Rick Mather Architects’ Virginia Museum of Fine Arts $150 Million

Rick Mather Architects in collaboration with a Richmond-based firm SMBW Architects had delivered their project of $150m site wide masterplan and expansion of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA). This expansion has made the VMFA as one of the ten largest encyclopaedic museums in the United States. The project director Alex Nyerges described this as “nothing short of spectacular.” The focus of the expansion is the atrium space where... 

New White Paper Examines the Relationship Between Water Conservation and the Green Industry

Rain Bird announced today the release of an industry white paper examining the link between the water conservation movement and the green industry. Water Conservation and the Green Industry details the trends, issues and factors driving the important water conservation movement and their impact on the green industry and its affiliates. The third in a series of white papers providing a comprehensive review of the role of efficient irrigation as a... 

Introducing Nambé, Art Designed for Everyday Living

For nearly 60 years, Nambé has been revered across America for its unique and contemporary design sensibility and renowned for its original patented metal alloy. Often thought to exhibit the clean simplicity of line and creative flair expected in the best European tabletop companies, this Santa Fe, New Mexico-based company is now making the line available via fine retailers across Europe and showcasing its collections in February at Ambiente in Frankfurt,... 

Artist Jenness Cortez Exhibits Contemporary American Realism Paintings

Following last year’s spectacular, sold-out show, DeBruyne Fine Art will host their ninth solo exhibition by artist Jenness Cortez. “Homage to the Creative Spirit,” on view January 28 through March 31, 2010, presents a captivating selection of Cortez’s most recent contemporary American realism paintings. For centuries artists have been challenging their intellect and skills by paying homage to the painters who preceded them. In her new work,... 

Design Forum IX Features Adjaye, Eizenberg, Freear, Cruz

Design Forum IX: An Architecture of Necessity speakers include David Adjaye, RIBA, who recently made news by being selected to design the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.; Teddy Cruz, AIA, an internationally recognized San Diego-based architect who studies the relationship between architectural sites and their impact on urban spaces; Julie Eizenberg, AIA, whose Santa Monica firm has achieved international... 

A Million Dollar Christmas Piano

If you’re looking for a spectacular Christmas present for your special someone, consider the $1.2 million Kuhn-Bösendorfer piano, the world’s most expensive new piano. The 7’4” Kuhn-Bösendorfer piano, with its matching bench, is inset with around 100-thousand hand-cut lead crystal Kuhn Jewels arranged in an array of diamond patterns on the case, lid, legs and fallboard (key cover). The optical quality crystal reflects light like a living... 

Bradley Verge Lavatory System for Commercial Restrooms

Bradley Corp., the inventor of the lavatory system concept and leader in handwashing innovation, introduces its new and elegantly refined Verge(TM) Lavatory System for high-end commercial restroom applications. Characterized by its sleek and modern design – as well as its durability and low-maintenance features – the Verge Lavatory System incorporates a beautifully sculpted elongated basin with a hidden drain, conveying upscale sophistication.... 

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library Board Announces Plans to Move and Elevate Building

The Board of Directors of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library announced today that it is pursuing a plan to move and then elevate its flood-damaged museum building. The museum building will become part of a new and expanded facility. The 15-year-old structure is an architectural icon in Cedar Rapids and the museum’s red roof rising above the 2008 floodwaters depicted the Cedar Rapids disaster around the world. In an effort to... 

255 East 74th Street Reaches 85 Percent Closed

Given the strong demand for the homes that have been made available at 255 East 74th Street thus far, The World-Wide Group, today announced that its most exclusive residence, a $14.27 million, 5,980-square-foot, five bedroom home on the property’s 29th floor, is now available for sale. This full floor tower residence offers a buyer the utmost in privacy and luxury. Exemplifying urban sophistication, this home features outstanding views, a 39-... 

OSRAM Ceramic Lamps Now as 100W Systems

With its Powerball HCI 100W lamps Munich lighting manufacturer OSRAM now provides 100W systems for halogen metal halide lamps with ceramic burners for the first time. It means the company is meeting the demands of OEMs and lighting designers for a Powerball lamp solution between 75W and 150W. Now 100W luminaires can be equipped with tried and trusted Powerball technology for various applications. PowerballHCI-T, HCI-T/P und HCI-E/P lamps are now available...