5.21.2011

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.

5.06.2011

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


Oversized top
50 EUR - modekungen.se

Supertrash gold skirt
50 EUR - welikefashion.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?