Future Reception Competition

Building entrances are an interesting phenomenon forming the cross-over between public and private space. This is a worthy competition exploring how this could evolve. Congratulations to the winner Studio Seilern with a very interesting entry.

PVE Design

Stumbled across this artist.
Reminds me of David Gentlemen's work or Paul Hogarth

Maudsley Leaning Centre

This is an example of understated, simple and elegant architecture that really appeals to me. Not only this but it pushes the boundaries in terms of public access and it was built for a reasonable cost. Congratulations to the architects Duggan Morris and look forward to more from this stable.

Ellis Woodman provides a well written account of it in BD. However the article could do with more illustration of its urban context - perhaps a map showing how it links to the neighbourhood - especially with the article preview:

Duggan Morris’s precisely considered learning centre provides an elegant oasis of openness that links a south London psychiatric facility with its historic urban surroundings.

City Illustrations - Rowan Moore book cover

I am in the process of reading this book - so more comment on it in the future. For the moment I just want to have a post centred around this illustration - just the sort of thing I admire.

Essex House

I know this is a bit random because I haven't added anything to this blog for over a year. Its not there hasn't been anything to "catch my eye", but I guess I have allowed things that "catch my time" to dampen the spirit.
I came across this in bdonline. It wouldn't be out of place in Russia. Good luck to the designers and to Living Architecture for commissioning it.
Since publishing this post earlier today my copy of the RIBA Journal was delivered. The image is featured on the cover and the article inside explains that Living Architecture is a commercial venture by philosopher Alain de Botton. This is one of several holiday homes which amongst other things have an educational purpose to the extent that he calls the venture a "social enterprise". I think I am even more impressed.

City illustrations - Lotta Nieminen

I came across the work of Lotta Nieminen recently. Many of her illustrations depict the city or depict global networks. For me her style is charming and compelling.

City illustrations - David Downes

While I'm at it I will also broadcast a link to other artists with intriguing work that shows the city. Have a look at David Downes.