This mini documentary by Philip Bloom is both tragic and encouraging. The Ponte Tower, an iconic building in Johannesburg, fell from grace and is fighting to be reborn. The design is interesting with a central circular courtyard that became a depressing garbage pile and that let residents only connect to the world through a small portion of the sky. How does architecture affect social status, race relations, emotional being, daily life, etc.? Check out the video.

Ponte Tower from Philip Bloom on Vimeo.

Ahhh the memories. This video shows the ‘behind the scenes’ at the Department of Architecture Building Technology Program at MIT. Most people think that we learn how to ‘draw buildings’ at college but that is just a small part with the thought that that ability will develop during our internship with a firm. We really focus on studying shape, texture, light, color, etc. Architecture is habitable art, to be experienced emotionally as well as functionally. You may be surprised to see the abstract exploration and how it allows us to be creative in making places special.

MIT Architecture from Paper Fortress on Vimeo.

This beautiful and thoughtful library was designed by London firm CZWG Architects. It truly is a gathering point that not only has the usual reading and learning areas but also a community performance space. The challenge is that the program of desired spaces ‘out-sized’ the site. Take a look and see how the architect responded.

via I Like Architcture

Ha!  I love looking at innovative furniture. Ran across these unique pieces and thought I would do a quick post to share.

Red cart by Ramon Coronado – other by Mike Bouchet

Using standard heavy-duty warehouse shelving, Freeman Murray has created architecture. Jaaga, a Bangalore-based company, is using these ‘ pallet racks’ to be an economical structure to help developing countries. Take a look at the video to learn more.

Source: I Like Architecture

Berlin Architect Sigurd Larsen built a box to store all of his small treasures. Each drawer, door and compartment represents spaces in one’s personal environment. Check out the video below for the philosophy and construction of ‘The Shrine’.

Sigurd Larsen // The Shrine from Dario Natale on Vimeo.

A simple idea turned into a non-profit organization dedicated to make a difference in urban environments. We are using ‘white roofing’ more and more as people become educated to the energy and financial impact not only for the building itself but to its surroundings as well. Learn more at The White Roof Project.

I love looking at pictures on the computer or iPad but there is something special about an actual print. Here is an easy project to display some of your photos in a fun way.

Here is a cool video animating a vision of future linked skyscrapers and is described as follows:
“The project started in London with a few companies and artists invited to create a vision for the future mega developed city. The overall “Megatropolis” project didn’t make it to its final stage but the concept grew into this architectural utopia and animation. “City in the sky” is a concept about a tranquil oasis above the mega developed and polluted city where one can escape from the everyday buzz, smog and dirt. The concept is inspired by the Lotus flower which is known for its ability to emerge above the murky waters pure and clean.”

Source: Skycity

I was fortunate to be the local Project Manager for Michael Graves and help create a Pavilion here in the Twin Cities. Ironically, I only met him while in a bathroom in Washington DC… long story. I ran across this video of him describing the process he went through in remodeling his own home. Definitely worth a watch.

This piece was created for Dwell by Gary Nadeau.

The layering of technology in our homes is inevitable and already occurring at an accelerated rate. We built our home only 8 years ago and some technologies I had anticipated have been passed up by others. Who knows were we will be in another 8 years? This video from Openarch takes a stab at that vision. Some fun (and silly) ideas ensue. Enjoy!

Openarch || FILM from Openarch on Vimeo.

You always need some place to hang coats, hats, back packs, etc. in your entryway. Everything I saw had a traditional look or used the typical hooks and was frankly, uninspiring. Here is one I made using some scrap birch and walnut with some brass/steel rod. It was very simple to put together and has a clean, modern look. Click on the images to enlarge.