stuff in the cracks of the walls
Check out the work of Jan Vormann. Really interesting work that explores human interaction and our environments. Cool. From Hip.Young.Thing.
Labels: architecture, art
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:41 AM
0 comments
do your retail stores scare germaphobes?
If you deal with the public, then you probably already know that they're all sticky, and carrying boogers on their fingers, and wiping untold things on your door handles, counters and products.
Some people don't like sticky, booger covered things. And that's created an opportunity for retail environments that can cater to the people with clean hands. Stores like Chick-fil-A are experimenting with new devices that will make life easier for this audience. Like L-shaped door handles.
Little things that make life easier make positive brand impressions. What can you do to cater to this growing, unsticky audience?
(Now excuse me...I just dropped an M&M on the floor, and I need to go find it.)
Labels: architecture, retail, trends
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:09 AM
3 comments
sun powered leds say light up the world
This massive light wall was built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Nothing you haven't seen before, until you learn...that the whole thing is powered by the sun.
Wow. Imagine Vegas, or Times Square - powered by the sun. Oh, the future is going to be a spectacular place. Sun powered, color changing cars. Entire streets as art projects. Roads that light up as you drive on them. And jetpacks will come in to play somewhere, I'm sure.
Labels: architecture, green, outdoor, technology
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:05 AM
0 comments
what to do with those ugly malls
A recent episode of ScobleizerTV features a tour of the new RackSpace facility, in Austin Texas.
You may find this interesting on a few fronts. They're converting a massive shopping mall in a previously dead neighborhood in San Antonio, to RackSpace headquarters. Imagine having your office in a dead Orange Julius??
In this episode, they tour the space in development, and talk about how they convinced a couple thousand people to move to a neighborhood that was pretty much abandoned. You'd think that with all of that space, that they'd be spread across the joint "I call the Gap! I call the food court!" But instead, they've kept their people tight. To foster community. (A little too tight, in my opionion.)
They've reduced real estate costs, reduced power costs, and have tons of space to have fun in. This is an interesting piece for anyone into urban planning, architecture or workplace design.
Labels: architecture, technology, workplace
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:29 AM
0 comments
overpasses finally get their photo glory
Sure, everyone takes photos of the mountains, and the flowers and the animals. But what about those impeccably designed, human engineered roads in the sky? Why does the overpass always get treated like the ugly kid at the party?
Finally, the overpass gets its day in the sun. Ironic Sans has dedicated a portfolio of shots devoted entirely to overpass beauty. Overpass in the day, at night, naked, it's all there. It's like concrete porn.
Labels: architecture, creativeinspiration, photography
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:22 AM
0 comments
coolest office space in london
Tom Foxcroft sounds like a pretty cool dude. He's got a company that helps small businesses in London. And he's put subway cars on a roof to use as offices for some of these businesses. These look awesome, and I'll bet they inspire their occupants every day. What a cool workplace vibe. Found on Coudal.
Labels: architecture, workplace
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:26 AM
0 comments
a giant box of water
Check out the new water cube building they've constructed for the BEIJING 2008 Olympic Games.
It's constructed with some magical membrane system that's more complex than I could possibly understand. But it looks awesome.
More cool Chris Bosse pics here. I wonder what it sounds like on the inside, when it's pouring rain on the outside.
Labels: architecture
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:32 AM
2 comments
design is dead. we can all go home now.
After making 364 kabillion dollars on design, Philippe Starck says design is dead and that he's retiring. He claims that “I was a producer of materiality and I am ashamed of this fact.”
How ashamed, Philippe? Then why don't you give everything back? Come live in my house, and I'll live in one of yours. Ok?
Labels: architecture, design, interior design
posted by darryl ohrt @ 6:17 AM
1 comments
photos of places you can't get into
A cool article in Everywhere Magazine led me to Jonathan Haeber. The Everywhere Magazine piece has some cool shots of an abandoned cruise ship from the 1950's. Awesome yes - but then I discovered Jonathan's site. And then his Flickr page.
Jonathan has the ability to get into places you're typically not allowed entry to. Maybe he's invisible. However he does it - he's captured some stunning shots of odd and beautiful places. Like Neverland Ranch, above.
