A Unique Architectural Gem: Prentice Women’s Hospital

Designed by Bertrand Goldberg in 1975, the Prentice Women’s Hospital stands as a testament to innovative hospital architecture. Unlike traditional hospital buildings, Goldberg’s creation defied convention, showcasing a distinctive plinth-and-tower form that prioritized flexibility and human interaction.

Interior-Driven Design

Goldberg’s design philosophy centered on allowing interior requirements to dictate the exterior form. The hospital’s layout featured a tower atop a rectilinear plinth, with the lower floors housing surgical suites, research labs, and dining areas. The plinth’s flexibility accommodated potential changes in medical technology, while the tower’s fixed structure catered to patient care, inspired by anthropological studies on human spatial interaction.

Fostered Social Bonds

The tower’s ‘four leaf clover’ plan divided each floor into communities, promoting social connections among patients. Radial corridors facilitated chance encounters, enhancing the hospital experience. Patients were equidistant from nurses’ stations, ensuring efficient care delivery and creating a sense of community within the facility.

Innovative Structural Solution

Goldberg’s vision required load-bearing walls without external columns, a feat achieved through cutting-edge aeronautics software. This pioneering structural approach enabled cantilevered walls from the building’s core, a technique unparalleled at the time. The result was a striking concrete form that defied architectural norms.

Architectural Influence

Prentice Women’s Hospital epitomized architectural trends of the early 70s, drawing inspiration from Brutalism, humanistic design principles, and the Metabolist movement. Goldberg’s synthesis of these influences created a landmark structure that transcended traditional hospital design.

Demise and Legacy

Despite its architectural significance, Prentice Women’s Hospital met a tragic fate. Northwestern University demolished the building in 2013 to make way for a biomedical research facility. Despite efforts to preserve it, including proposals from renowned architects, the hospital’s legacy lives on in architectural discourse, a testament to Goldberg’s visionary approach to healthcare design.

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Embracing Environment and Culture: Keepex Corporate Building

Nestled on the outskirts of Puerto Varas, near the Maullín River, renowned for its diverse ecosystem, the Keepex building stands as a testament to harmonizing corporate culture with the natural environment.

Fusion of Innovation and Nature

Keepex, known for its innovative technology in gas diffusion and water cycle management, envisioned a workspace that reflects its commitment to environmental stewardship. The collaboration with LAGAR Arquitectos led to the design of a Prototype Workshop and Offices that seamlessly blend with the surrounding landscape.

Integration with Nature

The building, concealed within a lush forest, respects the existing trees and riverbank, creating a tranquil environment for its occupants. An interior path winds through the forest, offering a serene journey from the entrance to the heart of the building.

Organic Spatial Design

Departing from traditional office layouts, the interior of the building features diverse spaces that encourage collaboration and creativity. Natural light floods the interior, fostering a connection with the changing rhythms of nature.

Sustainable Construction Practices

Built with laminated wood and insulated metal panels, the structure prioritizes sustainability and energy efficiency. Radiant concrete floors and carefully designed windows ensure thermal comfort and minimize environmental impact.

Environmental Responsibility

Located away from urban centers, the building minimizes its footprint on the delicate ecosystem of the Maullín River. Innovative sewage treatment systems and careful site selection mitigate potential environmental impact.

Resilience in Adverse Conditions

Designed to withstand the region’s harsh weather, including heavy rain and strong winds, the building’s orientation and architectural features optimize natural light and warmth while minimizing energy consumption.

Collaborative Design Process

The success of the project owes much to the collaborative effort between the architects and Keepex, with careful consideration given to the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the site.

By seamlessly blending innovation with environmental responsibility, the Keepex Corporate Building exemplifies a harmonious relationship between corporate culture and the natural world.

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How to Choose the Best Contemporary Living Room Set for Your Small Apartment

Furnishing a small living space requires careful consideration of both functionality and style. Whether you reside in a modern loft, a villa, or a cottage, maximizing space while maintaining aesthetic appeal is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore how to select furniture and sofas for a contemporary living room in a compact setting, ensuring optimal comfort and style.

Main Characteristics of Contemporary Style

Contemporary style emphasizes convenience, rational space organization, flexibility, innovation, and technology. Key features include:

  • Minimalism: Clean lines and simple shapes characterize contemporary furniture, creating a clutter-free environment.
  • Comfort: Despite its minimalist aesthetic, contemporary furniture prioritizes comfort, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Attractive Design: Contemporary pieces feature sleek designs with a focus on aesthetics, blending functionality with visual appeal.

