China’s Dongtan Eco-city
Dongtan Eco-city, just outside of Shanghai, is set to be the world’s first fully sustainable cosmopolis when it’s completed in 2040. The goal is to develop a city with an ecological footprint that completely balances nature’s supply and human demand. This is done through a new tool called the Resources and Energy Analysis Program (REAP) that measures the amount of resources consumed in an area and defines how much productive land and sea is needed to provide the energy, food and materials for daily consumption and how much land, air and water is needed to absorb the waste and disperse the emissions. From this information an ideal ecological footprint emerges to guide the master plan – that ultimately 500,000 people will reside here. You might think that this is a drop in the bucket for a country of 1.3 billion people and plenty of people have already criticised this project for being just a showcase with no real impact. But we applaud them for this ambitious carbon-neutral experiment which could potentially be a future model for the development of cities worldwide. London-based Arup is working on the integrated master-planning together with the Shanghai Industrial Investment Corporation. Recently the University of East Anglias’ carbon reduction group and Alsop Architects have joined the team.
Also by SNELL
This house has many facets that make it an intriguing example. First of all, it is a very aesthetically pleasing project with the use of light horizontal timbers and a clean pitched roof. Designed by MOS, an interesting design collective based in America, the secret to the Floating House is that it floats on a structure of steel pontoons. The house rises and falls with the changing waters and is frozen in place depending on the season. The steel pontoons were constructed first and towed to the lake outside the contractor’s factory and then the house was built atop of it. When finished it was towed to its position, anchored and enjoyed in its unique position. Finally, it forms a bridge between the land and an island. Wonderful!
Dutch uber-firm OMA, headed by Rem Koolhaas, has created this concept in Mexico City to symbolize the coming two hundred years of Mexico’s independence. There are many layers of symbolism in this building, from Mayan pyramids to which part of the building controls the park and which part controls the city, to the fact that the bulge of the building is below the centre height, and that it all happens on a relatively small footprint. Most of all, in this building there is a barely contained energy that seems near to release and it may be that this is what Torre Bicentenario represents.
The Danes are renowned for their considered and subtle design. However, in these times of change, they must feel they need something with this selection of a bridge building as the winner of a recent architectural competition in Denmark. The American architect Steven Holl designed this building with a pedestrian bridge that links two sides of the harbour in the distinctly low-rise Copenhagen. Read more
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The moment I saw Dolton Ghetti’s amazing sculptures, the first thing that came to my mind was ‘Why?!’ But it takes such an obvious level of skill and out of this world patience (not to mention, a steady hand) to create these mini gems, that I was instantly awestruck. His inimitable work is now showcased at Lori Warner Studio. It’s probably easier to create art through a pencil than on the actual tip of one. Read more
Stewy does a range of stencils of indigenous British animals and the odd musical characters in and around a specific area of North London. I’ve seen his work develop from black and white to multiple colour and small to large scale. It started with cats and dogs, and he recently did a full-scale horse. I love walking around town and seeing a great page in a magazine without paying for it. Read more
Heavy metal and hip-hop are perhaps the most popular forms of rebellion for kids the world over. In Malaysia, metal — particularly black metal — has taken such a strong hold that the Fatwa Council there banned it, fearing that the music would compel listeners to rebel against religion. Contrary to the council’s intentions, black metal is as popular as ever in Malaysia, and is a recognizable cultural touchstone there, as indicated by the above clip from the 2005 film Filem Rock.
Mozzarella is the new sushi in New York since the opening of Obikà (pronounced Oh-bee-KA), Manhattan’s first mozzarella bar, at 590 Madison Avenue. Read more
I have always been enamored with Tokyo street fashion, so this website is one of my favorite recent discoveries. New photos are updated every day, so it’s always fresh and exciting. Read more
The Phenomenal Handclap Band is a collection of musicians and artists from Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn who perform live as an eight-member powerhouse, creating an eye-popping spectacle more akin to a spiritual church revival than a rock show. We have their single, 15 to 20, available for free download via the Music Download section of Lost At E Minor.
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Who wants to rock a boring ‘ol black leggings when you can wear the international funk of Yarimaki’s Stars and Stripes Leggings. Made of 100 percent polyester, this patriotic pink, black and white pant has a smiley face and a star and stripe print throughout. Read more
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Cookie Boy’s creative cookie designs
I don’t eat cookies, so good thing Cookie Boy’s cookies are little pieces of art too pretty and cute to eat. Read more
How ’bout this Jose Manuel Hortelano-Pi guy, huh? Quite the illustrator, yessiree Bob. From Spain, too. Spain is great! Read more
Never ever, ever, ever, ever park here
Some friendly advice for the neighbours, who simply don’t get it, or street art? You decide which one it is.
Here are a couple awesome pieces by Matt Leines that were recently on display in the Doubting Thomases exhibit at Nudashank gallery in Baltimore. Gives me ideas for Halloween. Read more
Honest Food Preparation Instructions
Yes, we’ve all been there: the chinese food from last week that still looks edible amongst the bare surrounds of an empty fridge. But really, we shouldn’t. Just let it be. Or College Humor will expose you! Read more
Illustrator, sculptor, and mixed media artist Joseph Franz creates stunning and unexpected pieces centered on personal nostalgia and animals. His work is ever-changing, but the wildlife and reminiscent narrative seem to be ever-present. Read more
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