Architecture Style

An archicad tutorial by The Queen's University of Belfast. to find out more...

"C³ was founded in 1991 by Rick Smith who began working with three-dimensional computer graphic systems in the 1970s. With over a decade of experience working at Lockheed Aircraft Corporation and IBM, Rick helped develop advanced computer modeling software and techniques for a rapidly evolving aerospace industry. In 1991, C³ was contacted by Frank O. Gehry & Associates who were seeking a way to modernize their current in-house design processes, which relied heavily upon antiquated methods, and to digitally define a new direction for Mr. Gehry's challenging designs.After a gruelling 72 hour technology proving session to digitally capture the initial Walt Disney Concert Hall design, Mr. Gehry felt C³ was the right company to lead them in this new direction.Beginning with the Fish Sculpture for the 1992 Olympics and concluding with the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles, C³ grew to become ten highly skilled designers working with Mr. Gehry’s staff for over a twelve year period. C³ supported, managed and maintained their digital master models for all their projects up to the completion of the modeling for the Ray & Maria Stata Center on the Massachusetts Instituted of Technology campus in Cambridge, MA. C³’s Virtual Build process and tools played a significant role in revolutionizing Mr. Gehry's overall design processes, helping to make his office one of the most technologically advanced architectural design studios in our lifetime." to find out more...

Passage & Image from http://www.c3virtualbuild.com/about_us.htm

"Digital Project, a next-generation software platform that turns the Virtual Building concept into a reality is now available in the UK. Virtual Building, pioneered by Arup and Gehry Technologies, allows design, construction and operational problems to be visualized and solved using computer simulation. CenitDesktop, a leading supplier of collaborative design solutions is partnering with Arup to implement the solution in the UK and drive the Virtual Building concept. "to find out more...
Passage & Image from http://www.gehrytechnologies.com/company-press-03-23-2006.html

There is a open course ware by MIT for your reference as an introduction to architectural visualization. to find out more...

"An Applied Framework for Project Management is a eleven-module web-based training series introducing learners to the core competencies and structure of project management. Based upon PMI’s best-selling book A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), this comprehensive, self-paced course brings knowledge to life through a series of easy-to-understand explanations, dynamic interactions and "action planning" question-and-answer sessions." to find out more...
Passage from http://www.pmi.org/info/default.asp

Got this useful 3d tool free download site for your reference. Merry Christmas...
to find out more...

"You can now make TRUE photo-realistic rendering of your SketchUp model without the pain and frustration of learning a complex program. Podium runs completely inside SketchUp from start to finish. It uses SketchUp features such as textures, background colors, groups and shadows to achieve impressive results. Podium is intuitive to SketchUp users. Plus, its simple interface cuts the learning curve to minutes instead of days. Make an impression without the pain. "to find out more...
Passage & Images from http://www.suplugins.com/

Free downloading of Revit version 9.1 is made available by Autodesk. to find out more...

"Form refers to the shape or configuration of a building. Form and its opposite, space, constitute primary elements of architecture. The reciprocal relationship is essential, given the intention of architecture to provide internal sheltered space for human occupation. Both form and space are given shape and scale in the design process. In addition, the placement of a building form in relation to its immediate site and neighboring buildings is another crucial aspect of this form/space relationship. Just as internal space is created by voids in building form, exterior space can be defined or poorly defined by the building form as well.
For instance, consider the difference between an infill building that fits tightly within its' site boundaries (leaving no unoccupied space on the site, except perhaps a defined outdoor courtyard) and a freestanding building located within a large expanse of parking. Without the aid of other space-defining forms such as trees, fences, level changes, and so forth, it is very difficult for a large space to be defined or satisfactorily articulated by most singular forms.
A number of aspects must be considered in order to analyze or design an architectural form, including shape, mass / size, scale, proportion, rhythm, articulation, texture, color, and light." to find out more...
Passage from Phoebe Crisman, Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Virginia School of Architecture

"Design changes and improves lives, inspires creativity and new forms of expression. It also enhances business competitiveness in today’s crowded marketplace. DesignSingapore is Singapore’s response to these propositions and opportunities. As a national initiative, DesignSingapore aims to place Singapore on the world map for design creativity. It looks to developing a thriving, multi-disciplinary design cluster of industries and activities in Singapore that has relevance and impact globally. The initiative also aims to bring design to business boardrooms and to new audiences and markets. In time, bring about a pervasive and unique design culture. The DesignSingapore Council, set up since August 2003 by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, is the public organisation for promotion and development of Singapore design. The Council works closely with other government agencies, the design community, industry and education institutions to promote design in business and education, and to develop Singapore as one of the leading international centres for design creativity. " to find out more...
Passage from http://www.designsingapore.org/RunScript.asp?page=76&p=ASP\Pg76.asp

The image beside is my test render from Vray Beta for sketchup, done through a single click and material application in sketchup. The model was downloaded from Pushpullbar forum. Now everyone can do photorealistic rendering with sketchup + Vray ! to find out more...

