Architecture, Landscape, and Structural Design

[Cyclopea]

Couldn't find a thread, let me know if there is one already!
:)

A place to post or discuss architecture, green design, structural art, design history, etc., or just things you like. (Or dislike :))

[Cyclopea]

This was really interesting:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128953596

[Cyclopea]

This is fricken' amazing...

http://www.ted.com/talks/rachel_armstrong_architecture_that_repairs_itself. html

[Apocalipstic]

I love the lines of the teeny homes and how they use space. I do enjoy having more space for myself personally and an lucky to be able to that, but as art I really enjoyed looking at these, especially the concrete ones.

Though one could not possibly tell from my house now, I love Utilitarianism and the Bauhaus.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zqFoq3qej2c/StovThbwZGI/AAAAAAABHg4/JQY3RqTd0_0/s400/Picture+40.png

I love this dog house!

[Apocalipstic]

http://growabrain.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/bauhaus_prefab.jpg

Overlooks seaside in England

[Apocalipstic]

http://0.tqn.com/d/architecture/1/0/9/Q/gropiushouse063.jpg

[Apocalipstic]

http://picocool.com/images/uploads/img_524.jpg

Staircase in a store in Buenos Aires

[Apocalipstic]

http://www.treehugger.com/orchid-house-buenos-aires-1.jpg

Also in Buenos Aires.

Today I love this, tomorrow, it may be Gothic. :glasses:

[EnderD_503]

Big fan of cathedrals and visited a few great ones over in Germany. I prefer high Gothic cathedrals next to Romanesque. What I love is wandering around the cathedrals trying to find builder's marks carved into the pillers, looking at built in guild symbols etc. I remember the first time I saw the cathedral in Köln, though. One of the most awe inspiring moments of my life. I was coming out of the u-bahn with a group of other Canadians. Suddenly we look up...and up...and up. It really was reaching for the heavens. Probably the most spectacular building I've ever set eyes on.

Köln
http://www.yucolo.com/images/heritage/29_oben_yucolo_koeln_a.jpg

Freiburg interior
http://www.pangur-ban.net/albums/germany/Freiburg_Cathedral.sized.jpg

Aachen/Aix-la-Chapelle interior
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2360/2057636706_527f0f5004.jpg

And castles:

Neuschwanstein - Was living in Schwangau and Füssen for a little bit and so only a short distance away from the castle. Really beautiful in spring/winter. Though, honestly, I think the mountains are far more spectacular.
http://www.fsa-youth.co.za/Images/Default%20Page/Pictures/Neuschwanstein.jpg

http://travellingboard.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/neuschwanstein-castle.jpg

Heidelberg
http://www.maestrobilly.com/podcast/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Heidelberg_Castle1.jpg

[violaine]

!! cathedrals !! i get blown away thinking about over a century of work building and generations - several. this thread is visually going to be stunning!


http://www.modernity.se/20th-Century-Design/TN/Img/1945_1_634096058402256870/Ceiling-lamp-designed-by-Preben-Dahl-for-HF.aspx

http://www.modernity.se/20th-Century-Design/Hans-Wegner/TN/Img/1801_1_633958157197378190/Armchair-The-Ox-Designed-by-Hans-Wegner-for-Johannes-Hansen.aspx

http://www.modernity.se/20th-Century-Design/3/Img/1997_1_634127523357344494/Vase-designed-by-Severin-Brorby-for-Hadelands.aspx

" . . .Rietveld’s career proceeded uninterrupted until 1943. He then was subsequently barred from practising as an architect, due to his refusal to join the Nazi-controlled Kulturkammer. After the war, the country and Rietveld gradually returned to normality, and Rietveld continued his work until he died at an age of 76.

Among his numerous furniture models, The Zig Zag chair, The Red and Blue Chair, the Schelling and Military series remain as eternal design icons. Gerrit Rietveld’s designs are to be found in the most important museum collections over the world.. . "

http://www.modernity.se/Designer/Gerrit-Rietveld/ID/121/Gerrit-Rietveld.aspx

[Kätzchen]

Man, I love architectural stuff!


I came across this recently and found it very interesting.
I have a deep interest in preservation of cultural artifacts, architecture, anything of historical value ...

llfKasSyhfI

[Cyclopea]

This link is to one of my favorite threads on the internet: People from all over the world post pictures of "Public Housing / Tenements / Commie Blocks / Projects / Housing Estates". I can't say I "like" most of the architecture in the thread, in fact much of it is horrifying. But grouping these architectural images by function reveals much -viscerally and aestetically- about the humanity behind that function. These aren't "pleasing" revelations, but they are stunning.
I've done an atrocious job of explaining my attraction to this thread but here it is if you wanna check it out:
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=247127

(Long story short: we don't have to "like" design for it to be revealing and compelling). (Blah Blah Blah).

[Apocalipstic]

Gaudi architecture in Spain!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3121/2839393853_c3695b96dc.jpg

http://www.moorewallpaper.com/holiday-spain-barcelona-city-break-gaudi-knights-roof-casa-mila.jpg
Creepy but cool!

Cyclopea, I love the idea of tenements and commie block housing, will see what I can find later.

