the modern world

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The role architecture plays in our everyday lives is astronomical, architecture surrounds us daily. The architects behind these buildings and homes are what we love and the following 10 architects have paved the way for ingenious design, cutting edge innovation and have become pioneers of our built environment. Take a look at what we think are 10 of the greatest modern architects of our time.

1.)  Frank Gehry (born 2.28.1929):

There is no mistaking Gehry’s works, as they are the most distinctive, and innovative architectural phenomena around. His deconstructive forms are iconic as tourists flock to all of his buildings worldwide to marvel at the architectural forms he creates.  Named by Vanity Fair as “the most important architect of our age”, he has set the precedence for contemporary architecture. His ability to create spaces that manipulate forms and surfaces is his most notable feats and we all love his unique uses of materials that almost defy all logic in how they work together.

Frank Gehry’s – City of Wine Complex, Northern Spain

Frank Gehry – Lou Rovo Center

His most notable projects include: The Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Der Neue Zollhof in Düsseldorf and the Marqués de Riscal Vineyard Hotel in Elciego.

2.)  Frank Lloyd Wright (born 6.8.1867):

Some consider Frank Lloyd Wright to be the greatest architect of all time. For he thought of interior & exterior spaces as one and was ahead of his time in building forms, construction methods, and never went to a formal architecture school.  His humble American upbringing led him to learning under Louis Sullivan – another legend in architecture and to this day Wright is noted for his prairie-style buildings and organic influences. His organic and natural forms that seemed to become one with nature and his innovative detailing are still considered to be the best building and design concepts, even after nearly 150 years.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s greatest works: Guggenheim, Fallingwater and more…

His most notable projects include: The Guggenheim Museum in New York City, New York, Fallingwater Residence in Mill Run, Pennsylvania, Arizona State University Gammage Auditorium & Taliesin West – Wright’s home and studio in Scottsdale, Arizona.

3.)  Ieoh Ming Pei – I.M. Pei (born 4.26.1917):

The Chinese born architect came to study architecture in the United States as a teenager and later became one of the greatest architects of modern architecture. Almost 80 years later I.M. Pei’s work can be seen worldwide and are noted for their unique use of geometric forms and incorporating Chinese influences into his work. His National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado embodies Pei’s iconic geometric forms and unity with natural elements in their surroundings. Pei’s work graces some of the most prestigious government and acclaimed sites throughout the world.

I.M. Pei’s – National Center for Atmospheric Research

I.M. Pei’s entrance to the Le Grand Louvre in Paris

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I.M. Pei

His most profound projects include: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, The National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., Le Grand Louvre (The Pyramid) in Paris, The Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong and the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha.

4.) Zaha Hadid (born 10.31.1950)

The first woman architect who ever won the Pritzker Architecture prize went to the legendary Zaha Hadid. Born in Iraq Hadid went on to win this iconic award which is often termed the ‘Nobel peace prize of architecture’. Hadid’s forms are characterized as futuristic, unconventional, daring and artistic. Many of her projects were never built and she still was ranked on Forbes list at 69^th most powerful women in 2008. Her beautiful buildings always leave us with our mouths open, as if to say, “How did she design that?”

Zaha Hadid and her many works, including a mobile museum for Chanel with Karl Lagerfield

Her most noted projects are: MAXXI – the National Museum of the 21^st Century Arts the Bridge Pavilion in Zaragoza, Bergisel Ski Jump in Innsbruck, Phaeno Science Center and the Opera House in Guangzhou.

5.)  Philip Johnson (born 7.8.1906)

Noted as the American architect who founded the Department of Architecture and Design at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, Johnson’s architectural works are easily identifiable. His glass house in Connecticut is one of the most familiar residences with its minimal interiors and expansive glass vistas were just one example of his use of the material. His amazing use of glass, steel and later crystal became his world-renowned fame.  The Crystal Cathedral in California looks as though it should be in a child’s fairytale book it is the epitome of forward-thinking architecture that characterized Johnson’s Minimalism and Pop-Art styles.

Philip Johnson’s private residence – The Glass House

Philip Johnson’s Crystal Cathedral

His most notable works are the Seagram Building in New York City, in collaboration with architect, Mies van der Rohe, Philip-Johnson-House in Berlin, Germany, The Museum of Television of Radio & The Crystal Cathedral in California.

6.)  Tom Wright (born 9.18.1957)

Is it possible to become one of the greatest modern architects of our time if you are only noted for one building? When the building is the most recognizable hotel in Dubai, yes. British architect, Tom Wright is responsible for the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. Acclaimed for its luxurious amenities as a hotel and also one of the most recognizable buildings in modern architecture. Noted with the world’s tallest atrium, and equipped with its own helicopter landing pad and tallest tennis court at the top, Tom Wright definitely deserves to join the list of great modern architects.

