After many phone calls and much pulling out of hair I am pleased to say that my online portfolio is now viewable online (rather than just on my laptop!).
Visit www.jamesstearn.co.uk too see for yourself.
There may still be a few teething troubles, but these should be resolved over the coming days.
The website allows you to get an overview of some of my projects, as well as being able to download some of the documents in PDF format.
Showing posts with label Contemporary Identity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Contemporary Identity. Show all posts
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Regenerating Blackpool
Blackpool is well established as one of the UK's most popular beach resorts, though for a number of years it has been beginning to look a little tired. Now a multi-million pound project to rejuvenate the sea wall area is breathing new life and investment into the town.
The project which began in 2005 will see the entire length of the sea wall re-built with increased access to the sea through a 3km section of 'Spanish steps'. Sloped access will also be provided for the less able and for Blackpool's famous donkeys.
The quality of the work which has already been carried out is very high, with very positive local reactions to the scheme. 
Investment in Blackpool is not limited to the sea wall either, the famous tram system (the last of the original tram networks in the UK) is also receiving a long overdue upgrade which will see the system fit for the future with a new fleet of fully accessible vehicles. Fortunately many of the heritage tram cars will also be modified to work on the upgraded system.
Investment in Blackpool is not limited to the sea wall either, the famous tram system (the last of the original tram networks in the UK) is also receiving a long overdue upgrade which will see the system fit for the future with a new fleet of fully accessible vehicles. Fortunately many of the heritage tram cars will also be modified to work on the upgraded system.A less derelict image
Derelict, abandoned buildings can be a blight on any landscape or town centre. I was interested therefore to see a novel way to make a disused structure a little less of an eyesore while on a recent trip to Swanage. Here a building in a key position next to the harbour front is out of use. However a team of local artists have intervened and turned the structure into an imaginative piece of art, which visitors are actually attracted to, rather than being repelled from the dilapidated building. It even comes complete with it's own flock of wooden seagulls!
On a similar theme schemes have recently been reported in parts of the country where empty high street shops have been given window paintings, or even posters portraying a real shop. The theory is that if the town looks less dilapidated people will feel more positive about it, which is good for business. Certainly in these times where finance is scarce, these low-cost initiatives really can make a difference.
On a similar theme schemes have recently been reported in parts of the country where empty high street shops have been given window paintings, or even posters portraying a real shop. The theory is that if the town looks less dilapidated people will feel more positive about it, which is good for business. Certainly in these times where finance is scarce, these low-cost initiatives really can make a difference.
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Bike hire comes to London
London is finally set to receive it's cycle hire scheme in the next few months, with operations set to be ready for the summer. The scheme, backed by pro-bicycle London Mayor Boris Johnson is based around the successful scheme which operates in Paris. The bicycle hire scheme will feature a number of 'cycle banks' positioned around the city from which users will borrow the bikes for short journeys, then returning them to any other cycle bank. Bicycle hire is predicted to create an additional 40,000 bicycle trips today around the capital, and of course all this travel will be totally green and environmentally friendly- a journey on a bike rather than hopping on a bus will even benefit the health of Londoners. This is defiantly a scheme which should be welcomed in the capital.
Saturday, 13 March 2010
Decode at the V & A
'Decode- Digital Design Sensations' is a series of digital installations currently on show at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
Digital technology is increasingly being recognised as a design or artistic tool, with this exhibition aiming to showcase examples of work under the titles of 'Code', 'Interactivity' and 'Network'. The installations range from those which process data to create a visual outcome to those which require full audience participation.
I personally unconvinced by many of the digital applications on show at Decode- I see very little value in a screen displaying a number of dots while making occasional squeaking noises- this apparently being an interpretation of random data. This does nothing to aid my understanding of this data, or to engage me.
However it is easy to see that the digital technology has clearly got an appeal. Even the briefest look around the exhibition room revealed that, on a Friday afternoon, it was positively busy. People were clearly drawn in by this exhibition more so than others in the museum- despite the entry fee. Maybe this was in due in part by the fact that people moved more slowly- taking time to understand the exhibits- or maybe it was just more interesting. 