[Apocalipstic]

http://ostel.eu/

Check this hotel out. It is in Berlin and is designed in the style of the DDR, Communist East Germany.

Stark, utilitarian and funky!

[Apocalipstic]

http://www.eveandersson.com/photos/germany/berlin-east-new-housing-large.jpg

Berlin apartments

[Apocalipstic]

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/10/30/article-1219936-0704B68F000005DC-660_468x676.jpg

Bauhaus apartments in Tel Aviv

[Kätzchen]

http://www.eveandersson.com/photos/germany/berlin-east-new-housing-large.jpg

Berlin apartments

I had a plan, a couple of years ago, to attend Alice Salomon University on a Fulbright - and do a pre-stay run to check out a place to live in Berlin by staying a weekend at this place ~> Louisa's Place <~
before commiting to the whole process of being in Berlin for two years - but that plan fell to the side... I read up a bit on some of the history of the building and what they have done to preserve the historical value of the property.


http://www.louisas-place.de/


Here's a link to Lisa Komisar's info page on where she stayed during her travels (Louisa's Place) and some info about that experience and history of local historical sites near the hotel, etc.

http://www.travellady.com/Issues/September05/1867DramaticBerlinsculptures.htm

[Apocalipstic]

I had a plan, a couple of years ago, to attend Alice Salomon University on a Fulbright - and do a pre-stay run to check out a place to live in Berlin by staying a weekend at this place ~> Louisa's Place <~
before commiting to the whole process of being in Berlin for two years - but that plan fell to the side... I read up a bit on some of the history of the building and what they have done to preserve the historical value of the property.


http://www.louisas-place.de/


Here's a link to Lisa Komisar's info page on where she stayed during her travels (Louisa's Place) and some info about that experience and history of local historical sites near the hotel, etc.

http://www.travellady.com/Issues/September05/1867DramaticBerlinsculptures.htm

Very cool! I would love to visit one day. We are thinking of going to Amsterdam next year and taking side trips to Germany.

[EnderD_503]

I was just reminded of an article I read a while back about this family that decided to dedicate themselves to sustainable living, and built their house into a hill side. I'd seen people do this for sheds or mine entrances in eastern Canada and Germany, but never saw anyone build their house this way (other than in LotR :p).

http://www.simondale.net/house/images2/front.jpg

http://www.simondale.net/house/images2/wide.jpg

http://www.simondale.net/house/images2/kitchen.jpg

Their website: http://www.simondale.net/house/index.htm

On that note, my cousin is actually building house with his wife and two young sons way out in the north. A log house with only straw as insolation. We'll see how it goes and may post some pics once they're done. I've always wanted to try building something more in the style of viking longhouses, like up at L'anse aux Meadows (viking ruins in Newfoundland) here in Canada.

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSWZyN8UHnKdZEPSRzKI6djkWnPm3ilM iBm9_0R1aKErlFN7-s&t=1&usg=__HINeONa3eaH3XiW2i5mSe8JoXuI=

Edit: just wanted to say that I'm really loving this thread! Great pics from everyone!

[Kätzchen]

I was just reminded of an article I read a while back about this family that decided to dedicate themselves to sustainable living, and built their house into a hill side. I'd seen people do this for sheds or mine entrances in eastern Canada and Germany, but never saw anyone build their house this way (other than in LotR :p).

http://www.simondale.net/house/images2/front.jpg

http://www.simondale.net/house/images2/wide.jpg

http://www.simondale.net/house/images2/kitchen.jpg

Their website: http://www.simondale.net/house/index.htm

On that note, my cousin is actually building house with his wife and two young sons way out in the north. A log house with only straw as insolation. We'll see how it goes and may post some pics once they're done. I've always wanted to try building something more in the style of viking longhouses, like up at L'anse aux Meadows (viking ruins in Newfoundland) here in Canada.

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSWZyN8UHnKdZEPSRzKI6djkWnPm3ilM iBm9_0R1aKErlFN7-s&t=1&usg=__HINeONa3eaH3XiW2i5mSe8JoXuI=

Edit: just wanted to say that I'm really loving this thread! Great pics from everyone!

This is amazing ED!!!! Thanks for posting this and the vast wealth of knowledge that you and Apoc and Cyclo-, and Belle offer to this forum thread!!!

You all rock!!!!

~D.

[Diva]

When it comes to architecture....I love a myriad of structures.....castles to Victorian era homes....to Frank Lloyd Wright...to The Not-So-Big House......the Gaudi stuff in Barcelona, I have seen up close and it is exquisite!

Here's probably one of the most famous of Wright's homes.....the Waterfall House.
http://www.slipperybrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/falling-water-house.jpg

[Apocalipstic]

This is my new fav thread!

