Design Miami’s Best Entries

By in Designer Friend

Design Miami returned for its 15th Annual Edition, where the most up-to-date homeowners got a taste of what’s to come on the furniture market next year. The December 3rd to 8th event showcases various collectables and furniture throughout the Miami Art Week. It’s located in Pride Park near the Miami Beach Convention Centre, which is connected to the local museum. Those who participated in the Miami Art Week can also visit 70 exhibitions from the 20th to 21st centuries. There are even clothing displays from Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and Panerai.

Attendees of the Miami Art Week participated in various programs, workshops, and panels. Contemporary artists hosted the panels in the furniture, painting, and clothing industries. The programs and workshops are themed around the years most famous artists, which include Fernando Laposse and Humberto Campana. However, the overall tone for this year was centred around the element of water. Subsequently, the 15th annual Miami Art Week was considered a significant success amongst visitors and panellists. The conceptual furniture displayed throughout the art week was found to be some of the best in the last decade. Below we have provided inside biographies on the three best pieces on December 3rd to 8th Miami Art Week.

The Highlights:

  • Salon 94 – Jay Sae Jung Oh returned to the Miami Art Week with Salon 94. The industrial designer presented the Savage Collection, which included multiple pieces designed in recycled plastic. It included fine leather, showing how wood isn’t the only viable tool for crafting furniture.
  • The Chairs – Paul Frank was honoured this year by the Moderne Gallery, where they presented various lounge chairs themed around his grand designs in the 1930s. Most of the displayed furniture wasn’t upholstered and were made from the cork material.
  • The Sofa – The final and most notable design from the Miami Art Week Festival came from Harry Nuriey. Himself and Crosby Studios teamed up to create the Balenciaga Sofa. It was inspired by recliners and clothing that have been overstuffed, giving the element of comfortability. This could’ve been a significant reason behind the tailored pieces of popularity.

Future Annual Events

The Miami Art Week Council confirmed that the 16th annual event would occur in December on the 8th to 13th. The later date is being provided so that artists have an additional five days to complete their pieces. It’s anticipated that the next art week will be centered around climate change, which could showcase some of the most exciting pieces we’ve ever seen.

Oscar Niemeyer Passes at 104

By in Designer Friend

Oscar Niemeyer, among the 20 century’s most significant modernist designers, has passed away at the age of 104. Niemeyer’s job, well-known for its sweeping contours and space-age appearance, was influenced by the landscape of his indigenous Brazil as well as the females that sunbathed on its coastlines. The engineer that had been functioning right up until completion passed away on Wednesday at the Medical Facility Samaritano in Rio de Janeiro, adhering to a breathing infection.

Niemeyer won a string of honours consisting of the Pritzker Style Reward in 1988 as well as the Gold Medal of the Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba) in 1998. When the Federal government chose to relocate the resources on Brazil’s primary high levels from Rio de Janeiro in the 1950s, Niemeyer intended a collection of structures for the city.

Chapman claimed Niemeyer’s impact could be seen in Zaha Hadid’s job. He said although she might not concur, his work was beautiful. This included components of impact on David Chipperfield as well as Frank Gehry.
Metropolitan Basilica in Brasilia – One of Niemeyer’s ideal understood structures is the Sanctuary, with its “Crown of Thorns” cupola. The construction, whose keystone was laid in 1958, was not finished up until 1970.

  • The Niteroi Gallery of Contemporary Art – The flying saucer-shaped gallery in Rio de Janeiro, which was finished in 1996, has sensational sights over Guanabara Bay as well as Sugarloaf Hill. Niemeyer collaborated with architectural designer Bruno Contarini to make the 16m high structure, with a cupola 50m in size. His vision for the gallery, initially designed on a dining establishment table linen, was just one of increasing up, like a blossom, or a bird.
  • Palacio da Alvorada – It was the very first federal government structure created in the city, finished in 1958. The royal residence was recovered to its initial uniqueness in 2004, in a two-year job that set you back $18.4 m.
  • French Communist party building celebration Structure – The designer forged his cost for the job, and also, he additionally created the head office of the communist event paper L’Humanite in St Denis. The undulating structure was constructed between 1967 as well as 1972 in the 19 arrondissements. Mr. Chapman claimed: “You have to go within to value the structure. Unlike several of his compositions in Brasilia, this one is unmodified.
  • Ministry of Justice – The north side of the Esplanada ministries rests the Palacio da Justica. This was developed in 1957and finished in 1963. The marine yard at the front of the structure was produced by Brazilian landscape engineer Roberto Burle Marx.

