Felice Varini - Anamorphosis

This technique falls under the label of 'Anamorphosis', or Multi-Surface Perspective Images. Essentially its the process of creating a whole image or symbol that becomes clear and cohesive from a certain viewing perspective, and a jumbled mess of fragments from any other vantage point. Felice Varini is the master at this, and has amassed an extensive collection of work since the late 1970's.

I came across his project at the Accademia di Architettura in Mendrisio, Switzerland back in 2003. (click to enlarge)

(image by Archipreneur)

(from Flickr user 'murash_return')

Verini's project at the Cardiff Bay Barrage, as covered by BBC News

(a fantastic photo of the project by Flickr user 'wentloog')


One of his recent works, 'Cercle et suite d'éclats' in the town of Vercorin, Switzlerand:

Government Assitance for Architects?

Mickey Jacob, a founding principal of Urban Studio Architects in Florida testified before the House Committee on Small Business regarding the effects of the economy on architectural firms, and the AIA's Rebuild & Renew Plan.

DC Design Week

Today is the kickoff of the Washington DC Design Week, coordinated by AIGA. See the list below for a schedule of events. One thing you won't want to miss is Pecha Kucha night on Thursday at 6:30pm, at Boffi Studio on M St. in Georgetown, followed by an after party at L2 Lounge. Pecha Kucha is an informal showing of projects via slides, 20 of them for 20 seconds a piece. Now a worldwide happening, it was devised by the principals of Klein Dytham Architects.

(Click to enlarge)

http://designweek-dc.com/

Concrete Countertop How-To on Flickr

Flickr user NicoleHerold has posted a step-by-step slideshow documenting the construction of her concrete countertops. A good reference for those attempting the same!

See the full set here

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Medals

The design for next year's winter Olympic games in Vancouver have been revealed. Co-designed by Corrine Hunt, the medals are cast from re-used circuit boards and is laser engraved so each one is different. The overall form corresponds to the topography of Vancouver.

Gore Design Co.

Gore Design Studio is a Tempe, Arizona based fabricator of custom concrete sinks, countertops, fireplaces and furniture. Their topographic 'Erosion' sink caught my eye, and it turns out a lot of their work is just as intelligently detailed.

Associated Fabrication & 4-Pli Design/Build

And now for a company that doesn't suck; Associated Fabrication, a digital fabrication company and it's sister business, 4-Pli Design/Build. These Brooklyn-based Columbia grads got together and bought themselves a CNC machine, and have been creating awesome interiors and furniture ever since. I was impressed with the work on their website, and emailed asking if there was any new projects in progress. I was directed to their Flickr site, which has an insane amount of pictures of their dozens of projects. Jump over there and spend a few minutes browing, you're guaranteed to be impressed. Let look at a sample of their work:

A custom banquette of corian thermoformed over CNC'ed millwork:

Benches for the 2010 Olympics, again corian thermoformed over CNC'd millwork:

Ceiling of CNC routed baltic birch laminated to plexiglass:

A Corian sink:

Halo Bar/Lounge, right here in Washington DC:

A loft wardrobe:

MVRDV - Celosia Residence

MVRDV & Blance Lleo's design for the Celosia Residence in Madrid has been realized. The apartment building was developed by EMVS, a Madrid city public housing company. The building is situated around a large central courtyard, and is cut up into 30 staggered 'blocks'. Courtyards are abound on every level between the blocks, creating fantastic outdoor communal areas and an interesting facade. The exterior has a unique sheen, achieved by apolyurethane coated concrete.

The Mirador housing project, completed a few years ago can be seen in the distance in the last photo.

Building Specs:
146 Units
232,000 sq ft.
$18,780,000 construction cost
($81 per sq ft.)

EASTERN Design Office - Horizontal House

The Horizontal House, completed in 2007 by EASTERN Design Office in Japan, follows the line of an ancient stone wall around the property. 15 horizontal slit windows are cut into the facade to provide views.
What really blew me away was the Y-shaped hallway inside, absolutely incredible!

Alan Y.L. Chan - Ribbon Apartment

Designer Alan Y.L. Chan renovated this 400 sq ft apartment on the Upper East Side. A ribbon of concrete runs through the whole apartment, becoming sink, bath, seat, countertop, table, and floor. The open all glass shower has a privacy screen that drops down. Space saving features include a murphy bed and a sliding work desk that doubles as a dining table.

Illustration of Ribbon concept:

Before Photo:

via Dwell

The Sole Power Tile by SRS Energy

SRS Energy has released a energy producing barrel tile roof product that fits seamlessly with their existing Clay Tile roof products. The blue barrel tiles are actually photovoltaics. See website for more info.

Group A - Selected Works

Group A's Student Housing 'Blok 1 Presikhaaf' project in the Netherlands has 90 small living units with a communal roof terrace. I like the way they cut up the face with window size and placement, making the most out of a small budget and simple floorplan.


Villa Bussum features a striking cantilever over the driveway and entrance, slanted walls and a floor-to-ceiling glass front on the first floor.

Blaak 8 is an office tower in Rotterdam's city center. There are 3 different floorplans as it rises creating a unique and sculptural facade.