The concept of the green building derived from a need to create a local landmark that would be associated globally with the skyline of Singapore: “Most of Singapore’s recent architecture – especially in and around the city centre – is nothing more than generic and can be seen anywhere in the world, regardless of climate and culture. An equilibrium point of architectural anonymity has been derived from a number of factors. Finally the city has a uniquely expressive urban landmark that reinterprets and reinvigorates its location”. We love the garden theme behind this imposing hotel design and are looking forward to reading your thoughts as well.

Freshome.com – Interior Design & Architecture Magazine

This is the Danish home of architect Kasper Ronn and his wife Julie. The house had been a large barn which they split in two so that Julie’s sister could live next door with her husband. Inside, Kasper and Julie have kept their interior free of clutter yet surprisingly cosy. The raw brick walls have been kept bare and this contrast beautifully with the chandelier in the hallway and the polished concrete floor. Upstairs the rooms are minimal and because of this, the pieces that Kasper and Julie have chosen stand out even more. I love the black pendant lights in the dining room (top image), they are the Topan VP6 from Verner Panton.

(images and information via Style NV)

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Home Decorating Trends

Materials: Kvissle cable management box

Description: I want to use the Kvissle cable management box as a diaper caddy and hang it on the wall above the changing table in my baby’s room. There are no holes in the back of the box, though there are holes at the bottom. A Huggies wipes container fits almost perfectly, it sticks out a tiny amount at the back. Any ideas as to how to hang it? Thanks!

~ Amanda

IKEA Hackers

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.

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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?

Freshome.com – Interior Design & Architecture Magazine

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.

Areaware Creative Director Laura Young spent a significant amount of time with the students throughout the process. “I visited with the class several times over the course of the semester, which included a rigorous concept critique where I reviewed collections of drawings and models from each student and addressed the students as a whole on what worked, what didn’t and why.”

“She [Laura] was heavily invested in the outcomes and as such became very attached to the students of the course. This was a treat because the students built a relationship based on mutual admiration,” said Professor Owen. He believes that working with an actual client is an excellent experience for students to prepare them for the industry. “Metaproject adds into the mix the tenants of ‘good design’ espoused by the Vignellis’ teachings which further guides the students towards making sustainable choices. Strategic placement of the class output in the ICFF in NYC further positions the students to connect with potential employers and with media contacts. When viewed as a constellation of assets, the course offers an elegant immersion into the field, under expert faculty guidance.”

I asked Professor Owen why wood was chosen as the material. Josh explained that wood is ideal because it can be easily manipulated and student models would “closely approximate their would-be mass-produced counterparts and can be tested as such.” I respect his answer when asked about the possibly disadvantages of using wood: “In my view there were no disadvantages. As designers, we typically focus on the brief we are given – we are in the business of defining opportunities.”

This year’s winner was James Paulius, whose design was called Blockitecture (both photos above) is a collection of hexagonal blocks that nest together in various formations, allowing them to counterbalance each other and create unique cantilevers found in modern and contemporary architecture. Blockitecture is a toy that allows users to enhance their understanding of physical laws by using their creative and imaginative processes.

The other winners included Jay Liu (second place), Katharine Beyerle (third place) and runners up Megan Lin, Blair Prietz, Jaclyn Jacobson, Jeffrey Burrell, Nanxi Yu.

Here are all of the student designs:

Alexandro Flores

Alexander Cloutier

Aaron Jackendoff

Blair Prietz

Ashley Valenti

David Buchanan

Gonzalo Ciurlizza

Jaclyn Jacobson

Ian O’Neill

Jay Liu

Jeffrey Burrell

Kathrine Beyerle

Kevin DAmico

Lindsay Randall

Sean Petterson

Rob Fish

Ryan Erbe

Megan Lin

Nanxi Yu

Nicholas Kelemen

Paula Garcia

Get more information on all of these designs on the Metaproject website.

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