The simple use of green road paint to create an urban oasis in this very drab part of the capital has instantly lifted the otherwise dark, dingy and occasionally unsafe area. The 1,000 square metre area now called “Green Square” shows that even the secondary use of the colour green can help lift the spirits of humanity.

Vallo Sadovsky Architects have also worked on BA_LIK, another city initiative to re-invigorate previously neglected areas of the city of Bratislava. The pavilion structure creates an open space for public use and can also be moved around and used for various performances and exhibitions. It’s all about creating and interesting, green and free space for people to better interact with their urban environment. We think it’s great!

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The original plans (bottom left) show the never-built Swanston Street entrance and vaulted glass ceilings covering the platforms. How stunning.

The unsuccessful 1976 redevelopment (centre image). Did someone say tall ugly towers?

The 1980s Festival markets (right image), which were approved to be built above the existing platforms and then abandoned when the recession hit.

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Callum Morton, for those who would love to get acquainted, is a Melbourne based artist who’s fresh approach to existing architecture and how he transforms it has made him well known on the international art scene.

The exhibition features almost 20 years of his work most of which has never been seen including Monument #25: Vortex, a glass-fronted shop constructed by the artist on-site and will also feature a series of drawings dating back in the early 1989 until today.

The exhibition runs until the 16th of October 2011 so make sure you schedule in a visit.

Heide Museum of Modern Art

7 Templestowe Road,

Bulleen,

Victoria

• Callum Morton, 2004 Medieval World - Image from www.roslynoxley9.com.au

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• Farnshaven, Illinois 2001 © All rights reserved Callum Morton 2011 Australia

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• CALLUM MORTON Monument #25: Grotto, 2009 - Image from annaschwartzgallery.com

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• CALLUM MORTON Hotel, 2008 - Image from annaschwartzgallery.com

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• Toys_R_Us_large

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Daily Tonic came up with the goods and have featured a great build by dRN Architects (CL) in Chile, South America.

dRN Architects have created this amazing lodge in the Chilean Andean Alps of Farellones, where stone-meets timber-meets snow, in perfect harmony.

Check out his little gem below or find out more at http://www.dailytonic.com/mountain-refuge-los-canteros-by-drn-architects-cl/ and just imagine the fresh air on your face!

• Mountain Refuge Los Canteros by dRN Architects

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• Mountain Refuge Los Canteros by dRN Architects

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• Mountain Refuge Los Canteros by dRN Architects

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• Mountain Refuge Los Canteros by dRN Architects

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• Mountain Refuge Los Canteros by dRN Architects

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• Mountain Refuge Los Canteros by dRN Architects

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• Mountain Refuge Los Canteros by dRN Architects

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Friedensreich Hundertwasser - www.hundertwasser-friedensreich.com

I thought I would give the late, ‘eccentric and playful Viennese artist’ and architect ‘Friedensreich Hundertwasser’ a quick plug.

From what I can gather he was an outspoken individual that worked across a variety of design mediums, writing manifestos, designing posters and stamps and traveling to places such as Morroco, Tunisia, Nepal, Tokyo and Siberia for inspiration for his projects.

He rejected rationalism, straight lines and functional architecture and embraced the use of colour and irregular forms, with his sense of adventure being evident in his designs.

He was active in the late 1960′s, early 70′s ecological movement and was ‘committed to making life liveable in a humane environment that was close to nature’. His projects providing him with the opportunity to act as what he called an “architecture doctor”.

‘It was Hundertwasser’s goal to reshape austere buildings by introducing irregular structures and vegetation in a harmonious fashion’ and it’s hard not too feel a sense of excitement when you look at these designs.

I especially enjoyed finding this quote from him …

“If man walks in nature’s midst, then he is nature’s guest and must learn to behave as a well-brought-up guest.”

• Hundertwasser in New Zealand in 1998 - wikipedia.org

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• In Essen, Germany, the Ronald McDonald House - www.solaripedia.com

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• Bad Blumau Hotel - www.solaripedia.com

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• The Quixote Winery in California's Napa Valley - www.solaripedia.com

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• 800px-Darmstadt-Waldspirale-Hundertwasser3

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• House by Friedensreich Hundertwasser in Plochingen Germany -

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• 800px-Magdeburg_Hundertwasserhaus

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• Village Model by Austrian artist/architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser

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• The Hundertwasserhaus apartment block, Vienna

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• hundertvasser1- Green Roofs.com

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• Friedensreich Hundertwasser

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Patrick Dougherty - 'Stickwork'

My colleague Jess in Melbourne was recently surfing the www for inspiring sculptural ideas to decorate her new outdoor space when the amazing Patrick Dougherty caught her eye. Patrick creates incredible organic sculptures from tree saplings that have an almost eerie ghost like quality. These sculptures are truly larger than life and each one is designed and executed without the use of nails or any other supportive hardware.

These art forms constructed from tangles of twigs and branches envelops the viewer and resonates with people in a personal way.

Patrick began his journey in 1980 from his home in North Carolina USA and quickly expanded to include his creations of over 200 works in both private and public spaces from Italy, France, Japan, England and most other continents around the globe.

To view Patrick’s official website click here or to watch the man himself in action click here.

• UffDaNight_Todd-Mulvihill_2_lg

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• standbyme

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• callofthewild

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• owaiawi_1

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• Ain't Misbehavin

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• owaiawi_1

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• paradisegate

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• sittinpretty

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• twigs-661

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• patrick-440x292

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  Patrick Dougherty

  

• Patrick Dougherty - Stickwork

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• owaiawi_1

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• standbyme

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Frank Lloyd Wright - 'Falling Water'

The other night I was sitting around thinking about my perfect house – as you do. I started by scribbling down some rough floor plans and elevations, then after about an hour, (…it’s amazing how time fly’s) I flicked off all the eraser dust, stood back and smiled upon my creation with utmost pride. Wow, what a place.

Then a bit of Déjà vu kicked in…. why does this drawing seem so familiar?

…Then it hit me, the brilliant Frank Lloyd Wright! Without realizing it, I had blatantly been committing plagiarism.

So although I am still yet to create my own perfect design, (think I’ll save that little project for another night now…) I decided to flick back through the architectural wonders of this great man and rediscover his brilliance.

For those of you who also love him and wish to revisit some of his design creations, I encourage you to click here, it’s really worth the visit.

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Tree Museum by Enzo Enea- Photography by Martin Rütschi ©

An open-air tree museum located on 10ha of land near Lake Zurich has just opened it doors. This open-air museum is the brainchild of well know Landscape Architect ‘Enzo Enea’ and showcases an array of trees he has collected over the past 17 years.

I personally love to stroll around the MCA or the Art gallery of NSW on a lazy Sunday afternoon, so put a museum outside on the shores of the beautiful Lake Zurich….a few amazing 100 year old maples…. chestnuts.. and I’m there! I also grew up with the notion of planting a tree to mark certain milestones in life such as a birth, marriage or death and love the subtle significance they offer in history. It’s great to see them getting the respect they deserve.

What makes this museum a truly special place, is the fact that the trees being exhibited were destined to be cut down to make room for development’s in the inner cities. One of these being a 150 year old Horse chestnut tree that was a centre meeting point in a Swiss town during World War 1 and 2. It still has the pins in the bark!

Enzo Enea has designed over 600 gardens in his time, with some very prestigious clients such as Prince Charles, Tina Turner and the Queen of Bahrain and has achieved this with a well respected practice employing 150 staff in Zurich. Click here to view his website for more info…

Or click here to check out some more images of the Tree Museum courtesy of Landezine.

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