Monday, March 18, 2024

I'm not sure why these projects always need to be so depressingly modern or banal, butLow-income housing is a topic that's always interested me and Rizzoli has a new book out addressing this with a variety of projects, Housing the Nation.  I think the urban infill projects are particularly successful. 
On any given night, more than 650,000 people in the United States—many with families and full-time jobs—experience homelessness. The shortfall in affordable housing is estimated to be 5 million units or more.
Just as there was no single cause of the crisis, there is no single cure. Assembled here are essays by economists, scholars, architects, planners, and community organizers to address diverse aspects of the subject. The book discusses the history and extent of the US housing crisis; permanent affordable housing and affordable housing as a component of market-rate residential buildings; the development of community associations that can build and manage local units; links between housing production and climate change; and the pervasive and long-term consequences of racial discrimination in the housing market. Recent buildings by Studio Gang, Koning Eizenberg Architecture, and others illustrate affordable housing at its best, offering a glimpse of possible solutions.
Included are essays by Dean Baker, Richard Florida, Robert Kuttner, Michael Gecan, Rosanne Haggerty, J. Phillip Thompson, Margery Perlmutter, David Dante Troutt, Justin Steil, Christopher Hawthorne, David Burney, Jon McMillan, Viren Brahmbhatt, Richard Plunz, Kenneth Frampton, Mark Ginsberg, Fernando Pagés Ruiz, Jessica Holmes, Rusty Smith, Andrés Duany, Alan Organschi, Andrew Ruff, and Elizabeth Gray.

Friday, March 15, 2024

Style in Atlanta

 

With the decline of American magazines ( not what I'm here to talk about ), the Brits continue to 'bring it'. House and Gardens UK has an addictive website if you haven't seen it ( print copy is also brilliant and worth the shipping costs ) and this apartment in Atlanta caught my eye belonging to designer Sally Wilkinson .  Having lived in a studio for a number of years (long ago at this point), I can attest that divider walls only make the space feel smaller, so love her defining space with furniture to make it feel open and therefore much bigger.  There is something so alluring to stylish living in a small space - it highlights the creativity!  Definitely check out the full article here

Photo by Catherine Lukens

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Michael Smith, at home in Madrid

 


I've long been a fan of Michael Smith's work, and just had to share this latest video tour of his apartment in Madrid. Enjoy!

Monday, January 29, 2024

Discover the Hidden Gems of Las Vegas’ Architectural Legacy

There's more to Vegas than meets the eye and the 9th Annual Home + History Las Vegas heritage tourism festival provides a chance to see beyond the corporate casinos.


The four-day festival takes place from April 25-28 and focuses on the city’s hidden architectural treasures and captivating history.

 

Celebrating Southern Nevada’s iconic past, the event series features immersive, guided tours, educational seminars, community events, scenic drives, and speaker presentations that transport participants to the Vegas of yesteryear. In a town where uncovering historical hidden gems is no easy feat; the festival offers a glimpse into the meaning of Vegas cool with a unique opportunity to discover the Vintage Vegas treasures that have stood the test of time.

The festival is perfect for true aficionados of mid-century architecture and shows another side of the city. It provides a deep dive into the intricate details of the architectural landscape of Las Vegas, exploring neighborhoods that have lasted the test of time. Whether you’re fascinated by mid-century modern designs, iconic landmarks, or the evolution of architectural styles, the festival promises a captivating exploration led by passionate local historians. More information HERE.

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

2024 Washington Antiques show events - Hillwood Splendor and Surprise!

This year's 2024 Washington Winter antiques show promises to be a good one with a slate of great events to start the new year.
Join me Saturday, January 13 at 4:30 PM for a lecture on our local treasure, Hillwood estate and gardens, with Kate Markert (Executive Director), Dr. Wilfried Zeisler (Chief Curator), and Ellen Charles (granddaughter of Marjorie Merriweather Post), "Splendor and Surprise: Hillwood Estate, Museum, & Gardens".  Purchase tickets for the event HERE.  
There are a lot of other events to check out, including a lunch talk with Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, a design panel with India Hicks, Celerie Kemble and Alex Papachristidis (pictured above with Charlotte moss at a table he designed a few years ago at Hillwood), and a Sunday brunch with Chip Callaway, Sir Peter Crane FRS, and Calder Loth.  
The show has become much more interesting in the past few years and I wouldn't miss it.  Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

The Evolution of Architectural Design: Embracing CAD Technology

 

In the dynamic realm of architectural design, the shift from traditional hand-drawn blueprints to CAD drawings has marked a significant turning point. As we navigate deeper into the digital era, the significance of these tools in shaping our built environment is undeniable.

Let’s journey through the transformative influence of CAD technology, with a special focus on its profound impact on the architectural domain at large.

