OPEN Architecture is a studio that has pushed their work into the future with creations like the MARS house and Chapel of Sound. Both on the cutting edge of sustainable design, and thinking forward into the conceptual needs of the humans of the future, they have made a name for themselves with their thoughtful and …
The architecture of the staircase combines form and function, upper and lower space. It can represent power or status, or symbolise spiritual elevation and the climb to knowledge. Join me in discovering the 20 most spectacular staircases around the world. From the simple, straight-flight steps of the Mayan pyramids, to the radical spiral ramp …
Chinatowns are a vital and rich part of most major cities, yet their history and inception are fraught and painful. Join me in discovering the story of North American Chinatowns, and how they have evolved to present day. At their height, there were dozens of Chinatowns, in big metro areas like Los Angeles and …
It is quite common to receive inspiration from the organic forms and beauty of nature, but self-taught French architect Jacques Couëlle took this inspiration one step further than most. His work on the Castellaras estate in Mouans-Sartoux, France blurs the line between nature, architecture, and sculptural art– hence the unique architectural style he is said to …
Mingei, a traditional Japanese folk art, is rooted in an appreciation of the handcrafted utilitarian object, and a recognition of its innate beauty. In part a reaction to Japan’s rapid modernization at the turn of the century, Mingei is a practice and a philosophy that instills value in the everyday. The word mingei, meaning …
Stéphane Beel’s architectural style is simple, paired down and yet always intriguing and visually appealing. Join me in discovering some of his most interesting buildings over the years. Stéphane Beel is a Flemish contemporary architect and founder of the firm Stéphane Beel Architects. Graduating from his architecture studies in Ghent in 1980, Beel and …
Cinemas have been around since the dawn of film, in 1895. A relatively recent invention, the buildings themselves are also only from the last 130 years, yet many of them are important historical time capsules. With Netflix changing the way we view, cinemas are a precious remaining architecture: so, let’s discover some of the most …
Exterior siding materials have come a long way since their inception. The type of siding on homes is generally dictated by the time, groups of people and region in which the house was built — and the origins of profiles are fascinating. From brick to aluminum to steel siding, read on to find out more of the history …
It goes without saying today that a toilet is an essential, yet given, tool in our daily lives. At a certain point in history, however, toilets did not exist. Let’s dive into the fascinating history behind the invention of the toilet, and how it has progressed and evolved over time. The word toilet derives from …
Pools can range from Olympic size lap pools to floating lounge pools in the depths of the rainforest. From public to private, from natural to high-tech, and from ancient to modern, we’ve got a list of the most spectacular pools in the world. The History of Pools The “Great Bath” at the site of …
Amsterdam is best known for its luxurious canal houses and charming gabled facades, but the city has enough architectural treasures to keep design lovers busy for weeks. From windmills and drawbridges to the Amsterdam School and cutting-edge modern design, learn the stories behind Amsterdam’s most memorable structures. Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful cities …
Chairs hold a special place in the history of design: they embody a synthesis of creativity, functionality, art and engineering. Some have even taken on cult status, and become art objects in themselves. Let’s take a look at the 10 most influential and iconic chairs throughout history. The History of Chair Designs Chairs …
While trains may seem like an outdated form of transportation, they can be a highly effective and sustainable option. From historical stations that are grand and ornate, to modern feats of engineering, they are a beautiful building that makes the form of transportation all the more enticing. The History of Train Stations The world’s first …
While travelling across oceans can have a serious carbon footprint, there are ways to make sure your travel is as responsible and sustainable as possible: all without losing luxury and style. To help you with the matter, I’ve curated a list of the best designed eco-resorts around the world. Research shows that global interest in …
While for many people libraries may seem like an outdated institution, they still serve a significant role in our society, as both a public space, and space of archival collection. While you may not even be interested in taking out a book, there are many libraries around the world that are worth visiting just for …
Glasgow, Scotland is home to a diverse range of historic and contemporary architecture, making it a unique and fascinating place to tour. If you can’t make it there in person, I created this virtual tour to give you a taste of the cityscape. The city of Glasgow, Scotland is particularly noted for its 19th-century Victorian …
Renzo Piano is a famous Italian architect, perhaps best know for his design of the Centre Pompidou in Paris. His buildings are a blend of high technology and futurism: producing a unique innovative design style that has made him famous around the world. Let’s discover some of his most iconic buildings! Renzo Piano’s Life …
Wallmakers is an architecture firm based in Kerala, India. led by Vinu Daniel, the studio has devoted itself to the cause of using mud and waste to make structures that are both utilitarian and alluring. Join me in discovering some of their most spectacular designs! As humans, all of our earlier settlements have always …
Arcosanti is an experimental desert community located 70 miles outside of Phoenix Arizona. The town was conceived by visionary architect Paolo Soleri, proposing an alternative to urban sprawl that is more sustainable and community centred. Join me in discovering how it came it to be, and some of its most exciting design details. Built on …
While Airbnb has taken over the gravel industry, boutique hotels are a wonderful way to experience a place, with top notch service and a curated experience. There are some spectacular hotels around the world that will immerse you into the environment while providing a respite to relax and unwind at. So, what exactly makes a …