Architecture & Web Art

A cozy sofa is what you’re really looking forward to seeing when you come home after a long and hard day. These cool sofa designs by Italian furniture company Riva offer the perfect blend of fashion and function. The Patmos sofas feature wood-panel inserts set between soft, full-grain leather, adding a convenient surface and a rustic-chic look to otherwise minimalist, contemporary pieces. And further connecting design with nature, just imagine this gorgeous sofa next to that large window in the living room or den, where nature is yours to experience both indoors and out. The base of the sofa and pouf is made of natural iron, also available in a sleek, chrome finish. This cozy sofa is versatile, available in a number of configurations and dimension to suit your space and style, or have it custom-sized to your specifications. Check out these cool sofa designs at Riva.

Architects: Roberto Puchetti, Max Rengifo
Location: Caracas, Venezuela
Cient: Instituto Nacional de Higiene “Rafael Rangel”
Built Area: 13,000 sqm
Year: 1998–2007
Project Manager: TEXNE Consultores de Arquitectura, S.A.
Civils and Structure engineer: Ing. Manuel Ramírez
Electrics and Data engineer: Ing. Roberto De Adessis
Mecahnical engineer: Ing. Víctor Salazar Amana
Fire strategy: Arq. Miguel Sureda
Quantity Surveyour (COVENIN): Ing. Carlos Otamendi
Technical Consultants (Laboratorios): Instituto Butantãn, São Paolo, Brasil
Photograhs: Roberto Puchetti, Max Rengifo

The new Vaccines Production Laboratories and Administrative buildings of the Venezuelan National Hygiene Institute “Rafael Rangel” are part of a group of new buildings within the Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas. The project started as a competition organized by the architecture faculty of the Universidad Central de Venezuela and included a shortlist of emerging architecture studios. The project from architects Roberto Puchetti and Max Rengifo was selected as the winning scheme.

Construction has begun on the Shard, a skyscraper that will be the tallest building in Western Europe and will provide amazing views of London. Designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop (who was also responsible for the California Academy of Sciences), the Shard was inspired by towering church spires and the masts of ships that once anchored on the Thames. The new mixed-use development is located in the heart of London Bridge Quarter and will sit adjacent to the London Bridge Station, one of the busiest train stations in London.

The 72-storey building in the London Bridge Quarter will contain premium office space, a world-class hotel, luxury residences, a spa, restaurants & cafes, retail space and a 15-storey public viewing gallery. On the ground level, public piazza, restaurants and cafes will be open to the public with places to rest and changing art installations. Access to public transportation via bus line, train and underground will be directly on site. Previously at that location was the 1970’s Southwark Tower building on Bridge Street, which has already been demolished to begin construction on the new tower.

Our friends at Wallflower Architecture, just finished one of their masterpieces in Singapore. Some info about the location, concept, and the actual project:

Project Data

Project Title: Enclosed Open House

Location: Six Ramsgate, Singapore

Site Area: 1200 sqm

Built-In Area: 855 sqm

Architecture firm: Wallflower Architecture + Design

Website: www.wallflower.com.sg

Architect: Robin Tan

Design Team: Robin Tan, Cecil Chee & Sean Zheng

Photographer: Albert Lim (Please credit photographer)

Singapore architects, Wallflower Architecture + Design creates tangible space amidst urban density.

The client’s desire for the home to have a perception of substantial private space has resulted in the development of a spatial program that internalizes spaces such as pools and gardens normally regarded as external to the envelope of the house. By zoning spaces such as the bedrooms and servants’ quarters on alternative levels, i.e. 2nd storey and basement levels, the ground plane is freed from walls that would have been required if public and private programs were interlaced on the same plane.

These days, there’s no excuse for shabby outdoor furniture – especially with stylish patio furniture options like these, by Italian company Varaschin. The Rollover sofa, designed by Nigel Coates, lets you create a fabulous and comfortable living room outdoors. Complement these pieces with the Altea bench and chairs and a Tulip trolley cart, and your outdoors are ready to entertain a group of guests or a peaceful pool party for two. This collection of designer pool furniture is UV-resistant, salt-resistant, and weather-resistant to keep it looking beautiful through any conditions. Quick-dry cushions and waterproof materials mean you can jump out of the pool and kick back without worries of water damage. These stylish patio furniture pieces feature a wicker body and are available in a range of cool colors. For more information on this designer pool furniture collection, visit Varaschin.