Check out this little project from ReadyMade magazine for an inexpensive and personalized lamp. We haven't tried it ourselves, but we think it looks pretty cool... and plus, we were looking for a weekend project.
Link: ReadyMade
This cool restaurant in New York City is owned by AvroKO, "an idea driven, integrated design group that creates and enhances high-style brands, products and environments." And what an environment they have created here.
Without becoming a "themed" restaurant, Public is filled with design references (literal and subtle) to public spaces from the library to the post office to the common streetscape. The concept is to offer a unique and adventuresome menu in an accessible setting.
Very nicely done.
The union of the innovative New York based design group and the acclaimed kitchen team from London marks one of the first successful collaborative restaurant ventures of its kind.
Link: Public
Firm: AvroKO
Location: L+L Maps - Public
Interested in Panelite but not sure how to apply it? Looking for slightly different yet creative ways to use it? ID Magazine invited three designers to get creative with Panelite and the resulting concepts are "sweet".
"Bright, bubbly, and inclined to glow, Panelite panels make cheerful company. But this material is no floozy. Constructed of a honeycomb core of polymer, fiberglass, or aluminum sandwiched between fiberglass facings, it's strong and consistently rigid for its weight. A 4-by-8-foot panel, 3/4-inches thick, is 32 pounds, a feather compared to acrylic (144 pounds), or plate glass (316 pounds) in the same dimensions. What's more, the gumdrop colors and honeycomb cells produce vivid visual effects when light passes through the material.Image: Leni Schwendinger Light ProjectsWhat might other adventurous types do with Panelite? We asked the lighting designer Leni Schwendinger, industrial designer Gadi Amit of Newdealdesign, and graphic designer Mirko Ilic each to propose an application. They and their colleagues worked like drones to produce the concepts presented here."
Interior designer Jasper Sanders and architect Gavin Elliot had the idea of creating a compact apartment unit that could offer the option of low-cost city-center living to those otherwise priced out of the market. The concept, called Abito, is hyper-efficient 347 square foot apartment priced around £85,000. Each apartment features high ceilings, balcony, foldaway bed and storage wall, and a multifunctional pod (the "central living unit") in the center of the unit which contains storage, laundry, kitchen and bath. Ask Developments is now building the concept in cities across the U.K.
Imagine you could buy a city centre apartment that was cheaper than a one bedroom flat, but much, much better. (Abito is) specifically designed to reflect modern lifestyles.
Link: Abito
The new Bastide Garden at the Bordeaux Botanical Garden in France by landscape architect Catherine Mosbach is designed to deal with issues of biodiversity, renewable natural resources and the dynamics and mutation of landscapes. The concept is that of the artificial "botanical object" for the layout of the gardens.
a-matter has a nice article about the garden with photos and plans.
Link: a-matter
Visit: Jardin Botanique Bordeaux: La Bastide
Clean. Efficient. Elemental. The Airstream trailer is the epitome of modernity. The CCD line features updated interiors by interdisciplinary designer Christopher C. Deam. "The International CCDs are aptly named because they can be towed cross-continent or cross-county," actually we were thinking that CCD stood for Christopher C. Deam... but anyway, "anywhere an automobile can go and still have all the facilities for comfortable living. Yes, even luxurious living!"
We like that the designs bring the flowing lines of the exterior, and even the riveted aluminum skin, inside.
Link: Airstream International CCD
Designer: Christopher C. Deam
Designed by young French brothers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, this collection is a wonderful interpretation of common tube framed patio furniture. We like the proportions and straight forward design. The collection features chairs, chaise lounges, stools and tables. Chair covers that don't look like an after thought are also available.
Link: Magis
Designers: Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, Paris
Honestly, do you need a Hummer branded flashlight? Well... perhaps if you drive an (FU) H2 you do.
The thing works by shaking it for 30 seconds which provides three minutes worth of light, no batteries... which is actually kinda cool. But really, we'd take the technology sans-lame, thank you. Both available at Sharper Image.
This custom layout cooktop system is too cool. The hexagon shaped tiles are made to fit flush into the counter surface. The flush touch panel control tile can operate up to six units or three dual cooking zones. Three options for heat surface size and BTU output are available and the tiles can be arranged in any desired configuration.
