I’m Lim Heng Swee, an illustrator based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. My mantra is “Doodling a Smile” which aims to make people smile more in their daily life through my art. Recently, I started to explore minimal landscape art and found that the curves and shapes of the land have a lot of similarities with the curve and shape of the cat. I tried to blend the two elements together and the result is surprisingly great. It’s like the surreal view you can see if you landed into a cat planet which is super cool! I have spent 20 days to create 20 illustrations for this series, hope you’ll enjoy them as much as I am creating them. Cheers.
If you’re interested, you can find my previous posts here, here, here and here.
Art comes in many shapes and sizes, whether it’s visual, aural or experiential, digital or physical, written or drawn—the list can be as extensive as human imagination and ambition is.
And then there’s art inside art, a sort of combined art (artception… no?) that adds a whole new dimension to how we live it. Take architecture and photography, for instance. Both are considered forms of art and both can coexist together inside a single medium to create a marvelously unique experience.
Well, the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) Art of Building photography competition deals with just that: encourages photographers around the world to immortalize buildings and structures from a perspective that was never seen before.
The CIOB recently hosted their 10th annual Art of Building photography competition, which serves as an international showcase for the best digital photography of the built environment. Bored Panda reached out to the CIOB for an interview on this year’s competition, the winners of which you can find below. We also got in touch with Pedro Luis Ajuriaguerra Saiz, the winner of this year’s Judge’s Prize in the Art Of Building competition with his photo entitled Fish.
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“Fish” By Pedro Luis Ajuriaguerra Saiz, Winner Of The Judge’s Prize
The Art of Building photography competition is run by the Chartered Institute of Building as a celebration of the construction industry, the passion of the individuals in it, and the impact that their work has on those who make use of the final construction.
According to Saul Townsend, the Head of Content and Communications at the CIOB, this year they had more than 3,500 photo submissions coming in from over 100 countries around the globe. This amounts to almost 40,000 entries over the entirety of the competition since its launch in 2010.
“We have had almost 40,000 entries into the competition over the years and just when you think you have seen it all, something comes and surprises you. Skyscrapers, for example, are fantastic photography candy, the sheer size and scale make them a great photo to take,” explained Townsend.
Pedro Luis Ajuriaguerra Saiz explained that it feels great to have won the Judge’s Prize at this year’s CIOB Art of Building competition, and it’s for more reasons than one: “To receive news that you are the winner of the Art of Building photography competition gave me unequivocally great satisfaction, not only for the prize, but also because my work was recognized by professionals in the sector.”
Saiz continued: “You see, photography does not understand that countries or cultures speak for themselves. Seeing your award-winning work in UAE, Paris, USA, London, Italy, etc. cannot leave you indifferent and encourages you to continue expressing your way of seeing architecture.”
It turns out many of this year’s entries were more urban-styled photography with a few exceptions, prompting people to ask what was left behind. “What we don’t see often are more humble buildings like housing, and yet these are the buildings we spend most of our lives in,” explained Townsend. “I remember a recent photographer submitting a photo of her childhood home which her parents helped build. That submission was all about the emotion of their home and the fond memories she had of living there.”
None of this year’s winners, unfortunately, photographed the humble architecture that Mr. Townsend was talking about. Many of them are grandiose structures in an urban setting, with a few exceptions of more modest constructions surrounded by nature. Despite this, these swayed the hearts of many viewers with their exceptional uniqueness and beauty.
Although there are clear criteria for choosing the contenders for the public vote, picking out the best of the best proved to be quite difficult as Townsend explained: “It is super difficult because the buildings are so varied. What we are looking for is something unusual, a different perspective, the photos that tend to do well are the ones that surprise the public.”
It wasn’t easy for Saiz either, as he had to put in a lot of effort in the planning of his Fish photo: “The conditions have great influence over the photo: for example, Fish was shot during the night, it should be a clear night, without rain and with little wind so that the reflection in the water can be clearly shown.”
He also noted that the inspiration behind Fish is the same as it would be with any other photo he takes of an architectural endeavor: “The inspiration lies in yourself and what you expect from the place.”