[Cyclopea]

Dancing Building. Prague.
http://www.czech.tv/images/Cities-Prague-Attractions-Dancing%20Building.jpg

Earth House. by Peter Vetsch
http://blog.luxuryproperty.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/dietikon0gr.jpg

Honeycomb Home. Slovenia.
http://www.trendir.com/house-design/ofis-honeycomb-home-1.jpg

Swiss Underground Home
http://www.homeydesigning.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Swiss-Vals-Underground-Home-Designs-1.jpg

I'm lovin' this thread too Apoc, and all the wonderful posts!
In terms of what I'll be posting- I'll be posting things I find interesting, not necessarily things I "like" or "approve of". Unless I say so explicitly in the post of course. :) Might seem an unnecessary caveat in a thread such as this- but one never knows, does one? So I thought it best to make that clear... ;)

[EnderD_503]

Some pics of the crazy architecture in Dubai. A co-worker of mine goes there fairly often, and says its something that you should see at least once in life.

http://www.tabiye.com/images/dubai.jpg

http://www.dubaitravelguide365.com/files/dubai_924636451.jpg

http://www.thedubailife.com/home/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/ddbf2_big_wheel.jpg

Too big to post, click -> http://pixdaus.com/single.php?id=44617

I love that sailboat-ish structure.

[Cyclopea]

Some pics of the crazy architecture in Dubai. A co-worker of mine goes there fairly often, and says its something that you should see at least once in life.

I love that sailboat-ish structure.

Architecture in Dubai is worthy of it's own thread, lol. I love the Sailboat building too. The interesting thing about all the massive new construction in Dubai is that so much of it was designed in toto. So, the Sailboat building was designed so that when the Rotating Towers are completed the Sailboat building will actually appear to sail. See the effect in the video below:
4muhc_QUGcI

The World and the other artificial island complexes under development are unbelievably ambitious:
http://www.eikongraphia.com/wordpress/wp-content/TheWorldDubai.jpg
http://www.e-architect.co.uk/dubai/dubai_palmisland.htm

[Cyclopea]

Hong Kong
http://www.magicalurbanism.com/wp-images/postimg/michaelwolf-hongkong1.jpg

[Cyclopea]

Rock Cut Architecture.

Turkey
http://www.stylishandtrendy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Churches-of-Göreme-Turkey.jpg

Jordan
http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/56/9656-004-98762B89.jpg

India
http://tripsguru.com/Monuments/images/Rock%20Cut%20Vishnu%20temple%20(Satyamurthi%20peru mal%20temple).jpg

http://www.findtravelguide.com/upload/picturet_big/2458.jpg

[Mister Bent]

I'm intrigued by the "wee house" concept, and think my minimalist tendencies would allow me to live comfortably.

My favorite among the pre-fabricated houses are the LV series by Rocio Romero (http://www.rocioromero.com/LVSeries/LVL/).

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a293/mrbent/LVS_brochure.jpg

One side of the house is effectively glass, which lends itself to creating unity with the landscape, while design elements allow for natural air flow and light. I really like the utilitarian sheet metal siding and clean, simple lines. I don't like the idea of just plopping a box into the landscape, but these units are fairly easily customized to accommodate even challenging sites.

[violaine]

http://www.johncaserta.com/khmerarch/75025_pp_library.jpg


http://www.johncaserta.com/khmerarch/75056_0_indepenceblocks.jpg

http://www.johncaserta.com/khmerarch/75037_pp_traincheckout.jpg




http://www.johncaserta.com/khmerarch/


http://www.gluckman.com/Phnom%20Penh%20Architecture.htm

[Leader]

Wow, that woodland home is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing that!

I have been interested in sustainable architecture/homes for many years (along with sacred geometry principles in buildings). My dream is to design a custom built strawbale/cob home. I've seen some very beautiful designs.

http://glassford.com.au/main/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/colorado-snow-1.jpg

http://blog.silive.com/homegarden_impact_improvement/2008/01/dulley1.jpg

http://www.thedailygreen.com/cm/thedailygreen/images/1-oakland-straw-home2.jpg

Strawbale is strong, energy efficient and can be very low cost (see below). I'd also like to help others who are interested do this as well. Check this out:
XgbORHvveTY

[Apocalipstic]

Dancing Building. Prague.
http://www.czech.tv/images/Cities-Prague-Attractions-Dancing%20Building.jpg

Earth House. by Peter Vetsch
http://blog.luxuryproperty.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/dietikon0gr.jpg

Honeycomb Home. Slovenia.
http://www.trendir.com/house-design/ofis-honeycomb-home-1.jpg

Swiss Underground Home
http://www.homeydesigning.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Swiss-Vals-Underground-Home-Designs-1.jpg

I'm lovin' this thread too Apoc, and all the wonderful posts!
In terms of what I'll be posting- I'll be posting things I find interesting, not necessarily things I "like" or "approve of". Unless I say so explicitly in the post of course. :) Might seem an unnecessary caveat in a thread such as this- but one never knows, does one? So I thought it best to make that clear... ;)

I think some of the coolest photos are of things I don't like, becasue they make me think about what the need was for the structure.

Hong Kong
http://www.magicalurbanism.com/wp-images/postimg/michaelwolf-hongkong1.jpg

Like this, all the teeny apartmentsd crowded in, makes me think of our abundance of space here in the US and how our living spaces differ.

I'm intrigued by the "wee house" concept, and think my minimalist tendencies would allow me to live comfortably.

My favorite among the pre-fabricated houses are the LV series by Rocio Romero (http://www.rocioromero.com/LVSeries/LVL/).

