June 26, 2008 at 11:41 pm · Filed under Architecture
Remember Archigram, the futuristic, pop-infused collective from the 1960s? The group that dreamed up magical urban environments like the Walking City and the Plug-In City?
It seems like the spirit of Archigram has emerged once again in the 21st century, this time in Dubai. Italian architect David Fisher has designed a 1,378 foot-tall skyscraper with 80 movable floors, each capable of shifting a complete 360-degree revolution around a central column within three hours or less. Dubbed the Dynamic Tower, the new structure will house a luxury hotel, commercial space and private residences:
Despite its behemoth appearance, the Dynamic Tower touts impressive green design principles. Wind turbines located beneath each floor will allow the tower to generate enough power for itself as well as neighboring buildings. An entirely pre-fabricated construction process will further reduce costs, too.
Fisher shows no signs of slowing down; indeed, he’s hoping to take his skyscraper idea worldwide. The tower is scheduled for completion in 2010, but Fisher is already planning similar structures in Moscow and New York.
http://www.dynamicarchitecture.net/building.html
December 29, 2005 at 10:42 pm · Filed under Architecture, Design, Music
Yay… my best buddy Alexa has moved from Paris to London… congratulations darling. And she is going to work for Foster + Partners!
Lo and behold, I just found out today that the British super design firm is working on an elephant house for the Copenhagen Zoo, which is set to be completed in 2007. Looks like there will be more of their gorgeous curved glass domes, much like the ones seen at the Reichstag in Berlin and the British Musuem in London. Landscape design by Stig L. Andersson.
Track of the day: Johan Skugge | “Voodoo Version” (Skyddsnisch EP)
December 27, 2005 at 11:22 pm · Filed under Architecture, Design
Former Young British Artist Damien Hirst, renown for slicing up cows and sharks and presenting them in formaldehyde blocks, has snapped up a new home — and it’s as shocking as his art. Hirst’s macabre aesthetic sensibility suits Toddington Manor, his new Gloucestershire residence.
Built in the 19th-century gothic revival fashion, this 300-room mansion rests on a 124-acre estate and is believed to have inspired the Houses of Parliament in London. He plans to use his new digs as home base for his family — he’s married to Maia Norman, with whom he shares three sons — as well as an art museum for his own and other artists’ works.
At a mere $5.4 million, this purchase was practically a steal. But it’s no ordinary fixer-upper: vacant for 20 years, both the home and grounds have suffered from neglect and disrepair. According to the artist’s spokesman, Hirst sees this property as a lifelong restoration project. It will certainly keep him busy; experts estimate $18 million in initial repairs, which will be conducted with the English Heritage.
August 15, 2005 at 12:37 pm · Filed under Architecture, Design, Fashion
It all started off with one architect’s broken heart and his desire to create something meaningful from his loss.
Rem D. Koolhaas, the punky nephew of Pomo megastar Rem Koolhaas, has launched a new shoe company called United Nude. Each shoe is inspired by a mid-century modern design concept. This is reflected in every step of the design process, from conceptual charrettes through the customized packaging of each shoe.
Take for example the heel of the ‘Eamz’ shoe, which gives direct reference to a chair by Ray and Charles Eames. Also in the collection is the Mobius shoe, whose lines are literally translated from the Barcelona Chair, designed by former Bauhaus director Mies Van Der Rohe for the International Exposition in 1929.
My personal favorite is the ‘Porn’ shoe. This sexy design features two independent pieces: a highly arched footbed that slides into a wide loop which provides both heel and upper support.
www.unitednude.com
