Freak -LFO, reminded how freaky this music video is.

Unfolding house by Normal Projects. Creative use of custom furniture offers flexibility for a 450 sq ft studiio in NYC.

Google Building Maker is incredible. Google is going to own the world.

Eric Sanderson pictures New York — before the City, Ted Talk.

The post below reminded me of the documentary, The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces, which studies New York public open spaces, including  the plaza at the Seagram Building. Youtube has the movie in six parts. Definite must see if you are into NY public spaces.

bonbro:

Seagram’s Building—The proportions of the plaza are perfect

Not only is  Mies Van der Rhoe’s building a classic example of corporate architecture, the plaza is a great example of how thoughtful design strategies can create beautiful privately owned public space that actually can influence New York zoning codes. By setting back the building 100 feet from the street, Mies was able to eliminate those nasty wedding cake setbacks that you often see in Manhattan skyscrapers. Instead. now you have an efficient rectangular floor plan that maximizes the most square footage for the tenant, which of course the developer will be happy about.  Additionally, by setting back the building from Park Ave, you give back to the city a large open space for its users to occupy. In response to the Seagram building, New York modified its zoning codes in the 1960’s, offering developers incentives if they implemented privately owned public spaces.

My friend passed by 57 Irving Place last week and sent me a quick snap shot of the construction progress.  It’s amazing how opaque the glass is on a gloomy day. There is always concern that there will be too much exposure of the unit interior with floor to ceiling glass windows, however, this doesn’t appear to be a problem. Those “pop-out” boxes are equivalent to a 3’ deep bay window that not only extend the dining/living space but also achieve peripheral views of Irving Place from your unit. Exciting to see concepts coming alive. Over the summer Curbed did a feature of the building with an in-progress slideshow of a typical unit. Check out some views of the interiors that I was in charge of designing and developing, which include the 15’ long kitchen with all stainless steel appliances and master bath with bamboo cabinetry and steam room.

Opponent video against Jean Nouvel’s MOMA Tower in Midtown Manhattan that will “overwhelm the neighborhood and clog the street…” ? Are we talking about the same Midtown in NYC?

Swen Carlin, architect turned photographer.

Walkabout - Atlas Sound