The Dallas chapter of the AIA is hosting a fantastic Tour of Homes. For the third year, this is an opportunity for self-guided tours to see cutting-edge design. All homes featured are designed by Texas architects. The event will be November  7-8 10AM-5PM. You can register online here.

via ted

being a bit biased i couldn’t resist.

Here at Brunello we are unashamed at the fact that we are Apple fanboys (and girls). These apples with Apple logos and products are the handiwork of a Japanese Apple fan who covered Fuji apples with custom Apple stickers, then waited a month them for to mature. 

http://www.evolo-arch.com/

eVolo Architecture was founded by a group of international architects in 2003 in New York City. Our goal is to create a form of discussion for the development of new ideas towards excellence in architectural design for the XXI Century.

The following are winners from the >08 skyscraper competition

register now to compete in the >09 competition

Honestly, when I first saw this I got really excited because I thought that OMA devised a way for these huge towers to float by using magnets for stabilization. This whole exciting thought process happened in like .1 second when I saw the rendering. I’m a huge fan of magnets. You can quote me on that. Seriously, how kool would that be if the units that are attached to the side of the core here (sadly, the magnets are nowhere to be found) and could rise and fall as desired? I suppose that may detract from the intentional placement of the towers for views… And imagine it. If the side units were completely autonomous from the core ( with respect to their position vertically ) then this core could be raised to twice the height, the already present units move on up, and construct a few more around the base! this is a good one to think about… imagine a whole slew of these together all corbu “radiant city” style … 

The design strategically maneuvers within the highly regulated building environment to maximize the full potential of the site: Four individual apartment towers are vertically offset from one another and suspended from a central core. The skyline of floating towers directly relates to the surrounding building volumes and explores the most attractive views towards the city center and an extensive green zone to the north. The lifted apartment towers reduce the building’s footprint to a minimum; the liberated ground level provides communal leisure activities embedded in the tropical landscape. 

via world architecture news

Just kidding. But it is very desirable. The sleekness set in the middle of an ancient church has a nice feel to it. 

Salisbury Cathedral’s new font is cruciform in shape, with a three metre span to allow total immersion baptism > see more pictures here

I would also love to see the fonts first ripples when someone dips their finger in it. And when it spills on someone unsuspecting passerby’s shoes!

Before the Euro, Dutch money was the most beautiful in the world. A new Five Euro coin, designed by artist and architect Stani Michiels, is a worthy successor to a great tradition

Michiels won a Dutch Ministry of Finance competition to design a coin with the theme of ‘Netherlands and Architecture’. “I approached the subject ‘Netherlands and Architecture’ from two points of view,” he says on his blog. “On one hand I paid tribute to the rich Dutch architecture history and on the other hand to the contemporary quality of Dutch architecture. These form also the two sides of my coin. Traditionally the front of the coin needs to portray the queen, while the back side displays the value of the coin.”

via creative review

Bentley Systems develops Generative Components and systems and resources all therein. Here, you’ll find tons of great stuff on scripting, truss work, BIM integration, etc.

Here and here, and here are a few case studies with the products. Browse the site and enjoy the stuff. there’s way too much to even attempt to summarize what its all about so go see for yourself.

Project developed from public tender organized by the DIBAM, which envisaged the empowerment of a reading room and exhibition spaces in the lounge Founders of the National Library, along with the acoustic conditioning and lighting of space.

    

The proposal understands the need to build and consolidate the various programmatic areas that currently live in Founders Hall. On the one hand the need for this part of the national library to offer the public a place to house in a free and free to its users and in turn to reinforce this salon as a place of exhibitions at both the permanent and temporary.

via plataformaarquitectura < ( more pictures )