Matta-Clark was best known for artfully dissecting buildings that were slated for demolition. He studied architecture at Cornell but never went on to work at a traditional practice. His art brought attention to a world where buildings (and their histories) were being erased at an alarming rate. It’s believed that his efforts brought further attention to the Historic Preservation movement of the 70s, which would see buildings such as Grand Central Station, several of Louis Sullivan projects and many others, saved.
Santa Anita Cabin
Check out the lovely touches in this retrofit 100+ yr. old cabin (approx. 600sf) where all the materials and furnishings needed to be transported down a narrow canyon path by wheel barrel or pack mule.
Lizigou Red Brick Ceremonial Hall / KEYWORKS + RENGARCH (China)
I’m a sucker for arches and curves with brick. More here about this thoughtful communal space.
Cova House (Oaxaca) - Anonimous Architecture
Indoor/Outdoor living in this thoughtfully constructed space using local materials. More here.
Garage/Granny Suite in Venice Beach - Bau10 Architects
Very nice tiny project with some smart moves. See more here.
Teitipac Cabin / LAMZ Arquitectura - Mexico
These 2 structures (connected by a skybridge and hall below) strongly demonstrate heavy vs. lite / up vs. down / light vs. dark. More here.
Reused Brick (Brooklyn)
Love how playful this wall is…variety of bricks and stones, bands of color, rocks stacked over door, layers, groupings, etc.
Cabin Anna - Caspar Schols
A structure that slides open to embrace surroundings. Lots of seductive pictures here.
Bamboo Hostels (China) - Anna Heringer
Heringer’s work tends to use local materials/trades, traditional construction techniques and elegant forms. More here.
Wimbledon House 1966 - Richard and Su Rogers
Rogers would win the competition 5 years later to do the Pompidou Center with Renzo Piano. This was an early project done for his Richards’ parents. Read more here.
Wine Hanger - France
Gens Architects created a nice balance of utilitarian and modern live and work spaces within a giant shed structure. See more here.
Strasbourg Zoo Upgrade
Why do I imagine the animals are happier at a place like this? More here.
Floating Habitat - El Refugio del Pescador/Natura Futura Arquitectura + Juan Carlos Bamba
This simple floating structure is the kind of project I love. See more here.
Green Skyscraper (Proposed) - Lissoni & Partners
This multi-use proposed structure imagines building as sustainable ecosystem. The core has retail on the bottom (with largest green platforms), residential through the middle and offices at the top. More here.
Sibling Architecture - Australia
Interesting modular work by this outfit from down under. See more here.
Morpholio Trace
This is by far the best app I’ve purchased ($20/yr.) for iPad. It’s like being able to sketch in Photoshop. Lots of information and videos online.
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE HOUSE - CplusC (Australia)
This playful house is pretty tricked out (solar power, green roof + wood, steel, glass, colors, etc.). More here.
Green Island Community Center (Thailand)
Love the modern simplicity, geometry and thatched roof. Looks like an inviting community hub. More here.
Abandoned Quarry to Minimalist Home - Ensamble Studio (Spain)
On the island of Menorca, architect couple gently transforms this beautiful space into spare dwelling. More here.
Charging Station - Cobe (Denmark)
These timber, grove-like electric car charging stations are a nice touch - they even have green roofs and swings to help everyone pass the time. More information here.
