When it comes to Belief...

Today I'd like to share something about a topic I originally meant to keep out of this blog.

But since I do want these pages here to be an instrument to share my worthiest inspirations with you guys, here's some meaningful words of a person I feel much intellectual and philosophical admiration for:

 Richard Dawkins

.. to whom I owe a lot of MINDspiration... or to put it clearer a lot of "THANKs to the Universe, I'm NOT crazy, and NOT the only one feeling a little off and out of society's common beliefs"-kinda thoughts.

This is balm for the soul of a wondering mind!

CAUTION: might cause critical reconsideration of faiths...

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

Disclaimer: Because it's maybe a critical topic to some people (though I think it shouldn't be so taboo to discuss about, actually).
I never intend to judge any whatsoever sort of religious beliefs of any person or group, do not mean to offend anyone's faith, far less to missionize my own beliefs and opinions (if you feel anger about atheism, just do not watch the video OR even better WATCH IT and learn to see unbiased with your own eyes;)
May everyone find out for themselves, what sort of thought and faith brings out the best in them, makes them strong, happy, caring, loving and peaceful! I say whatever works, goes! ;P

love to you all!

Tiki

MidweekMINDFUEL

via Joss&Main

Announcing: ARCHIthursday ^-^ ~ Dragspelhuset by "24h"

the DRAGSPELHUSET by 24h architects via Architizer

Being a student of Architecture I'm constantly surrounded by sources of spacial inspiration. Maybe everybody is, but not everyone is trained to recognize architectural design in detail, because buildings around us are taken for granted.
From now on I'll try to bring you some of the most inspiring and amazing architectures to a point here every week... to share with you the fascination I feel for the art of building(s). ;)

As a starter here's a video about the "Accordion House" or "Dragspelhuset" by Dutch bureau 24h architects
VIDEO:

http://www.veeds.org/2013/08/21/Ziehharmonika-Haus-in-Suedschweden/

(I'm sorry for non German speakers, but it's definitely worth watching even if you don't understand a word!=)

This house first caught my attention a few years ago, when I saw photos of the interior, which showed the complex shape and cavern-like curves and irregularities. The walls give the impression of a wood-shingle covered bear cave. Especially because a layer of animal pelts is attached for maximum coziness. ^-^

The house is actually an extention to an existing cabin. It was supposed to fit in it's environment without the attitude of presenting itself as of great importance. The beautiful cedar shingles were mounted by hand. Time, sun and weather give them a patina which fits in perfectly to the surrounding forest landscape.

The most innovative part though, is that this house is extendable, like an accordion. It has a built in mechanism, that allows to draw one part of the building further out, so the interior space increases!

via Architizer

For more pictures and details, please read more after the break ;)

Vernacular built-in Architecture...

For a seminar course in architectural constructions, I've been researching some vernacular architecture styles in different climate regions lately. By now I'm not feeling ready to write really competent info about it, but I noticed this much... People seem to have some kind of archaic interest to built-in their houses into landscapes...and not only easy to inhabit ones!!! o.Ô
It certainly gives an advantage in defense, when your home is camouflaged and hard to access by potential enemies and predators... But it also means a hardship on yourself when trying to get there I guess. ;b
Nevertheless I'd soooo allured to visit some of THESE following examples of (non-)architectural masterpieces in natural integration!!

Check them out! ^--^  ...  which one would you choose to live in for a while!?!?

(I know my pick damn well...can you guess?) ;b

Hanging Monastery in China via make4fum.com

via allthingsstylish.tumblr.com

via marthastewartweddings.com

via theStewart

. . . FOR THE COMPLETE ARTICLE :

Wood needs to be naked...

     Some days ago I cracked my teapot, having the freshly boiled water spilled all over our kitchen counter. Worse things happen of course, since it was just water, BUT our counter is of barely treated (we oiled it roughly just once) beechwood. It soaks water quite fast and already has lots of coves, rifts and stains. That reminded me on how urgently we wanted to fix that kitchen problem - but somehow I don't really want to. I like that used look it has gotten.
    Flaws here and there, patina and purity... don't you think, too, that this gives the material a certain honesty and more corporeal, palpable feeling of reality?
I know there're options to conserve woods, without influencing their natural look too much.
But still, I wanna see my wood counter live and wither. ;)

Impermanence is so much more exciting than pretended immortality!

   These are some adorable examples of patina-permitted wood used in Interiors.

via The Yellow Door Paperie

via The Persuit Aesthetic

by Rikki Tikki via Schoener-Wohnen.de

via Schöner Wohnen.de

Leaf Umbrellas

Leaf from below...as seen on Indiana Public Media

Orang-Utan in the rain - found on Mongabay.com

In this ever more futuristic, technical-based and digitally controlled world we live in, isn't it revitalizing
to discover some more nature inspired design, that speaks to our archaic instincts and comforts some
of our deeply rooted needs...?
Like taking shelter.
In fact this might be one of THE most natural and basic instincts, that applies to all sentient beings!
Be it for rain or sun or to hide from predators, even animals use tools for taking shelter.

And humans surely did that since their earliest states of appearance on this earth.

Found on dftvpress.org

taken from dailypicksandflicks.com

 

 

 

 

So how about some Leaf-like designed Umbrellas today?! =)

The first one you might already know.
Droog Design presented the Shadylace Parasol, designed by Dutch Designer Chris Kabel a few years ago. On the big Interior Fair "immCologne" 2010 I had the pleasure to stand under it and enjoy the wonderful shadow plays it produces around you.
It's among the Top Sellers on Droog's site, still costs 235€.
One day I'll purchase one of these...hopefully. ;)
Oh, don't overlook the sweet birdie figure attached on top! =D

SHADYLACE PARASOL

This next one here - shared by my favourite painter artist JOSH KEYES on his Facebook page - is responsible for this post in the first place.
Oh, that reminds me on how urgently I need to write apost about Josh's work!!!
Stay tuned for that, or go find out yourself - that man's got a wicked talent!

from Third Drawer Down

I bid on this here on ebay.de, but unfortunately didn't win the auction =,( *snif*

from The Sign Maker

designed by Shinmura DesignOffice

I think this one's my favourite! Not just printed, but sewed on leaves!

Galleria Palm Tree Folding Umbrella by Outblush

found on Polyvore

sold out they say...what a pity! =/ - from Shade USA

by Ella Doran - Kensington Umbrella

these are only shaped as one leaf, but still nice! ^^ - found on Rakutan Global Market

this here goes even more natural:

the Banana Leaf Umbrella