2011 STL Design Week video from Kuhlmann Leavitt, Inc. on Vimeo.
Architecture
25
Mar 11
Folded thermal mass
Image from A/N Blog
Think thermal mass walls are just massive, dominating concrete walls? Think again. Check out this passive strategy on A/N Blog:
22
Mar 11
Gehry’s new music hall
Frank Gehry’s new music hall is featured in this New York Times architectural review: “Gehry Design Plays Fanfare for the Common Man.”
What is interesting is his concept for regarding a younger audience in classical music. He has placed the practice spaces so they are visually accessible from the lobby and added balconies for musicians in the audience seating area. Large white convex forms are planned as projection spaces for collaborations between artists and composers.
While I like the idea of seeing muscians practice, I am curious about the visual aspect. While some of the performaces are very interesting, at times I find them distracting when focusing on the music. It will be interesting to see if this feature draws in younger crowds. 
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/24/arts/design/24gehry.html
16
Jul 10
Building Envelopes Available for Purchase!
The book has officially been released! You can secure your copy at several bookstores.
Here is a link to the listing at Borders! Enjoy!
http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=1568988184
28
May 10
Behold the power of the pen
Image from Architecture Record Website
Today we are holding a sketching competition in the office as part of the Architectural Record, Cocktail Napkin Sketch Competition. This competition seeks to the power of a sketch. Winners will receive an entire box of cocktail napkins with their winning sketch!
So grab a beverage, a napkin, and your favorite pen! Download the official entry form here.
20
May 10
It's our version of the Nobel prize… or the Oscars.
It’s our version of the Nobel Peace prize… or the Oscars. The Rock-Stars of architecture turned up on Ellis Island for the Pritzker Prize on May 17th. The architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa shared the highly coveted honors. They join the company of Zaha Hadid, Tadao Ando, Renzo Piano, and Rem Koolhaus et. all.
Philip Johnson was the first honored in 1979. I adore the New York Times description of these mega architects: “But perhaps it’s the canonization of the Architectus Celebritatus, that exotic species also known as the starchitect — a crossbreed between temperamental artist and brilliant problem-solver, idealistic do-gooder and opportunistic megalomaniac, starchy geek and shameless glamour puss — that is the prize’s most enduring legacy.”
Personally, I tend more toward the Architects for Humanity and Design like you Give a Damn philosophy. Nonetheless, a crowning achievement for this pair of architects. So break out your best black duds, round spectacles, and a bow tie, it is time to celebrate!
Photo from the New York Times website, accessed 05.20.2010.
Read the full article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/20/fashion/20pritzker.html
20
May 10
St. Louis Bridge Bash!
Downtown St. Louis, Friday May 21st, the long urban barrier, the sky bridge over Washington Avenue will be finally dropped! There will be much rejoicing, music, and a large wrecking ball. Per the Partnership for downtown click here for all the details.
The party starts at 4 Pm with dancing in the closed streets. Come down and celebrate the urban renewal!
19
May 10
Building Envelopes coming soon!
Since winter of 2008, I served as a research assistant to Jenny Lovell on her upcoming book, Building Envelopes: An Integrated Approach. The book will be published later this fall by Princeton Architectural Press and is available for pre-order now. Check it out! Congrats to Jenny Lovell on a task well done! Click here to read more.
25
Jan 10
Available: Architect
In this economy, may architects have found themselves out of work. I can’t think of a single architect who does not know someone who has not been impacted. This is an interesting look at how some architects are making it work in the New York Times. Whether it be the architect featured on NPR for setting up his 5 cent booth in Seattle or the woman making ice cream sandwiches, they are finding a way.