.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a293/mrbent/LVS_brochure.jpg

One side of the house is effectively glass, which lends itself to creating unity with the landscape, while design elements allow for natural air flow and light. I really like the utilitarian sheet metal siding and clean, simple lines. I don't like the idea of just plopping a box into the landscape, but these units are fairly easily customized to accommodate even challenging sites.

I love the teeny houses, but wonder where my books would go!
I love all the metal

http://www.johncaserta.com/khmerarch/75025_pp_library.jpg


http://www.johncaserta.com/khmerarch/75056_0_indepenceblocks.jpg

http://www.johncaserta.com/khmerarch/75037_pp_traincheckout.jpg




http://www.johncaserta.com/khmerarch/


http://www.gluckman.com/Phnom%20Penh%20Architecture.htm


Love the mix of Asian with a bit of French thrown in.
the interesting shapes of the buildings, even the school, are cool.

[Apocalipstic]

I wonder what it looks like inside the dancing building!

[EnderD_503]

The Chapel of Bones in the Royal Church of St. Francis in Evera, Portugal is a pretty amazing structure, too. The story behind its construction is actually very interesting. A friends of mine who lives in Lisbon was telling me that although the idea may be kind of morbid, it's a fascinating and breathtaking structure to visit and really does make one think. Definitely would love to visit one day.

http://cm-campo-maior.pt/imagens/galerias/ossos/Capela_Ossos_01.jpg

http://www.feriasemportugal.pt/fotos/servicos_area_geo/capela_dos_ossos_170225524549ce5b770949e.jpg

http://api.ning.com/files/VZx5Uzfo7UbZlcCtLD03BGgsmvBE4Vf3nND3InmSOjxwUlvvTa NLsLpokBZ3JQb6oviY6MAJkS1RsORVcl9YmniMvKE9G5QR/1866828.jpg

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/portugal/evora-capela-dos-ossos-chapel-of-bones

[Cyclopea]

I wonder what it looks like inside the dancing building!

I should like to see it. I think part of it is a hotel.
http://www.hotels-in-prague-czech.com/images/Prague/Image/090107/N-Dancing%20House.jpg

[Leader]

The Chapel of Bones in the Royal Church of St. Francis in Evera, Portugal is a pretty amazing structure, too. The story behind its construction is actually very interesting. A friends of mine who lives in Lisbon was telling me that although the idea may be kind of morbid, it's a fascinating and breathtaking structure to visit and really does make one think. Definitely would love to visit one day.

http://cm-campo-maior.pt/imagens/galerias/ossos/Capela_Ossos_01.jpg

http://www.feriasemportugal.pt/fotos/servicos_area_geo/capela_dos_ossos_170225524549ce5b770949e.jpg

http://api.ning.com/files/VZx5Uzfo7UbZlcCtLD03BGgsmvBE4Vf3nND3InmSOjxwUlvvTa NLsLpokBZ3JQb6oviY6MAJkS1RsORVcl9YmniMvKE9G5QR/1866828.jpg

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/portugal/evora-capela-dos-ossos-chapel-of-bones

hauntingly, disturbingly fascinating.

[Cyclopea]

http://www.reversibledestiny.org/Reversible_Destiny_-_Arakawa_and_Gins_-_We_Have_Decidede_Not_to_Die/Reversible_Destiny_We_Have_Decided_Not_To_Die_Gugg enheim_files/rdcover_l.jpg
http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/photos/uncategorized/japartment.jpg

The Discomforts of Home

An innovative new housing project outside Tokyo aims to keep residents sharp by throwing them off balance. Duck!

By Kay Itoi

Most people, in choosing a new home, look for comfort: a serene atmosphere, smooth walls and floors, a logical layout. Nonsense, says Shusaku Arakawa, a Japanese artist based in New York. He and his creative partner, poet Madeline Gins, recently unveiled a small apartment complex in the Tokyo suburb of Mitaka that is anything but comfortable and calming. "People, particularly old people, shouldn't relax and sit back to help them decline," he insists. "They should be in an environment that stimulates their senses and invigorates their lives."

With that in mind, Arakawa and Gins designed a building of nine apartments known as Reversible Destiny Lofts. Painted in eye-catching blue, pink, red, yellow and other bright colors, the building resembles the indoor playgrounds that attract toddlers at fast-food restaurants. Inside, each apartment features a dining room with a grainy, surfaced floor that slopes erratically, a sunken kitchen and a study with a concave floor. Electric switches are located in unexpected places on the walls so you have to feel around for the right one. A glass door to the veranda is so small you have to bend to crawl out. You constantly lose balance and gather yourself up, grab onto a column and occasionally trip and fall. Even worse, there's no closet space; residents will have to find a way to live there, since the apartment offers only a few solutions. "You'll learn to figure it out," says Arakawa. Ten minutes of stumbling around is enough to send even the healthiest young person over the edge. Arakawa says that's precisely the point. "[The apartment] makes you alert and awakens instincts, so you'll live better, longer and even forever," says the artist.

Completed in October, the apartments are now selling for $763,000 each—about twice as much as a normal apartment in that neighborhood. Arakawa and Gins have received dozens of inquiries and are now in the process of showing and interviewing potential buyers. They have a certain celebrity cachet: Jakucho Setouchi, an 83-year-old popular author and respected Buddhist nun, bought one on the top floor.

