OSKA Herd !!!!

Whether you’re a hiker, mountain biker or cross-country skier, the Rolling Huts, located in Washington’s Methow Valley, are the perfect accommodation. Designed as a modern alternative to camping by Tom Kundig of Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects in Seattle, the six huts are grouped as a herd, each with views of the mountains.

More info at: www.rollinghuts.com

Governors Island Envisioned as Incredible Eco-Park

New York’s Governor’s Island is set to receive an incredible set of renovations that will transform the 172-acre plot of decaying Coast Guard structures into a stunning eco-park. Designed by West 8, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and Rogers Marvel Architects, the project is a hybrid of landscape and architecture based around a sinuous set of new paths, watercourses, restaurants, aquaria and even complimentary wooden bicycles. Slated for completion in 2012, the ambitious, new and improved Governors Island will incorporate a host of environmentally friendly features.

Sold to the city and state for $1 in 2003, Governor’s Island is set become the site of one of New York City’s greenest destinations. Diller Scofidio + Renfro say the plan “uses the man made topography of lower Manhattan as a starting point; the southern tip of the island is transformed into an artificial landscape with hills constructed of reclaimed materials from existing Governors Island buildings. As the new topography approaches the Western edge of the island, it transforms into EPDM-covered greenhouse structures, programmed as botanical and aquatic research centers.”
The proposal also features a Marine Exploration Center that consists of a set of off-shore “programmed structures” including a coastal plant greenhouse, marine life tank, vertical reef, and two restaurants. “Off-shore programmed structures emerge like bubbles from the water, moving with the tides…” say Diller Scofidio + Renfro, “The Oyster Restaurant floating directly across the harbor from the Statue of Liberty is an inflated sphere, 150′ in diameter, anchored by a man-made oyster reef. Rather than focusing its gaze on the world, it turns to the ecology of the local, allowing guests to eat the site by serving foods from the Hudson and the harbor.”

As visitors head to the southern tip of the island, they will encounter a “Vertical Landscape” of man-made mountains that will incorporate recreational, cultural, and educational functions. Though still in the development stage, features may include snack bars, exhibits, a funicular, and caves for spelunking. West 8 partner Jerry van Eyck says: “We wanted to give it the attitude of a national park, one with primal nature, robustness, where you don’t feel the hand of man.”

Recycalite: pendant lamp mobile

The Recycalite; a Pendant Lamp Mobile, manufactured by local artists Ames Munden and Lisa Tyrrell, is handmade in San Francisco, California and is created by using recycled lampshade materials, hand-stained fiberglass, and filament. The hand-stained discs (1", 2", and 3") are strung onto clear filament and hung from a circular ring.Size; 13" outside diameter x 8" inside diameter and hangs 21/2 feet long; $475 order through http://beelinemid-century.com/recyclobiles.html .

WTC MODEL

The American Architectural Foundation has donated the original model of the World Trade Center to the September 11th Museum. The Museum has another name but it is ridiculously long and focus-grouped and I refuse to use it. The 7-foot-plus model wonder of the world was constructed by Minoru Yamasaki Associates and has survived because of great care.
I saw this model in 2004 when it was displayed at the Skyscraper Museum and it's a powerful thing. That museum is close to Ground Zero but a bit off the beaten path in Battery Park City. Visiting during the day I had the model to myself. It was a powerful experience: the model was my new memorial. The model is huge, a technical achievement in its own right, not just in construction but in the extreme stewardship needed to keep it in good shape. And yes, it's significant and ironic that a paper and plastic model outlived a huge building complex. It's a powerful reminder of what was lost seven and a half years ago.

Luminescent Fiber Optic Wallpaper by Camilla Diedrich

What if we could light our homes with glowing wallpaper rather than having to rely on electric lights? Swedish designer Camilla Diedrich has asked this exact question, and in response, created a stunning line of luminescent wallpaper that is lit by fiber optics. Her Nature Ray Charles Wallpaper features a delicate assortment of floral motifs that shine through in lucid lines, adding a touch of energy-efficient ambiance to any room.

Available in 8 different colors, Nature Ray Charles Wallpaper is part of Ms. Diedrich’s ‘Walls‘ product line. Speaking about her working process Ms. Diedrich says, “I have been searching for light without light…I was drawing as usual and slipped on the keyboard the drawing went extremely light and I just stared and thought wow this must be how blind people see and I thought of Ray Charles, the musician. His name is Ray, doesn’t that mean light?”

Its not clear from Camilla’s website where the light source is set up, or how much light this wallpaper can give off, butthe images are spectacular. We’re envisioning an ambitious green project that involves hooking up this fiberoptic wallpaper to solar light collectors on the roof and then pumping natural daylight through the wallpaper into a space below. If it was possible to use these wall coverings as accent lighting, they might provide significant energy savings in addition to their innovative beauty. “My mission at first was to make the wallpaper with real light,” Ms. Diedrich says, “but then I didn’t want to build in too much technology, and when I by coincidence could make a sort of illusion of light I was happy. Now I am developing the first idea too, to build in real light for those who need and like that.” Not exactly sure what that all means, but an exciting innovation nonetheless.

