much anticipated highline redevelopment in new york city’s meatpacking district. the design was created by new york based landscape architects james corner field operations and architects diller scofidio + renfro. the highline was first created in the 1930s as an elevated rail line and remained in use until the 1980s. after many years of sitting empty, the first section of the highline is now completely renovated and the second part will open 2010. throughout the strip of elevated terrain the architects also placed benches and other special areas for gathering. the new design features a winding pathway accompanied by wildlife on each side.

Designers: james corner field operations | diller scofidio + renfro
Design award: brit insurance design award 2010

Milan Design Week ( iSaloni ) attracts thousands of design worshipers each year. Pavilions, new structures, abandoned lofts, galleries, outside public squares, everywhere, you’ll find a reminder, directions, and information. The beautiful glass roofed pavilion shown is the Rho-Pero designed by Massimilliano Fuksas. We are looking at this year’s 2010 effort.

Location: Milan

For the pencil sharpener crowd a set of 12 multi-stripe pencils with rubber tops in a matching presentation box. 100% wood, 100% graphite, 100% rigid cardboard box. $12.00US Designer: Paul Smith (UK)

In 2009 Chicago’s Burnham plan celebrated its 100th anniversary. With Daniel Burnham, Chicago was lucky to have an urban visionary who not only had credibility but social clout amongst Chicago’s elite. Chicago is also lucky to have a visionary with all kinds of clout who is inspired by Europe, loves all things green, bikes all […]

A home that makes the Smart car, standing side-by-side, look like a SUV. No, an 18-wheeler.

“Micro-Compact Home” [m-ch] was inspired by Japanese tea houses, yes, the Smart car and first class air travel. They are lightweight, modular, mobile and very minimal 2.65m (roughly 77 sq ft). That equates into a 266 x 266 x 266 centimeter cube ‘Home,’ Imagine that? It’s not for the claustrophobic, a dwelling non-the-less, for one or two people. This is not a tent, a trailer, but a home, in a super compact design.

Producer: via microcompacthome.

full story in e-zine section

Porchdog House Prototype, Biloxi, Mississippi, (August 2009 Completion):

Biloxi Model Homes are affordable prototype houses designed for the Architecture for Humanity Model Home Program for families in East Biloxi whose houses were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. The proposition of raising a home up to 12’ above the ground disrupts the traditional notion of the Gulf Coast streetscape and affiliated porch culture. Compact with an efficient stacked living program, the metal-clad Porchdog house is raised above the ground and is essentially open at the ground level, but still incorporates a street level porch. Other ground-level elements are an entry stair, enclosed storage volume, and parking area. The Porchdog house is a refuge that still opens itself to the social structure of the city, minimizing its impact on the ground and while providing the requisite protection from a potential Category 4 storm surge event. Operable metal louvered shutters provide light control and storm security for aluminum framed window walls at the east and west elevations.

Designer: marlon blackwell, architect
Producer: bilox homes

2010 Brit Insurance Design Award—shortlist nominee