Interior Design Sense

Olson Lewis Dioli & Doktor Architects recently shared their appreciation of upcycling with youngsters at the Brookwood School Sustainability Fair by teaching them how to turn trash into treasure. The firm taught children at the elementary school how to save simple wooden pallets from the incinerator and craft their very own bird abodes!

The children were provided with a premade kit made from the wooden pallets, and had help from architects on the scene to piece the parts together. The result of their efforts was a batch of adorable, hand made birdhouses perfect for encouraging birds’ own form of upcycling – nest building. The Sustainability Fair, which was open to the public, successfully gathered students, parents, community members, and organizations, in order to promote the use of sustainable practices, like upcyling, “a life-long habit”.

Thanks for the tip Henry Louis Miller!

+ Olson Lewis Dioli & Doktor Architects

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If any of the furniture in the Vitra Haus looks familiar it should, these are some of the most iconic designs of the current and past generation. The entire collection of Vitra classics are now housed in the new addition to the Vitra campus which was commissioned by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron and recently finalized. The construction situated in Weil am Rhein on the border of Switzerland and Germany is a series of twelve houses positioned to make the best of the landscape attributes and features special areas for specific designers and room settings. Visit Vitra for a look at their entire collection of modern furniture here. Via designboom

Post from Vitra Haus : The Ultimate Modern Furniture Showroom Weil am Rhein, Germany

Inhabitat reader e_meliss tells us that Global Architectural Development (GAD) is on its way to constructing a mixed-use complex that will be a reflection of technology, sustainability and aesthetics in Istanbul. Dubbed the “One & Ortakoy,” this project is under construction in the neighborhood of Ortakoy.  The developers have planned two buildings – one which will be designated for residential purposes while the second will be reserved for commercial use. Positioned right next to an enchanting hillside location, the project will be a major step toward improvement of the area.

Read the rest of One & Ortakoy: A Sustainable Mixed-Use Complex in Istanbul

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The early 70s what a wonderful time for interior design! I’d love to say that that’s a photo of me above but my room back then was nowhere near as groovy. I must be getting old though because I need to turn the volume down on the colours on most of these. Thoughts please on the built in tiled toilet and Mr Super Smooth. Today’s scans from Golden Homemakers 100 Ideas to Beautify Your Home, Gudenian Rockail & Mayer, Marshall Cavendish, London, 1972.

Molteni&C of Italy is one of my favorites when it comes to clean modern furniture with a distinct quality and style that is timeless. Here are some of the looks you can expect if you ever enter one of the more than 350 stores that feature their products in over 60 countries including 24 Molteni&C specialty stores. From the Cunard, Costa and Holland America cruise liners, Cartier boutiques all over the world, and the interiors of the Teatro La Fenice in Venice, you will see the fine works of the Who’s Who of furniture designers from Molteni&C. Experience the entire collection for Day and Night here.

Post from Timeless Modern Italian Furniture by Molteni&C

Renowned designer Patricia Urquiola reduces the entire “Clip” platform bed into a sinuous form running from head to toe. The elegant look of this low profile bed is not only good looking, but functional. An adjustable headboard moves to multiple positions and guarantees the best rest ever for those relaxing times. The Clip bed is indicative of the stunning modern furniture from Molteni&C and is available in both leather or fabric removable covers. Complete the set with the small Clip series glass top bedside table. See the simply stunning modern and contemporary furniture from Molteni&C of Italy here.

Post from Patricia Urquiola’s “Clip” Low Profile Platform bed by Molteni&C

…from Hus & Hem. Or I could have titled this post “How to whip up a quick post to keep for while I’m in Mexico”.

And yet more and more people are doing it. Why people why?!?! Listen, we weren’t meant to be underwater. The fact that our cell walls start to explode and oxygen levels deplete in a few minutes should be half a clue that mother nature didn’t design us to be here. Then again, nature didn’t design us to fly nor sit at the computer blogging all day so I digress. If you love free diving, then you may need the D-eepdive gadget.

There’s two bits to this setup. Both are wristwatches but one monitors the state of the free diver – the one plunging head first into the abyss on a single breath. The other device receives information about free diver so should he/she suffer from hypoxia and suddenly faint (apparently very common in this extreme sport), the safety or control diver can save the day. The whole thing works via Bluetooth and nanotechnology. Don’t ask me how – the designer doesn’t really explain other than suggesting the chip inside each device requires nanotech to work.

Designers: Murat Ozveri & Anil Dincer For Design Quadro

Another great online design magazine is getting some attention and worth checking out.  Nesting Newbies is filled with everything from decorating to entertaining to cooking.  Both the Fall 2009 & Winter 2010 issues are online.  Check it out!

Winter 2010

There is nothing more comforting than a warm hug from your mother. It’s the most natural form of reassurance, and metaphorically speaking, an embrace can help us conquer our fears and achieve aspirations. My point is that a hug says a lot about human emotions, be it a bear hug or side-shoulder embrace. Depicting this raw gesture is the Hug Salt & Pepper Shakers delightful with a zing. Because when viewed from above, they also resembles Yin & Yang!

Designer: Alberto Mantilla [ Buy it Here, Hug Salt & Pepper Shakers is available for $24 @ YD Store ]

Hug Salt & Pepper Shakers is available for $24 @ YD Store