+ Camilla Diedrich

Via Designboom and Architonic



read more....

Standing Grass Frames

Metaphys brings the garden indoors! Carrying on the Japanese obsession with greening the living space, these frames come with everything you need to grow your own lawn. The frame contains a tray in which you place the high-tech growing medium, made up of tiny sponge balls impregnated with nutrients. Sprinkle the prairie grass seed on top, water and wait. After about a week the grass will sprout and start to grow. READ MORE

Objectified Movie Trailer

Objectified trailer online now!

http://www.objectifiedfilm.com/objectified-trailer/



It's a new year, and here's something new to look at: the first trailer for Objectified. 100 seconds of images from the film (with portraits of most of the Objectified cast) and the voices of Jonathan Ive, Andrew Blauvelt, Marc Newson, and Karim Rashid. And the font used in the trailer is... Akzidenz Grotesk! We hope you enjoy it!

Helvetica on PBS tomorrow night
Helvetica will have its US television debut tomorrow, January 6th, nationwide on PBS as part of the awesome Independent Lens series. It's a shortened version of the film (54 minutes versus the original 80) but with all the juicy bits still intact. Check your local PBS listings for exact date and time in your area. As part of the build-up to tomorrow's broadcast, PBS has launched a fairly extensive mini-site with loads of info, clips, and other treats, including the What Font Are You? game!

Art Center College of Design on BCC Campus

A representative from Art Center College of Design will be on campus NEXT Tuesday December 9th at 10:30AM in room room L121 to talk with potential / interested students about the school and the various design programs offered. If you are not familiar with the school -Art Center College of Design, located in Pasadena, CA is recognized as one of the world's foremost institutions for art and design education. Degree programs range from Fine Art to Industrial Design to New Media.

I highly encourage all instructors to announce this event in their classrooms as this is a rare chance to see some examples of world-class student work. The representative will be available for portfolio reviews, general questions and of course handouts, etc.

Bubbletecture H / Shuhei Endo

Architects: Shuhei Endo
Location: Sayo-cho, Hyogo, Japan
Project team: Kengo Sasamoto, Aya Umemoto
Design year: 2005-2006
Construction year: 2006-2008
Principal use: Institution and exhibition of earth environmental
Site Area: 5,000 sqm
Constructed Area: 968 sqm


The client requested that all people who will visit this place including the inhabitants of Hyogo prefecture, improves the interest for global environmental concerns and be able to experience various approaches as the place of environmental study.

We thought about creating the new environment architectural space that could share the point of contact with nature and environment providing a keyword called “the circulation” in a relation with nature for the request.

The site is on the steep slope of the north side in the forest. After integrating all functions that the client requested at the design term into three, required area and volume were set according to the function and structure. The two functions were arranged in parallel on flat land (old town road was there) that had remained at a high level in the site, and another was arranged having floated from the slope at the same level of other two. This is because it is assumed very important to make use of the limited flat land, keep natural landform as large as possible, and to minimize the influence of construction against peripheral natural environment. The form of the building shows the rational shape that connects these three functions for plane and section.

Japanese cypress thinning wood log that is used for superstructure is provided with the intention of realizing the light structure as well as standardizing and improving the work efficiency of the timber using, and to fix the amount of CO2 emission. The weather resistance steel board of 1.2mm thickness is used for outside roof and wall finish. This steel board shows the characteristic that doesn’t rust any more after stabilizing process of the initial rust.

Moreover, we tried to green a roof and wall partially applying moss that grows by moisture on an atmospheric inside and turf that grows on the soil containing high retentivity of water.

The material was chosen not only for the characters of the maintenance free or the low maintenance but also of the quality that acquires the form the oneness with a natural spectacle obtaining the expression of architecture that cooperates with the natural environment that changes and grows up.

（From basics to floor）for the structure of under part, 16 Deep Foundations of 1.5m in diameter are adopted, to minimize the influence of the construction against peripheral natural environment. The part of the building that touches the ground is RC structure and composed underground beam, and the part of the building that floating from the ground is SRC structure which used a steel frame together. They are connected and composed footing beam. And the floating part with underground beam is supported by the building frame of RC that is also used as a water tank for fire prevention.（It is the upper part from the floor）For the superstructure, the single-layered three-dimensional truss structure which is made out of Japanese cedar thinning wood log and ready-made hardware covers the space for one body. This truss had been begun to be assemble in every three main building space. On the nearest flat land (a yard), a set of truss which has 2-3 logs with one joint parts and has composed already on the ground was lifted with a crane, and connected by human power. The rooms such as a waiting room or the office which are arranged in the space of the truss constitute are composed with general RC wall-type structure and steel-frame structure.

