#HTE

Auckland, New Zealand has been named the world’s most liveable city in The Economist’s Global Livability Index. This year’s list was heavily influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused European cities to drop while cities in Australia, Japan and New Zealand climbed in the rankings. This Overview shows the entirety of Auckland, situated between numerous harbors and mountain ranges.

See more here: https://bit.ly/3pDJE1l

-36.840556°, 174.740000°

Source imagery: Airbus Space
© CNES 2020, Distribution Airbus DS

https://dailyoverview.tumblr.com/post/653555876899258368

#HTE

Overnight success over twenty years in the making, William Smart, founder and creative director of Smart Design Studio, is one of Australia’s most well-known and revered architects. With a slew of award-winning residential, commercial and cultural projects, William is unapologetic about his relentless pursuit of excellence.

I recently had the great pleasure of chatting to William for the launch of our video interview series dubbed Sofa Sessions – in partnership with the Australian furniture design brand King – and I’m beyond excited to share with you what was truly a joyous conversation with one of this countries’ finest talents.

Related: Could Indigo Slam be Australia’s (and The World’s) Most Slamming House Ever?

The two of us covered a lot of ground during our Sofa Session – his creative drivers and ideology, the challenges, the lessons, but what was perhaps most inspiring was hearing William’s thoughts on how he defines and actively pursues greatness in his work.

“I feel like the design is to be discovered,” says William. “I’m certainly not that person who sits down and thinks – the building’s got to be round, here are five reasons why, and it all falls into place. I draw option after option, and I learn from each one, then throw it in the bin and start again.”

William talked about Smart Design Studio designing buildings from the inside – their approach to bringing light into the space, then bending light and sculpting air between four walls to generate a beautiful interior, and from there exteriors of buildings take shape.

“Good design has a sense of rigour, functionality and purpose, it knows what it’s doing, what it’s saying and how it works – and there’s also a sense of poetry. And I think without that ingredient of poetry it can be good or very good, but greatness for me is that little moment when I feel goosebumpy or I feel a bit excited, or I feel jealousy.” — William Smart

With countless pearls of wisdom from William to be devoured, I couldn’t be prouder our inaugural Sofa Session is such a goodie. But don’t fret – our chat wasn’t all highbrow design talk. I’m sure you’ll learn a thing or two about William too – from his extravagances to weaknesses, favourite movie, and uncool habits. What can I say, the man is an enigma!

This Sofa Session was made possible through the generous support of King, an Australian furniture design brand with a 40+ year history. For more information and to explore King collections, visit their website here. To apply for King Trade & Commercial Account, a tailored division for registered Architects, Interior Architects, Interior Designers and Design Professionals, visit this page. 

 

Details from the set: Zaza Modular Sofa by Sydney-based designer Charles Wilson for King. Oceania hand-loomed pure New Zealand wool rug from King, colour Terra Firma. Issho asymmetric pebble-shaped coffee table from King. Monument porcelain ceramic side table from King (not in frame). All sculptures in metal and stone by an independent Sydney-based artist, Clementine Maconachie of The Visuals.

This Yellowtrace Promotion is proudly supported by KING. Like everything we do, our partner content is carefully produced to maintain the utmost relevance to our readers. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Yellowtrace.

---

[Photography by Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace. Video by Tommy Devy. Furniture and accessories by King. Artwork by Clementine Maconachie of The Visuals.]

| The article Yellowtrace Presents: Sofa Session with William Smart. appeared first on Yellowtrace. |

https://www.yellowtrace.com.au/sofa-session-william-smart-video-interview-with-dana-tomic-hughes/

#HTE

Today is World Oceans Day and we’re sharing some of our favorite ocean shots to mark the occasion. This year’s theme — “The Ocean: Life & Livelihoods” — seeks to shed light on the wonder of the ocean and how it is our lifesource, supporting humanity and every other organism on Earth. We hope these Overviews inspire that feeling of wonder for you. Seen here are:

1. Perth, Australia Waves
2. The Pacific and Valparaiso, Chile
3. São Martinho do Porto, Portugal
4. The Atlantic and Praia Grande, Brazil

Source imagery: Nearmap / Maxar

https://dailyoverview.tumblr.com/post/653453293808500736

#HTE

Designed by Tulum-based CO-LAB Design Office, Casa Aviv sits amidst a jungle in one of Mexico’s popular holiday destination revered for its white sand, palm tree-lined coast, pastel waters and Mayan ruins.

