architecture | Gunsmoke and Knitting

Posts Tagged ‘architecture’

What am I Lego-loving?

May 20, 2015

A Scottish software engineer created this beautiful digital Lego model of the Geisel Library (Dr. Seuss). The model includes 117000 individual lego pieces (It’d cost tens of thousands of dollars to make in real life).

This post is re-blogged from The Library blog of the University of San Diego.

With thanks to HMS Defiant for the reference.

Here is the library, in life. We did not get there the last time we were in San Diego, but maybe next time!

I am particularly charmed (get it?) by the snake path leading up to the library – here is a drone view.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged architecture, Dr Seuss, Lego, libraries, Theodore Geisel, University of San Diego | Leave a Comment »

Where am I living now?

May 18, 2015

I like this floating, partially submerged, house, boat, houseboat developed by the Kleindienst Group and showcased at the recent Dubai International Boat Show.

CEO of Kleindienst Group, Josef Kleindienst comments,‘since launching the floating seahorse we have been inundated with local, regional and international inquiries. we are excited to not just offer people a once in a lifetime investment opportunity in Dubai but on a global scale. the floating seahorse is not restricted to Dubai waters and can be designed and fabricated in Dubai for other resorts and destinations worldwide.’

Moving up to the luxury boat’s sea level, the accommodation which includes a fully-fitted kitchen with a dining area and an open plan living area, has floor to ceiling windows, offering uninterrupted ocean scenes. furthermore, when the glass façade is open, the sun deck becomes an extension of the living space. on the upper deck, the floor is suitable for alfresco dining and relaxation, featuring an informal bed, mini bar, kitchenette and a glass-bottomed jacuzzi. the project is estimated to be completed by the end of 2016.

I am trying, however, to picture it on Lake Erie, hmmm, maybe not.

More at Design Boom

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged alternative housing, architecture, design, Dubai, Kleindienst Group, seahorse, travel | Leave a Comment »

What am I noting on tattoo Tuesday?

March 31, 2015

The Eiffel Tower opened 126 years ago today.

Have I mentioned that the Tower is one of my Favorite buildings?

This photo is from my recent trip to Las Vegas. We stayed at Paris Las Vegas. The tower in this photo is half the size of the original.

Here is a nice story about Eiffel Tower history in the Christian Science Monitor.

It was also featured today on the Google search banner.

It is not a surprise that this beautiful, iconic image is also popular as a tattoo design:

Paris is always a good idea.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged architecture, Eiffel Tower, history, style, tattoo Tuesday, tattoos, transportation, whimsey | Leave a Comment »

What do I find a-maze-ing.2?

March 26, 2015

In 1983, Kazuo Nomura created an incredibly detailed maze, which he then rolled up and stored in the attic. The maze had taken him 7 years to complete, working in the evenings after he came home from his job. He worked not as a graphic designer, but as a janitor.

Two years ago his daughter found the maze. She asked her father if he would consider drawing another one. His answer was a concise, “no.”

However, late in 2014, Mr. Nomura began creating a new maze – this is what it looks like.

To read more about this story, or to find out where to purchase a print of the maze, go to Spoon and Tomago.

There is an interesting article about mazes and labyrinths at Smithsonian.com, which was written to accompany their “BIG Maze” exhibit that was on display last summer at the National Building Museum.

photo credit: Kevin Allen

What do I find a-maze-ing.1 is here.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged architecture, art, design, labyrinths, mazes | 2 Comments »

Where am I living? Aladdin Homes

January 28, 2015

Another interesting company that participated in the kit house phenomenon was Aladdin Homes of Bay City, Michigan. Aladdin was one of the most successful “readi-cut” home builders. In its seventy-year history, the company sold over 75,000 homes and remained successful, solvent and family-owned from 1906 until its closing in 1981.

In a fold-out flyer sent with the 1925 catalog, the company listed by name and city more than 1000 builders of Aladdin homes as well as government and corporate customers including the State of Michigan, the president of Liberia, Dow Chemical Co., Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co. and Standard Oil.

Advertised as “Readi-cut” and “Built in a Day,” Aladdin and other kit home manufacturers revolutionized home buying and building for the middle class. From tiny workingman’s cottages to the thrifty investor, Aladdin homes provided a solid value and easy construction.

More history of the company and the houses here.

Where am I dining?

December 18, 2014

At the DC6 Restaurant at the Coventry Airport in the UK.

Here’s the menu . . .

and the website.

This is a 1958 Douglas DC6 that has been converted into a restaurant that can seat 40 people. It is also available for parties and events.

Ref: WordlessTech

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged architecture, aviation, Douglas DC-6, entertainment, food, travel | Leave a Comment »

Where am I living?

November 15, 2014

This is the Everingham Rotating House near Taree, NSW, Australia. This interesting concept works well on the spacious lot where it is situated. I am trying to picture it in my neighborhood of 1/6 acre lots.

This graphic from the National Post explains more about the mechanics of the structure.

And this YouTube video takes you inside the house:

The house is now available for holiday rentals; click here to learn more.

What am I sappy cat blogging?

November 14, 2014

You Know, You Can Buy Self-Stick Bathroom Signs In Any Home Depot, And Put Them Wherever You Like

From Sippican Cottage via HMS Defiant, with thanks.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged animals, architecture, cats, Friday, sappy cat blogging, whimsey | 2 Comments »

Whose birthday am I celebrating on tattoo Tuesday?

October 28, 2014

Dedicated on October 28, 1886, today is the 128th birthday of the Statue of Liberty, standing on Bedloe’s Island in New York Harbor. A gift from the people of France, the statue is 305 feet high, is composed of copper, wrought iron and steel, and was designed by architect, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. For “the true story of the Statue of Liberty, click this link.

Want more views? Visit the crown cam.

I remember traveling to NYC with my sister and two aunts when I was nine. We did all the tourist stuff including climbing to the top of the statue. I loved it.