Link: Küppersbusch USA
Via: Gizmodo
This San Mateo family has setup an online tour of their Eichler home:
"We purchased our house in June, 2000. It's located in an Eichler devlopment known as 'The Highlands' in San Mateo, California.Designed by A. Quincy Jones, it's an atrium model with four bedrooms, two baths, and 1,660 sq. ft. of living space. In 1959 when new, the house sold for about $24,000. We paid just a bit more in 2000.
The lot is rectangular, 68' wide by 110' deep, set on a slight slope, with the rear of the house, which is almost entirely floor-to-ceiling glass, facing east.
The front door is to the side of the central carport, and opens into an atrium space which provides access through three different sliding glass doors to the living room, dining/kitchen area, or home office area."
Link: Eichler Home Tour
Architect: A. Quincy Jones
Photo: Ernie Braun
Beautiful contemporary rugs by a range of talented designers.
elson & company was founded with the vision of fusing custom-designed, hand-knotted Tibetan rugs with the endless possibilities of sophisticated modern design. Each collection is a delicate balance of present and past. The weavers with whom we work in Katmandu are masters of traditional techniques that reflect the rich heritage of the unique Tibetan craft. Our designers translate their innovative vision into individual works of art. The collections embrace the harmony between the established art form of Tibetan weaving and the simplicity of timeless, modern design.Collections include "Tibetan Modern: The Architects Collection" where architects (such as Steven Holl, Greg Lynn, Michael Rotondi, Billie Tsien & Tod Williams, David Yamawere and many others) translated their impressions of Tibet into carpets design.
Link: Elson & Company
Swivel armchair with shaped steel section frame, covered with moulded polyurethane foam. Available in leather and fabric. Swivel base.
Designer: Karim Rashid
Link: Frighetto
Reference: Karim Rashid (L+L)
The Mod Cabinet is a storage solution with security. But not just any old lock and key security. A built-in fingerprint sensor allows access to locked drawers. Users are registered using a PDA or desktop computer running Glide's proprietary administration software. A wireless Bluetooth link is also available. The cabinet is also available without locks or a fingerprint sensor but really, why wouldn't you want a fingerprint sensor?
Link: Glide
"His sweeping forms and painterly approach to planting were revolutionary when they first came to public attention in the 1930s, and many contemporary designs today owe his vision a great debt. Born in São Paulo, Brazil, the son of German emigrants, Burle Marx studied painting in Rio de Janeiro, an aspect of his work that persisted throughout his career. Drawing on his masterly knowledge of Brazil's rich tropical plants, his fine-art training, and his love of music and sculpture, he began with private landscape commissions before his work caught the eye of architects Le Corbusier and Oscar Niemeyer. With them, Burle Marx created some of his most memorable works in Brasilia and elsewhere around Brazil."
Link: Amazon
An article by Janet Eastman in the Los Angeles Times covers the homes of lesser known California modernist architect, Harwell Harris.
Harris, who designed houses in Southern California in the 1930s through 1950s, merged elements of Greene & Greene's Arts and Crafts style such as wood, bold roof overhangs and Japanese influences with Modernism's lean lines and liberal use of glass. His small houses showcase walls of windows and see-through doors in every room.Link: LA Times (with images)
It was a good day at CA Boom. After being shut out yesterday, we had the opportunity to tour the homes of three different architects in Venice Beach.
Alas we were the victims of our own bad planning today... by the time we got to the third home on the tour, the battery on our digital camera had conked out. And such a cool house it was... we'll redeem ourselves somehow on this one.
In addition to the home tour we attended two speaking sessions and did some more browsing at the exhibits. Carry on then for the details...
Reference: CA Boom - Day 1 (L+L)
Reference: CA Boom Opens! (L+L)
Reference: CA Boom: A Festival of Contemporary Design (L+L)
Link: CA Boom
It was a fine finish to the CA Boom festival as we were able to tour three more homes of well known architects. Covering the festival for the last four days straight... we must admit that we are a bit tired. Well, how about we say that one of us is tired from the festival (as are the guests who accompanied), and the other of the L+L crew is tired from backpacking in the Sierra... perhaps two reports will be forthcoming from the weekend!
