ida

You have to consider what it’s like to work in a tech company. I’m a designer working in an office tower with amazing views, yet 99% of the time we keep the shades down because the view is distracting, and the sunlight glares up the computer monitors. The Apple employees might be too busy coding to even care what happens outside, and maybe even…[Read more]

I like it. It’s not a spacaship, it’s one giant ipod click wheel… reminds me of the Pentagon too… the concept works well with Apple’s closed-door policies. The design itself isn’t daring, but it’s different than the usual buildings you see in Silicon Valley. I like how the profile of the louvers are most visible through the trees, the…[Read more]

I think brown and white is the worst combination of all. By brown I mean dog poop brown.

I remember hearing that it’s maintained by private and public partnership, and I’m sure the businesses there are quite happy with it attracting tourists. I too like to know how much it costs to maintain it versus the revenue from tourism

The news media certainly has a love affair with fear and drama

If I were you, I wouldn’t worry about something that hasn’t happened, and I certainly wouldn’t yell fire in a crowded theater. And why analyze the numbers? What the heck can you do about it anyways? Of course, you should be prepared, but don’t suddenly start saving 100% of your income just because you hear someone else yell fire. I think just b…[Read more]

I’ve used Rhino for 2 years professionally. It’s like a dumbed down version of Autocad yet it’s like Sketchup on steroids, so it’s especially useful in the concept stage. The problem with Rhino is that it is hardly used in landscape and it’s a pain to convert the model to Sketchup or import a SkU model, but I think if more firms adopt it, it will…[Read more]

The building is so dumb it’s cool. I’ve passed by there there many times and it’s inspiring. My high school was pretty, but it’s definitely on the lame side. Comfortable or not, the building gets the creative mind going- fit for a performing arts school.

Lotusland in Santa Barbara has wonderful examples of designing with plants. Lotusland is guided tours only so book in advance. For more urban works, see The Great Orange County Park by Ken Smith. The Cornfield in Los Angeles is a treat if you’re into the austere look http://notacornfield.com/corn/index.htm. And if you’re in LA in July, there is an…[Read more]

hehe, I apologize if I sounded harsh, don’t mean to be at all 🙂

I don’t think he hates it, he even states, “it succeeds because it offers a green outlet to its many neighbors…”
 
I think what he doesn’t like is that cities have a “build it and they will come” mentality and are ignoring the fact that New York City is dense and has history, which is why a project like the HL can be successful. He cautions…[Read more]

Looks good Nick, it’s very easy to read and just the right amount of graphics that an online portfolio should have (though I’m not sure the napkins really compliment your work). Flash is a nice touch, but have you thought about those who might be looking at your website from a device that doesn’t support flash, like an ipad? A lot of…[Read more]

Classical and modernism can be timeless, but definitely out of style and dated in regard to current ideas.

The article is pretty much right that it sees the problem with the way cities are built and why the High Line affect will not work everywhere. It’s not really a critique on the High Line itself.

Gadi Amit is interested in the emotional appeal (the form) of his designs. This is a very “right brain” thing and the blame shouldn’t be put on the schools.

If you just graduated, know where you belong. Don’t apply to Amit’s firm unless form-making is your forte 🙂

You can also try working oversees.

The boss never had any ideas, his only talent was that he had good
taste. We did have discussions with other designers and the project
manager which often goes well, but at the end of the day, the boss made
the call.

Yeah the more creative the office the more time you spend working. I’ve worked 15 hour days only to have my idea rejected during crit with the boss. I basically had to start over from scratch. I wasn’t happy, but that’s the nature of the work. Fortunately, not all offices are this insane. If you’re in an interview, you better ask what the work…[Read more]

“Can landscape architects contribute to a world where more human effort is required?”

To answer your question, this article might help-
http://www.core77.com/blog/news/_the_context_of_low_product_how_designers_can_help_articulate_a_new_social_language_by_ann_thorpe_13623.asp

It depends on what part of the design phase you want to focus on. I use Maya for conceptual design studies since it allows you to quickly create complex forms without being bogged down by a technical process. It’s the equivalent to the cut & paste method of paper study models during the creative process. When you have a design you’re happy with…[Read more]

I am currently working for a local architecture firm in Beijing and have been here for almost four months. It is very safe here and have had no problems other than adjusting to the food – I got sick almost everyday for the first few weeks, but I’m now okay (I guess my immune system adjusted).

In Beijing, you’ll have no problem walking alone. Just…[Read more]