Pedro Luis Ajuriaguerra Saiz continues to work on similar architecturally-based projects—actually, similar to the one that netted him the Judge’s Prize award: “At the moment, I am immersed in a project called BIONIC, in which the symmetrical repetitions of architectural figures let us see hidden beings. Something similar to the concept of my award-winning picture, but put even more creatively.”
We asked Saiz if he had any favorites among the other winners but as is with most artists, one’s own creation receives the most love: “My favorite was undoubtedly mine. It garnered creativity, an architectural concept, so for me it was my favorite. Once I received the award, the architect of the “fish” building, Santiago Calatrava, congratulated me personally—of course, great satisfaction as a prestigious architect has been associated with your work.”
Lastly, we asked Saul Townsend about his speculations on what could possibly be some buildings that photographers will submit in the 2020 competition? He said this: “Over the years, we see a lot of people entering the competition who look back and see what won the previous year. For example, a staircase that made it look like you were seeing an ‘eye in the building’ won a previous year and since then, we have seen lots of staircase spiral shots. I think in 2020, we might see more animal-themed buildings as we did with the year’s Judges Prize winner. That would be great, the more and more we see how the natural world is influencing the way we design buildings.”
What is your favorite in this year’s Art of Building photography competition? Leave a comment in the comments section below!
When I produce new artworks I can`t avoid to get covered by acrylic blots. Depending on wich colors I use I look different every day. Here are some close-ups.
My name is Bria Neff and I want kids all over the world to know that we are the generation that will change the world.
When I was eight years old, I entered an art contest hosted by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and I won! I was so excited, but I didn’t even know what ‘endangered’ meant. That night, I asked my mom about it and we found out there were over 6000 endangered species! I felt sad, angry and helpless. I told my mom we were going to help them. When she asked me, ‘How?’ I said I would paint them and donate the money to help protect and save them. I don’t think she believed me because she said once I painted 10, she’d make a Facebook page for me. I had 10 paintings done in 5 days and the rest is kind of history. My Facebook page is a platform where I share facts, publish new art and spread awareness.
Facebook came out to my house and created my story in their Community Voices and then UpWorthy shared it, which helped me share my story! My 1st goal was to donate $500 and with my last painting selling at the wolf conservation center live auction for $25,000 this summer, I have officially donated $69,000! So now my goal is $100,000! It is a dream come true that it is even a possibility!
At the age of 13, I have now created more than three hundred unique paintings of endangered species and some just for fun. I use my website to sell them, I also donate them, and auction them off to raise funds to support the extraordinary organizations I work with like IFAW, The Wolf Conservation Center in New York, Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots and REST. I did a lot of research to choose those organizations because I want to make sure the money I donate protects wildlife and preserves natural habitats. Those amazing organizations have helped those dreams come true.
I am a member of a great network of talented artists from all over the world #wildoceans11! By using #artivism to take a stand and make a positive impact on endangered species and climate awareness, artists all over the planet are changing the world. I also use my platform on Instagram as a ‘Justice Girls With Heart’ ambassador to inspire other kids like me to stand up and speak out for the environment, themselves and each other.
We all have an important and powerful role to play and if we work together, we will change the world. So be original, stand out and speak up and let your positivity and creativity shine through. It isn’t always easy or popular but being true to yourself is the bravest thing you can do.
Everyone wants to cut costs, but not at the expense of the project’s functionality.
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JUNE 27, 2019 |
Architects, engineers and other design professionals strive to build strong reputations in their respected fields. To prove their competence, they must maximize their given budgets while also making sure to be efficient and detailed in their work. Everyone wants to cut costs, but not at the expense of the project’s functionality. How do you create a high-quality product that stays within budget? Two words: Value Engineering.
This time-tested process is focused on improving the value of a product by substituting low-cost options without sacrificing the quality of work. Value engineering is a win-win for all parties involved. By meeting an owner’s performance standards with money-saving solutions, design professionals deliver incredible value to their clients and boost their reputations.
We’re here to help ease the process for you. Here are six steps to value engineering:
Step 1: Identify the material makeup of a project. Ask yourself: What is this?
Step 2: Analyze the functions of those elements. Ask yourself: What does this do?