Tom Wright’s Burj Al Arab in Dubai

Tom Wright’s – helipad is also the worlds highest tennis court

The atrium looking up in Burj Al Arab Hotel

Tom Wright

7.)  Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (born 3.27.1886)

Referred to commonly as “Mies”, the German-American architect is termed one of the pioneers of modern architecture along with Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius. Mies was known for his minimalist and “less is more” approach to architecture and his forward thinking of using plate glass and structural steel to divide interior spaces is one of his most notable characteristics in architecture. His innovative open floor plan concepts were first thought of by Van der Rohe and many of his interior concepts & furniture styles are widely used in today’s architecture and interiors.

Mies’ – Crown Hall

Mies’ – Barcelona Pavilion

Mies Van Der Rohe – Barcelona chair is iconic in furniture design

Mies Van Der Rohe

His most notable projects include Barcelona Pavilion, in Barcelona, Spain, New National Gallery in Berlin, Germany, Seagram Building in New York City and Crown Hall in Chicago, Illinois.

8.)  Renzo Piano (born 9.14.1937)

The Italian born architect was named one of Time magazine’s top 100 most influential people in 2008. Piano who is an Italian Pritzker prize-winning architect has been instrumental in shaping modern architecture that stands on its own in recognition. The Shard – Europe’s tallest skyscraper in London has faced much controversy in its construction, but many feel it has given London a way to join the 21^stcentury. In his younger years he worked with the world-renowned architect Louis Kahn and soon become known for his unique applications of materials and details.

The Shard Bridge

Piano’s Kansai International Airport

Piano’s – NEMO Science Center

Renzo Piano

Piano’s most notable projects include: The newly opened Shard in London, England, NEMO Science Center in Amsterdam, The New York Times building in New York, and Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan.

9.)  Jean Nouvel (born 8.12.1945)

Nouvel is a French born architect who has won numerous prestigious awards and honors over the years for his projects, including the Prtizker Prize in 2008. Nouvel’s most acclaimed fame came from winning the design competition for the Arab World Institute in Paris that brought him international fame. Mechanical lenses in the south wall open & shut automatically and are reminiscent of Arabic latticework. The devices control interior lighting automatically from exterior light levels. Nouvel’s work is known worldwide and his use of innovative architectural concepts set him apart from many modern architects today.

Nouvel’s Arab World Institute

Nouvel’s innovative use of day lighting devices in the Arab World Institute

Nouvel’s Dentsu Building

Nouvel’s master plan for Seguin Island in France

Nouvel’s projects of note include: Arab World Institute in Paris, Denstu Building in Tokyo, Ziaty Andel in Prague, and Gasometer A in Vienna and Les Grandes Tables of Seguin Island in Paris.

10.) Moshe Safdie (born 7.14.1938)

Safdie is another product of Louis Kahn’s apprenticeship that led to his remarkable modern architecture career. Originally from Haifa, Safdie is known for his 1967 International & Universal Exposition – Expo 67, which was Canada’s main celebration during its centennial year, and was deemed a remarkable cultural achievement. Safdie has been awarded with much recognition of which the Gold Medal, from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada is among the finest.

Safdie’s – National Gallery of Canada

Safdie’s – Habitat 67

Safdie’s – Khalsa Heritage Memorial

Moshe Safdie

Safdie finest projects include: The towering & glass filled – National Gallery of Canada,  Habitat 67 in Montreal, & Khalsa Heritage Memorial in Punjab, India.
Narrowing down the top 10 architects of modern architecture is a feat in itself, for there are thousands of architects and designers who have paved the way for creating awe-inspiring additions to our built environment. We would love to know Freshome who you would add to this list, for we know that that our so many we wish we could have included!

Tips for fooling the eye and making a room look bigger

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Small rooms can feel confining and uncomfortable. Luckily we can use certain design concepts that fool the eye and make interiors seem much bigger and spacious than they are in reality. Colour techniques, furniture arranging and smart lighting ideas are just some of the topics that are covered in this post. These ideas will hopefully bring inspiration and help with your future projects, such as decorating or even property selling.

 1. Use Light Colours and Clever Contrasts

Cream colours and icy blues are just a few of the best color combinations that can convert a tiny interior into a seemingly bigger living area. It is all about optical illusion. It is a generally known fact that light colours make a room look bigger and brighter. Light and brightly coloured walls are more reflective making a space feel open and airy, which helps maximize the effect created by natural light. Dark colours on the other hand absorb light, making a room look smaller. For an optimum effect, select soft tones of blues and greens, and always remember that brighter rooms look bigger and more inviting. A good way to go is painting your wall trim and moldings in a lighter colour than your walls. When you paint your moldings light, the wall appears further back, making your living room appear bigger.

