#architecture111

The Natural Way of Life

Betrand Larcher, a restauranteur, opened a ceramics store and adjoining Otonali eatery using only natural materials to build it. The store, named B-Raku, is located in Brittany, France and connects to a Japan-inspired restaurant next door. One half of the store houses the ceramics store, while the other half host a Japanese restaurant. Both spaces have interiors created by Guillaume Terver, who comes from the architecture studio, LeLad. His inspiration was to create a “low-tech” aesthetic that celebrates raw and natural materials. In the ceramics store, the majority of the surfaces are covered in clay, which covers a stone column left exposed. Blocks of granite are used to form a small basin as well as shelf dividers. Wooden door frames line the cabinetry that runs along peripheral walls. In front of the chef’s kitchen in the adjoining restaurant Otonali, sits a large oak table. The back up the room features a unfired clay wine rack to satisfy all the customers drink needs.

To me, this is both the most cost efficient and is least detrimental to the environment. I believe a big issue that architects have ignored for years is the effect that their building, or the materials they utilize has on the environment. A lot of times everybody, myself included, are amazed at the skyscrapers that are going up. It seems like with every skyscraper built, they fast forward ten years into the future to pick the next design. But, what we don’t consider is the amount of trees killed to clear out that space or the amount of natural resources used to create the monstrosity. Now I agree, we will always need new buildings and we won’t always be able to use natural resources. However, if we use natural resources to build the smaller buildings, think about how much more our bodies would reap the benefits of a “healthy” build building. There would be less asbestos cases, or buildings closing for mold. To me, I rather spend more money to use natural resources then spend next to nothing to kill my environment. We were only given one Earth, so I say let’s reap the benefits of her.

Spinning Circles

           Nendo, a Japanese studio, designed a mobile battery that users can charge by rotating it. The stick-like battery, called Denqul, was made for use in disasters to ensure people have a reliable power source. The battery can be charged from a plug-in dock but can also be charged via the cranking mechanism. Nendo originally considered using solar panels to power the device. The stick can be pulled out and extended to twice its length. Denqul consists of a generator unit that uses magnets and coils of wire to convert “rotation power” into power. The difference in this crank and an ordinary hand-crank is that an ordinary hand-crank requires a lot of muscle strain. It is available in three different colors.

           I think we can all agree that a constant struggle we all have is our phone’s always have low batteries. Now, most of the time, we don’t really need to be on our phone and it takes useless time. But, during times of need, natural disasters, we need our phone to be charged or plugged in to a charger. I can speak for myself in saying that the times I need my phone the most, is usually when it has the lowest battery. The Denqul provides a sleek design which I like. The powerbank chargers are ugly and are a big rectangle. The Denqul also requires human interaction, it gives the user a sense of achievement for working to charge their phone battery. To me, this is architectural ingenuity. They have also taken a hot market item and improved it significantly.

The Tiny Hit 

           Yves Behar has launched tiny homes that contrast to the rising house costs in California. The famous designer is based in San Francisco, and he intends to fill gaps on existing properties. The micro homes are primarily marketed to young families, elderly parents, and college students struggling to afford their own housing. Not only are these tiny homes affordable to many types of people, they allow for modern technology and customizable features. The YBI has a modular design that can be fully customized depending on site conditions. YBI is initially available in three options. Each contain different floor plans and roof styles to fit the buyers wants and needs. They even have flat roofs that can house solar panels or plants to make the home more energy efficient and friendlier to the environment. Pitched roof units are also available for the consumer to choose from. The YBI is priced at $280,000 but plans to release models that are as cheap as $100,000 in the future. While tiny homes are on the rise to popularity, this is not Behar’s first rodeo in the home industry. He previously worked on home security cameras and a robotic crib.

