Brad Pitt once stated that “whilst acting is my career, architecture is my passion”, and this clearly shown in his effort at gathering support for his project/foundation Make It Right, aiming to develop housing prototypes for the reconstruction of New Orleans.
The popular and handsome actor has made good use of his available resources, such as public image and influence on this case, working with practices such as MVRDV, Shigeru Ban and Morphosis, in developing 13 prototypes for the first stage to consolidate a 150-house neighborhood destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
After being shocked by what he saw of the remnants of the storm, he made consultations with the displaced residents and resolved to do whatever he could to help them rebuild.
He then initiated, together with Global Green, a design competition to generate ideas on how to build sustainably. From thence, Brad Pitt launched Make It Right hoping that it will be a catalyst for redevelopment of New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward. The foundation hopes to build "a neighborhood comprised of safe and healthy homes that are inspired by Cradle to Cradle thinking, with an emphasis on a high quality of design, while preserving the spirit of the community's culture".
Shall we say Brad Pitt is a 'hero'?
More on Making It Right
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Showing posts with label Xtras. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Xtras. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Oculus is a very unusual and unique yacht
Yachts are amazing, they are certainly something to own if you have the right bank balance and that goes without saying. If you love collecting yachts or simply looking at them, just check out the "Oculus". It's far more different than anything we've ever seen floating before. The only way to describe this rather unusual boat is that it 'is representative of the jaw and eye socket bone structure of large oceanic fish and mammals.'
So, you know that if you are traveling in a fish, you are safe. It kind of reminds me of Hemingway's Old Man and the Sea. In case you want to know the details, designer E. Kevin Schopfer says: 'Oculus is the first "design launch" of Schöpfer Yachts LLC. E. Kevin Schöpfer, founder and owner of his namesake company, designed this 250-foot vessel. Designed to accommodate 12 guests in extraordinary comfort and style, Oculus is a long distance cruising yacht capable of speeds upwards of 25 knots. The exterior styling is representative of the jaw and eye socket bone structure of large oceanic fish and mammals. Featuring a dramatic reverse bow configuration, the yacht's armature balances an elegant expression of symmetry and structure.
In addition to the bow, Oculus also features a "low rider profile". This slightly lowered surface allows for new side recreational areas, alternate dockage access and light cruising openness. Lateral retractable side panels close this area when heavier wave action is indicated. The interior features of Oculus focus on a 12 foot high ceiling in the main salon, a cylindrical double height dining room, central stair and elevator tube, and seemingly anatomical ceiling and floor lighting extensions giving definition to the seating areas. The second level is the dedicated Owner's suite.' The Oculus certainly is one unique yacht.
So, you know that if you are traveling in a fish, you are safe. It kind of reminds me of Hemingway's Old Man and the Sea. In case you want to know the details, designer E. Kevin Schopfer says: 'Oculus is the first "design launch" of Schöpfer Yachts LLC. E. Kevin Schöpfer, founder and owner of his namesake company, designed this 250-foot vessel. Designed to accommodate 12 guests in extraordinary comfort and style, Oculus is a long distance cruising yacht capable of speeds upwards of 25 knots. The exterior styling is representative of the jaw and eye socket bone structure of large oceanic fish and mammals. Featuring a dramatic reverse bow configuration, the yacht's armature balances an elegant expression of symmetry and structure.
In addition to the bow, Oculus also features a "low rider profile". This slightly lowered surface allows for new side recreational areas, alternate dockage access and light cruising openness. Lateral retractable side panels close this area when heavier wave action is indicated. The interior features of Oculus focus on a 12 foot high ceiling in the main salon, a cylindrical double height dining room, central stair and elevator tube, and seemingly anatomical ceiling and floor lighting extensions giving definition to the seating areas. The second level is the dedicated Owner's suite.' The Oculus certainly is one unique yacht.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Unique and Interesting Bridges
Who say's bridges are just all metal and concrete and boring? Here are some of the world's most unique and interesting bridges.
Pedestrian Bridge, Texas
This beautiful arched bridge in Lake Austin was a private build by Miro Rivera Architects and is used to connect the client's main house to the smaller guest house on the other side of the water. The idea was to make the bridge seem as natural as possible within its surroundings and to do this they made the decking and reed-like hand rails as imperfect as possible. The result is a bridge that looks extremely fragile but definitely worth the risk.
Octavio Frias de Oliveira Bridge, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Opened in May of this year, the Octavio Frias de Oliveira Bridge is a stunning x-shaped cable-stayed bridge that crosses thePinheiros River in Sao Paulo. It's design is unique in that the 2 curved decks of the bridge cross each other through its x-shaped supporting tower, an illuminated structure that stands 450ft tall and has attached to it 144 steel cables.
Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge, Brasilia, Brazil
The JK Bridge in Brasilia is a lesson in elegant bridge design. The 3 huge arches diagonally hopping over the deck of the bridge give the structure an amazing visual fluidity and make the whole 1.2km bridge look effortlessly cool. Since being built the bridge has won awards for its design but is still massively under appreciated on a wider scale.
Kintaikyo, Iwakuni, Japan
The original Kintai Bridge was built in 1673 and didn't stand very long until it was damaged due to flooding. It was then rebuilt and survived for more than 200 years until a typhoon battered it to death in 1950. The bridge that stands now over the Nishiki Rivers the 3rd build and looks magnificent, it's 5 wooden arches displaying an incredible amount of detail and craftsmanship. Interesting fact: no nails or bolts have been used to build the arches, only clamps and wires.
Rolling Bridge, London, UK
Thomas heatherwick' s award-winning rolling bridge is an ingenious addition to the grand union canal system in London and is unique in its design. Unlike regular movable canal bridges, the rolling bridge curls up on itself to form an octagon by way of hydraulics. It's an amazing sight and a reminder that a fresh perspective can produce great, innovative results, even when dealing with a structure as common as a bridge.
Beipanjiang River Railroad Bridge, Guizhou, China
Beipanjiang River Railroad Bridge in Guizhou is an enormous railway bridge that was built as part of the much larger 'Guizhou-Shuibai Railway Project'. Connecting 2 mountains over a deep ravine, at its highest point the bridge's deck sits 918ft above the ground (to compare, at its highest point the Millau viaduct's deck clears the river underneath by 890ft). The bridge has succeeded in connecting 2 of the country's poorest areas.
Henderson Waves, Southern Ridges, Singapore
'Henderson Waves' is Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge and can be found at the southern ridges, a beautiful 9km stretch of gardens and parks which has frequently drawn comparisons to New York's Central Park. The bridge itself is absolutely stunning. The deck is made from thousands of Balau wood slats, perfectly cut and arranged, and along the length of the deck a huge snaking, undulating shell cleverly forms sheltered seating areas on every upward curve.
Pont Gustave Flaubert, Rouen, France
This is the incredible, brand new vertical lift bridge in Rouen, France, a beast of a structure whose 2 bridge spans weigh 1200tons each but can be hoisted 180ft vertically by the bridge's lifting mechanism in an impressive 12 minutes. Just the angular structures at the top of each tower weigh in at 450tons each, helping to support the lifting system as cruise ships sail through.
Hegigio Gorge Pipeline Bridge, Southern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea
Technically, this is a bridge: it's a structure which spans a gorge. The only difference is, the bridge can't be used by humans due to the fact that its purpose is to support 2 pipelines - 1 gas, 1 oil - across the extremely high gap in Papua New Guinea. So high in fact that if this were to be officially recognized as a bridge it would rocket to the top of the 'world's highest bridge-span' list at an impressive height of 1290ft. By comparison, the current highest bridge span belongs to the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado, hanging a mere 1053ft above ground level, while Manhattan's Chrysler Building measures 1047ft.
Buy Rey a Beer :-) if you liked this Slideshow, so I could post more!.
Pedestrian Bridge, Texas
This beautiful arched bridge in Lake Austin was a private build by Miro Rivera Architects and is used to connect the client's main house to the smaller guest house on the other side of the water. The idea was to make the bridge seem as natural as possible within its surroundings and to do this they made the decking and reed-like hand rails as imperfect as possible. The result is a bridge that looks extremely fragile but definitely worth the risk.
Octavio Frias de Oliveira Bridge, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Opened in May of this year, the Octavio Frias de Oliveira Bridge is a stunning x-shaped cable-stayed bridge that crosses thePinheiros River in Sao Paulo. It's design is unique in that the 2 curved decks of the bridge cross each other through its x-shaped supporting tower, an illuminated structure that stands 450ft tall and has attached to it 144 steel cables.
Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge, Brasilia, Brazil
The JK Bridge in Brasilia is a lesson in elegant bridge design. The 3 huge arches diagonally hopping over the deck of the bridge give the structure an amazing visual fluidity and make the whole 1.2km bridge look effortlessly cool. Since being built the bridge has won awards for its design but is still massively under appreciated on a wider scale.
