Thursday, August 19, 2010

Futuristic Bridge Design Overarches the Copenhagen Harbor – CPH Arch by 3XN






Stretching across Copenhagen Harbor, a spectacular specimen of modern architecture takes shape. This proposed bridge and urban center, developed by the architects at 3XN, not only bridges the geographical gap between Marmormolen and Langeliniekaj; the futuristic CPH Arch moves from architecture, to innovation, to modern art in leaps and bounds. Consisting of two distinct towers and a bridge bowed between then, this modern design is notable for its sleek, singular silhouette and an all-encompassing curve that flows as freely overhead as do the waters that run beneath it. But the uber-modern appeal also a function. “Establishing a connection across the harbor radically improves public access and creates brand new opportunities for life and growth in the area,” according to the architects. 3XN.

Modern China Architecture - Shanghai Tower Twists its Way to the Top













Reaching for the sky, the spectacular design for The Shanghai Tower is a twisting, winding marvel of modern architecture. At 632 meters, Shanghai Tower is said to rise 140 meters higher than the Mori Building –currently the world's highest observatory – securing its title as the tallest building in China. Consisting of nine cylindrical buildings, stacked and enclosed in an outer double skin, this ultra-modern design, by San Francisco-based Gensler, will house office space, a luxury hotel, nine gardens, a retail component and entertainment, and will be a stop along Shanghai’s new Metro stop. Gensler
via World Architecture News

Sustainable Residential Design by Vector Architects - prefabricated grass clad house




This modern, sustainable structure in Beijing, China, houses the CR Land Guanganmen Green Technology Showroom. Created by Vector Architects, the 500m2 project is a temporary showcase for sustainable residential design, wrapped in an eco-friendly envelope of its own. After three years time, this modern model will be dismantled, but long after it’s gone the conservational principle behind it will remain. The building was created with the three-year term in mind, reflecting an easy-to-dismantle, recyclable, environmentally low-impact design. Steel makes up the main structure. The material is reusable, and it’s prefabricated so as to minimize site impact. Additionally, the building is raised off the ground to eliminate the need for excavation and environmental upset. A grass-paneling system covers the structure’s walls and roof for enhanced thermal efficiency, reduced storm water runoff and increased greenspace in this urban center. Vector Architects.
via Arch Daily

Staggering Creativity Comes Alive at the Ultra-Contemporary Health HQ by Coll-Barreu Architects






This contemporary creation of Coll-Barreau Architects houses the headquarters for the Department of Health in Bilbao, Spain. From its jarring, jagged shape and gleaming glass angles, to its prominent place on the city skyline, this futuristic design almost looks alive as it unfolds among its traditional counterparts. A dark, gothic influence looms ominously – yet beautifully – as the design appears to move while reflections pass across its windowed facade. An oblique tower rises from a vast base, which houses the lobby, hall and office space. A “double skin” encloses the design, serving triple duty as a thermal, sound and fire barrier, not to mention lending the modern design its unique contours. Coll-Barreu Architects
via Contemporist

Modern Soundhouse Structure at the University of Sheffield Makes Some Noise








Like the students at the University of Sheffield in the U.K., the creative minds at Carey Jones Architects and Jefferson Sheard Architects take sound very, very seriously. The design duo has together created an ultra-contemporary, state-of-the-art Soundhouse for the study and practice of the aural arts. Clad in black rubber, the 4,843-sq.-ft., three-storey Soundhouse structure offers a technique never before seen in the U.K. that delivers effective soundproofing along with a unique, bold and overall simple design aesthetic. The design was conceived by Carey Jones Architects and brought to life by Jefferson Sheard Architects.
via Contemporist

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

European Modern Furniture from Domodinamica, Italia






















Furniture Designs Articles


Jean Prouve was a magnificent designer and architect. Born in Nancy, Jean grew up under the stern ideals and vigour of Victor Prouve, his father, who was intimately submerged in art. Victor Prouve owned a collection of art that served as a school of art for designers and artists. It is from this experience that Jean made an intimate attachment with the industry and art. He forged a personal relationship so articulate that it made him discover the connection between consciousness and art.

Jean prouve’s work therefore united functionalism with inspiration. These were the core ramifications of his work. His designs were conceptual, having the nomadic mode of thinking where physical objects like a house and a chair were looked at as equal artistic objects. His designs were prospective and accountable in nature to enhance flexibility and longevity. The comfort and elegance of his designs made him highly sought after throughout the globe.

Jean Prouve’s practicality emanated from the fact that his designs were widely acclaimed. He came up with a magnificent chair of high standards called Vitra, which brought together longevity and flexibility in furniture design. The chair was widely applauded for its high levels of comfort. Later, in the 1940s, Jean developed a fancy for wood instead of metal for creating furniture. He came up with a myriad of table parts that not only ensured maximum stability but also provided flexibility and different ranges.

Amongst Jean’s celebrated works are tables that came out with names like Trapeze, Compas, Em, Gueridon, and Granido. A table in the form of the Gueridon was designed specifically for the Universitaire Cite located at Antony. Many artists showered him with praise, saying that he had a wonderful soul for designs and art. It was from such encouragements that Jean’s talents reached higher levels. He then came up with great designs of lounges, armchairs, wall shelves and even spaces for storage within a house.

Jean has been extensively praised for his divergent artistic sketches for buildings and constructions around and within Paris. He developed an interest for functionality and designs for a large number of contemporary constructions. He had a unique flair for creating an abstract connection between entrepreneurship and creativity. He also brought together industry and handicrafts, architecture and design hence extending his wide knowledge of designs. It was from such interests that gave birth to his designs that were inspired by the industry.

Prouve also commenced working with steel and aluminium but later changed to other types of materials. His designing moved to incorporate bits of engineering; hence he was considered an engineer. He believed that all designs should have a possibility of being physically developed. It was from such a belief that he came up with wonderful designs that were easily put into use. His designs resulted in a vehement impact on the user of the products.

The works of Jean Prouve have influenced other contemporary designers. His designs are globally acclaimed, and are found in museums and with connoisseurs. Applications of his creations are popular in the furniture world.

AKEMI ANAKA