           This article intrigued me greatly. I have watched shows such as “Tiny House”, on TLC and Travel Channel. These shows display the same context, a tiny house, but I noticed one thing in all of these shows, it is always the interior designer who creates the design, not the owner. I can see this new revelation is significantly boosting the Tiny House industry. The houses attract millennials and young couples who don’t care about size and a luxurious lifestyle. The homes are perfect for people who value minimalism and simplicity. California is a booming place for these homes to flourish because of the laid-back lifestyle the majority of the state expels. Below are examples of the tiny house. As you can see, each home is very customizable, and no home looks the same. The designer and consumer can collaborate together to create a one of a kind forever home.

The alarm that doesn’t frustrate you

A handful of students from Sweden’s Umea Institute of Design have created a cost efficient earthquake alarm that also acts as a source of calm. The students created Terra for people living inside the Ring of Fire where earthquakes are a constant threat. Nearly 90% of the world’s earthquakes occur inside the Ring of Fire. The group urged to create an alarm that would not stick out like a sore thumb in people’s homes and also be affordable enough for the poor communities to have access to it. The project was named runner up in the Sweden James Dyson Award, which recognizes the best new inventions. Terra responds to an earthquake’s non-destructive primary waves, which travel at a higher rate of speed, to alert those affected faster.

           This is interesting to me because this invention could actually save a person’s life. I know all architecture items have a purpose, however some I look at more as for show then actually serving a purpose. This invention and design both serves a purpose and also displays a modern design. As an architecture, this is what you want to strive for. When I consider alert devices in homes, I think of smoke alarms and natural gas alarms. What comes to mind when I think about the image of these two is ugly. Both serve a very important purpose, however both items are very hard to look at. Not only does the Terra serve an important purpose, but it is also not an eyesore.

BLOG POST 01: Neyland and Ayres

BLOG POST 1: UTK Iconic Landmarks

The University of Tennessee possesses a striking, unique, campus layout that pairs quite well with its longstanding tradition in the realms of academic and athletic success. Looking down on good ole’ Rocky Top, one may take notice of two iconic landmarks: Ayres Hall and Neyland Stadium.  At the bow of campus lies Ayres Hall; displaying bold, Gothic stylings that accurately  reflect the longstanding tradition of academic achievement and success at the University of Tennessee.  Throughout the years, the Gothic stylings have remained timeless, despite the modern evolution of architectural trends.

 In contrast to the timeless stylings of Ayres Hall, at the stern of campus lie Neyland Stadium. Perhaps one of the most iconic arenas in all of sports, Neyland acts as a place of worship for a devoted Volunteer fan base. Its boldness is expressed by its sheer size and geographical location and should not be over looked when appreciating the structure. The evolution that Neyland Stadium has undergone throughout the years would be unfathomable to someone who has not followed its journey. Neyland was birthed with beginings that were quite humble, however as the Volunteer fan-base grew in size, so did its most electrifying atmosphere. Initially only providing seating for a mere 3,000 Volunteer fans in 1921, today it post a maximum holding capacity of over 100,000.

Image: Patrick, Michael. Ayres Hall on Tennessee Campus. New Sentinel. 

Image: Olivia, S.M. Saturday Down South.

If you ask someone who is unfamiliar with the University of Tennessee what they know about UTK, you’ll probably hear something about orange and white checkerboards. It’s a tradition that has become known by people all over the country, even those who have little interest in college traditions. But ask someone familiar with the university and you’ll get a whole list of important traditions and symbols including Neyland Stadium and Ayres Hall, both of which have had significant roles in making the checkerboard tradition famous.

Both of these structures are unique and they are sure to catch your eye. Over the years, these structures have evolved, but they remain two beautiful structures on the campus that have been a symbol of the University of Tennessee for decades. Each structure was designed to serve a unique purpose but both structures welcome people to home sweet home every year.

Ayres Hall. A building named after a former university president is one filled with classrooms that have the most intricate designs. It’s the building that started the checkerboard tradition. And it’s the building that sings at the start of every hour.  This building hosts many students and educators every day. It is a quiet place where classes can be held, minds can be educated and dreams can be achieved. Ayres Hall stands tall, looking out over the campus, reminding every passerby that thousands of students have been a part of using its historic facilities.