* Architecture: Auditorium in the Church of Saint Francis’ Convent by David Closes

Architecture: Auditorium in the Church of Saint Francis’ Convent by David Closes: “..Jagged glazed stairwells climb the stone walls of this eighteenth century church in Catalonia that architect David Closes has converted into an auditorium..The church is all that remains of a Franciscan convent that spent over 150 years in ruin in the town of Santpedor..The external staircases wind up from the entrance through the walls of the building, overlooking the auditorium in the former nave..Two mezzanine floors are located in the wings of the church and will later become a historical archive..”  Sharp contemporary additions to an 18th century former convent; steel, glass, stone, concrete..

image: Jordi Surroca; article: Dezeen

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* Architecture: OostCampus by Carlos Arroyo Architects

Architecture: OostCampus by Carlos Arroyo Architects: “..opted for a radical re-use of the large industrial existing building, including foundations, floors, supporting structures, outer skin, insulation, waterproofing, and all recoverable services and equipment: power station, heating plant, water pipes, fire hoses, sewerage, and even parking area, fencing and access..The reuse of the existing is a basic criterion of sustainability. The “gray energy” (energy used for the production of something) is often discarded or simply ignored. If we demolish an existing structure and build again, we will use more energy and resources than the most efficient of buildings can of save in its life span..To transform the vast industrial hall – with minimal footprint but maximum spatial result – Arroyo designs a sheltered interior public space, wrapped in a “luminous landscape of white clouds”. Thin shells of GRG (gypsum and fibre) span the large space like huge soap bubbles. They are only 7 mm thick..Within this landscape, a set of modular clusters provides the administrative services and spaces, designed to facilitate the relationship between citizens and administration. Citizen participation in the process is one of the key issues. Also transparency: the chamber hall is in full sight in the middle of public space, the information is accessible, you can even you visualize the municipal website … and physically enter it and talk to the person who is behind!.”  Lively, whimsical, colourful, social..

image: Miguel de Guzmán; article: Contemporist

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* Design: Lighting Design: Scraplights by Graypants

Design: Lighting Design: Scraplights by Graypants: “..These ceiling lights by Seattle [Washington, USA] design studio Graypants are made from salvaged remnants of corrugated cardboard..Named Scraplights, the range utilises material leftover from the studio’s production of cardboard furniture plus reclaimed waste from the local area..The cardboard offcuts are laser-cut into concentric circles to maximise use of material before being stacked and glued together by hand..Four different shapes of shade are available..The lights are available from London furniture company Chest of Drawers..”  Repurposing, unique, wonderful..article includes video..

image + article: Dezeen

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* Residential Architecture: ScrapHouse by Public Architecture

Residential Architecture: ScrapHouse by Public Architecture: “..this green demonstration home is built entirely of salvaged materials. Erected on the Civic Center Plaza adjacent to San Francisco City Hall, ScrapHouse showcases the creative use of previously discarded materials..Some materials were re-invented for their intended purpose, such as a chandelier using several discarded lamps. Other solutions present scrap in innovative ways. One wall, composed of 500 old phonebooks stacked vertically, provides both insulation and surface texture. Rethinking a standard single-family home, the ScrapHouse facilitates design discussion and community awareness about the possibilities to “reclaim, recycle and re-use.”..  Wonderful inspiration..

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image: © Cesar Rubio; article: “ScrapHouse / Public Architecture” 21 Mar 2011. ArchDaily. <http://www.archdaily.com/121284&gt;