Best Blogger Architecture Nominee - JDR Industry Awards 2015

The JDR Annual Industry Blogger Awards are Back for 2015!!  Jackson Design and Remodeling has been a pioneer in the design and build remodeling industry for 25 years and they recognize the blogging community's commitment to bring innovative trends and excellent quality!  

MoD Design Guru was the winner last year for the Architecture category and is nominated again!  Love seeing friends on the roster too! Check out  Brandon Smith of DCoopMedia for the Microblogger category, Sarah Sarna for the Interior Design category Ronique Gibson of Freshome for the Interior Design category, and Bob Borson at Life of an Architect with whom I share the Architecture category.

Voting starts today and runs through April 10th, 2015.  Select your favorite blogger! Click here.

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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: JOE GINSBERG'S MARMARA PARK AVENUE HOTEL

Marmara Park Avenue

One can say that New York City artist and designer Joe Ginsberg is a Renaissance man. With formal training in art, sculpture, color science and photography, Joe Ginseberg's multi-faceted background informs interior spaces with thoughtful ingenuity. The NYC Marmara Park Avenue, an American flagship of the Turkish hotel chain the Marmara Collection is his latest creation. The 1927 building located on 32nd street between Park and Lexington avenues underwent a full renovation to house the luxury boutique hotel,128 key units in the heart of Manhattan.

Marmara Park Avenue Hotel

The cool factor about this forthcoming hotel and Joe Ginsberg's design is that it aims to make guests feel as if they're coming home.  Each hotel room is designed to look and feel more like apartments rather than the standard traditional hotel room layout. For the NYC visitor, this urban oasis is perfect for an extended stay.  The design includes custom-designed and individually produced items from artisans across New York City's five boroughs. Nothing mass produced. Love that!  The signs that this is going to be an unique experience is when you walk through the front doors. The black riveted iron façade is spectacular. Its a big, wow!  A neutral palette combined with richly colored accents and art indulges the visitor to find refuge from the busy New York City streets.

I'm excited to share an interview with Joe Ginsberg today!

YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE?

I create designs that are timeless and classic. Our interiors carry a distinctive hand made sense of craftsmanship evident in our unique material applications and custom fabrications. In my drawings, you can see the visual process of how one idea leads into the next. My work spans multiple platforms from my paintings to the interiors and collections I design. 

Private residence

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY?

To approach each project and creation with a new point of view each time.

Paul Rudolph Landmark Estate

DESCRIBE the vibe and creative process in your STUDIO?

The creative process is one that I embrace and aim to have my studio run in the same way. Together we work collectively as a team to unify our ideas and voice, bringing together our independent design aesthetics and goals.

Marmara Park Avenue Hotel

which of your material innovations are your favorites and why?

It's hard to have a favorite child.

Marmara Park Avenue Hotel

BIGGEST DESIGN IMPACT THAT inspired the marmara park avenue project?

A design impact hasn't inspired the Marmara project. Rather, it was my gut that told me to create the modern metropolis setting in the heart of the city.

Marmara Park Avenue Hotel

LESSONS LEARNED ON THE  MARMARA PARK AVENUE PROJECT?

I continue to develop a deeper understanding of how to deal with challenges that arise with each project. 

Marmara Park Avenue Hotel

MOST IMPACTFUL entity (space, art, music, etc) THAT has INSPIREd your work?

Nature, the street, Picasso and the Beatles.

Marmara Park Avenue Hotel

BEST DESIGN ADVICE YOU FOLLOW WHEN YOU ARE UNDER THE GUN? 

Keep your cool. 

Marmara Park Avenue Hotel

MANTRA YOU HAVE BEEN LIVING BY LATELY?

Lose yourself to find yourself. 

Marmara Park Avenue Hotel

Thank you Joe for the great interview! 

To connect with Joe, 

check out his WEBSITE, FACEBOOK, TWITTER

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Thanks to MOMA: Say BYE BYE to the American Folk Art Musuem

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It’s a SAD day. It has been announced that MOMA has finalized its decision to move forward with the demolition of the American Folk Art museum, the building's metal façade is a celebration of materials, a tactile and significant architecture... Dear MOMA, STOP. THE.INSANITY! An influential museum as yourself is destroying a building that IS art? I know that tons of designers, architects and critics have tried to convince you otherwise to integrate this folded modern façade into MOMA’s existing building fabric. I’m puzzled that condemnation is your answer? Unfortunately, this is an indelible mistake that will not be forgotten.....MOMA will not only change its look by the new expansion but also its compass in the architectural and art world...

