Archive for December, 2009

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, Recommends: Sri Panwa

Here’s a taste of life in Phuket Island, Thailand! Nice weather, cool ocean, beautiful ladies, delicious food, and fun, fun, fun!!! Why not come over here, and experience the lifestyle for yourself?! var addthis_language = 'en';var addthis_options = 'Twitter, Digg, Technorati, Delicious, StumbleUpon, Favorites, more...'; [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends: The Arctic Mobile Unit

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends: Sir Admiral Robert Perry would have loved this new design when he made the first ever trip to the North Pole in 1909. Unfortunately for him, the people at B-2-B architects have only just come up with their new mobile arctic housing unit. Designed to keep scientists warm [ READ MORE ]

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, Recommends: Jellio’s Xylophone Table

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, recommends… Last week, Modern Zen Architects blogged about two new pieces of furniture from the people at Jellio. Their latest design is on the same track as the previous two on the coolness scale. Dubbed the Xylophone coffee table for obvious reasons, the table not only is eye catching [ READ MORE ]

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, Recommends: Using Five Fingers

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, Recommends: Using Five Fingers… We have gloves and we have mittens. We have socks. And, now we have this… Why did it take so long to invent? Also, why are they called Five Fingers? They are for you toes. I guess Five Toes isn’t as appealing to say/market. Brought to you by [ READ MORE ]

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, Recommends: Amazing Ice Lights

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, Recommends: Amazing Ice Lights… Leave it to the Chinese to expand on a great idea. Here they’re mixing Light with Ice Sculptures to a whole new level–a much grander level then we’re used to seeing. It’s amazing to me to see a country, not so long ago regarded as a third [ READ MORE ]

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, Recommends: Ultimate Ride…

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, Recommends: Ultimate Ride… Although it may not necessarily be fuel efficient, it sure is a head turner. This behemoth of an RV resembles a house more than it does a vehicle. This “camper”, complete with a luxurious living room and even more lavish driver’s seat may seem a bt [ READ MORE ]

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, Recommends: Clever Prints…

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends… Brought to you by Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle. var addthis_language = 'en';var addthis_options = 'Twitter, Digg, Technorati, Delicious, StumbleUpon, Favorites, more...'; [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends: Stadium Art?

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, recommends… Here’s a creative way to get large numbers of people to be part of some modern art work. Nice… Clever… Brought to you by Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle. var addthis_language = 'en';var addthis_options = 'Twitter, Digg, Technorati, Delicious, StumbleUpon, Favorites, more...'; [ READ MORE ]

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, Recommends: Scrap Wood Cell Phone

NTT Docomo’s TOUCH WOOD concept phone is possibly the first wood-encased smart phone ever. The phone, developed in conjunction with Sharp, Olympus, and a reforestation project called “more trees,” contains surplus wood from forest-thinning operations in the Kochi prefecture of Japan. The Japanese cell phonemaker’s phone uses three-dimension compression molding to resist bugs, mildew, and water. [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen, Michael Earle, Recomends: Sectionimal Table

Over the past couple of weeks, Modern Zen has shown you some great new table designs that have been produced he last couple of months. Why stop there? Below is a new design by the people at gt_2P, a digital design company based in Chile. The table, named The Sectionimal, is made [ READ MORE ]

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, Recommends: The Water Clock

Need some last minute shopping ideas for the holidays? Then how about this green gift idea from the people at Bedol? Running entirely on water and a squeeze of lemon juice, Bedol’s new Water Clock does not need batteries, ever. A full tank of water and lemon juice will keep the clock [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends: GE’s Santa Sleigh

Since we are quickly approaching Christmas, we thought it would be fitting to give you a glimpse of GE’s new high-tech green Santa Sleigh. Although just a prototype, this sleigh gives us a glimpse into the future of what we can expect on our automobiles. Santa probably won’t be using this sleigh anytime [ READ MORE ]

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, Recommends: The Largest Arch Bridge

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends… The Largest Arch Bridge in the World! Brought to you by Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle. var addthis_language = 'en';var addthis_options = 'Twitter, Digg, Technorati, Delicious, StumbleUpon, Favorites, more...'; [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen Architect Michael Earle Recommends: Stoere Stadstuin /Modern Garden

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, Recommends… Imagine a Modern Zen space, not in the East, but in the Northwest, where it snows! See the video, towards the end… Brought to you by Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect… var addthis_language = 'en';var addthis_options = 'Twitter, Digg, Technorati, Delicious, StumbleUpon, Favorites, more...'; [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends: Wind Powered Car

Here is a wind powered car. That is right, a wind powered car that can do some serious speed. You may be asking, what does this has to do with modern design? What is more modern and creative than saving our planet thinking out of the box. Modern design indeed!! Here is a link [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends: A-Cero Architects in Spain

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends… Check out this modern villa design by A-cero architects in Spain. It includes great use of material and really comes together as a modern villa. We like this design a lot. Here is a link to a more detailed story about this modern villa. http://www.contemporist.com/category/architecture/ Brought to you by Modern Zen [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends: The New Bristish Pavillion

This modern design for the new British pavilion at the Shanghai world expo is quite intriguing. The problem is the renderings leave the final look of the pavilion a bit unclear. Brought to you by Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect var addthis_language = 'en';var addthis_options = 'Twitter, Digg, Technorati, Delicious, StumbleUpon, Favorites, more...'; [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle Recommends: Party With Us!

