On The Streets

Not one of my pics, but one I really like. Coney Island certainly has a nostalgic feel to it and this image captures that beautifully.

What I didn't know, until recently, is that the name comes from the old Dutch 'Conyne Eylandt', which means 'Rabbit Island'. Apparently this peninsula, which used to be an island, had an abundance of rabbits and rabbit hunting continued till the resort development started.

Coney Island:

On The Streets

This dog was loved and it's hard not to smile at this dedication.

East Village:

On The Streets

One of the things I love most about New York is that you can walk down the street and see beauty everywhere. Sure there are museums with beautiful objects, awe-inspiring buildings, and attractive people, but it's the unexpected and less obvious encounters with art & beauty that I think contribute to New York's energy. Art on waste bins? Why not?

East Village:

Happy Street - Dutch Pavilion at World Expo 2010

May 1st saw the opening of the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai. The theme this time is 'Better City, Better Life', as it is estimated that 55% of the world's population lives in cities in 2010.

The Dutch contribution is called 'Happy Street'. The architect, John Körmeling, wanted to design a pavilion that was more like a city instead of a single building. As opposed to urban planning in most areas, Happy Street shows that living, working, and entertaining can be done in the same 'street' instead of well-defined zones. It wants to show the creativity, sustainability and more human approach to living, which is necessary in the Netherlands as it is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.

The result is inspiring. The street, in the shape of an eight (lucky number in China) is playful and has an open design. There are 28 houses on Happy Street that show different aspects of Dutch life, design, innovation and industry.

It also wants to address sustainability in its broadest sense - socially, ecologically and economically. Some of the houses have examples of Dutch technology and solutions for sustainability issues, and the pavilion itself shows a conceptual approach to sustainability as well.

Happy Street:

Featured at ICFF 2010: City Joinery

One of the busiest weeks in New York, design-wise at least, has finished and ICFF 2010 at the Javits Center has showcased many great companies - both local and further away.

First up: City Joinery.

This Dumbo based company makes beautiful furniture often using a mix of materials. The products show their love for furniture making and craftsmanship.

A few of my favorites:
Clad Dresser - mix of solid wood and sheet metal



Gathering Table - such an original piece. Originally meant as an outdoor piece, this table with benches can seat up to 12. If only I had a roofdeck to put this on...

Check out their website for more great pieces.