Diamond-Studded Tiffany & Co. Store in Shanghai, China /  by Kim Kunasek

MVRDV has designed a 533-square-metre Tiffany Façade Shanghai Taikoo-Li in Shanghai, China, featuring a diamond-studded facade inspired by the American luxury jewelry brand. The façade, consisting of 6,988 individually crafted glass diamonds, gives the surrounding area a glittering effect during the day and LED lighting at night to let the store shine in an endless variety of colors. The store is located in the Taikoo-Li Qiantan retail development and is an extension of MVRDV's Tiffany façade design approach, which was first implemented at Changi Airport in Singapore. The glass diamonds are suspended from thin, highly tensioned steel cables and have a mirrored steel finish applied to them. The façade has mechanical connections, allowing it to be disassembled and its components recycled or repurposed in the future. The façade features a distinctive element from the surrounding area, inspired by Shanghai's skyline's vivid light displays. The project incorporates LED lighting that changes color and uses less energy into the façade's top and bottom, allowing the store to be lit in any color, including the iconic Tiffany Blue ®.

“Beautiful design makes a beautiful life.”
— Charles Lewis Tiffany

Architectural Details Around Salzburg, Austria /  by Kim Kunasek

The city of Salzburg is exceptionally well-preserved, with an influence of Italian Renaissance and Baroque architecture that gives the cobblestoned streets their sentimental character. See some of my findings below.

Stepping Away From the Traditional /  by Kim Kunasek

Mid-Century Modern Holy Architecture

The Roman Catholic Church is a particularly conservative establishment. It can be identified as Catholic architecture by the simple yet grandiose structures of the Romanesque or the ornate styles of Baroque and Rococo. Carved images and ornate designs have slowly been stripped away from its grand façade of sacred history. Modernism has simplified and solemnized holy temples using simpler materials and mid-century modern design. Though they still carry the significance of the baptismal bath, the organ, social gathering, and reverential stage for the ceremony through its design, one can still come for meditation and contemplation regardless of the architectural impression. 

Through some anxiety of change, new ideas were only considered when they were on familiar terms with the past, and when they remained meaningful to the religious community. With the support of local priests and bishops, its builders constructed the church to reflect the age of the church. Also, modern architects could use simple materials, new building technologies, and an absence of ornament to meet financial constraints without aesthetic compromise.

While capturing the sanctity of the space, the expression of these buildings still retains the inspiration of holiness through its spaces of grand scale and contemporary design.

COMING SOON: New Home For Talis /  by Kim Kunasek

COMING SOON

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NEW TALIS SHOP |

COMING SOON | NEW TALIS SHOP |

Talis Construction Corporation is a a general contracting company servicing in the Phoenix and Mesa area. Specializing in civil/engineering construction, some of their work includes storm drain installation, concrete sidewalks, paving, and water main installation. Their firm is based in Tempe with a new office coming soon to Phoenix.

We had the privilege to work with Talis and help them create an industrial workshop and office that will service their future projects. Creating an industrial environment with divers metal finishes and wood accents is suitable for their style and displays their work into the design.

For more information visit their website at https://talisconstruction.weebly.com/ and stay connected for new updates.

In Remembrance of Robert L. Nevins | 1930-2021 /  by Kim Kunasek

Robert L. Nevins

I had the great privilege of working as an intern for Professor Robert Nevins at the University of Arizona. After attending his memorial service in Tucson, I got home with the sense of nostalgia and found myself looking through my old portfolio. The attached projects were from his Design Studio that I would like to share with you. May he rest in peace.

Something New to Experience /  by Kim Kunasek

Phoenix, AZ welcomes a new immersive art exhibit featuring Van Gogh, and here’s why you should come check it out before it’s too late!

This exhibit is now open and for a limited time, will be extended until March 13, 2022. You can experience an extensive view of Van Gogh’s famous pieces of art and become submerged into the colors, details, figures, and animations of each piece. Featuring wide panoramic screens, it is a good place to let your imagination run free and gain creative insight as the vertical projections move the paintings from top to bottom.

So if you’re ever in town from this time til March 13, I encourage anyone to come check it out!

For more information visit their website at https://www.vangoghphx.com/ .

COMING SOON: Ridemakerz /  by Kim Kunasek

Great opportunity to build and customize your ride.

Ridemakerz is coming to Anaheim GardenWalk at Anaheim, California.

Ridemakerz invites guests, or "Customizers", into the ultimate car customizing experience where they can build one-of-a-kind Ridez (1:18 scale; about the size of a football). They have provided between body styles and colors, rims and tires, lights and sounds, accessories and decals, more than 649 million possible combinations. The brand`s intense focus on detail, quality and the joy of creating something unique has won praise from kids, parents, educators, industry leaders and car enthusiasts alike.

