Dinner in the Sky

Forget Mortons or Ruth Chris, Dinner in the Sky is the crème de la crème of any dining experience. As long as you aren't afraid of heights, this is a 100% guarantee of impressing clients or your date. OK, this post is not technically graphic design related, but lets call it architectural design, sit back, and be amazed!

Dinner in the Sky is hosted at a table suspended at a height of 50 metres by a team of professionals. Each meal can accomodate 22 people around the table. At every session there are three staff memebers in the middle (chef, waiter, entertainer…). The greatest part about this event is i tcan be held anywhere (golf course, public place, race track, castle, vineyard, historical site…) as long as there is a surface of approximately 500 m² that can be secured. Of course, authorisation by the owner is required.

Have fun but don't look down! ••••

An Oscar Worthy Cinema

I go to the movies about 3 to 4 times a year max. I like movies...just not movie theaters. I don't understand the concept of paying to sit in a cramped seat for extended periods of time, when I could just wait to see the movie in the comfort of my own home. (I relate going to the movies as uncomfortable as sitting in coach for a three hour flight). Why are movie theaters so uncomfortable and dreary?


That being said, I am blown away by the design and function of Light House Cinema in Dublin, Ireland. This cinema, which showcases Irish, independent, foreign-language, and classic cinema, was designed by award-winning DTA Architects. Via thecoolhunter.net. ••••

Five Franklin Place

I know Martin will eventually make her way to the Big Apple and normally I'd be hesitant to join her, however, I could be persuaded with a residence at Five Franklin Place. Unfortunately, unless this little blog endeavor finds a way to make us millionaires I highly doubt this dream will ever come true. In the meantime, I'll just admire the architectural wonder. Located in New York's TriBeCa district this new building is truly magnificent. Dutch architect Ben van Berkel of UNStudio was able to blend his contemporary design with the surrounding historical architecture in a seamless, effective way. Equally as impressive in design is the marketing website and video presentation designed by Flat Design. The strong branding that has supported this architectural achievement has made Five Franklin Place one of New York's most famous contemporary residences. ••••

Olympic Stadium Design

The Olympics are full of greatness-great athletes, great events, and even great design. Awhile back I wrote about the design of the official Beijing Olympic logo proving that art and design are as important to the games as the games themselves. Equally as grand and impressive are the architectural achievements that are resurrected in preparation for the ceremonies. The most impressive building built for this year's Olympic Games has to be the stadium at the center of it all. Nicknamed the Bird's Nest this monstrous structure can hold over 90,000 spectators - as witnessed at the Opening Ceremonies on August 8. The New York times recently wrote a piece on the design of the stadium:

"Expect to be overwhelmed. Designed by the Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, the stadium lives up to its aspiration as a global landmark. Its elliptical latticework shell, which has earned it the nickname the Bird’s Nest, has an intoxicating beauty that lingers in the imagination. Its allure is only likely to deepen once the enormous crowds disperse and the Olympic Games fade into memory." ••••

Crestview Doors

What began as a simple remodel quickly grew into a booming business. David and Christiane Erwin wanted to compliment their mid-century American style home with an updated front door that would hold true to the original architecture. When they couldn't find the style they were looking for, they simply created it themselves. Very resourceful! Crestview Doors was soon brought to life. Now the couple helps homeowners all over modernize that 50s aesthetic with their beautiful designs. And in doing so, they have revived an architectural style that was on the brink of going extinct. They have also been inspired to do inventive doors like the one below. I would LOVE to have something like this in my home. So original and unique. ••••

Jewish Contemporary Museum in San Francisco

The Jewish Contemporary Museum recently unveiled their new home in San Francisco. Originally established in 1984, the museum is well-known for housing engaging exhibits and influential art. The new building (just around the corner from where I work) is beautiful and appropriately connects old and new architectural elements. Architect Daniel Libeskind was chosen in 1998 to design the new space. The design was unveiled in 2005 and the museum became open to the public just a few short weeks ago. Unfortunately, I have yet to see the inside, but the exterior is most impressive. Large in scale and complex in design, the building's forms weave in and out of one another and create a puzzle like connection. Just one more reason to visit San Francisco (*hint hint* fellow Crew bloggers). ••••