Situated a short distance from the beach and famed natural swimming holes – also known as cenotes – Casa Aviv emphasises outdoor living that takes full advantage of the tropical climate.

The brutalist-esque concrete structures effortlessly fuses with nature, presenting as two parallel volumes. As Casa Aviv is a rental property (yes, it is possible to visit post-COVID via Airbnb!!), CO-LAB chose a natural material palette for its durability, longevity and low maintenance.

Related: Casa Mérida in Yucatán, Mexico by Ludwig Godefroy.

Across two floors, warm grey hand-polished concrete cement walls adorn the interior complemented by black terrazzo floor tiles. Carpentry and furnishings inside the house are made from charred cedarwood, adding richness and depth to the already earthy palette. Light features were custom made to fit the home by local artisans in CO-LAB’s workshop.

Accommodating a total of 4 ensuite bedrooms, the vast ceilings inside Casa Aviv are the epitome of luxurious spaciousness, becoming a backdrop of shadows reflected through the house.

Where the home’s ground level offers a mix of public and private spaces with a private pool, the two bedrooms on the upper levels are connected by a bridge above the dining and kitchen area. Bedrooms on the bottom level open up to the garden, with the master bedroom having direct access to the pool. A rooftop terrace with potted plants and lounge furniture offers panoramic views of the surrounding.

Related: Hiriketiya Guesthouse in Sri Lanka by Atelier Abraha Achermann.

Existing trees on the site were retained – visible through the large, framed apertures and pivoting glass doors that lead to the garden – protecting the home from prevailing winds and storms. The orientation of the house, sitting east-west, takes advantage of the cross ventilation and the north-facing orientation, which provides ample indirect natural light that flickers softly throughout the home.

CO-LAB’s deliberate minimal touches and sleek architectural style complement the jungle setting while honouring the beachy lifestyle. Nailed it.

Related: Baja Club Hotel in La Paz, Mexico by Max von Werz Architects & Jaune Interiors.

| The article Aviv House in Tulum, Mexico by CO-LAB Design Office. appeared first on Yellowtrace. |

https://www.yellowtrace.com.au/co-lab-design-office-aviv-house-tulum-mexico-architecture/

#HTE

Cincinnati is a major city in the U.S. state of Ohio, home to slightly more than 300,000 residents. It is located on the northern side of the confluence of the Licking and Ohio rivers, the latter of which marks the state line with Kentucky. Within this Overview are the stadiums for all three of Cincinnati’s major league sports teams — the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball; the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League; and FC Cincinnati of Major League Soccer.

See more here: https://bit.ly/3cpjyKf

39.100000°, -84.516667°

Source imagery: Airbus Space
© CNES 2020, Distribution Airbus DS

https://dailyoverview.tumblr.com/post/653359681232896000

#HTE

Perfectly imperfect, Sequel’s latest outpost in Mumbai has an ephemeral quality, comfortably enmeshing Indian craftsmanship with futuristic stylings. Teaming up again with designer Ashiesh Shah, the luxurious interiors utilise raw and earthy finishes that speak to the organic, farm-fresh values of the popular eatery.

Housed in a bustling office centre in the residential and business area of Bandra Kurla Complex, Sequel sits in serene contrast focusing on slow living and refined textures. The space is guided by Shah’s signature Wabi-Sabi aesthetic with three distinct areas emerging from the seamless terrain – a Grab and go station catering to the eat-at-their-desk lunch break crowd, casual cafe seating and, in a first for the brand, a formal dining area.

With no sharp edges in sight, soft cornered partitions and custom crafted furniture pieces define the fluid volume. In the dining room off-white channapatna beads, handmade in Karnataka by a master craftswoman float above the tables emitting an illusional warm glow. Clad in a warm honey oakwood veneer, rounded dining chairs, elliptical arched tables, sinuous sofas and a bronze bar – all made in house – celebrate the curved facets and subtle luxuries of the interior.

The cafe side is characterised by fluid oyster-like light fixtures designed especially for this project, their raw finishes celebrating the handmade process. Familiar fixtures of the Sequel oeuvre are at home here with monotone textured walls and terracotta brick floors dutifully taking a backseat to the fresh and vibrant produce on the plate. Reminiscent of the original Sequel the design marries modernity and subtlety while embracing an entirely new context.