We hoped to create a space that thrills and invites all fellow auto fans to have an hands-on experience building and customizing their own car.

Rendering. Courtesy of Oei Design, LLC

We hope you are looking forward to joining the staff and crew on opening day. For more information, click on the button below.

GRAND OPENING: Dapper & Stout Coffee AND COCKTAIL Company /  by Kim Kunasek

New coffee AND COCKTAIL company in the Uptown Phoenix area.

Come and support a new Dapper & Stout Coffee and Cocktail Company in your local area. This Friday, October 29th, is opening day which is a great opportunity to try some delicious baked goods and hand-crafted beverages or simply enjoy the design of the interior and its inviting ambiance.

Ornamental patterns and modern details for a bold glamour interior

Glowing lights for a nightlife ambiance

Supporting local businesses is a good way to feel a part of the community and gain new experiences. For more information check out their website, https://www.dapperandstout.com/ and check out their new location, 100 E CAMELBACK #150 PHOENIX, AZ 85012.

Bricks and Their Uses in Design /  by Kim Kunasek

There is more to the idea of a block of clay.

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Bricks have emerged in a range of shapes and sizes, depending on the materials used and the methods used to make them. Today's most common clay bricks are formed of soft mud that has been baked to make them more resilient. Ceramic bricks are a type of brick that originated in the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe, and have been used to build monumental constructions. Not only do they make construction very efficient, they can become a main feature of style, form, function and earthy beauty. Here are a few ideas how bricks influence design:

Pattern Repetition

Modular brick design

Modular brick design

Function

Open view screen and/or green wall

Elemental Features

Mid-Century form detail

Mid-Century form detail

Form

Structural shape and soundness

There are also other forms of decorative bricks that can add a unique touch to a project such as glass blocks, screen blocks, brick planters, etc. Wonderfully, the earth is rich in wonders and although naturally beautiful in design, man can use what is dirt to enhance the way in can be used. Find ways to incorporate bricks into your next design project.

COMING SOON: Dapper & Stout Coffee Company /  by Kim Kunasek

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A new Dapper & Stout Coffee Company coming soon to a Phoenix location.

The interior features a sophisticated color scheme of bold colors and reflective finishes for an eye-catching experience. Following a sophisticated design of modern elements and ornate patterns, Dapper & Stout’s pride is showing forth not only in their service but also in their design concept. On opening day, come and experience an atmosphere of debonair flare design and be satiated by their exotic blend of coffee, beverages and baked goods.

Best Buildings In Olympic History /  by Kim Kunasek

1. Panathenaic Stadium

City: Athens, Greece

Year of Games: 1896

Architect: Lycurgus

2. Olympic Shooting Venue

City: London, U.K.

Year of Games: 2012

Architect: Magma Architecture

3. Oval Lingotto

City: Turin, Italy

Year of Games: 2006

Architect: Populous, Studio Zoppini Associati of Milan and Buro Happold.

4. Athens Olympic Velodrome

City: Athens, Greece

Year: 2004

Architect: Santiago Calatrava

5. Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Center)

City: Beijing, China

Year of Games: 2008

Architect: PTW Architects, CSCEC, CCDI, and Arup

6. Salt Lake City Olympic Flame

City: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

Year of Games: 2002

Architect: WET Design (cauldron), Arrow Dynamics (frame), Western Glass (glass pieces)

7. London Velopark

City: London, U.K.

Year of Games: 2012

Architect: Hopkins Architects

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8. Olympic Arena

City: Tokyo, Japan

Year of Games: 1964

Architect: Kenzo Tange

 

9. Bird’s Nest (Beijing National Stadium)

City: Beijing, China

Year of Games: 2008

Architect: Jacques Herzog, Pierre de Meuron, Stefan Marbach, Ai Weiwei, Li Xinggang

10. Munich Olympic Stadium

City: Munich, Germany

Year of Games: 1972

Architect: Günther Behnisch

5 Most Significant 2016 Olympics Architectural Buildings /  by Kim Kunasek

1. Amazonia Arena

Location: Manaus
Opened: 2014
Architect: Gerkan, Marg and Partners

2. Estádio Olímpico João Havelange (Engenhão)

Location: Rio de Janeiro
Opened: 2007
Architect: Carlos Porto

3. Future Arena

Location: Barra Olympic Park, Rio de Janeiro
Opened: 2016
Architect: Lopes, Santos & Ferreira Gomes Arquitetos

4. Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha

Location: Brasília
Opened: 1974, renovated in 2013
Architect: Castro Mello

5. Youth Arena

Location: Deodoro
Opened: 2016
Architect: Vigliecca & Associados