* Architecture + Art: Twilight Epiphany Skyspace at Rice University by James Turrell

Architecture + Art: Twilight Epiphany Skyspace at Rice University by James Turrell: “..’twilight epiphany’ skyspace created for the institution by american artist james turrell. the pyramid-like sculpture, architecturally devised by thomas phifer and partners, with linbeck as the contractor, interacts with both the rising and setting texan sun as a sequence of programed  LED lights dance across the structure’s ceiling in sync with these particular moments of light which occur with earth’s constant state of revolution around the star..in the morning, the light show begins forty minutes before the first glimpse of sunlight, where in the evening, the display begins with the slow disappearance of the sun’s glow. ‘twilight epiphany’ joins in with the natural movement of light in its color alteration upon the building’s ceiling, which may be viewed from both in and outdoors and in a variety of weather conditions. the color of the sky will be complimented by those pictured upon the underside of the structure’s roof, though the most powerful views are said to be seen only from the interior of the space, as the brightening sky is famed by the brilliant shifting of shades belonging to ‘twilight epiphany’. during the hours of daylight, the structure remains open to the public so that visitors may wander through the central space of the installation, closing only for the night..”  Lovely..

image: courtesy of rice university; article: Designboom

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* Architecture + Design: York Minster Cathedral Interior Covered in Grass

Architecture + Design: York Minster Cathedral Interior Covered in Grass: “..greenery installation branch wow! grass! of UK turf company lindum has covered the entirety of the nave belonging to york minster with a layer of real grass. rather than growing turf from a soil base, the company instead starts their roll-able plant sheets from a felt structure formed from recycled british textiles, developed by lindum. a team of ten workers extended a layer of plastic upon the ground of the church, then putting in place the soil-less plant artwork, transforming the gothic structure’s nave into a green expanse of interior space. the 16,000 square foot grass artwork had been developed for the york minster rose dinner to benefit the cathedral’s monetary collection organization, the york minster fund, for the continued upkeep of the 1,000 year old structure..”  Yes, art…however…wonderfully moving in its juxtaposition of sensibilities..

image: © PA; article: Designboom

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* Residential Architecture: JE House by Humberto Hermeto

Residential Architecture: JE House by Humberto Hermeto: “..In an irregular terrain with 3160 sqm, we needed to incorporate two uses: The first one, a big residence, with five suites, generous living and leisure spaces, in addition to the service dependencies. The second, a large gallery for the owner, an art enthusiast..The shape of the site, at first glance a complicating factor for its irregular form, guided the project. In the existing vertical gap (10 meters in total), the first action: different uses in different levels..In the lower level, the gallery, the stereotomic volume. With the need for an air-conditioned closed space, the volume arises from the ground like a big rock, a big platform..the residence is distributed under a continuous roof (81 meters), constituted by a reinforced concrete portico. This portico sets the residence´s built volume..The existing views guide the various openings: from every room one sees the mountains..”  Extensive glazing, natural light and views, indoor/outdoor sensibility..

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image: © Jomar Bragança; article: Saieh , Nico . “JE House / Humberto Hermeto” 27 Aug 2010. ArchDaily. <http://www.archdaily.com/74676&gt;

* Residential Architecture: Yucatan House by Isay Weinfeld

Residential Architecture: Yucatan House by Isay Weinfeld: “..The seven boxy volumes that make up the house are all different sizes and are each finished in different materials, including precast concrete and white painted bricks..The blocks are arranged at the front of the site to leave room for a large garden and pool behind while the staggered layout creates corridors in between for displaying artworks..”  Extensive glazing, natural light, vegetation, materials sensibility, interesting interior volumes, wood ceiling..includes a 9-image slideshow of photos by architectural photographer Leonardo Finotti..

See our post on another home by Isay Weinfeld: Residential Architecture: Casa d’Água House by Isay Weinfeld.

image: Leonardo Finotti; article: Dezeen

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