California-Friendly Contemporary Home

By in Default, Designer Friend

The continuous onslaught of wildfires in California has created an unexpected housing crisis, with many asking how they will maintain their homes going forward. One developer claims to have the solution by building houses that are resistant to fires. Burdge Architects received their approval to begin development of their models, allowing for these permanent units to be available on the market by years end.

The Architecture/Building firm is creating a solution amid a threatening problem, allowing for individuals to re-inhabit their property after wildfires have depleted. For most, this will be a temporary solution, with the square footage smaller than a typical home. Individuals could live in this unit while craftsman rebuilds their original home. Burdge Architects noted that these tiny houses could be later used as offices or guesthouses, ensuring that it’s a viable investment for consumers. It’s estimated that anywhere from ten to twelve models are being created for retail.

The pricing for each model will begin at $315,000.00 and act as luxury modular units. It will have a contemporary interior that maintains high-end craftsmanship with fire-resistant construction and materials. Consumers can anticipate European Oak Floors, Custom Cabinets, Italian Porcelain Bathroom Tiles, German Plumbing and an Italian Murphy Bed with every unit. It will come in four size variations, catering to the needs of various customer demographics. This includes a 444 Square Foot Studio Apartment Model, a One Bedroom unit with 620 Square Feet, a Two Bedroom unit with a studio at 900 Square Feet and finally the 1200 Square Footage Model, which will maintain two bedrooms and a studio. There will also be an add-on garage for vehicle storage with the 1200 Square Footage Model.

The Burdge Guarantee

Burdge Architects have confirmed that every unit will be built inside the company’s factory and will be managed through their patented system that allows for build times to be reduced by 50%. Unlike most pre-fabricated manufacturers, these models will come fully completed with all electrical and plumbing included. This extends to the in-home appliances and furniture, which ensures that California Wildfire victims won’t have to go through any challenges with their purchase. It should be noted that this project began in response to the wildfires that occurred in Malibu and Wooley, with these two locations being the proof-of-concept cities for Burdge. Depending on the success of their fire-resistant homes, we could see the Burdge Brand become famous across the California State.

Best Linens for the Holiday Season

By in Default

Sleep is one of the most critical aspects of our daily lives. It’s essential to own linens that keep you comfortable and having the most satisfying periods of sleep. Multiple fabrics claim to be the softest, such as Egyptian Cotton or Cashmere. However, we have found that Flax Plant Linen is the most luxurious. This is the same linen used in hotel chains worldwide because their durable, breathable, warm in the winter and cold in the summer. It’s also one of the highest-rated fabrics for lack of wrinkles or laundry room usage. This applies to the thinnest Flax Plant Linen Bedsheets or the thickest.

This classic linen, used far before the existence of polyester or cashmere, also has significant eco-friendly credentials. The flax plant is one of the most durable, oldest and cultivated plants worldwide. It’s biodegradable and a renewable source that requires hardly any maintenance. Those purchasing this Flak Fabric Linens can sleep soundly knowing their bed sets are sustainable. Those interest can purchase Pillowcases, Sheets and Duvet Covers in this fabric with soft pastel colours or pure white shades. Subsequently, Flak Linens are just sustainable but also perfect for mixing and matching.

One of the best thinks about Flak Plant Linens is that over time, the comfortability doesn’t deplete. Instead, it becomes softwares and stronger over time, with the natural fibres binding to each other. Unlike standard lines that can handle upwards of a thousand washes, Flak Linens can sustain ten thousand washes. Below we have listed the top ten linen sets made with Flak Plant Fabrics.

  • The Linen Works Classic Set for £280.00. Includes Duvet, Pillowcase and Flat Sheet.
  • The Piglet Luna Strip Bedtime Bundle for £350.00.
  • Scale Pre-Washed Pure White Linen Set for £150.00.
  • Healer Dusty Pink Bed Linen Set for £290.00.
  • The Wallace Chambray Linen Cover Set for £180.00.
  • The Alvarado Bed Linen Set for £105.00.
  • Ikea’s Pillow & Quilt Set for £45.00 to £100.00.
  • The French Bedroom Company Set for $140.00.
  • Anthropologie’s Stretched Linen Set from 178.00 and up.
  • The Rocket Lisbon Soft Linen Set for £180.00.

Vancouver Developer Wins IPA Contemporary Design Award

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The Holborn Group, a famous real estate developer in the Vancouver area, has received one of the most significant awards available in their industry. The 26th Annual International Property Award Ceremony hosted the greatest minds in contemporary house design, which included the Holborn Group. They received an award for their second phase of the Holborn University Heights Complex for lower-income single families. This is considered to be the highest level of achievement for any retail developer. A panel of eighty industry experts than judges the innovation, quality, design and service of the developers most recent phase. This extends to the home developers’ level of originality and sustainability commitment. Receiving this award allows for the Holborn Group to promote that it won a world-renowned prize for excellence.

