Citizen Architect : : Rural Studio

Another must see documentary.  Citizen Architect explores the life and legacy of Samual Mocbee, founder of Rural Studio, a design-build architecture studio run by Auburn University that aims to teach students the social responsibilities of the profession of architecture.  Students learn by doing, designing and building homes for families in the heart of one of Alabama's poorest areas.  This inspiring documentary lends a new perspective to the purpose of architecture - it has the power to make our lives better.  

The Polito House, 1938 : : Raphael Soriano, Architect

Just Listed!

Restored three level Bauhaus cube resting on a street-to-street lot in lower Sunset Strip.  Urbane kitchen, living and dining zones are surrounded by a continuous band of well proportioned horizontal steel casement windows and doors leading to the outside.  Master suite and adjacent office or additional bedroom with select city views.  20' high by 10' high opaque glass wall washes light - threading the staircase through each volume. Swimmers pool, sunning platforms and bridge to terraced gardens lend to seamless entertaining. A rare example of International, pre-mid-century architecture in Los Angeles.

1650 Queens Road, Los Angeles 

for sale $1,895,000

presented by George Penner & Josh Gaunya : : deasy/penner&partners : : 310.275.1000

My Home As Art Pick : : Vicente Terrace

Home As Art Pick 

Custom home designed and built to cater for those who want it all! Designed by Lee+Mundwiler, winner of 2006 AIA National Award . Absolutely stunning! This 4 bedroom 4 bathroom, glass home located in prime Santa Monica, only steps from the sand and ocean. Soaring two-story light-filled entry, gourmet eat-in kitchen with Cesar stone and walnut lacquer. Great entertaining living room with soaring ceilings, walls of sliding glass and a two-way fireplace. 2-car garage. Chic & sophisticated. The property is an ultimate work of art.  

7 Vicente Terrace, Santa Monica

for sale $3,995,000

contact us to request a showing : : 310.275.1000

presented by Helena Chontos & Aouri Makhlouf : : Coldwell Banker

My Napkin As Art

The humble little cocktail napkin.  So frail and unassuming, yet the so often the birthplace of art and innovative ideas.  For the past three years, Architectural Record has hosted a cocktail napkin sketch contest open to Architects and non-professionals.  They've sifted through thousands of entries and posted the winners online.  Here are a few of our favorites.  

You can see more sketches here: 2010 / 2011 / 2012

 

Maps!

Bored? Hungry? Or do you just need to get the lay of the land?  These illustrated maps will point you in the right direction, or would look great framed on your wall. 

from top to bottom

1. LA neighborhoods  2. Topanga Canyon  3. anti-boredom  4. Santa Monica  5. Old LA  

6. Abbot Kinney  7.  Bike and Trail (detail)  7. where to eat  8. city heart 

The ABC of Architects

Happy Monday!  We instantly fell in love with this video, The ABC of Architects by Colombian Graphic Artist Federico Gonzales. An animated list of 26 architects and their best known buildings. Simply delightful. Enjoy!