"ArchT is an award-winning architectural software package for AutoCAD and IntelliCAD. An add-on product, ArchT provides AEC-specific functionality such as 2-D production drafting utilities, style-based design features and customizable records and reports to underlying CAD packages including IntelliCAD and AutoCAD. It also provides dynamic block and layer control and its 3-D modeling tools integrate with 3-D design and visualization tools like Autodesk 3D Studio and Accurender by Robert McNeel & Associates. "to find out more...
Passage from http://www.autodsys.com/

"ASGVIS, LLC Announces the Official Beta Release of V-Ray for SketchUp!
With V-Ray for SketchUp, ASGVIS offers 3D modeling professionals a robust rendering solution that generates high-quality images of unparalleled realism. 'Top studios in all disciplines have relied on V-Ray for years to generate photorealistic images of outstanding quality,' says Corey Rubadue, ASGVIS Director. 'With our native V-Ray for SketchUp plug-in, we’re bringing the speed and power of V-Ray to SketchUp users who need photorealistic rendering capability.' " to find out more...
For some important, useful information and discussion from pushpullbar located from http://www.pushpullbar.com/forums/archive/index.php/f-20.html for your reference~!
Passage from http://asgvis.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3&Itemid=2

Visualization of architectural work had always been a fascinating task to me.
Arte Factory, a high profile architecture visualization firm from Paris as for your browsing pleasure. to find out more...

Some Vray Tutorial as for your reference. Enjoy!

Over 20,000 registered user on this website with more than 500 material available as for your reference of Vray Material. Have fun~! to find out more...

"I'm a CAD manager with a small architectural office in Santa Barbara. We design mostly traditional, high-end residential work. I was introduced to Revit 4.5 in 2002 and am currently a member of the Ventura Revit User Group. " to find out more...
I had been thinking hard of what software package is the best for producing architectural work and a design tool. There is no avoid of drafting for my experience even with BIM. However, it is too powerful a BIM comparing to a drafting software. Hopefully sketchup can later be developed into true BIM system.

"Los Angeles, like all cities, is unique, but in one way it may typify the world city of the future; there are only minorities. No single ethnic group, nor way of life, nor industrial sector dominates the scene. Pluralism has gone further here than in any other city in the world and for this reason it may well characterize the global megalopolis of the future. Mass migration threatens many cities in Europe such as Berlin, but in Los Angeles, with an influx of nearly a million foreigners in the last decade, it is a fact. The strains are obvious; homelessness, a variety of languages (more than eighty are spoken in public schools), multi-ethnic tens-ions including riots, and a high rate of homicide." to find out more...
Passage from http://www.arcspace.com/calif/intro/intro.htm
By Charles Jencks
Photo by Rion Nakaya

"Ole Scheeren is not just another young European architect exploring China’s Capital… As partner-in-charge of OMA’s most ambitious project to date, he is the architect leading the design and construction of the China Central Television Station (CCTV), and the Television Cultural Center TVCC in Beijing. A Lian from FMCS met him for an intensive talk to find out more about life in China, his passionate ideas and architecture in general." to find out more...
Passage & Image from http://www.feedmecoolshit.com/interviews-archive/ole-scheeren/

Alzhem, a fantastic website you cannot afford to miss to learn 3D Studio Max, I am sharing with you~!

"This Masters Degree programme in the School of Architecture allows the opportunity to study computer aided architectural design in conjunction with effective environmental design. One of the main emphases of the course is on the integration of techniques into the design of buildings and their surroundings. The Degree is based upon a programme which began in 1992 and which was revised in 1998." to find out more...
Passage from http://www.shef.ac.uk/architecture/main/courses/ma_co.shtml

"A vibrant community of architects and suppliers, designed for architects and suppliers.Specifier Magazine has long been a source of new products and trends for the Australian Architectural and design industries. Now specifier.com.au allows architects and designers to browse, collate, print, request and manage this information freely, in an expanding database of over 3000 product suppliers and 116 product categories. It is the most useful one-stop shop for architects, designers and builders on the web - with global architecture and building news, project reviews, eco products, brochure libraries, architect directory and architect profiles - and it's the essential venue for product suppliers to find their market. With its powerful interactive tools, specifier.com.au connect experts with experts." to find out more...
Passage from http://www.specifier.com.au./aboutus
Image from http://www.specifier.com.au./db/Pictures/cover-71-15620.jpg

"The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is the authority established by statute to maintain a Register of architects and to regulate the conduct of the architects’ profession in the UK. Only persons whose names are on the Register may use the title “architect” in business or practice." to find out more...
Passage from http://www.arb.org.uk/news/information-leaflets/applying-for-registration-in-the-uk.shtml

Most of the time, I learn from observation and analysis. Another rendering firm for your browsing pleasure. to find out more...
Image from http://www.simplex-inc.com/

"As professionals ourselves, we know how hard it is to sell great ideas to people who are not trained as specialists in the design field. We also understand the need of private individuals to visualise the plans of their new home or project. Our Vision is to give your proposals the modern edge
– finished products that will WOW and WIN over your clients.We want to take this vision and make it efficient and cost effective – this way you can design till the last possible minute and maximize your profit." to find out more...
Passage from http://www.renderit.cc/company/architectural-rendering-about.html
Image from http://www.renderit.cc/portfolio2/exterior-rendering-portfolio.html

"ViRSES.COM provides architectural visualization services for Architects, Real-estate professionals, Builders, Promoters, Multimedia experts or any service provider looking for Architectural Visualizations. Our skilled and experienced team of design professionals generates high quality architectural renderings, architectural walk through animation, fly by animation, qtvr panorama and virtual tours for projects - both large and small. Send us your drawings and/or sketches for a reasonable quote using online quote interface. If you are an architectural firm with steady visualization requirements, We offer flat-fee-per-month rendering services for $845 only." to find out more...
Passage from http://www.virses.com/architectural_rendering_firm.html
Image from http://www.virses.com/architectural_renderings_gallery.html

Cadiz International Architects Inc. is one of the best retail designers throughout the world. Retail design does not focus only on external facade consideration, the aesthetic issues, but the collaboration of intensions from the customer, the public, the retailer, the mall manager, the developer and the consultants.
"The Reef Mall is another promising Commercial Mall development project within a central business district in Deira, Dubai based on a concept of “Reef” (an Arabic word meaning, “country-side”) design. With its ideal location, the Reef Mall, with its 600,000 sq.ft. plan will be a perfect destination carrying the best international and local fashion, entertainment, and food outlets for the corporate population within the vicinity."
Passage & Image from http://cadizinternational.com/pro_reefmall.html

Quack Track The world's largest browsable blog index, containing
513,000 links to 144,000 blogs in 5,900 categories. to find out more...
My blog is at the third link at the moment.

