A quick reminder....

Saw this sign on the metro and couldn't resist taking a picture. A very useful reminder!
Old Buildings are as energy efficient as new ones. With Siemens answers for building modernization.

Franziskanerkirche

My Australian penpal, whom I've mentioned before, has been at it again; traveling the world! He sent me this set of photos which completely took my breath away, the Franziskanerkirche (or Franciscan Church) in Lucerne, Switzerland.

The church is the oldest in Lucerne with portions dating back to the 13th century with major renovations occuring nearly every century. Because of this, the building is a veritable museum of styles, ranging from early gothic to baroque.

The vaulted ceilings in the side chapel especially caught my fancy, seen in the top 2 photos. The polychrome plaster cherubs adorning the ceiling are unlike anything I've seen before.

The main chapel includes a 15th century pulpit and 17th century wall murals. The painted flags on the upper walls were painted when the building served as the city hall and depict locations where Swiss soldiers won battles. Who needs history books when one can just go to church!

Over the moon

I attended a concert at the Austrian Embassy last weekend and on the walk to the metro, I noticed that the roof of the new Chinese Embassy perfectly framed the moon! The embassy was recently designed by famed architect I.M.Pei and has been widely panned. What do you think of this odd building; Bizarre, right? Rendering of the whole complex below.

Thanks Fox News!

Many thanks to the Fox News design blog At Home for naming ArchitectDesign one of the top 10 design blogs of 2010! It is humbling to be included with some truly inspirational blogs, including my friend Habitually Chic. Check out the full list here!