Step 3: Develop alternative solutions for delivering those functions. Ask yourself: What else could do this?
Step 4: Assess the alternative solutions. Ask yourself: Can this still deliver the experience the owner demands?
Step 5: Allocate costs to the alternative solutions. Ask yourself: How much will this cost?
Step 6: Develop the alternatives with the highest likelihood of success. Ask yourself: What will do the best job for the longest time?
A project owner’s expectations must be the highest priority when completing any project. No amount of money, work or time saved will be sufficient enough if a project owner’s needs are not fully met. There could be several different motivations for completing a project, and the design professional must have a solid understanding of these components before the project even begins. But if designers can meet the owner’s objectives while saving money, they are well on their way to building a name for themselves. For more information on Value Engineering, check out our eBook.
Rory Woolsey has worked in Management and Engineering in the construction industry for 40 years. He started as a construction laborer and superintendent and has experience in just about every construction profession from designer to estimator to project manager to field engineer and, most recently, a senior owner’s representative for many large public agencies. For 20 years he was the lead estimator and president of The Wool-Zee Company, Inc. working for architects, engineers and facility managers to accurately budget their construction projects at all stages of design. Rory has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil/ Structural Engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in construction project management.
Visit Interior DesignNeoCon SELECT partner showrooms to discover spot-on design for 2019.
Hula by Andreu World, showroom 10-132. Status table by Andreu World, showroom 10-132. Nomad Collection by Arc|Com, showroom 1194. Mad4Plaid Collection by Arc|Com, showroom 1194.Uptown Social by Arcadia, showroom 340. Uptown Social by Arcadia, showroom 340.Ultra Series by Architex, showroom 11-117. Rx Privacy Curtains by Architex, showroom 11-117.The Sorted Collection by Bentley Mills, showroom 1098. Square Peg by Bentley Mills, showroom 1098. BuzziBracks by BuzziSpace, showroom 10-111. BuzziDome by BuzziSpace, showroom 10-111.Evo by Davis Furniture, showroom 3-115. Inform by Davis Furniture, showroom 3-115.Folded Paper by EF Contract, showroom 1167. Hado Lounge by Encore, showroom 336. Faction by Encore, showroom 336.Drift by Global Furniture Group, showroom 1035. Factor by Global Furniture Group, showroom 1035.Summa by Humanscale, showroom 351. Nova by Humanscale, showroom 351.Look Both Ways Collection by Interface, showroom 10-134. Vintage Industrial Collection by J+J Flooring, showroom 10-118. Knot by Janus et Cie, showrooms 310A and 1420. Rio by Janus et Cie, showrooms 310A and 1420.Buncha Chair by Keilhauer, showroom 373.Stact by Keilhauer, showroom 373.Mixed Monolith Collection by Mannington Collection, showroom 1039. Material Bank by Material Bank, showroom 113. Relaxing Floors by Mohawk Group, showroom 377. Architectural Textures Collection by Momentum, showroom 11-106. Alev™ by Nucraft, showroom 1166.MYNE™ Meeting by Nucraft, showroom 1166.Vectra by SitOnIt Seating + IDEON, showroom 1150.Cameo by SitOnIt Seating + IDEON, showroom 1150.iD Mixonomi by Tarkett, showroom 380.Emote by Teknion, showroom 1048.Sprout by Teknion, showroom 1048.Teknoflor Forest Plank HPD by Teknoflor, showroom 7-7112. Teknoflor Nature’s Tile by Teknoflor, showroom 7-7112. Thea by Versteel, showroom 1093.Sky by Versteel, showroom 1093.Jumper by VS America, showroom 1167. Crosswalk by Wolf-Gordon, showroom 10-161.
StudioIDS is the new self-designed home of the Minneapolis office of international architecture and design firm Perkins+Will. The studio challenges what an office is and can be. Strategically located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, the office focuses on landscape architecture, planning, architecture, and interiors in the areas of healthcare, corporate + commercial + civic, higher education, urban design, and science + technology.
The new studio design needed to support Perkins+Will’s local purpose of design excellence, sustainable stewardship, and social responsibility, in addition to becoming a model mobile and agile work environment. P+W sought to challenge conventional workplace models using less to offer more opportunity for choice, creativity, and collaboration.
