Design Debate

This large bold building caught my eye today, I think its the green that sprawls over the wooden frame that sets this concrete structure apart.  'Rebel' is located in Amsterdam, straddling the gap between a quiet residential neighbourhood and a business district. This new building seeks to offer it all - places to meet and socialise, small business and large offices with homes in all shapes and sizes.  I'm drawn to the grid-like structure and the use of wood. Built to be sustainable and flexible, it can evolve over time. Light filters down through the greenery and makes for a lovely atmosphere, not cold and impersonal but dynamic and filled with that attractive urban buzz. Created by  Studioninedots   &  Delva , found via Yanko Design .     

The architects of this tall scale-like building are Bureau de Change. They wanted to create a façade of 'uncertain heritage' for their project 'The Interlock'. This particular area in London, Fitzrovia, is characterised by many different periods of architecture from 19th Century terraces to post war commercial buildings. What unifies them all is the use of brick. I am quite fond of the brick, being down in Cornwall stone is prevalent, giant grey granite blocks combine with blue slate. I do sometimes miss the brick cottages of my childhood in Hampshire. There is something so satisfying seeing the whole made up of small dovetailed pieces. These bricks are a marvel though, almost like black armour protecting this mix purpose building. Made from 44 misshapen clay blocks you have the impression of gears turning, morphing and twisting. The colouring is a fine Staffordshire Blue Clay that helps the building stand out from its neighbours in a quietly confident...

Shannon Goff, a native to Detroit, created this brilliant cardboard car - by hand. Miles to Empty explores the car as a metaphor for American life.  The sculpture is of her Grandad's car, the 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V, Goff recalls how riding in it felt like gliding on a cloud.  For her, this project was about demonstrating the high level of skill and ingenuity that was once at the core of the manufactory process, before 'the production line eradicated first the hand, then the whole individual'.  Originally found at The Jealous Curator .