FUN - Changing our behavior

Stairs are one of those things that a lot of people don’t really care about. They’re just the method of going from one level to the next; most people avoid them at all cost, and escalators have become the better option. The stairs don’t seem to be worth the extra work.

However in the field of architecture, stairs are one of the most difficult things to draw, detail and construct.  But what if we could change the way people feel about stairs and make this activity fun?

Well, this is exactly what the company “The Fun Theory” did! They installed giant piano keys on the subway stairs, surprisingly “66% more people chose stairs over escalators”, how great is that! See video below.  “The Fun Theory” does a great job looking for daily use things that by having fun can change our behavior. This awesome stairs installation should be required in all subway stairs.

Every time I have the chance I use the stairs, not only because sometimes is the only workout I can get into my day, and escalators are more hustle since they’re always packed with people. For some strange reason I like to count the steps while going up and down the stair.

My twice a day STAIR



Shadows of the Night

For most of us nighttime means the end of the day, the time to wind down and prepare for the next day to come. In the mix of slow activity the world around us creates amazing illuminated shadows that hunt the darkness with colorful opacities through energy of reflective objects.

Imperfect imitations of these objects at night guide us to our final destination in anticipation of the rising dawn and the new day to come.

Metal

Tree

Lamp

Curtain

Personal Photography, taken in Cambridge, MA. 2011

"I want to make you HAPPY"!!!

The Hooks are an English Indie Rock band founded in 2001. I recently came across a great song from them, while waiting in line at a store. On my way to the office I kept singing the song in my head so I wouldn't forget the lirycs. The first thing I did after turning on my computer was google the song, it took a few tries but I found it! The name of the song is "Junk of the Heart (Happy)" this kind of song I can listen to, over and over again, and never get tired of it. Enjoy!!

http://www.thekooks.com/

Stay Creative my Friends!

29 Ways to Stay Creative, pretty cool video, enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-68RWQXZ94g&feature=player_embedded



Casa Once Mujeres by Architect Mathias Klots

The first thing that attracted me to this article was the name, Casa Once Mujeres, “House of Eleven Women” it’s a pretty catchy name. The owners of the house are a divorced couple, combined the couple has eleven children, all women.

The house is located on a side hill in Zapallar, Chile built in 2007 by architect Mathias Klots. The house has amazing vistas to the Pacific Ocean as well as open and airy interior spaces.

Original article from Plataforma Arquitectura

"Dream BIG" by Peter Fecteau & some History

The “Dream Big” installation was a yearlong project in which artist Pete Fecteau combined 4,242 Rubik’s Cubes to create the image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.   

No question, Rubik’s Cubes are fascinating objects that mix lots of patience and a touch of genius. I haven't been able to go beyond two rows of the same color but did you know that the Rubik’s Cube was invented by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Erno Rubik in 1974? Pretty cool, I’m sure Mr. Rubik would love Pete Fecteau “Dream Big”. Enjoy!

From: Design Spotter

Abundance, by Camille Utterback -- San Jose City Hall, 2007

Two of my favorite things in the world; Architecture & Art Installations! I first came across this video and a great class I took in college called "The Moving Image". Abundance is a temporary public installation by Camile Utterback, commissioned for the City of San Jose, California by ZER01 – the Art and Technology Network. The installation it's meant to be viewed at night, when it transforms the cylindrical facade of the City Hall designed by Richard Meier and the plaza into an interactive social space. Check it out!