Labels: architecture, creativeinspiration, photography
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:36 AM
0 comments
turn your house into an apple store
Here's everything you need to turn your house into an Apple store. And why wouldn't you? Oobject outlines every detail, and even includes links to all of the manufacturers and suppliers, so that you can get everything you need.
Have fun. Let me know when you're open - I'd like to stop by the Genius Bar. From Advertising Lab.
Labels: apple, architecture
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:59 AM
1 comments
the most awesome setting for a photo shoot
This is begging to be the location for a fashion photo shoot. Once a boom town thanks to the hunt for diamonds, Kolmanskop is now a ghost town. Once the humans left, the desert took back the landscape. Beautious. From BoingBoing.
Labels: architecture, fashion, photography
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:28 AM
0 comments
the world is your panorama
Check out this awe-inspiring collection of virtual panoramic photos, from all over the world. A snapshot from the Saarinen designed terminal at JFK is featured above. Stunning. From Mave Gibson, via Facebook.
Labels: architecture, photography
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:11 AM
0 comments
marriott gets smart, hilton gets paris.
In somewhat old news, the New York Times reports that Ian Schrager and the Marriott chain are teaming up together to make cool places to stay.
More current, Where's the Sausage does an awesome analysis of why this is great. I agree. Meanwhile, I'm sure Paris is at a party somewhere. Or in a limo, showing her cootchie to someone. To spread the Hilton brand.
(Photo by Damon Winter/The New York Times)
Labels: architecture, branding, interior design, newyork
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:38 AM
0 comments
more cool work environments for your office envy
We love other people's offices. We're in the midst of our own addition/renovation at Plaid, and love checking out other people's cool spaces.
I've posted before about This Ain't No Disco and you've probably seen the Cool Hunter post that made its rounds. Now Core 77 has just discovered an awesome blog devoted to cool commercial interiors. They've even featured a bunch of your favorite web 2.0 offices. Nice.
Labels: architecture, productivity, workplace
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:43 AM
0 comments
something that would look cool in your front yard
Photographer Jan Kempenaers has some amazing shots of some communist monuments that look as if they're right out of Second Life environments. Or somewhere other than earth. From Boing Boing
Labels: architecture, art, photography
posted by darryl ohrt @ 2:42 PM
2 comments
dwr does design miami
Design Within Reach writes about the Art Basel event and Design Miami that took place earlier this month in ummm, Miami. Some nice links to cool architectural firms, and lighting that you can't afford.
I'm still in awe of the Moore building, pictured above - which was apparently built for the 2004 event.
Labels: architecture, design
posted by darryl ohrt @ 1:42 PM
0 comments
your place looks just like our place
We experienced this big time, while on PlaidNation social media tour this summer. Wherever you go, anywhere in the U.S., certain ugly roads look just like home. The same Burger King-McD's-KFC-Subway-Mattress shop-Supermarket strip malls all across the land.
In fact, that was one of the most disappointing things about Graceland. My expectations were for this wonderful Elivis Presley Blvd splendor. But instead, it's just Graceland, surrounded by fast food joints and diners. (Then again, maybe that's appropriate.)
Anyway - now, there's someone who wants to do something about it. There's a non-profit organization called Scenic America, trying to preserve and enhance “the visual character” of the U.S. It's detailed in this great story from the NY Times about the uglification of America.
My favorite quote:
"Sitting here, suppressing the urge to flee, you begin to notice how the shopping center’s off-white walls and copper-colored top recall a minimum-security prison, and how readily the layout encourages acceptance of small absurdities. For example, people who leave the CVS with a desire to shop at Marshalls pretty much have to get back in their cars and drive across acres of parking lot."
That's so true of suburbia.
(Photo by Ángel Franco/The New York Times)
Labels: architecture, outdoor, plaidsummertour, retail
posted by darryl ohrt @ 9:42 AM
2 comments
awesome architecture
Check out this post on nine unique structures that are about to be built - or in the process of being built. Now I really want to go to Dubai. Or Malaysia.
