Architecture - Amazing buildings around the world

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Amazing buildings around the world

House Vision 2

On one of the hottest days in August this year, I attended the second HOUSE VISION exhibition in Tokyo, three years after the inaugural event. Read more

The decision to have a rest day in Marugame (丸亀市) turned out to be a good once since it rained all day. I’ve been pushing myself to take advantage of the recent dry weather and I don’t think my body could have taken me far anyway. Read more

Sazaedo Double Helix Temple

During my time in Asia I’ve seen more than my fair share of Buddhist, Taoist, and Shinto temples but never have I encountered one quite as unique as Sazaedo (さざえ堂) that I found on my final day in Aizuwakamatsu. Read more

Sha Tin Public Housing Estates

In Hong Kong, public housing has been one of the major government policies since the 1950’s – about 30 percent of the city’s 7.8 million population currently lives in one of these affordable apartments. Read more

Waibaidu Bridge

Back in February I spent Chinese New Year in Shanghai and, having eaten more than my fair share, decided that brisk walk was in order. Heading to The Bund we took a leisurely stroll along North Suzhou Road. Read more

Oi Man Estate in Hong Kong

In the 1950’s Hong Kong had a problem – facing a surge of immigration from Mainland China it didn’t have enough affordable housing stock. In 1953 the problems were compounded when a fire burned down a large slum area in Shek Kip Mei, Kowloon, leaving thousands homeless. Read more

Everyday Usability in Japan (Part 3)

In Part 1 and Part 2 of this series we looked at some of the intriguing aspects of the way people’s everyday lives are affected by design in Japan. Whether the result of a lone designer with a singular focus or a meddling committee with a medley of requirements it’s fascinating to see how other countries have approached the same challenges. Read more

Tokyo Shorts – Kyu-Furukawa Gardens

What happens when you marry a western style mansion with a traditional Japanese garden? I found the answer while freewheeling around Kita ward in northern Tokyo at Kyu-Furukawa Gardens (旧古河庭園). Read more

Nezu Museum

I’ve posted about a number of Tokyo museums over the past few months (sorry if this is getting boring) but among my favourite has to be Nezu Museum (根津美術館) in the decidedly ‘old money’ neighbourhood of Aoyama which combines a stunning modern building with a beautiful traditional Japanese garden. Read more

Tokyo Neighbourhoods – Kagurazaka

Since Tokyo is so spread out, one of the best way to explore its many interesting spots is by bicycle. On a recent two-wheeled jaunt around where I live in northern Shinjuku I came across Kagurazaka (神楽坂), one of the city’s oldest and lesser-known neighbourhoods near Iidabashi Station. Read more