Friday, April 12, 2024
Bring home Steven Gambrel for Drummonds
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Own a piece of Billy Baldwin history
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
DREAM – Athletes Village in Saint-Ouen (France)
In this favorable context, DREAM is responsible for building 13,477 m2 of office space on the E3 block, and is proposing to add a 1,000 m2 sports facility on the roof. Dedicated to the practice of basketball, the gymnasium, set off by great heights and beautiful transparencies, offers an unobstructed view of the Grand Paris.
This innovative program reflects the long- standing commitment of the DREAM agency, and its founder Dimitri Roussel, to sports as a means of enhancing urbanity. To implement it, DREAM proposed an innovative and attractive business model, and included a sports operator in the project. This evolution of the program reflects the adaptation of architecture to contemporary societal issues, contributing through sport to the well-being of the city of tomorrow.
The project was co-promoted by Nexity, Eiffage Immobilier and CDC Habitat, with investment from Groupama Immobilier and the companies Eiffage Construction and Dalkia Smart Building, in the pursuit of very high environmental performance.
As the only 36-meter-high building with a timber structure, the project achieves high carbon storage performance (700 kgCO2/m2 versus 1500 kgCO2/m2 on average).
The low-carbon concrete infrastructure provides naturally lit, reversible parking spaces for extending the ground floor programs, as well as a solid wood post-and- beam superstructure and prefabricated low-carbon concrete floors from GF+1 to GF+6. The top level, with its 8 meter headroom and exposed timber framework, lights up in the evening, revealing the spectacle of sport.
The same applies to comfort and energy management : a photovoltaic power plant guarantees 20% self-consumption and better control of consumption, particularly in winter, and the design of the building itself guarantees less than 70 hours of discomfort during heatwaves.
LOCATION : Lot E3, Saint-Ouen, France |
PROGRAM : Offices, stores, sports facilities and rooftop SURFACE : 15 000 m2 Floor Area (13 000 m2 of offices, 800 m2 of stores, 1 200 m2 sports facilities) BUDGET : 48 M € EXCL.VAT ENVIRONNEMENTAL APPROACH : E2C2, BREEAM excellent level, BBCA excellent level CREDITS : photographs : © Cyrille Weiner graphic documents : © DREAM |
Monday, March 18, 2024
Just as there was no single cause of the crisis, there is no single cure. Assembled here are essays by economists, scholars, architects, planners, and community organizers to address diverse aspects of the subject. The book discusses the history and extent of the US housing crisis; permanent affordable housing and affordable housing as a component of market-rate residential buildings; the development of community associations that can build and manage local units; links between housing production and climate change; and the pervasive and long-term consequences of racial discrimination in the housing market. Recent buildings by Studio Gang, Koning Eizenberg Architecture, and others illustrate affordable housing at its best, offering a glimpse of possible solutions.
Included are essays by Dean Baker, Richard Florida, Robert Kuttner, Michael Gecan, Rosanne Haggerty, J. Phillip Thompson, Margery Perlmutter, David Dante Troutt, Justin Steil, Christopher Hawthorne, David Burney, Jon McMillan, Viren Brahmbhatt, Richard Plunz, Kenneth Frampton, Mark Ginsberg, Fernando Pagés Ruiz, Jessica Holmes, Rusty Smith, Andrés Duany, Alan Organschi, Andrew Ruff, and Elizabeth Gray.
Friday, March 15, 2024
Style in Atlanta
With the decline of American magazines ( not what I'm here to talk about ), the Brits continue to 'bring it'. House and Gardens UK has an addictive website if you haven't seen it ( print copy is also brilliant and worth the shipping costs ) and this apartment in Atlanta caught my eye belonging to designer Sally Wilkinson . Having lived in a studio for a number of years (long ago at this point), I can attest that divider walls only make the space feel smaller, so love her defining space with furniture to make it feel open and therefore much bigger. There is something so alluring to stylish living in a small space - it highlights the creativity! Definitely check out the full article here.
Photo by Catherine Lukens
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Michael Smith, at home in Madrid
Monday, January 29, 2024
Discover the Hidden Gems of Las Vegas’ Architectural Legacy
There's more to Vegas than meets the eye and the 9th Annual Home + History Las Vegas heritage tourism festival provides a chance to see beyond the corporate casinos.
The four-day festival takes place from April 25-28 and focuses on the city’s hidden architectural treasures and captivating history.
Celebrating Southern Nevada’s iconic past, the event series features immersive, guided tours, educational seminars, community events, scenic drives, and speaker presentations that transport participants to the Vegas of yesteryear. In a town where uncovering historical hidden gems is no easy feat; the festival offers a glimpse into the meaning of Vegas cool with a unique opportunity to discover the Vintage Vegas treasures that have stood the test of time.
The festival is perfect for true aficionados of mid-century architecture and shows another side of the city. It provides a deep dive into the intricate details of the architectural landscape of Las Vegas, exploring neighborhoods that have lasted the test of time. Whether you’re fascinated by mid-century modern designs, iconic landmarks, or the evolution of architectural styles, the festival promises a captivating exploration led by passionate local historians. More information HERE.
