http://www.detail-online.com/daily Thu, 16 May 2013 22:20:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 http://www.detail-online.com/daily/a-revolutionary-apartment-building-mahallat-iran-by-abct-architecture-by-collective-11261/ http://www.detail-online.com/daily/a-revolutionary-apartment-building-mahallat-iran-by-abct-architecture-by-collective-11261/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 22:20:23 +0000 editorial office Detail Daily http://www.detail-online.com/daily/?p=11261
It is not often we get to see the interesting work being created in Iran because of political reasons. So it is with some satisfaction that we get a glimpse of this apartment building in Mahallat, designed by Tehranian practice, … Read more]]>
It is not often we get to see the interesting work being created in Iran because of political reasons. So it is with some satisfaction that we get a glimpse of this apartment building in Mahallat, designed by Tehranian practice, AbCT - Architecture by Collective. It uses a beautiful local stone for the exterior, as well as some interior walls, which imprts a rich and beautiful quality to the building. More importantly perhaps, the building has had a disproportionate impact on the environment and the local economy. It is often in times of austerity, when resources are more scarce, that creativity flourishes. In this building we see how that creativity has taken advantage of a stone cutting process that discards around half of what is quarried because of imperfections in the stone. The economy of Mahallat, is predominately centred on stone cutting so by illustrating that exceptional architecture can be produced using what has hitherto been considered a waste product, efficiencies can be realised that are having an economic, as well as an environmental impact. The elegant architectural solution plays on the underlying , crisp, essentially rectilinear form, which is then modulated by stone protrusions that shade the smaller windows like flaps cut from the building fabric. For the larger windows, operable timber shutters help to regulate the sunlight and internal temperatures. The building is shortlisted for this year's Aga Khan Award for Architecture.  ]]> http://www.detail-online.com/daily/a-revolutionary-apartment-building-mahallat-iran-by-abct-architecture-by-collective-11261/feed/ 0 http://www.detail-online.com/daily/interpretation-centre-limpopo-south-africa-by-peter-rich-architects-11249/ http://www.detail-online.com/daily/interpretation-centre-limpopo-south-africa-by-peter-rich-architects-11249/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 22:05:03 +0000 editorial office Detail Daily http://www.detail-online.com/daily/?p=11249
Located at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, is Mapungubwe Hill, a World Heritage site. Etched on stones uncovered from there, are ancient motifs that have provided the inspiration for the plan of this extraordinary building. It tells … Read more]]>
Located at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, is Mapungubwe Hill, a World Heritage site. Etched on stones uncovered from there, are ancient motifs that have provided the inspiration for the plan of this extraordinary building. It tells the story of the site in a series of gloriously, vaulted, exhibition and learning spaces. The building consists of ten free-form vaults, the tallest of which is 14.5 metres high, and a number of regular barrel vaults and domes. All are arranged on a roughly triangular plan connected by ramped walkways. The method of vaulting relies on clay tiles set on edge and bonded with quick - setting gypsum mortar. Similar methods are used in traditional vaulting in the Catalan region of Spain amongst other places. It enables the craftsman builders to readily interpret fluid forms. It is interesting too that the building finds some kind of spiritual, even aesthetic precedent in the work of Antonio Gaudi, who of course was of Catalan origin, and who was able to express local myth and culture in the architecture he created. The Interpretation Centre, a triumph for Peter Rich Architects, is shortlisted for this year's Aga Kahn Award for Architecture.  ]]> http://www.detail-online.com/daily/interpretation-centre-limpopo-south-africa-by-peter-rich-architects-11249/feed/ 0 http://www.detail-online.com/daily/winery-beijing-by-sako-architects-11236/ http://www.detail-online.com/daily/winery-beijing-by-sako-architects-11236/#comments Wed, 15 May 2013 22:30:53 +0000 editorial office Detail Daily http://www.detail-online.com/daily/?p=11236
