The Ming Chair was a piece of furniture once reserved exclusively for people of power, but in present day China – and the rest of the world, in fact – the Ming chair has been transformed into an item for anyone. These five contemporary interpretations offer a different view of the Ming Chair, some with more practicality than others! (more…)
Is it a result of limited urban space? Is it because earthquake damage in the region demands more frequent rebuilding? Or is it a reflection of Japanese culture? Whatever it is, Tokyo is home to some of the most unusual homes on the planet, home that those of us in other parts of the world might look at and think: ‘I’m not sure I’d want to live in that’. Here’s five buildings that the Zouk team might think twice about before relocating. (more…)
Melbourne might not be the biggest city in Australia, but it certainly has some of the most interesting architecture. About an hours drive south-west of the city centre lies Mornington Peninsula, home to what we at Zouk think is some of the most boundary-pushing residential architecture in Australia. Here’s three of our favourites. (more…)
Stretching along the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk, the 15th Sculpture by the Sea – one of Sydney’s largest free public arts events – recently drew to a close, and we were lucky enough to pay a visit. The event has grown significantly since it launched. An impressive 25,000 people turned out to the first event, though around half a million now attend each year. Sculpture by the Sea now has exhibitions in Sydney, Perth, and Aarhus, in Denmark. (more…)
Despite sharing a serpentine form, the Nanjing Sifang Art Museum has little in common with South Korea’s Jeongok Prehistory Museum, which we recently featured on the Zouk blog. Whilst both buildings house cultural artifacts within their snake-like shape, the Nanjing Sifang Art Museum makes a more direct connection with surrounding culture. In fact, despite its modern form, the building materials used in the construction of the Museum are surprisingly traditional.
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If you’re visiting the Zouk blog, chances are you’ve already heard of Grand Designs – the TV show where people are filmed building their very own ‘Grand Design’. Originally from the UK, Australia now has its own version of the show. In fact, Australia now also has its own version of Grand Designs Live – the architecture and interiors exhibition where you can go to get inspiration for your own home (or future home, if you fancy embarking on your own build!) (more…)
With high walls, a single entrance point, and a lack of windows on ground level, Hakka houses were originally intended to protect those living within from the threats of 17th century China. However, in the 21st century, the Hakka house is being constructed with different goals in mind.
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When attempting to evoke images of environments and atmospheres from the prehistoric landscape, an illuminated stainless steel cylinder might not seem the most obvious architectural form to employ. However, French practice X-tu architects don’t see it that way, as demonstrated by their work on the Jeongok Prehistory Museum. (more…)
Praised for representing the cultural evolution of China whilst accurately reflecting the traditions of the country’s past, the New City Construction Exhibition Center in the Qingpu District of Shanghai features several elements synonymous with Chinese history. (more…)
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