realities:united (realU), a studio for art, architecture and technology is a company founded by brothers Tim Edler and Jan Edler. They work with all sorts of clients but their architectural work is very cool and unique, focusing on incorporating bold media applications. My favorite work by realities:united to date is their Open the House concept, but their most offbeat structures, in my opinion are their light-minded structures.

Such as the BIX / Kunsthaus in Graz concept: An awesome array of 930 fluorescent lamps integrated into the eastern Plexiglas facade of the Kunsthaus Graz. (see top image and image below). This unique light wall is worth a visit to the Kunsthaus Graz no matter the exhibit. Although, right now I believe they’ve got Life? Biomorphic Forms in Sculpture going on, so visiting now could be fun.

The other light concept I really like by realities:united is the soon to be “Architectural Advertising Amplifier” (A.Amp.) in Singapore. realities:united is working with WOHA architects on the A.AMP project. This is another light exterior project; done with a large scale matrix of over 500 full color LED lights.

Explained at realities:united, “As the daytime office use slowly fades out the windows of any evacuated office cells are covered by computer controlled blinds transforming the outer surface of the building step-by-step into a large screen display. The image is generated by individual LED light “projectors” which are placed behind the curtain wall glass facade along Selegie Road and which project back against the inner façade of the building.a façade design was developed, which combines the conventional functionality of an office glass façade (and a decent daytime appearance) with a spectacular dynamic communication format at nighttime.”

Just a brilliant display. Don’t you think?

You can see a great A.AMP video here. Learn more about these and other cool projects at realities:united. I’d hit Open the House first.

[Images via realities:united]

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The Bright Designs of realities:united

Known for her unique lighting designs with Aqua Creations, Ayala Serfaty has always drawn on one major source of inspiration: The Ocean. She has taken her supreme ocean inspired collection to the next level with this magical restaurant located beneath – yes beneath – the Red Sea.

You are surrounded by Plexiglas windows giving you a plenteous view of the surrounding sea creatures, while you dine, most of which are on the menu. The décor is fluid and cozy, accentuating rather than trying to outdo the natural beauty that surrounds the restaurant.

Based in Tel Aviv, Serfaty and Aqua Creations has expanded throughout Europe and the United States with their distinctive style of lighting and furniture. You can dip your toes in the water at the company’s website, where you’ll soon find yourself mesmerized by their jellyfish-inspired pieces.

Meduza Wall Lamp

Satala

Written by Becca Stokes from ChicTip.com. (Many hugs for the cool guest post).

[images via Aqua Creations & Red Sea Star]

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Dining with The Fishes – Red Star Restaurant

Metal Shutter Houses

This condo building on Manhattan’s West side is a lovely and modern building that features motorized perforated metal shutters, thus the building can be completely opened or closed. The exterior is shiny, unique, and stunning, but the interior is striking as well. Take a look.

[images via Shigeru Ban Architects]

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Metal Shutter Houses

The goal was to surround the kids with nature – a concept that worked very well here. There’s an open floor plan as well, connecting the various components, such as office, classrooms, living spaces, and so on.

You can read more about this great streamlined building, and see some very nice photos at World Architecture News.

[Image via World Architecture News]

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De Maasberg

All the libraries in this post are beautiful, but my favorite is maybe, Biblioteca do Palàcio Nacional da Ajuda Lisboa III, Lisbon, Portugal. It’s not as fancy as some others, but I don’t much care for too much bling with my books, plus I like the old school floors. It looks like a nice place to get lost in, sort of like a big bookstore.

To see all the amazing libraries, visit the post – Librophiliac Love Letter: A Compendium of Beautiful Libraries.

Now, it’s been a while, but I’m pretty sure Marye sent me this link. I didn’t used to jot down who sent me what. Then I realized that I don’t have a photogenic memory, so I switched tactics. In any case, I’m going to give Marye credit. You should visit her newest blog – Simply Home Remedies. Learn to be healthier and happier.

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Library Lust

Bustler has more info and plenty of photos of this J. MAYER H. Architects project; the An der Alster 1 office building.

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Bubble Wrap Office

The Delta Shelter is from Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects – actually I keep meaning to do an update on this house. But first let’s look at a new project from Tom Kundig.

Eleven Eleven East Pike is the first condo building from designer Kundig and will be offering a nice high end look and feel but not at a completely unreachable high end price. Here’s a first look at what’s planned for the exterior. Not a bad slice of color for a Seattle structure. It looks great with the weather. Which sounds sort of silly to say. However, having spent most of my life in Oregon, Washington, and Northern California, I can tell you that a splash of color looks awesome on a typical cloudy days.

Eleven Eleven East Pike is going to be located in Seattle’s Pike – Pine triangle neighborhood. There will be twenty-seven 600-1125 square feet homes situated above street level commercial space.
It’s a beautiful building with some nice perks:

• Built Green: Three-star certified, urban infill development, highly walkable neighborhood with a Walk Score of 98.
• Nine-foot ceilings with floor-to-ceiling windows and doors.
• Strategically-placed peepholes at varied heights in the exterior front door and unit entry doors.
• In-unit movable hanging puzzle walls.
• Custom-built “Urban RV” (movable multi-purpose storage and counter top unit designed by Tom Kundig) available for purchase.
• Modernist roof line.

I really like it – it’s a total Northwest building. If you live in the Northwest you know what I mean. If not, well, it’s still a pretty cool structure. The roof line is a stellar touch. Thus far the website for Eleven Eleven East Pike is pretty bare, but with expected occupancy in Fall 2008, you can already register to learn more.

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Eleven Eleven East Pike – From Tom Kundig

Kindergarten:

Light:

You can see this is going somewhere good:

Wavy amazement: Actually, this home, I did take the time to look up because I really like it. Here’s the full scoop from Architectural Record.

Visit Kauffmann Theilig & Partner for more.

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Wish I Spoke German

I guess its skinny nature would encourage you to stick to that New Years diet resolution.

A little tilting though. Sort of makes you dizzy.

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Houses of Goa Museum

According to BusinessWeek, “The strategic impact of these designs can be seen in everything from higher ticket sales at the theater to improved employee retention, better brand awareness, and even increased productivity.”

True; how much importance do we place on aesthetics? Quite a bit. People forget, I believe, how much your structure can represent you, whether a home or multi-million $ business, how people see things and the environment surrounding them affects feelings, drive, passion, all sorts of emotions. There were four Award of Excellence winners chosen and six other finalists this year which received a Citation of Excellence.

Here are a few of this year’s winners.

The Gardiner Museum in Toronto:

The Hubbell Lighting Headquarters in Greenville, S.C. — seriously how gorgeous is this structure. It’s completely amazing.

The U.S. Census Bureau Headquarters in Suitland, Md.

To see all the lovely winners and to learn the back story about each of them visit Business Week.

Don’t forget to gather points for the December Offbeat Homes Contest.

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BusinessWeek & Architectural Record 2007 Awards