Whilst creating a building in a star shape might seem capricious, it is a theme that has occurred many times historically. Military architecture such as castles were often star shaped, at least during a certain period. And just yesterday I … Read more]]>
Whilst creating a building in a star shape might seem capricious, it is a theme that has occurred many times historically. Military architecture such as castles were often star shaped, at least during a certain period. And just yesterday I came across a long forgotten text by Modernist Swiss architect Le Corbusier, discussing star-shaped plans... rather unfavourably. So having established historical precedents for the form let us explore further the intentions behind this winery, designed by Sako Architects. Lets note in passing that evoking classical and historical precedents that resonate with European cultures, noted for celebrating wine, seems like a firm note on which to establish a winery that is situated in a culture not yet known for wine. As for the plan, the arms of the star are arranged to correspond with the functions of the operation: the winery, a restaurant, a showroom, a bar and private apartments covering some 2,000 square metres. Inside, there is a brooding atmosphere reminiscent of an old castle. On the exterior, the building sits in the midst of a plane, encompassed on two sides by water. Its posture is of ancient fortification. We can only hope the guests find the building pregnable. Gratitude to Architizer.]]> http://www.detail-online.com/daily/winery-beijing-by-sako-architects-11236/feed/ 0 http://www.detail-online.com/daily/unquera-parish-churchcantabriaspain-by-fernandez-abascal-y-muruzabal-with-ortiz-y-barriento-11211/ http://www.detail-online.com/daily/unquera-parish-churchcantabriaspain-by-fernandez-abascal-y-muruzabal-with-ortiz-y-barriento-11211/#comments Wed, 15 May 2013 22:10:58 +0000 editorial office Detail Daily http://www.detail-online.com/daily/?p=11211
In the small Spanish town of Cantabria, Fernandez-Abascal y Muruzabal working in collaboration with Ortiz y Barriento, has designed a parish church, that although abstracted to a minimal form, will be immediately understood and recognized as a Catholic place of … Read more]]>
In the small Spanish town of Cantabria, Fernandez-Abascal y Muruzabal working in collaboration with Ortiz y Barriento, has designed a parish church, that although abstracted to a minimal form, will be immediately understood and recognized as a Catholic place of worship by the parishioners. The church is richly decorated, but not by applied paints and arts, rather by the materiality of fabric and finishes. The building is contained in a long thin box that sits level and parallel to the road. The box is raised above the site which gently falls away to the river behind. The road itself falls gently along its length, whilst the building remains level. This articulates one end of the building above the street serving as an expression for the bell tower. The bell itself is simply attached to the soffit of the roof. Internally, is a generous entrance hall warm with wood finishes. It leads on to the nave. It is long and thin, yet well lit by natural light given by a slot running the entire length of the nave. The slot is concealed from the pews by a deep concrete downstand delineating a side isle without a subdivision of the space on plan. Materially, richness and warmth are given by the use of different heavily grained woods. The floor has a lighter strip parquet, whilst the more intimate confessional uses darker wood that seems to envelop the space and the confessor. The internal walls and roof are generally of fair-faced concrete. On the exterior, about half of the façades are clad with a beautiful salmon-pink stone.  ]]> http://www.detail-online.com/daily/unquera-parish-churchcantabriaspain-by-fernandez-abascal-y-muruzabal-with-ortiz-y-barriento-11211/feed/ 0 http://www.detail-online.com/daily/breaking-out-of-the-box-retro-styled-fridge-11190/ http://www.detail-online.com/daily/breaking-out-of-the-box-retro-styled-fridge-11190/#comments Tue, 14 May 2013 22:01:59 +0000 editorial office Detail Daily http://www.detail-online.com/daily/?p=11190
It seems at last that the the Bauhaus styled fitted kitchen is being challenged. For the best part of 80 years, a smart kitchen meant a modular, clean-lined row of cupboards. Behind the smartest ones hid dishwashers, fridges and washing … Read more]]>