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Architecture SWOON: Zaha Hadid's Heydar Aliyev cultural center

My FAVE building of the week is Zaha Hadid's Heydar Aliyev Cultural center in the city of Baku. It is magnificent and merits a visit to Baku...The building is a monument of light in the landscape with its endless continuous soaring curves. Designed to house an auditorium, a gallery hall and a museum, the project's role is to play an integral part in the intellectual life of the city and redevelopment of Baku. 

The building's shell is inspired by its natural topographic landscape it stands on.....

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Each function inside the building is represented by rippling white paneled folds, which are separated by glass for natural light. 

Are you amazed as much as I am by the complexity in construction of 90 linear feet of steel to form these staggering curves....

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The envelope is formed by a network of white composite panels that are integrated by geometries of complex triangles, trapezoids and parallelograms. 

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There are long sinuous openings that allow natural light to filter into the building. The interior volumes are as dynamic. See some of the rendering from Zaha Hadid's site. 

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Take a tour ...rendered by Zaha Hadid's team:

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Marvin's Architect Challenge: The Lyme house by David Mansfield Architecture and Design

What is "good design?"
According to architect David Mansfield of David Mansfield Architecture and Design, "design for us is 80% perspiration and 20% inspiration. While the design process is multi-disciplinary it always requires a single clear voice. Logic, lateral thinking and intellectual curiosity are the corner stones of the process but aesthetic certainty and mechanical and structural know how provide the catalyst for the built form. Our work is defined by our love of material & detail, always striving to make the whole greater than the sum of all the parts. To paraphrase Louis Kahn "materials tell you what they want to be" and the balance of this idiom with his ability to reduce space to it's primal elements are the basic inspiration of our work."

 David Mansfield 

Are you mesmerized by this modern interpretation of an American barn as much as I am? The owner wanted something unconventional that combined their love for Japanese and New England styles. The Lyme house, one of the winners of the Marvin's Architect Challenge by Marvin Windows & Doors,  naturally embraces its site, an homage to the Japanese concept of balance with nature. I really love this modern structure's placement on the site -  its precariously set on top of a sloped drop off..... A retreat for one's imagination to flourish.

Marvin's Architect Challenge: The Bragg House by Moger Mehrhof Architects

What is "good design?"

According to architect Matthew Moger of Moger Mehrhof, "We believe that good design occurs through a process of evolution. Empathy is a word we often use in our office. We feel the best designs evolve through spending time with, and listening to our clients. Equally as important for us is to form a relationship with the site. We want to understand each sites natural qualities that come only from that unique place. We empathize both with our clients and with the land to allow a design to evolve that has meaning. We feel that if our design ultimately reflects our clients dreams, and feels right in the landscape, then we have achieved a good design. You can feel it." 

 

 

Matthew Moger of Moger Mehrhof

 



The image above is of The Bragg House by Moger Mehrhof Architects, one of the winners of the Marvin's Architect Challenge by Marvin Windows & Doors. Do you love it as much as I do? You can see that the architects paid attention to the site and listened to what it had to say. The building is not plopped on its site, rather its carved into the land and feels very connected to nature.  

Marvin's Architect Challenge: Casey Key Guest House

For a chance to gain national recognition, hundreds of leading architects submitted their most creative and inspirational projects utilizing Marvin Windows & Doors for the Marvin's Architect Challenge. Last week, the winners were revealed..... and one of my faves is the Casey Key Guest House by Florida based firm Sweet Sparkman Architects.



UPDATE: MOMA'S RETHINKING OF DEMOLISHING FOLK ART

Sunken heads and sullen faces rejoice! Yesterday's New York times article stated that the Museum of Modern Art is reconsidering its plan to demolish the American Folk Art museum! See past article.

"AFTER impassioned protests from prominent architects, preservationists and design critics, the Museum of Modern Art said on Thursday that it would reconsider its decision to demolish its next-door neighbor, the former home of the American Folk Art Museum, to make room for an expansion." 