Built by Takenaka Corp., a leading Japanese contractor, the apartments actually meet every building-code requirement. The artists are not worried about possible injuries or lawsuits, but make sure each buyer understands "the concept" of the building before he or she signs the contract. This isn't the first time Arakawa and Gins have created seemingly hazardous structures; 10 years ago the pair opened the Site of Reversible Destiny—Yoro Park, a theme park in Gifu, central Japan. The popular tourist spot consists of attractions designed to throw people off balance, made up of warped surfaces and confusing directions. Visitors often fall—but so far nobody has sued.

Arakawa and Gins hope the Reversible Destiny Lofts will catch on outside Japan as well. Each unit is made up of large concrete blocks that can be preassembled, making the Mitaka complex a prototype for mass production. In fact, Arakawa says, they are in talks with interested parties in Paris and New Jersey about building similar complexes. Their ultimate goal: to turn an entire community into a Reversible Destiny town, where people of all ages live, work, study and play in their unsettling buildings. "It will be a revolution," says Arakawa. "This will change the way people live." That is, assuming people don't mind living with sloping floors and no closets.
© 2010 Newsweek, Inc.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1018/1019471113_89e99d7aa2_o.jpg
http://college.holycross.edu/interfaces/vol21-22_images/Kawamoto/yoro.jpg

http://www.reversibledestiny.org/REVERSIBLE_DESTINY.html

[Kätzchen]

The Chapel of Bones in the Royal Church of St. Francis in Evera, Portugal is a pretty amazing structure, too. The story behind its construction is actually very interesting. A friends of mine who lives in Lisbon was telling me that although the idea may be kind of morbid, it's a fascinating and breathtaking structure to visit and really does make one think. Definitely would love to visit one day.

http://cm-campo-maior.pt/imagens/galerias/ossos/Capela_Ossos_01.jpg

http://www.feriasemportugal.pt/fotos/servicos_area_geo/capela_dos_ossos_170225524549ce5b770949e.jpg

http://api.ning.com/files/VZx5Uzfo7UbZlcCtLD03BGgsmvBE4Vf3nND3InmSOjxwUlvvTa NLsLpokBZ3JQb6oviY6MAJkS1RsORVcl9YmniMvKE9G5QR/1866828.jpg

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/portugal/evora-capela-dos-ossos-chapel-of-bones


Wow, ED!!!! Thanks for posting this! This is flippin awesome! I had no idea it even existed - would totally be down for seeing this place, if at all possible, in the future! Just wow!!!! ~D.

[Apocalipstic]

The Chapel of Bones in the Royal Church of St. Francis in Evera, Portugal is a pretty amazing structure, too. The story behind its construction is actually very interesting. A friends of mine who lives in Lisbon was telling me that although the idea may be kind of morbid, it's a fascinating and breathtaking structure to visit and really does make one think. Definitely would love to visit one day.

http://cm-campo-maior.pt/imagens/galerias/ossos/Capela_Ossos_01.jpg

http://www.feriasemportugal.pt/fotos/servicos_area_geo/capela_dos_ossos_170225524549ce5b770949e.jpg

http://api.ning.com/files/VZx5Uzfo7UbZlcCtLD03BGgsmvBE4Vf3nND3InmSOjxwUlvvTa NLsLpokBZ3JQb6oviY6MAJkS1RsORVcl9YmniMvKE9G5QR/1866828.jpg

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/portugal/evora-capela-dos-ossos-chapel-of-bones

Morbid is cool!
I think it is so interesting how people have taken what is handy, in this case bones, and made it into something beautiful. I love the creepyness of it!

I should like to see it. I think part of it is a hotel.
http://www.hotels-in-prague-czech.com/images/Prague/Image/090107/N-Dancing%20House.jpg

sosososososo cool!

http://www.reversibledestiny.org/Reversible_Destiny_-_Arakawa_and_Gins_-_We_Have_Decidede_Not_to_Die/Reversible_Destiny_We_Have_Decided_Not_To_Die_Gugg enheim_files/rdcover_l.jpg
http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/photos/uncategorized/japartment.jpg

The Discomforts of Home

An innovative new housing project outside Tokyo aims to keep residents sharp by throwing them off balance. Duck!

By Kay Itoi

Most people, in choosing a new home, look for comfort: a serene atmosphere, smooth walls and floors, a logical layout. Nonsense, says Shusaku Arakawa, a Japanese artist based in New York. He and his creative partner, poet Madeline Gins, recently unveiled a small apartment complex in the Tokyo suburb of Mitaka that is anything but comfortable and calming. "People, particularly old people, shouldn't relax and sit back to help them decline," he insists. "They should be in an environment that stimulates their senses and invigorates their lives."