"The Architectural Association School of Architecture is the most international school of architecture ever created: in Autumn, 2006 nearly 90% of our five hundred students have moved to London to attend the full-time courses of study at the AA School, allowing us to create a uniquely global form of architectural discussion, debate, learning and knowledge.
More than 3,000 members worldwide form the Architectural Association, which was formed in the mid-19th century as a learned society founded in the pursuit of architectural learning. As the UK’s oldest and only private school of architecture, today the AA stands at the forefront of architectural education worldwide." to find out more...
Passage from http://aalog.net/?page_id=2

"Tillett Lighting Design is dedicated to enhancing the utility, safety and delight of public space—and the vitality of community life—through a thoughtful use of light.
Linnaea Tillett founded the firm in 1983. She holds a doctorate in environmental psychology, specializing in security and perceptions of safety in settings that serve multiple needs and diverse users. Her innovative approach incorporates a thorough understanding of the perceptual, behavioral and psychological effects of light with extensive experience in landscape, architectural and fine art lighting.
Tillett Lighting Design has collaborated on urban planning, landscape and architectural projects with leading firms such as Olin Partnership, Maya Lin Studio, Cooper Robertson, and Quennell Rothschild, as well as award-winning public art with Kiki Smith and Lebbeus Woods .
By meeting complex design challenges with effective, elegant solutions that impact minimally on the physical environment , Tillett Lighting Design has established a reputation for artistry, technical innovation and functionality." to find out more...
Passage from http://www.tillettlighting.com/profile.php
Image from http://www.tillettlighting.com/snowshow.php

"Sculpture by the Sea is a free to the public exhibition showcasing sculptures by leading Western Australian, intersate and international sculptors." to find out more...
Passage & Image from http://www.sculpturebythesea.com/

"Architecture Planet is an aggregation of public weblogs written by people interested in architecture. This site aims to collect daily summaries of these web sites. The opinions expressed in these weblogs and hence this aggregation are those of the original authors." to find out more...
Passage from http://www.planet-architecture.org/

Another architectural firm for your browsing pleasure.

" The Zody guest chair is the newest member of the Zody seating family. Continuing that tradition, it offers beautiful styling that adapts to any space, while its thoughtful design has minimal impact on our environment. This chair is based on a Haworth international platform with minimal modifications to meet North American customer expectations. "
"Zody, is the first chair endorsed by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)!
Other Zody awards include:
- Silver Best of NeoCon
- Gold Product Award at NeoCon Canada IIDEX
- Gold Cradle to Cradle Product Cert. from MBDC
- 2005 GOOD DESIGN Award"to find out more...
Passage from http://www.haworth.com/Brix?pageID=169&product_sakey=128&category=113
Image from http://www.haworth.com/Brix?pageID=169&product_sakey=98&prelaunch=false

"The Aberdeen Society of Architects, a chapter of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, represents some 200 Chartered Architects within the City of Aberdeen, across Aberdeenshire and also Morayshire. It includes those who are working together in large practices, and others operating as sole practitioners. The Society is run by a Council who meet monthly, and sit on RIAS Committees which discuss Environment, Practice, CPD, and Education and the many other facets of the profession. The chapter runs a Student Awards scheme, with prizes gifted annually to students Scott Sutherland School of Architecture, and recently the ASA has instituted its own Design Awards, to recognise excellence in architecture designed by Chapter members. " [1]to find out more...
"Aberdeen Architecture has been established to celebrate contemporary architecture in and around Aberdeen.
If the website proves to be as successful as we wish we hope to develop it further to provide a forum for discussion, comment, news and reviews on local architectural issues. " [2]to find out more...
Passage [1] from http://www.aberdeenarchitects.org/
Passage [2] from http://www.aberdeenarchitecture.org/

Volumn 5 is a site of Art and Architecture, containing interesting interviews, profiles and reviews of worldwide architectural work and people. Students' work and abroad studying programmes are introduced as well. It is another resourceful site of architecture you cannot miss. to find out more...

"Neil M. Denari Architects is a Los Angeles based office dedicated to exploring the worlds of architecture, design, urbanism, and global cultural phenomenon. We have been working across multiple continents since 1988, designing at all scales for a variety of clients and conditions. We seek out projects that demand new and innovative solutions to the complex issues facing the world today. Whether in a piece of furniture or in an urban design plan, our ambitions always are to materialize these questions in a powerful, evocative, and functional way. The work of the office has become, over the last 10 years, an influential force in the culture of contemporary architecture. Today, we continue to develop through new projects our repertoire of design possibilities. NMDA's commitment to design innovation and construction excellence has been demonstrated in award winning projects such as l.a. Eyeworks, the Endeavor Talent Agency, and in our first completed Japanese project, the Mitsubishi Bank branch in central Shibuya, Tokyo. " to find out more...
Passage & Image from http://www.nmda-inc.com/neil-denari.html

"The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts serves not only as a viewing place for art but also as a place where ideas, programs, and discussions about art, architecture, and culture are cultivated.
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando and situated in St. Louis' Grand Center district, the Pulitzer presents changing exhibitions and engages in a variety of programming initiatives involving the visual, literary, and performing arts." to find out more...
Passage & Image from http://pulitzerarts.org/overview/

It is frustrating using sketchup at times, for the zooming function and the snaping part. I hope the future version can come up earlier for some better feature. I had used sketchup for 3 housing models. It has the handy part of push pulling, sectioning planes is easy, and component is the most powerful tool I assume.

