Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering in Stuttgart, Germany, have created a dynamic lighting solution for offices that simulates an open sky effect. The luminous ceiling recreates subtle changes in natural lighting conditions, including passing clouds, to enhance work conditions for office employees.
via LED Ceiling Tiles Create A Virtual Sky For The Office – PSFK.
The tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks is this coming Sunday, and New Yorkers across the city are reflecting and remembering the lives of those who were lost. The city is planning a day-long vigil on September 11, which will include the opening of the highly anticipated national 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero. Designed by architect Michael Arad and landscape architect Peter Walker, the memorial consists of a peaceful tree-filled plaza and two reflecting pools in the exact places where the towers once stood.
via 9/11 Memorial Uses Green Design to Create a Place of Remembrance | Inhabitat New York City.
This mesmerizing behemoth of concrete, steel and beguiling timber, is Metropol Parasol. Located in Spain’s capitol, the 4 floor, multipurpose icon, includes a farmers market, archaeological museum, elevated plaza, bars and restaurants underneath, making it more than just a vision of architectural beauty, in an already culturally gorgeous city. The modern interpretation of an urban center is a place to be inspired, but also to do the everyday things you do in city life.
The Miner and a Major is an experiment in communal living and fantastical form. A New York story of creativity born from hardscrabble circumstance, the project grew out of the joint imagination of three architects with a limited budget.
These days it seems like more and more companies expect their employees to clock longer hours at the office and increase productivity. But without giving them more incentive–other than the incentive not to get a pink slip–it’s hard to motivate people to work any harder or longer than absolutely necessary. That’s why some of the best companies in the world work hard to make their offices fun, creative and a place employees look forward to going every day.
via Amazing Office Spaces from Around the World — Life Scoop.