Materials Used in Contemporary Style

Contemporary living rooms often incorporate modern materials that enhance the overall look and feel of the space. Common materials include:

  • Resin: Used for flooring, resin provides a seamless and visually striking surface.
  • Stoneware: Materials like rectified stoneware and porcelain stoneware offer durability and a sleek, uniform appearance.
  • Laminates: Laminates provide versatility and can mimic the look of wood or stone while offering easy maintenance.

Colors Used in Contemporary Style

Contemporary color palettes often feature a combination of white, black, and grey, creating a balanced and sophisticated look. Other popular color choices include:

  • Bright Accents: Bold colors like red, orange, or purple are used sparingly to create visual interest and contrast.
  • Neutral Tones: Beige and brown hues are used to soften the minimalist aesthetic and add warmth to the space.

How to Furnish a Contemporary Living Room in a Small Flat: 3 Useful Tips

  1. Measure the Area: Begin by measuring the dimensions of your living room, including the height of the ceiling. This will help you determine the available space for furniture and lighting fixtures.
  2. Create a Moodboard: Collaborate with an interior designer to create a moodboard that reflects your desired style and color scheme. This tool will guide your furniture and decor choices, ensuring a cohesive look.
  3. Choose and Combine Furniture: Select furniture pieces that prioritize comfort and style while maximizing space. Consider modular furniture options that offer flexibility and customization to suit your small living room.

Contemporary Living Room Sets for Your Small Flat: The Adora Collections

The Adora collections offer a perfect blend of contemporary aesthetics and functionality, ideal for furnishing small living spaces. Here are some highlights:

  • Poesia: This collection combines contemporary simplicity with classic elegance, featuring compact shapes and luxurious finishes.
  • Ambra: Characterized by neat lines and symmetrical compositions, the Ambra collection exudes elegance and sophistication.
  • Essenza: With its versatile design and luxurious details, the Essenza collection offers comfort and style in a compact package.
  • Sipario: Bold and distinctive, the Sipario collection features curved lines and luxurious accents, creating a sophisticated ambiance.
  • Diamante: Sleek and slender, the Diamante collection adds a touch of luxury with its refined design and sophisticated finishes.
  • Allure: Versatile and customizable, the Allure collection offers modular furniture options to suit any small living space.
  • Atmosfera: Combining comfort and style, the Atmosfera collection features luxurious fabrics and elegant finishes, creating a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere.

By choosing the Adora collection that best suits your aesthetic preferences, you can elevate your small living space with contemporary elegance and style.

In conclusion, furnishing a contemporary living room in a small apartment requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following these guidelines and exploring the Adora collections, you can create a stylish and comfortable living space that maximizes both space and style.

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The World of Spices: A Sensory Journey

Spices, with their diverse flavors, aromas, and medicinal properties, have captivated human senses for centuries. From enhancing flavors to preserving food and even serving as currency, spices embody richness, opulence, and intensity. It is this vibrant world of spices that inspired the design of the new Van den Berg spice company building in Graz, Austria.

A Riot of Colors and Textures

The Van den Berg spice company building, a former carpenter’s workshop nestled in the heart of Graz, exudes a unique charm. Situated in one of the city’s Secret Places, it blends into the urban fabric while maintaining an air of mystery. The design embraces a lush clash of colors, shapes, materials, surfaces, and plants, creating a visually stimulating environment.

Unveiling the Essence

During the reconstruction, the building’s valuable elements were uncovered, supplemented, or renewed. Walls were painted neutral white, and the existing black bitumen floor was expanded throughout the space. Loft-like white structural elements were introduced, providing a neutral backdrop for furniture, spices, plants, and lighting to shine.

Immersive Sensory Experience

The interior design aims to engage all senses, offering visitors an immersive journey through the world of spices. Smelling flasks allow for experiencing the unique notes of each spice, while colored foils on glass awnings filter Caribbean light into the space. Lavishly designed “Hanging Gardens” add a touch of greenery, and brightly colored seating furniture in the tasting area evokes an exotic ambiance.

