Design Debate

I love it when I read about people who don't only say they care, but actually do something about it. It was the home of John and Gisele Fetterman that first caught my eye, but I am also wowed by what they have achieved in their community. John Fetterman and his family live in Braddock, PA, USA. It's just outside Pittsburgh and, not too long ago, was poor, violent and a bit of a ghost town. That wasn't always the story; back in its heyday this area was once a vibrant urban centre for the steel industry. When John arrived here in 2001, he set to work to bring the community back. Their home just epitomises what this family are good at: seeing potential. Their vast house was once an indoor car dealership built in the 1920s. From a boarded-up wreck they have created a great family home for them and their three kids. I love how they have kept the car ramps! A later look around the house reveals just how much of the building’s character they kept....

Fiona O'Leary is creating something quite ingenious, a little device that can tell you what a font is precisely or capture a colour for you to match. Spector is still in the development stage but what a great idea! As a graphic designer I know it is really frustrating at times when you see a font you really like in the real world or want your printed item to actually relate to your screen. Fiona suggests we work backwards, rather than having the perfect colour ways on your computer, then when your work is printed it is miss matched. She started with the print, taking a picture with a tiny camera that then gives you a CMYK or RGB reference. Smart. O'Leary will take the device to Kickstarter once she is ready so hopefully Spector will become a reality. And I love the orange, such a colour of optimism.  Originally found at My Modern Met .   

I love this, in a world which is more and more digital, virtual and transient, it is refreshing to see something physical, it has more resonance. Brussels based musician Thomas Vaquié has created an  album, Ecume, and his label have released it cased in cast concrete. AntiVJ worked with Swiss artist Yannick Jacquet to transform the music into visual sound waves, giving the feel of the surface of the moon. Quite a process was undertaken, the sound waves were first captured, visually represented, 3D printed, turned into a silicone mould and then cast into concrete.  The photography just reenforces the luna feel highlighting the rough texture and beautiful detail. I love that in this very disposable age artists are creating artwork to last alongside the music. I have always be drawn to album art, its such a great canvas to explore, treasured in homes across the world.  The label says "In a digital age, AntiVJ Recordings wants to release physical ...

When I look at this beautiful Portuguese hotel what I am drawn to most is the lovely ceiling. You know you just can't beat white. I love how painting all number of textures and materials in a home in one colour unifies it and a tranquil but homely way. The kind of white modernism that is sleek and perfect I love to look at but could never imagine wondering barefoot round and slumping in a chair with a book. This kind of white space has just the right amount of 'stuff'.  Pensão Agrícola is a rural hotel of just 6 rooms between the historic towns of Tavia and Cacela in Portugal. Originally built as a farmhouse in 1920 and presented as a wedding present to the owner's only daughter. The current owners bought it as a ruin and have lovingly updated it.  The perfect mix of disheveled beauty and personal touch. Local art, reclaimed 1940s and 50s furniture and lights all add to the feel of this hotel. Yep, I could happily unwind here.  ...