In 2005, third-grade-teacher Eric Schneider bought as big as an apartment as he could afford in Manhattan. He paid $235,000 for a 450-square-foot studio with a tiny kitchen. Then he let architects Michael Chen and Kari Anderson of Normal Projects design a way to pack more density into his small space. The Normal Projects architects called their creation the Unfolding Apartment, though given Schneider’s affinity for the Japanese sense of space (he spent his first year post-college living and teaching in Japan), it could as easily be called the Origami Apartment. In total, Schneider spent $70,000 total remodeling his new apartment and this includes not just the cabinet, but the bathroom renovation, all cabinetry, kitchen appliances, furniture and dishes. This apartment really is pretty amazing, but for 300g’s total at the end of the day? I dont know about that.

Honda unveiled “All-new ASIMO”, a new version of their humanoid robot. It can run at 9kph and hop on one or both legs, and more. Things are looking more and more like Blade Runner, I have to say.

This is one of the most extreme residential sites I have seen, hands down. Sadly there is no images of the actual house inside yet, but these aerial pictures of the site is truly remarkable. It’s owned by architect Charles Sieger (of Sieger Suarez), who has designed over $10 billion in real estate properties. Yes there is a working moat with a fully functional bridge, to keep zombies out of course. I have also included a video to Birdman’s music video Fire Flame, why? Because the opening scene is a walk through the main doors and over the moat into the house you see here, sweeeeeeeeeeeeet, fire flame SPITTAAAAA.

Continue reading below for the video and more pics of this fortress.
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Sexy new building up in the New York Skyline formally known as ‘beekman tower’. It is the
tallest residential tower in the western hemisphere designed by one of the best architects to ever live, Frank Gehry. He has always been one of my favorite architects even though I heard he really doesn’t do anything on the projects, he just approves things, which in my time in architecture noticed that is the normal once you become the boss, and that ladies and gentlemen is boss.

click below for more photography of this amazing building.
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I should just start naming crib of the week, Guz architecture residence of the week, because this is the third time I have picked a house from the amazing architecture firm based out of Singapore. This week we are gong to dive into the Cluny house, bringing the rainforest into your home (click images to enlarge to really see the detail of the residence.). Description from Guz Architects:

The project demonstrates how technology, planning and design can be applied sensitively to generate a comfortable, luxurious, yet sustainable family home.

Photovoltaic cells and solar water heaters are employed together with design for passive cooling and cross ventilation to reduce energy usage. Irrigation tanks and roof gardens collect and recycle rainwater; and the use of materials such as recycled teak and artificial timber adds warmth without compromising the finite resources of our environment.

Many more amazing photography of this residence and more info below
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(click on images to enlarge)

Talk about a green building. The Meera house, design by Guz Architects, portrays an image of rolling greens and blue waters inside and out. Not only is this house remarkable aesthetically to the eye, but it is also environmentally pleasing to the Earth, due to the green architecture incorporated. Of course the design is great and all that but how many people have had the fantasy of being at a party and there is human mermaids swimming behind a glass wall, well this house has that.

Many more photos and info on this magnificent crib of the week
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Solowheel electric unicycle is a personal transportation device that is more compact than any folding bicycle. Powered by 1000 watt motor, $1500 Solowheel consists of gyro sensors, two foldable foot platforms, and a battery. It weighs only 20 pounds, has a top speed of 12 mph, and can travel 12 miles on a single charge. Check out more info on this revolutionary transportation machine found here.

(You’re speakers are not broke, there is just no audio for this video for some reason.)

More pictures, videos (a guy trying to ride a Solowheel and failing miserable), and other information below.
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When you think of artistic design and modern technology L.A. is usually a place at the forefront of each movement. Well this ultra awesome loft conversion is still proof that L.A. still has it. The main concept of this project was to add a little fabrication to the space, O.K. maybe a lot of fabrication. It is truly amazing though what some construction can do to a space bringing it to life with clean crisp curves and edges, and dividing the living areas in a fluid way. The people responsible for such a rad warehouse to loft conversion are Patrick Tighe architects. Not only were they able to come up with such a modern and mind blowing design, but it is also green-friendly which is really the astonishing part.

Much more of this amazing conversion found below
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