's such as chemical imbalances in the brain, genetics and subjective interpretations of space, altering our perceptions and appropriations of the physical world.
Link: Decodeine.org
Link: Decodeine.com
