Diébédo Francis Kéré (born 10 April 1965) is a Burkinabé architect, recognized for creating innovative works that are often sustainable and collaborative in nature. This year he was awarded the Pritzker prize in architecture, perhaps the most prestigious in the field. Join me in discovering his creative and adaptive buildings, full of beauty and intelligence! …
Kim Swoo Geun was a prominent South Korean architect, educator, publisher and patron of artists. His creations are somewhere between brutalist and MidCentury, while drawing on traditional Korean aesthetics and techniques. Korean architect Kim Swoo Geun (1931-1986), born in Cheongjin, North Korea, is acknowledged as one of the most important figures of 20th century Korea, …
Japanese woodworking is a traditional practice with a long history carved out by master craftspeople. Joinery is a technique that allows buildings and furniture to be constructed without nails. Let’s take a look at how it’s done, its history and some of the most amazing examples. Like any traditional Japanese art, from sushi-making to flower …
Kengo Kuma is a renowned Japanese architect, who has contributed greatly to the landscape of Japan. His design is innovative, whimsical, and yet down to earth. He has expanded the definition of materiality in the field of architecture, bringing a unique synthesis of tradition and modernity to the built environment. In 1987, Kuma founded the …
Naoshima island, also known as Art Island, is a tiny island in the Seto Inland Sea. The island is best known for its many contemporary art installations and museums. It’s a truly magical place, so let’s take a look at the history of the island, and some of its most incredible art. Until the early …
Oscar Niemeyer was a Brazilian architect, an early exponent of modern architecture in Latin America, the recipient of many international awards, and an elegant designer and architect. Let’s take a look at his life, work, and some of his most striking designs. Niemeyer studied architecture at the National School of Fine Arts, Rio de Janeiro. …
Tokyo is known for its density and spanning size, which has given rise to apartment buildings with shoebox like living arrangements, as well as towering glass behemoths. Let’s take a look at the architecture of the city, and some of its most striking buildings. The architecture of Tokyo has largely been shaped by the city’s …
Greenhouses can be both for functional purposes, like growing vegetables, and for leisure and entertainment. They are beautiful inventions, with an interesting history and origin. Join me in discovering everything there is to know about greenhouses! A greenhouse or glasshouse is an enclosed structure that typically is covered primarily with glass, plastic, or fiberglass, and …
Wales is perhaps a lesser known country in Europe, but the history of the architecture there is a story worth telling. Let’s take a look at Welsh architecture, spanning from the 14th century until present day, and some of the most striking buildings there. There is little evidence for domestic architecture in Wales that predates …
Walter Gropius is synonymous with the Bauhaus period of Modern Design, and has become iconic for various chair designs. His work, however, spanned artcitecture and industrial design, having a massive impact on the period and the design at large. German American architect and educator who, particularly as director of the Bauhaus(1919–28), exerted a major influence …
Greece is home to some incredible architectural history, but when you go, it’s important to have your priorities in mind, and an understanding of the historical background. It enriches the environment with a knowledge of the significance of some of the buildings, and how they played a role in history. Ancient Greek architecture arose in …
You may not know much about Chinese architecture unless you’ve been there, but there is a fascinating history, and striking but subtle beauty to the buildings there. Join me in learning about all things architecture in China! You may have an image in your mind of Chinese architecture that looks like the temples and ancient …
Architecture is a field that has been dominated by men, yet women across the centuries have made significant contributions, innovated, and advanced the field. Read with me to find out about some of the most impactful female architects! There was once a time when there were basically no female architects due to women not being …
Vernacular architecture can be defined as a type of local or regional construction, using traditional materials and resources from the area where the building is located. Let’s look at what this really means, and what it looks like in practice, as well as some important examples of vernacular architecture integrated into modern society. Consequently, this …
Stained glass is an ancient art form, which has definitely become less popular in modern buildings, but remains coveted in antiques. Let’s dive into the history, how it’s done, and some of the most incredible stained glass examples around the world. “Stained glass” refers to glass that has been colored by metallic oxides during the manufacturing …
Swedish design, popularly known as Scandinavian Design, or Scandi, is a distinct aesthetic, but it also does in fact come from a specific region. Read on to discover the history of this Design trend, why it’s so popular, and the defining features that make it what it is! Scandinavian design is about so much more …
Quebec is home to a unique culture, predominantly French-Canadian, but mixed with anglophones and many other cultures and languages. The architecture and design originated in the early settlement of Quebec, and has developed through Mid-Century into the contemporary period. Read on to find out about the history, and some of Quebec’s most iconic designers. …
Man has used brick for building purpose for thousands of years. Bricks date back to 4000 BC, which makes them one of the oldest known building materials. They are such a common part of the built environment around us, so join me in discovering the fascinating history behind this building block of society. A brick …
Charles Eames is a household name in industrial design, perhaps most famous for a few chair designs that have taken on icon status. He was also a filmmaker and architect: let’s take a look at his life, his most famous designs, and perhaps some of his less well know ones. Charles Eames, born 1907 in …
How many different types of copper are there? The material has many applications, and can be used in everything from roofing to candlesticks. Let’s look at the history of copper, how it can be used, and where it comes from! The History of Copper Copper was first used by man over 10,000 years ago. A …