The Design Solution
Participatory Design Approach that included all employees in the design process. The design team’s goal, as a living laboratory, was to measure pre- and post-occupancy to understand successes and areas for improvement.
Free Address System enabling users to adapt, define, and self-organize their workspace as needed. With this inherent flexibility and the use of non-precious materials, the space acts as a living laboratory for workplace strategies and innovation.
Restrained Material Palette using five core materials that are rapidly renewable and have toxin-free qualities: Aspen plywood, ceramic marker boards, homasote tackable surface, glass, and carpet.
Salvaged Materials from the previous office were used to make adjustable shelving in the gallery wall and large harvest tabletops in the cafe, and millwork was reused in the print and model shop rooms.
Social Cohesion was established through a partnership with a Minneapolis based furniture maker and by specifying a custom area rug from Arzu, a company that employs women and provides healthcare and education to them and their families in developing areas in Afghanistan.
Courtesy Miller & SmithWood flooring in light shades is especially popular this year, such as in this dining room in Miller & Smith’s Brambleton Garden District community in Virginia.
The best residential products exemplify both the latest trends and greatest innovations that a newly constructed home can offer. To help sort through what’s shaping product selection this year, BUILDER asked five residential design experts for their take on the biggest trends facing home builders. The products showcased below reflect their trend forecasts in each of six product categories. The pros interviewed are: –Lee Crowder, model branding manager for Darling Homes and Taylor Morrison –Jay Endelman, president of Maryland-based builder Guild Craft Inc. –Manny Gonzalez, principal of Southern California–based KTGY Architecture + Planning —Washington, D.C.–based developer and builder Sean Ruppert of OPaL –Patti Wynkoop, vice president of product development and purchasing for Mid-Atlantic area home builder Miller & Smith.
EXTERIOR PRODUCT TRENDS
Click here for a roundup of the newest products in the Exterior category. Protective Finishes. Numerous exterior products are now designed to endure the extreme. Impact- and fire-resistant siding, from fiber cement to metal to hardwoods; shingles that withstand gusts up to 150 mph; and the time-tested use of shutters offer top-to-bottom protection.
Patty Wynkoop
Creative Privacy. Dense infill developments mean smaller yards with innovative privacy features for outdoor living. Inventive and customizable screening options include artistic fencing in unusual materials, vertical gardens, all-weather curtains, movable metal or wood panels, shoji screens, trellises, and pergolas. “We use unique design elements … to temper the close proximity of dense site plans,” says Wynkoop.
Modern Appeal. Contemporary designs and materials—larger expanses of glass, smooth surfaces, clean lines, flat or low-sloped rooflines, and commercial finishes—are in demand with buyers across the country. High-contrast color palettes such as white or pale gray with black window and door trim add a stylish touch to any architectural style. “Now we can get more creative with window and balcony placements, exterior skins, and colors,” says Gonzalez.
Al Fresco Spaces. Savvy builders provide buyers with lots of choices for outdoor amenities, including fireplaces or pits, outdoor kitchens and wet bars, entertainment equipment, and natural materials like wood and stone. “Roof decks and balconies are giving way to patios and terraces directly off kitchens and dining and living rooms,” says Ruppert.
INTERIOR PRODUCT TRENDS
Click here for a roundup of the newest products in the Interior category. Healthy Homes. Along with sustainability and energy efficiency, consumers are more educated than ever about products affecting healthy indoor air quality. They demand low- or no-VOC paints and sealants, formaldehyde-free cabinets and adhesives, antimicrobial surfaces, and whole-house water and air purification systems.
Sean Ruppert
Wood Flooring. Hardwood flooring finishes skew lighter with natural, unstained varietals taking center stage. Products mimicking wood are also increasing in popularity, such as porcelain tile and laminate. “People finally warmed up to engineered and vinyl wood floors. Either they warmed up or products got much better—probably both,” says Ruppert.
