The National Stadium - Bird's Nest

I have always thought that Inspiration has to be one of the main ingredients in our own human nature. Inspiration and design are linked just like Hydrogen and Oxygen are. In order to create water you mix these two elements - in order to create innovative design and unique results you have to mix inspiration and innovation. This alchemy goes further when you add functionality to the mix.

Today while surfing the net I found a great example of this extraordinary alchemy in our world today. This example is the new National Stadium which will be the home for the Beijing Olympic Games this 2008. Colloquially know as the bird's nest. It is remarkable how something base in Chinese ceramics is so simple and can inspire something so unique, so functional, and so wonderfully complex.

The Alchemists of this stunning architecture piece are Herzog & DeMeuron (Swiss) and China Architecture Design Institute. Herzog & DeMeuron was awarded the Pritzker Prize, the highest of honours in architecture. Jury chairman J. Carter Brown, commented, "One is hard put to think of any architects in history that have addressed the integument of architecture with greater imagination and virtuosity." This in reference to HdeM's innovative use of exterior materials and treatments, such as silk screened glass. Architecture critic and Pritzker juror Ada Louise Huxtable summarized HdeM's approach concisely: "They refine the traditions of modernism to elemental simplicity, while transforming materials and surfaces through the exploration of new treatments and techniques."[1] In 2006, the New York Times Magazine called them "one of the most admired architecture firms in the world."'

http://eng.archinform.net/arch/291.htm

http://eng.archinform.net/projekte/12579.htm

Some interesting facts:

• Location: Beijing, People's Republic of China.
• Broke ground: December 2003
• Opened: March 2008
• Owner: Government of the People's Republic of China
• Surface Grass Construction cost: 3.5 billion yuan (~USD $423 million)
• Architect: Herzog & de Meuron
• Tenants: Chinese Olympic Committee 2008 Summer
• Olympics Capacity: 100,000
• Post Olympic Capacity: 80,000

http://en.beijing2008.cn/cptvenues/

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

A Stacking Hommage

What do you get as a 2007 University of Arts Berlin final project? The Coolest Outdoor Chairs Ever.

Three idols of design history, the Barcelona Chair, the Lounge Chair, and Corbusier's LC2 were realised as a low-price, stack-able plastic chair, including all requirements like material, production and stack-ability as an important determinant.

These iconic designs will inject style and glamour into any outdoor patio. Hopefully these fabulous chairs make an appearance at our Victoria retailers during the coming season. Cross your fingers!

http://www.dirkwinkel.com/stacking.html

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

The Design District

In late 2007 Meade Design Group was approached by DVBA (Downtown Victoria Business Association) and IPC Decor to create an image that represents the group of businesses within what will be known in the future as "The Design District" in Victoria B.C. It was specified that this image would be applied to street signs throughout the design district as well as further marketing applications at a later stage.

If you have ever wondered what a designer thinks about and considers when making a logo, read on. Here is our case study for The Design District project.

Objective

Our goal was to create an image that brings all of the designers and businesses related with design in the area together into an image that embodies them as a community and gives them an identifiable branding. We also aimed to bring together the past of this historic area with the future growth that it has potential for.

We researched the logos of the design businesses in the area. Below are selections of some of the logos found in the design district. The majority of the logos in the area have been created with a classic sensibility and work with the surrounding architecture. We had to take these factors into account while conceptualizing branding for the design district.

Architecture

Another signficant factor we considered was the architecture of the area. Here are two images that show the architectural diversity that are in The Design District.

Colour

The colours of the street and other signs will also need to be taken into consideration. The colours, particularly in China Town are quite vibrant and compete with other bold colours that are placed next to it.

For this reason, the colours we chose to use in the logo are cream, gray and charcoal. The charcoal and gray give a sophisticated look and feel when placed next to the red and blue that is so prominent in this part of town.

Identity Concept

Our concept is “D Squared” D2

We feel this name identifies the design district in a number of ways. It is classic in its creation but contemporary in its approach. It is a play upon the phrase “Design District”, taking the two Ds and squaring them with the idea that the square represents the city blocks of the area.

D2 is also symmetric in its approach and it reads well with all the serif typography used by the design businesses within the district.

We took inspiration from the classical elements in the district's architecture and decided to layout the D’s such that they create a roman numeral [ II ]. This orientation also creates the illusion of door handles, a representation that The Design District is open to all. Here is the new logo for the Design District.

Signage

With the logo established, the next task was the design of the sign. Our aim in creating the sign was to produce a distinctive and representational emblem that does not add visual pollution but instead works with its surroundings. This is our design:

Here are some explanations of the sign's design.

The shadowing of the typography signifies the design community coming together in this project, falling into place to create a unified community.

This unified community is again represented through the solid cream bar that extends up to The Design District logo.

An asymmetrical positioning makes the typography look contemporary and confident and the classic font face suggests tradition and experience. This coming together of the two elements shows the joining of past and present within the design district itself.

And there you have it - the ideas, inspirations, and considerations that have gone into the design district logo. Look for it in on a street sign in 2008.

