Wine Glasses Based On Personality Types | Calici Caratteriali

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A collection of wine glasses  by the name of CALICI CARATTERIALI were designed by Gumdesign based on “personality” types. This collection includes seven wine glasses with human characteristics: the introvert, the extrovert, the passionate, the altruistic, the ambiguous, the conservative, the relaxed. These experimental glasses were created for the Abitami show during the Macef home show in Milan taking place from September 8- 11,2011.

These are probably the most creative glasses I have come across, which is your favorite?

 

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Kuwait International Airport By Foster + Partners | Architecture

 

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Last March, Foster + Partners were awarded the design of the new Kuwait International Airport. An event everyone travelling through the current airport was desperately awaiting. Architecture of Kuwait, a website dedicated to all architectural projects and news in Kuwait, shared these beautiful photos on their blog. I can say I am impressed , the photos speak for themselves. For more details and info check AOK .

 

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Project Name New Kuwait International Airport

Client Ministry of Public Works

Designer Foster+Partners

Local Consultant  Dar Gulf Consults

Status Approved- Design development

 

Source: AOK

Update details from Foster + Partners: (October 3, 2011)
“Kuwait International Airport is planned to significantly increase capacity and establish a new regional air hub in the Gulf – the project’s strategic aims will be matched by a state-of-the-art terminal building, which will provide the highest levels of comfort for passengers and will set a new environmental benchmark for airport buildings. Its design is rooted in a sense of place, responsive to the climate of one of the hottest inhabited environments on earth and inspired by local forms and materials.

The terminal has a trefoil plan, comprising three symmetrical wings of departure gates. Each façade spans 1.2 kilometres and all extend from a dramatic 25-metre-high central space. The terminal balances the enclosure of this vast area with a design that is highly legible at a human scale – for simplicity and ease of use there are few level changes.

To further aid orientation, the building is planned under a single roof canopy, punctuated by glazed openings that filter daylight, while deflecting direct solar radiation. The Industrial canopy designs provide shade to a generous entrance plaza and is supported by tapering concrete columns – their fluid, organic forms draw inspiration from the contrast between the solidity of the stone and the shape and movement of Kuwait’s traditional dhow sailing boats.

The project targets LEED ‘gold’ – it aims to be the first passenger terminal in the world to attain this level of environmental accreditation. The concrete structure provides thermal mass and the roof incorporates a large expanse of photovoltaic panels to harvest solar energy.

Foster + Partners has designed a flexible masterplan for the site, with the terminal strategically located to anticipate and enable future expansion. The airport will initially accommodate 13 million passengers per year, with the flexibility to increase to 25 million passengers and to accommodate 50 million passengers with further development.

Mouzhan Majidi, Chief Executive of Foster + Partners, commented:
“The scale of the airport shows Kuwait’s great foresight in recognising the benefits of strategic investment in future infrastructure. The environmental ambitions driving the project are equally impressive. We are pleased to have this opportunity to reveal our designs. The emblematic three-winged form will be as memorable from the air as from the ground – a new symbol of contemporary Kuwait, which resonates with its rich culture and history.”

Nikolai Malsch, a partner at Foster + Partners, said:
“We look forward to continuing to work with the Ministry of Public Works and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation Kuwait on the planning and design of the new airport. We have established an excellent working relationship with our client – we have a shared goal to create a terminal that is an exemplar of sustainable design and will establish Kuwait as the region’s leading air hub.”

Notes to editors:
• The layout of the apron is generated by aviation forecasts and is highly adaptable, with 35 flexible contact stands in its first phase.
• Drawing on the region’s culture of hospitality and welcoming guests to Kuwait, the design establishes an elegant and memorable arrival sequence for passengers, which includes a baggage reclaim area surrounded by cooling cascades of water.
• The design also features a grand new landside access sequence from the south – close to the building, the landscaping is a lush oasis, with strands of drier planting and species native to the desert climate extending further away from the terminal.
• Inside, the different functions are arranged over three floors: departures, arrivals and baggage areas.

Foster + Partners

Maison & Objet Fair September 9-13, 2011 | Exhibitions

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If you are lucky enough to be in France or Europe for that matter, and would like to be up to date on all the latest design products, Maison & Objet is an event not to be missed.

With record attendance from overseas export buyers (Japan + 42%, USA + 25%,Russia + 29%) and a breakdown that is increasingly heading toward a balance between French and foreign visitors, MAISON&OBJET is now definitively taking its place as THE global pole for home-fashion in Paris, Capitale de la Création. Its long-term strategy, based on a high-quality offer, creativity, and the convergence of the arts of living, has anticipated everyone’s expectations: those of the most demanding buyers, the most  cutting-edge specifiers, and the end consumer looking for excellence and modernity.

Fair reserved for professionals only.

Information, e-plan, badges, trends book can all be purchased online or at the exhibition.

