| Umicore Office Building by Conix Architects Posted: 01 Dec 2011 04:12 PM PST Conix Architects designed a new office building for Umicore, a materials technology company, located in Hoboken, Belgium. 
. Description from the architects: The company plant of Umicore, south of the Antwerp agglomerate, is part of a larger industrial park. The site is a city in itself but lacks structural cohesion and coherence. Conix Architects had to structure this complex site to promote a new corporate identity. In order to intergrate the plant better into its surroundings and generate an improved feeling on the whole, reconversion was considered. Conix Architects developed a strategy which creates a new and more accessible identity for the company. The strengths and weaknesses of the terrain were determined. Based on this, Conix Architects drew up a master plan, including the problem areas and particular issues. The master plan points out the complexity and diversity of the necessary actions. Consequently, the perception and emothions of future visitors and employees are also considered. The functionality and flow of logistical activities are revised and modified, where needed. Multiple spatial changes are made: adding a compact tower building with offices, screens, green areas, billboards, signage and route descriptions and the renovation of a number of important industrial buildings. The new office building is the eye-catcher, encapsulating and generating the company’s new corporate identity. It offers a place to stop on the main axis which runs through the entire site. By narrowing and shaping the street profile, the idea of an entry area is created, an element that was lacking. The office building is unrestrained in design in contrast to the monotonous and randomly selected surroundings. The design draws one’s attention, in an emotional response, counter to the existing rational background. By positioning the building at a slight angle, the axis of the central entry road is broken. The powerful look and feel creates an innovative image, thus modernizing the company. Umicore is ready to face the 21st century as a dynamic and innovating company.               Visit the Conix Architects website – here. Photography by Serge Brison . .  |
| Alnwick Road House by Park + Associates Posted: 01 Dec 2011 05:33 AM PST |
| The Drop Light by Doolight Posted: 01 Dec 2011 04:50 AM PST South Korea-based Doolight have introduced the Drop Light. 
. Description from Doolight: The 'Drop Light' is a brand new concept which brings us total freedom to create the interior mood via our lighting. The 'Drop Light' is cordless, heatless and limitless. It consists of rechargeable lights, or 'drops', which can be utilized as individual lamps; therefore, you can locate them anywhere in your home, adjust their intensity and create limitless moods. It works in just the same way as ordinary lighting when the drops are on the leaf base. However, thanks to the highly efficient rechargeable battery inside the drops, the drops hanging from the leaf base charge irrespective of whether or not the light is in use, so you can separate them from the base and use them as portable lamps at any time. The 'Drop Light-mini', which uses only a single 'drop', is an alternative for smaller and more intimate settings. This lovely little lamp can be located in doorways or on tables to enrich and enliven your home life.     Visit the Doolight website – here. .  |
