Visual Calender

Sometimes you run across an idea that is so refreshing that it bares sharing. This is just such a case, and sadly I don't think it was ever produced. Jonathan Davies of Hello Milo has a wonderfully simple calendar that uses colors to represent the seasons. I wish it had been produced, I would have purchased 10. Check it out.

Oakley Stroller

I don't usually blog about baby items... but when you find some thing as cool as this it just has to be posted. This was a project exploring the signature concepts. The Oakley stroller is the brain child of Joe Iacono, and I have to say I think most people could look cool pushing this thing around.

Parka Blogs Art Book Reviews

I occasionally spend my Sundays stumbling the net. For those of you who don't know stumbling is going from link to link not really searching for something. Most of the time I come up with nothing, but today I hit a great blog that has tons of great information. Parka Blog is a singapore native that has a fascination with art books (a kindred spirit). Check it out I spent several hours going trough his posts.

OKTAPODI

I ran across OKTAPODI while surfing the short films on AppleTV, I have to say its worth the few dollars to see this stunning short film. Check out the film and the website for more info. Trust me its worth it!

ArchDaily

I run across many architecture related websites every day. But few keep my attention longer than a page or two, that is until I found ArchDaily (http://www.archdaily.com/). Its a refreshing look at great architecture new and old. The website features a refreshing array of known and unknown architects doing great work. They cover not only built work but conceptual and future works. I would highly recommend bookmarking it and adding it to your daily reading.

SlideRocket

I don't usually post entries about pay per month software (mainly because I think its a joke, just another way to steal your money). But I couldn't resist SlideRocket. Its relatively cheep compared to some and seems to be a powerful alternative to powerpoint. I am most impressed by its ability to use flash files in presentations. This was an option in older powerpoint and keynote versions but has since been removed.

SlideRocket does have its limitations.
Cons: You need to be online, and the standalone presenter (not creator) is only available to the business clients.
Pros: Present online no software necessary, flash animations, all the fancy transitions, and online storage.

All in all, this online solution is marginally worth the money. I would like to see a online/offline alternative but over all its a powerful app. Check it out: http://www.sliderocket.com/

Update: Another user pointed out they do have a "Free" version. The free version doesn't have all the function of the pay version. These limitations essentially make the free version for me a toy and not really a replacement for anything. If you only need something quick and online check out the free version. If you are serious about presenting the pay versions are the only way to go.

GE Ecomagination

Its not often that you run across a really cool and interactive website these days. GE has done a very nice job with their ecomagination website. The website includes some augmented reality, for those of you who don't know augmented reality uses something called marker and a webcam to produce a sudo interactive model on screen. You can move the marker and navigate the 3D model. GE's version is interesting, I'm not fully sure it serves any purpose but take a look. If you have a web cam check out the augmented reality segment. Otherwise the graphics are well put together. http://ge.ecomagination.com/smartgrid/

Custom Simpsons Avatar

Some times I stumble across things that are mindless wastes of time but I just cant stop. The simpsons movie came out a year or so back but the movie website is still going strong. one of the coolest features is the custom avatar. Check it out... http://www.simpsonsmovie.com/main.html

Mirrors Edge: Living on Roof Tops

For those of you who don't know I am an avid gamer... when I get the chance. I recently started playing a new game from EA and DICE Mirrors Edge. The games is based on runner(s) that carry incriminating data about the government to those who can use it against the government (Rough Description). That aside the game is stunningly beautiful you spend most of the game on the roof(s) of a utopian society ( which really isn't ). After playing this game I started wonder as designers how would we design if we lived above the city or at least on top of it. We spend 99% of our time far below in the shadows when we could live in the sky. I think we would see a lot fewer flat gravel roofs.

ACADIA 2008 Exhibition

Just a few Images from the ACADIA 08 Juried Exhibition.

GrassHopper Workshop

One reason for attending ACADIA is they offer outstanding workshops. I had the good fortune of attending the Grasshopper Workshop (generative components for Rhino). The workshop alone was worth the trip. Below are a few things that we created. Keep in mind its more impressive in person.