As a relaxed break from the bustle of the city the flexible layout also conveniently allows for social distancing with circulation patterns fostering one-way movement. Raw refined and organic Sequel BKC encapsulates a space that is futuristic in form and earthy at its core all within an enveloping muted ambience.

| The article Futuristic Craft: Sequel BKC in Mumbai, India by Ashiesh Shah. appeared first on Yellowtrace. |

https://www.yellowtrace.com.au/ashiesh-shah-sequel-bkc-mumbai-india-interior-design/

#HTE

The post “Just Say No” Is Bad Productivity Advice appeared first on Nir and Far.

https://www.nirandfar.com/productivity-and-saying-no/

#HTE

Molokini is a small, uninhabited islet located between the Hawaiian Islands of Maui and Kahoolawe. It is formed by a crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater roughly 0.4 miles (0.6 km) in diameter. A lush reef inside the Molokini Crater is home to about 250 species of fish, making it a popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers.

See more here: https://bit.ly/3fYj93O

20.632167°, -156.496167°

Source imagery: Maxar

https://dailyoverview.tumblr.com/post/653279008577011712

#HTE

“I was aware that I was probably the first person to ever hear these sounds, and that what I was hearing was something musical that had probably never been heard by anyone before — at least, not by anyone on this planet.”

John Chowning - The Father of the Digital Synthesizer

https://journal.benbashford.com/post/653277047076126720

#HTE

Montreal is home to a new co-working space beaming with youthful vitality. Fresh hues of mint, burgundy and psychedelic zinc passivity are splashed against a well lit backdrop of glass brick walls and well placed skylights.

Located on the second floor of a 743 square metre building in the trendy suburb of Verdun, this is the first location for the new co-working brand Spacial. The office was designed to stand out from its competitors and in turn offer a unique vision for the future of coworking.

Enter Ivy Studio, a local design practice tasked with transforming the vast arena into a flexible work environment for up to 120 people. Open public areas and private rentable offices are separated into two distinct zones by a glass brick wall housed behind the reception desk.

Although lacking in natural light you would never really know with new glass brick openings puncturing the staircase walls and a total of 20 skylights surrounding the private offices, letting a stream of sunlight into the back section of the volume.

Related: Note Design Studio’s Convention-busting Interior for Flexible London Workspace.

Organised in the centre of the space the private rentable offices are condensed into a single core. Composed of fixed and sliding glass panels the entire compound, mullions and carpeting included, is awash with burgundy. “With the exposed brick walls, sandstone floor tiles and abundance of natural light pouring into the hallways, the general feeling resembles that of working in an exterior courtyard.” the team said.

Meanwhile, at the front, the reception desk is clad in kaleidoscopic zinc plated materiality. Fit with a hanging blue orb mirror the overall effect is an arresting sight. Conference rooms and booths sit on either side, clad with the same zinc sheets, the two open spaces converging in a large golden monolith. The mostly black furniture is punctured by a long burgundy velvet banquette and chrome planters dispersed throughout the office.

On the opposite side, the kitchen adds a similar colour splash with its Rosso Levanto marble and mint green curved cabinetry. A rounded stainless steel island mimics the chrome planters.

Related: Newlab Co-Working Space In New York By CIVILIVN.

Celebrating the structure of the existing building, old ceiling joists and exposed brick are coated in off white lime plaster, paired with light grey terrazzo flooring to form a textured backdrop for the more colourful fixtures. Televisions are camouflaged in front of circular black mirrors in the conference rooms, the backlight accentuating the white-washed brick wall.

Hidden between the kitchen and office area the individual washrooms sit in defiant contrast to its bordering interiors. Acting as a single unit black floor to ceiling tiles cover the rooms with matching plumbing fixtures – all black everything, seriously.

Two blue orb mirrors have been installed back to back on the dividing brick wall, bridging the gap between private and public. Visible from any spot you may be perched they act as guiding beacons in this boundless labyrinth of a space.

Related: Going East Design a Smokin’ Co-Working Space in Brussels Inside a Brutalist Icon.

| The article Spacial Coworking Office in Montreal by Ivy Studio. appeared first on Yellowtrace. |

https://www.yellowtrace.com.au/ivy-studio-spacial-montreal-coworking-office-design/