Love Looks Like

A pavilion designed for NYC submitted as my final project for one of my classes this semester. What do you think?

Concept:
The pavilion was inspired by the word "LOVE". Moreover, the analysis and examination of how we love and what we love in this country. The relationships of Human to Human, Human to Nature, Nature to Technology, Human to Technology and the balance or imbalance of those relationships were all inspiration for the design, structure, materials, and form of the pavilion.

The forms and shape of the building is inspired by the heart symbol, which is one of the most recognizable symbols of love around the world. This symbols is also expressed in the glass art wall that connects the Atrium to the Covered Hall. The digital symbol for love "<3" is employed to create a pattern that is also a symbol for the relationship we as people living in a digital age have for technology. A relationship that often throws the connection to nature off kilter. Further, evidence of examination of relationships can be seen in the use of construction materials in the two main areas of the pavilion; The Atrium and the Hall. The Atrium is made from clay bricks and is a open area that has seating and views of small gardens. The Hall, which is multi-purpose and can be used for cultural events, is constructed of glass and steel representing technology and industry. The connection of the is a symbol not only for the affinity and need we have for both but also for the balance that can be created with both. Love of one does not have to mean exclusion of the other.
The pavilion was designed to be sustainable and will be constructed to be semi-permanent. The building materials are all recyclable and elements of sustainable design were employed so that the structure does not become waste when it is no longer needed.

  -Sustainable Design Elements:

•     Construction Materials-recycled or recyclable
•      Clay walls act as heat masses and  assist with heating and cooling leading to a reduction of energy use. They are mold and fade resistant, provide moister control and are made in the United States.
• VOC Free Paint used to paint walls in restrooms and other areas
• Living Roof will provide cooling to the Lobby area, and help to deter the "heat island" phenomenon as it the building is designed for construction in New York City. The Living Roof will reduce energy use in the structure and become part of the natural ecosystem for indigenous birds, plants and insects.
• Solar Panels added to the roof to provide energy for the electricity
• An underground Storm Leaching system will be installed to collect and store rain water from the structure which will be used in the "low flush" toilets and "no water" urinals in the restrooms.
• A solar thermal water heating system will be installed to reduce water usage and heat water as needed.

Love IN the NOW: Slouchy Shirts

The slouchy shirt trend is All me this Summer. It's comfy, chic, casual and easily upgraded to sexy. Easy mixes for "Hi-Lo" fashion looks, which I am all about. Really, even if I could do I really want to spend $400 bucks on a top? Yea...no. Check out the look and let me know what you think.

What items will make up you Spring/Summer 'go to' look?

SLOUCHY SHIRTS

Wanted: Slouchy Shirts by LSamSam featuring a tee dress

Oversized top
50 EUR - modekungen.se

Supertrash gold skirt
50 EUR - welikefashion.com

Seven For All Mankind strappy platform heels
$220 - nordstrom.com

Burberry handbag
$1,395 - net-a-porter.com

A B S chain jewelry
$125 - maxandchloe.com

BKE buckle bracelet
$12 - buckle.com

A Day In Pictures: LUSH Cosmetics

This week I met up with my girl Nae from www.tastetocook.com to do check out Lush Cosmetics in Herald Square.

Known worldwide for their "fresh handmade cosmetics" (their handmade soaps come in blocks like cheese and they slice and wrap for you deli style) Lush creates ethically sourced, vegan soaps and body condiments and fragrances that social and environmentally conscious consumers can feel good about, according to the website.  The products are not tested on animals and are paraben free.
I worked with Melissa, who was very knowledgeable about the products, and their benefits. I gave her the run down on my issues with sensitive skin, eczema, etc. And she walked me through the product line. I know that you may be thinking, "Vegan, organic soaps and body products? That's a little too granola crunch, dirty back pack for me." Personally, I was wondering if the products could actually make a person feel clean, which is my main concern. Melissa explained that while the products are organic some of the body soaps and cleansers do contain Sulfates-chemicals that create lather and bubbles in shampoos, body washes, soap and toothpaste.

