Author: Lauren Moss

To add to Linsi’s great post on her visit to LACMA to see the California Mid-Century Decorative Arts exhibit, I thought I’d share a recent experience I had at another great destination right across the street, the Architecture and Design museum, or A+D. One of the many galleries participating in the Pacific Standard Time collaboration, a program by the Getty celebrating arts in Southern California, the A+D museum is currently exhibiting a curated selection of quotations of Charles and Ray Eames, in conjunction with the everyday objects and humble tools that shaped their view of the world, and consequently, their iconic designs. For a quick refresher on the background and history of the Eameses, check out the post I wrote a few months ago here at Inspired Design Daily.

The exhibit itself, called EAMES WORDS: Eames Designs- the Guest/Host Relationship, is centered around the quotes that highlight the couple’s approach to design, as well as their view of the world, shaped by their travels and personal collections.

‘From tumbleweeds to strawberries, a bolt of cloth to a keg of nails, to elephants in India and the bread of Scandinavia, the whole world was their canvas.’ -aplusd.org

‘The role of the designer is that of a very good, thoughtful host, all of whose energy goes into trying to anticipate the needs of his guests.’ -Charles Eames

Hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the lives of Charles and Ray Eames, and for more information on the Pacific Standard Time collaborative, check out some favorite shows we’re looking forward to seeing, or the official website for a complete schedule and exhibit details.

Thanks for reading!
Lauren

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Greetings and hope you all had a lovely holiday weekend! With 2012 just around the corner, the week is bound to be filled with new year festivities and parties.

And no doubt many of these events will be well-documented. Which brings me to the topic of today’s post: iphoneography.

These days, phones are used for much more than making calls… More than a few of us use them as cameras more often than as phones (and many would argue it functions better in that capacity). In fact, last month, celebrated photographer Annie Leibovitz made headlines with her response when asked what camera she recommends- the iPhone. Citing it as the ‘snapshot camera of today’, she discussed the versatility and usability of the multifunctional mobile device. Which may not come as much of a surprise to the many apple devotees already out there…

What may be more of a surprise are the rapidly growing communities of iphoneographers, including the increasing number of galleries featuring exhibits dedicated to the creative application of the iPhone as camera and photo editor. The two images below are finalists for the International iPhoneography Show- pretty impressive for a cell phone…

Often, several camera and editing apps are utilized to create artistic effects, and there are resources online that address techniques and applications. For more on photo manipulation, find information, tutorials, and app reviews online at lifeinlofi.com, iphonography.com, or iphoneographic.com.

But to get you started, I’ll look at a few of the basic accessories and apps that I use to enhance photos and videos with minimal effort- for professional and personal purposes.

Tripod: whether you need to stabilize an image or shoot from a precarious angle, these flexible versions come in handy. The iStabilizer has a very simple means of attaching to the phone that doesn’t require the removal of any protective case and works with most phone models. Great for cat videos.

Macro/Wide Angle Lens: A recent addition to my iPhone gear, these lenses work remarkably well for the size and cost. The macro functions a bit better, as seen in the close-up shots below- more info here.

Thanks for reading, and share your photos- or if you’re on instagram- share your username below and see you there! @myd

(and if you don’t use Instagram, you should definitely check it out.) Enjoy!

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Regardless of design, location or style, there’s at least one essential thing that all homes have in common: address numbers. (And mailboxes, but that’s for another post…)

Often overlooked as a purely utilitarian feature of residential design, house numbers can be utilized as exterior detailing that not only defines location, but reflects the aesthetics of the inhabitants while creating interest and visual appeal.

So, for your Tuesday morning, a few fun finds to add a bit of design to your entry, while directing guests in the right direction…

A favorite of architects: mid-century modern numbers, designed by Richard Neutra in the 1930′s.

Add a bit of green to your entry with these artificial turf and aluminum numbers from Potted.

If you prefer doing the gardening yourself, consider this multifunctional and unique Metal Lantern address sign.

To light up your entry, check out these efficient solar LED address numbers- no wiring necessary!

