The architecture and design blog

Photos: René den Engelsman and EYE

I have become used to seeing exceptionally expressive architecture in the Middle East and China, but this noticeable piece is to be found in Amsterdam and is set to open on the 5^th April. It is EYE: The Film Institute Netherlands.

We are told that the design of the building was concerned with ‘plural perspective’ and ‘physiological effect’. The white cladding is apparently a reference to cinematography and the façade, I think that means the glazing, reflects light in constantly changing conditions. Read more

Liège-Guillemins railway station by Santiago Calatrava, Belgium photographed by James Ewing

I have come across many good architectural photographs, but far less frequently does a photo completely arrest my attention. When that has happened, I have found that often the photograph was taken by James Ewing. For this reason, I wanted to tribute James and his work so I have invited him to select a few of his favourite shots which are posted here. Read more

Photos: Enzo Ferrari Museum

It is fast. In yellow aluminium it is as close as architecture gets racing, and for a second, captures the thrill and blood rush of driving a ferocious beast of a car. The final Future Systems project designed by the legendary, late, Jan Kaplický opened in Modena, Italy a couple of days ago. The Enzo Ferrari Museum is actually based around the shrine that is the old house of Enzo Ferrari. The contrast and dialogue between the two is glorious. Read more

Photos: Thomas Jantscher

I get the impression that this house would prefer to be somewhere else but cannot afford to move. The house looks, and is conceived, by Andrea Pelati Architecte as a mysterious black box turning, its back on the village in order to create its own micro-world between it and the garden. Views in and out are strictly regulated by carefully positioned punched windows. From some of the photographs it almost looks like it is in the middle of its own country! Read more