it's almost like meeting nina in the movie. the fluttering feathers, distressed leather & array of crystals/ mesh/ lace/ cheesecloth...all combined to make the perfect tutu. & then, the teeny tiny frame of natalie portman's figure, so fragile & delicate. i almost need to slow down my breathing.
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i had such a great time with the family in hk/ japan. here's a tidbit of an archi-find in hakone: woods of net by tezuka architects. photo credit to lily who travelled with us too!
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campus design in progress - LEDs included :] it makes working late a bit more enlivening.
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Recently, we decided to hit up UCLA's Archi School during lunch hour. Afterall, it's only 10 minutes drive away and we are in need of inspiration! What struck me after walking through the immense display of student works was a feeling of I wouldn't describe as boredom, but that architecture is leveling out. There were the usual Zaha-looking forms, the mapping exercises, parametric explorations and then more form-making exercises. Then, we saw it, the digital technology class display. My coworker/ former UCLA student told me that's a class students take in addition to studio, and it's a LOT of work. The results spoke for themselves...we were awestruck.
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a simple mirroring effect yields fascinating imagery.

by daihei shibata.
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An impressive parking garage that redefines a seemingly stringent/ boring program and introduces magnificent structure & daylighting to a fine piece of architecture. H&deM did it again.
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A concrete pod materialized with the use of hay stacks, which when cured, was ingested by Paulina the cow -- a nature-inspired, process-driven project.
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90's-influenced, So cal-inspired eyewear, designed for the post-modern architect.

>Freeway Eyewear
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Last thursday marked the once-a-month event : Downtown LA Artwalk. I finally arrived early enough to get the real experience! Galleries, taco truck eats, street performances & crowds. Lots & lots of crowds. We cruised along Main & Spring street for about 2 hours before settling in for some drinks at our friend's artsy loft.
>los angeles art walk
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Aurora Moreno >aurora .currently easing out of monday gloom.
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ZUMTHOR'S mastery of material use and light to create powerful/ memorable spaces undeniably makes him one of the most gifted architects in the world. THE reason why you can barely find any books on his works is because of his belief that architecture must be experienced first hand. His writings, however, are very compelling [ and easy ] reads and I recommend his book "Thinking Architecture" to anyone who is waiting to be inspired. >Kolumba source:www.0lll.com
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I'VE been meaning to put this up for months. BRAD PITT hit it right this time. The project caught my eye with the bright pink colour and the concept of tangram that allows these seemingly rigid temporary structures to achieve formal flexibility. I really do love the simplicity of the idea and how these tents render at night..! * * * THE last time I saw Brad Pitt in real person was probably 4 years ago, when I came face to face with Frank Gehry. It was a special afternoon in which starchitects from around the world gathered to discuss about the future of Los Angeles. The Downtown LA Symposium I believe it was called. At the reception, I made a beeline towards Gehry and asked for an autograph [ remember, i was still a nerd ] and his reply was, "OH no no... you should ask HIM for an autograph instead!" and he addressed the man standing right next to him that was, who else but Brad Pitt himself? At that moment, I was literally in touching distance from the sexiest man on earth. What followed after was somewhat embarrassing and I shall not dwell into it. But since then Brad Pitt made much effort in promoting the field of architecture and here, I shall thank him for that. >help build homes in New Orleans source:www.makeitrightnola.org
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FORGET about functionality and it's claim to prevent "wrist dorsiflexion". It's ingenious, it's chic, it's comfortable. And a good night's sleep is all there is to it. >the love mattress source:red-dot.sg
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This HAVE to be the best Project Runway episode ever: Not only were there beautiful men dressing up [ and down ;p ] in front of you, menswear was definitely a refreshing idea. I've seen too many skinny females on the runway, it was time for some real muscle and flesh. Havin a brother makes me realize that what boys wear [ to look good ] owes much to tailor/ fitting. Thus the contestants were pushed on design, on fitting, on time. They were SO stressed. Not only were they 'freaking out' in the midst of constructing their outfit, but they said things like, 'i have no idea what i'm doing right now.' yes, people, that reminds me of my studio days. >>hit the runway source:bravotv
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