With that in mind, Arakawa and Gins designed a building of nine apartments known as Reversible Destiny Lofts. Painted in eye-catching blue, pink, red, yellow and other bright colors, the building resembles the indoor playgrounds that attract toddlers at fast-food restaurants. Inside, each apartment features a dining room with a grainy, surfaced floor that slopes erratically, a sunken kitchen and a study with a concave floor. Electric switches are located in unexpected places on the walls so you have to feel around for the right one. A glass door to the veranda is so small you have to bend to crawl out. You constantly lose balance and gather yourself up, grab onto a column and occasionally trip and fall. Even worse, there's no closet space; residents will have to find a way to live there, since the apartment offers only a few solutions. "You'll learn to figure it out," says Arakawa. Ten minutes of stumbling around is enough to send even the healthiest young person over the edge. Arakawa says that's precisely the point. "[The apartment] makes you alert and awakens instincts, so you'll live better, longer and even forever," says the artist.

Completed in October, the apartments are now selling for $763,000 each—about twice as much as a normal apartment in that neighborhood. Arakawa and Gins have received dozens of inquiries and are now in the process of showing and interviewing potential buyers. They have a certain celebrity cachet: Jakucho Setouchi, an 83-year-old popular author and respected Buddhist nun, bought one on the top floor.

Built by Takenaka Corp., a leading Japanese contractor, the apartments actually meet every building-code requirement. The artists are not worried about possible injuries or lawsuits, but make sure each buyer understands "the concept" of the building before he or she signs the contract. This isn't the first time Arakawa and Gins have created seemingly hazardous structures; 10 years ago the pair opened the Site of Reversible Destiny—Yoro Park, a theme park in Gifu, central Japan. The popular tourist spot consists of attractions designed to throw people off balance, made up of warped surfaces and confusing directions. Visitors often fall—but so far nobody has sued.

Arakawa and Gins hope the Reversible Destiny Lofts will catch on outside Japan as well. Each unit is made up of large concrete blocks that can be preassembled, making the Mitaka complex a prototype for mass production. In fact, Arakawa says, they are in talks with interested parties in Paris and New Jersey about building similar complexes. Their ultimate goal: to turn an entire community into a Reversible Destiny town, where people of all ages live, work, study and play in their unsettling buildings. "It will be a revolution," says Arakawa. "This will change the way people live." That is, assuming people don't mind living with sloping floors and no closets.
© 2010 Newsweek, Inc.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1018/1019471113_89e99d7aa2_o.jpg
http://college.holycross.edu/interfaces/vol21-22_images/Kawamoto/yoro.jpg

http://www.reversibledestiny.org/REVERSIBLE_DESTINY.html

Ummmm, no closet space? That would definitely throw me off....like I need any help. :)

I love the look, but I am in no way cool enough to live in these. I am too old and. must. have. storage.

I might snap an ankle too on the sloped floors.

However, in a crowded teeny place like Tokyo, it
is interesting to see the lenths people will go to be different.

[Sachita]

http://growabrain.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/bauhaus_prefab.jpg

Overlooks seaside in England

I love some of the modular prefab designs and energy wise they make sense too. I just think the price tags on them are way out of line.

you can take the oddest things, oldest structures, etc and turn them into art with the right attention to detail and landscaping.

[Sachita]

the straw bale house that lady built is amazing. I think I might try building a small structure out here close to the house and practice.

[Apocalipstic]

I love some of the modular prefab designs and energy wise they make sense too. I just think the price tags on them are way out of line.

you can take the oddest things, oldest structures, etc and turn them into art with the right attention to detail and landscaping.

True, when I was in NYC last week they had taken dumpsters and made pools out of them at Grand Central Station.

http://laughingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/dumpster-swimming-pool-20090724-091808.jpg


Great use of what is around in an urban setting!

[Apocalipstic]

I really enjoy kit houses from early to mid 20th century in the US.

This one was manufactured by Alladin in 1953.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/3138471025_bab57b9b25.jpg

This one is Sears between 1908 and 1940

http://www.arts-crafts.com/images/auburn-halifax.jpg

This one also from Sears in the 1920's looks like Lincoln Logs!

http://www.uglywomansguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/whitehall_wriver_il_r-1024x763.jpg

[Cyclopea]

William McDonough

Absolute Sustainability vs. The Architecture of Death

PwWWFQ2tiNY

IoRjz8iTVoo

[WolfyOne]

i just happened to take a peek at this thread today
I've really enjoyed looking at all the pictures
All I can say is, stunning and amazing
Thanks to all that contributed
I'll be back to look at more :)

For those that are Frank Lloyd Wright fans,
Oak Park Illinois has the most homes he's built
Here's a link for your viewing pleasure
http://www.oprf.com/flw/

[Kätzchen]

I have no idea where this cathedral is at in Europe, but I was taking a break tonight and looking for particular items I am studying about and came across this photo.... I like all the intricate detail of design/the structure, the spires, etc...

http://api.ning.com/files/j*Y49WZi3VmlMp3QQD50k30-pOvfy8ouPFyHW6vHcRi2wDgJuY3ThYmk57eqA8U*ERlQnpSluP iKpzJNAQcTWzwbrImqZ1Tp/201034654_f50740cc07_b.jpg


*I couldn't get the photo to load - see link above*

[rockybcn]

I have no idea where this cathedral is at in Europe, but I was taking a break tonight and looking for particular items I am studying about and came across this photo.... I like all the intricate detail of design/the structure, the spires, etc...