It seems at last that the the Bauhaus styled fitted kitchen is being challenged. For the best part of 80 years, a smart kitchen meant a modular, clean-lined row of cupboards. Behind the smartest ones hid dishwashers, fridges and washing machines camouflaged by a fitted door to look like a cupboard. Even sink tops are routinely hidden beneath work surfaces subjugated to the notion that utilitarian equipment should be used but not seen. In parts of South America Whirlpool have released this limited edition refrigerator with a 1950 theme to its styling. It is not the first company to do it of course Smeg, an Italian brand produced a free standing fridge with rounded corners claiming the same inspiration a few years ago, but this one is on legs! It comes in 4 colours each with chrome legs and a door handle that would not look out of place on a car with white walled tyres and fins. ]]> http://www.detail-online.com/daily/breaking-out-of-the-box-retro-styled-fridge-11190/feed/ 0 http://www.detail-online.com/daily/its-bath-time-in-hong-kong-11200/ http://www.detail-online.com/daily/its-bath-time-in-hong-kong-11200/#comments Tue, 14 May 2013 22:01:19 +0000 editorial office Detail Daily http://www.detail-online.com/daily/?p=11200
This rubber duck, the work of Dutch artist Florian Hofman, has been touring the world since 2007 you can see it in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour until the 9th of June. The artist claims it can heal or define “mondial … Read more]]>
This rubber duck, the work of Dutch artist Florian Hofman, has been touring the world since 2007 you can see it in Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour until the 9^th of June. The artist claims it can heal or define “mondial tensions” which, if true is a wonderful thing. Perhaps he might consider a version on wheels say a Trojan horse perhaps! ]]> http://www.detail-online.com/daily/its-bath-time-in-hong-kong-11200/feed/ 0 http://www.detail-online.com/daily/isotope-v-2-by-nonotak-11181/ http://www.detail-online.com/daily/isotope-v-2-by-nonotak-11181/#comments Mon, 13 May 2013 22:03:43 +0000 editorial office Detail Daily http://www.detail-online.com/daily/?p=11181
The artists Noemi Schipfer and Takami Nakamoto, otherwise known as Nonotak, have created Isotope v.2, a light and sound installation that is a response to the infamous Fukushima power plant incident. Using the the trajectory of events at the wreaked … Read more]]>
The artists Noemi Schipfer and Takami Nakamoto, otherwise known as Nonotak, have created Isotope v.2, a light and sound installation that is a response to the infamous Fukushima power plant incident. Using the the trajectory of events at the wreaked plant as a metaphor, the action starts in a gentle king of way, building into an aggressive, piercing, assault on the person imprisoned within the confines of the installation. Light is projected on and through a box of around 4m cubed. A low pitched drone is visualized with lights that appear to move and pulse slowly. The pace quickens, the lights become more intense and aggressive. Tension builds. It becomes uncomfortable, there is a feeling of menace. Watch the the piece here.  ]]> http://www.detail-online.com/daily/isotope-v-2-by-nonotak-11181/feed/ 0 http://www.detail-online.com/daily/ace-experience-haze-chair-by-florian-schultz-11171/ http://www.detail-online.com/daily/ace-experience-haze-chair-by-florian-schultz-11171/#comments Mon, 13 May 2013 22:01:37 +0000 editorial office Detail Daily http://www.detail-online.com/daily/?p=11171
The Haze chair, by German furniture designer Florian Schultz, has an elegant simplicity about it that belies a clever use of materials, and an exceptional eye for detail. It is made of wood, metal and fabric, and fastens together using … Read more]]>