"The International Journal of Architectural Computing (IJAC) is an exciting new peer-reviewed journal founded by international organizations dedicated to promoting collaborative research and development of computer-aided architectural design. IJAC is committed to deepening the understanding of the foundations of digital systems for architectural design and the technologies enabling their development and application." to find out more...

Passage from http://www.acadia.org/ijac.html

I think one of the directors can sketch very well, like one of my bosses do~! One of my directors can draw everything up with a pen, freehand and to scale. It is different combination of strength that forms a firm. The marketing + design. So...practise your sketch everyday. It is an indispensable tool, your pen~! It brushes up your creativity as well. The irresistable juicy sketches sourced with creativity and humour. to find out more...
Image from http://www.knesl-kyncl.com/main.php?lang=en&sec=lide

"VJAA is an architectural practice that produces innovative, high-quality buildings through the synthesis of research and design. Since its founding in 1995, the firm has completed $52.2M in construction and currently has $61.6M under construction and over $14M under design. Led by principals Vincent James, Jennifer Yoos and Nathan Knutson; VJAA’s core staff of twelve architects and designers work on a wide range of project types and sizes--predominately residential, institutional, and cultural. Our services include full architectural design, project administration, programming, master planning, and feasibility studies. " to find out more...

Image & Passage from http://www.vjaa.com/

"The international contract projects mean a parallel and complementary activity to Poliform. The company, established in 1942, enriches the experience heritage built during the years, dedicating to the contract field its own creative and productive resources. aiming to work up its technological know-how, and facing aesthetic and functional requirements that are different from those settled by the end users market. The "customization" of the current production is the method technique that makes it possible for Poliform to reach an exceptional versatility. It is possible to realize very heterogeneous projects: from small or medium supply, to big residences, with a personalized solution for any single unit." to find out more...
Passage from http://www.poliform.it/

"A Look Inside The 460 Degrees GalleryA towering vortex of wood. Hypnotic video images of moving cars. Photographs chronicling the age-old quest for higher meaning and self-discovery. As Agneessens put it, entering "Light and Speed" at The 460 Degrees Gallery is like "journeying into a dream."
"The exhibition space is dominated by "Timegate," Arne Quinze's massive spiral structure made of 3,300 pinewood planks, an installation that required more than three miles of wood and 26,600 nails. Quinze, a Belgian artist perhaps best known for his breakthrough designs for the Burning Man festival, said, "I want this work to be an experience out of time. Since it's a piece of art you walk into, it goes beyond visual understanding. This is an experience of sensuality and of deep feelings." to find out more...
Passage from http://www.lexuspressnewsletter.com/10_2006a/landing_460.php
Image from Jay Cortez

This is a site of another factory of prefabricated houses, manufacturing houses in US. The site is very organized and shows the entire building building process.
"Clayton Homes, Inc., founded in 1966 and acquired by Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. in 2003, is a vertically integrated manufactured housing company operating in 49 states.
The Company builds, sells, finances, leases, and insures manufactured homes and re-locatable commercial and educational buildings.
Our corporate office is located in Maryville, Tennessee (in the shadows of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park).
The company's distribution includes approximately 1,100 independent retailers, and 392 company owned sales centers in 30 states. We have 32 manufacturing plants located from North Carolina to Oregon. The Company also owns and operates 72 manufactured housing communities with over 23,000 homesites in 11 states.
Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., a leader in manufactured home lending, services $10 billion in mortgages for more than 290,000 customers." to find out more...
Passage from http://www.claytonhomes.com/about/history.cfm
Image from http://www.claytonhomes.com/showcase/central/crest_middlebury/sedona/image1.jpg

I was looking for glass bridges and found this site of glass fixture system. There are some images that is quite useful for demonstrating glass fixture. to find out more...

Image from http://www.avatara.com/merogallery/index.html

I found another interesting website design, with great architecture work as well~! 3xn,however, internationalist is still the best~! to find out more...

"As a reinvention of the existing massing, linear stucco walls conceptually wrap and protect a stone pavilion inserted within. This massing reflects the divisions of public and private spaces within the house. The massive entry door interrupts the facade and opens to the gallery and circulation spine. To the north lies the kitchen, dining room and music room. To the south of the circulation spine is the library, double-height living room and outdoor room. Taut minimal stairs lead up to a bridge on the second floor which overlooks the living room and culminates at the floating third floor, a device used to bring light deep within the core volume. " to find out more...


Passage & Image from http://www.davidjamesonarchitect.com/work.html?t

"The ACADIA (The Association for Computer-Aided Design in Architecture) 2006 International Conference will be held in downtown Louisville, Kentucky October 12th through 15th at the Brown Hotel (335 West Broadway, Louisville, KY).The four-day event will include lectures, workshops in cutting-edge software, an international exhibition featuring models and visualizations, research papers, works-in-progress presentations, and plenary session paper presentations by leading-edge researchers and academics from over eighteen different countries. " to find out more...

Passage and image from http://www.acadia2006.org/

I have located a useful resource and forum link of Glasow architecture and Glasgow architects.
The site focuses on contemporary Glasgow architecture and news. It is updated daily as stated by the site. You can find architectural firms/ architects/ schools and information of Glasgow architecture there.to find out more...