Conclusion: A Multisensory Oasis

In essence, the Van den Berg spice company building is a multisensory oasis, where colors, smells, materials, and associations converge to create a vibrant and dynamic space. It embodies the essence of the spice world, inviting visitors on a sensory adventure unlike any other.

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Home Office Furniture Tips

Designing a home office that fosters productivity and comfort is essential for those who work remotely, whether full-time or part-time. Selecting the right furniture plays a crucial role in creating a conducive workspace. Before making any purchases, consider these essential tips to ensure you choose the perfect home office furniture to enhance your work experience.

Start with a Quality Desk

Home office desks serve as the central hub where most work tasks are carried out. Look for desks that offer functional features such as file drawers, pull-out keyboard trays, and ample surface space. Consider adjustable-height desks that can double as standing or drawing desks for added versatility. Executive desks provide more storage with multiple drawers but occupy more floor space. Pay attention to size, shape, drawer count, and other features to find a desk that suits your working style. Measure the desk to ensure it fits comfortably in your home office space.

Pick a Comfortable Chair

Since most home office workers spend extended periods sitting at their desks, choosing a comfortable and supportive chair is essential. Look for chairs that provide adequate back and neck support while promoting ergonomic sitting positions. Opt for chairs with adjustable height, tilt back, and adjustable neck and arm support for personalized comfort. Chairs with wheels offer mobility, allowing for easy movement around the office space, enhancing functionality.

Focus on Storage

An organized workspace is vital for maintaining focus and productivity. Invest in storage furniture such as cabinets or bookcases to keep your essentials neatly organized. File cabinets are ideal for storing and organizing paperwork, with the option of locking cabinets for confidential information. Low-profile cabinets can serve as printer stands, maximizing space efficiency. Explore a variety of bookcases to organize books and reading materials, adding both functionality and aesthetic appeal to your home office.

Consider a Furniture Set

To achieve a cohesive look in your home office, consider purchasing furniture sets that include key pieces made in the same style and finish. Home office sets typically include desks and chairs, providing a basic setup for your workspace. Alternatively, opt for modular home office sets that allow for custom configurations to suit your needs. If you prefer a more eclectic style, mix and match different pieces to create a unique office space that reflects your personality.

Additional Considerations

Before visiting a home office furniture store, consider factors such as room size and lighting. Ensure that each furniture piece fits comfortably in the office space without overcrowding. Prioritize lighting that provides clear visibility without causing eye strain or screen glare. Invest in high-quality furniture made of durable materials to ensure longevity. By keeping these tips in mind, you can select the perfect home office furniture to create a workspace that enhances productivity and aligns with your personal style and preferences.

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ESSENZA RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

Architectural Innovation: The Facade of Essenza Residential Building by Ventura + Partners

The most striking aspect of the Essenza Residential Building is its facade’s three-dimensionality, achieved through geometric rips in the concrete, resembling bodily reactions or blisters. These geometric cuts create an illusion of undulation and movement, particularly noticeable on the facade facing the park, where larger openings and a subtler protrusion effect are observed.

Integration with the Surrounding Environment

The design of the building ensures optimal utilization of park views while maintaining conceptual integrity. The geometric patterns on the facade, complemented by golden aluminum frames, add a touch of sophistication. Moreover, the vegetation in the planters enhances the facade’s aesthetic appeal, blending harmoniously with the building’s white-toned exterior.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Essenza prioritizes sustainability and energy efficiency. Solar panels are utilized for centralized water heating, with excess energy redirected to heat the fifth-floor pools, minimizing wastage. Additionally, ventilation systems and condensing boilers contribute to a significant reduction in energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

Luxury and Comfort Features

Technology and luxury finishes converge to provide maximum comfort to residents. Home automation systems, radiant floor heating in circulation spaces and living areas, and Carrara marble in bathrooms exemplify the fusion of luxury and functionality. The marble, sourced directly from Carrara and processed in Portugal, adds a touch of elegance to the interiors.

Aesthetic Harmony

Aesthetic harmony is paramount in Essenza’s design. Golden flower boxes adorn the facade, creating a vibrant contrast with the concrete and infusing the building with natural charm. This emphasis on aesthetic balance enhances the overall visual appeal of the structure.

Contribution to Urban Landscape

Essenza Residential Building seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, contributing to the architectural and constructive enhancement of the area. By embracing its proximity to the park, Essenza fosters a symbiotic relationship between architecture and nature, enriching the urban landscape.

