A different kind of Tour

Maybe it's because I've been watching the Tour de France every evening 

and, now that it's over, I want more of the excitement of new scenery... 

Whatever it is, I have itchy feet... I really want to set off on an adventure; 

explore a new city....

So I guess it's rather timely that I web-hopped upon this architectural 

wonder in Seville, Spain, completed in April 2011... Metropol Parasol.

Don't you just love the way it pops out from all the 

box shapes of the city's architect? 

 Designed by J.Mayer H Architects, it's part of  a re-development project for the 

Plaza de la Encarnacion, formerly an archeological site.

I just love it's organic form... 

As an entity in itself I find it so incredibly inspiring and uplifting.

Luckily for the locals it also has some functions with an archeological 

museum, a farmers market and bars and restaurants included in the mix ;)

Can't you just see yourself strolling through, or coming upon 

the parasols when wandering down a narrow laneway?

I haven't been to Seville since 1994... it's on the list now.

Have you travelled there recently? Have you seen the Parasols?

I'd love to hear what you think.

via

Inspiration: Basque Architecture

Many years ago now... my eldest daughter was one and a half I think, so eleven years ago now... when we were still living in London and we went for a trip to Bilbao in Spain to see the new Guggenheim. It had only just opened and we were mesmerised by its beauty and totally charmed by the then-untouched city of Bilbao. Unfortunately, we haven't been back since but I imagine Bilbao has become much more of a metropolis (or at least more used to tourists!) So, I was delighted when I came across this story in one of the architecture newsletters about the new Basque Health Department Headquarters in Bilbao. Isn't it divine? I'm not an architect but I do so love architecture and find it eternally inspiring. What I'd really like to do is to create similar patterning on my brooches... maybe a 3-D bubble not unlike the formation at the top of the building. I love that this city has continued to embrace such a brave architectural frontier. The architects are Coll-Barreu Arquitectos and you can find them here for more info about the building.

Dream Home

I've found my dream home. An amazing combination of minimalism and warmth... concrete walls (tick) black floor tiles (tick) wooden cabinets and furniture (tick, tick) birch forest in back yard (tick) loads of balloons and colour (tick, tick). This is the David Chipperfield-designed home of photographer Nick Knight – a 1950s Surrey house that was reworked in 1990 and further expanded in 1998. I came across it in Issue 2 of Adam & Eve Magazine. Apparently, Chipperfield is currently working on a new house for Nick Knight... Wonder which lucky person will end up living in this dream...