Le 56

This project explores the possibilities of an urban interstice to be transformed into a collectively self-managed space. Initiated in 2006 in St. Blaise area, in the East of Paris, the project engaged a partnership between local government structures, local organisations, inhabitants of the area and a professional association which run training programmes in eco-construction. The management of the project gives space and time to construction, the construction site becoming itself a social and cultural act.

The project has an important take on the notion of proximity and active borders. Neighborhood walls transform the boundaries of the site into interactive devices, which rather than separating, multiply exchange and connections. Another strong take is on the ecological aspect: energetic autonomy, recycling, minimal ecological footprint, a compost laboratory.minimal ecological footprint, a compost laboratory.

For more information: http://56stblaise.apinc.org/mspace/index.php

So simple...

Rubbish in Tokyo

I quite like seeing the colourful stacks of gomi on morning walk in Tokyo!All those little boxes tied neatly together. All those beer cans neatly separated.

Wowww

I like to ride, the problem is always that I must have so much stuff with me but here is finally one cycle of stylists.

Look Mum, no hands!

 London

 Look Mum No Hands is the clever name of a new cafe/bar/bike workshop that recently opened in Old Street. Here you can enjoy some seriously delicious coffee and cake while your bike is being tended to by an expert bicycle mechanic. The interior of the former architectural showroom is pared down and airy, with a select few beautiful vintage bikes on display in the window and some large prints of past races on the walls. The minimalist look of the space is enhanced with striking details, such as the vintage lamps above the bar that have the added quirky touch of hanging from bicycle chains. They also have a lovely outdoor area that will no doubt be very busy on sunny days. The relaxed, fuss free space and staff have won me over and I will definitely not wait for bicycle problems to go there again.

Poster pocket planters

Eric Cheung and Sean Martindale

In the name of nature

Mexican Kitchen

Exhibition at Venaria Reale, Torino, 2008

Materials: Recycled Mexican gas cooker, Steel structure, mirrors, 8 recycled fruit crates, 8 laminated Lambda photographs, various kitchen ustensils, taps, wheels.

Outdoors

I've seen this type of vertical garden at the Perhing Hall Hotel in Paris and I hear Andrée Putman (the architect) that has plans to install one at the Morgan Hotel in New York that she originally designed twenty years ago.

It rains and you want to sit down

Verticality of root vegetable

Looks at re-introducing and re-evaluating traditional oral knowledge of food preservation, which is closer to nature. Observing the food and therefore changing the notion of food preservation, we could find the answer of current situation such as overuse of energy and waste of food.

Vital Branch

We often hear news about disappearing forest, but it is so difficult and complicated to plant a tree. We use many disposable products from time to time. If the disposables keep a plant seed in their body and they can be decomposed, people will make earth more green by sticking ‘Vital Branch’. ‘Vital Branch’ is made of Mater-Bi that is a corn compound, can be decayed by microorganism 100 percent. Stick a vitality into the ground.

Vegetable in suitcases

These are called 'urbanbuds' and are shaped in the form of a movable suitcase, filled with soil. Users can grow vegetables and fruits on each side of the structure.
Can be used in public spaces.

Identity + Refuge - experimental catwalk

Lucy Orta, 1995-1996

Materials: Experimental catwalk in collaboration with the Salvation Army Paris and New York, as a result of workshops conducted with the residents of the Cité de Refuge in Paris.

Concept
Working collectively with residents of the Cité de Refuge in Paris, over a period of four months, a small group designed and manufactured outfits made from the second-hand clothing that had been donated to the thrift store. As the residents had explained, one of their greatest losses, along with their homes, was their sense of identity in a city that had no place for them. They felt isolated, and missed feeling productive and creative.