Where the exhibition really began to interest me was in the second half, where the interactive installations were to be found. I do believe that interactive elements in design, when they work well, can be very effective at engaging an audience, and also promoting connections. The works at Decode certainly seemed to be achieving this. People were happy to interact with the pieces, however it made them look- and began to talk to other users also. This for me is how technology could influence my design. I have no interest in a 'computer graphic statue' or an image pieced together from incomprehensible data- but if there is a way to use technology to inspire people, and attract them, surely this is the use we should be looking for within design.
Where the exhibition really began to interest me was in the second half, where the interactive installations were to be found. I do believe that interactive elements in design, when they work well, can be very effective at engaging an audience, and also promoting connections. The works at Decode certainly seemed to be achieving this. People were happy to interact with the pieces, however it made them look- and began to talk to other users also. This for me is how technology could influence my design. I have no interest in a 'computer graphic statue' or an image pieced together from incomprehensible data- but if there is a way to use technology to inspire people, and attract them, surely this is the use we should be looking for within design.Thursday, 4 March 2010
EcoBuild 2010
On 2nd March I attended the annual EcoBuild convention at London's Earls Court exhibition centre.
Ecobuild has become established as the worlds largest event devoted to sustainable design and the built environment, with thousands of suppliers featuring innovative products for use within the construction and design industries. Across the three day event there are also a wide variety of seminars and talks on all subjects relating to sustainability within the built environment.
During my time at the convention this year I attended three talks:
-What makes a sustainable community: discussing the most important factors of sustainability within communities both culturally and environmentally. The talk featured guest speakers including Peter Head (a director of ARUP, with responsibility for designing the eco-town of Dongtang in China) and David Blunkett (MP). The talk discussed issues of why people live where they do, and what makes people stay in a place. The implications of transport as well as the provision of facilities within local areas. The talk concluded with a discussion about the practicalities of the new eco-town movement.
-Retrofitting SUDS: Hosted by Paul Shaffer of the CIRA. This interesting talk gave an introduction to SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems), their uses and applications before looking in detail at a project to retrofit SUDS into an area of Bristol known as 'The Dings' and another example of SUDS being used successfully in a brownfield development in Sheffield.
-Streets for People: A riveting talk hosted by Ben Hamilton Bailey discussing the upcoming tred for 'shared space' streets and the removal of street furniture to better integrate streets into our urban environment. After an in depth introduction to the topic several schemes were presented, firstly the scheme in Ashford presented by Lindsey Whitelaw of Whitelaw Turkington Landscape Architects and concluding with a presentation on the re-designing of Oxford Circus.
Altogether EcoBuild 2010 was a very full interesting and inspiring day.
EcoBuild 2011 will be hosted in March at the Excel Centre.
Ecobuild has become established as the worlds largest event devoted to sustainable design and the built environment, with thousands of suppliers featuring innovative products for use within the construction and design industries. Across the three day event there are also a wide variety of seminars and talks on all subjects relating to sustainability within the built environment.
During my time at the convention this year I attended three talks:-What makes a sustainable community: discussing the most important factors of sustainability within communities both culturally and environmentally. The talk featured guest speakers including Peter Head (a director of ARUP, with responsibility for designing the eco-town of Dongtang in China) and David Blunkett (MP). The talk discussed issues of why people live where they do, and what makes people stay in a place. The implications of transport as well as the provision of facilities within local areas. The talk concluded with a discussion about the practicalities of the new eco-town movement.
-Retrofitting SUDS: Hosted by Paul Shaffer of the CIRA. This interesting talk gave an introduction to SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems), their uses and applications before looking in detail at a project to retrofit SUDS into an area of Bristol known as 'The Dings' and another example of SUDS being used successfully in a brownfield development in Sheffield.
-Streets for People: A riveting talk hosted by Ben Hamilton Bailey discussing the upcoming tred for 'shared space' streets and the removal of street furniture to better integrate streets into our urban environment. After an in depth introduction to the topic several schemes were presented, firstly the scheme in Ashford presented by Lindsey Whitelaw of Whitelaw Turkington Landscape Architects and concluding with a presentation on the re-designing of Oxford Circus.
