Del Sol House / Schmidt Arquitectos Asociados

 

The site is located on the third row of properties facing the sea, gently sloping with a blanket of Doca Carpobrotus aequilaterus, characteristic to the central coast of Chile. It has a great view of the sea and the sunsets and is exposed to the cold south west wind. The Del Sol House is set with its angled geometry, by way of contrast, making the most of the surrounding landscape. The consolidated sand slope joins to accommodate the spacious interior of pure and simple materials.

More than a formal commitment, we understood that the owners sought, through their demands, a traditional beach house lifestyle, where there was greater programmatic freedom and integration of spaces, with the consequent break from the traditional rigid formal city houses, generating a more calm and relaxed feeling. See more at HomeWorldDesign

7 Common Problems Art Students Have With Writing

While some might argue that it is impossible to learn Arts and that being a real artist is the question of talent and inspiration, not of syllabus and routine, Art students all over the world prove this idea wrong. Those who deal with craftsmanship and those who create concepts would agree, that majoring in Arts is a challenging but fully rewarding experience. However, when it comes to written assignments art students might hit a wall, as this seemingly creative activity often contradicts the routine and way of thinking the future esteemed artists have.

 

Problem #1. Meticulous Formatting

It is not a secret that artists might not be too much caring about the generally accepted rules. Though not all of the Art students are movie-like rebels, most of them consider themselves much more bohemian than, for example, Finance or Law students, and they are right to think so. That is why the necessity to dig into the Purdue Owl endless requirements in order to find out where in the reference should be placed a comma, just doesn’t sound as something artist should be wasting his or her time on. That is why Art students’ papers are often creative, but a little messy.

Problem #2. Proper Referencing and Citing

In academic writing, apart from reflection papers, every idea, every fact, every graph should be cited from the primary source. Failed referencing might be considered as another form of plagiarism and be followed by unfavorable academic consequences. However, for the Art students going with a flow seems much more important than meticulously noting all pages, websites, authors right after using some information for the paper. Every student knows that it is complicated to gather all references and put them in place after you’ve finished writing. However, many of the Art students still embrace the famous “steal like a genius” approach.

 

Problem #3. Adherence to the Deadlines

Almost all students are somewhat inclined to violating deadlines from time to time. It is a rightful part of a student’s life, and someone who was always on time with assignments in college or university should definitely earn a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. However, when it comes to the students of more creative disciplines the adherence to the deadlines sounds more like a sort of the oxymoron. The basic explanation for being late is “I just wasn’t inspired enough to do it,” which brings us to the whole new problem.

Problem #4 Inspiration-Oriented Procrastination

Though most of the Art students are exceptionally hardworking, as they have to come up with visible results within rather tight timeframes, creative world is known to be driven by inspiration. Lack of it can explain anything — late submission, poor formatting, shallow content and overall procrastination. While all other students procrastinate because they are lazy or not motivated to deal with their projects, the Art students procrastinate because they are “not inspired” or “their Muse left them.” This state is rather hard to overcome, and one of the best ways is just to start a preliminary research and then go with the flow. Which, however, might be another problem.

 

Problem #5. Coherent Research

For better or worse, most of the academic assignments, even when it comes to the creative disciplines, are concentrated on the research-analysis-conclusions sequence. Of course, there are tasks which imply students sharing their thoughts, ideas and reflections not much based on some original external sources, but such assignments are scarce. Making research requires concise planning and following that plan to a dot, the same as further evaluation of the findings. Art students tend to grasp the overall idea and develop it based on their perception, which often leads to the lower grades for papers than desired.

Problem #6. Sorting Out Priorities

Let’s just acknowledge it, writing academic papers is not on the top of the Art students’ priorities. It is some sort of a side job which is necessary to proceed to do what you really like to. It is like working shift in a diner while writing a novel or creating modern sculptures. Students do it because they have to, and most of them just try to do it not bad enough to get a degree.

 

Problem #7. Existential Crises 

A more profound problem than lack of inspiration, but quite a similar one. Existential crisis is impossible to predict and difficult to overcome. Dealing with it doesn’t implicate making academic research or writing a paper, first of all, because what is the meaning of writing assignments while there is no meaning in life?

