Architecture: Aegean Design

Greece has been known for its beautiful islands, its Aegean sea and its divine light, since the ancient times. Nowadays, Greece has been considered a top preference as a tourist destination and acquiring a second home in the islands is considered to be ubber luxury. Nevertheless, Greece took slow steps in the design element in the architecture of its second homes, as other places on the contrary, like Spain (Ibiza), Italy, France (less so...), Miami or Malibu, were known for it. Now, things have changed... This is due to the addition of a high-profile and multi-awarded summer house in the Cycladic island of Antiparos. The house designed by Deca Architects was "conceived as an inhabitable Krater, a dwelling, which is inextricably linked to the landscape that forms it". The architects focused on two major challenges for this site... On the one hand, they had to protect the exterior living areas from the strong winds of the Aegean Sea and on the other to focus on hiding the volume of the house from the settlement. The idea for this was to create the perfect habitat in harmony with the landscape. The result was the birth of a unique sensual identity for the site...

The development is a concept of Iasson Tsakonas, founder and manager of Antiparos Design Properties, who has formed a series of design summer homes on the island and has placed acclaimed design architects to produce the concept design, like We Design, Zege and Tala Mikdashi. It looks like the other developments will cause the same kind of stir, as this one! Krater, now, places the Greek architecture onto another level... and portrays Greece as the ultimum hot-spot destination!

Development: NYC gets Jaded

...by Jade Jagger's new condo in Chelsea! Jade Jagger, a new addition to Yoo's development team, alongside Philippe Starck (co-founder and creative director), styled this new development of 157 apartments with her personal taste and brought in the product and interior design scene the already famed PODs. The Pod, aka a multifunctional cubicle that includes bathroom, kitchen, storage and bar, is the perfect solution to minimize your space and project style. Yoo-hoo...

Architecture: Future-Original-Amazing...

In the limited competition that occured for the mixed-use project in Floreasca, in Bucharest, by Global Finance Real Estate... Foreign Office Architects had surely the most innovative and forward-looking design of all. Although, FOA was not the winner of the particular competition, its designs left an impact like none other... Having the Romanian sculptor, Brancusi, as an inspiration, FOA designed six high rise glass buildings that resembled to the infamous "Great Vision" and proposed unique bracing techniques. FOA's architecture is not only bringing the future closer, but it can be considered as a form of art in its own right. FOA's latest development that will be changing London's skyline is the miraculous Trinity EC3. Enjoy...

Development: Design in Bucharest...

is added with the new mixed use project that is created by UK firm Squire and Partners. The 145,000 sqm development of Global Finance Real Estate is at the heart of the city in the area of Floreasca. Just next to Floreasca lake the high-rise residences will be able to enjoy the best view of Bucharest, while the offices and retail shall be in the front keeping things busy... The current brown field used to be in the 1930's a Ford's factory and as the Romanians consider it to have historical value, Squire designed it in such a way as to preserve the old brick elements and adjust the new design glass buildings in perfect harmony. Hence, the transition to a modern and luxurious project will be done very smoothly...

The development will create a city within the city, by offering a retail arcade, a hotel, tennis courts, spas and fitness centers that will be open to the public and other facilities being exclusive to the residences.

News: NYC gets online...

New York City's Department of Buildings has gone all techy by digitizing the design and construction process of the agency. It is quite an achievement, if you consider that the Department receives 300,000 papers monthly to be able to host online all kinds of construction permit applications and associated documents. As seen in the architect magazine, buildings commissioner Patricia J. Lancaster states "The paper age is over. We are now effectively creating virtual job folders online". Come to think of it, you just wonder how this development hadn't happened any time sooner...

Development: Romania goes Global...

...with its new mixed-use complex being developed in Bucharest, Global City. In the northern suburbs of Bucharest, Global City will be a Business Park of the highest standards. The 130,000 sqm development of Global Finance Real Estate will contain a retail sector, with premium facilities, like spa, fitness centers, high-quality restaurants and bars that will aim to steal the congested city's buzz to a new and inviting destination in Pipera. This Business Hub is conceptially created by international design architetcs ISV, who are known for their modern, simplistic and sleek lines, as well as their good use of refined and natural materials. This minimalist product is accompanied by an artistic identity that aims to project character and celebrate the Romanian artistic heritage of Brancusi. This red symbol resembles much more to a sculpture rather than a corporate logo, inspired by Red Design. Global City aims to promote the artistic culture and differentiate itself from being just another business center. The design of Global City, therefore, will give birth to a new sophisticated business district of international standards. Coming soon...