nFold

Origami Dwellings

Origami inspired dwellings for the land of earthquakes.

More Brillaint Towers: Again Dubai

These towers are perhaps the most stunning towers of business I have ever observed, either in design or through experience. Every month, I read about the expansion of Dubai as a global cultural mecca. A few months ago, CNBC's Erin Burnett, discussed the increased magnetism of Dubai as a center for experimental art. They are building towers under the sea, and now these spinning, solar devices, posing as places of commerce. _If_ capitalism leads to cultural innovation, then Dubai is the new proof of concept.

Still, both these and the tower I included below, remind me somehow of my visit to NYC in 2004. By accident I stayed in a hotel, that just happened to overlook the "pit" that was all that remained of the World Trade Center. Towers of capital destroyed and towers which represent through their design and materials, even more capital, are leaving me with a sense that I wish the world was flatly human.

Tim O'Reilly commented to me in Twitter, that when he was in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a cab driver expressed his pride in the Petronas Towers. I agree, towers do inspire awe. But it is as if one is in the presence of giants, who we allow to carry us up to their impressive heights. But in our elation, do we forget to notice the other messages being whispered as we enjoy the view?

On the Wikipedia page for the Petronas Towers, there is a diagram comparing heights of skyscrapers. It did not include the Dubai towers. But I like it none the less. It appears almost anthropomorphic:

 

source: @timoreilly on twitter

Burj Dubai Constuction of Tower

This photo is enigmatic. Lately architecture is becoming more of a draw to me, as the tools architects use allow them to design more fluidly. Also, the wealth and creativity in Dubai, is changing the world landscape.

Burj Dubai is 110 stories above ground and about 400 meters tall. As of March 25 it is 116 stories and about 425 meters tall. 

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/87504328@N00/405790364/

 

Architecture as Beautiful Birds Nest

Beijing Olympic Stadium by Herzog & de Meuron. More images can be seen here: http://tinyurl.com/6r8cv4

Small Dwelling of the future.

Small dwellling of the future. I want one. Only $1500.  No mortgage. Just not sure it would work in North America, (no insulation????). You might be able to use a smart material for walls that had air sandwiched as insulation, and solar on outside. Also what about crime, gangs, etc. Would it work in the states? Need some sort of security system, electrically controlled; a force field or something to make it invisible!!!. Cottage communities are growing in popularity in Seattle, (around 500 SF). These are similar but cheaper, and more portable and elegant. Also expandable. I would like to see communities developed based on this type of dwelling opportunity.

Need to learn more. Posted by raymondpirouz.

He just posted about making the walls appear invisible.....