http://api.ning.com/files/j*Y49WZi3VmlMp3QQD50k30-pOvfy8ouPFyHW6vHcRi2wDgJuY3ThYmk57eqA8U*ERlQnpSluP iKpzJNAQcTWzwbrImqZ1Tp/201034654_f50740cc07_b.jpg


*I couldn't get the photo to load - see link above*

It looks like the Cologne Cathedral in Germany...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Koelner_dom_blick_nach_osten.jpg

[rockybcn]

recycled railroad cars....

http://weburbanist.com/2009/10/29/all-aboard-clever-recycled-train-car-homes-offices-hotels/

[Kätzchen]

this is in England but I knew a couple who renovated a barn and turned it into a wonderful home... The photo below is similar to what their barn looked like

http://www.homebuilding.co.uk/files/ascent-homebuilding/images/1008poulteney_elevation_free.jpg

[Kätzchen]

http://webecoist.momtastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/funny-farms-red-barn-into-spacious-home.jpg

I think I mentioned once that friends of mine bought a turn of the century piece of property, which only had a barn and pasture for their horses. As it turned out, for them, they needed a bigger home for themselves (children from both sides of their family came to live with them). So they converted the barn into a home. It was fairly unusal by design and I have yet to come across any photos on the web that come close to resembling what they accomplished with their property, but I do love the idea of taking a barn and converting it into a home.

[Kätzchen]

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6112/6285949107_9d9b1265a9_z.jpg

This evening, while wandering the ethernet universe, I came
upon a blog of very interesting pictures. The 'flickr' account
is registered to a person going by the name: Mя.Møпstɛr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mechanicalmonster/with/6241473567/)☆

Not only did I find the photo of the piano above,
but I found other interesting pictures of abandoned structures.
For example, a countryside home built by a Grand Duke
(see the two photos below for: Schloss Rapunzel).


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4895418956_36842241e9.jpg

http://www.anidimonaco.be/sites/default/files/imagecache/slide/foto/schlossrapunzel%20(1).jpg

[GlouriousBastard]

http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag127/GlouriousBastard44/Mountain-shack_zpsee65b7fc.jpg

[Kätzchen]

http://cdn0.wideopencountry.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/6439902521_2775065bbc_z.jpg

[Kätzchen]

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/07/c3/94/07c39442d394131731d2aa26b6f51294.jpg

[Bèsame*]

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/content/dam/photography/photos/000/420/42012.jpg

[Bèsame*]

https://sbbeautiful.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/May_2016_Jacaranda_Tree.jpg

[Bèsame*]

http://gelb.net/gelblog/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/32529595_462646090824415_5547107179414159360_n.jpg

[Bèsame*]

https://www.architecturalrecord.com/ext/resources/news/2017/09-Sept/CAB-MOS/CAB-MOS-01.jpg

[Bèsame*]

https://www.argosybooks.com/pictures/medium/255484.jpg

[homoe]

https://hookedonhouses.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/The-Houseboat-from-Sleepless-in-Seattle-movie.jpg

[homoe]

https://cdn.archpaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/state-capitol.jpg

[homoe]

https://tribwgntv.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/screen-shot-2019-08-19-at-9.18.30-am.png?resize=1200,668

[homoe]

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c4/83/6b/c4836b405548171df39f816fc2aec97e.jpg

[homoe]

https://images6.alphacoders.com/681/681645.jpg

[homoe]

http://www.atrium.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/wsp-shapes-triangle-img-1.jpg

[homoe]

https://info.glass.com/content/uploads/2018/06/Webp.net-compress-image-17-948x1024.jpg

[homoe]

http://www.decohoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/indoor-seating-cushions-wooden-floor-glass-windows-white-walls-roman-shade-brown-ceiling-van-unique-ceiling-white-windows-seats-with-drawers-pillows-fireplace.jpg

[homoe]

https://www.impressiveinteriordesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/How-To-Design-A-Reading-Nook-For-Poetic-Moments12.jpg

[homoe]

https://static01.nyt.com/images/2015/03/01/realestate/20150301COVER-slide-W9IO/20150301COVER-slide-W9IO-videoLarge.jpg

[homoe]

https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/08/5c/7b/02/entrance.jpg

[homoe]

https://plazahotelmilwaukee.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/1P1A9821.jpg

[Bèsame*]

https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/unique-spiral-staircase-beautiful-lights-random-building-city-sentul-indonesia-167234066.jpg

[Gemme]

https://www.impressiveinteriordesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/How-To-Design-A-Reading-Nook-For-Poetic-Moments12.jpg

This is an awesome nook!

[homoe]

This is an awesome nook!


Isn't it! What I wouldn't give for a nook like that!

[homoe]

http://www.pyatok.com/uploads/53bc13a6c2ba7.jpg



Surely this just can't be what they are teaching in architectural school...:seeingstars:

[homoe]

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e6/ea/0f/e6ea0f408b74f1e94bda92f05ca417c9.jpg



Staircase in the Rookery Building Chicago

[homoe]

http://s3.amazonaws.com/architecture-org/files/buildings/apple-store-eric-rogers-013.jpg


Apple retail store on Michigan Ave in Chicago

[homoe]

https://live.staticflickr.com/4262/35122063481_5e7f30007b_b.jpg


Glenview train station Glenview IL

[homoe]

https://media.timeout.com/images/105390632/630/472/image.jpg


Chicago's Loop..........