Sidebar: Sulfates like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, are known for lather and emulsifying qualities and can also strip the skin and hair of natural oils and can be toxic.

Needless to say, I am not fully convinced of that the "vegan" tag the company boasts about can honestly be applied to the entire product line. On the other hand,I do feel good about my purchase. i honestly believe that consumer power is true power and that we as concumers can send strong, clear messages to companies, and the society at large about what matters to us by simply making conscious decisions about where to spend our dollars. While I am definitely not the driver, or even in the first car on the 'eco-conscious, vegan, go green' train, but the more I learn, the more I understand the importance of things like: what I put into and onto my body; the values of the companies whose products I buy, and the energy I chose to surround myself with.

100 bucks later, I'm glad I got a chance to learn about Lush! Did I mention their soaps and cleansers smell phenomenal?! So far I am happy with my purchases. No skin irratation thus far, and honestly my skin seems to have a little glow!

Your turn! What's your feeling on organic products? Do you think all brands are made the same and the 'organic' is just a label companies use to raise prices? Have you done your own research on ingredients and decided to eliminate certain ingredients from your product purchases based on research and experience?

Sustainable Interior Finishes

Sustainable Interior Finishes by nairivers on Polyvore.com

Recycled Glass Tiles - Recycled Ceramic Tiles
thenaturalabode.com

Bamboo Plywood
thenaturalabode.com

Kirei Board | Sorghum Stalk Wall Covering Material
thenaturalabode.com

Recycled Glass Tiles - Recycled Ceramic Tiles
thenaturalabode.com

Squeaky Clean: Healthy Home Made Cleansers

Spring 'Cleaning' Is In The Air...

Here are some handy recipes to whip up DIY cleansers for your home I found over at Oprah.com. These recipes will save you money & they're earth friendly! Be sure to leave a comment or post a pick if you decide to try!

All-Purpose Cleaner

8 cups of water
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 baking soda
Mix in a spray bottle. Good for hard water stains. Can be stored for later use.

Disinfectant All-Purpose Cleaner

2 cups water
3 drops Castile soap
30 drops lavender essential oil
Mix in spray bottle. Use on any surface (countertop, toilet, tile, kid's room).

Glass Cleaner

1 1/2 to 2 cups water
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (70 percent)
1 to 2 drops essential oil
Mix in spray bottle. Use to clean all glass surfaces or mirrors. Use newspaper instead of paper towels if possible.

Oven/Stove Cleaner

1 Tbsp. water
2 Tbsp. baking soda
Mix ingredients in bowl or jar. Apply paste to spill spots. Let sit for two hours. Wipe up with sponge or scrub with old toothbrush.

Toilet Cleaner

1 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup baking soda
Mix ingredients in bowl or jar. Pour into toilet. After three minutes, scrub with brush and flush.

Bathroom Cleaner

1/2 cup water
1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
Mix in spray bottle. Spray on areas with mold and leave on for at least an hour before rinsing.

Soap Scum

1/4 cup water
1/2 cup baking soda
Mix ingredients to make paste. Use to scour away soap scum with clean sponge, cloth or bristle brush.

Drain Cleaner

8 cups water
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup baking soda
Pour baking soda down the drain followed by the vinegar. Let sit for five minutes. Flush down with near-boiling water.

Carpet Stain Remover

1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 borax
1/4 cup salt
Mix in bowl or jar. Rub paste into carpet and let dry. Then vacuum.

Carpet Deodorizers

1 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup dried herbs (lavender, basil or rosemary)
Mix ingredients in flour sifter and sprinkle around room. Vacuum after 30 minutes.

Wood Furniture Polish

2 tbsp. borax
1/4 cup lemon juice
Mix and apply to clean cotton cloth. Use wide strokes to polish wood surface.