Altogether EcoBuild 2010 was a very full interesting and inspiring day.
EcoBuild 2011 will be hosted in March at the Excel Centre.
Monday, 4 January 2010
Elements and Values
A day's project using the Royal Festival Hall on London's South Bank as a base.
Two (roughly 60 second) films produced on the theme of 'Elements and Values'.
Unedited film.
Edited film.
Two (roughly 60 second) films produced on the theme of 'Elements and Values'.
Unedited film.
Edited film.
Sunday, 3 January 2010
Knollmead Permaculture Centre
Knollmead Permaculture Centre occupies a small site adjoining an allotment site on the banks of the Hogsmill River in Tolworth. Here a small group of enthusiasts practise gardening through the permaculture movement.
Permaculture is defined as 'a system of cultivation intended to maintain permanent agriculture or horticulture by relying on renewable resources and a self sustaining eco-system.' (definition from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/permaculture?qsrc=2446). This theory means that plants should only be grown in substances placed upon the soil, rather than the ground being disturbed, dug up or ploughed. To fertilize the soil, for example, leaves and manure will be left on 
the surface to leech into the ground rather than being dug through.
the surface to leech into the ground rather than being dug through. On this small site there are a variety of projects ongoing. As well as fruit and vegetable production there is also an active willow coppicing scheme where the material is used to make furniture and sculptures. Also there are areas where the group are growing mushrooms and producing honey- there is even a sustainable composting toilet!
As well as the sustainable attitude the volunteers here area put an emphasis on the idea of community- everybody comes together on Sunday working days to improve the site while there are less regular social meetings for the members.
Thanks to Michael Herrmann for organising the trip, and to members of the Knollmead Permaculture Centre.
Monday, 23 November 2009
Parc Andre Citroen
During my stay in France there was little time to visit landscape projects, however I did make some exceptions, one being a visit to Parc Andre Citroen. This is a contemporary park on the banks of the River Seine by Alain Provost and Gilles Clement and one which I remember visiting some years ago on a family holiday to the city.
The two large greenhouses at the northern end of the sight were the feature I remembered best, and these still provided an obvious and beautiful focal point to the site. Other features however were somewhat less impressive- the many many water features for example, of which almost all had clearly been out of use for some time. Even the greenhouses provided disappointment on closer inspection- they were locked out of use and one of the two was completely empty.
Despite these disappointments the park has a lot to offer and appears to be well used. The large central lawn area is a wonderful space (with or without the giant helium balloon which currently occupies it and offers visitors birds eye views of the city). There are also a series of tranquil themed gardens.
It is such a shame that the park has been subject to a lack of maintenance- maybe the design was too ambitions and contained too much water initially which has made costs spiral. Either way there must surely be some cost effective solutions to bring this park back up to the standard it should be. These issues have contributed to my decision to look at this park in detail as part of my Management Plans module at University this year.
The two large greenhouses at the northern end of the sight were the feature I remembered best, and these still provided an obvious and beautiful focal point to the site. Other features however were somewhat less impressive- the many many water features for example, of which almost all had clearly been out of use for some time. Even the greenhouses provided disappointment on closer inspection- they were locked out of use and one of the two was completely empty.
Despite these disappointments the park has a lot to offer and appears to be well used. The large central lawn area is a wonderful space (with or without the giant helium balloon which currently occupies it and offers visitors birds eye views of the city). There are also a series of tranquil themed gardens.
It is such a shame that the park has been subject to a lack of maintenance- maybe the design was too ambitions and contained too much water initially which has made costs spiral. Either way there must surely be some cost effective solutions to bring this park back up to the standard it should be. These issues have contributed to my decision to look at this park in detail as part of my Management Plans module at University this year.