Open Inside to Out. Open floor plans went from a trend to common practice, but now they extend visually in all directions—even outside—and dominate throughout all house sizes, styles, and types. Interior courtyards, breezeways, and open-air entryways appeal to buyers of all ages, from young families to empty nesters. “Perhaps the biggest trend in interior space is exterior space,” says Gonzalez. “More and more, interior areas open up to exterior areas to create a lively indoor–outdoor experience.”
Artisan Accents. Consumers enjoy expressing their creativity and supporting craftspeople by selecting unique, handmade products. Even big box home furnishing stores like Target and Ikea offer limited-edition artisan collections. “Today’s consumer bypasses anything mass produced in exchange for artisan products, fixtures, and features,” says Wynkoop.
KITCHEN AND BATH PRODUCT TRENDS
Click here for a roundup of the newest products in the Kitchen and Bath category. High Contrast. White kitchens and baths remain popular, but with high contrasting finishes. “Black is a really important color for 2019 and you’ll be seeing it pop up everywhere—from countertops to hardware and faucets—and paired with stark white cabinets,” says Crowder.
Lee Crowder
Plumbing Choices. A proliferation of finishes for plumbing fixtures and fittings allows homeowners to show off their personal style. Gold-plated, matte black, copper, brass, nickel, bronze, pewter, and chrome are all available across various price points in styles ranging from elaborate to sleek. “We’re seeing a revival of gold and bronze fixtures as designers mix metals in their palettes, similar to today’s fashion jewelry trends,” says Wynkoop.
Attractive & Accessible. Stylish universal design products are popping up in housing for all ages. Many of these products do double duty, such as towel racks or shower shelves acting as grab bars and spacious, no-threshold showers with built-in bench seats that also serve as shelves.
Island Living. Larger, decked-out kitchen islands continue to trend in most housing types and sizes. Treating the island like a piece of furniture is a new look, however, with islands having legs or even wheels for flexibility and more personalized style.
Floating Fixtures. Wall-hung vanities, cabinets, and toilets help the bathroom look larger and generate a sleek, serene atmosphere. Floating cabinetry and wall-hung toilets make spaces look and feel larger as the floor runs under the pieces and gives a more expansive aesthetic.
STRUCTURAL PRODUCT TRENDS
Click here for a roundup of the newest products in the Structural category. Cross-Laminated Timber. Cross-laminated timber is becoming popular as structural material even for taller buildings and large expanses. The product offers the strength of concrete, but it’s more sustainable, lighter, and renewable, makers say. The product also offers fire and seismic resistance and produces minimal construction waste.
August HutchinsJay Endelman
Prefab Products. Prefabricated systems allow for faster construction, stronger building envelopes, and reduction of waste. Panelized walls, flooring and roof systems, insulated concrete blocks, modular framing components, and structural insulated panels also provide builders with consistent quality of materials. “Some of the newest structural systems have a huge impact on what can be built cost effectively,” says Gonzalez.
Roof Fasteners. Even with today’s lighter roofing materials, roof fasteners make sense on every house given the increased occurrence of extreme storms. They also improve roof stability and load allowances. “Building a house now requires more wind bracing and stronger framing,” says Ruppert.
Steel Framing. As building codes get stricter, steel is making inroads with single-family construction. The material provides strength; resistance to wind, fire, and floods; quick construction time with less waste; and design creativity. Steel also serves as an environmentally friendly option as it can be recycled after use. “Lateral wind loads have increased across the board, so steel framing in residential makes more sense and allows for more flexibility,” says Endelman.
SYSTEMS PRODUCT TRENDS
Click here for a roundup of the newest products in the Systems category. Long-Distance Control. Consumers want the ability to monitor and manipulate lights, locks, thermostats, audio/visual equipment, water heaters, and appliances when at home or away. Most electronic components are available in smart forms that homeowners can control with their phones and voice-activated devices. “Consumers are hungry to not only integrate their homes but also centralize the process rather than manage several separate apps for everything,” says Wynkoop.
Manny Gonzalez
Systems That Save. Resource- and cost-saving products like tankless or solar-powered water heaters and ductless HVAC systems reduce homeowners’ utility bills and make them feel good about preserving resources. “Some residents turn tracking their utilities into something of a ‘utility video game’ where they try to win the month by having the lowest energy usage ‘score,’” says Gonzalez.