"Washington, D.C., October 31, 2006 — A new national report, Greening America’s Schools, reveals that building energy-efficient schools results in lower operating costs, improved test scores and enhanced student health. The report, produced by Capital E and co-sponsored by The American Institute of Architects (AIA), concluded that schools that are designed to be environmentally friendly would save an average of $100,000 each year – enough to hire two additional full-time teachers.The report includes a detailed analysis of 30 green schools built in 10 states between 2001 and 2006, and demonstrates that the total financial benefits of green schools are 20 times greater than the initial cost, and include energy and water savings, and improved student health and test scores. With over $35 billion dollars projected to be spent in 2007 on K-12 construction, the conclusions of this report have far-reaching implications for future school design.
The full report: http://www.cap-e.com/ewebeditpro/items/O59F9819.pdf " to find out more...
Passage from http://www.aia.org/press2_template.cfm?pagename=release_103106_greenschool
Image from http://www.cap-e.com/ewebeditpro/items/O59F9819.pdf

"Huff + Gooden Architects LLC is an architecture and urban design and planning practice dedicated to the design and exploration of architecture and its relationships to culture and knowledge. The firm was established in Charleston, South Carolina in 1997 as an outgrowth of its parent company, Ray Huff Architects PA. The firm designs modern architecture as an interpretation and translation of cultural and geographical situations. The principals are Ray Huff, AIA and Mario Gooden, AIA.
The firm specializes in educational, collegiate, commercial, civic, religious, institutional and residential architecture as well as urban design and planning. The firm has won numerous design awards for its innovative design work; and together the work of the principals have been published nationally and internationally. " to find out more...
Passage & Image from http://www.huffgooden.com/

"General |3D Models |19th Century |20th Century |American |Ancient |Baroque|Careers Churches - US|Engineering |Historic Preservation |Image Archives |Interior Design|Journals Maps |Medieval |Non-Western |Renaissance |Skyscrapers |Theory Urban Planning|Web Cam views " to find out more...
Links from http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/archweb_noframes.html

"Welcome to the page on Design Research in Information Systems (IS).
The intent of the page is to provide design researchers in IS as well as
others interested in design research with useful information on
understanding, conducting, evaluating, and publishing design research." to find out more...
Passage & Image from http://makethemwork.blogspot.com/

"Analysing customers’ likely acceptance of new technology before it is marketed is a common practice. Yet, in the case of digital home services, there is scant evidence of this being a routine practice. This paper reports on a study whose two-fold purpose is to analyse customers’ acceptance of digital home services and to establish the direction of services to meet the aims of construction companies’ strategic marketing planning. The research direction was based on the review of existing research materials and governmental policies on digital home services, and face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire to survey how people understand the concept of digital home services and the attraction of individual service packages. These materials and data were analysed to classify customers according to lifestyle and purchasing power. The results of the analysis were arranged in the form of a customer (or consumer) receptivity index and digital home business strategies. These results are expected to play an important part in planning digital home services and classifying service packages for the marketing of new housing."to find out more...
Passage from http://www.itcon.org/cgi-bin/works/Show?2006_49

"One of the principal challenges facing the construction industry today is how to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the design and construction process. Moreover, what contribution can the effective use of information technology make to this? Recent years have witnessed a major change in the approach to construction innovation and research. There has been a huge concentration, from both the academic and industrial communities, on the development of a single building/ product model and/ or on the expansion of 3D CAD modelling with other design attributes (such as time and cost). nD modelling expounds by bringing together an nth number of design perspectives. Thus, an nD model is an extension of the building information model that incorporates multi-aspects of design information required at each stage of the lifecycle of a building facility; including scheduling, costing, accessibility, crime, sustainability, maintainability, acoustics and energy simulation. We believe that nD modelling is a realistic potential for an improved construction industry. It is an integrated tool that will enable construction stakeholders – across time zones – to cohesively and comprehensively work within their own specialised discipline on one model. Thus, they can negotiate and collaborate to bring about an improved design by enabling true what-if analysis of design decisions. The information in the model is linked, so that when design information is changed, for example, the cost of the project will also change to reflect the new design. " to find out more...
Passage from http://www.itcon.org/cgi-bin/works/Show?2005_2

"Founded in 1995, the Electronic Journal of Information Technology in construction is a peer-reviewed scholarly journal on the use of IT in construction. Articles are submitted and published electronically. The Journal is committed to minimizing publication delays, and to promoting maximum flexibility in the ways that readers use the journal for teaching, research, and scholarship while maintaining strict peer-review standards. Readers' license is limited only as required to insure fair attribution to authors and the journal, and to prohibit use in a competing commercial publication (adapted from the Charter). ITcon is published by the CIB and indexed in ICONDA and the ITC Digital Library."to find out more...
Passage from http://www.itcon.org/

"Our work focuses on responsive and flexible design concepts and innovative building techniques that redefine conventional notions of program, type and context. nARCHITECTS' goal is to achieve maximum effect with an economy of conceptual and material means, and a positive impact on the environment.
nARCHITECTS’ work has been recognized nationally and internationally in publications and exhibitions. Recent awards include The Architectural League of New York’s Emerging Voices (2006), an AIA Design Honor Award (2005), the Canadian Professional Rome Prize (2005), Architectural Record's Design Vanguard (2004), the MoMA/P.S.1 Young Architects Program (2004), and a New York Foundation for the Arts grant (2002). " to find out more...
Passage from http://www.narchitects.com/index.html
Image from http://www.narchitects.com/frameset-ps1.htm

