Blog Archives

Zaha Hadid vs Martin Filler

8/25/2014

Zaha Hadid is suing the New York Review of Books and its architecture critic Martin Filler who is also one of the world's best critics. The lawsuit is accusing them of defamation for an article she claims accuses her of "showing no concern" for the deaths of hundreds of migrant construction workers in Qatar, where she has designed a football stadium for the 2022 World Cup. Paul Goldberger, in his tweeter, suggests that her lawsuit was unwise and would gain her a reputation as "the architect who sues critics". I am with him.

1914 Deutsche Werkbund Exposition

8/25/2014

2014 marks the centenary of the 1914 Deutsche Werkbund Exhibition in Cologne, the controversial show, which came to define the two steam of the Modern Movement: the rationalist and the Expressionist. Bruno Taut’s prismatic dome, known came to showcase the achievement of German glass industry and became the prototype of the Expressionist Movement;

The Glass Pavilion by Bruno Taut

Frank Lloyd Wright in Central California

8/24/2014

On September 27th, Fallingwater offers a tour, led by its director Lynda Waggoner of two Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes in central California – the Walker House in Carmel and the Fawcett House in Los Banos. To conclude the extraordinary day, special guest and famed architect Arthur Dyson will speak about his experience as an apprentice in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fellowship and his role in the recent restoration of the Fawcett House.

The Walker House, Carmel

Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red

8/24/2014

To mark a centenary to the start of the First World War, ceramic artist Paul Cumminsand and set designer Tom Piper created an installation entitled "Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red," after a poem by an unknown soldier. A field of red surrounds the Tower of London, composed of nearly a million porcelain poppies, the flower which symbolizes remembrance in the UK. Photography by Tom Piper.

Aqua

8/22/2014

Morning Glory collection by Aqua Creations.

Churches and Synagogues of the Hamptons

8/22/2014

Lee F. Mindel will take part in the upcoming video series on collecting design, and I have become an avid reader of his column in AD, which features his spectacular architectural photographs. In the current issue, Lee explores the architecture of churches and synagogues in the Hamptons. He visits such icons as the First Presbyterian Church of Southampton, built in 1640; the St. Andrew’s Dune Church with its wood interior; the Victorian Italianate First Presbyterian Church of Amagansett; and my beloved Jewish Center of the Hamptons Shaarey Pardes, which Norman Jaffe so successfully integrated into the built landscape of the Hamptons. All photos by Lee F. Mindel for AD.

Norman Jaffe–designed Jewish Center of the Hamptons, in East Hampton

Nikeames = Nike + Eames

8/22/2014

With its new Nikeames, Nike pays tribute to Charles and Ray Eames, the darlings of American mid-century design who during the 40s and 50s experimented with molded plywood and applied the then progressive process to the creation of American Modern. French designer Ora-Ïto developed a conceptual trainer with curved veneer sections to reference the famed Eames Lounge 670 armchair, which has been produced by Herman Miller since 1956.

Antoni Gaudí

8/21/2014

It is going to be the first Congress devoted exclusively to research on the life and work of Antoni Gaudí, and it will be taking place in Barcelona between October 6th and 10th. It is the place to hear leading world specialists who will share latest discoveries that approach Gaudí as a multidisciplinary creator.

Furniture by AMMA

8/21/2014

Visiting AMMA Studio yesterday, which was founded by sculptor Fernando Mastrangelo and interior designer Samuel Amoia. They two create furniture of polished concrete in various colors combined with such unusual materials as Himalayan salt and BB gun bullets. The result is fresh and intriguing. I particularly liked the series of stools, where the sleek, precised forms are highlighted by the color and texture of the materials.

London Contemporary Architecture

8/21/2014

One of my favorite design experiences in London is exploring its contemporary architecture, because London is a like a living architectural exhibition, with some of the most exciting buildings of our time. Routledge published a new guide, entitled "London Contemporary Architecture," by Ken Allinson and Victorian Thornton, which offers architectural experiences and insights into London’s finest contemporary architecture.