Geometric Shapes In Concrete

© 109 Architectes

The strong clean design of the Université Saint-Joseph, in Lebanon, is designed by 109 Architects & Youseff Tohme. "This new campus takes a contextual approach, integrating physically, culturally, and historically with Beirut’s urban tissue. Conceptually an urban block with sculpted voids, the building’s hollow spaces define six autonomous blocks and construct multiple viewpoints across Beirut, connecting students to their dynamic setting. The voids also generate a street-level meeting space, which flows fluidly to the top floor in the form of a massive staircase. It concludes at a landscaped terrace overlooking the city. Light is a vital element in oriental architecture and one that shapes its style and identity; the campus exposes alternate light qualities through Moucharabieh-inspired perforations and a polycarbonate volume. Such manipulation presents a striking contrast in filtered light and luminescence. A stylized random-opening treatment is a snapshot of the Lebanese War, lending a poetic glimpse into the reality of destruction and violence." (ABOVE) The concrete stairs work beautifully with the structure and are both grand and command attention. Each window has its own unique shape, which gives the structure character. In addition, the varied window shapes, break the rigid lines of the structure. (BELOW) Another view of the structure, reveals different shapes, behind the shapes on the facade are windows. 

© 109 Architectes

Create This Look In Your Home:

Whether you buy these items or ones at a cheaper cost, the key to recreating the look of the Université Saint-Joseph in your home is to bring in patterns and shapes, and neutral colors. Patterns and shapes can be brought in through rugs, lighting and wallpaper. Neutral colors can be brought in through tabletops, sculptures and furniture. The 1990s "Sole" chair by Atelier Fornasetti is from Holly Johnson Antiques. The unique lithographically printed design, resembles the stairs and columns of the first photograph. The 1970s concrete plaster African side table by John Dickinson is from Coup d'Etat. The side table resembles the structure as a whole, because of the concrete material and clean form. The multi-arm chandelier is from Rewire. The chandelier resembles the shapes on the facade of the second photograph. The wires that connect the base to the lights resemble the white fence featured at the bottom of the second photograph. The mid 20th century vintage Swedish rug is by Marta Maas Fjetterstrom and from Nazmiyal. The clean pattern, color, and variety in shapes, all resemble the structure. How do you feel this look resembles the structure? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

 Quote: (109 Architectes)

Park Lane House

http://www.derekswalwell.com/

The Park Lane house is a brilliant urban looking home located in Australia. The home is extremely modern. (ABOVE) What I love about the home is that it manages to bring the outside in. Even though the home itself does not look one with nature, the design and flow of the home certainly does. (BELOW 1) Around most of the home is this white brick wall. Not only does it maintain privacy, but it also adds to the overall architecture of the house. (BELOW 2) The other side of the house it very different. Wood siding have replaced the white brick walls. I personally would have wanted to keep the front and back of the home more consistent. (BELOW 3) This drawing presents a clear view of how the structure is designed. What do you think of the house? 

http://www.derekswalwell.com/ 

http://www.derekswalwell.com/ 

http://www.kennedynolan.com.au/

Design Video: This Is Shanghai

The city of Shanghai is an Eastern wonder. With over 4,000 skyscrapers that began being built after the 1980s, the city has twice as many skyscrapers than New York! Robert Whitworth decided to explore this urban wonder in "This is Shanghai". According to Whitworth, "This is Shanghai" is: an exploration of the diversities and eccentricities of the metropolis that is Shanghai going beyond the famous skyline. The way in which Whitworth edited the video is pure magic. The editing is seamless and makes you fly through the city. If you enjoy this video, then I suggest checking out other Whitworth videos here. What do you think?