"New York, NY - To mark the launch of the Lexus LS 460 luxury sedan and its emphasis on design, Lexus will unveil an intriguing public art exhibit at the World Financial Center Plaza, adjacent to the Winter Garden, in New York.
The exhibit, which debuts Monday, October 16 as a multilayered plexiglass sculpture, will evolve each day as sections are removed and placed around the World Financial Center Plaza as stand-alone sculptures. The installation’s intricate pieces were manufactured by Pennsylvania-based Jetstream Manufacturing using a water jet cutting method. The final piece will be removed on Friday, October 20 to coincide with the national launch of the LS 460 and LS 460 L, the long wheel-base model of Lexus’ flagship sedan. " to find out more...
Passage from http://www.lexuspressnewsletter.com/10_2006a/landing_installation.php
Image from Jay Cortez from Inform Ventures

"Central to the philosophy of the Practice is the belief in the creation of architecture that does not reflect a house style but is influenced by a sensitive response to context. Our work is rooted in a thorough understanding of client requirements, content and programme. We pride ourselves on being responsive to client needs; we are enthusiastic about design, responsive to commercial pressure, and sensitive to environmental issues.
We believe that our awareness of the value of design results in architecture that is shaped by both economic forces and creative concerns. We have a reputation for producing elegant and practical design solutions and the Practice now enjoys public recognition of the environmental quality that it achieves through its work for clients.
ZM are flexible in their working arrangements and work equally well in the traditional role of the architect or when working as a team member in line with new forward thinking approaches to construction. " to find out more...
Passage & Image from http://home.btconnect.com/ZMArchitecture/Profile/profile.htm

A very useful website for reseaches and topics in regard of computing and Design from MIT media club. to find out more...

"CumInCAD is a cumulative index of publications about computer aided architectural design. It includes bibliographic information about over 7.400 records from journals and conferences such as ACADIA , CAADRIA , eCAADe , SiGraDi , CAAD futures and others. All papers include full abstracts. Full texts, in PDF, of some 4.800 papers are also available. A separate index of some 900 papers in Spanish language are maintained. " to find out more...
Passage from http://cumincad.scix.net/cgi-bin/works/Home
Logo from http://www.caadfutures.arch.tue.nl/images/button_cumincad_color.gif

"eCAADe (Education and research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe) is a non-profit making association of institutions and individuals with a common interest in promoting good practice and sharing information in relation to the use of computers in research and education in architecture and related professions. eCAADe was founded in 1983." to find out more...
Passage & Image from http://www.ecaade.org/

"An association to foster Computer Aided Architectural Design in Asia (CAADRIA) was founded in 1996 with a conference at The University of Hong Kong that was organized with significant support from Japan. The association took root and has flourished with annual conferences in nine different countries all around Asia. The conference in 2005 will be held at New Delhi and marks the tenth year of meetings.
The conference is held by and for people involved with computer aided design in architecture schools in the region. They are attended by over one hundred researchers, teachers, students and practitioners who are interested in advancing knowledge and understanding in tools and application of digital design methods in architecture. CAADRIA seeks to mentor interest and capacity to undertake research throughout Asia. In the past decade, such research has grown from only a few universities participating to now dozens of universities and schools of architecture demonstrating active commitment to teaching and research in the field. New degree programmes in digital design have been started at several universities in the region and graduates are contributing to design practice with advanced skills and the development of new tools and techniques. " to find out more...
Passage from http://www.caadria.org/

"Although computer based tools have been available to designers for many years, these have largely been for analysis and drafting. For the past two decades, research has been undertaken into the identification and development of software technologies to support conceptual design. This paper reviews the main developments. The volume of the research work is such that it is necessary to limit the scope of the paper and so it focuses on the AEC industry and in particular the design of bridges and buildings. However where other techniques of generic interest have been developed outside this domain these are described. The paper looks at the lessons learned to date; reviews the successes and failures and then briefly looks forward to what current trends suggest will be potentially useful areas to investigate in the future. " to find out more...
Passage from http://portal.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=771952&dl=acm&coll=&CFID=15151515&CFTOKEN=6184618

"Computer-Aided Building Design is a final year undergraduate course that has been offered for more than 20 years at Concordia University. Naturally, over that period that course has evolved as fast as the technology. It started form a programming course with matrix representation of view transformations to lately, the use of off-the shelf commercial software packages and the Internet to support project collaboration and submission. This course introduces students to the process of integrated building deisgn. It emphasizes both computer assistance (CA) and building design(BD). Students experience the design process in teams in the context of a realistic building design project. The building is designed in a holistic manner integrating related fields such as spatial layout, structures, enclosure, energy consumption and construction cost estimation. Many computer tools are used and integrated throughout the design process. The paper provides a brief historical overview of the course and it describes the material covered, the team-design project, and the IT portion of the course." to find out more...

