Starck's future condom mirror

Ok, ok... I still havn't got time to post regularly, but here's an interesting mix of web oddities:

Thanks to Raul for these 3 suggestions, first this chalet architectural blueprints by Starck. I'm not really a fan, but he's very good in self promotion and marketing ideas like selling a boxed set of plans for building a house. He also sent me this amazing collection of old leicas... I liked the cherry Luftwaffen gold. Sorry, but you'll have to go ogle it, if you'd like to see the workxxx of french artist Reynald Drouhin.

Someone sent me this link to Famous Architects a while ago, but I was waiting for a suitable post. Speaking of famous architects, or better said, famous architects speaking, like Koolhaas and Foster will be speaking about future architecture in the UK. (via) Also at designboom, I found this "sky mirror" wich reminded me of a picture that Raul sent me from his trip to Chicago this summer. And last but not least, this bizarre condom clothes (also via).

ciao

Demorimono

Here's one for Raul's students. The uncounscious art of demolition is a flikr group which showcases pictures of the unconscious aesthetical creations resulting from the destruction of man-made structures. That's like artistic forensic autopsy pictures of destoyed buildings. I am still not so sure about the term "art" ... but sure there are some interesting images.

Another interesting photo project is "abandoned Japan"... pictures of abandoned places. It reminded me of Arq. Gonzalez Lobo's conference at ITESM... he critizised that most architectural books show the buildings with no soul arround! He said something like "those editors think that people are going to contaminate their puritan architecture". Well, it's true. Most magazines and books have empty houses and buildings, like if they were taken after a biological or atomic war. They would never show you a service room with dirty laundry, a children's room with a tipical mess... or a kitchen with dirty dishes!

ciao

BH

OK, this has perhaps nothing to do with design: Auckland's Mayor Dick Hubbard is trying to revoke the permit for the "erotica" topless parade on wednesday. But that is nothing compared to this "suspended" F1 car in exploded view by Paul Verude! (via) That's a more exciting view!

Update: Thanks to Hooper for pointing out that actually this was an original idea of mexican artist Damian Ortega.

ciao

13/64 Pence for your toughts

This month our so called "silver coins" changed into "smaller change". Well, there is a semantic thing about having smaller money... the idea that it decreased in value! However, that aside, my complaint about that, is that it is a good example on how conservative are kiwis. I mean, when I was young they changed the mexican coins and notes several times. Some may remember the copper 20 cents, and the infamous pentagonal 10 pesos. My point is, that one can get used to new money... in fact, it is always a good chance to give the old coins a good makeover.

I think it is silly to keep the old designs on new, smaller coins. Why? because the current designs are horrible! They are the same designs of imperial coins some 100 years ago. In 1967 NZ changed to decimal coins but using the same drawings. I have some old shilling coins, and they are exactly the same as the current 20 cent coins. Just like in many other areas, we are letting the oportunities to make a modern country pass by. It was a good chance to bring up some kiwi identity... and our conservative imperialism won once again.

ciao

SEMAC invites

SEMAC (Sociedad de ergonomistas de Mexico) invites all university students to their "Encuentro Universitario de Ergonomia". Please note that is not the yearly professional congress, this is for all students interested in learning about ergonomics. I guess it is a great idea and oportunity for students to meet the people who actually work as ergonomists and learn about real applications, job oportunities, advances, etc. We went to a congress in Ciudad Juarez... and it was great. OK, the dates are: 10 and 11th Nov. in Mexico City... that's if the streets are not blocked by perredistas.

ciao

Osea, que super mega oso!

We all make impulsive purchases sometimes. One of my useless purchases was a set of PLE (personal learning edition) of Maya and Studio Tools some time ago. I used Studio Tools PLE to be able to evaluate my student's projects... but I never had the time to learn how to use it, besides opening and rendering a file. Oh, wait... I did a couple of tutorials: a toaster and a mouse. Anyway, since I don't use windows anymore, there's no point in learning how to use studio tools. As for Maya, it would be nice to learn, but I don't have the time, or the need.

I keep getting the alias newsletter, yesterday they announced the new Maya. I was patiently waiting for a Mac version of studio tools... but like I said a while ago: there is no hope now that Alias was eaten alive by Autodesk (another reason to dislike them). At least they still do Maya for macs... however, they are not releasing the new Maya on PLE yet. In case you are wondering... No, I have no intention on running windows when (and/or if) I get a new mac. That would be like playing vynils on a DVD! OH wait! They've done that : check out this vynils laser player (via).

So, there are useless purchases, but also stupidiotic purchases... For example, now that almost everyone has one of those photo cellphones (I don't mean powered by photo cells, I mean picture phones) Anyway, you don't know when someone might take your picture... or video... or if is going to be published on the internet, like Paris Hilton's video. So, to avoid those awkward situations, you may want to wear one of these stupidiotic's black bars censorship sunglasses. Now, you can enjoy the spring break with no worries! (via)

ciao

People are people

I know, I know... I haven't been posting lately. Not that I don't want to... but I've been using my spare time for other activities. For example, yesterday I was looking for a Finnish band (or orchestra) that plays just like a school band, they sometimes go out of tune or start playing something else. If you know the name of that group please let me know. Anyway... visiting several mp3 blogs and several weird places on the net, I found Design*Sponge , an interesting blog about interior design. I know, that's not my area, but many students and visitors may find it nice... there are also some posts about products, furniture and architecture... or a combination of both, like this jewellery featuring those people figurines that architects always put on their drawings. That would make a nice gift for a graduate girl architect or girlfriend.

Speaking of girrrly stuff, if you like kitsch, cute things, animals, pot ... or all of the above. Then prepare for "cute overload"... visit at your own risk.

ciao