Captured Aesthetic

Urbanized

Pete — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 09:43:00 +0000

Gary Hustwit, the name behind the instant classic design documentaries Helvetica and Objectified has tapped into the incredibly successful web-based fundraising program for creative projects – Kickstarter in order to complete his latest creation, Urbanized. In his final installation of his “design trilogy”, Urbanized will explore the design of cities.

“Urbanized looks at the issues and strategies behind urban design, featuring some of the world’s foremost architects, planners, policymakers, builders, and thinkers. I’ve teamed up once again with cinematographer Luke Geissbuhler, and we’ve been traveling around the world interviewing people and filming specific urban design projects that represent the issues facing cities today. The world’s population is in the midst of a massive migration to urban areas, and the design solutions our cities implement in the next 20 years will be critical.”

By tapping into Kickstarter as a resource, Hustwit and his team are able to solicit donations from people across the globe in order to fund the remainder of the project. Backers choosing to contribute to the film can receive a variety of design related gifts, including a box set of the Design Trilogy once released, silkscreen prints and t-shirts, and more.

Cluny House by Guz Architects

Pete — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 14:30:00 +0000

The Cluny House designed by Singapore architecture firm, Guz Architects, is a lush oasis that revolves around a central water court. The house is designed using a variety of sustainable technologies as well as traditional techniques such as its expansive roof gardens and natural materials. The Cluny House is yet another addition to Guz Architects impressive portfolio of luxurious residences that take advantage of their surroundings.

JR’s TED Prize Wish: INSIDE OUT

Pete — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 13:08:00 +0000

After becoming the first street activist/artist to receive the TED Prize, French photographer JR stood up last week in Los Angeles to present his TED Prize Wish – to have people throughout the world stand up for what they care about by using art to turn the world INSIDE OUT. In the above video, JR describes the history of his photographic projects from his small street scale origins to the larger than life portraits that we’ve come to know that span the globe and bring awareness to issues occurring the world over. As a result of his latest achievement, winning the annual TED Prize, in which the chosen winner receives a $100,000 grant and “One Wish to Change The World”, JR has put together a remarkable project in which he asks people throughout the world to upload images that represent something meaningful to themselves to a website he has created called INSIDE OUT. Those images will then be printed in large format and sent back to the originator to be pasted however they see fit in order to best express the message behind their photos. This project is clearly the first of its kind and will be a fascinating one to both follow and participate in and to see its impact and what’s surely to be a variety in levels of acceptance.

Volvo Art Session

Pete — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:53:00 +0000

What better way to dive back into my posts at captured aesthetic, but the joining of two of my loves: public art + Volvo. Starting yesterday, and for the next four days, Volvo is hosting a live art event in which 10 of the biggest names in street art will be given half a day to turn a brand new white Volvo S60 into a work of art. The event will be held in the main hall of the Zurich Main Station for the public to witness. For those of us not fortunate enough to be in Zurich for the event, Volvo has set up two webcams that can viewed to watch the works of art come to life live! Although seemingly similar to BMW’s Art Car Project, the Volvo Session will be unique due to both the live aspect and the fact that the artist’s mediums will be hitting the cars directly and in a very short period of time. Let’s see how the pieces that will be thrown up on the Volvo canvas’ measure up against last years M3 that was masterfully covered by Jeff Koons over a two month time frame!

Devine Home in Utrecht

Pete — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 19:55:00 +0000

As if being used as an antique furniture showroom and music venue weren’t an exciting enough way to revive this Gothic Church in Utrecht that dates back to 1870, Netherlands based architects Zecc have converted it once again into a truly awe inspiring residential space. By keeping the exterior of the church intact and carefully laying out the space using low walls, the designers at Zecc managed to allow natural light to flood through the oversized church windows illuminating the space in a smooth consistent light that any gallery would be thrilled to have.

For anyone out there that can picture themselves living in such a lofty space, the home is currently up for sale for a cool €2.375 million. Just don’t forget to send Captured Aesthetic an invite to the housewarming.

Ribbon House

Pete — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 19:26:00 +0000

Really interesting shot looking down at the main living space of this home in the Argentine region of Patagonia designed by G2 Estudio that reminds me of a shot I took during a visit to Daniel Libeskind‘s addition to the Denver Art Museum (below). Let’s hope the residents of the house don’t have children…

For more on the house check out Dezeen’s thorough coverage.

Tiger Stone Brick Paver

Pete — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 14:32:00 +0000

It appears that the Dutch have done it again. The Holland based manufacturer, Tiger Stone, has created a machine that could allow cities to bring back the brick paved streets of the past. In addition to beautifying the streets with unique patterns and warm colors, the permeable surface could offer a sustainable alternative to traditional paving solutions such as concrete and asphalt.

Yaletown Loft

Pete — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 13:29:00 +0000

Check out ArchDaily’s coverage of this great Vancouver warehouse loft while picturing yourself lounging on this ultra-comfy sectional.

Two Weeks in the Life (An Architecture Tale)

Pete — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 19:20:00 +0000

A quick video showing the architectural “boot camp” at the University of Illinois – Chicago School of Architecture. It’s good to see that the art of hand drafting and model making is still in tact… too bad it’s not carried through into practice too often these days.

Thomas Doyle: Firing for Effect

Pete — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 13:08:00 +0000

Miniature master Thomas Doyle continues to perfect his art as he recently entered this piece into the Art Prize event in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Works like this and more will be able to be viewed at LeBasse Projectslocated in Culver City, California, which seems to be standing out as a leading city in contemporary art, towards the end of 2011.