3deluxe Book announced

3deluxe is a German interdisciplinary design collective of communications, interiors and product designers and architects. This substantial book presents the group’s most complex projects over the last five years showing their skilful mastery of interplaying graphics, interior and architecture to create powerful spatial situations and graphics that resonate through all of their projects.

3deluxe's outstanding projects for fashion, music and sports, exhibitions and fair stands, spatial productions and architecture illustrate a sensitive intellectual balance and sensual receptive approach. The multi-media theme world Cyberhelvetia, the interior design and corporate design for the infamous CocoonClub in Frankfurt, events and exhibitions for the 2006 FIFA World Cup as well as the corporate architecture for the glass manufacturer Leonardo are only but a few of the multitude of projects featured in this luxurious volume.

The non-linear principle of how they meld various design disciplines is also reflected in the layout of the book. With cross-references of chapters and projects, it vividly conveys 3deluxe’s visual and theoretical creative approach. Essays by renowned authors complement the descriptions of projects, sparking lively debate on current trends in design and architecture, making this expansive monograph far more than a conventional presentation of their work.

City Trees Furniture

City Trees Furniture

enjoy creating furniture for our customers that matches their individual style, needs and imagination. We have unique finished pieces ready for immediate purchase. We also offer a variety of table, bench, desk and other furniture designs to choose from, which you can customize by hand-selecting your wood from our large inventory of hardwood slabs and recycled fir beams. We can also work with you to create your own unique design for any type of furniture, including mantels and countertops. We craft and finish your piece according to your specifications and, as needed, visit your location to ensure proper fit, shape and installation. We welcome the opportunity to turn our exquisite, environmentally friendly wood into a showpiece for your home or business.

Since each piece is custom designed and created, prices vary accordingly. Prices are based on wood and design used. The price of custom pieces can be determined once the wood and design have been selected, before the work begins. We are happy to help you work within your budget.

Some of our finished pieces are currently on display at:

NW Fine Woodworking Gallery, near Pioneer Square
(206-625-0542)
nwfinewoodworking.com

The Island Gallery, on Bainbridge Island
(206-780-9500)
theislandgallery.net

Space: A Design Build Collective, in Greenwood
(206-706-1054)
spacedesignbuild.com

To view other finished pieces, please contact us.

Good Wood ! Competition

Call for Entries: Good Wood!
COMPETITIONS

We've been working with The Nature Conservancy and FSC-US (Forestry Stewardship Council - US chapter) to bring you a Competition as well as a Challenge devoted to sustainable forestry. So if you're a communication designer or a product designer, learn about the relevance of FSC-certified wood and enter your design to win!

Wood, Paper, Checkmark
A Competition to create elements of a consumer call-to-action campaign to buy FSC-certified products as a means of protecting forests around the world. Illegal logging and deforestation threatens people, wildlife, our economies and our climate. A critical tool in the race to save the world’s forests is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. Founded in 1993, FSC is an international NGO certification and labeling system that promotes the responsible management of the world’s working forests. The winning design will be used by The Nature Conservancy and FSC-US to inform consumers that FSC-certified products will help protect forests around the world.

There is $10,000 in prize money for this Competition and the deadline for submissions is January 13, 2009.

Going with the Grain Challenge
A Challenge to design an original and compelling object that can be made from a single sheet of FSC-certified plywood measuring 4-feet x 8-feet x 1-inch. Two prototypes of the winning design will be created, one will go to the winner and the other will be auctioned in conjunction with the 2009 opening of The Nature Conservancy’s "Design for a Living World" traveling exhibit that will feature sustainable natural materials from around the world. Proceeds will benefit The Nature Conservancy’s sustainable forestry program. This Challenge is being sponsored byEcoSystems, who engage communities in collaborative developments including the exciting new discussion panel Design Green Now.

Deadline for submissions: June 2, 2009

Office dA Lecture

This lecture is co-sponsored by the University of Washington and the Seattle Chapter of the American Institute of Architects:

Mullet Sections: a lecture by Nader Tahrani of office dA

This lecture will focus on the tensions between ground and ceilings,
where the site of architectural invention sees its parameters.

6:00 pm, October 31, 2008, 147 Architecture Hall, University of Washington

Nader Tehrani is a principle partner of the Boston-based architecture and design firm office dA. The firm's work ranges in scale from furniture to urban design, with a focus upon architecture. Office dA seizes on the challenges unique to each project as the catalysts for transformation in architecture. An investigation of the potentials of materials and construction techniques, often imported from fields outside of architecture is the foundation for every design. Recent projects include the Main Library for the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, the Macallen Building in Boston and Helios House, a sustainable gas station, in Los Angeles.

