Posts by Maysoon Sharif:
Sustainable Design in India by Architecture Brio
February 19th, 2009
On a slope near the village of Karjat, India, an international team of architects has begun to envision a modern, 3-story building that will use bamboo as a primary supporting material. Intending to spur eco-friendly changes within the Indian construction industry, the ambitious Dutch architect Robert Verrijt and Indian architect Shefali Balwani of Architecture Brio have created an exciting example of engineering prowess, innovative aesthetic, and altogether- sustainable design. Combining natural and local materials such as bamboo with wood, concrete and steel, the project has been designed with the help of engineer Vilas Gore of GeoScience Services. The building will act as a staff dormitory for the NGO Magic Bus.
[via Sophie Nevoux
LED Installation Lights Up Parisian Street
February 19th, 2009
PATACHROMO, a brilliant installation by French artists Superbien, was based on the principles of CHROMOtherapy seen through the lense of PATAphysics . Presented as a succession of animated light frames lasting about 2 minutes each, the PATACHROMO program is provided as a tool for passers-by to face the grey Parisian winter weather with more serenity. How? According to the project page on Superbien’s website: “by exposing one’s chakras to the light diffused by the LED structure of the installation (covering a surface of 6.65 sq meters).”
We love the idea of walking down a dark and lonely Parisian street and stumbling upon this vibrant, fountain of color. And if nothing else, the imagery documenting the project is quite remarkable - it looks as though people are actually absorbing the colors as they pass by.
[via Fubiz]
London’s West End Shops to Become Replicated Online in 3D
February 19th, 2009
It may be too early for online retailers to declare a combined holiday sales victory over brick and morter stores. But if Amazon’s latest results are any sign, consumers are getting as comfortable shopping with a mouse and keyboard as with a shopping cart.
But while online shopping offers speed and efficiency, the ability to browse and discover through wandering hasn’t been successfully translated from real world stores to the virtual world. Some retailers have made attempts in Second Life to construct virtual stores. But those ventures failed. Zozo in Japan has constructed a virtual street of shops and even enlisted the design firm Wonderwall to design the architecture and interiors. But the experience is still largely two dimensional.
Alex Wrottesley, a budding media entrepreneur who owns the Near software company sees an opportunity to improve the online shopping experience and offer something different. He’s pushing an ambitious new scheme to duplicate online the real-life experience of a shopping expedition in central London. Near is partnering with the body representing West End traders to creating a unique internet world where shoppers will be able to wander down computer simulations of London streets, click their way into exact replicas of well-known stores, and thumb through goods stacked on virtual shelves.
Near used laser measuring devices mounted on the roofs of vans to draw up 3-D maps of the streets in the project. Employing the sort of imagery used by Hollywood special effects designers, Near created a highly realistic 3-D computer model to be known as Near London.
The projects’ designers also intend to change the weather according to live Met Office data – if it’s raining on Oxford Street there will be simulated rain online –
and newspaper billboards will show up-to-date headlines. Virtual shoppers may also contact friends through social networks such as Facebook and MySpace, then head off on joint shopping expeditions using instant messaging to discuss their finds.
Any real-life shop-owners on a street included in the project can open their virtual doors to passers-by for a “rent” of £40 a month. They can then use the doors as portals to their own websites, or use Near’
s designers to replicate their shop interiors in the style of the rest of the project.
Among retailers that have already expressed interest in a parallel London life are the fashion brands DKNY and Armani Exchange. Capital Radio, whose headquarters are on Leicester Square, may also join in. It is due to open for business online by October 2009.
[via times online ]
By: DAVE PINTER
Site Visit: Gap/Pantone NYC Popup Store
February 19th, 2009
This past weekend Gap and Pantone opened up a pop-up shop on 5th Ave in the company’s ‘concept store’ space. The shop will sell t-shirts in a range of Pantone hues. Pantone recently unveiled its pick for the 2009 color of the year called Mimosa (14-0848) Pantone describes the color as having seven characteristics, optimistic, hopeful, reassuring, warm, cheerful, radiant, and versatile which they feel are the most relevant to the next twelve months. Gap has issued a Mimosa hued shirt that is only available at the store on 5th. Sounds like the rest of the line will show up for sale on the company’s website and other stores.
If Pantone t-shirts sound familiar, yes they have been done before by Uniqlo. While Gap’s packaging might not be as eye-catching, the color of the year release is an interesting twist on the idea of seasonal releases in fashion.
The shop was open till February 8th.
Gap/Pantone
Adjacent to the New York City Gap flagship store at 54th and 5th Avenue
SpaceInvading: Architectural Inspiration from Archinect
February 19th, 2009
Looking for a good source of architectural inspiration? The all things architecture website Archinect just launched a new site called SpaceInvading. Its basically like an image-focused RSS feed compiling all the most interesting architecture and design projects, reported by bloggers and the designers themselves. For now the site is curated by Archinect founder Paul Petrunia but will soon expand to include a team of contributors. There’s already quite a lot to see.
BY: Dave Pinter, PSFK
Adaptable Furniture by Philippe Nigro
February 19th, 2009
French designer Philippe Nigro has developed a table and chair concept that functions in a dynamic way. The foundation of the table is called a “Universal Base” to which any square or rectangular top can be clamped. No tools needed. The designer cleverly left the functional components exposed.
The Twin Chair starts as a wood crafted piece. It can be clad with a metal overlay to both vary the appearance and provide a surface that can take more abuse. The metal overlay would likely also come in different colors.
Both pieces were introduced during the exhibition “Design Available for Production” organized by the VIA Design France.
[via today and tomorrow]
By: DAVE PINTER
Green Depot: Eco-Easy Home Products Shopping
February 19th, 2009
Green Depot, a new retail concept aimed at making eco-conscious shopping easier, opened today in New York City. The 3,500 square foot flagship store is designed to be consumer friendly, informative, and unique. The Bowery store itself is a model for what can be done with eco and recycled products. Green Depot has applied for platinum level LEED certification. The location originally served as New York City’s first YMCA; customers shopping in the front half even walk on the original basketball court floor.
Read the rest of this entry “
Brit Insurance Designs of the Year 2009
February 19th, 2009
Opening last week at the Design Museum in London was their annual review of the most innovative, interesting and forward-looking new work in design of all kinds, from around the world. The exhibition, called the ‘Brit Insurance Designs of the Year’, presents around 100 projects divided into seven categories - architecture, fashion, furniture, graphics, interactive, product and transport.
Multi-Purpose Architecture
February 19th, 2009
As a cultural complex, Kring in Seoul, Korea, hosts public performances, events, and exhibitions. From the architect’s perspective, the building also serves to brand and emphasize the city’s cultural side, while also differentiating itself from other buildings.
[via Design Boom]
BRANCH in Changchun by SAKO Architects
February 19th, 2009One corner of the Changchun Library of Jilin Province is a culture exchange center founded by International Exchange Foundation that devoted to introduction of Japanese culture to Chinese people. Changchun, a city with extremely high percentage of Japanese language learning, is the city that really loves Japanese cartoon and popular music. Therefore it is the right place to establish a space devoted to “Cool Japan”.