Brought to you by Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle. var addthis_language = 'en';var addthis_options = 'Twitter, Digg, Technorati, Delicious, StumbleUpon, Favorites, more...'; [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends: Muscle

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, recommends… If you were to look at the new bench designed by Alexandre Moronnoz, you would think that it is not very comfortable. However, it would take only a moment after sitting down on the bench to realize it is not only comfortable, but it is pleasing to the eye [ READ MORE ]

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, Recommends: Pop-Up Tableware

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends… Yesterday, Modern Zen Architects posted a video on its blog of the cardboard “pop-up office.” In continuing this theme, today we bring you “pop-up tableware.” Created by Katinka Versandaal, these cool pieces of furniture, like the lamp pictured here, fold away when not in use. Just looking [ READ MORE ]

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, Recommends: the Ice Cream Sandwich Bench

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, recommends… Just looking at it makes us hungry. This cool new design by Jellio is almost an exact replica of those infamous ice cream sandwiches. The “chocolate” is made from brown canvas and the ice cream portion is made with white velvet, at 48 inches long the bench would [ READ MORE ]

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, Recommends:the Global Solar Report Card:

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, recommends… Once again, Germany takes the honors of taking the most advantage of solar power according to the annual Global Solar Report Card. Take a look at the following link to see where your country ranks, and why Germany still has the most abundance of this sustainable resource. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/12/germany-still-making-the-most-of-available-solar-says-global-solar-report-card.php Brought to you [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends: The Picture Frame Fireplace:

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends… Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, recommends… What’s the next best thing then a fireplace that is started via remote control? A fireplace encased in a picture frame that can be mounted on the wall. Using bioethanol fuel, we (Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect) think this winter season these [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends: Living Ornaments

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends… Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, recommends… With the holidays approaching, millions of households are propping up their Christmas trees for the festivities.  Here is something we (Michael Earle of Modern Zen Architecture) found that is a nice change from the run of the mill Hallmark ornaments you have been using [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle Recommends: Steel Shipping Container Homes

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, recommends… There are millions upon millions of shipping containers used daily to transport goods throughout the world.  But a new trend emerging is finding a different use for these steel compartments.  As seen in the images below, these boxes are being converted into makeshift homes and offices.  We (Michael Earle) [ READ MORE ]

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, Recommends:

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, recommends… This modern designer and critic, Paul Goldberger has come out with a new book, Why architecture matters.  It is an interesting read and worth picking up for its information about Modern architecture. Here is a Link to a review: http://newamericanvillage.blogspot.com/2009/11/why-architecture-matters Brought to you by Modern Zen Architects var addthis_language = 'en';var [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends:

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, recommends… As winter hits in the northern hemisphere, we think it is a good time to honour some of the beautiful sculptures created with ice. See more here: http://weburbanist.com/2009/12/08/snow-sculptures/ Brought to you by Modern Zen Architecture var addthis_language = 'en';var addthis_options = 'Twitter, Digg, Technorati, Delicious, StumbleUpon, Favorites, more...'; [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen Architect Michael Earle, Recommends:

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, recommends… This article below asks the very current question, Is the McMansion dead?  For those of you who don’t know, the Mcmansion was named for these huge boring mansions that popped up all over the US and came to represent development during the last boom period.  Obviously, it was the [ READ MORE ]

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, Recommends:

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, recommends… Modern Painters magazine and Louise Blouin have announced their inaugural design award aptly named Re:Vision- 2010 Design Awards. They are encouraging designers from all over the world to enter and the ten thousand dollar prize money up for grabs doesn’t sound too bad either. For more information, check [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends: The Zoomla Bike

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends… Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect recommends… Although the Zoomla Bike may look like something from the future, it looks like it may become a reality now. Designed by Eric Stoddard, the bike can be folded in just under 2 seconds making it a highly portable unit. On top [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends: Roboexotica

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, recommends… Roboexotica: With the holidays approaching so too do the holiday parties.  That is why we think the Roboexotica would make for a great time at any of your holiday parties.  Shown in the video, the Roboexotica is designed to let the user play classic video games like Super Mario Brothers [ READ MORE ]

Michael Earle, a Modern Zen Architect, Recommends the Phillip Lim Seoul Flagship Store:

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Michael Earle, a Modern Zen Architect, Recommends: The Bubble Wrap Calendar