Make It Right

Brad Pitt's philanthropy has turned to New Orleans, where he is spearheading an architectural project focused on building sustainable, safe homes in the city's Lower Ninth Ward. Local, national, and international architects developed designs for the foundation, appropriately named Make It Right. This is amongst the largest of the rebuilding efforts in New Orleans, but it is unique in its focus on high quality design coupled with affordability and green practices. The green building elements used in the designs are expected to reduce upkeep costs by an incredible 75%. You can read more in the New York Times article, or visit the Make It Right website for more information. ••••

The Playhouse Reinvented

When Amsterdam based communications agency KesselsKramer opened a studio in London they hired FAT {Fashion, Architecture, Taste} to create a truly unique work environment. The multifunctional workspace combines office and gallery. Although I've only seen pictures, this space seems inventive and whimsical, while being mature and sophisticated. Sure beats my cubicle... ••••

The Cultural Heart of New York

Above image: See our 02.25.08 post about OrkPosters

These days it seems like every time I turn around someone is talking about Brooklyn. It has become the buzz on the streets, the feature in the news, and the talk of the blogs...seems Brooklyn is the "it" place to be right now. Unfortunately, I've never actually been to Brooklyn, but I'm itching to go. From what I've read, it sounds like an epicenter of rich culture, artistic energy, and cultural diversity. Everything about Brooklyn from the architecture to the people that live here intrigue me. Or maybe it's just all that awesome exposed brick...

Here are a just few things I have recently stumbled across about Brooklyn:

Popular blogger Jonathon Butler documents the ins and outs of Brooklyn on his blog, the Brownstoner.com. His blog focuses on the revival of Brooklyn in recent years and often features gorgeous renovations of historical Brooklyn buildings.

Jonathon Butler is also the founder of the new Brooklyn Flea, the largest outdoor market in New York City. It is a venue for vintage furniture, lighting, records, clothes, jewelry, etc. Basically. this isn't your average garage sale. The market features over 200 vendors every Sunday from 10am - 5pm. Read more about it here.

Note from a west coast observer: Although I've never been to the Brooklyn Flea it is reminiscent of the well-known Alameda Pointe Antiques and Collectibles Faire, the largest Northern California Flea Market. This just so happens to be in my hometown of Alameda, California, however, I'm a bit ashamed to say I've never been to this one either! oops.

Another Brooklyn find is the new book published by Rizzoli, Brooklyn Modern. A chronicle of the historical Brooklyn architecture and recent revival in renovation. I've only seen the cover, but I judged it accordingly and it makes me want to run to the bookstore right away.

Also, check out the article Lettering Grows in Brooklyn, from aiga.org. It discusses the unique lettering found on buildings throughout Brooklyn. I love that so many buildings in Brooklyn have names, mottoes and inscribed lettering on them - such character and charm! This article also reminds me of Tess' recent posting on the numbers/lettering on Boston buildings.

Please leave comments with anything else Brooklyn related, as it appears to be my current obsession!

Hey Cupcake!

I love cupcakes, and so does Austin, Texas. Hey Cupcake is a cute little store/airstream on South Congress that sells nothing but cupcakes. There is generally a line and they almost always sell out of the most popular flavors (oh yes, there are flavor options!) Great branding and well designed website make Hey Cupcake worthy of a Crew Design blog post.

AND the cherry on the top, so to speak, is the option of a FREE Whipper Snapper... a shot of whipped cream injected into the actual cupcake. Bliss.

Beijing 2008

I LOVE the Olympics.
Check out the amazing architecture going up in Beijing for this summer's festivities. The National Stadium is referred to as the "Birds Nest" and the Aquatic Center is the "Water Cube". Nice.

One more thing. You know I love details...the design for the medals includes a jade ring inlay. Gorgeous!