Ecole Nationale Superieure du Paysage
I was lucky to be able to a
ttend a weeks Landscape Architecture workshop at the French Ecole Nationale Superieure du Paysage (school of Landscape), based in the former kitchen gardens at the Palace of Versailles during September. The subject of the workshop was based around the publication of the greater Paris plan, which included proposals for urbanising additional land surrounding the city of Paris. Our task was to look at a site at Rungis, close to Orly Airport to the south of the city. Currently this land is put to agricultural use, but it is clear that the city's relentless growth will make this unsustainable.
ttend a weeks Landscape Architecture workshop at the French Ecole Nationale Superieure du Paysage (school of Landscape), based in the former kitchen gardens at the Palace of Versailles during September. The subject of the workshop was based around the publication of the greater Paris plan, which included proposals for urbanising additional land surrounding the city of Paris. Our task was to look at a site at Rungis, close to Orly Airport to the south of the city. Currently this land is put to agricultural use, but it is clear that the city's relentless growth will make this unsustainable.Working in groups amongst students from many parts of the world with different skill bases a number of schemes were developed to incorporate this agricultural land into the urban plan for Paris. The group which which I was involved would aim to p
reserve the current landscape of agricultural fields by lifting the land and placing housing units beneath it, thus preserving the use of the land above and the view down the fields. The proposal not only created an interesting space but also instigated a new idealistic image of life in the fields without cars and with outstanding sustainable credentials- precedents for the project included the BedZed development near Wimbledon, London.
reserve the current landscape of agricultural fields by lifting the land and placing housing units beneath it, thus preserving the use of the land above and the view down the fields. The proposal not only created an interesting space but also instigated a new idealistic image of life in the fields without cars and with outstanding sustainable credentials- precedents for the project included the BedZed development near Wimbledon, London. Sunday, 18 October 2009
Toronto Wavedecks
In 2006 West8 and DTAH won the competition to redesign Toronto's waterfront. The key aim of the project was to reconnect the Canadian city with Lake Ontario, an area of the city which had seen many years of neglect and had been cut off by the railway and the monstrous two-story Gardener Expressway.
The first Wavedeck I discovered was Spadina, a rolling surface with a peak in the middle which dips at each side. It was clear to see that the structure was very solid and of great quality, however it did not seem to attract peoples use by being somewhat isolated from the adjacent land by not finishing with a level interface with the dockside.
The next Wavedeck heading east is at Rees. Here the edges to meet up with the adjacent harbourside land, making the foot traffic much higher. The shape of the Wavedeck too is more interesting while retaining the quality feel. Along the waterfront is a long bench (though not quite as long as the one West8 produced at the Scheuburgplein in Rotterdam!), allowing people to connect with water.
The final Wavedeck to be opened is Simcoe, and it is the most dynamic of them all. This deck features two very large peaks creating a very playful and exciting undulating surface. Access again is good which allows people to alter their journey to cross the wavedeck. Cyclists alter their path to take in the gentle hills of the lower section, adding interest to their journey. Also skateboarders, skaters, walkers and runners all choose new paths across the deck. Children are encouraged to play on the area providing great free entertainment. I would say that I have never seen an area interacted with in so many ways in such a short time than on this small area of Simcoe Wavedeck.
The Toronto Waterfront project has clearly got off to a good start- it will be exciting to see how it develops.
The first project was to reinvigorate some of the former dock areas by creating a series of Wavedecks along dockfronts. The first three Wavedecks at Simcoe, Spadina and Rees have now been completed, and while in the city I took some time to explore them.
The first Wavedeck I discovered was Spadina, a rolling surface with a peak in the middle which dips at each side. It was clear to see that the structure was very solid and of great quality, however it did not seem to attract peoples use by being somewhat isolated from the adjacent land by not finishing with a level interface with the dockside.
The next Wavedeck heading east is at Rees. Here the edges to meet up with the adjacent harbourside land, making the foot traffic much higher. The shape of the Wavedeck too is more interesting while retaining the quality feel. Along the waterfront is a long bench (though not quite as long as the one West8 produced at the Scheuburgplein in Rotterdam!), allowing people to connect with water.