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Peace

Peace is generally the opposite of war. Peace can be a state of harmony or the absence of hostility. "Peace" is used to describe the cessation of violent conflict. Peace can mean a state of quiet or tranquility — an absence of disturbance or agitation. Peace can also describe a relationship between any people characterized by respect, justice, and goodwill.

Peace can describe calm, serenity, and silence. This latter understanding of peace can also pertain to an individual's sense of himself or herself, as to be "at peace" with one's own mind.

My wishes for you and your love ones are PEACE and HAPPINESS in 2008

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

The Official Victoria Gift Guide (part 2)

With less than 10 shopping days left until Christmas we thought we would help you along with a few more suggestions for some great, local gifts. We ran into Santa at the Bay Center who gave us a few tips…what he was doing in the lingerie section is beyond us!

NOTE - For Prices and availability of the products please contact the stores directly - Thanks !

* Sacher Torte – The Original

This is a great gift for those who have everything. Arriving at the recipient’s doorstep in a beautifully presented box, this is a gift that will surprise and delight any palette and is also a refined and unique alternative to fruit cake. I have ordered these tortes several times in the past and they always arrive fresh and delicious-Don’t forget to add a squirt of whipping cream!

Available at:

http://www.sacher.com/sacher/SacherTorte/index_en.jsp

* Double Bowl Alessi - Gabriel Ross & Design House

A unique serving essential made from two separate curves of stainless steel; one that forms the inside and one that forms the outside of the bowl, designed by Donato D'Urbino.

http://www.alessi.com/

Available locally at:

Gabriel Ross: 589 Bay Street - Ph 250.384.2554,

http://www.gabrielross.com/alessi-m-2.html

Design House: 616 Yates Street – Ph 250.383.3579

http://www.designhouse.ca/

* Sphere – Ivan Meade

Sphere form the Accentus/Contempo collection of the Ivan Meade Object d’Art line.
The sphere represents the ball used in an ancient Mayan game, and the silver bands encircling the piece reflect the resource coveted by the Spanish. The cantera stone ball has been chiselled by hand than wrapped in the silver bands by gifted craftsmen in my hometown of San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

Available locally at:

http://www.ivanmeade.com/

1316 – B Government Street – Ph 250.881.1990

* Boxy Backpacks – Sprouts

The Coolest Bag for the modern mom

http://www.petuniapicklebottom.com/

Available locally only at:

http://www.sproutskid.com/

202-536 Herald Street - Ph 250.388.9525

* 97 ways to make your dog smile by Jenny Langhehn - Nicholas Randall


A great book that will definitely make you smile – If you have a friend that walks a dog in Clover Point this will be the ultimate dog lover’s stocking stuffer.

Available locally at:

Nicholas Randall

2041 Oak Bay Avenue -Ph 250.592.1789

* Candle holder - Liberty

Little Boxes that will keep the light of this season.

Available locally at:

http://www.libertyinside.com/
1630 Store Street – Ph 250.389.1180

* Lamp – Romanoff

This lamp is a great blend of classic and modern. The urn shaped base-a classical Greek form has been streamlined and created in polished chrome, creating a striking juxtaposition. Topping it off with a simple black shade produces an elegant, versatile piece.

Available locally at:

http://www.romanoff-home.com/

508 Herald Street – Ph 250.480.1892

* Ercuis Salt and Pepper Shakers – Birks

Finding a contemporary set of salt and pepper shakers can be difficult but this set stuns with its architectural simplicity.

Available locally at:

http://www.birks.com/

1023 Government Street – Ph 250. 382.4241, 1644 Hillside Ave – Ph 250. 595-1424

* Chess Set – Place

Design: Adin Mumma
Motion is added to an otherwise still game. A concave landscape stabilizes freely quivering chess pieces, creating a lively interaction between board and pieces.

http://www.umbra.com/

Available locally at:

http://placemodernliving.com/

3690 Shelbourne St - 250.381.3488

* Gift Certificates -Meade Design Group

Because what else could be better?

Available locally at:

http://www.themeadegroup.com

1316 – B Government Street – Ph 250.881.1990

* Haven Spa - The Pier

Haven Spa provides a holistic approach to beauty and wellness – one that embraces pampering and indulgence but also offers guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Balancing the harmony of mind, body, and nature with the melody of inner and outer beauty. One of the best spas in the city!

Available locally at:

http://www.sidneypier.com/haven/

9805 Seaport Place – Ph 250.655.9445

* Chilewich Tablemats - Nicholas Randall

Innovative use of yarn fuses style and sophistication to create a modern alternative in tabletop dressing. Tablemats and runners are available in an array of textures and colors.

http://www.chilewich.com/mats/index.html

Available locally at:

Nicholas Randall

2041 Oak Bay Avenue -Ph 250.592.1789

* Hannuka - Umbra

Design: Michelle Ivankovic
Soft flowing lines create a bouquet of candles. Also functions as a Menorah, adjusts to either taper or thinner candles.

http://www.umbra.com

Available locally at:

http://www.placemodernliving.com/

3690 Shelbourne St - 250.381.3488

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011