These are just a few, and the options for house number signage are great and diverse enough to fit any style, budget and application. Integrate them into a low wall, light them from below, create a custom planter- the opportunities for creativity are infinite, so use your numbers to keep things interesting and inviting…

Because, after all, no matter how beautifully designed and well-appointed one’s house may be, it can’t be appreciated if it can’t be found!

Lauren Moss is a LEED Architect and owner of Moss-Yaw Design.  You can find her writing about architecture, design and generally cool stuff over at her blog MYDStudio.

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It’s almost here… If there’s any holiday that allows one’s creativity to run amok, it’s Halloween- be it costumes, haunted houses or whatever your ‘poison’ of choice may be.

Admittedly, I’m not one to go out of my way to have the daylights scared out of me, but as an architect, I’m intrigued by the lore of haunted houses, and buildings and places considered to have paranormal activity.

It’s curious that many haunted buildings are Victorian, in terms of architectural style. Perhaps it’s due to the fact that many of the well-known haunted houses here and abroad have a history dating back to the 1800′s, and that history usually involves the living memory of an unhappy spirit and a tragic event that led it to seek revenge, atonement or to simply torment inhabitants in an attempt to force them out… All in theory, of course.

This is exactly the case with the Winchester Mystery House- a Queen Anne style home on the National Register of Historic Places and popular Bay area attraction located in San Jose. Owned by Sarah Winchester from 1884 to 1922, this landmark mansion was an enormous building project, consisting of over 160 rooms and constructed at an estimated $5 million- approximately $70 million by today’s standards! Why so costly?

Well, Mrs. Winchester was no typical homeowner- she was an unconventional millionaire who was consumed with what she believed was a curse on her family resulting from her husband’s invention- the Winchester repeating rifle that killed thousands in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. According to legend, Sarah believed ongoing construction was the only means to escape the curse of these spirits that led to the untimely deaths of her daughter and husband. Thus, she had workers on the job 24 hours a day- building staircases leading to nowhere, upper level doors that opened to nothing, hidden rooms, and a labyrinth of stairs and hallways designed to confuse and elude spirits.

From an architectural standpoint, it’s almost incomprehensible that an individual would opt for unceasing construction on a 24-hour basis… which leads to the question: was this exercise in architectural insanity the extravagant hobby of an eccentric millionaire or, in fact, a spiritual mandate?

I visited the Winchester Mystery House ten years ago, and I definitely have my own opinions, but I’ll let you think it over and decide for yourself… (insert spooky music here)

In the meanwhile, have a delightful Halloween!

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Last Friday kicked off the Solar Decathlon in Washington D.C., a week-long event established by the U.S. Department of Energy in 2002 celebrating innovation, energy conservation and sustainable design. The biennial competition transforms a portion of the National Mall into a solar village in West Potomac Park with twenty concept homes, designed and built by university-led teams from across the globe, on display and open to the public for educational tours.

Credit: Stefano Paltera/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Per the rules established by the Department of Energy, teams are judged on ten criteria, including energy, appliances, hot water, home entertainment, comfort zone, affordability, architecture, market appeal, engineering, and communications.

The final winner will be determined after the completion of judging for all criteria is complete and announced on October 1st. So far, the following three teams are in the lead, based on scoring from four of the above categories.

Inspired by the ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay, the University of Maryland’s WaterShed addresses water conservation and energy efficiency with greywater system, a constructed wetland, edible wall and green roof.

credit: University of Maryland Solar Decathlon team

Ohio State University’s enCORE is based on the concept of increased efficiency while providing functional, livable spaces, including increased outdoor spaces.

credit: Ohio State University Solar Decathlon team

Purdue University’s INhome is focused on passive strategies and cost-effective measures targeting the typical Midwestern consumer.

credit: Purdue University Solar Decathlon team

In a few days, the final scores will be released, determining this year’s winner. Check out the other entries at the official Decathlon website, and let us know which are your favorites!

Also worth noting is that the public exhibit is supplemented with free workshops and presentations for both consumers and design professionals. By creating an inclusive and accessible forum for individuals to learn about energy and new technologies, the Decathlon gives visitors the inspiration and opportunity to take action and implement these innovative strategies in their own homes.

And what could be better than that?

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