You cant see it in the photos but by moving a single point in the model the curve will adapt to the location of the point.

ACADIA 2008, Silicon and Skin, Minneapolis Minnesota

The ACADIA 2008 conference has begun. I will try to update as the conference goes on... internet connection willing. I have created a Flickr group feel free to post photographs that are associated with the conference and or workshops.

ACADIA_08 Flickr Group: www.flickr.com/groups/
Conference Website: www.acadia.org/acadia2008/

Photo By: Peter Theakston

Shredder

The ultimate surf board, cheap, and recyclable. I would love to see other materials tried, can you image using 100% post consumer waste.


"When it came time to replace his old surfboard, Mike Sheldrake decided to build his own. But the former Web programmer didn’t have the sculpting skills to carve one out of foam the way professional builders do. So he used 3-D modeling software to design a snap-together deck that’s as sturdy as a conventional model and performs just as well, made from the cheapest material he could find: cardboard." VIA: (POPSCI)
http://www.popsci.com/entertainment-gaming/article/2008-05/shredder

Catastrophic Wind Turbine Failure

I have what could be defined as a unhealthy love affair with the wind turbine, but even I had a blast watching one fail. Apparently the speed control which slows or stops the turbines in high winds, failed on this one... catastrophically.

e² Energy On PBS

I really hope I can catch the new PBS series e² energy...
"A new series about sustainable energy innovations, e² energy, releases on PBS stations October 19. And the second season of e² design releases on November 30." http://www.pbs.org/e2/

"The e² energy series begins in the farmlands of southwest Minnesota, where an increasing number of farmers are looking to wind power as both a means of sustainable energy production and an economic lifeline for small-town America."

Princess Elizabeth Station

The buzz word of the year seems to be "GREEN." You can't turn on the news or any other channel without hearing talk of global warming and environmental responsibility. The truth be told architects and designers have been dealing with this subject for 50+ years even if it fell on deaf ears and before that it was unheard of for a building not to interact with the environment. It was pure necessity. But for the majority of the consumer population it was a non issue until celebrities decided to get on board. This made it cool to be "GREEN" although most people haven't a clue what being green means. They think if they have all the so called "GREEN" products in their 300,000 SQFT mansion it's ok for them to have such a large foot print. Let's not forget the cost to maintain the life style they are accustom to. Never mind that the fossil fuels that are consumed to heat their pool because they have bamboo floors. What about the cost of getting the bamboo from Asia to America. For the fuel consumed just in shipping alone, you would be better off recycling old hardwood floors but those are not considered so "GREEN".

So why the rant? Well I think it's appropriate for people to understand what it takes to have a zero emission home. Everything has to be considered from the products used to the size and method of construction. So how about one in the Antarctic? Well thats just what the Princess Elizabeth Station claims to be. And where more fitting than in one of the few places that is relatively pristine.

http://www.antarcticstation.org/

Growing A Tree House

Every kid dreams of having a tree house but when architects dream the idea of a tree house goes to the next level. A nonprofit organization TeReForm started by Mitchell Joachim, Lara Greden, and Javier Arbona took the idea beyond the obvious. I think the video explains it better than I ever could, enjoy.

Congrats RUAIRI!

I met Ruairi Glynn at ACADIA this year and I can say he is a complete nut, a blast to hang out with, and a good friend. His work is internationally recognized and now he can prove it! His most recent work, Performative Ecologies, has been nominated for the Europrix Top Talent Award. "The EUROPRIX Top Talent Award gives young professionals and top students the chance to be promoted and exposed on the European stage." Its much deserved, Congrats Ruairi!!

Acadia 2007

Well its time for another ACADIA. This year its in Halifax, NovaScotia. A beautiful city! This years theme... Expanding Bodies. This is the first day of the conference so no real content yet, but APPLE is sponsoring the event!!!! Ok no real content at all, although the conference was a blast. More later.

Found A Picture From Banff

I was reorganizing my computer files..... And found a great picture of me and Joe.