PLACES VI

Re-purposing old spaces can be a touchy issue in the architecture world. Do you preserve and replicate the original? Do you cover up the out-of-date with appropriate modern details? There are, undoubtedly, founded arguments for both sides. But why can't we have both? Here are two examples of what I think is the "right" solution. You get the sleek modern lines without masking any of the amazingly crafted and detailed historic design. And the contrast/struggle between the new and old is beautiful. voila!

A walk-in bookcase designed by Rintala Eggertsson Architects at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London as part of the current '1:1 - Architects Build Small Spaces' exhibition.

The Garden Museum in London retrofitted by Dow Jones Architects.

THE EATING

Some of my photos of good eats and great displays at the markets in Budapest.

While their meaty paprika dishes are definitely boast-worthy, Hungarians take most pride in their pastries. The Pogácsa (a savory little cheese scone with crunchy bits of fried duck fat) was my pastry of choice.
No vegans here.

THE PROENZA LOVE

These boys can do no wrong in our minds.

ART + SCIENCE

Wilson Alwyn Bentley

Photographed his first snowflake in January 1885 after unsuccessfully trying to draw what he saw through the microscope (they would melt before he had a chance to finish). In his lifetime, he captured more than 5,000 individual snowflakes on camera- of which, he declared, "no two snowflakes are alike".

Karl Blossfeldt, 1865

Like Bentley, Blossfeldt brought a highly objective eye to his artistic work. His pictures were published in contemporary botany publications while at the same time influencing many architects and decorative artists of his time- referencing Blossfeldt's forms on scales as small as ornamental ironwork and as large as the shapes of entire buildings.

THE RETAIL DREAM

RTH ranks high on my list of places to visit in LA. 

The owner, who learned the boot-making trade from his father while growing up in El Paso, TX, now handcrafts unique leather goods in his workshop behind the shop.  He says RTH is "an accessory store inspired by the good ole souvenir shops of yester, featuring RTH limited run leathergoods and other inspiring pick up items. Native American beaded stuff, a selection of vintage clothing and some home scents”.  I like that description. Clean and simple and down to earth.

Discovered RTH via One Trip Pass.

PORTRAITS

Michael Borremans

Richter

Magritte

Andrei Roiter

Richter

THE STRING GARDEN

practical? no.

but really beautiful, don't you think?