It’s not surprising that the Holborn Group won this year’s award. The Holborn University Heights: Phase II Project, is unlike any other lower-income housing complexes in North America. Holborn purposely built complexes that represent contemporary environments with natural landscapes and modern architecture, which would then back on to mountains in British Columbia. The homes have been credited for being filled with natural and fake light, while also being spacious and providing minimalist design qualities. The result is a home that’s awe-inspiring to witness, with aesthetics being refined and improved by the natural organic surroundings. For lower-income houses in Canada, these homes look more modern than most offered across the Nation. The downside is that it’s slightly over the top and paints a false picture of the British Columbia Housing Problem.

Complex Details

The Holborn University Heights Complex, which is considered as a master-planned community, is located in Squamish. This British Columbia town is one of the highest elevated in Canada, with residents have incredible views of the Garibaldi Mountains. This is the first time that new community housing has been built for the Squamish Region. Those moving to Holborn University Heights can anticipate modernly designed aesthetics, which are contemporary and seeking connection with natural environments around the Garibaldi Mountains.

Holborn Group History

For those who aren’t aware, the Holborn Group originally began as a developer in the Vancouver Region. Eventually, they became a sensation in the province of British Columbia. Today they’ve built multiple communities regarding residential and commercial buildings. Holborn has even built hotels for Hilton in Vancouver. Those purchasing one of their homes can expect innovation and integrity with every model designed. The goal is to have the utmost commitment to clients, leaving no issue unsolved.

The Psychology of Casino Colors

By in Default

Casinos are no stranger to modern-day living. Gambling and casinos are being legalized at a tremendous speed globally, but what few ever suspect when they walk into a casino is the massive amount of psychology behind every little bit of detail you face as soon as that you enter the premises. Let’s explore the magic behind the colour green and why it is so commonly seen within the industry.

By no means do we want to suggest that when casino interiors are designed, that the ultimate purpose it to manipulated clients, but ultimately the casino management needs clients to behave in a certain way, willingly, to make an existence? Hence every bit of décor, every combination with which you are faced, are planned into the smallest detail, with a purpose to obtain results.

The Color of the Tables

Overtime casino goers became accustomed to some aspects on the casino floor. One such simplistic element with a significant impact is the colour of casino tables. These tables are predominantly green; it is easy to accept that green is just the industry standard. Yet, the industry is capable of producing any colour tabletops, but green as a colour has proven itself to be psychologically calming. It is a colour linked to relaxation, and that is what the casino managers want. A stressed-out player next to the table is not going to benefit anyone. Casinos want players to feel calm and relaxed and almost at home when they enter their facilities. They want their clients to stay a bit longer and return often, and that is what they manage to achieve with something as simplistic as the colour of their tabletops.

Green represents stability. On the colour spectrum, it is precisely balanced between the much warmer colours like orange, red and the fresh colours on the other side of the range of blue and purple. This calming colour aids players to feel much more relaxed in the environment, which could be considered to be very intimidating in many ways. Not only are casino patrons often faced with confined and crowded spaces, but also the number of flashing lights and constant noise can contribute to them cutting their stay much shorter. This is not beneficial to the casino; hence, they balance these factors out with the calm presence of green tables.

Green is also the colour of the light indicating you to go ahead at a traffic light. It reflects a positive affirmation that you can proceed. Almost as if green is a call to action, urging the player to take that step and go ahead. In certain cultures, the colour green is also associated with prosperity. It can be linked to financial security in the same way that banknotes are often green — just one example of how every little detail is well thought through.

The Designers behind Architectural Greatness

By in Designer Friend

Art can take on many forms from the abstract to the obscene, it can cause instant moments of fleeting abundance, it can be fluid, or it can be timeless pieces of mastery. The latter being the work of architectural masters, designers of greatness, the dreamers behind the grandiosity of casinos, outshining the test of time. These architects managed to create playgrounds known for their thrill and fun, magic and wonder, palaces of magnificence. Here are only a few of these masters of construction and the timeless pieces they created.

Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas – Jay Sarno

Sarno’s vision was conceived in the 1960s. It has stood the test of time as well as the test of renovation, still intact with the original idea well presented. This palace brings back memories of the Greco-Roman empire, complete with statuary and marble designs. Indeed an exact resemblance of the larger than life design Sarno envisioned decades ago. With Julius Caesar welcoming visitors into this opulence and spectacular magnitude.