The Rise of CAD Drawings

The architectural world has witnessed a paradigm shift from the days when architects would spend countless hours crafting each line with utmost precision by hand. The introduction of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software has revolutionized this process, offering a platform for creating detailed, accurate, and easily modifiable drawings.

The precision of these drawings ensures that construction details remain consistent, minimizing errors and the associated financial implications of rectifications. All of this is possible thanks to the DWG, recognized as the native file format for various CAD software applications, has emerged as the industry benchmark.

These files encapsulate design data, metadata, and other crucial information, making them indispensable for architects and designers. The ease with which CAD blocks stored in these files can be shared ensures seamless communication among all stakeholders in a project, fostering collaboration and alignment.

The Significance of CAD Drawings


The introduction of this technology has revolutionized architectural design methodologies. Unlike traditional hand-drawn sketches, these drawings are vector-based, offering a multitude of benefits:

  1. Precision & Scalability: Being vector-based, they can be scaled up or down without any loss of quality or clarity, ensuring designs remain sharp and detailed, regardless of size.
  2. Efficient Modifications: One standout feature is the ease with which changes can be made. Whether it's a minor adjustment or a major design overhaul, modifications can be executed swiftly and accurately.
  3. 3D Visualization: Beyond 2D plans, CAD software allows architects to craft detailed 3D models, empowering them to visualize spaces in a holistic manner and offering clients a tangible feel of a space even before construction details are finalized.
  4. Interactivity: Modern software offers interactive features, allowing architects and clients to walk through a virtual representation of the space, making real-time modifications and seeing immediate results.
  5. Integration with Other Systems: These drawings can be integrated with other software systems, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), enhancing the depth of information available and aiding in more informed decision-making.

The Versatility of CAD Blocks

These pre-designed vector drawings of commonly used elements, from doors and windows to furniture and fixtures, offer several advantages:
  1. Time Efficiency: Instead of redrawing common elements, architects can simply insert these into their CAD projects, significantly speeding up the drafting process.
  2. Consistency: Using standardized blocks ensures that recurring elements maintain a consistent design and scale throughout the drawing.
  3. Customization: While numerous pre-designed options are available, architects also have the flexibility to create custom blocks tailored to specific project needs, ensuring uniqueness and precision.
  4. Database Integration: Many come with attached data, such as a window block containing specifications about its material, manufacturer, cost, and thermal performance. This integration of design and data streamlines the planning and procurement processes.

By harnessing the power of these tools, architects are equipped with resources that not only enhance their design capabilities but also streamline workflows, ensuring projects are both innovative and efficient.

The Future: Beyond Traditional Methods


The horizon of technological advancements promises a plethora of opportunities for CAD technology. Integrations with virtual reality, collaborative tools operating in real-time, and AI-driven design recommendations are just a few of the groundbreaking innovations we can anticipate. As we cast our gaze forward, it's evident that this technology will persistently redefine architectural paradigms, challenging and expanding the limits of design possibilities.

In wrapping up, the transition to this kind of tools has indelibly marked the architectural landscape. From the unparalleled accuracy of DWG files to the streamlined efficiency of CAD blocks, these technological tools have equipped architects to design with heightened creativity, precision, and vision. As the digital age continues to unfold, CAD technology's pivotal role in sculpting architectural marvels remains unquestionable.

Thursday, December 29, 2022

Washington Winter Show 2023 - "Bunny Beyond the Garden"

I think it's fitting that my first blog post after a long absence (and following my last post on Bunny Mellon) is to announce and welcome you all to the Washington winter antiques show - particularly the Saturday night lecture "Bunny Beyond the Garden" with Oak Spring Garden Foundation president Peter Crane and Bunny's grandson, Thomas Lloyd, for which I'm a cochair, at 4:30 PM, Saturday January 14, 2023. 

Bunny Mellon’s legacy favors her reputation as one of this country’s greatest self-taught landscape designers. Her unwavering, talented eye for beauty, however, broadened that public recognition as one of the twentieth century’s most understated icons of interior design. Public figures (and friends) such as Givenchy and Schlumberger knew her well but many others did not. This lecture by her grandson, Thomas Lloyd and Oak Spring Garden Foundation President Peter Crane, aims to reveal a more personal side of Mrs. Mellon. By sharing beautiful personal pictures of her beautiful houses, interwoven with personal family stories, a deeper appreciation can be garnered as to what tenets influenced her unique style and aesthetic.

I hope to see you there! Admission to the antiques show is included with purchase of your lecture ticket HERE. Also be sure to check out the other lectures and events HERE.

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

FINALLY! Bunny Mellon Style is here.

I am pleased to announce the book so many of us have been waiting on has arrived: Bunny Mellon Style by Linda Jane Holden, Thomas Lloyd, and Bryan Huffman with forward by Tory Burch. Just in time for gift season with a drop date of December 7, 2021 from publisher Gibbs Smith,  this book finally shares with us the personal homes of style icon, Bunny Mellon.  