In conclusion, Essenza Residential Building stands as a testament to architectural innovation, sustainability, and luxury, offering residents a harmonious blend of modernity and natural beauty.

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Architectural Icon Mendoza School of Architecture by Enrico Tedeschi

A Symbol of 1960s Argentine Architecture

Nestled in the city of Mendoza, the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Mendoza stands as a symbol of architectural excellence in Argentina during the 1960s. Revered for its distinctive facade, often likened to organic forms or human figures, this building represents a paradigmatic case of architectural innovation in the country.

Global Recognition and Cultural Impact

The significance of the Mendoza School of Architecture transcends national boundaries, earning international acclaim. In 2015, it was featured in the exhibition “Latin America in Construction: Architecture 1955 to 1980” at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, underscoring its global cultural impact.

Enrico Tedeschi: Architect and Visionary

Designed by Enrico Tedeschi, the building’s architect, who also served as its client and founding dean, the structure bears testimony to his visionary approach. Tedeschi, an Italian architect who arrived in Argentina in 1948, left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape through his innovative designs and profound understanding of urban planning.

Innovative Design and Technological Excellence

Situated on a deep lot, the building’s design emphasizes a spacious public entrance area, exuding a sense of monumentality without altering the urban scale. Technologically advanced for its time, the project integrates prefabricated concrete structures, facilitating efficient construction and achieving a sculptural quality seldom seen in industrial buildings.

Functional Elegance and Sustainable Solutions

Functionally, the interior spaces are characterized by open floor plans and symmetrical layouts, punctuated by a minimalist staircase design that adds to the building’s aesthetic appeal. Tedeschi’s foresight in utilizing locally sourced materials and embracing climatic considerations underscores the project’s sustainable ethos.

Enduring Legacy and Architectural Influence

Decades after its completion, the Mendoza School of Architecture remains a testament to Tedeschi’s ingenuity and architectural prowess. Its continued relevance serves as a source of inspiration for architects and urban planners, offering valuable insights into achieving efficient, economical, and environmentally responsive architectural solutions.

Enrico Tedeschi’s masterpiece stands as a timeless reminder of the transformative power of architecture, blending innovation with cultural resonance to create an enduring architectural legacy.

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Gift Ideas for the Host

When you receive an invitation to someone’s home, bringing a gift for your host or hostess is a thoughtful gesture that shows appreciation for their hospitality. While finding the right gift can sometimes be challenging, Furniture Source International offers a variety of hostess gifts suitable for any occasion.

Candles

Few gifts are as versatile and universally appreciated as candles, especially when they come in various scents like our hand-poured candles. A carefully chosen candle can bring warmth and comfort to your host’s home, serving as a lasting token of gratitude that adds a cozy ambiance, particularly during the cooler months.

Beverages

Bringing beverages as a gift allows you to contribute to the occasion’s festivities. Consider gifting a bottle of Puro Verde tequila, known for its clean and smooth taste, perfect for mixing or sipping. Pair it with a set of accompanying glasses from our store, or assemble a bartender’s kit for your host to experiment with cocktail mixing.

Kitchen Items

While traditional kitchenware may seem unconventional as a hostess gift, it can be ideal for someone you know well who is looking to expand their culinary collection. Our range of kitchen items includes napkins, tiered servers, spreaders, serving dishes, and more, offering options to complement any host’s kitchen and contribute to the meal.

Decorative Items

For a more personalized touch, consider gifting decorative items that can adorn shelves, coffee tables, or desks. Our selection of found objects and unique decor pieces varies in size, texture, and material, allowing you to find something suitable for any host or hostess. Pairing the gift with a story behind its selection adds sentimental value, making it even more meaningful to the recipient.

Explore Our Showroom

With numerous options available at Furniture Source International, you’ll find the perfect gift for your next gathering or stay. Explore our showroom to discover a wide range of thoughtful gifts that not only express gratitude but also enhance the recipient’s home decor. Who knows, you may even find something for your own home while you’re here. Visit us today to explore our diverse selection of gift ideas.

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Empowering Online Education with Klas

Klas, a Nigerian-based online teaching platform, has secured $1 million in pre-seed funding led by Ingressive Capital, with support from Techstars, HoaQ, and various angel investors. Founded in 2022 by Nathan Nwachuku and Lekan Adejumo, Klas offers a comprehensive solution for creating and selling e-books, courses, and live classes, aiming to streamline online education.

