Light-transmitting concrete
The heavy, dull substance of concrete, lit and full of life? Architects around the world are salivating over the prospect of this new material called Litracon in which thousands of optical glass fibres form a matrix and run parallel to each other between the two primary surfaces of each block. The fibres only constitute 4% of each block so they do not impede the structural integrity of the concrete, but rather contribute, forming a component of the aggregate. The inventor, Hungarian architect Áron Losonczi, claims that a wall structure could be several metres thick, as the fibres work with almost no loss of light for up to 20 metres.
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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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London-based Brian McKenzie’s prints, paintings, and clay sculptures all have a great, almost retro spookiness about them. They look like illustrations for German cautionary fairy tales. Read more
Winnipeg Illustrator Kenneth Lavalee makes some lovely work. His delicate linework, muted colors and twisted tongue in cheek, drama-esque themes (all blood, obesity and creepy little lump people) are certainly worth a good look.
Oh, ok, so now I’ve seen it all. Or perhaps, in this case, I’m not seeing enough. Japanese game shows are so much fun. Seriously.
Located by the Atlantic Avenue Station, in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, the BAM movie theaters are as genuine as it gets in New York when it comes to going to the movies. It features a small selection of the latest releases actually worth seeing, or you can immerse yourself in the BAMcinématek, which presents repertory classics, retrospectives, festivals, premieres, and rare films.
Bet you didn’t know Cliff Richard was slowly dying inside as he worked the scene for six decades with that mouthful of white grinning teeth. This blog exposes everything. Read more
Growing up on the road in the deep south of America will either maim you or make you stronger. In Ryan Bingham’s case, it was the latter. Read more
They may be incredibly eccentric, but these ten inch platforms are physical proof that it is actually possible to create somewhat aesthetically pleasing heels out of elephant faeces. UK-based artist INSA designed the shoes as part of a recent art exhibit at Tate Britain which features the individual work of various artists responding to Chris Ofili’s controversial The Holy Mary elephant dung painting made fifteen years ago.
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The return of the Brionvega rr226
Italian brand Brionvega has resurrected the classy Radiofonografio piece first created in 1965. The updated version is just like the original turntable/radio unit, but also has a CD/DVD player.
Pencils made from recycled newspaper
The problem with awesome things like these pencils made out of recycled newspaper is that you almost don’t want to use them.
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.
Pitched as ‘Ulterior Motives in Contemporary Art’, Disorder Disorder is running until November 14 at Penrith Regional Gallery. It’ll be well worth the trip out west of Sydney: the Australian, Japanese, American and European cast reads like a warriors of street art roundup and includes Mike Giant, Ed Templeton, Anthony Lister [artwork above], Ozzie Wright, and Jonathan Zawada. Read more
Get lost in a daydream or a craving for something sweet while gazing at these cool sculptures by Brooklyn-based WiNK WiNK PONY. Made using clay, tree bark, wood, and mossy moss.
In 2008, graphic designer Becky Edgington and illustrator Sarah Beetson created two limited-edition packs of playing cards featuring images from Beetson’s exhibition, 50 Bucks: Bring On The Sluts. The images were selected from almost 500 small artworks created on moleskine paper, inspired by vintage pornography and a trip to Japan. Read more
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The Anachronic Herald » Blog Archive » Lightning concrete said | 4 June, 2007
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