Archive for February, 2012

Can Structures Heal?

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

There’s no doubt that some buildings exert positive vibes, making us feel good while others can induce a sense of dread, depression or claustrophobia.

Take most of the hospitals you’ve ever been to as a good example of buildings designed to make you feel worse, not better.

The idea that structures can heal is explored above by Michael Murphy, the CEO and president of MASS Design Group, who believes that while some structures can make us feel worse, a well-designed building can make us feel better.

Taking it one step further, he encourages designers to use local materials and labor to improve the economies of the communities that the building – in this case hospitals – will serve.

Are there buildings out there that make you feel worse?


From Disneyland to ‘Napoleonland’

Friday, February 24th, 2012

napoleonDisneyland won’t win any architecture awards but its fair to say that almost everyone recognizes it.

As theme parks goes it’s on top of the heap. Hell, there’s even a place called Dollywood based on singer Dolly Parton but now, the French are planning a new, and strange, twist on the theme park with ‘Napoleonland’.

Based around the famous French general, emperor, sometimes tyrant and military genius – Napoleon Bonaparte – it is the brainchild of former French minister, Yves Jégo.

Unlike other theme parks with parades of cartoon characters played by bored teenagers in giant smelly suits, this one would recreate giant battles featuring hundreds and thousands of extras.

His grand plan is to build the theme park just south of Paris on the site of the Battle of… Read the rest of this entry »


Bomb-proof Bins Hit the Streets of London

Monday, February 13th, 2012

bombproof bin

What do you get when you cross good urban design with paranoia? Bomb-proof trash cans apparently.

Believe it or not, these cool looking recycling bins have just started being deployed in London’s financial district and yes, they really are bombproof too. With terrorist bombing fears still fresh in the minds of its politicians, the Renew bins are the first to be deployed since London removed its cast iron bins a few years ago.

The bins’ armor has been tested in the deserts of New Mexico but it’s not the only feature of this $47,000 litter box. More photos after the jump.

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How Much Does Your Building Weigh, Mr. Foster?

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

Yes, it’s an odd headline but it’s actually the name of a very interesting and well-received documentary about the architectural works of Sir Norman Foster.

Referred to by one reviewer as the ‘Mozart of Modernism’ the documentary ‘How Much Does Your Building Weigh, Mr. Foster?’, by First Run Features, has been winning rave reviews from the press in Europe and the US.

Check out the trailer above.

The makers describe the film as “a portrait of one….

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