Modern Architecture and Design

Major Setback

Published September 25th, 2008 in Architecture | 3 Comments »

OMA

Have you ever wanted to have an apartment with a pool… in the ceiling? Well now you can – thanks to Rem Koolhaas, who is developing a new residential tower in New York City.  With a characteristic gesture of willful contrarianism, his design inverts the typical Manhattan tower, stepping outward - not inward - as it rises to create an alarming attention grabbing profile.  Ostensibly, these cantilevers are intended to provide views to a nearby park. 

OMA

OMA

In reality, I think Rem is just showing off. But the pool is awesome.

Click here for the Office of Metropolitan Architecture.

Old Versus Nouvel

Published July 14th, 2008 in Architecture | 1 Comment »

Tower

I’ve never been a huge fan of the work of French architect Jean Nouvel - most of it seemed interested in being provocative and little else. That being said, his design for a 75-story residential building in New York is really pretty brilliant. The tower grows skyward like a glass and steel tree, contorting to fit the confines of the City Zoning setbacks to create a drop-dead gorgeous form that is completely logical. Predictably, the neighbors hate it – but as yet the project is moving ahead.

See link below.

http://www.observer.com/2008/landmarks-commission-gives-nod-nouvel-s-moma-tower

New York City Waterfalls

Published June 26th, 2008 in Art | 1 Comment »

This image is pretty cool.  There is not enough thought put into installations on existing structures.  Just having something draped or a different light on something that millions of people can see daily, what a positive effect you can have on people with a little modern design.

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/06/24/arts/0625-WATERFALL_5.html