Michael Earle, a Modern Zen Architect, recommends… Everybody has done it at least once in their life.  And if you are like us, the squeezing and popping of bubble wrap is simply irresistible.  That is why Modern Zen architects recommends the 2010 Bubblewrap calendar for everyone’s Christmas list.  Now you can satisfy that urge to [ READ MORE ]

Michael Earle, a Modern Zen Architect, Recommends: The Phillip Lim Seoul Flagship Store

  Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect recommends… At first glance, the flagship store of an emerging fashion store located in Seoul reminds us of a large Sealy mattress or a down pillow- soft to the touch.  Perhaps that was what designers Chris and Dominic Leong were intending when they designed and built the building for fashion [ READ MORE ]

Michael Earle, a Modern Zen Architect, Recommends Superform Architects:

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect recommends… Architects Anton Žižek and Marjan Poboljšaj have been winning awards for their designs ever since they graduated in 1997.  Having formed their own architectural firm, Superform, it doesn’t appear like they will be slowing down anytime soon.  One of their latest projects for a private client in Slovenia [ READ MORE ]

Michael Earle, a Modern Zen Architect, Recommends: Pop-Up Placemats

Michael Earle, a Modern Zen Architect, recommends… If you have been following Modern Zen’s blog lately, you may remember two posts we made about the pop-up office and the pop-up furniture.  For a reason we cannot explain, this new trend really appeals to us.  That is why we thought it was a must to share [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends: Richard Liddle’s Roughly Drawn Chair

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, recommends… Richard Liddle’s Roughly Drawn Chair: Made entirely from 100% recycled melted plastic, Richard Liddle’s m>Roughly Drawn Chair (RD) will put other lawn chairs to shame.  Not only is this design original, the process by which it is made is pretty cool in itself.   Take a look at the time elapsed [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle Recommends: Villa Vals

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, recommends… Although not much has been written yet about Villa Vals, Modern Zen Architects feels the new design by Search warrants mentioning.  Located in Switzerland, the dwelling Villa Vals is aptly described as a “mountain home.”  Not because it is built among the mountains of Switzerland- it is because it [ READ MORE ]

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, Recommends:

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, recommends… MIT Stata Centre, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA (2004). “Another eyepopping assemblage of curvy silos and angled towers”. var addthis_language = 'en';var addthis_options = 'Twitter, Digg, Technorati, Delicious, StumbleUpon, Favorites, more...'; [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends: Marqués de Riscal’s Hotel Elciego

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, recommends… Marqués de Riscal’s Hotel Elciego, Spain (1998-2006). Ribbons of coloured titanium are Gehry’s response to the unbroken landscape surrounding the building, coloured metals inspired by the rich tones of the sky and vineyard. var addthis_language = 'en';var addthis_options = 'Twitter, Digg, Technorati, Delicious, StumbleUpon, Favorites, more...'; [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends: The Maison Bernier-Thibault House

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, recommends… We at Modern Zen Architects have seen thousands of designs and concepts that have caught our attention over the years.  And the project designed by architects Paul Bernier and Joelle Thibault is no different.  Having won the prestigious Prix-Marcel Parizeau award, an award given to those creations that don’t [ READ MORE ]

Michael Earle, a Modern Zen Architect, Recommends: Clever Coffee Mugs

Michael Earle, a Modern Zen Architect recommends… Although not an earth shattering breakthrough in the world of design, we here at Modern Zen Architects drink copious amounts of coffee. So it seems only right that we blog about something so close to our heart. Like in the T.V. show The Office, a lot of chit [ READ MORE ]

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, Recommends: Frank O. Gehry

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, recommends… Born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1929, Gehry studied at the Universities of Southern California and Harvard before establishing his first practice, Frank O. Gehry and Associates in 1963. On reaching the symbolic age of 50, he opened the doors to his new firm Gehry & Krueger Inc in [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen Architecture Recommends: Singapore Rising

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, recommends… Downtown Singapore is set to welcome its largest private development designed by the Office for Metropolitan Architecture: a 36-storey residential high-rise standing at 153 metres tall, to be located in close proximity to Orchard Road, Singapore’s famous shopping and lifestyle street. 20,000 square metres of built floor area will [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends: The Band Aid Dispenser

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, recommends… It seems so obvious that it is a wonder why this hasn’t been designed any earlier.  The new Band Aid dispenser does away with the need to buy assorted shapes and sizes of bandages.  Used just like a tape dispenser, now you can pull out the required length of [ READ MORE ]

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle Recommends: Skidoo RC Snowmobile

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, recommends… Having our Headquarters based in Thailand, Modern Zen Architects don’t see much snow. In fact, we don’t see any.  That is why we love the new remote controlled snowmobile made by Skidoo.  Not only does this bad boy work on real snow, you can also use it on grass, [ READ MORE ]

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