Very exciting news! Thanks to all who signed the petition to save this architectural significant building designed by architects Tod Williams & Billie Tsien. See the New York Times article.

More good news...  the design firm Diller Scofidio & Renfro will be handling the expansion and providing an architectural solution to keep the existing building in some manner. Diller Scofidio is another fave architect team of mine. I have faith that they will devise a plan to preserve and integrate the Folk Arts structure or at least its folded facade into MOMA's existing fabric. But the fight is definitely not over! What is going to happen to Folk Art is still an "open question," stated Jerry Speyer, the real estate developer and MOMA chairman. 

Lets keep fighting! I would appreciate if you haven't signed the petition to please do it now and forward to some of your friends!! 

Thank you!!

Santa Barbara: Downtown places that locals love

....an attitude, a point of view, a design perspective from healthy living blogger, writer, editor and university instructor Alexander Williams.   Known for her wit, attempts to make the perfect baguette, and love of the color orange, Alexandra writes the blog Fun and Fit with her twin sister Kymberly. You can follow her on Twitter , Facebook, Instagram, You Tube.

Today's city slant:

Downtown places that locals love.

Santa Barbara, CA

Take it away, Alex! 

I live in a resort community, and know some of the best places to recommend to visitors. To me, the word “best” means a combination of popular tourist spots and local favorites. So in this post you’ll get just a sea-salty whiff of some of the downtown places I prefer.

Everyone stops at the Santa Barbara Courthouse, and you should too. It’s a working courthouse and you can take an elevator all the way to the clock tower. Cultural events, festivals, public demonstrations, weddings, holiday celebrations - all are held in the expansive garden area. I got married in this corner of the garden in 1992.

SANTA BARBARA COURTHOUSE

C’est Cheese imports cheese from around the world; from mild to super stinky. Around the corner from the Presidio, you can get just cheese to take home or for a picnic, or you can order lunch and eat outside in the sun. The owners will happily let you practice your French on them. It’s gotten so popular that it’s expanding to take up the entire corner. Bring on the Stink!

C’EST CHEESE

I was walking from the courthouse to get a picture of the Arts & Letters Cafe inside Sullivan Goss-an American Gallery , when I stopped to snap this building. It looks like a combination condo/ office building, yet what intrigued me was that it’s actually the front of a parking structure. Kind of fancy, and a clever use of precious downtown space.

CONDO

Besides the fact that the owners of the art gallery (with the cafe tucked inside the gallery, yet actually outdoors - got that?) are my next-door neighbors, I enjoy this spot because owner Frank Goss is a genius at putting on exhibits. Andrew Wyeth is going on display in a few days. Who wouldn’t want to eat in this spot, surrounded by engaging art?

ARTS & LETTERS CAFE INSIDE SULLIVAN GOSS

Directly across the street from Sullivan Goss is the public library. The exterior isn’t exactly my style, but it is impressive. And lest you think S.B. is provincial, the library is HUGE.

LIBRARY

Next door to the library, on State Street (worth a walk just to window shop and people-watch. It’s the main road in downtown), is the Museum of Art. Yup, we do love art here! While you’re doing that walk down State Street, look carefully at the buildings. This door is just one example of the Spanish heritage we have here. As you can see, lots of courtyards are tucked away here too.

MUSUEM OF ART

BUILDING ON STATE STREET- SPANISH DOOR

After this quick romp through Santa Barbara, drive over to the Daily Grind for coffee and breakfast or lunch. Of course, as you can see from this empty bottom shelf, they sell out quickly. I got the last cranberry streusel muffin to complement my vanilla decaf latte. You will find yourself surrounded by locals here, as visitors tend to stick to the chain coffee spots on State Street. You’ll also find plenty of parking!

THE DAILY GRIND

If you ever come to Santa Barbara, take an Architectural Walking Tour of the Historic downtown area. I took it a few years ago and was fascinated by the history and diversity of the buildings. Besides, the guide was an architect, so you’d get a more “official” version of downtown than I just provided.

