The Falkirk Wheel
In Falkirk, Scotland, city officials were faced with the task of connecting two waterways, vertically separated by a distance of 24 meters. These particular waterways were particularly vital to span due to their capacity to connect the Scottish capital of Edinburgh and its second city, Glasgow. Originally connected by a system of 11 locks and several canals, the connection eventually closed when the system fell into disrepair. Over the ensuing decades, they were filled and the land was developed.
To remedy the lack of connection between cities, the steampunk inspired Falkirk Wheel was constructed. Funded by the UK National Lottery, it cost 32 million pounds and was completed in 2002. The wheel operates on Archimedes’ Principle, which states that a floating object will always displace its weight in water. The two containers at either end of the wheel are kept in balance until a vessel is loaded. Once it is loaded and balanced, operators discharge enough water from the lower container to allow the heavier upper container to swing down under the force of gravity.
The Falkirk Wheel, aside from providing a vital and functional link between two cities, has become a veritable tourist attraction. It is open to the public and even features a museum and is portrayed on Scotland’s 50 pound note.
See more images of the Falkirk Wheel after the jump.
One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives Resort
Atoll: a coral island consisting of a reef surrounding a lagoon. Familiarize yourself with this term as its key to uncovering one of the best kept secrets of the well-travelled. The Maldives is an island country made up of a group of atolls (26 to be exact) running southwest of Sri Lanka in the Laccadive Sea of the Indian Ocean. Situated on North Male Atoll is The One & Only Reethi Rah, a remote all-villa resort sitting on boundless white sands and surrounded by crystal blue waters. As secluded as it’s geographical location, each of the 130 villas offers its own secluded piece of sandy shore or private over-water deck. The design of the property is described as “sleek and elegantly tropical, using beautiful natural materials and contemporary styling.” With heavy emphasis on unparalleled privacy, One & Only Reethi Rah, is just what the doctor ordered for the whole family or just you and your lady. Especially if you screwed up recently, this is guaranteed to get you out of the dog house… and for villas ranging from $905 to $3,400 per night, it better!
See more images after the jump.
The Hergé Museum – Brussels, Belgium
A spectacular new museum dedicated to Hergé, the pen name of Georges Remi, who created the comic-book hero Tintin, opened in the Belgian town of Louvain-la-Neuve on June 2nd. It was designed by Christian de Portzamparc architects, a Pritzker-Prize-winner, and boasts a modern ode to the vibrant works of Remi.
The museum is located at the edge of the Source woods, with a viewing platform overlooking the town. The Hergé runs around a central atrium formed of curving walls in bold colours, pierced by high metal walkways. An internal lift shaft at the core of the atrium is painted with a chequerboard pattern, evoking the moon rocket in one of Tintin’s bestselling adventures. The structure stands on stilts in a park and visitors enter across a long wooden footbridge.
Amidst the museum’s architectural victories, the museum has another ambition: to cement the claim that Hergé, who died in 1983, was an important artist in his own right, whose talents as a graphic designer, painter and typographer were somewhat eclipsed by the runaway success of ‘The Adventures of Tintin.’
More images of Remi’s work and the museum are available after the jump.
Hotel Madlein In Ischgl, Austria
The Hotel Madlein in Ischgl, Austria offers year-round luxury accommodations for travelers. Located in the Tyrolean Alps, the resort is only steps away from the famed Silvretta Ski Area. If plans don’t include winter sports, the Madlein offers expansive pools and holistic spa treatments. Also located within the hotel, the Pacha Ischgl Nightclub is a popular local destination. The owners commissioned the design of the hotel with hopes of setting a new design standard, “one that is purist, basic, almost monastic in style.” The hotel exudes a minimalist aesthetic and features a limited palette of stone, wood, and glass. Their approach allows the Madlein to differentiate itself from nearby resorts and has created a popular mountain destination.
See more images after the jump.
W Hotel New York by BBG-BBGM
New York’s popular, design-savvy Hotel W recently added a number of new guest suites sure to please even the most critical of guests. Designed by BBG-BBGM, the suites were conceived as “an urban oasis…a respite from the chaos of the city.” A range of different layouts offer guests amenities such as soaring double height ceilings, lofted sleeping areas, and even spacious outdoor terraces. Interior spaces focus on luxurious materials complemented by a palette of soft natural colors and carefully selected accent lighting. All suites are outfitted with custom furniture pieces and specially commissioned artwork. Hotel W differentiates itself by investing time and effort to ensure that each space is coherently and individually designed, allowing guests a totally unique experience.
