USGBC

I had the opportunity to go to the U.S. Green Building Council headquarters. It is a VERY cool place with state of the art everything! They pump you full of useful information about LEED certification and the materials they use in their office building. They, of course, have Platinum LEED status and everything conserves energy, uses sustainable materials, and promotes a healthy work environment. Their favorite word to use is "biofilaments"- bringing the outside inside.

chairs are made of Italian wool

water feature in front entryway. biofilament element!

carpet squares

office space, work areas are in the center of the space and the windows are not blocked so everyone receives natural light

reclaimed wood

wood stump that is now seating

employee break room that is fully equipped with a marvelous kitchen, wii area, and foozeball table

herb garden

quote wall

materials and finishes wall

The Building Museum

My drafting class went to the Building museum to see the Palladio exhibit. The museum as a whole was a buzz kill in that it is this huge expansive space with NOTHING in it! It literally had only 3 exhibits in it; the Palladio, Worlds Fair (a bit of a snoozefest, I hate to say it), and Lego museum (which you had to pay $5 to see). The main hall was the most interesting thing the museum had to offer (besides the Palladio exhibit of course- its AMAZING, wish they allowed photography!).

the main hall is breathtaking with its tall ceilings, windows, and ornate details

These columns were a buzz kill because they were faux marble :/

Comet Ping Pong

I had to visit Comet Ping Pong for my precedent project and I'm glad Eric put this on the list because it was a great place! This awesome juxtaposition of urban interiors, gourmet pizza, and ping pong. There are a number of great modern architectural elements that Core Architecture incorporated into the design of the space. Below are some of my favorite shots...

exterior shot. Sign is from Comet Liquors in Adams Morgan. The owner found it and it became a motif in the space

steel planters filled with bamboo define the outdoor patio

Ceiling art installation. Reminds me of something you would find at a railroad junction or an oil rig

the interior walls were stripped to reveal layers of colored plaster. It reminds me of an old seedy gym

steel lighting

the skylights and comet motif near the bar

Love the random array of thrift chairs

photo wall of everyone who had a hand making the restaurant a reality

art mural in the ping pong area

grout of plaster and exposed brick wall

Look at the pizza oven! Its in the shape of a giant comet!

Textiles and other random things seen around town

This post is a conglomerate of textiles and materials I have seen while out in the city.

really cool period door. Its still really tiny and low to the ground and made of this old reclaimed wood. Very colonial

The gold on the dome of this bank shines even on an overcast day

this bar had an array of finished. Hammered copper and lace grate

this leather chair had this little peek-a-boo of trim

this lighting fixture is awesome! Fire red AND had crystals!

cow hair seat backing

this is a random wood and metal architectural piece in this clothing store

I'm in LOVE with this carpet! It was cut along the pattern formed and had tons of colors in it. Very urban