Of course, not all of these problems are related to every Art student. Mostly each of them has 2-3 major pitfalls he or she keep getting trapped in. While it is for certain that in terms of academic development it would be better to concentrate on dealing with them, many students think it would endanger their creative integrity.

Arara: Battery-free Lights That Make Bicycles Visible on The Road

Colorful as an arara parrot and as eye-catching as the northern lights, ‘Arara‘ lights make bicycles much more visible to the road. Made by Siberia-based physicist Semyon Filippov, the luminaire does not require a battery to keep your life safe.

Increasing the bicycle‘s visibility during the daylight hours and at night, arara illuminates the whole wheel, ensuring that motorists can quickly spot a fisherman out of every angle. The lights are self-powered using neodymium magnets — no batteries or wires needed.

Users don’t need to worry about charging the lights or switching them off or on. They turn when the cyclist starts rolling, and gradually dim after the rider stops.

Filippov will start ‘arara’ on Indiegogo shortly — to be informed and get 20% off, subscribe to this newsletter on the designer’s website.

h/t designboom.com

Artist Kate MccGwire Creates Serpentine Snake-Like Sculptures from Fallen British Bird Feathers

British artist Kate MccGwire creates surreal, enchanting sculptures made from fallen bird feathers. Sourced from local farms, gamekeepers, and pigeon racers, the iridescent, patterned plumage comes from some British birds, including magpies, pheasants, and roosters. The artist’s latest work includes feather-covered, snake-like forms which look like hybrid creatures hibernating in boundaries of antique bell covers, frames, and cabinets.

 

MccGwire first began working with feathers after finding some fallen pigeon feathers close to her rural art studio. Since then, she started collecting the organic material, and exploring “the play of opposites at an aesthetic, intellectual and visceral level.” This composition creates a scale-like illusion of a snake coiled tightly and twisted around itself.

MccGwire describes her work as being like umbilical cords, and explains she aims to seduce the viewer, “however revolt in equal measure.” She explains, “It’s really important to me that you’ve got that rejection of things you believe you know for certain.”

MccGwire regularly shows her work in various exhibitions across Europe. Check out more of her job on her website.

h/t: Colossal

Apartment Reconstruction in Prague / SMLXL Studio

 

The apartment is located in a newly renovated apartment building near Letna Square in Prague 7. We have modified the layout proposed by the developer to meet the requirements of a young couple.

The residential apartment with a small balcony has an area of 98 m2. Belonging to it is also a private parking spot with a parking machine.

The apartment was sold by the developer in a shell and core state, ideal for design and the implementation itself. Still, we did not avoid construction modifications resulting from the newly proposed layout – electrical wiring, modifications and changes in the positions of the building holes, water distribution and waste outlet, or new plasterboard ceiling. See more at HomeWorldDesign

Making Room For Storage In The Smallest Of Spaces

Outstanding Winners of the 2018 Black + White Photographer of the Year Competition

Stop Making Excuses. Become a Working Artist Today!

You’ve put this off for far too long! You’ve hidden your talent under a bushel and left if neglected for years while you’ve striven to earn the money to keep a roof over your head. But while you need to earn a living is certainly important, you shouldn’t underestimate how important it is for your mental health and general wellbeing to scratch your creative itch. Ah, but who has the time? You work long hours and at the end of long days work you likely haven’t the energy to set up your easel or your potter’s wheel or whatever tools or medium you use to express yourself. Not when you have dinner to make and reality TV shows to watch. Right? But neglecting your natural talents is rarely a positive outcome. Furthermore, by taking the time to practice and refine your talent, you can earn a substantial income that can supplement or even supersede your income from your day job. If your lack of creative expression is keeping you up at night and eroding a key part of your personality, it’s time to turn things around…

Creativity (of any sort) is good for your health

Indulging in any creative enterprise, even if the end product never sees the light of day, is a worthwhile endeavor in its own right. Whether you dust the cobwebs off your easel, reignite your passion for acting or singing with a local theatre group or rekindle your writing skills through a blog there are intrinsic health benefits. Creativity relieves stress, facilitates higher brain function, benefits mental health, lifts a low mood and even helps to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.   

