"Less is More"

Architectural record just published an example of  great architecture in a fantastic site in Massachusetts. The architect's approach to the site is very gentle and enhance all the views of the site and its topography, the layout also works pretty well.

When I started to look at the pictures it just call my attention the over use of wood, in this case red cedar.
There is not other distinguishable  material other than wood. I would be thinking about using either contrasting materials or something similar if the idea was to have some sort of homogeneity.
I feel that the indiscriminate use of a material like "wood" or any other material is not very sustainable; if we all agree that green design is part of good design. It just doesn't feel right even when the wood comes from the most sustainable forest in the world or the owner has all the resources to pay for them.

One of our responsibility as Designers/Architects is to help our clients to make the best selection of materials. Where we as a responsible designers feel comfortable while at the same time help our clients with their project goals and vision.
http://archrecord.construction.com/residential/featured_houses/2011/07/Bluff-House-slideshow.asp?slide=15

The Tallest Building in the World

Wow!  and also the most out of scale building in the world. Honestly I don't understand this type of buildings. I guess the only purpose of these buildings is to demonstrate superiority and power. They are right; the world economy and power is shifting to that part of the world. Having those "mega-structures" are a complete aberration to the urban landscape and the human scale. Not human at all. The Tallest Building in the World

Semi-rigid car by emergent

This is what I call innovation in new techonology that could be applicable in Architecture. http://www.dezeen.com/2011/07/07/semi-rigid-car-by-emergent/

Texture is Architecture

Don't tell me that this is not cool!
Galleria Center City by UNStudio

Japan EARTH QUAKE

If you really want to do something and help people affected by the earthquake. Help this great architect and human being with his shelters design and construction. Shigeru Ban

Color

Stay tuned about my article of color and uses . In the mean time enjoy colors in your life!

Some thoughts about Patterns, Textures and forms

This is an excellent project where one solely element creates: Form, color, texture and even the furniture itself. There is not need of paint, furniture or decorative elements. The pattern of wood pieces protruding from the wall in different sizes and directions creates the whole rich environment necessary to showcase a product in a unique way.  Patterns, textures and forms

Following first article about human exploitation in Architecture

We all need to be aware and spread the voice about this very important problem in our field.
Artist united

Exploiting Students in Architecture

I really want to post this article the way it is because I agree totally. Something need to change in the way we are doing things. How are we forming the next generation of architects and how we had been doing in the past. Star Architects Urged to Stop Exploiting Students

Big towers for me are like white elephants: Plain, expensive, cold, unimaginative, out of scale, boring,etc. This one is a really nice white elephant + the materials forms and design really deserves a recognition that not all towers are boring. 0-14 TOWER