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This post is in response to Life of an Architect, Bob Borson’s post Tattoos and the professional.

I agree with Bob in that tattoos do not determine whether one is professional or not but perception can be a tricky beast.  I’d like to think that I would look ‘beyond the ink’ and see the work of that particular individual but I could also see myself silently judging someone for a poor decision in tattoo selection.  To me, tattoos are meant to be abstract, a view into one’s soul…wow, that was deep.  I did not intend to get to that level.  What I mean is that I believe tattoos should carry special meaning to the owner and not some lame saying or obscure advertisement of how “bad ass” one can be.  Seeing as this is subjective to the receiver of said tattoo, this can be hard to determine.  I also believe the location of the tattoo is just as important.  If a tattoo has special meaning to you should it be only visible to you and few others or should it be something you wear proudly for others to see?

In light of the subject, I did a quick search on google and located some architecture themed tattoos that might inspire the rebel in me.

[via Gliffy]

Floor plan tattoo.  One question.  What happens when you have to remove the extra bedroom due to value engineering?

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This post is part of a series entitled “etsy finds” of fun, creative, handmade items found on etsy.com

Here is another great item I found on etsy.  I always carry a sketchbook with me and at least 4 0r 5 different pens (varying colors, inks, etc.).  The Journal Bandolier from cleverhands is a perfect way to keep all of your pens together without needing to carry a bag of pens along with you.  The bandolier comes in a variety of prints and fabrics but I must say the reclaimed rubber is my favorite.

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Check out this blog about my friend Claire’s parent’s house construction in Chillicothe, Missouri.

[My North Missouri]

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This post is part of a series entitled “etsy finds” of fun, creative, handmade items found on etsy.com

Thanks to my good friend Claire for passing this along.  The guys at Walnut Studio are craftsman of fine hand-stitched leather bicycle accessories.  Their latest creation will assist all the bike commuters out there who want to grab a six pack after a long day at work.  This basic leather strap will secure your favorite brew between your legs and hang on to it all the way home.

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Lego just released another set to its Architecture Series, the Farnsworth House by Mies van der Rohe.  The lineup also includes Frank LLoyd Wright’s Guggenheim Museum and Fallingwater.  I’m curious to see how far they will expand this line.  I guess it takes time to not only choose a building worth including but also break it down in buildable lego pieces.

Here is my wish list for the next set in the series:

Villa Savoy – Corb

CCTV – Rem

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (AKA the Arch) – Saarinen

Sydney Opera House – Jorn Utzon

Chrysler Building – William Van Alen

Which building would you suggest to Lego for their next set?  Answer below in the comments.

[Lego]

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It’s no secret that architects have an unhealthy obsession with collecting books on architecture.  It’s also not a secret that most of those books lie on the bookshelf unread.  While doing research for another post, a series of posts actually,  I came across these children’s books about architecture.  If you have an aspiring young architect (really young!) grab these to jump start their personal libraries.

Roberto the Insect Architect

Iggy Peck, Architect

The Three Little Pigs: An Architectural Tale

Leave a comment if you know of any other architecture books for kids or if you’ve read any of the above.

 

Related Post: Even Barbie got licensed before me!

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Last week I had a chance to go and see a lecture by renowned Spanish architect Rafael Moneo. When I sat down near the front I didn’t realize that I wasn’t going to understand a word that came out of his mouth. Since I fall under the typical American whose grasp of any other language than English is what ethic food names I can recall, I’m going to let him slide on this one. He presented a few new projects that his office has been working on. I do feel I missed out on the conversation though. I can say I wasn’t overly impressed with the new work he presented compared to his earlier work that I have been familiar with.

Moneo describing the section of Columbia University’s Northwest Corner Building.

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The Tyson Living Learning Center located at Washington University in St. Louis – Tyson Research Center finally received its Living Building plaque last week, the first of two to be awarded.  The plaque has an interesting story behind it.  Each plaque starts out as a piece of salvaged lumber from Portland.  It is then shaped to the desired size and burned on the rough edge.  The graphics are laser etched and then each letter is stained by hand to stand out.  The finish is an orange oil non-toxic exterior grade finished made locally in Portland.  The petals are little metal plates with the petal name etched on it.  The idea is that a project may receive partial credit and could add the other petals as they achieve them.  A steel plate is mounted to the back and an area has been carved out so that the plaque can be mounted and used as a door pull.  It’s interesting to see how the mission of the International Living Building Institute (ILBI) is considered even in the recognition of a building.

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Well Barbie has dabbled in every major profession out there from veterinarian to  McDonald’s fry cook to physician.  Why not an architect?  She comes equipped with a scale model, fashionable cityscape-print dress, thick-rimmed glasses, and Barbie pink drawing holder.  I think it would be more realistic if she showed up late, was overpriced and underproduced, and reeked of caffeine.

I can’t wait until Mattel introduces Architecture Student Ken featuring a five o’clock shadow and dark circles around his eyes.  His accessories would of course include disheveled clothing,  half-finished drawings and a laptop that displays the blue screen of death.

At least I know what my Goddaughter is getting for Christmas this year.  Available Fall 2011.

[Architectural Record]

 

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Noteslate is a simple electronic note taking tablet that digitizes notes and scribbles as you create them.  It works in one color and only has three buttons, save, delete, and view last page.

This would be a great device for taking handwritten notes and sketches while it simultaneously makes digital copies of them that with built-in handwriting recognition that can be searched later on.  Meeting minutes would basically write themselves while you take notes during the meeting!