[homoe]

https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/140324084321-01-chicago-train-0324-horizontal-large-gallery.jpg


Train jumps tracks at Chicago's O'Hare...

[homoe]

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/w8kK2SafUjc/maxresdefault.jpg





Safe arrivals and departures at Chicago O'hare's airport.....

[homoe]

http://www.museumsyndicate.com/images/4/32475.jpg

[homoe]

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/37/3c/51/373c51c3da58ebcf9e296580681a799f.jpg

[homoe]

https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/0f/f6/a6/9a/photo0jpg.jpg

[homoe]

https://pi.movoto.com/p/663/1628503_0_AAZvN7_p.jpeg



Bradford Ave Milwaukee's Eastside........

[homoe]

https://ssl.cdn-redfin.com/photo/128/mbphoto/133/genMid.1539133_2.jpg


Downer Ave Milwaukee...

[homoe]

https://images1.loopnet.com/i2/rtgiIAYuKNbwXRwzTNzT1MlQeOsJbZQB-3i6saJj9d8/110/image.jpg

[homoe]

https://onmilwaukee.com/images/articles/static/downeroldfacade.jpg

Then

http://photos.cinematreasures.org/production/photos/4715/1308264730/large.jpg?1308264730

[homoe]

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/569c46f7c647addf69b794e8/1458958465681-IBOBQR7ZBDU8MVW2WBP3/?format=1500w&content-type=image%2Fjpeg



Built in 1888, the historic Milwaukee River Flushing Station is now home to Colectivo Coffee Lakefront location!

[homoe]

https://www.agedwoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/305.jpg


Chicago Water Tower

[homoe]

https://www.ubelarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/art-institute-chicago.jpg


Chicago Art-institute

[homoe]

https://ap.rdcpix.com/2065304592/04012991edebae1695c5334da3ee5e24l-w1xd-w1020_h770_q80.jpg



199 E Lake Shore Dr Chicago

[homoe]

https://pi.movoto.com/p/461/10553863_0_zq7mMn_t.jpeg




1210 N Astor Street Chicago..

[homoe]

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d6/96/c9/d696c90cd06c305fae500e48d42735ab.png

[homoe]

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/46/6f/ae/466faed876da11ee58a4c0d43aadad79.jpg


Chicago Board of Trade Building...

[homoe]

https://live.staticflickr.com/6029/6189274715_303d5a00fc_b.jpg




Lobby of the Marquette Building Chicago.

[homoe]

10 days. 20+ neighborhoods. endless discoveries.OCT 16−25, 2020


Open House Chicago is back with a reimagined event for 2020. The beloved architecture festival, hosted by the Chicago Architecture Center, will now span 10 days and more than 20 of Chicago’s unique neighborhoods. This year’s event includes both online and outdoor events that showcase the fascinating history, architecture, and culture of the city’s diverse neighborhoods.

For more info or to sign up go to

https://openhousechicago.org/

[homoe]

10 days. 20+ neighborhoods. endless discoveries.OCT 16−25, 2020


Open House Chicago is back with a reimagined event for 2020. The beloved architecture festival, hosted by the Chicago Architecture Center, will now span 10 days and more than 20 of Chicago’s unique neighborhoods. This year’s event includes both online and outdoor events that showcase the fascinating history, architecture, and culture of the city’s diverse neighborhoods.

For more info or to sign up go to

https://openhousechicago.org/

My nephew and his family plan on attending, hopefully they'll report back.

[homoe]

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/BvbJoACOWBVzreZpIzeOmBykaEmTIUCCLlK1FAGGnSDE15228U RbgJduI7F9LXfR4xaqiDozMQKW0SmK1E61Sq7tNXhUSouGJVIF KIKemsLUDZ1Rnlman9IY2jfvSrx_zgo

Hard to believe but at one time, every single window in this establishment was boarded up! It was back in a time when often you had to show an I.D. or know a certain "password" to gain access to gay bars! M&M was the first gay bar to uncover its windows in 1984. Prior to that, gay clubs were boarded up and hidden from the public.

[Kätzchen]

Frank Lloyd Wright's ~~~>>>> Falling Water House

The documentary film about one of Frank Lloyd Wright's greatest masterpieces. In 1935, Frank Lloyd Wright designed a country house for the Kaufmann family over a small stream in rural southwestern Pennsylvania, 43 miles (69 km) southeast of Pittsburgh, built in 1936 -1939,Fallingwater was the family's weekend home from 1937 to 1963. In 1963, Kaufmann, Jr. donated the property to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. In 1964, it was opened to the public as a museum. Nearly 6 million people have visited the house as of January 2008 (about 135,000 visitors per year.)

qvQZbC1OOZc

[PlatinumPearl]

51VefAxafug&ab_channel=LeviKelly

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51VefAxafug&ab_channel=LeviKelly

[PlatinumPearl]

LVNZbl8in_Q&ab_channel=JarettGross

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVNZbl8in_Q&ab_channel=JarettGross

[Bèsame*]

https://www.cktravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/dunstan-9.jpg