From Chair to Chaise: Kangura by Mussi
Designed by Italian company Mussi, this chair is more than just a comfy place to sit. Not only does it adapt to your body, Kangura’s base folds out to become a reclining chaise lounge. I’d say this is the perfect napping solution!
The removable covers come in any of the Mussi collection fabrics and leathers on an oval steel revolving base.
Maximizing Space Through Original Layout: IS House in Japan
Yo Yamagata Architects completed the design of a three-level residence located in Saitama, Japan, The design team managed to maximize the space (54.98 square meters) and create functional interiors filled with natural light. Three major components make up the structure of the building. The first is a buffer zone, an inspiring indoor-outdoor boundary consisting of a small courtyard, a terrace, and outside room, all partially hidden from the street with the help of wooden louvers.
Next off, there is the body of the building itself, containing the living spaces. The slot is the third element of the design (you can see the entire layout in the house plans attached at the end of the post). It is here that the architects envisioned a narrow atrium allowing light and air inside the residence and ensuring natural ventilation. The interior approach is minimalist, with arrangements playing a strong practical role. What do you think are the pros and cons of living in this particular home?
Metaproject 03: Areaware Wooden Toys
Metaproject, the student challenge created by designer and Rochester Institute of Technology professor Josh Owen, is back again for another round. Last year’s focus was on using glass in partnership with the Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG), but this year, Owen partnered up with hip New York-based company Areaware to present the students with the challenge of working primarily with wood and creating contemporary wooden toys geared toward adults. Areaware, who distributes some of Owen’s own designs, has had great success with its wooden products, like David Weeks’ jointed toys.
Throughout the semester, students researched wood and examples of culturally specific historical and contemporary toys to define the meaning of Universal Toy. Then, each student develops his or her own toy, and one will be chosen by Areaware to possibly be manufactured and sold by them. The projects will be on display this year during ICFF.
Surprising Minimalist Approach to Bookstore Design in China
Located between Ziqidonglai Central Park and the peripheral edge of Jiading, a new town in Shanghai, China, From East Bookstore displays a very European design. Scenic Architecture Office imagined a cultural retreat with unusual architecture elements that blend in, defining the personality of the project : “We conceived the environment of the bookstore as a whole, which provided an even and merged interrelation between interior space and exterior space, guiding people to read and relax“, explained the design team.
A sense of intimacy is provided by two small gardens included in the layout of the property, which further blur the indoor-outdoor boundaries. It is here that the visitors are offered an extra treat: “In different parts of the courtyards we created multi-leveled and enriched spatial sequences through splits and merges of wall routes and simple wall openings“. How would you comment on this highly modern bookstore design in Eastern China?