The final Wavedeck to be opened is Simcoe, and it is the most dynamic of them all. This deck features two very large peaks creating a very playful and exciting undulating surface. Access again is good which allows people to alter their journey to cross the wavedeck. Cyclists alter their path to take in the gentle hills of the lower section, adding interest to their journey. Also skateboarders, skaters, walkers and runners all choose new paths across the deck. Children are encouraged to play on the area providing great free entertainment. I would say that I have never seen an area interacted with in so many ways in such a short time than on this small area of Simcoe Wavedeck. The Toronto Waterfront project has clearly got off to a good start- it will be exciting to see how it develops.The Walled Garden at Scampston
While on a break in Yorkshire the opportunity was taken to visit the contemporary walled garden at Scampston Hall, near Malton. The gardens here were designed by Piet Oudolf in 1999 and present quite a contrast to the surrounding landscape which was created by 'Capability' Brown some centuries earlier. 
As soon as one steps through the 18th century walls it is clear that this garden is something quite different. There are tall grasses and groups of vibrant foliage clumped together into both curvaceous and geometric shapes. Even the garden furniture is to a very sophisticated contemporary design. Plans are used here which would never have been found when these gardens were originally planted, many are chosen for their striking foliage or shape rather than the quality of their flowers.
As soon as one steps through the 18th century walls it is clear that this garden is something quite different. There are tall grasses and groups of vibrant foliage clumped together into both curvaceous and geometric shapes. Even the garden furniture is to a very sophisticated contemporary design. Plans are used here which would never have been found when these gardens were originally planted, many are chosen for their striking foliage or shape rather than the quality of their flowers.Not all traditional elements have been forgotten however, there are still a number of vistas through the various 'rooms' of the garden as well the beautifully restored traditional greenhouse.
The gardens are not cheap to visit- however they are certainly something quite different which are really worth making the effort to see.
The gardens are not cheap to visit- however they are certainly something quite different which are really worth making the effort to see.Sunday, 10 May 2009
Reflections on the year
Looking back at the past year makes me feel positive about the way in which this blog has developed. Without doubt there has been an improvement to both the standard and content of the blog over that time, and during the year I have aimed to widen the horizons which I explore. It is imperative that within the discipline of Landscape Architecture we do not become narrow minded which merely looking at other completed projects could do. After all, where is the innovation in looking at what is already being done? I have enjoyed expanding the scope of this blog into a wider area of design and hope you have enjoyed the increased content. The amount of projects ongoing at any one time is almost overwhelming and with so much out there to provide inspiration it has been difficult at times to decide what to divert my attention to.
Over the next year I hope to continue to look at Landscape Architecture in an even broader sense which will benefit designs even further.
One of my other focus objectives listed in January was to increase my exploration of different varieties of digital media to express design. Although there is no evidence on this blog this is something I have been investing time in successfully- I hope over the summer to complete a website showcasing my online portfolio which will feature many of these new skills.
Over the next year I hope to continue to look at Landscape Architecture in an even broader sense which will benefit designs even further.
One of my other focus objectives listed in January was to increase my exploration of different varieties of digital media to express design. Although there is no evidence on this blog this is something I have been investing time in successfully- I hope over the summer to complete a website showcasing my online portfolio which will feature many of these new skills.
Saatchi Gallery: Unveiled- Art from the Milddle East
When looking for something 'a bit different' you cannot go far wrong with a visit to the Saatchi Gallery on Kings Road, London.
The latest exhibition to conclude showcased upcoming art from the Middle East by a wide range of artists and in a huge variety of different styles from traditional paintings to sculptures and models.
One of my favorite works in the exhibition was by Wafa Hourani entitled 'Qualandia 2067'. The installation comprised of a five piece model of a village near to where the artist lived. The majority of the model was created by piecing together a detailed collection of photographs of the town in a 3D style similar to the method made famous by David Hockney. The details of the model were finished with a wide range of unexpected materials and some buildings even featured sounds from within. The piece really showed what can be achieved with materials which are easy to access and produced a model with great impact without needing to be 100% precise.