Simplifying Online Education

At the heart of Klas is a platform that simplifies the process of setting up and managing online schools. Similar to Shopify’s approach to online stores, Klas empowers users to create their virtual classrooms effortlessly. With essential features like scheduling, payments, community engagement, analytics, and video conferencing, Klas caters to a wide range of subjects, from coding and design to finance, art, and languages.

The Journey to Klas

Nathan Nwachuku, the co-founder and CEO of Klas, embarked on this venture at a young age, driven by a personal experience. Following an accident that resulted in a six-month hiatus from school, Nwachuku recognized the need for accessible online education platforms. His journey led to the inception of Klas, fueled by a passion for physics and a desire to make learning more accessible.

Bridging Gaps in the Market

Klas identified a gap in the market, recognizing that existing platforms could be overwhelming for first-time users. By offering a simple yet powerful toolset, Klas caters to beginners and seasoned educators alike. With a focus on user-friendly experiences and streamlined functionality, Klas aims to address the growing demand for online education worldwide.

Expanding Global Reach

Despite its Nigerian roots, Klas has garnered a global user base, with over 5,000 online schools and 300,000 learners across 30 countries. With a strategic focus on international expansion, particularly in India and North America, Klas aims to diversify its user base and enhance its global presence. By facilitating transactions in local currencies and offering tailored experiences, Klas seeks to meet the diverse needs of learners worldwide.

Future Growth and Innovation

Looking ahead, Klas is poised for exponential growth, with plans to power up to 100,000 online schools by 2027. While the platform currently offers a free plan with a nominal transaction fee, it anticipates introducing enterprise products to cater to large companies seeking to upskill their employees. With continued support from investors like Techstars and a commitment to innovation, Klas is set to shape the future of online education.

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Parconido Bakery Cafe: A European-Inspired Haven

Parconido Bakery Cafe, nestled in the northern region of Gyeonggi-do, stands out as a picturesque square reminiscent of European charm. Crafted with simplicity in mind, this cafe offers a cohesive space where every element, from the architecture to the furnishings and lighting, contributes to a harmonious atmosphere.

Embracing the Spirit of “Sukchulmok”

In line with the ethos of “sukchulmok,” which advocates for spaces reflecting their users, Parconido sought to capture the essence of its client’s extensive stay in Italy. However, rather than mere replication, the goal was to pay homage while infusing the space with its own distinct identity, evoking a sense of intrigue and uniqueness.

Architectural Elements

The cafe’s design draws inspiration from bustling European squares, with an amalgamation of red brick buildings and stone pillars. Columns sprawl throughout the space, enveloping it in an open-air embrace. Despite their varied shapes, all columns adhere to a 600mm radius, contributing to a sense of cohesion without monotony. Constructed using clay bricks stacked without holes, these columns are reinforced with an iron frame, resembling a layered skin.

Harmonious Integration of Furniture

Furniture, meticulously crafted in perfect circles, seamlessly integrates into the space. From concrete castings to wooden combinations and overlapping circular pipes, each piece accentuates the round motifs without overshadowing the overall ambiance.

Tranquil Aesthetics

Travertine limestone, reminiscent of European square fountains, adorns the floors, walls, and ceilings, lending a timeless elegance to the interior. Rounded angles blur the boundaries of the space, creating an illusion of expansiveness and weightlessness, further enhancing the tranquil ambiance.

Warmth of Materials

A blend of red brick, travertine, and wood imbues the space with a warm, inviting ambiance, encouraging visitors to unwind and savor the moment. Symbolically, a depiction of a sleeping baby bird nestled in a nest embodies the cafe’s ethos of providing a sanctuary where patrons can set aside their worries and bask in a sense of comfort and relaxation.

A New Chapter

Established in 2022, Parconido Bakery Cafe stands poised to carve its own legacy, offering patrons an array of freshly roasted and baked delights. With bespoke lighting and furniture designed and produced exclusively for the space, every visit promises to be a memorable experience, filled with beauty and gastronomic delights.

In conclusion, Parconido Bakery Cafe emerges as more than just a culinary destination; it’s a sanctuary where art, design, and hospitality converge to create an unforgettable experience.

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