The Grand Lisboa, Macau – Dennis Lau and Ng Chun Man

Standing out above the rest is the crown jewel of Macau. The most outstanding of all thirty-eight casinos in Macau and the tallest building around at an impressive forty-seven stories. This is the creation of two architects from Hong Kong. The building was intended to be daring, to be expressive and to be a clear reflection of the ocean greeting the shores of the peninsula. The building also brings back memoirs of times gone by, times of Portuguese colonialism, exploring life in a different time.

Adelaide Casino – Buchan Architects

Two worlds are merging into one. The historic train station in Adelaide became one with a new architecture to create an intriguing balance between the landmark days gone by and modern times of the here and now. This is an intimate casino with only 90 gaming tables and 950 casinos. Keeping intact the history of the building inside protected by an outer exterior of modern shine with gold-tinted glass blends, complementing the golden hints on the old train station’s stones.

Crown Casino, Melbourne – Daryl Jackson

Jackson envisioned an illuminated glass spectacle serving as the hallmark set at the riverfront of the Yarra River. This is indeed a theatrical place with more than 200 000 square feet of gaming space, offering over 2 000 luxury rooms, shops and restaurants. The clean lines of the building reflect the river, lending a sense of being alive to the stagnant structure. This is considered to be an architectural masterpiece which brought Jackson plenty of recognition for his ingenious design.

Venetian Macau, Aedas and HKS

As extraordinary as her sister situated in Las Vegas that served as the inspiration when the extraordinary dream was dreamt for Macau. Impressive in size too, Venetian Macau is 550 000 square feet of gaming excellence. Intertwined with canals, shops and even gondoliers. This is a building of awe and wonder, as lavish on the exterior as the interior.

When Stadium Designs Go Wrong

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Designing a stadium is an architect’s dream. It is an opportunity to flaunt skill and talent and earn respect much needed in the industry. Yet sometimes even when it all appeared awe-inspiring on paper, some flaws might show up only when completed, and then the grandiosity of the arena gets overshadowed by some wonky design flaws defining what was supposed to be magnificent as magnificently odd.

Arlington Stadium in Arlington Texas

The stadium was opened in 1965 to attract MLB to the district. A couple of years later the Texas Rangers did arrive in 1972. What the Rangers’ fans had to face was. Unfortunately, a stadium merely fit for minor-league games with no roof or canopies or any source of shade in an area where temperatures reach a scorching three-digits regularly. Day games were a no-no as fans couldn’t spend all the time in the sun. It was only in 1978 that an upper deck was added which brought on some relief for a limited number of fans.

Kingdome in Seattle, Washington

Kingdome opened for play in 1976 with one hidden flaw, and that was that the structure wasn’t built to handle the amount of downpour which Seattle is known for. The leaking roof remained a concern that received little attention. Not even the outcry in 1990 from Ken Griffley Jr., outfielder to the Mariners that the leaking roof caused the centre field to be an unsafe zone was enough to bring about real change. In 1994 the roof could take it no more, and the years of complaints came crashing down as the saturated panels gave in. Three of the 15-pound fibreglass panels each 32 by 48 inches large came tumbling down and crushed the chairs below mere hours before the stadium would be filled with fans. The entire ceiling had to be replaced to find the glory which Kingdome deserved finally.

The Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York

The stadium deemed the most significant tennis venue globally opened for play in 1997 with a seating capacity of 22 547. As in any other stadium, Row Z is hardly anyone’s choice to sit, but in this stadium, the ones ending up there are purely the laughable stock of the event. Sitting an extraordinary 120 feet above the court makes watching the game impossible. The stadium’s design included two rows of luxury boxes just above the lower bowl and then above that are the seats of the second level expanding so high up in the sky that this stadium is higher than many of the well-known MLB parks.

The experience of watching tennis from Row Z in the famous Arthur Ashe stadium can easily be replicated. Only by sitting in a super uncomfortable plastic chair and watching tennis on the tiniest smartphone screen that you can lay your hands on, you will experience something of it. Although, do be sure that it is indeed the most miniature smartphone around otherwise you will still be able to observe too much.

Sports Venues Sustainability

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Preserving a green legacy or reducing a carbon footprint, these are the significant factors that stadiums consider to increase their sustainability factor. Some stadiums in the world have managed to construct or even renovate existing structures in such a way that they have become the forerunners in innovation and are setting the benchmark to strive for in regards to sustainability globally.