Labels: architecture, creativeinspiration
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:32 AM
1 comments
west side rail yard architectural dreams
Five different development companies have submitted their plans for redeveloping the west side rail yards in NYC. You can check them out here. The NY Times says they suck. Regardless, it's always fun to see how other people visualize architecture and the use of space.
Labels: architecture, newyork
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:12 AM
0 comments
urban decay photography
Check out these wonderful photographs and history of Bannerman's island. An abandoned island in the middle of the Hudson River. Looks like a nice place to spend vacation. From Eyebeam ReBlog.
Labels: architecture, photography, travel
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:52 AM
0 comments
what to do in nyc this weekend
This weekend is the annual Open House New York event - a fantabulous tour of places all across the boroughs that you wouldn't normally have access to. And, it's free. If you live too far away, or are too lazy to leave the couch, you can always browse the Flickr photo sets.
Labels: architecture, creativeinspiration, newyork
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:24 AM
1 comments
houses designed just like storage lockers
Metal shutter houses. Only, you could live in a storage locker in NYC for much less.
Labels: architecture, newyork
posted by darryl ohrt @ 6:01 AM
0 comments
tokyo growing
Really cool clip featuring 35 years of photos from a single place in Tokyo. Apparently this guy doesn't get out much.
Labels: architecture, japan, photography
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:04 AM
0 comments
that's one nice pooper.
Think that maybe that guy is always there for you, ready to flush?
If you know us, or you've been to our agency, then you'll know we have this weird bathroom thing. Our poop room is painted safety orange. We keep all of our kabillions of awards in the room. And we stack our toilet paper in pyramids. Recently, we even installed the FlushMaster 4000.
So we got pretty stoked upon learning about the Cintas Best Bathroom awards. We'll definitely be submitting to this next time. See a nice gallery here.
Thanks Jen!
Labels: architecture, plaid, workplace
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:52 AM
3 comments
new meadowlands stadium to entertain from the parking lot
Everyone knows that I don't get too excited about team sports like football. Or their stadiums. But here's a stadium that I'd love to see. The new Meadowlands stadium will be made of a kabillion panels that can change colors. Oh, the possibilities.
Labels: architecture, outdoor, sports marketing
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:34 AM
1 comments
hotel tomo. not like the hotels we saw on tour.
While on tour this summer, we experienced some of the crustiest, skankiest, most unsightly motels. That's the breaks when you're a small firm paying for almost 100 room nights.
But here's what we should have had. Hotel Tomo, in San Francisco. It's a BEST WESTERN. Which of course begs the question - should style really cost extra?
Thanks Eliza!
Labels: architecture, interior design, plaidsummertour
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:56 AM
2 comments
deserted urban space
Another beautiful collection of photography dedicated to abandoned urban structures and cities.
This gallery is my fave - Battleship Island - a completely abandoned island off of Japan that was once the most densely populated space in the world.
Labels: architecture, art, photography
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:38 AM
0 comments
beautiful japanese...sewers.
Wow. Feels like they're right out of a film. Or a first person shooter game. Beautiful photos of wonderful architecture of...sewers.
Labels: architecture, photography
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:07 AM
1 comments
little planets, cool concept.
Writer/ photographer Kathy Li has created the most wonderous little planets, using several panoramic photos stitched together.
What a sweet idea for an ad campaign. Something where you want to show several different locations across the campaign, but want striking images that illustrate how tight our neighborhoods are in reality. Beautiful.
Labels: architecture, art, creativeinspiration, photography
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:32 AM
0 comments
how new architecture pays tribute to old
Found this while on tour, in Memphis. Beale Street, 'Home of the Blues' makes a spectacular tribute to historic architecture, while developing new spaces for its residences.
They've actually kept the facade of the building, and added additional supports. The supports work like sculpture, making the buildings a focal point. Just beyond the facade are open air patios, where pedestrians can enjoy their "big ass beers."
Labels: architecture, outdoor
posted by darryl ohrt @ 6:44 AM
0 comments
graffiti archaeology is born
Check out graffiti archaeology. It's a time lapse collage of graffiti spaces. They've photographed spaces over time (as early as the 1990's), and show how graffiti has changed or evolved within that space.
