White Xmas @ Selfridges.

Selfridges has the most astonishing windows in the world. True stories are told, imagined and wanted.

This Xmas I will indeed miss Selfridges windows. 

Here's a space to dream for.

The art of merchandising. 

Summer Pavilion 2011 by Peter Zumthor.

The annual series of Pavilions is the world's first and most ambitious architectural programme of its kind.

2011 Pavilion was designed by world-renowned Swiss architect Peter Sumthor which includes a beautiful garden specially created by the influential Dutch designer Piet Oudolf.

From the 1st of July until the 16th October the Serpentine Gallery  was one of the most wanted spaces in London. I was able to see it on its very last day. Luckily the weather was inviting enough to explore what architecture has the best to offer - engagement. 

One of the multi entrances.

The Garden, a space within a space. 

A dark corridor around the pavilion's perimeter which created the idea of a labyrinth. 

The Pavilion is constructed of a lightweight timber frame wrapped with coated scrim to create a dark, cloistered effect. 

The materials are so fragile that, when leaning against the wall, one could feel the vibrations created by people talking, children running and walking around. 

Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011 by Peter Zumthor from Serpentine Gallery on Vimeo.

Last year's Pavilion was design by the French architect Jean Nouvel. Click here to see the photos

Music To My Ears.

DESIGN IS DETAIL

Spatial design at Oslo Opera House, main entrance.

Gaselin | Malmö, Sweden.

Malmö is getting cosmopolitan every day. A bridge away from Copenhagen, this cute Swedish city is a design center on its own. Lovely people, gorgeous cafés and lots to look around.

Everywhere you find stunning design shops, with special focus on product design. From international renowned creatives to more low profile ones, Gaselin is The Shop to browse in.

Gaselin is a Picked Pieces shop selling Portuguese and Swedish design only. With an eclectic selection of products there is always something you want to grab.

Color is the main feature. The counter is covered in old style textured tiles from Portugal.

The Leaf ceiling by TemaHome.

Big windows, great space.

Hats made in Portugal.

Maria and Malin, Gaselin's owners, lovely collection of old magazines. Inspirational!

The Handle and Baby Handle stools by Fernando Brizio to TemaHome

Moderna Museet @ Malmo, Sweden.

Old orange. New orange.
Old curvy lines. New rectilinear lines.

A respectful moment in architecture. Yes, that's what the Modern Museum in Malmo is about.

Simply a façade. 

The architectural intervention is highly minimal, though the metallic dots on the façade bring together very nicely the two different types of architecture. It's as if the dots are the common geometry.    

Can you imagine when it's sunny outside? This café must be the space to be at.

It's all about precision, something close to perfection. 

Stunning overview.

Are You An Influencer?

The world is waiting for you. Take your chance.

INFLUENCERS TRAILER from R+I creative on Vimeo.

Paris For Holidays.

For the last couple of days I've been wondering where I would like to go for a short holiday. The beach could be an option, though this year I had it a lot (that's one of the best things about living in Portugal and of course having my family living by the beach).

I thought of Barcelona, Madrid and the Açores, these beautiful Portuguese islands in the middle of the Atlantic, but none of these places really convinced me. I guess I'm looking for something more... romantic? Chic? Cosmopolitan? Maybe with a French accent?

I've been there a few times but Paris is indeed that city where I feel comfortable, somehow at home.

I would love to speak proper French. I do understand it, I can fully read it but when it comes to speak I get shy! Can you imagine?

More Parisian spaces to enjoy:
Ralph Lauren | Jardin À Paris.
Inspired By Paris.
Paris, Je T'Aime.
Merci, Nous Vous Aimons.

Breakfast Set.

Simplicity and functionality on their best. Perfect for my home friends gathering.

Designed by Liliana Bonomi

Manufacturer Serafino Zani

À La Rentrée!

Summer is indeed the best season in the year. We catch up with friends and family we get to see once a year, we have the beach to go to, look healthier, eat healthier, feel happier, find reasons to be outside all night long drinking Margaritas, though I always get to the point I miss to retreat. Maybe because I am lucky enough to enjoy all these pleasures since early May, I already started feeling the need to retreat (well, it's getting cool here in Lisbon, perhaps that's why).

Galleries and museums are part of my retreat. I love to visit art installations in the Autumn. They have a better fit. Everything feels right. It's as if I've been outside my reality for some time and art is getting me down to earth.

Looking forward to my Art Rentrée.

Reflection on the window above the Turbine Hall.

Light installation at Tate Modern (2007), one of my favorites.


Related articles:
The Serpentine Gallery (London)
Architectural Installations (London)
Design Museum (London)
MUDE - Fashion and Design (Lisbon)
The Barbican (London)
MoMA (Manhattan)
Other Art Forms and Spaces (Everywhere)

I Wonder.

Two things I love to do:
1st - Looking at people and wonder
2nd - Looking at buildings and wonder

What do they have in common?
Both are alive stories.

Everyday I fall in love with this building.

The way the sun light reflects on this façade is admirable.

Even though I've never been to New Orleans, this building reminds me its architecture from the books I used to flick through when I was a kid (and from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, remember?)

Details like the roof crown, the street lamps and the balustrades are the jewellery of the building. (this one here is abandoned, luckily not for long).

Do you wonder about non-living beings?

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Architectural Fragments