LOT-EK

I decided to post a bit on LOT-EK because their project ‘Morton Loft’ got stuck in my head a few days ago and for some reason I could not remember who designed it, this annoyed me to the point to which I couldn’t give up until I figured it out, and of course I found it scribbled down in an old sketch book… which meant I could sleep once again. But no, in all seriousness, I absolutely love the work they do and I just felt like reviving my appreciation. Their projects are so innovative and have the most beautifully thought out spaces that have an unrefined, raw, industrial sense. The materials they use are often re- cycled, and they transform existing objects to fulfill new functions, which could be anything from a space to a piece of furniture.

LOT-EK is essentially an architectural practice whose aim is to blur the boundaries between art, architecture, entertainment and information. They claim to be ‘the dialogue between existing objects and program needs to generate unexpected volumes/ spaces.’ Below are a few images taken from their website of projects I find intriguing…

CYNTHIA BROAN GALLERY

 

MORTON LOFT

 

MORTON LOFT

 

MORTON LOFT

 

HENRY URBACH GALLERY

 

BOON

 

BOON

 

LITE- SCAPES

 

LITE- SCAPES

 

PUMA CITY

 

UNIQLO CONTAINER STORES

 

Information and images from:

http://www.lot-ek.com/ 

BOYS AND GIRLS: LEGO LEGO LEGO

New Dublin based advertising agency ‘Boys and Girls’ approached architecture and design practice ‘ABGC’ with a brief to transform their new establishment, a gorgeous Georgian house with high ceilings, great spaces and original joinery, into something that was more playful without becoming juvenile.

ABGC went ahead, by trying to give the space a more small contemporary gallery feel they stripped all the floors and whited out all the 90’s color paint covering the walls, which also made the space more functional for presentations etc…The proposal also included a 1.2m x 2.7m boardroom table made out of Lego. The company’s logo is built in relief into the table- top. The table consists of 22,742 pieces clicked together with traditional Lego construction techniques; a 136mm grommet is located in its centre. It sits on a polished Stainless Steel square hollow section structure and is topped with a 10mm sheet of toughened glass.

Artist Cormac Browne made this 2 minute stop frame animation of the construction and installation of the table, which consists of over 8,000 photos. I noticed the table a little while ago, but only saw the video today and it made me happy…

Info and images from ABGC’s website:

http://www.abgc.ie/portfolio/boys-girls

BUILD ON…

‘Build On’

Converted Architecture and Transformed Buildings

Editors: R. Klanten, L. Feireiss

Being an interior architect graduate it’s refreshing to see a book focused on projects that are based on the renovations of existing buildings and sites in relation to their form and function. The first section of this book ‘As Found’ is about transforming existing structures into spaces that work for a new function. It then goes onto ‘Insideout’, which is a section featuring projects that merge unique and contemporary additions with their existing fabric. The final chapter is ‘Change Clothes’ that is about changing one entire aspect of a space drastically. The next time someone asks me the ignorant question ‘what exactly is Interior Architecture, do you mean you’re an interior decorator?’… I’ll just give them copy of this and send them on their merry way… no more having to explain myself. Yey for me! Below is a more thorough summary of the content, taken from the Gestalten website:

‘Build-On is a collection of phenomenal architectural transformations that bring new life and function to existing structures. Exceptional examples of large-scale radical renovations and adaptations of industrial wasteland, bunkers, abandoned churches and forsaken rural centres are featured along with creative transformations of smaller building units in the urban and rural context. These overlooked architectural sites are reborn as inhabitable residences, working spaces, art spaces and hotels. This unique collection of inspiring architectonic transformations affirms this sprawling area of innovation and at the same time presents social and cultural interplay between past, present and future.’

 

images and info:

http://www.gestalten.com/books/detail?id=ceaea7651fc964c301225af9110902e1