Even beyond the very impressive site build, the concept for this project is amazing. A concept that could be applied to soooo many other situations or brands. Impressive. From John Nack at Adobe
Labels: architecture, photography, streetart
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:43 AM
0 comments
abandoned architecture photos
A really nice collection of photographs of abandoned places. Handily organized by state. Great starting place for a weekend exploration. Found on Coudal.
Labels: architecture, creativeinspiration, photography
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:49 AM
0 comments
tunnel house
Lovely two bedroom property, the prize of the neighborhood. You'll feel right at home in this one of a kind gem. Open and airy floor plan that brings the outside in.
Love this house.
Labels: architecture, art, creativeinspiration, streetart
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:36 AM
0 comments
behind the sign at the new york times
Pentagram has a typically brilliant case study on what's behind the design and production of the New York Times signage, at their new world headquarters building.
Their challenge: how do you add a block-long, 15-foot-tall blackletter logo to the front of a minimalist building without obstructing the view of the Times staffers working inside?
The answer is a sign made from almost 1000 individual pieces.
Labels: architecture, newyork, outdoor, typography
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:23 AM
0 comments
ghost ads haunt and inspire.
Nice collection of 'ghost ads' from the Minneapolis area.
Labels: architecture, creativeinspiration, photography, typography
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:44 AM
0 comments
turning buildings inside out. for art.
UK sculptor had his way with a building. This amazing sculpture cuts a whole in a building, and has it rotate out and around. There's a video clip too.
Must suck if your desk is right there by window. "George, can you move again? We're about to open up the wall."
Labels: architecture, art, creativeinspiration
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:45 AM
1 comments
light up everything by magic
Lunabrite offers a new product that apparently doesn't use electricity or batteries (works on magic?) for architectural, product or promotional lighting. While their site doesn't go into details, by the looks of it, this product offers some awesome possibilities. (Note to Lunabrite: Put more info on your site. Call us. We can help.) From Core 77
Labels: architecture, productdesign, retail
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:37 AM
2 comments
killer creative workspaces
This is porn for creatives, architects and interior designers. This Ain’t No Disco has assembled a blog-style collection of wonderous creative workspaces. Be inspired, get ideas, or get jealous. Agencies can submit their photos, and users can comment or vote on their favorite interiors. We've GOT to submit photos of our space. From How Design.
Labels: architecture, creativeinspiration, design, smallagency, workplace
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:12 AM
2 comments
house surrounded by a tasteful billboard
Here's a pretty cool house that's hidden by a bunch of graphic screens. Meant to 'blend in' with nature. Not sure I buy the whole blending in thing - but what a fun, fun, concept. I'd like one of these in front of my house, that I could change, dependent on my mood. Oooh, boy, my neighbors would hate me then.
This would also make a killer promotional idea for the right brand - where you transform a house (or a neighborhood!) into something else entirely.
Labels: architecture, creativeinspiration, outdoor
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:43 AM
0 comments
inside look at threadless
Blogmeister and VC superstar Guy Kawasaki recently visited Threadless, the most bitchin' t-shirt shop online. While there, he snapped some great shots of their workspace. Always great to see how other creatives live. They've got awesome space. My favorite shot is the office "door" with a person cut out of it. That's a cool, 'open door' policy. Time to do some t-shirt shopping.
Labels: architecture, fashion, workplace
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:16 AM
0 comments
awesomely delicious hotel
Oh, we must put this hotel on the schedule for the Plaid Summer Tour. Imagine putting on a record, and then crashing in a comfy cool room, while on business travel? Sweet. I'm absolutely lovin' that hotels have become unique. What a great new design world we live in, eh? From How magazine.
Labels: architecture, creativeinspiration, retail, trends
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:46 AM
2 comments
what ivanka trump can teach you about marketing
I read this post yesterday about Ivanka. She's got a new line of jewelry. (Whoopee.) The product captures a "young/old Hollywood feel," in an attempt to reach 20 somethings and older women. (Whatever.)