Paris Nord Villepinte

Dates :
from Friday 09th to Tuesday 13th September, 2011
Opening hours: :
from 09:30 to 19:00, closing at 18:00 the last day
Venue and address: :
Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition center
Halls 1, 2, 3, 4, 5A, 5B, 6, 7, 8

Sectors/Fairs: :
Hall 1. ethnic chic.MIC
Hall 2. textile
Hall 3. la table
Hall 4. Craft, l’espace métiers d’art 
Halls 4 & 5A & 5B. côté déco
Halls 5A & 6. accessoires maison
Hall 6. (placette) MAISON&OBJET musées
Hall 7. scènes d’intérieur
Hall 7. MAISON&OBJET | projets |
Hall 7. now! design à vivre
Halls . MAISON&OBJET outdoor_indoor

All practical information: www.maison-objet.com

Maison & Objet

Sarah Jessica Parker Family Photoshoot | Photography

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Most women at one time or another have fantasized about being in Carrie Bradshaw’s shoes, the sexy new Yorker from Sex & the City  living her single life to the max, obsessed with fashion and shopping in addition to being famous, at a tolerable scale, as a relationships guru. Her style and her spirit are so refreshing that must be marketed easily by using Video production Toronto to make the best video about them.

I came across this beautiful interview with Sarah Jessica Parker by Eve MacSweeney  from Vogue depicting her real life, which in her own words, is nothing like Carrie Bradshaw’s. SJP is a mom of three and as most mothers who work, tries to juggle between her career and family. This interview is just in time for the September release of her movie “ I Don’t Know How She Does It, an adaptation of Allison Pearson’s 2002 best-seller centered on Kate Reddy, a financial executive and mother of two young children struggling to balance the pressures of her job with the needs of her family.” Businesses require an expert at all fields like Andy Defrancesco to help them run their firm successfully.

“Bradshaw’s life is nothing—nothing—like mine,” she says. “I loved playing her, and it changed my life in lots of wonderful ways, but I’m not a crazy shoe lady, I don’t think about fashion all day long, although I have a great respect for the industry. Every choice we’ve made has been different, but with Kate I really understood the attempt at a life.”

 

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She explains what every successful working mom knows, to be on top of everything she should be organized, calm, and attentive, and she goes on on how she does it all with just that. I applaud her and all successful career moms; on a personal level I know how much it takes and how rewarding it feels at the end of another accomplished day.

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When In Rome … | Travel

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During July I got the chance to visit one of the most charming cities of the world, Rome in Italy. Although many people take it as more of a religious/ historical city, I found it amusing and rich in every way, street, and aspect. This is not the first time I’ve been there, yet it was the first time I had the chance to actually explore it and enjoy its food and architecture, not to mention the great shopping. Since I was snapping photos of almost everything with my iPhone, I found it hard to upload every single one, that’s why I compiled collages to summarize my trip. The collage above has photos of St. Peter’s, The Vatican, the famous Trevi fountain, I had to insert a photo of the tastiest gelato I ever had, it was from San Pietro next to the Vatican.

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Blanko was the first place we tried in Rome, it was actually my first meal there. Out of my whole Italy trip, they had the best pasta dish, the Ravioli was so fresh and light I loved it.

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The above collage is of the shopping areas, the Spanish steps, where all the famous brands have shops. I went there almost everyday to make sure I didn’t miss out on anything, loved the shopping there!

I found the imitation bags very funny, they were everywhere, the cool thing is that you can spot the difference from a 10 meter distance, they have nothing to do with the originals, the monograms are actually of stars.

You might wonder what is a thick juicy fillet doing in the center of the collage, well it was the best meal I had during my entire trip, not that there was anything I didn’t like. I actually consider myself lucky that I didn’t have any bad experiences. That veal fillet (with wild berries served with cherry vinegar and sour asparagus), my friends, is by chef Gaetano Costa who owns a restaurant on via Sicilia, I actually went to the place after great reviews I found on tripadvisor. The décor looks so out of place, every restaurant in Rome has some history in it, this place however was extremely modern and housed a lot of artwork, apparently part of the function of the restaurant. It’s not huge and houses around 55 people. My take was that it was too open, meaning everyone was looking at everyone else, which was a bit inconvenient. The service was amazing, the best part, was although we just ordered the fillet, the chef smothered us with mini surprises whether appetizers, biscotti, and various treats to try out, all were amazing. I definitely recommend it if you want a “non-Rome” experience yet amazing food in Rome.

margherita

One of the “Must-go-to”  places in Rome is the Trastevere area. This area resembles to a great degree “Gemayze” in Lebanon. It’s a pedestrian only area with cafes, restaurants, and pubs everywhere. Good food, nice atmosphere, its also a nice walk if the weather is nice. It lies on the west bank of the Tiber, and is known for its nightlife. We were looking for a specific restaurant we saw reviews of but to our luck they close on Tuesdays (who would have guessed?), instead we headed to one of the most crowded pizzerias: Margherita. Its not any fancy place, on the contrary very down to earth full of people from all ages and walk of life. Good food, not –so-good wine, but we were starving. The Nutella pizza was a good finish especially after we walked for so long before we decided where to dine.

spanish steps shopping

Above is a glimpse of the shops found at Via Dei Condotti which is at the Spanish steps, luxury at its best.And I won’t keep anything from you, but I did my part of shopping Winking smile

ciao fiamifero

I was never an icecream person till I visited Italy this summer. The Gelato is addictive, the flavors are amazing, the photos can explain it all.