Responsive HVAC. Manufacturers are responding to consumers’ desire for indoor comfort with heating and cooling products outfitted with high-tech features like UV air filtration, evaporative cooling, humidifying and dehumidifying, and maintenance alerts.
Home Control. Lights, blinds, and thermostats aren’t the only self-monitoring systems builders can offer as upgrades. Smart water valve controllers detect leaks and alert homeowners, or turn off the water automatically. Manufacturers also make sensors to detect problems throughout the home, from a door that’s been left open to an oven turned on, to provide added safety and peace of mind.
WINDOWS & DOORS PRODUCT TRENDS
Click here for a roundup of the newest products in the Windows & Doors category. Peak Performance. For both windows and doors, savvy consumers demand higher thermal values along with improved impact and wind resistance. Using increased thermal values keeps indoor temperatures more stable, saving on heating and cooling costs, while windows and doors with higher wind resistance can stand up to severe storms.
Door Design. Homeowners want the high-end look of wood and glass on doors for maximum curb appeal, added natural light, and as a personalized look for interior doors. “Wood-style front doors and matching arbors are a new trend even in contemporary homes,” notes Ruppert.
Window Walls. Window walls are becoming more common and less expensive. Many manufacturers offer bifold, accordion, or oversized sliding glass doors to heighten indoor–outdoor connections, frame views, and make spaces feel larger even with the door closed.
Think Big. For a “wow factor” to entice potential home buyers, an oversized window is the way to go. They are available in numerous sizes and options featuring fixed glass combined with a variety of operable panels. “We’re maximizing picture windows at sizes as large as 6×6 or 8×5 for an additional 40 square feet of glass,” says Wynkoop.
Black Trim. Black trim on windows and doors–inside and out—is trending across styles and price points. Darker shades of trim require less maintenance, make the glass look bigger, and provide a luxurious look for both contemporary and traditional designs.
Poor indoor air quality? Transform the walls of your home into a permanent air purification system. Simply add the ionic paint additive by Air-ReNu with interior house paint and apply the blended mixture to the walls. One application will remain effective for 8-12 years eliminating offensive smoking, cat urine odors and airborne toxins.
Over the past two decades, SinnerSchrader has become one of the biggest digital agencies in the world. Its work for Audi and Volkswagen, among other brands, meant that when it came time for new offices in Prague a former research center for car testing was a natural fit. Kurz Architects, however, had another idea to test drive: transforming the 7,500-square-foot office into a non-hierarchical space along a horizontal axis that could be navigated not by car, but via skateboard.
Across the main axis’s Marmoleum floors, trapezoidal metal sheet forms walls for an office. Photography by BoysPlayNice.
The company’s 60 employees access the skate park/corridor axis from the entry, which then connects meeting cubes of translucent polycarbonate, focus areas with hanging chairs, a combined kitchen and yoga studio, and breakout spaces on the way to a 2,200-square-foot open terrace.
The kitchen’s custom tables and TON chairs can be moved aside to transform the space into a yoga studio. Photography by BoysPlayNice.
A mix of vintage and new Czech furniture provides character, while wool carpeting warms up the Marmoleum floors. The biggest challenge, according to the design firm’s principal Zuzana Kurz, “time,” which like a skateboarder executing tricks, sure seems to fly when you’re having this much fun.
Keep scrolling to view more images of the project >
Custom plywood carpentry forms storage units on either side of the main axis. Photography by BoysPlayNice.A meeting space next to the main axis features a 1960s sideboard by Jiri Jiroutek, along with a TON table and chairs. Photography by BoysPlayNice.Meeting rooms are upholstered in custom acoustic panels, with tables by LUV Interior and TON chairs. Photography by BoysPlayNice.Open workspaces include LUV Interior desks illuminated by pendants from The Bohemian Company; a stand-up conference desk behind them has a custom stainless-steel sink. Photography by BoysPlayNice.A half-moon of plywood, spray-painted with the company’s logo, conceals upholstered seating. Photography by BoysPlayNice.A polycarbonate volume framed in powder-coated steel features plywood seating and pendants by Brokis. Photography by BoysPlayNice.
Lim Heng Swee
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