See more images of the W Hotel by BBG-BBGM after the jump.
Bar Lounge Nisha Acapulco
One of two properties bearing the NISHA name, this new Acapulco bar and lounge is tailored to a younger demographic with more focus on nightlife than its forbearer. Designed by Mexico City-based Pascal Arquitectos, the bar’s interior is a contemporary interpretation of a nautical theme. Upon entering, visitors are met with curved, wood-clad ceilings and walls punctuated by porthole-shaped screens displaying underwater landscapes. The entry opens to a large central space delineated by intimate clusters of seating. The use of wood is continued on the walls and ceiling, and screens are creatively framed as if they were pieces of art. The use of colored accent lighting throughout the bar is also fundamental in creating the nautical, lounge atmosphere that NISHA purveys to its customers. Cool tones of light emanate from all corners, including beneath seating areas, from the base of walls, and below the bar. Once inside the bar, the only indication of the outside world is the view of a small patio, which serves to remind customers that they are not actually on a sea-faring vessel.
See more images after the jump.
Hotel Boutique La Purificadora
Hotel Boutique La Purificadora, designed by LEGORRETA + LEGORRETA, is located in Puebla, Mexico. Situated opposite the historic Church of San Francisco, the hotel is housed in a former ice factory, originally constructed during the 1800’s. Its design is dictated by the incorporation of modern amenities into an historic building. Much of the original structure remains, including monolithic stone walls and repurposed wood flooring. The massive structure was divided into private rooms elevated above open-air public spaces. The rooms each have a glass-enclosed balcony cut into the façade of the original walls. The public spaces include a large central courtyard and fireplace, a restaurant, and glass-sided lap pool. The hotel’s furnishings are minimal and modern, with bright colors and transparent materials complementing the rustic aesthetic of the original building.
See more images after the jump.
Megalopolis Shanghai by Horst and Daniel Zielske
Photographers Horst & Daniel Zielske present the city of Shanghai between fiction and reality as ‘The City of Tomorrow’ in a series of pictures. In a long term project dating back to November 2002, the father-and-son duo have been documenting the Chinese city as an urban composition, a man-made architectural living space and environment of extraordinary gigantic dimensions. To create these brilliant images, they chose the architecture of the city’s streets as the focal point of their work.
See the rest of the photographs after the jump.
Postie Bike Challenge
File this one in your drawer of amazingly cool things to do. The Postie Bike Challenge has been around since 2002 and is more about attitude and an overall experience than high speeds and quick finishes. This 4,000km, 10-day trek through the flatlands and rain forests of Australia is completely different from any motorcycle get-together on the planet. Designed to stimulate more camaraderie than competition, the Challenge puts all riders on the same 110cc bikes, which, to quote the creators, “is the great equalizer regardless of your skill level.” Oh, and did we mention that the entry fees go to local charities? Check out more information for the next Postie Bike Challenge for October this year at the official website.
See some images of the Postie Bike Challenge after the jump.
Distrito Capital Hotel by Grupo Habita
Mexico City has a new luxury hotel, Distrito Capital. This property, the 8th unveiled by Grupo Habita, a group known for its impeccably designed hotels, opened in February 2009. In case you didn’t already guess, the name Distrito Capital translates to “capital district” – although ironically, the hotel is located in Santa Fe, one of the city’s business districts. The hotel features the modern interior design work of Joseph Dirand, who also designed the Grupo Habita hotel Habita Montery. Dirand’s work in Distrito Capital includes an emphasis on the horizontal and vertical line, a mix of vintage and modern furniture from the likes of Charlotte Perriand and Alvar Aalto, and dark gray walls in a number of spaces. The hotel has 17 rooms and 13 suites – including a presidential suite (Suite Royal) which has a private gym. Also available to guests are the hotel’s library, restaurant helmed by Enrique Olvera, bar, pool, and Acqua di Parma amenities.