2. Lighting is a key element in opening up a space.

By allowing natural light to flow freely inside the room, you will be surprised at how this will open up the interior and make it look larger. If you do not have a lot of natural light, you can add some creative lighting effects. You will be amazed at how this small addition can make a big difference. If you do have access to natural light, make full use of it and bring it into your home with the help of large windows. This will instantly connect the room with the outdoors, no longer limiting your space. Make sure window coverings are sheer, or are pulled back, to bring more light in. If the view is bad, use hanging plants and potted flowers near the windows. Lamps will bring in special colour and focus attention.

3. Cut the clutter

Keep your room tidy and organized. There’s nothing that makes a small space feel cramped more than having too much stuff. With things neatly arranged and out of sight, the space that is in view will feel orderly and open. A cluttered room equals a smaller room. Don’t cover your walls with a lot of pictures. One large painting works better than a group of small paintings. If there’s too much going on, all clamoring for attention, it can make the room feel busy and crowded. When decorating a small room, create a focal point, one area or feature that will draw the eye. In the dining room, the focal point will probably be the table. In the bedroom, it will most likely be the bed. Make that focal point the star of the room. Arrange the furniture so that focus is drawn to that area, and keep the décor in the rest of the room to a minimum ( limit the number of accessories ). Keep the floor as clear as possible. This is one of the most important ways to maintain a sense of spaciousness. And one more tip : take out large rugs to create the illusion of more floor space.

4.  Well Placed Mirrors Can Do Wonders

Mirrors can make your room look larger. Use a focal point and angle your mirrors towards it, which will give the illusion of depth. The mirrors also reflect both natural and artificial light to make a room brighter during the day and night. They bounce light deep into the room, making it appear larger. Placing a mirror near a window to reflect the outdoors is especially effective.  Mirrors on the walls and glass tabletops will make it seem like there’s a more open flow. You can also use mirrored cabinet doors to make spaces feel large and uncluttered.

5. Inspired Furniture arrangements

Sometimes furniture can take a lot of space. To avoid that here are some useful tips :

• Use multi-function furniture like a chest that can be used as a coffee table, sofa beds, chest of drawers, and beds with drawers for storage. Use an expendable dining table, folding tables and nest of tables, which can be tucked away when you don’t need them.
• Place the large pieces of furniture against the walls so the open space in the middle is not broken up.
• Scale the furniture to fit the size of the room and don’t block walking pathways. With furniture and accessories blocking the view into a room and to open spaces, a room will look cramped. By moving furniture out and away from walkways, you’ll open up the space and make it feel larger. If you can see the floor, the room will look larger. Having oversized sofas or too much furniture will make the living room look smaller.
• Consider having at least some of the furniture pieces the same colour as the walls. Even the bigger items like armoires and chest will begin to blend in to the room and widen out the room.
• Setting your furniture at an angle works because the longest straight line in any given room is it’s diagonal. When you place your furniture at an angle, it leads the eye along the longer distance, rather than the shorter wall. As an added bonus, you often get some additional storage space behind the piece in the corner, too!
• If the furniture in your room is tall, that might be making it seem as though the ceiling is lower than it actually is. Make sure there is plenty of space between your furniture, too.
• Choose a sofa and chairs with open arms and exposed legs. A glass table, will keep keep the appearance of a open and free space. This allows light to filter under the furniture, making the room appear airier.

Because paintings are too mainstream!

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Terrariums are the newest things in home decorating. If you've never heard of them, a terrarium is a collection of plants growing in a transparent and sometimes sealed container. whether it's a jar filled of carnivorous plants or succulents these beauties are fun to make and makes the room feel more alive, literally!

So here's a DIY project we've found:

DIY WALL TERRARIUM





Here's what you need:
- Gravel
 - Air plants, cactus or succulents (you will need a small amount of potting soil if not using air plants)
- Moss
- spray paint (preferably a colour that matches the wall)
- magnetic metal tins (from here, you just need to slap magnetic tape on the back!)
- Dremel tool
- painter’s tape
- E6000 glue

Here's what you do:
 Cover your tins with painter’s tape before you begin spray painting the inside of them. Spray tins with 3-4 light coats until they are opaque. While your tins are drying, remove the acrylic top from all lids by putting a small amount of pressure with your hands to pop them off. Measure the diameter and mark a line with a permanent marker. Using the diamond cutter tip of your Dremel tool, slice all acrylic lids in halves (you can also try different shapes or drill holes). Lightly sand the edges using a sander tip of your Dremel tool.















 Place acrylic tops back in the metal frame of the caps and glue both pieces. We also recommend dabbing the edges of the tins with a q-tip with glue to seal the lids to prevent the weight from the gravel popping out of the containers.

 Once your tins are dry from spray paint, remove tape and wash tins with water and soap. Close all tins, now with open front lids. Add gravel, misty moss and air plants. If you prefer building a closed terrarium and skipping cutting the lids, you will need activated charcoal, which can be found in the aquarium section at any pet store. Air plants won’t work well in closed containers, so you may want to switch to ferns and small leafy plants.