And then, there's this quote proclaiming that the jewelry industry could benefit from a little more youth inspired flavor. "That's the one thing I think this industry needs," she insisted. "I know when I walk into some of these jewelry stores, I feel uncomfortable. That has to change." And she's completely right.
When was the last time you walked into a jewelry store that didn't look like every other jewelry store in the nation, and like every other jewelry store has looked for the past five decades? Why can't jewelry shopping be like a visit to Starbucks? I'm pretty sure that the jewelry industry isn't the only business that could use a little youth-inspired re-invention.
I'm not confident that Ivanka's insulated perspective is enough to turn around an industry - but she's definitely onto something.
Labels: architecture, marketing, retail
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:07 AM
0 comments
favorite architecture in the U.S.
UnBeige points to a couple of galleries of favorite architecture in the U.S. New York gets the most mentions - and L.A. only gets one! (But they've got beaches, and Lindsay Lohan, so I'm pretty sure they're not too stressed about it.) Surprisingly, the Harry Dick building didn't make the list. :(
Labels: architecture, creativeinspiration
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:01 AM
0 comments
buildings inspired by man parts
Quatar has designed a building that looks just like a giant condom. Imagine telling clients - "just look for the giant condom...we're on the 10th floor." That's pretty embarrassing.
But not nearly as bad as the building that's down the street from our office. The sign is pictured above. It's for real.
Labels: architecture, via
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:02 AM
0 comments
For Rent: 1BR, modern pine cone
This month's Wired has a one-pager about a residential building in Rotterdam designed to look like a cactus. It should look perfect when the tumbleweeds of disinterest start rambling by. Maybe this pic doesn't do the design justice, but to me (he who is missing a design aesthetic) this building looks like Mr. Hanky wearing a mood-ring.
Labels: architecture, design
posted by Wilson Cleveland @ 6:34 PM
1 comments
highline festival
There's a new arts and music festival happening in New York that sounds pretty cool. High Line Festival will be curated each year by a different artist. This year, David Bowie has the honor. The festival is a ten day mash-up of music, film, comedy, art and performance - selected by David Bowie.
The proceeds benefit Friends of the High Line, a non-profit that's helped to get the High Line - an abandoned elevated train track that runs through the meat packing district/Chelsea - approved as a public park. Construction's already begun.
The festival runs May 9 - 19, and tickets go on sale in a few days. Separately, is it me, or does Laurie Anderson look just like Hillary Clinton, with a cool haircut? (See her pic on the High Line Festival site)
Labels: architecture, art, newyork, nonprofit
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:21 AM
0 comments
how to make a bedroom out of cardboard
If you don't mind sleeping in a fire trap, here's a very sweet idea for building an indoor log cabin. Giant recycled cardboard tubes.
Labels: architecture, creativeinspiration, workplace
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:40 AM
1 comments
nickel slots at the top of the slopes
A supposed indoor ski/snowboard park, coming to Las Vegas? Cool.
Labels: architecture, retail
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:13 AM
0 comments
video on fog
Fogscreen is a system that allows you to project video onto fog. People can walk through it too - without getting all soggy or gross. And it works with standard video projectors.
This is a sweet idea for a new retail environment, or trade show experience. We're definitely going to be looking for an opportunity to use this, soon. Thanks Dave! (Nice ugly website, Dave - looks like that big agency is doing P&G well. :-P )
Labels: architecture, creativeinspiration, retail, technology, video
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:37 AM
1 comments
gas up in style
Not sure if this is for real - or if it's a movie set, art experiment, or what - but BP has unveiled a phantasmic new gas station design in LA. Can any of our west coast friends elaborate?
Labels: architecture, retail
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:30 AM
0 comments
interactive light walls
Lightspace Corporation makes interactive light walls. Walls that you can touch, walk on, dance on, whatever - and the light responds to the touch.
These would be great in retail, lobby or a trade show environment. (Or in our office.) We just presented the concept to a client as a part of their trade show booth design, and they loved the idea. Not sure if it will fit into the final plan, but it'll be awesome, if it does. Thanks Devon!
Labels: architecture, creativeinspiration,