For the Korean city of Seongnam architects from bureau Changki Yun have presented the project of an observatory on competition. However, they have not won it.

The dream of flights has in reality inspired authors of this project. «Cloud 360» is a platform, having risen on which (on one of the lifts integrated into"feet"of a design), you will be admired by full sensation of freedom… At top levels the restaurant, cafe, a media library are located.

the rugs that I won on eBay showed up early in the week...this is the largest one and it's pretty much the perfect size for the space. I desperately need a rug pad, as that thing slips and skates all over the place (especially with a rambunctious dog chasing my feet everywhere). do you guys know of a cheap source for rug pads?

the Eames chair was my grandfathers and is in need of some serious restoration. but until I have the time and patience, a sheepskin in the seat will do just fine. the credenza on which the TV sits is actually two drawer units that also belonged to Boompa-- I pushed them together and you know, they don't look too bad like that!

the antique Chinese hats on the wall were a gift from my mother, purchased at an estate sale in Kentucky...I think she may have gotten the green ceramic chain-link lamp at the same sale-- I can't keep track, she estate-sales about as much as I craigslist!

not the best shot, but such a great piece. also, I swear I didn't pose Bunny there, she just does that.

so, yeah...I love my apartment. I spent some time putting things together the other night and I fiiiiiinally feel at home. it's crazy how screwy your whole life can feel when your home is chaotic. I literally made myself sick because I was stressed and felt unsettled, but after spending a few hours with a hammer & nail I am starting to feel great about everything. I still have a LOT of work to do, but I promise to share my progress!

hope you all have a great weekend!

Sauerbruch Hutton became the winner in competition on building of a new building for Office for Urban Development and Environment. The building is planned to construct by 2013.

The project represents a complex of buildings and a tower where public zones (restaurants and showrooms) will be placed. In the central lobby city models of Hamburg which can be examined through a glass facade will be exposed.

In a building passive and active measures, for example, thermal isolation, cross-country-ventilation, the system of heating using a solar energy, the geothermal equipment are combined.

The project of Park of the World has been initiated by a municipal government of the city of Chungju in honour of that now the Secretary general of the United Nations is the native of this city, Ban Ki-Moon. Having stretched on river Namhangang coast, the project becomes the new city centre.

The building in the form of an ellipse, the maximum diameter — 60 metres becomes United Nations monument. In a building of 8 floors + a basement floor. In the centre — an audience on 1,500 places, and also additional conference halls. From an audience the fine kind on Tangeumdae Natural Park will open.

Rising up a spiral, the building becomes the house for an exhibition in which the history of the United Nations since 1945 till today will speak. The person who is the centre of interest of missions of the United Nations, will be integrated into architecture and appearance of "globe". The building will be located in the centre of a garden from 192 apple-trees which number is equal to number of the states which are members of the United Nations.

Financial crisis — not a hindrance for scale building of landscape park Zabil. «The new Moon» becomes the central construction of the project. The construction in the form of a half moon — a symbol of force and energy of the countries of the East — will tell about today's prosperity of the United Arab Emirates.

Monument interiors contain 5 floors. Everyone symbolizes one of five postulates of Islam: belief, a pray, mercy, mutual aid and pilgrimage. The design contains in itself a conference hall, cafe, children's library and an information desk.

The external part of a building decorated by the Arabian inscriptions represents a steel skeleton with emptiness. Such decision will give the chance to supervise illumination and air temperature on all platforms of the New Moon, will protect an interior from a direct sunlight and will provide free circulation of air streams. Inside there will be a special microclimate which will unload the central systems of safety. The project completely corresponds to ecological building standards. Solar batteries will be built in in a building covering, and it considerably will lower energy consumption.

Two pavilions which should become a tribute of memory Daniel Burnham which will note 100-year-old anniversary, have opened in Millennium Park (Chicago). Designers — two modern legends: Ben van Berkel and Zaha Hadid. Though, pavilion Zaha Hadid has been left unfinished, but pavilion opening even in a semikind has received the good criticism: “the Aluminium design of pavilion bewitches, to crowd has very much liked”, — has told Sallie Gaines, the press-secretary of action.

Expecting pavilion Zaha Hadid opening, it is possible to receive now already aesthetic pleasure from the second work, pavilion Ben van Berkel. It consists of two parallel panels, a roof and a floor, connected by three support. The pavilion will be highlighted especially at night.

Rains of barrels are good means for gathering and preservation of rain water. Use rain pursues flanks two aims: reductions of expenses on water consumption, and also in deficiency of the water.