Amsterdam Arena

More than 4 200 solar panels provide the energy to power the home of Ajax football club. An energy-generating escalator can be found within the main building, and they also have installed energy storage. This energy storage system has been constructed from second-life batteries previously used in electric cars. These used Nissan LEAF batteries are used to distribute energy to the neighbouring residential areas when needed and also serves as a backup power source to the stadium. Their lawns are watered from rainwater which they collect from the roofs. Energy is also preserved through the use of residual heat to keep the field frost-free. Also, the supporters travelling to games are always urged to make use of public transport of other energy-saving means of commuting.

Levi’s Stadium

Various innovative sustainability improvements that could be found in Silicon Valley were incorporated by the home of the San Francisco 49ers. They showcase more than 1 000 the best solar elements available in the market which are distributed throughout the entire building. They also showcase a solar-panelled roof deck and pedestrian energy bridges. The top of the suite tower of the stadium is home to a 27 000 square feet green roof. All their cleaning products and materials are purchased from sources providing sustainable materials. Food is sourced locally, and they minimize the carbon footprint by having about 78% of their food suppliers situated within a 150-mile radius, while 85% of their food is sourced locally in California. All these efforts and commitment to combat climate change earned the San Francisco 49ers the recognition of the White House Office of Science and Technology.

Golden 1 Centre

2017’s most technologically advanced and greenest facility for sports and entertainment is home to the Sacramento Kings. The stadium is in the top three of high-performance buildings globally. They are continually conveying the message of promoting a greener lifestyle to their fans and business partners. The stadium harness all the energy needed through solar panels and their water conservation plans managed to reduce their water consumption by 45%. Construction to the stadium was completed during late 2016, where after the construction waste was 99% recycled and the demolition materials weren’t dumped in a landfill.

FIFA World Cup Stadium

Qatar is home to the 2022 football World Cup and is committed to building 12 venues. These venues will have no carbon emission and will thus deliver on a zero-carbon tournament. The stadiums also feature specialized climate controls that can control the temperatures which often exceed 40C during events.

Impressive Bar & Restaurant Interiors

By in Default, Designer Friend

Any great restaurant or bar gets its reputation for brilliance not only from the delicacies served on the menu which is of immaculate standard, nor from the vibe which is a culmination of the personalities of the group attracted, but also due to design brilliance, something with a spectacular visual appeal. Here are some of the world’s top restaurants and bars which are beyond impressive in their design.

H.R Giger Museum Bar

This architectural masterpiece is the creation of the Swiss artist, H.R Giger. This bar delivers a unique and almost surreal experience, and the entire premises is a work of art. Every bit of space of the interior from the floors to the ceiling is covered in Giger’s acclaimed biochemical environment and the characters he designed to fit in it. Thus the entire interior of the bar is one piece of art, both inspiring and incredible. The original Giger bar opened in Chur Switzerland in 1992, and then a new Giger bar was opened in 2003 in Gruyères.

Truth Cafe

Truth Cafe is located in Cape Town, South Africa. The Daily Telegraph has nominated truth as the world’s best coffee shop, and this was with good reason. Not only does Truth Coffee deliver on an immaculate quality of only the best beans available, but their steampunk theme is impressive and captivating. The theme centres on Colossus. Colossus is their vintage Probat coffee roaster. It has all the modern much-needed electronics to deliver on an excellent final product with the visual appeal of another world. Here enjoying a cup of the best roast is more than popping in for a quick coffee, it is indeed a culinary experience.

The Bicycle Bar

Based in Bucharest, the bar’s interior is inspired by the owner’s love for bicycles. Indeed a childhood dream which entered reality and the entire restaurant is a reflection of this passion for bikes. The chairs and tables are mostly made of reused vintage bicycles, and even the lighting fixtures reflect this love. The restaurant blends in perfectly with the Bucharest old city centre and the industrial décor often displayed in its surroundings. Some of these parts used have been shipped from Great Britain, some dating back as far as 1930. Other pieces have been sourced from the oldest as well as the largest bicycle factory in Romania, Pegas. Although Pegas has been closed for a while already, their brilliant creations still amaze patrons to this vintage bar, daily.

AMMO Restaurant

AMMO is standing for Asia, Modern, Museum and Original. This award-winning restaurant is set in the heritage site of an explosives compound which was in use in the 19th century. It has a contemporary ambience and both an Italian as well as Japanese influence. The décor is the inspiration of Joyce Wang and her team at the Wang Studios, and it is based on Alphaville, a 1965 film masterpiece. Reflecting an industrial and military past combined with a modern space set away from the busy city centre of Hong Kong.

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