Passage from http://www.itcon.org/data/works/att/2004_18.content.09200.pdf

"Creating the strategy and business model of your organization is nothing else than design. In this blog I link strategy with design thinking through examples and concepts of strategic design, business models, environmental scanning and business innovation. This way of thinking is a must in today's top performing organizations. Managers have to become masters in complex conceptual thinking, anthropologists of their business environments and architects of innovative business design." to find out more...
Passage from http://business-model-design.blogspot.com/

"It has been almost a quarter of a century since the computer made its glamorous entrance into architecture with the publication of two seminal works, Serge Chermayeff's and Christopher Alexander's Community and Privacy (1963), followed a year later by Christopher Alexander's Notes on the Synthesis of Form (1964). In spite of this enthusiastic beginning, the relation between architecture and the computer has not been a steady one. There has been a period of excitement, intensive efforts and experimentation which took place mainly during the decade of the nineteen sixties, which was succeeded by a decade of neglect to be finally followed by the current era of renewed interest. Why have the relations between architecture and computer gone through this full cycle? Is the computer here to stay, and in what capacity? Can it help improve design? Should the failures of the past be left behind or are they something to examine seriously for the valuable information they can provide for the future of the computer in architecture? It seems to me that a brief retrospective look will be useful before responding to these questions." to find out more...
Passage from http://www.bk.tudelft.nl/dks/publications/online%20publications/1992-rdt-huts%20ships%20and%20bottleracks.htm

Another interesting architectural firm for your browsing pleasure.to find out more...
Image from http://www.robertgurneyarchitect.com/

Some unbelievable renderings with artlantis. I am sure some photoshop touch up has been applied to the renderings to achieve this final photo realistic effect. to find out more...

Image from http://homepage.mac.com/nicolasrivera/My%20Website/files/page0-1015-full.html

"The term Victorian architecture can refer to one of a number of architectural styles predominantly in the Victorian era. As with the latter, the period of building that it covers may slightly overlap the actual reign of Queen Victoria after whom it is named.
The Victorian era lasted 64 years, from 1837 to 1901. Greek Revival architecture stretches from the later part of the Colonial era into the beginnings of the Victorian era. Similarly, the Arts and Crafts movement in The United States started a few years before the end of the Victorian era." to find out more...
Passage & Image from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victorian_architecture

The beside image is architectureyp.blogspot.com shown as a webgraph generated from http://www.aharef.info/static/htmlgraph/. You can find out how your website looks like in a graphical format~! to find out more...

"RESARCH.NET brings together Brett Steele’s writings, articles, interviews and online links related to design; as research into new kinds of architectural space, structure, programme and knowledge.
Brett directs the Architectural Association School of Architecture, in London. You can find the school here. He is a former student and teacher of the AA School, where he founded and for eight years directed the AADRL Design Research Lab, an innovative team-based, collaborative, M.Arch graduate design programme." to find out more...

This is one of my artlantis test rendering. Artlantis is a simpler rendering tool comparing with 3dmax, the advantages is the simplicity of light setting, material applications, background and cutouts montage. However, photoshop would always be the final touchup tool that anyone who do renderings must master.

The AA is, in its most basic architectural description, a space – of an entirely unique and valuable kind. We are entirely independent and autonomous as an institution, and democratically governed according to principles that were established at the time of our founding in the mid-nineteenth century, when the profession of architecture – let alone the professional training and education of architects – had yet to appear in the forms we recognise today. The AA remains unlike any other architectural school, by virtue of its organisation, ambition and operation, its immense latitude and flexibility. As a venue for learning, it consistently sets, maintains and evolves standards that other schools worldwide seek to emulate.to find out more...
Passage & Image from http://www.aaschool.ac.uk/introduction.shtm

"Architecture is about problem solving. We work with our clients to understand their needs and aspirations, the constraints and opportunities offered by the site and surrounding context. We design places and spaces where people want to live and work, with buildings that make sound commercial sense." to find out more...



Passage from http://www.hamiltonsarchitects.com/html/why_html.php?menu_id=1
Image from http://www.hamiltonsarchitects.com/html/work_html.php?menu_id=3§ion_id=27&layout=projects

"The RIBA currently recognises courses leading to qualification at 36 schools of architecture in the UK. A list of these schools and further information on their courses at Part 1 (first degree), Part 2 (second advance degree/diploma) and Part 3 (examination in professional practice) is available on the validated courses list.
Schools of Architecture with courses validated by the RIBA " to find out more...
Passage from http://www.architecture.com/go/Architecture/Reference/Links_1863.html

"Last year(2005), we reported on Yokozuna in Hamburg, EMERGE*nyc in New York, and the Residents Apparel Gallery in San Francisco. All three companies focus on providing retail space to fledgling artists or minipreneurs. This week, we spotted a similar showcase boutique in Singapore.
inQbox, which stands for incubation in a box, is an uncluttered store in a Singapore mall that is stacked with well-lit, attractive shelving units. It rents out 'boxes' to small businesses and artists, providing them with retail and gallery space, and taking care of the daily hassle of retail. Prices for a box start at SGD 80 (EUR 40/USD 50) per month, depending on size and location within the store. Vendors are selected carefully, and the store is popular with shoppers for its unique array of wares. And lots of shoppers means valuable mini-real estate, so there's often a long waiting list for boxes. " to find out more...
Passage & Image from http://www.springwise.com/retail/shelfspace_for_minipreneurs_up_1/

"At make, the importance of a project within the studio is not determined by its cost; regardless of size or scope, we see each individual case as a unique design challenge to be realised on time and within budget. This process starts with listening - listening to our clients and understanding their needs and their aims for a particular project. Instead of imposing preconceived or self-indulgent design solutions, we see each project as an opportunity to meet the demands and realise the aspirations of the building's occupants; we achieve this by making our clients partners in the design process, establishing a creative dialogue and encouraging them to challenge us at every turn.
We use state-of-the-art digital tools to explore and refine our designs, but sketches and models play an equally important role, and we believe that a hands-on approach is the best way to explore massing, space and light. We are passionately committed to producing the most sustainable buildings possible, always striving to exceed current standards for energy efficiency and environmental performance. To achieve this, we draw on the widest knowledge base possible. We collaborate with other architectural practices and benefit from the expertise of the industry's foremost consultants and contractors, constantly looking to related disciplines and new technologies to develop our designs to the optimum standard. At the same time, we do not prioritise novelty over performance, and will use more traditional technologies or materials if they offer the most appropriate solution." to find out more...
Passage and Image from http://www.makearchitects.com/