The Haze chair, by German furniture designer Florian Schultz, has an elegant simplicity about it that belies a clever use of materials, and an exceptional eye for detail. It is made of wood, metal and fabric, and fastens together using simple wing-nuts. The seat is suspended from the frame giving a level of comfort quite out of proportion to its spartan, minimal appearance. The chair follows in the grand tradition of portable camp chairs, and recalls the spirit of travellers, adventurers and even military campaigns led by officers with waxed moustaches. Of particular elegance is the spliced metal - wood connection. It flexes a little when the chair is sat upon allowing it to respond to the seating position and weight of the occupant. It also looks like a detail from an early flying contraption, lending a physical manifestation to the phrase “flying by the seat of your pants!”. ]]> http://www.detail-online.com/daily/ace-experience-haze-chair-by-florian-schultz-11171/feed/ 0 http://www.detail-online.com/daily/paper-architecture-stockholm-installation-by-gert-wingardh-and-kustaa-saksi-11162/ http://www.detail-online.com/daily/paper-architecture-stockholm-installation-by-gert-wingardh-and-kustaa-saksi-11162/#comments Sun, 12 May 2013 22:02:38 +0000 editorial office Detail Daily http://www.detail-online.com/daily/?p=11162
The big furniture fairs are well past for this year. But the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair produced one piece well worth a nostalgic look back… not at the furniture though, but at a memorable installation. Designed by Swedish Architect … Read more]]>
The big furniture fairs are well past for this year. But the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair produced one piece well worth a nostalgic look back... not at the furniture though, but at a memorable installation. Designed by Swedish Architect Gert Wingårdh with Dutch illustrator Kustaa Saksi, this installation consists of 11,000 sheets of A3 paper, attached at 44,000 points. The exercise is an interesting collaboration as it allows the simultaneous creation of a space, as well as its decoration. The installation is reminiscent of the wonderful decoration to the surfaces of some of the great mosques of Iran. I have often wondered if the interiors of these great buildings would be so breathtaking without the decoration to the tilework, in other words, when the pure spatial qualities were laid bare. Although it would be a relatively simple proposition to test, with a quick “white cheese” rendering, It would seem an almost sacrilegious exercise, and one that perhaps misses the point of the architecture. The exterior of this installation, exhibiting the white non-printed side of the paper goes some way to answering the question.  ]]> http://www.detail-online.com/daily/paper-architecture-stockholm-installation-by-gert-wingardh-and-kustaa-saksi-11162/feed/ 0 http://www.detail-online.com/daily/for-god-and-profits-wooden-by-antoni-tudisco-11151/ http://www.detail-online.com/daily/for-god-and-profits-wooden-by-antoni-tudisco-11151/#comments Sun, 12 May 2013 22:01:11 +0000 editorial office Detail Daily http://www.detail-online.com/daily/?p=11151
As an art director and graphic designer, Antoni Tudisco considers it his great passion and privilege to be able to communicate ideas. He is a young designer form Germany with an extraordinary visual and graphical capability. This series of work … Read more]]>
As an art director and graphic designer, Antoni Tudisco considers it his great passion and privilege to be able to communicate ideas. He is a young designer form Germany with an extraordinary visual and graphical capability. This series of work called “Wooden”, explores the idea that certain objects should, or are, usually made of particular materials. When these things appear not to be, we are left with a heightened sense of wonderment as to how they were created. Tudisco is working with the medium and tools of today, software. But I would argue that he has acquired such skill with his tools, that he sits firmly within the great craft traditions of stone and wood carving dating back centuries. The Wooden project helps us to conveniently explore this idea through the work of the wood carver, Grinling Gibbons (1648 – 1721). He produced carvings of fruit and flowers for Hampton Court Palace, in England as well as other great buildings of the day. His patrons, the were Kings and Cardinals, rulers of great empires with immense wealth and influence. Likewise, Antoni Tudisco already has an enviable client list of great corporations, the immensely wealthy and powerful organisations of our day! But where as the church commissioned its craft in the name of God, suggesting eternal connotations, the God of Mammon, is an altogether more transient proposition. It would be interesting to see this modern artist and craftsman explore his talents for the sake of art itself.   Gratitude to Behance for drawing my attention to Tudisco.  ]]> http://www.detail-online.com/daily/for-god-and-profits-wooden-by-antoni-tudisco-11151/feed/ 0