The National Art Museum|CHINA

UNStudio
as Architects

The architectural concept in the design for the NAMOC is based on uniting dualities; past and future, day and night, inside and outside, calm and dynamic, large and small, individual and collective.
The two volumes of the building reference ancient Chinese 'stone drums', large drum-shaped stones bearing inscriptions in ancient Chinese. The exteriors of the two volumes are illuminated by art projections, creating a vast media facade as a contemporary translation of the ancient stone drum inscriptions.

Whilst the architecture of the museum is represented by the ancient artifact of the stone drum, the art within represents its spirit, or its “essence”. In the same way that the agile strokes of ink in a Chinese painting give spirit to a blank piece of paper, the art collection gives spirit to the museum.
The main focus of the design is to create optimal and varied spaces for the display of art; Spaces of different character, but all offering extensive lighting possibilities and ample wall space in order to provide artists and curators with the optimal conditions in which to display their work and communicate their ideas.  http://www.archello.com 

Summerhill Residence by Edmonds + Lee Architects

Standing in the rural heart of Northern California’s Sonoma Wine Country, the Summerhill Residence in Kenwood, California, designed by the firm Edmonds + Lee Architects attempts to blur the line between indoor and outdoor living.

With its angular forms and modern lines, the wood-and-glass buildings are reminiscent of the museum pavilions and large-scale contemporary structures built by the noted architect Renzo Piano.

By separating the living spaces into different buildings, the overall goal was to minimize the visual and physical mass in the scenic landscape with one monolithic structure. This is also clearly reflected in the use of simple horizontal wood-board facades as well as concrete courtyards nestled in between the buildings.

A major objective for the homeowners was to create an open area that will be able to accommodate large gatherings with friends and family. So the public spaces, which include the kitchen and the dining and living rooms were streamlined into one single space.

The resulting room consists of expansive windows that provide transparency and soaring ceilings that add an airy lightness to the space. In addition, a sleek fireplace with an opaque surround helps carefully filter daylight while a communal dining table brings the spaces together by serving as the bridge between the dining and living area.

source http://www.chictip.com