Kintaikyo, Iwakuni, Japan
The original Kintai Bridge was built in 1673 and didn't stand very long until it was damaged due to flooding. It was then rebuilt and survived for more than 200 years until a typhoon battered it to death in 1950. The bridge that stands now over the Nishiki Rivers the 3rd build and looks magnificent, it's 5 wooden arches displaying an incredible amount of detail and craftsmanship. Interesting fact: no nails or bolts have been used to build the arches, only clamps and wires.
Rolling Bridge, London, UK
Thomas heatherwick' s award-winning rolling bridge is an ingenious addition to the grand union canal system in London and is unique in its design. Unlike regular movable canal bridges, the rolling bridge curls up on itself to form an octagon by way of hydraulics. It's an amazing sight and a reminder that a fresh perspective can produce great, innovative results, even when dealing with a structure as common as a bridge.
Beipanjiang River Railroad Bridge, Guizhou, China
Beipanjiang River Railroad Bridge in Guizhou is an enormous railway bridge that was built as part of the much larger 'Guizhou-Shuibai Railway Project'. Connecting 2 mountains over a deep ravine, at its highest point the bridge's deck sits 918ft above the ground (to compare, at its highest point the Millau viaduct's deck clears the river underneath by 890ft). The bridge has succeeded in connecting 2 of the country's poorest areas.
Henderson Waves, Southern Ridges, Singapore
'Henderson Waves' is Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge and can be found at the southern ridges, a beautiful 9km stretch of gardens and parks which has frequently drawn comparisons to New York's Central Park. The bridge itself is absolutely stunning. The deck is made from thousands of Balau wood slats, perfectly cut and arranged, and along the length of the deck a huge snaking, undulating shell cleverly forms sheltered seating areas on every upward curve.
Pont Gustave Flaubert, Rouen, France
This is the incredible, brand new vertical lift bridge in Rouen, France, a beast of a structure whose 2 bridge spans weigh 1200tons each but can be hoisted 180ft vertically by the bridge's lifting mechanism in an impressive 12 minutes. Just the angular structures at the top of each tower weigh in at 450tons each, helping to support the lifting system as cruise ships sail through.
Hegigio Gorge Pipeline Bridge, Southern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea
Technically, this is a bridge: it's a structure which spans a gorge. The only difference is, the bridge can't be used by humans due to the fact that its purpose is to support 2 pipelines - 1 gas, 1 oil - across the extremely high gap in Papua New Guinea. So high in fact that if this were to be officially recognized as a bridge it would rocket to the top of the 'world's highest bridge-span' list at an impressive height of 1290ft. By comparison, the current highest bridge span belongs to the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado, hanging a mere 1053ft above ground level, while Manhattan's Chrysler Building measures 1047ft.
Buy Rey a Beer :-) if you liked this Slideshow, so I could post more!.
Working Tips for 2009
Working Tips for 2009. You can still catch-up, it's not yet too late.
Buy Rey a Beer :-) if you liked this Slideshow, so I could post more!.
Buy Rey a Beer :-) if you liked this Slideshow, so I could post more!.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Support the blind, support ATRIEV
In the hope that ATRIEV computer school for the blind will continue its mission, ATRIEV joined the Samsung Hope contest to secure the needed funds to continue
its operations. Please help us get the funds by voting for ATRIEV.
Below are the mechanics for voting.
***
Dear friends,
ATRIEV Computer School for the Blind was chosen by Samsung Hope, a charity initiative of Samsung, as one of the beneficiaries of their latest social responsibility campaign.
Recognizing that it takes more than technological innovation to deliver a better life and brighter future, Samsung Hope puts a strong focus on empowering
the torchbearers of tomorrow. In the Philippines, ATRIEV is the only beneficiary chosen by Samsung that focuses on persons with visual impairment.
With just a few clicks, you can play a part in deciding where the money goes. Pledge support ATRIEV and give a vision of Hope to the Filipino blind.
list of 2 items
1. Go to the link http://www.samsungh ope.org/benefici aries/ph_ 02.html
2. Pick a Balloon:
list end
3. Attach a note:
After selecting your balloon, fill up the form with the following fields:
Name, E-mail Address, Country, Your wish of Hope.
4. Click the "Right Button" to seal your vote.
Please give a few minutes of your time to complete this task and pass
this one to your family and friends here and around the world!!!
A VOTE FOR ATRIEV IS A VOTE OF HOPE FOR THE FILIPINO BLIND!!!
Carol C. Catacutan
Training and Employment Director
ATRIEV Computer School for the Blind
...Where the Blind Can See Through Computers...
2nd Floor, 1680 E. Rodriguez Sr. Blvd.
Corner Los Angeles St.
