PicoCool

"Stunning Flickr set of interchanges in Japan” by Ken Ohyama. [via jordanclaire on twitter]

Network: flickr

”Mass Studies is a Korean based architecture firm that was founded in 2003. The studio recently finished the design of shop for fashion retailer Ann Demeulemeester. the building consists of four levels, the shop, a multi-store and restaurant on the top floors. The project’s facade is made from a geo-textile planted with herbaceous perennials to form a living wall. The greenery is carried into the shop, incorporating nature whenever possible.” (via designboom)

Network: blogs

This fantastic low impact home was built by a family in Wales.  “It was built by myself and my father in law with help from passers by and visiting friends. 4 months after starting we were moved in and cosy. I estimate 1000-1500 man hours and 3000 pounds put in to this point. Not really so much in house buying terms (roughly 60 pounds/sq m excluding labour)...The house was built with maximum regard for the environment and by reciprocation gives us a unique opportunity to live close to nature. Being your own (have a go) architect is a lot of fun and allows you to create and enjoy something which is part of yourself and the land rather than, at worst, a mass produced box designed for maximum profit and convenience of the construction industry. Building from natural materials does away with producers profits and the cocktail of carcinogenic poisons that fill most modern buildings.” Their story is inspirational and full of happiness.  Everyone should try this. (Thanks to Max Kiesler for the tip)

Network: blogs

Photo by Hanna Ljungstrom, Designer, LOTS.

The sculptural prototype above is Zaha Hadid’s city car in SUV size, now showing at the Zaha Hadid: Architecture and Design, the first full scale show the architect’s work at the Design Museum in London. Also see the exhibition blog. (via David Report)

Network: blogs