It wasn't clear whether we would be able to join the home tours today as a snafu with the buses caused scheduling problems. All of the tours were sold out before noon today, but we able to join the V.I.P. tour at the last minute. It would have been a shame to miss this one featuring the homes of Lorcan O'Herlihy, Ron Radziner and Steven Ehrlich (we got to see the inside today after checking out the street view on Friday).
Lots more as you continue...
Reference: CA Boom - Day 2 (L+L)
Reference: CA Boom - Day 1 (L+L)
Reference: CA Boom Opens! (L+L)
Reference: CA Boom: A Festival of Contemporary Design (L+L)
Link: CA Boom
First things first; congratulations and a heartfelt thanks go out from Land+Living to the organizers of CA Boom. A design event of this kind on the left coast is long overdue. Billed as the "first annual," we look forward to the evolution of CA Boom in the years to come as they learn from the mistakes and build on the successes.
We applaud CA Boom for its efforts to make contemporary design accessible. We felt that the organizers did a good job of providing a mix of content which was of interest to both professionals and the layity... something we strive for here at L+L as well. It is a fine line to walk, and it seemed to work as the event was very well attended throughout the weekend by design professionals as well as the general public.
The evenings turned the festival into a kind of scene, with lots of young people dressed to impress and a club atmosphere taking over. We took note of some attendees saying that it was a great place to meet up and hang out for the night.
It was the mix of events and moods that made CA Boom work.
(More commentary and images as you continue...)
Reference: CA Boom - Day 3 (L+L)
Reference: CA Boom - Day 2 (L+L)
Reference: CA Boom - Day 1 (L+L)
Reference: CA Boom Opens! (L+L)
Reference: CA Boom: A Festival of Contemporary Design (L+L)
Link: CA Boom
In addition to the #8 installment in the process of building their home, Jennifer and Barry have also launched their new website, Luminhaus, to promote their LV Home as a vacation rental.
"Our window distributor installed all of the windows during the week of August 2nd. On Sunday, August 8th, I took a break from being mother and wife and went to the building site by myself to inspect the windows and install weatherproofing over the nailfins. The windows look great and I can't wait to install the sliding doors. During the week of August 16th, our roof membrane will be installed and Barry will be installing the rough plumbing."
Link: Luminhaus
Link: Article #8
Link: LV Home Kit
Reference: LV Home - Building Update I
Reference: LV Home - Building Update II
Reference: LV Home - Building Update III
Reference: LV Home - Building Update IV
Reference: LV Home - Building Updates V & VI
Reference: LV Home - Building Update VII
Spotted recently at the ICFF, this coffee table by TRUCK Product Architecture features a top that slides to one side exposing an interior compartment perfect for stashing books, remotes, or anything else that you'd typically keep around your coffee table but need to stash in a hurry when the Man comes knocking on your door.
Designers: TRUCK Product Architecture
Link: Tambour Table
From Christoph Bitzer and Wolfgang Sirch comes the coolest dollhouse ever built. This modernist dollhouse comes with plexiglass sliding doors, beech furnishings, a kitchen island and shower.
Could this be the perfect place to showcase your Vitra Miniatures?
UPDATE: MocoLoco has found additional pictures of the dollhouse.
Via: NY Times (Registration Req'd)
"Sapporo is a refined and versatile storage system. It can be used as an individual element, or can be stacked up to six units high. The units sit on a steel base, which can be either fixed or on castors. The tempered glass sliding doors are available in a transparent or frosted finish. Also of red plexiglass.
"Sapporo units can have wheels for the units with 1 or 2 highs. The dimensions of the system are the same."
Link: Stua
Designer: Jesus Gasca
Elsewares is a new breed of design catalog based in New York that features the works of independent designers. We like their product assortment in a ReadyMade/Dwell sort of way. Also, when you go through their checkout process, you are able to vote for a non-profit group that you would like Elsewares to contribute to. At the end of each quarter, the group with the most votes will receive a portion of Elsewares' profits. Nice.
Some of the products we like are the Super Bowl by Elasticco and the Bottle Opener/Fridge Magnent from Suck UK.