Some interesting readings I would like to share.
"Any serious architecture and design firm is going to first expect that someone is going to deliver on time and get the designer's point across. Goes without saying, really. They pull together a stable of folks that they know can deliver. After that, it's absolutely positively 100% ALL about the style of the individuals involved, and what might be the best fit for that particular project.Having worked as a designer at 3 out of the 4 firms above, I can tell you that each one gets a ton of viz people that call them searching for work. Without question, they select and work with those individuals or firms who set themselves apart by their visual style. They don't look at the endless resumes, DVDs, and websites and first ask themselves 'Gee, I wonder if this firm is going to convey my intentions properly?' or 'Will they deliver on-time?' They select firms that blow them away. American. Chinese. Indian. British. Whomever and wherever doesn't matter." to find out more...
Passage from http://www.cgarchitect.com/vb/16775-what-most-important-skill-architectural-visualization-2.html

"In Metamosaic, our work focuses exclusively on Visual Branding & Spatial Choreography . We leverage technology that inspires design exploration, craft, communication and presentation. " to find out more...
Image from http://www.metamosaic.com/index.php?option=com_otf_gallery&myalbum=visual
Passage from http://www.metamosaic.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=40

This is a firm base in London. "A new 6000sqm headquarters building set in a landscaped business park. Its design develops the latest in sustainable design whilst remaining open and flexible, setting a high standard for occupiers and for future public buildings." to find out more...



Image and Passage from http://www.aukettfitzroyrobinson.com/02_sectors/2A_office/2A_01_tx.htm

"Shall we be cultured aesthetes and dilly dally with our jobs or put on our dungarees and learn the significance of architecture by laying stone and brick for awhile, mixing mortar and sawing wood. Learn of the strength and durability of materials; know of society and its myriad needs and aspirations. Read fairy stories; read Keats, Shelley and Whitman. Absorb a sound and understanding knowledge of the incredible inventions of our day and go to it. There are no fixed formulas; no dry standards; no such thing as composition. There is only one thing to achieve and that is an architectural organism. Composition is dead; an organization is alive...vivid...responsive to conditions; and eloquent of the spiritual association of function and form. Travel the frank and courageous road whereon may be seen the real contributions to ages gleaming in the sunshine.- by George Grant Elmslie" to find out more...
Passage from http://www.eoarch.com/index.html
Image from http://www.eoarch.com/images/sch_08.jpg

The image beside is SONERA OFFICES, at Helsinki, Finland in the year 2000 by SARC. to find out more...
Image from http://www.sarc.fi/sonera/images/img_350.jpg

"London, because of the enormous gravitational pull of its economy and its level of continuous development, has always attracted the greatest concentration of architects, and their works, in the country. This picture is, however, changing as northern British cities successfully reinvent themselves, as Scotland and Wales enjoy greater political autonomy, and as Northern Ireland enjoys an economic boom. " to find out more...
Passage from http://www.britishcouncil.org/arts-add-design-architecture-introductiontext.htm

The project beside is Houses of 5 dreams by Jones Studio, Inc. founded in the year 1979. This project is located from the 2006 American Architecture Awards. to find out more...
Image from http://www.chi-athenaeum.org/archawards/2006/hs5dreams.html

"Good design has a simplicity and clarity which often belies the intelligence of the solution. This same approach underpins our belief that good design creates value.
Fundamental to this is the belief that good design comes from the following:
Understanding our client's needs;
Involving our client in major decisions;
Responding appropriately to a project's tangible and intangible context;
Considering the project's long-term viability and contribution to society;
Respecting our limited natural resources.
Providing inspiring, innovative and sustainable solutions to complex challenges is what drives us each and every day."[1] to find out more...

"The concept of the design for The Residences focuses on the principles for the bioclimatic approach to the design of tall buildings developed over the previous decade by T.R. Hamzah & Yeang Sdn.Bhd. The building serves as a landmark for the developers of Taman Tun Dr Ismail that reflects the contemporary progressive nature of the development company and at the same time, retain a regional character in the architecture. The building is a 21-storey tropical tower which consists of 3 levels of car parking, 1 level of common facilities and 17-storeys of apartments "[2] I can see this building twice a day going and returning from work . to find out more...

Passage[1] from http://www.ldavies.com/index.cfm?categoryname=profile&category2ID=1288&depth=2
Passage [2] & Images from http://www.ldavies.com/index.cfm?categoryname=Services&category2ID=248&
category3ID=&projectID=152549&depth=2&detail=1&imageID=51650

"A positive response to the historical and physical context.
An understanding of the importance of good public spaces.
A belief that consultation and participation by the users forms an essential part of an effective design process.
An appropriate degree of flexibility to allow for changing patterns of use and the continually developing needs of technology.
A continually developing focus on energy conservation and sustainability.
An enjoyment in the construction of the buildings as an integral part of their architecture.
A commitment to lean thinking and the Egan agenda in pursuit of better value for the client and the user. " to find out more...
Passage from http://www.edwardcullinanarchitects.com/practice/overview.html
Image from http://www.edwardcullinanarchitects.com/projects/4g.html

"ADF Architecture & Design has been established for over 24 years, during which time the practice has evolved to become a leader in the provision of high quality architectural services. As a multi disciplined practice ADF undertakes commissions for the provision of feasibility studies, master planning, landscape design, architectural design, town planning, construction and project management." to find out more...
Passage from http://www.adf.co.uk/practice.htm
Image from http://www.adf.co.uk/projects.htm