Photo credits: Alexandra’s iPhone

Industrial and Crafted: OWEN boutique by Tacklebox architecture

My architecture fave of the week is the unique 'OWEN' boutique store in the Meatpacking district of N.Y.C. by Tacklebox architecture. Gotta go, gotta go! This interior retail space has an artistic sensibility showcasing a fusion of emerging designer clothes. Tacklebox nodded to its spaces industrial roots, once being housed in a meat storage facility, auto storage and a floral shop. The firm thoughtfully juxtaposed industrial materials with the handmade in its 1,800 square foot space ....concrete floors, exposed brick walls with beautiful crafted injections.

SAVE THE AMERICAN FOLK ART MUSEUM

AMERICAN FOLK ART MUSEUM
DAN NGUYEN/FLICKR

 

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) has betrayed New Yorkers.  A couple of years after buying The American Folk Art Museum designed by architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, MoMA chose to trash this sculptural icon on West 53rd Street. This is not acceptable.  This building has presence and cannot be so easily disposable.  Passersby always take notice of its alluring façade and is beloved for its skin's hand-made feel, just like the art inside.  Now it will be replaced with another typical glass box to be designed by French architect Jean Novel.  Their goal is to get another 40,000 square feet of exhibition space in an adjacent 82 story tower.  MoMA officials said, "the building's design did not fit their plans because the opaque façade is not in keeping with the glass aesthetic of the rest of the museum.  The former folk museum is also set back farther than MoMA's other properties and the floors would not line up."  This statement is outrageous!...

today's ANGLE: NASHVILLE'S MOST MODERN - CUMBERLAND PARK

....an attitude, a point of view, a design perspective from Interior designer Kim Salter, creative author of her fantastic blog Design Thoughts, one designer's thoughts on balancing Mama, Money and her love for All things Design!
You can follow her on TWITTER and FACEBOOK. 

Today's city slant:

NASHVILLE'S MOST MODERN: CUMBERLAND PARK

Hello again to all of you loyal MODsters!! I am so excited to bring you another dose of THE ANGLE: Nashville!! Where I bring you along on my journey of discovering new and cool things related to Art, Design Architecture and the deep history this town has to offer!! Today I want to BLOW.YOUR.MIND with the most modern playground I have ever seen! Yes, I know I am a bit dramatic, but I'm telling Y'all ( I can say that now cause I live here) The first time I saw Cumberland Park, I could not believe my eyes!!

Cumberland park is referred to as an "Adventure Park" a place for kids to explore differently than they are use to, and I dig it!!!  It is part of Nashville greater project called "New Riverfront Revitalization plan". TO bring more people to the riverfront of the Cumberland river.

The design of this play area is amazing!! its a series of rolling AstroTurf hills, that kids love to run up and slide down. Nestled between the hills are modern edgy children's play things like a balance ball, and a metal see-saw!! The sand box area is also cutting edge with a "Floating" stair to get into it, and an elevated sand table for taller kids. There is a spray park, and Climbing wall and climbing ropes, along with secret nature paths that lead around the entire 6.5 acre plot!! Take a look at the amazing design!

As written by ARCHdaily, the park is broken up into 5 seperate areas..

• The Hollow – a one-of-a-kind adventure and nature play experience for kids of all ages and abilities, including an undulating washboard, accessible sand play with buried fossils, bouncing pad, green maze made of live plants, rainbow-casting prisms and lights in constellation patterns, a “cloud” bridge culminating in curtains of rain, and an interactive splash pad with jets and wading pool.

 • The Gorge – a stone climbing wall featuring local Tennessee Crab Orchard sandstone, ropes and nets course, a 4-person wide embankment slide made with materials that stay cooler in the sun, and embedded fossils.

• The Scoops – a cooling-off lawn area and grove of trees featuring stepping stone paths dipping through drifts of mist that are activated by motion and step sensors.

• The Explorer Trail – meandering paths weaving through groves and butterfly meadows,

• The Terrace – outdoor tables and chairs under trees and adjacent to play areas, concessions, and restrooms for easy parent supervision.

What I know for sure, is I cant wait until we can experience the spray park!! I love the cutting edge design and "out of the box thinking" that the architects Hargreaves Associates created!! its AWESOME!! don't you all want to just come and play!!!! I'll bring the lemonade!!