We love the organic shape of this bentwood table. The Moroso website simply says "Plywood curved lacquered or stained".
The table is availble in beechwood or cherry and measures 45 x 43 x 40.
Designer: Jacob Wagner
Link: Moroso
Yesterday's MD 100 sighting was just a taste... today we have the fix for you prefab junkies.
ArchNewsNow features an interview with Michelle Kaufmann, creator of the Glidehouse.
Link: ArchNewsNow - Interview: Michelle Kaufmann and Glidehouse: Chic and Green
Next, an article in the October issue of Time Magazine talks about prefab including Michelle Kaufmann (again), Adam Kalkin and kit homes by Michael Graves and James Cutler for Lindal Cedar Homes.
Link: Time - Prefab Rehab
And finally your prefab buzz kill... an opinion piece in the Opinion Journal takes a stab at the Dwell Home.
Link: Opinion Journal - The Wieler-Tung Home: Modernist, modular, but not yet mass produced
Minneapolis, Minnesota based Coen + Partners is a landscape architecture, urban design and planning firm with a modern approach that is influenced by regionalism.
It is our intent to create interfaces between cultural and natural systems with lasting social and ecological impacts. Designed spaces can articulate and highlight physical relationships in ways that bring meaning and beauty to man-altered environments.Coen + Partners headed the planning and design for the Mayo Woodlands, a thoughtful reinterpretation of a typical residential subdivision near Rochester, Minnesota. The firm altered the inherited street and lot layout with four interventions: first, native prairie grasses overlay the site creating a uniform natural field; second, building sites for each residence were carved out of the prairie in an orthogonal layout deemphasizing the curving cul-de-sacs; third, traditional agricultural windbreaks of pine trees were laid across the site from east to west; and fourth, a series of low east/west walls and fences delineate paths connecting the neighborhoods. In addition, the colors of the houses are to graduate from off-white to grey and black as one moves through the site towards the river.
Firm: Coen + Partners
Firm: Salmela Architecture & Design
Firm: Altus Architecture
Link: Mayo Woodlands
Link: ASLA Award
Article: Star Tribune (registration required)
This is the kind of thing we love, a product that is unique without trying too hard. Amsterdam based Tjepkema studio adds movement to a light fixture by using the heat generated by the bulbs. The concept is not new, but the execution here above and beyond.
Heat generated by halogen lights activates a propeller and thus movement in the Dancing Shades lamp. The lamp projects shadows on the wall that create the same type of relaxing and hypnotic atmosphere that reflections of moving water create.Unfortunately, this is a prototype and is not available for purchase at this time.
Link: Tjepkema studio
"The issue of landscape is of increasing concern to us as the twenty-first century begins, not only as an area of design and study but also as it is affected by building development and the maintenance of eco-systems. This important and highly topical book extends the existing debate to examine recent projects and their part in our growing concern about the maintenance and enhance-ment of our natural spaces."
"Modern Landscape features over thirty international projects, including schemes by both architects and landscape architects, often working in collaboration. Following an introductory essay, the book is arranged into four sections of extensively illustrated case studies, each of which deals with a different aspect of landscape design - Parkland, Architecture as Landscape, Garden Landscapes and Urban Interventions - relating it directly to historical and contemporary precedents."
Author: Michael Spens
Link: Amazon
We've always liked the simple utility of binder clips (hmmm... maybe we need to do a "101 uses for the binder clip" blog someday). Anyway, here's one for the less is more category. We really dig this little fixture by Jonas Damon for Habitat that strips down the clip lamp to its bare essentials using the binder clip as inspiration (without being cutesy about it).
Designer: Jonas Damon Office for Design
Link: Habitat
Designed by more fellow SCI-Arc grads, the new Q! new hotel on Kurfürstendamm in Berlin is a 4 star hotel with 72 rooms, four studios, one penthouse and a bar and spa (wellness area).
The interior of Denari-esque undulating planes was designed to fit into the shell of the new building designed by another architect. Continuous surfaces (where floors wrap up to become walls, seating areas, beds, counters and ceilings) are used throughout the hotel providing a "cocoonlike" effect.
Firm: Graft
Link: Q! Berlin
Via: Architectural Record
Location: L+L Maps - Hotel Q!