Now for Something Completely Different...

Just thought I'd share the work of fashion illustrator Cate Parr.  I think she has a beautiful sense of utilizing both the positive and negative in her work - what she hasn't painted is just as important as what she has, resulting in dramatic images (I think as designers we can learn a lot from her techniques).

Hong Kong Nightclub

This is Urbanplunger's third place entry in a competition to design a nightclub in Hong Kong...pretty different approach to utilizing every inch available in a dense urban environment (read more at ArchDaily.

Chinese Kindergarten

This is the BaiTang One Kindergarten in Jiangsu, China (for 480 students...can't image that many kindergarteners in one place).  The major forms organized along a strong central spine create a very interesting composition.  More on this project at ArchDaily.

Bishan Public Library

The images on this post are of the Bishan Pulic Library in Singapore by LOOK Architects...really interesting.  See more about this project at ArchDaily.

How Big Is It?

The Scale of the Universe is graphically illustrated from the smallest sub-atomic particles all the way up to the observable universe (interesting to see where some man-made icons fall on the spectrum)...just a way-cool website to geek out to...

--Kent

America's Design and Health Initiative

The byline of the recent AIA Center for Value of Design proposition is that "it is time for architects to consider their role in the public health debate."  In particular, what is the role designers play (either positive or negative) in the obesity epidemic in America?  This is a debate that is well worth joining and the AIA has created the ADHI to advance the dialogue.

--Kent

Michael Graves Speaks at TEDMED

Michael Graves, recepient of the 2012 Richard M. Driehaus Prize, spoke about hospital room design at TEDMED 2011 - check out his inspirational talk at ArchDaily.

--Kent

DC Controversy for Gehry

Frank Gehry's (winning) proposal for the Eisenhower Memorial is starting to generate a lot of criticism both inside and outside the architectural community.  This article posted on ArchDaily outlines the recent harsh words from Leon Krier.  I'm sure this is only the beginning of a passionate debate for a memorial that will take a prominent place on the national mall - which side do you take?

--Kent

Your Argument is Invalid...

Satisfied Patients = Poor Outcomes???

For those who haven't seen it yet, there was an interesting article distributed in a recent Daily Briefing from The Advisory Board..the gist of the article is that some recent research has shown that higher patient satisfaction scores are actually linked to poorer clinical outcomes.  My first thought was that this can't be correct, but after thinking it over I can understand how this could be the case - however, it seems to me that there may be a fundamental flaw in the causal link hypothesized by the research.  While both clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction are desirable features in any healthcare facility, it is certainly possible to have one without the other (we've all seen institutions that are delivering quality care in facilities that don't live up to patient expectations)...I think more than anything this research points out how disengaged most patients are from their own healthcare experience - to the point that "creature comforts" can trump quality of care.  Somewhere in all of this is a proper balance, and hopefully as healthcare facilities designers we can help find it.  What do you think?

--Kent

Shortlist!

Just thought everyone would like to know that we're on the shortlist for the Temple project...interviews are set for this Friday (everyone keep their fingers crossed - this would be a nice project to win).

--Kent

More than just mountains and cheese...

You'll notice that I'll include a lot of stuff from/about Switzerland on here (a hold over from living there) - the Swiss have a way of integrating the thoroughly modern with their rich history in a way that enhances both.  Check out more of this project in Rapperswil at Architzer.                                                                                           

--Kent

First!

Welcome to the Array Healthcare Facilities Solutions Yellow Studio blog!  I'm starting this very informal forum as a way for the Yellow Studio community to share things that are of interest to our practice...things that are relevant, educational, or just plain fun...I'd like to encourage everyone to participate and contribute to the conversation.

--Kent