Spectre (The Yacoubian Building Beirut) by Marwan Rechmadui
Ghost by Kaer Attia
Beirut Caoutchouc by Marway Rechmadui is a large 3D model of the city's networks engraved in to rubber. It is visually both attractive and informative. The model does not show details of individual buildings- nor their shape, but does give a ground plan of which areas are developed and which are without buildings. In appearance there are many similarities with the 'Lines of Communication' installation by Craft:Pegg which sits outside Spitalfields Market in London, although this model is of a much larger area.
The latest exhibition to conclude showcased upcoming art from the Middle East by a wide range of artists and in a huge variety of different styles from traditional paintings to sculptures and models.
One of my favorite works in the exhibition was by Wafa Hourani entitled 'Qualandia 2067'. The installation comprised of a five piece model of a village near to where the artist lived. The majority of the model was created by piecing together a detailed collection of photographs of the town in a 3D style similar to the method made famous by David Hockney. The details of the model were finished with a wide range of unexpected materials and some buildings even featured sounds from within. The piece really showed what can be achieved with materials which are easy to access and produced a model with great impact without needing to be 100% precise.Spectre (The Yacoubian Building Beirut) by Marwan RechmaduiGhost by Kaer AttiaBeirut Caoutchouc by Marway Rechmadui is a large 3D model of the city's networks engraved in to rubber. It is visually both attractive and informative. The model does not show details of individual buildings- nor their shape, but does give a ground plan of which areas are developed and which are without buildings. In appearance there are many similarities with the 'Lines of Communication' installation by Craft:Pegg which sits outside Spitalfields Market in London, although this model is of a much larger area.
Friday, 24 April 2009
Allen & Ovary Roof Gardens
In 2005 Law firm Allen & Ovary moved into their new headquarters at Spitalfields. The building, designed by Foster and Partners also incorporated three roof terraces which were designed by Townshend Landscape Architects. 
Roof gardens are becoming an ever more important aspect of landscape and the built environment, yet because they are almost always part of private buildings it is difficult for the public to experience them. Fortunately I was able to arrange a special visit to one of the roof terraces of the Allen & Ovary building. 
Perhaps the most striking thing about the gardens here is the view- looking down over Old Spitalfields market and the low rise buildings of London's East End and also towards the city with it's iconic structures such as the Swiss Rae Building (The Gherkin). The gardens themselves offer some tranquility from the office environment and flow out from a cafe on the 6th floor. The space has numerous tables and chairs and also features parasoles enabling the space to be used more flexibly. Planting is fairly basic (there are limitations on the types of plans suitable for use on roof gardens) and watering is carried out by an automatic system. Light weight paving material is used which is similar in design and quality to that used elsewear in the area.
Roof gardens are becoming an ever more important aspect of landscape and the built environment, yet because they are almost always part of private buildings it is difficult for the public to experience them. Fortunately I was able to arrange a special visit to one of the roof terraces of the Allen & Ovary building. 
Perhaps the most striking thing about the gardens here is the view- looking down over Old Spitalfields market and the low rise buildings of London's East End and also towards the city with it's iconic structures such as the Swiss Rae Building (The Gherkin). The gardens themselves offer some tranquility from the office environment and flow out from a cafe on the 6th floor. The space has numerous tables and chairs and also features parasoles enabling the space to be used more flexibly. Planting is fairly basic (there are limitations on the types of plans suitable for use on roof gardens) and watering is carried out by an automatic system. Light weight paving material is used which is similar in design and quality to that used elsewear in the area.
Monday, 9 March 2009
Street Painting
Manfrad Stadar is a street artist who paints amazing designs into streets across the world. Graduating in Frankfurt Stadar specialises in 3D rather than more commonplace 2D works.An added feature of some of his designs is the ability to pose people as part of the scene creating a truly dynamic piece.
This piece was commissioned in Seoul to advertise a Korean drink.
This piece was commissioned in Seoul to advertise a Korean drink.Kings Cross Square Development
As well as looking at current or built projects it is also important to look into the future.