Selling your art is easier than ever

There was a time when the world of art was an inherently elitist landscape. Now, the rise and rise of digital media has proven a great leveler. Not only has design software like Photoshop and ProCreate allowed greater ease than ever for those who excel in art and design to create bold work quickly, easily and for a relatively low cost, it’s also provided a number of platforms through which artists can sell their work.

Selling your art on Etsy or Shopify is an easy way to monetize your talent. Be aware, however, that it’s a good idea to grow a sizeable inventory before you start to sell your wares as Etsy’s search algorithms favor artists with an inventory of 100 items or more. There are a plethora of services that will print your digital creations to the highest standards and courier services like Shiply will ship your products wherever you wish quickly and reliably. Over time, as you begin to sell your work online you will grow in confidence while making a little extra pocket money.

Sharing can be giving

For many creatively inclined people, monetary gain is far less important than sharing their work with others. This is why social media, particular platforms like Instagram or Vero, can be so giving to an artist. Your friends and family will likely lavish your work with praise while a community of fellow artists will be able to offer you helpful advice and constructive criticism if you are open to it.

You always have the time

With so many benefits from building confidence and improving health to making a little extra income, there is really no excuse not to make the time to reconnect with your creative self. If you’re really pressed for time get up an hour early and take to the canvas before you wake your kids or your significant other. You’ll be glad you did!

 

Interior Design Tips That Will Boost Your Property Value

When you’re ready to list your home on the real estate market and have it stand out in the local area, you’ll need to update the property to increase its appeal. One of the most important steps to take when finding the right buyer is to increase the decor and design of the interior setting. When you want to boost your home value and make more of a profit, there are a few interior design tricks to use.

Repaint the Home

Repainting the interior and exterior of the home is crucial to make the space look new and update the environment to ensure that it appears contemporary. According to HGTV, new paint will make each room look clean with neutral color shades that are used, which appeals to most buyers.

Create a Stunning Backsplash

Adding a backsplash in the kitchen or bathrooms will allow your home to look high-end with tiles that contribute to the visual appeal of the room. Consider using white subway tiles to make the kitchen appear light and airy, which will open up the space and will create the illusion of additional square footage. The backsplash can also be used to add a splash of color to the room to prevent it from appearing bland.

Upgrade the Appliances

Many people don’t think of the appliances as decor items, but they contribute to the style and design of your interior setting. According to DIY Network, it’s important that all of the appliances match to create a seamless and uniform design.

Redesign the Ceilings

Ceilings are often neglected and can look boring compared to the rest of the home, making it necessary to spruce up the ceilings. Add extra architectural interest with box beams and crown modeling while removing popcorn ceilings that may be present in older homes. Visual appeal that is available on the ceilings will make the rooms appear taller.

Increase the Storage Space

Increasing the amount of storage space that is available throughout the home will prevent clutter from accumulating over time, which can be an eyesore and detract from the quality of the setting. Additional storage space that is available in the laundry room, bathrooms, and kitchen will prevent items from getting put out in the open where they can be seen.

Install Quartz Countertops

Although granite countertops were popular in recent years, more people are turning to quartz countertops to create a regal setting in the kitchen and bathroom. The material looks similar to marble but is more affordable and will brighten up the room with its light color shade. It’s incredibly durable to heat, scratches, stains or cuts and will maintain its appeal long-term. Installing the material will increase the value of your home by three to seven percent.

Add Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are found in stylish and upscale homes because they contribute to the design of the house and look sleek. Hardwood floors are long-wearing when they have a finish that is applied and is available in a variety of colors. Real hardwood floors will last for many decades and can be restained to continue looking new and updated in the future. After increasing the design of the space, you’ll want to compare real estate agents who can showcase the property beautifully and increase its exposure on the market.

Use Natural Light

According to Huffington Post, it’s essential to showcase natural light, which will work as a positive feature of the interior setting. Open up the windows and remove blackout curtains, which can increase the energy usage inside of the building by blocking the light. You can also install a skylight or use sheer window curtains to allow more light in and avoid spending more money on electricity to illuminate the home.

 

There are several ways to create a beautiful and contemporary environment inside of your home. With the right decor and materials used, you can increase your home’s value and make it easier to sell.

