Haus im Haus

I was flipping through a copy of IIDA's publication, Perspective, and found something I just can't help but share. The winner of the IIDA competition (mentioned in August) is absolutely amazing! Haus im Haus, or "House within a House" was Behnisch Architekten's solution to creating extra usable space in the Hamburg Germany's Chamber of Commerce building. While the existing building's Neo-classical
architecture reflects it's 1812 construction, the Haus im Haus design aesthetic sits on the opposite side of the spectrum- and it sits quite comfortably, I might add. It's meant to contrast the old with the new, using completely different materials like steel, glass, aluminum screens, and energy-saving LED lights. The finish product has an inherent transpa rency that contrasts with but also preserves the historic atmosphere. Quite a paradox!

Beijing National Stadium

The IIDA awards can be put on hold for a couple of days. Watching the Olympics, I've discovered some fabulous architecture. Check out the Beijing National Stadium, built to look like a birds nest. The structure looks amazing at night with the light shining on its translucent skin. Its organic shape and seemingly random structural composition give the illusion of a living, breathing thing. Click on either of the pictures for a great interactive map of the city. It includes the National Stadium as well as other ancient and modern treasures.

2008 IIDA International Interior Design Competition Winners!

In descending order...

5th place
Firm: Steve Leung Designers
Location: Hong Kong, China
Winning project: MX Restaurant, Quarry Bay (Hong Kong)

4th place
Firm: Mithun
Location: Seattle, WA
Winning project: Novelty Hill-Januk Winery (Woodinvlle, WA)

3rd place
Firm: Manuel Gautrand Architecture
Location: Paris, France
Winning project: Citroen showroom (Paris, France)

2nd place
Firm: Lehrer Architects
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Winning project: their own showroom

And the winner is...
Firm: Behnisch Architekten
Location:
Project: addition to the Handelskammer Hamburg (Hamburg, Germany)

Super Potato

Location: Toko, Japan

Principal: Takashi Sugimoto

How can you not be interested in a design group with a name like"Super Potato"? Using contrasting repetition of salvaged and natural materials,Sugimoto has created some of the most original hospitality interiors out there. Though he concentrates on hotels (many are Hyatt International), his retail and restaurant designs can be seen all over the world. Check out the Super Potato site as well as this great article written in Interior Design Magazine.