rotterdam folly

credit: contemporist

NEXT architects has definitely done it right with their sculptural folly overlooking Rotterdam. The staircase perched delicately on a hill in the suburb of Carnisseland is titled Elastic Perspective. Based on a Möbius strip, a single twist in a ring of oxidized steel creates the illusion of continuity, that the user might be able to walk the track uninterrupted. What happens at the turn is not exactly clear as far as, 'Will you fall of the edge,' goes but that's no matter, because it's a folly and not a playground, a moment of architecture to sculpt our perception.   

credit: NEXT

dark city: chicago's plan to become the city of light

credit (base image): Monica Thorpe (CC)

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has proposed a citywide plan to boost tourism centered on the city's architecture. Citywide has been used rather loosely, as the plan actually seems to be focused solely downtown.

Perhaps a plan to preserve and enhance the unique architectural face of Chicago...? Saving the next Prentice up for demolition through international competition brings world-wide attention, world-class architecture and the finished project looks great in Lonely Planet. 

Alas, the city has chosen to go in another direction - flashy lights (I'm fully aware that's dangerously close to two Kanye references in one post) or the 'light-up initiative' as it's referred to in the Sun-Times. In direct opposition to a $13 million dollar plan to 'green up' 60 government buildings, the initiative calls for collaboration between artists, architects and engineers to lightscape a new interface for the city. The interface would take the shape of a 3-D light experience, theater in light that would cost the city an uncalculated sum and "create a conversation about Chicago that's heard around the world."

Never mind the myriad of objections from anyone with any sustainability conscience as they'll presumably be standing just behind the far greater number of objectors that are wondering who'll actually be footing the bill to turn the Chicago River into a light show; the plan is exceptionally superficial.

Urban planners, architects, and engineers are trained to offer far more sophisticated and responsible solutions than unchecked energy usage, lights and lasers. Credible plans like the Riverwalk development, in "progress," build the kind of river culture that strengthens the city and makes it a desirable tourism destination. Perhaps by embracing a sustainable plan for the city's future, Chicago will really become La Ville-Lumière, a city of light, a city of reason.

*All commentary aside, the article was a great excuse to try some things in Photoshop I didn't already know. 

don't start a blog right before you move...

Moving to Chicago, holidays, birthdays, etc. Great fun, true. But extended winter hiatus eventually coming to an end...

cozy (wood) blankets

The pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks seems to mark the unofficial start of autumn for the coffee drinking world. Bring on the pumpkin patches, youth soccer and cool autumn nights cozied under your favorite throw. Your favorite wooden throw? Enter these amazing creations by Berlin textile designer, Elisa Strozyk.

credit: elisastrozyk.de

Existing in a created middle ground between wood and textile, this material challenges our notions on what wood can do and what textiles are.

While not directly architecture and sustainability related, these wooden textiles call to mind the fluidity that can be achieved with materials typically thought of as rigid. Plus, they're way too great to pass up chatting about.

branded façade

I just had the chance to spend the weekend in Chicago and got a good look at the new Burberry flagship store, still under construction. First off, it seems a very successful translation of the iconic plaid to the façade. Eye-catching for those that don't know and immediately identifiable for those that do. This new design is second in line for the flagship re-design and I think that the Chicago store definitely comes with some awesome deviations from the original. 

computer programmers are architects?!

Architects or computer programmers? ...computer programmers are architects? 

In this Ted talk, Michael Hansmeyer elaborates on his exploration of architecture forming algorithms. Rather than the more and more whimsical and at times convoluted forms derived from the minds of today's architects, he envisions a shift on the horizon where architectural form is the result of complex algorithms. hmmm... fractals we can live in. 

eat in a greenhouse.

credit: A Chil Summer, Gabriela Herman 

For what occasion isn't this place the ideal location. This gem can be found on Beetlebung Farm in Chilmark on Martha's Vineyard. The ultimate in local food, everything prepared is pulled from the garden or fresh caught for the meal. This intimate gathering captured by Gabriela Herman appears to be one of chef Chris Fischer’s greenhouse dinners. While this location seems to be a trendy must-do for those who summer, I think the premise has a place in the urban setting. 

Picture this not in its tranquil coastal setting, but stories above the bustling streets of Chicago. It seems a feasible idea as a chic money-spinner for urban rooftop gardens. Communal seating and local artists rounding out the scene would tailor the experience for its target audience, an eco-conscious, hip crowd that thrives on the efficiency of the city but craves a direct connection with their food. That said, I haven't given up searching or hope that there is a greenhouse in my future where I will get the chance to sit down with friends for good wine and fresh eats.