Exotic Australian Foods You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

Australia may not be the first place people think of as a source of exotic food, but the country boasts a wide variety of exotic delicacies that you aren’t likely to find anywhere else in the world. The country’s cuisine, which is loaded with a mix of Asian, African and Aboriginal influences, features many distinctly Australian dishes, both iconic and relatively unknown. From unexpected sources of meat to fish to native fruits and vegetables, here are some of the most exciting, exotic Australian foods.

Kangaroo

Kangaroos, which are native only to Australia, are used in certain parts of the country to make a wide variety of dishes. Today, Australian cuisine features kangaroo in the form of roo steaks, kangaroo meat stir-fries and kangaroo tail soup. The meat from the animal is low in fat and cholesterol is high in protein, and although it can become chewy when cooked, many chefs cook kangaroo on the rare side (especially for steaks) to keep the meat more tender.

Crocodile

For a long time, crocodile meat and eggs were fixtures of Aboriginal cuisine, but in modern Australia, you can still find crocodile dishes in a variety of forms. Many upscale restaurants serve crocodile sushi or carpaccio. For less adventurous eaters, crocodile fillets can also be grilled or pan-fried, similar to the preparation of alligator fillets in parts of the southern United States.

Quandong

The Quandong fruit is native to Australia and spread primarily through the droppings of emu. Quandong fruit is sweet and similar in taste to a peach, and it packs quite a bit of Vitamin C. The fruit is often eaten on its own, but you can also use Quandong to make jams, preserves or savory Quandong pies.

Flathead Fish

Flatheads are a poisonous fish that can be found in dishes across Australia when in season. Chefs must carefully remove the poisonous spine when preparing flathead, but the meat of the fish is delicious, particularly the belly.

Emu

Emu meat is another exotic Australian staple, as they are commonly raised in the country for their meat. Emu can be prepared in many ways, often in fillets or in the form of jerky, and while the meat can be a bit tough, it’s worth trying if you’re looking to be adventurous.

Witchetty Grubs

If your definition of ‘exotic’ includes especially adventurous eating, perhaps the most adventurous Australian food are Witchetty grubs. These grubs are the larval form of ghost moths, and contain lots of protein like many other insects. Some people will eat the grubs live and raw, and they are also occasionally featured as sushi, but Witchetty grubs can also be barbecued to make them more palatable.

Wattleseed Ice Cream

For a distinctly Australian dessert, there is wattleseed ice cream, which gets its flavor from a spice made from the seeds of the native wattleseed plant. The spice made from the seeds has a pleasant nutty flavor that many people find similar to that of coffee, hazelnut and certain kinds of chocolate. Wattlessed now finds its way into many Australian desserts, but wattleseed ice cream is one of the best.

 

If your definition of ‘exotic’ means adventurous eating, perhaps the most adventurous Australian food is Witchetty grubs. These grubs are the larval form of ghost moths and contain lots of protein like many other insects. Some people will eat the grubs live and raw. They are occasionally featured as sushi, but Witchetty grubs can also be barbecued to make them more palatable. Eaters who feel a little uneasy about consuming insects may want to try dipping them in delicious whole egg mayonnaise or even ketchup. The grubs will still be consumed, even if you have to dip them in a familiar and delicious coating.

History Inspired Costumes That Can Make You Turn Heads at a Party

Have you always dreamed of being the life of the party? You may finally get your chance. Whether your costume falls into the Roman, Arabian Nights, or Egyptian category on Costume Collection, you’ll be sure to impress fellow partygoers with the unique, historic vibe you bring with you to the party. Here are a few one-of-a-kind costume ideas. Any one of these can help in making your dream come true. No matter which one you end up picking, you can’t go wrong.

Roman Characters

Do you want to win over your friends and make them respect you more than they do now? Dressing up like a Roman gladiator can help you achieve this goal. If they’re not too intimidated when they catch a glimpse of you looking like this, you can be sure they’ll run over to you and shower you with compliments. The Roman gladiator costume is an ideal choice for men.

 

As for women, the divine goddess costume is a wonderful option. The dress that you’ll be wearing is a stunning, light blue color, and it has just the right amount of sparkle on it. What’s great about this costume is that it appears to be both comfortable and elegant. This is a combination that’s usually hard to find in women’s clothing. You’ll be able to show off all of your feminine beauty and charm in this costume. As a woman, you’ll want to take advantage of the opportunity to let your inner divine goddess show on the outside, too.

