Historical Archives Geodesica

The design of the Historical Archives in Geodesica, Argentina was challenged by the dimension of the programme, the narrow lot and the domestic context of the neighbourhood. The architect Ignacio Montaldo sought to resolve this by placing the archives underground with the public interface floating above and wrapped with an open veiled brick work.

Biosphere Sustainability Centre

Designed by Paul Raff Studio the Biosphere Sustainability Centre is 14,000 m² multi-use and cultural facility proposed for a site in Ontario, Canada that aims to be a catalyst for environmental, social and economic sustainable development with a programme that demonstrates to the public how renewable energy technologies can provide heating, cooling, electricity and waste management.

More treasures

While I further indulge myself in a much needed little blogger break (please excuse me!) let me share with you some more treasures from the musee des arts decoratifs at the Louvre in Paris.

I loved these items best for the contrast they provided to the stark black background. Very modern, don't you think? The sumptuous bed, the ornate clock and the beautiful painting all in a dark, dramatically lit room on the 18th century floor.

Like so many places, it's all about the lighting.

The kids are all right

It's been awhile since I blogged about a movie, but after seeing 'The kids are all right' last night I knew it was time! Starring Annette Bening and Julianne Moore as a couple raising their kids they had through a donor -the film tackles a lot of issues facing modern families today without being preachy. The movie seriously made me laugh and cry and I would recommend you all to see it! However, keep the rating in mind, it's not child friendly (nor would you want to see it with your parents or children no matter their ages if you get my drift; awkward!!)

Without giving any of the plot away, the part of the film I identified with most was just a small sub-plot. The daughter is going off to college and it reminded me so much of the day my parents dropped me off at my dorm room; I saw so many of my own feelings on the face of that bright young actress bringing back a flood of emotions!

It's going to be another hot and sticky weekend, why not go to the movies?

Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud

The Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud is located in Badajoz, Spain. The 21,000m² school is a combination of three large but different volumes joined together tangentially, generating a strong spatial tension; the architects modostudio married the structures with complementary façades of pre-cast concrete.

new work ::: Kripalu Housing

The recently completed Kripalu housing by architects Peter Rose is part of the master plan to reshape the Kripalu Centre for Yoga & Health. The ecologically innovative design sits on 300 acres of dense forest in the Berkshire Mountains. The design in plan, is arranged along a tapering axis that reveals views through the slatted cypress cladding of the landscape and funnels breeze to the spartan concrete structure within.

shopping

While in Provincetown, I picked up this ceramic bird at one of my favorite shops, Yates & Kennedy, that reminded me so much of the cute birds at Deyrolle that I wanted to bring back so badly (but couldn't make it through customs). A few people made fun of me calling it 'granny' but I just think it's adorable. What do you think?

At the same store I also picked up this beautifull scented candle by Patch in NY (their website has the BEST music in the background). Named 'owl' it is scented of sandalwood, tobacco and vetiver and I can't wait for fall to light it!

I also stopped by John Derian's shop where I picked up a few things but this year I didn't take any pictures unfortunately. His shop is a MUST either in Provincetown or NYC! Have you done any summer shopping?

Paris Opera House

"It was a singularly mixed world composed of all the talents and tarnished by all the vices; a world where the same fatigue and the same fever appeared in every face" Emile Zola in NanaWhile reading these lines on the beach last week, I immediately thought of the Palais Garnier in Paris, otherwise known as the Paris Opera House. Indeed, the whole book has me thinking of the age of opulence.

One can still hear the rustle of silk from the courtesans that once wandered its' halls.

Rather than talk about the ornate-ness of the building, I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.The famous grand staircase, rather dimly lit and hard to capture with my little camera.One of many hallways meant to contain crowds gathered here to socialize; love the oak chevron patterned floors. The grand foyer, possibly the most over-the-top room I've ever set foot in; it took my breath away.

So much intricate detail that the eye simply cannot focus; so much gold and shine that light is not needed.

If you get the chance, make sure to visit the Paris Opera House!

Queen's theater

I came across this delightful sketch by Elizabeth 'Beegle' Duquette of the Queen's theater at the Petit Trianon recently while reading More is More. Both talented artists, I'm amazed at the fascinating life they led. Click on the photos to enlarge and see the details. Have you read the 2 books on Duquette? Enjoy them?

Photograph of the Queen's theater by myself while the drawing is from the book More is More

New Work ::: 580 Carroll

Designed by architect Enrique Norten, 580 Carroll is a recently completed a five story 17 unit multi-family dwelling in the historic district of Park Slope in Brooklyn, New York. The façade of the building is finished in angular glass and has a private 3,500 square foot landscaped garden flanked by a cedar boardwalk adding a natural warmth in contrast to the raw concrete of the residence.

on the boards: Peace and Security Building of the African Union

The Peace and Security Building of the African Union proposed for a site in Addis Abada, Ethiopia by Henn Studio B was designed around a place for dialogue and transparency. A central spine provides a space for informal dialogue between people as well as the unifying element between the office spaces, conference and meeting rooms.

house of the week 81: Woodstock Farm

Designed by Rick Joy architects the Woodstock Farm is a departure from his typical oeuvre of desert modernism. Located on a 210 acre farm in Woodstock, Vermont the barn-like residence responds to the local typology in form and the use of a natural palette of locally sourced materials.

Photos © Jean-Luc Laloux more via

New Work ::: "Loop" Loft

The Loop loft by Ten to One Architecture, is a renovation to a 2,500 ft² live/work in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The Loop is defined by a timber feature, made from sustainably harvested worm-infested butternut hardwood, that interacts with the space becoming a multiplicity of things - at times a floor, a ceiling, a library, etc meanwhile concealing loft's services such as radiant floor heating, air conditioning and lighting.

Ten to One Architecture is a small Brooklyn based design / build studio founded in 2004 by Garrick Jones, developed in parallel with his work as Studio Director at the award winning and internationally recognized architecture firm Della Valle Bernheimer