Design

Nice one!

Girls with no regret

Neither did she

Magnificent Ruin

• 10 No-Fail Decor Tricks & Tips for Small Spaces• Five Things I Learned About Real Estate From Reality TV• How To Make an All-Natural Ant Killer• The High and Low Prices of Our Furniture More

Calvin and Hobbes

Boora Architects have completed the office renovation for the FINE Design Group in Portland, Oregon. From the architects This new work environment for FINE Design Group embodies the creative agency’s energy and collaborative nature. To create the new space, Boora Architects capitalized on the exposed steel structure, concrete floors, and abundance of natural light of a 5,475-square foot raw shell space. The result is a loft-like open office environment with a relaxed feel. Within the open space, key elements define distinct program zones: The “Barn” is a 3-pronged room that floats at the west end of the space and houses two offices and the agency’s conference room. The Barn’s complex shape creates the opportunity for distinct program areas around its exterior – the billiards area is sheltered on one side while team work spaces face the kitchen and the open workstations. Wrapped in a writable and magnetic surface, the walls are used for brainstorming and pin-up space. The residential-scale kitchen is a staff gathering spot and the hub for the many events the group hosts. Tile from Heath Ceramics, glazed in a custom pattern of matte and gloss, defines the space with a continuous field of color from wall to floor. Floating shelves hold dishes and healthy snacks and a custom butcher block island completes the space. At the east end of the office, Boora designed a walnut-clad bookcase that houses an eclectic mix of books and objects. Functionally, the bookcase screens the print/copy zone, provides a touch-down spot for laptop users, and frames the lounge area. Curtains can be drawn between the lounge and open workstations to divide the space and provide visual privacy. Architects: Boora Architects Photography: Jon Jensen

Barcelona's new design museum is an angular metal-clad structure designed by local studio MBM Arquitectes (+ slideshow). (more...)

[ By Delana in Conceptual & Futuristic & Technology. ] There are countless maps and other direction-finding methods for your smartphone that can help you get to where you want to go – but once you get there, you still have to worry about parking. This, of course, is one of the most frustrating aspects of going anywhere in a mid-to-large-size city. In fact, some 30 to 50 percent of urban congestion is caused just by people driving around looking for parking spots. But never fear – an app called ParkMe is here to provide real-time parking availability information in cities and countries all around the world. The smartphone app works by utilizing data from a number of sources. Parking facility operators can update the app with their capacity and availability. Businesses can use a widget to provide real-time availability near their establishments, which is a win-win for them and their customers. Payment options are listed so you’ll know ahead of time if you need to have cash available. Not all of the 1800 cities featured on ParkMe have real-time data available; only a handful of cities in the US offer that level of seamless parking integration. But the app does tell you where you’re most likely to find parking near your destination and how much you’ll have to pay for the privilege of leaving your car there. If you enter the amount of time you’ll need to park, the app will even tell you what your total cost will be. Overall, the app will reduce traffic congestion in cities by helping people find a place to park in advance. If  you could figure out your exact route, down to the entrance to the lot you’ll leave your car in, before you even leave your house – imagine how much easier it would be to get to your destination and get your fun outing started. [ By Delana in Conceptual & Futuristic & Technology. ] [ WebUrbanist | Archives | Galleries | Privacy | TOS ]

.