NYT: A Few Triumphs Pierce the Clouds of a Bleak Time

The American Institute of Architecture released data last week that confirmed the fears of many U.S. architects and builders—that an indicator of future commercial construction, The Architecture Billings Index—had reached new lows. For those not in the industry, it’s a sign that design activity has yet to recover from the economic downturn.

Combating our woes this week, however, is New York Times architecture critic Nicolai Ouroussoff, who authored an article looking not at the anxieties but instead at the triumphs of new architectural gems from across the world, from Rome’s new contemporary art museum Maxxi to Frank Gehry’s 76-story Beekman Tower in New York, the legend’s first skyscraper.

As Ouroussoff points out, “architects can look back on the year with a sense of triumph.” Click here for the full story.

Trends from the HBA’s Greater Kansas City Tour of Homes

Inspiration often strikes us at the oddest times. Case in point: We’ve been known to spend the entire winter dreaming up over-the-top plans for not only our clients but also our own living spaces.

We love it when potential clients come to us with their own ideas and design inspirations. But for those looking for a little help from the pros, check out some intriguing trends to come out of the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City and their recent tour of homes.

From exposed-frame vaulted ceilings to glass tiles and oversized prints on decorative wallpaper, Kansas City Homes & Gardens does a wonderful round-up, “Ideas for the Taking,” here.

Notes from “Climate and Architecture” at Copenhagen

We all know architecture has the ability to inspire conversation and change perceptions, and in this new age of sustainability, we must constantly ask ourselves what implications architecture has on our environment.

But what are the effects of the built environment in relation to the five senses? How does a building’s interior ‘climate’ relate to our own bodies?

That’s a question put forth by Climate and Architecture, an exhibit at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts’ School of Architecture taking place this month in conjunction with the international climate summit COP15 in Copenhagen.

From lighting that promotes the release of melatonin to water coolers filled with mint or chilis, speakers playing techno music, and simmering meat, the interactive, sensual exhibit encourages visitors to connect the dots between inner climates and external stimuli.

Click here for a more in-depth post exploring architectural space through taste, touch, sight, smell and sound by Metropolis Magazine.

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