Alberto Vieyra shared with us one of his latest creation “Origamex” Coffee Table and Chairs. The table is handcrafted in metal with marble top, it has the distinct identity defined by its form and shape.

Please also visit our previous post for Vieyrah Designs’ Urban-Chaotic Respite Lounge Chair.

"Origamex" Coffee Table and Chairs, image courtesy Alberto Vieyra

"Origamex" Coffee Table and Chairs, image courtesy Alberto Vieyra

"Origamex" Coffee Table and Chairs, image courtesy Alberto Vieyra

"Origamex" Coffee Table and Chairs, image courtesy Alberto Vieyra

"Origamex" Coffee Table and Chairs, image courtesy Alberto Vieyra

It is the opening of the registration period of the competition for architecture students International Museum of the Volcanoes (IMOV) 2010 Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain.

The best idea will be selected by the Jury for the International Museum of the Volcanoes (IMOV) Lanzarote 2010.

The competition is open to all students of architecture worldwide, individually or in groups of up to three members.

Registration Deadline: 09/15/2010 to 11/15/2010

Submission Deadline: 01/15/2011

Awards: 3,500 euros in prizes for selected proposals + published in the journal Future Architecture + Exhibition of all proposals in www.arquideas.es + Book Collection from Pencil Editorial (30 books).

Jury: Prestigious members that make up the jury are:

• Mr. Jordi Ludevid i Anglada, Architect and President of the Supreme Council of Architects of Spain (CSCAE)
• Mr. Felix Arranz, Architect and Director of School of Architecture Zaragoza, Universidad de San Jorge
• Mr. Borja Ferrater, Architect and Assistant Director of Culture and International Affairs at UIC ESARQ
• Mr. Juan Palop, Architect and Director of Planning and Architecture for Lap (LPA)
• Mr. Ildefonso Aguilar, Artist

+ More information at www.arquideas.es

Arcsine Architecture and Bellusci Design transformed a piano store with little curb appeal into a vibrant and engaging restaurant, fitting the bustling downtown Walnut Creek. The clients sought an inviting, modern environment to complement the globally inspired, locally sourced menu by Executive Chef Robert Sapirman.  Situated on a competitive street corner, the design needed to grab attention and engage passersby.

Vesu Restaurant, image courtesy Arcsine Architecture

Arcsine wrapped the building with a contemporary, wood-panel façade, complimented by a curving wall of frameless glass that entices pedestrians to look in and feel as if they are already inside.

Vesu Restaurant, image courtesy Arcsine Architecture

An Arcsine-designed canopy of FSC Certified Eucalyptus leads patrons from the entrance to the lounge and extends all the way to the back bar. Bellusci Design continued the contemporary motif, selecting furniture and interior finishes in a warm, monochromatic spectrum with plenty of texture.

Vesu Restaurant, image courtesy Arcsine Architecture

Combining these elements, Vesu wields a commanding presence—one that draws customers, welcoming them into an open, communal space that is simultaneously sophisticated, comfortable and warm.

+ Additional notes

• The exterior wood panel rainscreen system is Prodema ProdEX
• The rounded nature at the corner responded to context in downtown Walnut Creek – many of the buildings have radiused corners – but not in such a contemporary manner.  Further wrapping wood, glass and anodized aluminum felt like a nice way to push these materials slightly.
• The Eucalyptus awning became a great way to capture attention to the entry and signage and also offer some comfortable compression as one walks into the space.  By letting this awning soffit complete an "S-curve" to a higher point, it opens up the space at the lounge area.  Allowing it to curve down at the back bar permits the exquisite grain and warmth of the wood to become the icon of the restaurant and lounge experience
• The initial vision for the interiors was to be cool, calm and sleekly simple; with the warmth of the Eucalyptus being the comforting contrast.  When Bellusci Design joined the team following the commencement of construction, she adeptly added some softer touches and additional cool blues and greens to the space (specifically at the banquette seating areas and the furniture selections).
• Eucalyptus panels from Exotic Hardwoods & Veneer
• The bartop is Caesarstone "Pebble"
• The bar bottle display is Formica "Black Micro Dot"
• While the original flooring intent was to grind/polish the concrete slab, existing conditions would not permit this to really work – in the end a simple porcelain tile was used
• Clients: Christopher Velez and Melisa Suitos, this being their first restaurant project
• Custom concrete communal vanity was fabricated by Concreteworks
• Wall tile in the lavatory area – Graniti Fiandre "Black Platinum Lines"

+ Project credits / data

Architecture and Interior Design: Arcsine Architecture
Interior Finishes and Furniture: Bellusci Design
Photographer: Sharon Risedorph
Project:  Vesu Restaurant
Location: Walnut Creek, California, USA
Completed:  April 2010
Program: Interior – Restaurant

+ All images and description courtesy Arcsine Architecture

Umeå School of Architecture was inaugurated in late September. The school forms part of the Arts Campus at Umeå University, which will also comprise the new Art Museum and the Academy of Fine Arts, both designed by Henning Larsen Architects and White Arkitekter. The building appears cubic with larch facades and square windows placed in a vibrant, rhythmic sequence on all sides.

The intention has been to design an open, robust study environment where each student feels part of the creative study community. The open layout and informal meeting places create a light and laboratory-like atmosphere supporting idea development and creative work processes.

Architect Per Ebbe Hansson, Henning Larsen Architects.

Umeå School of Architecture, image courtesy Henning Larsen Architects | Photo by Ake E son Lindman

+ Project description courtesy Henning Larsen Architects

Umeå School of Architecture has a unique location by Umeå River. With its interior landscape of open floor levels and sculpturally shaped stairs, the building has a strong artistic expression.

Umeå School of Architecture, image courtesy Henning Larsen Architects | Photo by Ake E son Lindman

Umeå School of Architecture, image courtesy Henning Larsen Architects | Photo by Ake E son Lindman

As a growth centre for future architecture, the main function of the building is to provide the framework for inspiration and innovation. From the outside, the building has a cubic expression with its larch facades and square windows placed in a vibrant, rhythmic sequence on all sides.

Umeå School of Architecture, image courtesy Henning Larsen Architects | Photo by Ake E son Lindman

The interior space of the building is designed as a dynamic sequence of stairs and split, open floor levels where abstract, white boxes hang freely from the ceiling filtering the light coming in through the high skylights.

Umeå School of Architecture, image courtesy Henning Larsen Architects | Photo by Ake E son Lindman

One of the key objectives has been to create a bright and open study environment where everyone is part of the same room – only separated by the split levels and glass walls of the teaching rooms. This design supports the opportunities for mutual inspiration and the close exchange of knowledge and ideas.

Umeå School of Architecture, image courtesy Henning Larsen Architects | Photo by Ake E son Lindman

In contrast to the dynamic atrium, the drawing rooms placed along the facades of the building in a strict and regular sequence of columns and beams have a simple and rational design. The varied pattern of windows not only creates a strong visual effect – it also generously lets the light flow into the building and offers a breathtaking view of the river.

The School of Architecture will form part of the new Arts Campus at Umeå University, which will also comprise the new Academy of Fine Arts and Art Museum – both designed by Henning Larsen Architects.

+ Project credits / data

Project: Umeå School of Architecture
Architect: Henning Larsen Architects + White Arkitekter
Location: Umeå, Sweden
Client: Balticgruppen
Gross floor area: 4,000 m2
Year of construction: 2007 – 2010
Photographer: Åke E son Lindman
Program: Education, school

+ All images and description courtesy Henning Larsen Architects | Photo by Åke E son Lindman