Genie Costume

Let’s not forget the cute, chic genie costume. This one is sure to turn heads at any costume party. It’s equally feminine, beautiful, and sexy. If you look for all of these attributes in a costume, you can be sure the genie costume is the right choice for you. You can give yourself a genie hairstyle to complete the look.

Egyptian Characters

The Egyptian queen costume has a lovely, historic feel to it. When your friends see you dressed this way, you shouldn’t be surprised to see some jealous glares directed at you. Other girls at the party will wish they’d thought of such an alluring costume. That’s when you’ll want to gently remind them that there’s only room for one queen.

 

This Egyptian mummy costume may be simple, but it gets the job done well. You’ll be sure to impress your friends with the mysterious, intriguing mummy look it gives. If this is the type of costume that appeals to you, you should go ahead and give it a try.

A Stone Age Costume

If you want to look tough and masculine, you should consider this costume. When you walk into the party, you can expect all eyes to turn in your direction. Not only will the others enjoy the snacks and drinks you bring along with you, they’ll love that special Stone Age feel you bring to it. Once the party’s over, they’ll go home and remember it for the rest of the night. They might even remember it for the rest of the year.

 

Do you want to be the one that everyone notices the moment they step into the room? You can choose any one of these costumes and be confident that you’ll get to see that happening all night long. After all, you want your memories to show that you were the life of the party and not the loser, who was hiding over there in the corn

How to Relax at Home After a Hard Day

Does it feel like the world is spinning at a thousand miles per hour when you wake up? If not, you can count yourself lucky. One only hopes it stays that way for as long as possible. Most people are completely stressed out non-stop.

 

Maybe it’s because you have to do more than hunt and gather every day. It could be because you’re addicted to electronics. Either way, you’ll have to find a way to truly relax while at home. We’re going to discuss the best ways you can do it.

Hang a Hammock in the Garden

How do you think you would feel if you were hanging in between two coconut trees on a tropical island? If you have a good enough imagination you’ll be able to feel that way when you’re in a hammock at home. You can even hang one inside when it’s cold outside, which means it can be used 365 days per year. If you don’t have any trees in your garden you’ll need to use a solid stand.

Build a Big Yoga Gazebo

If you don’t practice yoga at the moment you’ll need to start soon. It might hurt for a few weeks, but once your body gets used to it you’ll feel great. The setting will have an impact on how you feel too. In other words, you want to work out somewhere a lot nicer than your living room. Try building a yoga gazebo in your garden. When you’re doing yoga and hear rain bouncing off the roof your stress will melt away.

Invest in a Cardio Machine

It’s had to beat the feeling of the legendary runner’s high. When you run enough the chemicals in your brain give you a euphoric experience. Not only can it get rid of stress, but it can help you handle it better in the first place. The high can be experienced when you perform any kind of cardio for long enough. If you have a spare bedroom it’s worth investing in a stair climber or rowing machine.

Install an Infrared Sauna

Do you want to feel like you’re at the strippers in Perth or Vegas? You’ll need to get your wife to take her clothes off, which can be accomplished easily if you install an infrared sauna in your home. But seriously, it’s one of the best ways to unwind after a hard day at work. You can opt for a steam room if you enjoy them more. They’ll both provide you with a large number of health benefits if used regularly.

Make Sure You Don’t Wake Up

Once you fall asleep at night you bounce back and forth between REM and deep sleep. You spend more time in rapid-eye-movement sleep as the night progresses, which means if you keep waking up you won’t get enough of it. Your mind won’t feel rejuvenated when you wake up in the morning. Ensure you have a comfortable mattress and pillow. Also, buy curtains that won’t let any light get through.

Spend Time Under the Stars

There is something magical about looking up at the stars. When you realize how insignificant you are in the grand scheme of things your problems begin to disappear. There are a couple of ways you’ll be able to admire the stars at night. You could build a hot tub in your garden to give you a double dose of relaxation. If you want a cheaper solution set up a fire pit and sit around it with your family eating melted marshmallows.

You Can Try the Simple Things Too

We’ve talked about a few big ideas today, but there are lots of little tricks you can try too. Things like limiting your social media usage and learning to breathe properly work wonders. Give it time and your stress should begin to dissipate.