Room Spotlight: Pops of Color

http://www.architecturaldigest.com

Jamie Drake's New York City apartment is full of interesting pieces, and pops of vibrant color. Drake states that he wanted his apartment to not only reflect his urban sensibility, but also function a bit like a chic cocktail lounge. Drake's Living Room is my favorite space in the apartment. The dark floors, and off-white walls provide a blank canvas for color, and incredible design finds. The light fixture provides light, but does so without obstructing the view. The fixture is from Artemide. The Friedeberg chair, low chair, and the Drake cocktail coffee table are my favorite pieces in the space. They have that 1960s flair I love. The gold leafed standing lamps add a little bit of shine and glamour. The bookshelves not only provide the space with great storage, but also serve as a room divider. What do you think of the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

Architect Of The Week: Kenzo Tange

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kagawa_Prefecture_Office_East.jpg

Born in Japan in 1913, Kenzo Tange was an influential protagonist of the structuralist movement. Tange beautifully combined traditional Japanese architecture with modernism. (ABOVE) The Kagawa Prefectural Government Hall, is one of my favorites of his buildings. It's urban and the overhang of the balcony is very functional as it provides shade, and protection from the elements. The guard rail is impeccable, notice how every couple feet the design changes from glass, to concrete pedestals. (BELOW 1) The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office, is a very cool structure. I love all the unique angles and shapes. (BELOW 2) I love the mixture of glass and open space of the Fuji Television Building. What about Kenzo Tange and his buildings fascinate you?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tokyo_Metropolitan_Government_Building_no1_Tocho_08_7_December_2003.jpg
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fuji_TV_headquarters_and_Aqua_City_Odaiba_-_2006-05-03_edit2.jpg
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Architect Of The Week: Le Corbusier

Centre Le Corbusier (Heidi Weber Museum) in Zurich-Seefeld (Zürichhorn)

Born in 1887, Charles Jeanneret otherwise known as Le Corbusier, grew up in Switzerland. Known as a pioneer of modern architecture, Le Corbusier has dazzled many with his creative visions. His career spanned well over fifty year, with his buildings constructed through Europe, Asia, North and South America. Le Corbusier was also a well known writer, designer, and urban planner. (ABOVE) I love the unique patterns used. In addition, the arched roof is a very smart decision, as it allows wind to pass through. (BELOW 1) I am a huge fan of the curved roof. It make this average looking structure take on a new life. (BELOW 2) By far my favorite of Le Corbusier's works. From the roof, to the unique angles of the walls, this structure has an element of surprise around each corner. The windows also tell a unique story, as no two are the same size. (BELOW 3) The pops of color and usage of shapes truly liven this structure. 

Assembly building, Chandigarh, India
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Ronchamp Chapel
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Palace of Justice, Chandigarh
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Room Spotlight: Simple, Retro, Industrial

http://www.robertstilin.com/

Designer Robert Stilin is known for his clean design approach and subtle retro touches. I am a fan of this space, designed by Stilin in NYC. It's uncluttered, but does not feel like a minimalist box. The bold graphic art pieces add much flavor to the neutral walls. The retro arm chair to the left, gives the space a conversation piece, and the industrial coffee table and stool add an urban kick. All three of these pieces come from different time periods and are different design styles, but work simultaneously in this space. The area rug brings texture and warmth into the space. Try placing your hand over the rug. Without it, the spaces feels far less inviting. What do you think of the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

New York City Placed In The Grand Canyon

http://guspetro.com/merge/

Swiss based artist, Gus Petro's three part photography series titled "Empty", "Dense", and "Merge" explores two completely different areas, then brings them together. The series is an incredible example of imagination, and beauty. In 2012, Petro travelled to the USA and took photographs of the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is peaceful, and a natural creation. After exploring the Grand Canyon Petro flew to NYC. NYC on the other hand is manmade, urban, and anything but empty. In "Merge", Petro takes the big apple and sets it in one of the most magnificent places on Earth. The result is shear genius. (ABOVE) The dense, and highly populated NYC sits in the Grand Canyon. (BELOW 1) Overlooking the skyline. Without the tree to the left the landscape has a very space like feel. (BELOW 2) The city is so small compared to the beauty of the Grand Canyon. (BELOW 3) Man on a horse looking at NYC? That path is quite narrow. (BELOW 4) By far my favorite photograph in the series. An empty NYC surrounded by such magnificent mountains. What do you think of the series? 

http://guspetro.com/merge/
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http://guspetro.com/merge/
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http://guspetro.com/merge/
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http://guspetro.com/merge/
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