Defunct Observation Wheel Envisioned as Flying Tram Depot

I was really excited this morning to see a proposal by Buro North, Peter Bennett and Squint Opera. Their futuristic proposal is a reuse concept for Melbourne’s ill-fated Southern Star Observation Wheel. Under their vision, the currently defunct Wheel is converted into a tram depot for flying steam powered trams. And if you remember, the future is of cause, where we all live and travel in the sky

Architecture and Conflict at the Union Terrace Gardens Aberdeen

I am fascinated with the concept of a ‘city centre’ primarily because Sydney doesn’t have one! (unless we count George Street which is a big ass congested road) and also because of their public contribution to city. I have recently come across two conflicting proposals for the historic Scottish city of Aberdeen.

Different plans have been developed to revive the area and attract more people to the city centre.

The Ultimate Trottoir Roulant Guide

What’s the difference between a ninja and a trottoir roulant? One we know; the other is a complicated moving walkway system first introduced in Paris in 1900. Don’t get mixed up, though – the trottoir roulant isn’t your typical airport walkway, designed to move groups of sluggish Americans (usually) from one domestic gate to the next. The trottoir roulant is, however and in fact, the ninja of moving walkways: avant garde, complex, multi-faceted, able to operate at multiple speeds and sometimes, even, in multiple directions.

Trottoir Roulant – Exposition Universelle 1900

“When Paris hosted the Exposition Universelle in 1900, it unveiled its vision for the future of transport. Below ground, the city’s stylish new Metro made its debut, while above ground was something more avant garde. The trottoir roulant was a moving walkway that circled the fair in a 3-kilometre loop, its articulated wooden segments “gliding [...]

Burj Khalifa (Dubai) – The Truth Behind the Bling

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock – which is most un-ninja-like – then you’ve certainly heard about the Burj Khalifa (formally known as the Burj Dubai) tower designed by Chicago-based architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The Burj Khalifa is a building that breaks many records; not only has it claimed the title of [...]

5 Innovative Green Designs for 2010 and Beyond

Today, it’s impossible to think about architecture without including some element of green design; so is the ever-evolving impression of acceptable architecture. For a design to be deemed worthy now, certain aspects of greening must be addressed, such as, energy sources, consumption, emissions, sustainability and recycling. This combination of criteria is not always easily met, but in striving to achieve the best in green design architects have produced myriad unique concepts that give new meaning to the word innovative. Here are five of the best we hope to see completed in 2010 and beyond.

My University Project: Commercial Design Proposal, Sydney

“Brisbane is leading the pack when it comes to architecture; Melbourne is close behind… Sydney? Well, that’s another story” | Rosemary Neill July 04, 2009. Over the past 12 weeks i have been developing a commercial building for a site located in Sydney CBD.

My conception of Sydney planning is that for too long the architectural [...]

View from the top of the Burj Dubai: the world’s tallest building

Check out this video taken from the top of the Burj Dubai – hat tip to my fellow Ninjas from Architecture: My Ninja Please for finding this video!

7 Excellent Examples of Adaptive Reuse

It’s often hard to imagine that a building can be used for anything other than what it was intended, yet when they are left abandoned, having outlived their original purpose, many dilapidated structures cry out to be transformed rather than fall fowl to the demolition ball. Whether due to conservation issues, the limited availability of space for new ventures or because public campaigns are successful in saving beloved landmarks, adaptive reuse projects are on the increase. Here we share seven excellent examples of adaptive reuse from around the globe.

Survey: Who is the most over-rated Architect? Who deserves recognition?

I thought it would be interesting to find out from my twitter followers, and professionals in the industry, thoughts on:

Who is the most over-rated Architect?
Which Architect deserves more credit/recognition?

I have created a survey below to collect responses. I’ve also included a 3rd question asking for your twitter id – I’m always looking for new interesting [...]