Cubao, Quezon city, Philippines
T: +632 431-9257; +632 725-4191
M: 0905-875-7030
E-Mail:
training@atriev. org.ph
or
carol.lynn.catacuta n@gmail.com
Website:
www.atriev.org. ph
its operations. Please help us get the funds by voting for ATRIEV.
Below are the mechanics for voting.
***
Dear friends,
ATRIEV Computer School for the Blind was chosen by Samsung Hope, a charity initiative of Samsung, as one of the beneficiaries of their latest social responsibility campaign.
Recognizing that it takes more than technological innovation to deliver a better life and brighter future, Samsung Hope puts a strong focus on empowering
the torchbearers of tomorrow. In the Philippines, ATRIEV is the only beneficiary chosen by Samsung that focuses on persons with visual impairment.
With just a few clicks, you can play a part in deciding where the money goes. Pledge support ATRIEV and give a vision of Hope to the Filipino blind.
list of 2 items
1. Go to the link http://www.samsungh ope.org/benefici aries/ph_ 02.html
2. Pick a Balloon:
list end
3. Attach a note:
After selecting your balloon, fill up the form with the following fields:
Name, E-mail Address, Country, Your wish of Hope.
4. Click the "Right Button" to seal your vote.
Please give a few minutes of your time to complete this task and pass
this one to your family and friends here and around the world!!!
A VOTE FOR ATRIEV IS A VOTE OF HOPE FOR THE FILIPINO BLIND!!!
Carol C. Catacutan
Training and Employment Director
ATRIEV Computer School for the Blind
...Where the Blind Can See Through Computers...
2nd Floor, 1680 E. Rodriguez Sr. Blvd.
Corner Los Angeles St.
Cubao, Quezon city, Philippines
T: +632 431-9257; +632 725-4191
M: 0905-875-7030
E-Mail:
training@atriev. org.ph
or
carol.lynn.catacuta n@gmail.com
Website:
www.atriev.org. ph
Monday, February 9, 2009
Architecture of Snow - 60th Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival, one of Japan's largest winter events, attracts a growing number of visitors from Japan and abroad every year.Every winter, about two million people come to Sapporo to see the hundreds of beautiful snow statues and ice sculptures which line Odori Park,the grounds at Community Dome Tsudome, and the main street in Susukino.
Watch the slideshow Part 1
For seven days in February,these statues and sculptures(both large and small) turn Sapporo into a winter dreamland of crystal-like ice and white snow.The Snow Festival began in 1950, when local high school students built six snow statues in Odori Park. in 1955, the Self-Defense Force joined in and built the very first massive snow sculpture, for which the Snow Festival has become famous for now. The Festival has grown from these humble beginnings to become one of the biggest and most well known of Hokkaido's winter events.The Snow Festival is considered to be a festival of international-caliber.
Watch the slideshow Part 2
Watch the slideshow Part 1
For seven days in February,these statues and sculptures(both large and small) turn Sapporo into a winter dreamland of crystal-like ice and white snow.The Snow Festival began in 1950, when local high school students built six snow statues in Odori Park. in 1955, the Self-Defense Force joined in and built the very first massive snow sculpture, for which the Snow Festival has become famous for now. The Festival has grown from these humble beginnings to become one of the biggest and most well known of Hokkaido's winter events.The Snow Festival is considered to be a festival of international-caliber.
Watch the slideshow Part 2
Saturday, February 7, 2009
The Grand Canyon Skywalk
Glass Bridge will be suspended 4,000 feet above the Colorado River on the very edge of the Grand Canyon. More than one million pounds of steel will go into the construction of The Grand Canyon SkyWalk.
The bridge will be able to sustain winds in excess of 100 miles per hour from 8 different directions, as well as an 8.0 magnitude earthquake within 50 miles.
On May 2005, the final test was conducted and the structure passed engineering requirements by 400 percent, enabling it to withstand the weight of 71 fully loaded Boeing 747 airplanes (more that 71 million pounds).
Buy Rey a Beer :-) if you liked this slideshow, so I could post more!.
The bridge will be able to sustain winds in excess of 100 miles per hour from 8 different directions, as well as an 8.0 magnitude earthquake within 50 miles.
On May 2005, the final test was conducted and the structure passed engineering requirements by 400 percent, enabling it to withstand the weight of 71 fully loaded Boeing 747 airplanes (more that 71 million pounds).
Buy Rey a Beer :-) if you liked this slideshow, so I could post more!.
Hotel Atlantis Light Show
Here's a slideshow of the trial run for the Atlantis Light Show. Enjoy!
Buy Rey a Beer :-) if you liked this slideshow, so I could post more!.
Buy Rey a Beer :-) if you liked this slideshow, so I could post more!.