One forthcoming project is that to re-develop the front of Kings Cross Station. The new square will act as a new forecourt for the refurbished station and will allow users to appreciate the design of the building which will have it's frontage revealed for the first time since 1972.
Six companies have been shortlisted by Network Rail to design the square with the winner due to be announced in June.
The six companies are:
One forthcoming project is that to re-develop the front of Kings Cross Station. The new square will act as a new forecourt for the refurbished station and will allow users to appreciate the design of the building which will have it's frontage revealed for the first time since 1972.
Six companies have been shortlisted by Network Rail to design the square with the winner due to be announced in June.
The six companies are:
- Field Operations
- Gehl Architects and Landscape Projects
- Gross.Max.
- Gustafson Porter
- Marther Schwartz Partners
- Stanton Williams
This should be an interesting project to follow over the next few years.
http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=11003
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Temple of a Million Bottles
It is fair to say that most buildings are constructed from brick and mortar. Very few however are constructed from glass bottles and mortar- however this is exactly how the buildings at 'Wat Lan Kaud' (Temple of a million bottles) were built in Thailand. 
The project began in 1984 and is now estimated to have used more than 1.5 million bottles donated by the local population. As well as looking beautiful this structure says more to us about it's values. This has proven to be a very successful structure- the bottles are strong, low maintenance and allow in natural light. Another draw to the structure is its impressive sustainable credentials- using the bottles in this way is a classic example of recycling what would otherwise be a waste material- even the bottle tops are retained to create decorative mosaics.
Perhaps the most ironic thing is that of the 1.5 million bottles so far used in the project not one has been donated by the builders directly- Buddhist monks for whom drinking is a sin!
This project, which has now become a tourist attraction in the local area should inspire us all to look beyond the obvious choices for building materials when there may be more creative, sustainable and fun solutions available.
http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/10/27/temple-of-a-million-bottles/
The project began in 1984 and is now estimated to have used more than 1.5 million bottles donated by the local population. As well as looking beautiful this structure says more to us about it's values. This has proven to be a very successful structure- the bottles are strong, low maintenance and allow in natural light. Another draw to the structure is its impressive sustainable credentials- using the bottles in this way is a classic example of recycling what would otherwise be a waste material- even the bottle tops are retained to create decorative mosaics.Perhaps the most ironic thing is that of the 1.5 million bottles so far used in the project not one has been donated by the builders directly- Buddhist monks for whom drinking is a sin!
This project, which has now become a tourist attraction in the local area should inspire us all to look beyond the obvious choices for building materials when there may be more creative, sustainable and fun solutions available.
http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/10/27/temple-of-a-million-bottles/
The Lost and Found Orchestra
Being a Landscape Architecture student is not just about focusing on Landscape Architecture directly. By looking at a wider context it is possible to make links to projects and themes which will then enrich Landscape design and planning.
The Lost and Found Orchestra, from the creators of STOMP is one such event which I found irresistible to influence design. The theme for the 'orchestra' is to create music from found and recycled every day objects- from traffic cones to glass bottles and even a household shower. The results are truly outstanding. This energetic performance shows how objects which one might conceive as rubbish can be used to activate people, make music and ultimately art. This is certainly food for thought, sustainability is always at the forefront of the current agenda and the themes explored here certainly provoke ideas- particularly relating to my current project related to musical child's play.
The Lost and Found Orchestra played at London's Royal Festival Hall from 19th December 2008 to 11th January 2009.
http://www.lostandfoundorchestra.com/
The Lost and Found Orchestra, from the creators of STOMP is one such event which I found irresistible to influence design. The theme for the 'orchestra' is to create music from found and recycled every day objects- from traffic cones to glass bottles and even a household shower. The results are truly outstanding. This energetic performance shows how objects which one might conceive as rubbish can be used to activate people, make music and ultimately art. This is certainly food for thought, sustainability is always at the forefront of the current agenda and the themes explored here certainly provoke ideas- particularly relating to my current project related to musical child's play.
The Lost and Found Orchestra played at London's Royal Festival Hall from 19th December 2008 to 11th January 2009.
http://www.lostandfoundorchestra.com/
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