Architecture

May 8, 2018

Architect Designs Residential Vertical Forest to Balance Nature and Urban Life in Tokyo

Like a cement tree sprouting from the urban fabric of Tokyo, architect Akihisa Hirata‘s Tree-ness house is an innovative residence in Japan's Otsuka neighborhood. Built for gallery owner Taka Ishii, the multilevel building makes full use of the narrow, deep lot that Hirata had to work with. Functioning as a series of boxes stacked on one another, some left open to create folds and voids, interior and exterior meld into one another.

Read Article

April 26, 2018

Giant Buddha Is Surrounded With Harmonious Mound of 150,000 Lavender Plants

Renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando brings harmony to the landscape by enclosing a large stone Buddha in a lavender covered hill. Located in the Makomanai Takino Cemetery in Sapporo, Ando was charged with shaping the landscape around the pre-existing sculpture. For 15 years, the 44-foot-tall Buddha stood alone as a solemn 1,650-ton figure in a field. “Until now, the Buddha statue has stood alone in the field, giving an unrestful impression.

Read Article

April 2, 2018

Stunning Vertical Forest Brings City Dwellers Closer to Nature

Belgian ecological architect Vincent Callebaut won the public vote of the “Imagine Angers” international design competition with a lush vertical forest designed as an innovative residential, multi-purpose environment. Arboricole, which the firms dubs an “inhabited tree for Millennials,” is a 50-apartment building complete with a bar, concert hall, brewery, and art spaces.

Read Article

March 29, 2018

Firefighter Is Building Sustainable Hobbit Houses for People Around the World

If you’ve watched The Lord of the Rings and dreamed of residing in a charming Hobbit house like Bilbo Baggins, you can now live your fantasy. Hobbit House Ltd builds bespoke “Hobbit homes” that have the look and feel of the fantastical locale while being a detached, eco-friendly addition to your main abode. They’re flexible spaces that can be a place for entertaining in your garden, a quirky office, or even a glamping pod.

Read Article

My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.