While books released in the past few years have been great, they left me wanting more, even the stunning Sothebys auction catalogs. This book answers that need. I remember thinking "Wait, what about their Paris apartment?" -now there is a chapter and personal photos devoted to the spaces.  

The book is an intimate look at Bunny told by those who knew her best. Through interviews and letters you get a look inside her family homes as well as her closet.  Above, Bunny is in her Sunday kitchen at Oak Spring in a photo by her grandson, Thomas Lloyd.  The perfect painted floor and white kitchen!

We all have become acquainted with Bunny's gardens through previous books and while briefly discussed in this book, it focuses more on the houses and collections themselves. 
I love this shot from Thomas Lloyd of Bunny giving a tour of her Basket House (now part of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation). 
A close up shot of the sink in her famous garden room by designer Bryan Huffman gives a close up look of the trompe l'oeil work of artist Fernand Renard. 
One of the many personal photographs from Thomas Lloyd of Bunny at home at Oak Spring Farm above. Tory Burch, now a style-setter herself,  writes a fascinating foreword about what she's learned about style from Bunny as the now owner and steward of the Mellon's Antiqua estate.  See more about that from Vogue in 2018 HERE

I cannot stress how much I enjoyed this book, I nickname it the Bunny Bible!  With everything you could possibly want to know about her secrets on home and entertaining, Bunny Mellon Style is truly the gift of the season and a must for any design library. Pre-order your copy today!

Cover image courtesy Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris.  Used with permission of Isabelle Rey.  All other images from the book by Thomas Lloyd with the exception of  the image of the garden room by Bryan Huffman, and the Antiqua garden structure by Daniel Sutherland.  

Monday, September 20, 2021

Thomas Proctor: Classical Houses book signing this week!

 

Live events are back! This Thursday, 9/23/2021, the WMA_ICAA is hosting Thomas Proctor from Los Angeles for the release of his new book: Thomas Proctor, Classical Houses from Rizzoli.  

Copies of the book will be available for sale from Politics and Prose.   Proctor will be signing them following a brief presentation and refreshments will be served. Given the central location stop by for a drink and a copy of Proctor's excellent new book prior to dinner out on the town! 

Tickets for this FREE event are available HERE -hope to see you there! 

Many thanks to Compass Realty for hosting this event!

Thursday, May 6, 2021

The Porcelain Flowers of Vladimir Kanevsky at Hillwood

I'm back here at the blog to let you know about an amazing exhibit that has recently opened in Washington at Hillwood, the Marjorie Merriweather Post mansion turned museum.  I've written about Hillwood on numerous occasions and also about the artist whose amazing work they are currently featuring: Vladimir Kanevsky
I last wrote about Kanevsky in conjunction with Hillwood 3 years ago HERE when he did a lilac centerpiece on the table of designer Alex Papachristidis, similar to the lilac to be found in the library today.    These are no ordinary blooms however.  They are the most convincing and charming FAUX flowers you have ever seen, created out of copper, porcelain, and paint. 
The nice thing about these faux flowers, other than their lack of maintenance, is that they can be displayed throughout the mansion without a lot of fuss: no drips.  See the Amaryllis in the living room above naked without a drip plate!
I would like to think if Post were still living she would be a collector of Kanevsky's work.  
Part of the charm of these flowers are their imperfections similar to real flowers - holes in leaves, etc.  
The only thing missing is the scent: the lily of the valley seen below would be most fragrant!
Other than the lilac, I think my favorite piece may be the dandelion, warts and all. Weed as art!
This humble thistle may be a close second. 
The fun thing about creating these flowers is one gets to play with scale - the tulips shown on the breakfast room table below are simply ENORMOUS. 
The piece de resistance of the whole exhibit is to be seen in the dining room where about 1/2 of the collection is displayed. 
Cheek by Jowl, they are almost hard to study individually...
Though the morning glory does its best to reach out to the viewer! 
Given how difficult dahlia are to grow I think a Kanevsky version is a sound investment. 
And Washington's famous but short-lived cherry blossoms are no match for these stems.
Ordinarily Hillwood is full of fresh flowers from the garden, much as during Post's time at the house. The lack of real blooms allows one to focus on the details where you realize, flowers are depicted everywhere, even on the curtains!
Even the dining room sconces feature fruit.
The breakfast room still does sport a large collection of orchids in the bay window, no fear. 
Spring is a glorious time to visit Hillwood for the gardens, but please do visit and enjoy the magic of Vladimir Kanevsky as well.
The Porcelain Flowers of Vladimir Kanevsky is on view NOW through September 5th, 2021 throughout the mansion at Hillwood.  
Reservations are required so don't plan on stopping by without one!

All photos used throughout this post are my own.