Fabric Softener

1/2 cup white vinegar
Add to rinse cycle in place of liquid fabric softener.

Pantones Color of they Year 2011 --> HoneySuckle

A little something to get your creative juices flowing...

Herve Leger tube dress, 1.698 EUR
Peter Som draped skirt, $695
Tassel earring, 135 GBP
Kevyn Aucoin The Creamy Moist Glow - Liquifuschia, $24
Sarah Jessica Parker SJP NYC Soft Body Lotion, 6.7 oz., $25
Viola Honeysuckle Pink 18" Square Accent Pillow | LampsPlus.com, $50
Amazon.com: Art4Kids 25063 Pink Honeysuckle - Contemporary Mount:..., $45

INSPIRE: Earth Week 2011--> April 17-April 23

Today marks the beginning of Earth Week 2011! This week you may notice and hear about thousands of initiatives meant to draw attention to the environment- it's current state, future prognosis, and thins we can do today to protect it for generations to come. The week's events are will all culminate in the observation of  Earth Day on April 22nd.

This semester I am taking a Sustainable Design class in my pursuit of a MFA in Interior Architecture. I feel like I am a lot more informed about sustainability, the environment and the changes that are needed in order to continually sustain life on this planet than I ever have been. I am by no means an expert but I can thankfully say that today I am at least 'conscious' of the impact my existence could potentially have on this wonderful planet of ours. 

Eco Efficient Modular -affordable *12,000 USD), sustainable -Home Concept being considered for Housing in Ghana

I know for many of you words like 'environmentalist' and 'Earth Day' and 'Recycle' conjure up images of backpacking, granola-addicted, Birkenstock wearing, finger-pointers, and yea there are some of those in the mix. The truth is that many of the resources we are currently running through like crack addicts, i.e oil are limited. Our rampant consumerism will have a price-did you ever think about where your old laptops, cell phones, and Ipods go when you discard them (Until recently I was thinking 'the place where they recycle technology stuff'-yea, not so much)? The Answer:

LANDFILLS!!

I know, it's pretty gross, but with the population growing exponentially over the next 20-30 years and Consumerism showing no signs of slowing down (I've been trying to steer clear of stores in a collective observation of Lent, Earth Week, and my maxed out budget, but I digress) landfill sites like this will be seen more often.

Ok, enough of the doom and gloom. Each new day is another chance to change the future and that's were we come in! So in honor of Earth Week and Earth Day which is observed in over 192 countries across the globe I would like to share a little of what I've learned as well as some helpful resources regarding ways you can observe this week.

INFO:

• What is Earth Day Anyway & Why is it Important??

• I Want to Get Involved. What Can I Do To Help?

OTHER EARTH WEEK INSPIRED TIDBITS:

Cradle To Cradle by William McDonough & Michael Braungart

"manifesto for the transformation of human industry through ecologically intelligent design" according to www.McDonough.com 

This books examines our current manufacturing processes, waste and pollution dating back to the Industrial Revolution and challenges the widely believed concept that as humans we should conquer and not connect with and develop a relation with nature. 

I have enjoyed reading this book despite the fact that is required reading for my class. It doesn't come off as preachy The authors just present information and concepts with the hopes that things will click for the reader who might ask "Hey! If we have the ability and resources to do things differently without the destroying the planet, why aren't we?" One of the coolest things about the book itself is the book itself. The introduction 'This Book Is Not a Tree' reveals that the book is actually a prototype and is  not made of paper at all. No trees were harmed in it's production. It is actually made of synthetic paper, and it's waterproof-Bonus!

--> What are you doing for Earth Week 2011? If you are organizing or participating in any Events for Earth Week and would like to get the word out or share your experience regarding Earth Week, recycling, the environment, leave a comment below or email me!

Design on the Mind

“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works“ -Steve Jobs

Check out this ingenious chair design by Remi Van Oers, as seen on www.Fastcodesign.com. Brilliantly designed and perfect for small spaces.