In the form rain barrels of three kinds are issued: round, rectangular and decorative. It is offered on a choice to 40 models of the various barrels differing among themselves: the form, in size, colour and appearance.

Rain barrels have capacity from 100 to 2,000 litres. All barrels are made of ecologically pure and reliable material. Each tank has the plastic crane, which is used for filling of a jug by water, and those tanks, which are placed directly on the earth (without a support), also have the bottom system of a fence of water, to which by means of a connecting collar with an external carving it is possible to connect a hose then to use rain water for watering of a lawn or car washing.

Also there is a connection possibility to the tank the electric pump; in that case by means of a hose connected to the bottom system of a fence of water, it is possible to swing rain water, for example, for watering of trees in a garden. Rain harvesting can be used also in the garden purposes, and also for putting in order in the house and on a kitchen garden.

Rain barrels place on supports (round), or is direct on the earth, and by means of the connecting device are connected to a catchment basin or the filter which has been built in in a water pipe.

Land tanks can be used during the vesenne-autumn period. Rain water barrels cannot be used during winter time as the barrel can deteriorate from freezing water (depending on a climatic site).

In the end of autumn, namely, with approach of the first frosts, the tank is necessary for emptying, clearing of pollution and to disconnect from a catchment basin or the filter. Not heavy barrels can be placed for the winter in a premise, and big to leave in the street, densely having closed. Rain barrels for sale — buy only from the recommended manufacturers.

The given architectural decision for Hua Qiang Bei Road in the Chinese city of Shenzhen command WORKac has offered. The design project corresponds to growing commercial value and character of territory — this tendency has led to a problem of transport congestion and

In Sydney will celebrate the Chinese New year, having placed two huge orange tigers executed in style origami, in city centre. The project is developed architectural company LAVA, Laboratory for Visionary Architecture.

you know the saying "if you give them an inch, they'll take a mile"? apparently if you give me a small dining room, I want a really big dining room. because I just found this table. for $65.

someone who reads this blog absolutely MUST acquire this table. and then you must invite me over for dinner parties. I'll bring champagne and something delicious, promise.

The expocentre in Addis Ababa on a plan of founders should unite versatile city buildings. The expocentre will settle down in territory in the size of 4,5 acres. In the middle of the centre there will be already existing museum. From different directions the project will be surrounded with the entertaining on plan entertaining and trading complexes, business hotel and office premises.

For the next addition to a sky of the city of Dubai architectural studio Graft Lab answers. The new object is called “Vertical Village”. This set of multi-functional buildings applies on LEED Gold Certificate.

The architectural decision is optimised for climatic conditions of a place; the building minimises heating from the sun and on-maximum uses possibilities for solar energy manufacture.
The building for itself creates a shade, in northern block, and on east and a West side is built in such a manner that penetration of long solar beams is complicated.

okay, I know I said I wasn't going to post until after all the holiday madness was over, but I have to be a total girl for a minute and tell you about how my amazing boyfriend surprised me for Christmas...
WE'RE GOING TO COSTA RICA!

this is going to be a trip of many firsts: first time leaving the country (um, yeah), first big vacation with a boy, first passport, first bikini (yikes!), first time even planning a trip like this...to say I am beyond excited is putting it lightly. I am the luckiest girl in the world.
we're going in February and are trying to tie up most of our plans by this weekend...we want to be there as long as possible and do a little bit of everything. Costa Rica has so much to offer, it's tempting to stay for the entire month!
have any of you been to Costa Rica? I wanna know everything, so please share your travel tips and stories with me!

«Not a secret, that each of us is drawn by personal fears, and at times they, our fears clear up such desires which we admit to nobody», — the architect of the Concrete Moon, Antonino Cardillo philosophises. — «People always are surprised, how the culture on different continents is unlike. But it seems to me, the difference in cultures is rather doubtful. And it is frequent, as it is paradoxical, discrepancies become the unique tool in search of own individuality».

Building of this project has already begun: Dutch bureau MVRDV will begin building in the centre of Rotterdam. This object will combine two functions — an apartment house (228 apartments) and the market area.

On the market area 100 trading places, shops and restaurants will take places. In a building is also an underground part — a parking on 1200 places and a supermarket.

In each apartment there will be own balcony, and also a window which leaves on the market area. The project is planned to construct by 2014th year. The general investments into the project makes 175 million euro. The building total area will make 100,000 sq. m.