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Archive for April, 2009
A Window by any Other Name…
As with any profession, Architecture has a specialized vocabulary that is a bit esoteric, especially when discussing historic buildings. We use words like façade, volutes and eaves, words that are useful only to architects and crossword puzzle enthusiasts. One of my favorites is fenestration. It is obscure, unusual, and it sounds a little dirty.
Keeping the balance
Presently I am studying for the LEED-CI [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Commercial Interiors] exam, working on the Indiana Convention Center Expansion and national headquarters for the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades in Hanover, Maryland. Due to my schedule, I have asked Anna Bogus to be RATIO’s consistent Interior Design blogger. Check out the wonderful art posted on her current blog!
Rain Gardens To The Rescue – Part II
Portland advanced the rain garden concept a number of times in different ways. One of the most intriguing applications is the Glencoe Elementary School Rain Garden. The need arose due to frequent flooding in homes near the school caused by overloaded sewers. At just 1900 square feet in size, the rain garden receives runoff from a 34,000 square foot residential area watershed. Flow volumes measured over 9 months prior to the construction of the rain garden indicated that sewers received 2,418 cubic feet per inch of rain. Volumes measured after construction showed that only 156 cubic feet per inch of rain entered the storm sewer system – a total runoff reduction of 94%.
Recycle This
One of my favorite things about working on the KIB headquarters was teaming with local artists to showcase their work throughout the space. Barbara Zech was instrumental in this effort and, coincidentally, one of her pieces in the space is a favorite of mine. Mounted above the reception desk, this handcrafted art piece recalls raw, weathered concrete but is made entirely of recycled & salvaged paper.
The Outdoor Room
Okay, okay. I promised myself (and others) I wouldn’t write about weddings. But, alas, I have developed an unhealthy preoccupation of late, and that is a promise I cannot keep.
Today’s obsession: the outdoor room. Since our decision to tie the knot & celebrate in a beautiful outdoor setting, I’ve become increasingly fascinated with how others have found ways to create the “outdoor room”. Among the most curious to me is the ballroom-sized frame tent, complete with windows, French doors, portable wood floors, lighting, heating, & ventilation (although I’ve seen beautiful versions of this, one has to wonder, why even bother with an outdoor event?). And one of my favorite interpretations (and most eccentric?) is the guest room tent outfitted with real beds, nightstands, & even bedside lighting! › Continue reading
Comic Sans, Nothing Funny About It
The font menu built into our computer software programs is a powerful tool. It gives us the ability to convey emotions, thoughts and ideas by making a simple selection. Many of these fonts have become overused, but Comic Sans stands out among the others in terms of wide spread inappropriate use. The application of this font has gone far beyond its original intent, which was to design a typeface that imitates comic book lettering.
Raingardens to the Rescue
Portland is one place that has realized what natural systems can achieve relative to urban water quality and quantity management.
In 2003, the City installed their first urban raingardens in a residential neighborhood on NE Siskiyou Street. The raingardens consisted of curb extensions located on either side of the street at the low end of the block, and serve a 10,000 square foot watershed.
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