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
2024 Washington Antiques show events - Hillwood Splendor and Surprise!
Join me Saturday, January 13 at 4:30 PM for a lecture on our local treasure, Hillwood estate and gardens, with Kate Markert (Executive Director), Dr. Wilfried Zeisler (Chief Curator), and Ellen Charles (granddaughter of Marjorie Merriweather Post), "Splendor and Surprise: Hillwood Estate, Museum, & Gardens". Purchase tickets for the event HERE.
There are a lot of other events to check out, including a lunch talk with Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, a design panel with India Hicks, Celerie Kemble and Alex Papachristidis (pictured above with Charlotte moss at a table he designed a few years ago at Hillwood), and a Sunday brunch with Chip Callaway, Sir Peter Crane FRS, and Calder Loth.
The show has become much more interesting in the past few years and I wouldn't miss it. Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
The Evolution of Architectural Design: Embracing CAD Technology
In the dynamic realm of architectural design, the shift from traditional hand-drawn blueprints to CAD drawings has marked a significant turning point. As we navigate deeper into the digital era, the significance of these tools in shaping our built environment is undeniable.
Let’s journey through the transformative influence of CAD technology, with a special focus on its profound impact on the architectural domain at large.
The Rise of CAD Drawings
The architectural world has witnessed a paradigm shift from the days when architects would spend countless hours crafting each line with utmost precision by hand. The introduction of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software has revolutionized this process, offering a platform for creating detailed, accurate, and easily modifiable drawings.
The precision of these drawings ensures that construction details remain consistent, minimizing errors and the associated financial implications of rectifications. All of this is possible thanks to the DWG, recognized as the native file format for various CAD software applications, has emerged as the industry benchmark.
These files encapsulate design data, metadata, and other crucial information, making them indispensable for architects and designers. The ease with which CAD blocks stored in these files can be shared ensures seamless communication among all stakeholders in a project, fostering collaboration and alignment.
The Significance of CAD Drawings
The introduction of this technology has revolutionized architectural design methodologies. Unlike traditional hand-drawn sketches, these drawings are vector-based, offering a multitude of benefits:
- Precision & Scalability: Being vector-based, they can be scaled up or down without any loss of quality or clarity, ensuring designs remain sharp and detailed, regardless of size.
- Efficient Modifications: One standout feature is the ease with which changes can be made. Whether it's a minor adjustment or a major design overhaul, modifications can be executed swiftly and accurately.
- 3D Visualization: Beyond 2D plans, CAD software allows architects to craft detailed 3D models, empowering them to visualize spaces in a holistic manner and offering clients a tangible feel of a space even before construction details are finalized.
- Interactivity: Modern software offers interactive features, allowing architects and clients to walk through a virtual representation of the space, making real-time modifications and seeing immediate results.
- Integration with Other Systems: These drawings can be integrated with other software systems, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), enhancing the depth of information available and aiding in more informed decision-making.
The Versatility of CAD Blocks
These pre-designed vector drawings of commonly used elements, from doors and windows to furniture and fixtures, offer several advantages:- Time Efficiency: Instead of redrawing common elements, architects can simply insert these into their CAD projects, significantly speeding up the drafting process.
- Consistency: Using standardized blocks ensures that recurring elements maintain a consistent design and scale throughout the drawing.
- Customization: While numerous pre-designed options are available, architects also have the flexibility to create custom blocks tailored to specific project needs, ensuring uniqueness and precision.
- Database Integration: Many come with attached data, such as a window block containing specifications about its material, manufacturer, cost, and thermal performance. This integration of design and data streamlines the planning and procurement processes.
By harnessing the power of these tools, architects are equipped with resources that not only enhance their design capabilities but also streamline workflows, ensuring projects are both innovative and efficient.
The Future: Beyond Traditional Methods
The horizon of technological advancements promises a plethora of opportunities for CAD technology. Integrations with virtual reality, collaborative tools operating in real-time, and AI-driven design recommendations are just a few of the groundbreaking innovations we can anticipate. As we cast our gaze forward, it's evident that this technology will persistently redefine architectural paradigms, challenging and expanding the limits of design possibilities.
In wrapping up, the transition to this kind of tools has indelibly marked the architectural landscape. From the unparalleled accuracy of DWG files to the streamlined efficiency of CAD blocks, these technological tools have equipped architects to design with heightened creativity, precision, and vision. As the digital age continues to unfold, CAD technology's pivotal role in sculpting architectural marvels remains unquestionable.
Thursday, December 29, 2022
Washington Winter Show 2023 - "Bunny Beyond the Garden"
Bunny Mellon’s legacy favors her reputation as one of this country’s greatest self-taught landscape designers. Her unwavering, talented eye for beauty, however, broadened that public recognition as one of the twentieth century’s most understated icons of interior design. Public figures (and friends) such as Givenchy and Schlumberger knew her well but many others did not. This lecture by her grandson, Thomas Lloyd and Oak Spring Garden Foundation President Peter Crane, aims to reveal a more personal side of Mrs. Mellon. By sharing beautiful personal pictures of her beautiful houses, interwoven with personal family stories, a deeper appreciation can be garnered as to what tenets influenced her unique style and aesthetic.
I hope to see you there! Admission to the antiques show is included with purchase of your lecture ticket HERE. Also be sure to check out the other lectures and events HERE.