 

museum copy

The images in this photo are of various cultural places, churches, and museums which are a must when visiting Rome.

la scala

La Scala was the closest place to our hotel, for one reason or the other we kept putting off going there until we had our last meal in Rome there. I seriously don’t know if it was the overall ambience, or the food was that good, I can only say it was a great meal, good service, nice setting, private, and the weather that evening was beautiful after suffering from the heat during our first few days.

rome to milan

Rome was beautiful and I would definitely go again and again, the people were very friendly and helpful, the food was great and made from the finest and freshest ingredients, allover lovely experience away from everyday stresses. The last collage is of the views on our way from Rome to Milan. Milan is different, more realistic, expect a post on Milan soon.

Before leaving you with this post, I thought I’d take you on a breathtaking, jaw-dropping tour of Rome  with this video that will leave you speechless, a video for the Lamborghini Aventador… you can thank me later, enjoy Rome…

El Palauet Living in Spain | Luxury Suites

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No matter how well planned your vacation is, where you sleep could either ruin or take your experience to a whole new level. The people behind El Palauet Living  focused on a new trend, flats instead of the “last year” boutique hotels’ concept.  El Palauet Living is a group of flats that represent this new travel experience in Barcelona, Spain.

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El Palauet Living consists of six suites constructed in a building dated back to 1906. Each suite is unique; no two are alike.

Since the building is over one hundred years old, there were many features that were kept and restored in the suites.  Features such as stained glass windows, distinctive ceilings (45 different ceilings to be exact),and hallway moldings were kept and combined with modern elements such as iconic trendy furniture by designers such as Eames, Saarinen, Van der Rohe and Starck, amongst others. Colors used were monochromatic emphasizing the beauty in the details of the historic finishes and focusing on the beautiful furniture.

Checking their website, you will notice how much El Palauet Living emphasize luxury and great service, hence they offer  guests a Personal Assistant to complete that sublime feeling of a holiday.

Check the photos below of their suites, spa, and outer terrace. You gotta love the luxury life!

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11th Andreu World International Design Contest 2011 | Design Contest

11 Concurso Internacional de Diseño Andreu World

Andreu World is a Soanish brand known worldwide for high quality contract furniture such as tables and chairs. Every year they arrange a contest to allow designers and design students from all ages and origins to participate and submit their chair or table design. You still have the chance to participate. below are the details, you can also check their facebook page or website for additional details. The pieces will be viewed by some of the world’s greatest designers.

 

From Andreu World:

Contestants: Designers of all ages, professionals and students from all fields of designs from around the world.
Design object: Chair and/or table
Prizes: 1st prize 3.000 euros, 2nd prize 1.000 euros, and 4 special mentions.
Deadline: September, 2011

In order to participate, contestants must design an item of furniture (seat or table) that contemplates all the specifications outlined by Andreu World, SA in the product .

This year’s jury:

Paolo Moroni, founder of the Sawaya & Moroni Architecture and InteriorDesign studio, Gabriele Schiavon from the La Granja Design Collective;Tobias Lutz, Director of Architonic website; interior design professional Bernadí Olegué and Paloma Leyra, editor of Harper’s Bazaar/Spain, comprise this year’s jury.

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The Tastings Room | Restaurant Design

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The Tastings Room is a new addition to the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District, Marina Square with the fine combination of French/Italian bistro cuisine and wine cellar under one roof. The restaurant’s vision was to refresh the perception of wine and food culture in Singapore by providing them at affordable prices. The overall spatial experience sandwiches the crafted black volumes between two layers of industrial aesthetics: exposed ceiling and concrete screed floor, to juxtapose/merge opposing aesthetics of being sophisticated yet affordable.

 

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The programmatic composition was divided into three areas namely Wine, Bistro and shared spaces of Wine/Bistro.  A U-shaped band of these programs was deployed as it provided the most flexible layout with regards to shared functions, main circulation and points of entry/exit.  The Central Bar sits firmly in the middle to negotiate the needs of both Wine and Bistro, as well as providing the point of sale for this establishment.The total floor area of 137 square meters has been divided percentage-wise into 7% for the ruby red wine cellar; 47% for the Wine/Bistro area which also includes the private function rooms, the storage staff area and the central bar and circulation space. The remaining 46% of the Bistro includes seating space and the kitchen.

 

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Drawing inspiration from the outer aesthetics of the dark wine bottle and antique weaved wine basket holders, the outer skin of these volumes adopt a series of black diagonal tiles while the interiors are inspired by the “hidden” flavors of wine, taking on singular hues for rooms such as the red wine cellar and yellow kitchen.

 

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