Wonderwall Publication

Wonderwall is Masamichi Katayama. The internationally renowned interior and retail designer is synonymous with exquisite quality and applies his distinctive trademark showmanship to create visionary retail environments.

"In a way, nothing has changed, but in fact everything is completely different." With this renewal, Katayama tried to draw out the potential of what was already an excellent site.

more info at Frame magazine:

http://www.framemag.com

OPEN SATELLITE events

IndieCade: The International Festival of Independent Games @ Open Satellite will feature more than two dozen games selected by an international jury of industry leaders. Games will be displayed in an interactive exhibition, with artwork by Adam Beadle (courtesy BLVD Gallery), and will be complemented by a sequence of speakers, master classes by game designers, artist talks and ongoing open game play.

Schedule of Events
Please check for detailed listings, as well as ongoing schedule updates and additions. Tickets available at www.brownpapertickets.com

COTE Case Study: Green Residential

Join the design teams of two contemporary, sustainable residential projects to learn how they addressed density and reduced building and ecological footprint through uncommon urban development strategies.
A presentation and tour of the first all 5-star Built Green development in Seattle, by b9 Architects and gProjects, will be followed by a presentation of a Madison Valley urban infill home seeking LEED platinum by Urbanmix and Cascade Built.
Project 1: The Urban CanyonPresenters/Organization: Brad Khouri, b9 Architects; Graham Black, gProjects
Project 2: Alley HousePresenters/Organization: Elizabeth Grace, Urbanmix, James Jenkins from O'Brien and Co.; and Sloan Ritchie from Cascade Built

more info at AIA Seattle

C2's LoVo launch

LoVo stands for low-VOC (volatile organic compounds), which are dangerous additives found in most paints. What sets LoVo apart? A virtually limitless color palate for one, more specifically 496 handcrafted colors (that makes for infinite options!). What's more, LoVo is a luxurious, boutique paint with depth and luminosity.

West Coast Green in San Francisco

Michelle Kaufmann Designs (mkd) answer to modern green housing. In conjunction with Sunset Magazine the mkLotus modular home at West Coast Green in San Francisco went up last week.

SOM Cathedral of Christ the Light Opens

SOM - Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland

inhabitat.com review

New Academy of Science Building in San Francisco

Renzo Piano just opened the remodeled Academy of Sciences building in SF Golden Gate Park

click here to see more

additional reviews at inhabitat.com

Tropolism.com - A GREAT SITE FOR DESIGN

TROPOLISM


WHAT DOES TROPOLISM MEAN?

Tropolism means Metropolism.com was taken.

Tropolism means believing that cities are the crowning achievement in our civilization. After ultrasuede, of course.

Tropolism means urban life is a glorious mess, as are the buildings and spaces that enable it.

Tropolism means addicted to density.

Tropolism means loving the works of architects, and all the public conversation that surrounds it, while retaining a healthy skepticism for what architects say about their work.

Tropolism means writing about loving works of architects, and about skepticism for what they say.

Tropolism means calling bullshit.

Tropolism means no complaining.

Tropolism means proposing new alternatives.

Tropolism means finding beauty everywhere it exists.

Tropolism means making the hidden city visible.

Introducing Wikia Green

We here at ecofabulous are thrilled to announce the creation of Wikia Green, a dynamic new ecology resource… And our partnership with this new eco-information powerhouse.
Wikia, the leading provider of information on every topic under the sun, has today announced the launch of Wikia Green, a website that will be home to a breadth of information about the ever-evolving eco-world.
Created by Jimmy Wales and Angela Beesley, Wikia Green was the love child born when Wales met Al Gore, just before Gore received his Nobel Prize. After researching existing green resources, Wales realized that information about green topics was scattered and often overly scientific. Wikia Green took shape from his desire to unite the passion of the green community into one highly accessible resource. He also wanted information to be understandable to eco-neophytes.
Much like Wikipedia—also the brainchild of Jimmy Wales–Wikia Green is a collaborative repository of content that can be instantly updated to reflect the most current information in the rapidly evolving world of eco-consciousness. Unlike a stagnant dictionary definition, Wikia Green will be an incredibly dynamic, user-friendly resource of environmental ideology.
Ecofabulous’ partnership with Wikia Green will allow our readers to quickly find definitions and background information of the topics covered on our website. So when you find yourself scratching your head, wondering what the heck parabens or carbon footprints really are, you can click on our eco-Lingo Made Simple icon for a contextual explanation powered by Wikia Green.

http://green.wikia.com/wiki/Wikia_Green

Kengo Kuma Lecture 10/6

Space.City presents a  lecture by Kengo Kuma:

Monday, October 6,2008 

7PM

Seattle Central Library

Tickets are $10 advance, $15 at the door

www.brownpapertickets.com/event/43979