#Multidirectional Staircase

[modernstairs-in]

How Many Types of Staircase?

Exploring the Different Types of Staircases: A Comprehensive Guide

Staircases are essential architectural elements in any building, providing access between floors and enhancing the overall aesthetic. Choosing the right type of staircase can significantly impact the design, functionality, and safety of your space. In this blog, we will explore the various types of staircases, their features, and the best applications for each, helping you make an informed decision for your home or business.

1. Straight Staircase

The straight staircase is the most straightforward and commonly used design. It consists of a single flight of stairs that connects two levels without any turns or landings. Ideal for spaces where direct access is necessary, this design is space-efficient and easy to construct.

Best For: Small homes, offices, and areas with limited space.

2. L-Shaped Staircase (Quarter Turn)

An L-shaped staircase features a 90-degree turn at a landing, providing a more visually appealing design than a straight staircase. This type can save space while adding interest to your interior.

Best For: Residential settings, especially in corners or tight areas.

3. U-Shaped Staircase (Half Turn)

The U-shaped staircase consists of two flights of stairs connected by a landing, forming a U-shape. This design allows for a more extended run, making it suitable for larger spaces. It also creates a dramatic visual effect.

Best For: Spacious homes and public buildings, such as hotels and theaters.

4. Spiral Staircase

A spiral staircase is a compact and stylish option that winds around a central pole. This design is excellent for maximizing space in tight areas and adds a unique architectural feature to any room.

Best For: Small homes, lofts, and areas where space-saving is a priority.

5. Circular Staircase

Similar to a spiral staircase, a circular staircase has a wider, more gradual curve. This design offers a more comfortable ascent and descent and can be a stunning focal point in any space.

Best For: Grand entrances, luxury homes, and public buildings.

6. Floating Staircase

The floating staircase features treads that appear to "float" without visible supports, creating an open and airy feel. This modern design is popular in contemporary architecture and adds a touch of elegance.

Best For: Modern homes and open-concept spaces.

7. Winder Staircase

A winder staircase is similar to an L-shaped staircase but lacks a landing. It uses pie-shaped treads to change direction, making it a great space-saving option.

Best For: Compact areas where a landing is not feasible.

8. Multidirectional Staircase

A multidirectional staircase changes direction multiple times, allowing for creative designs in larger homes. This type can be both functional and visually appealing, often serving as a statement piece.

Best For: Complex layouts and luxury homes.

9. Bifurcated Staircase

A bifurcated staircase is a grand design that splits into two flights, usually seen in upscale homes or public buildings. It creates an impressive entrance and can be designed with ornate details.

Best For: Luxury homes, hotels, and grand public spaces.

10. Railroad Staircase

The railroad staircase consists of a straight flight of stairs without landings, resembling the shape of railroad tracks. This simple design is space-efficient and straightforward to install.

Best For: Smaller spaces where simplicity is key.

11. Alcove Staircase

An alcove staircase is built into a recess or alcove, saving space while adding unique architectural interest. This design can create cozy nooks and enhance the overall ambiance of a room.

Best For: Compact homes and creative architectural designs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right type of staircase is crucial for enhancing your space’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. From straight and L-shaped designs to elegant spiral and floating options, each type offers unique advantages. When selecting a staircase, consider factors such as available space, style preferences, and safety requirements to find the perfect fit for your property.

[mydesignangel01]

Decorative Wall Lights: Elevate Your Interiors with Style and Function

Decorative wall lights are more than just sources of illumination—they are statement pieces that reflect your personality and enhance your home's ambiance. These fixtures seamlessly combine utility with aesthetics, making them a must-have for any modern interior. Whether you're styling a cozy living room, a luxe bedroom, or a stylish hallway, decorative wall lights offer endless design possibilities.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the transformative power of decorative wall lighting and explore top trends such as modern wall lighting, designer wall lamps, and indoor wall lights. From choosing the right fixtures to styling tips, discover how to create a beautifully lit space that blends functionality with artistic expression.

Why Decorative Wall Lights Matter

Decorative wall lights are a key design element that can:

Enhance Mood and Atmosphere: They help set the tone of a room, offering soft ambient light or focused task lighting.

Highlight Architectural Features: Illuminate textured walls, alcoves, or artwork.

Maximize Space: Wall-mounted lights free up table and floor space, ideal for compact rooms.

Add Visual Interest: Available in various shapes, materials, and finishes to suit any decor style.

Whether your interior design leans toward minimalism or maximalism, there’s a decorative wall light that fits perfectly.

Modern Wall Lighting: Clean Lines, Bold Impact

Modern wall lighting represents the epitome of sleek and minimal design. These fixtures focus on functionality without compromising on aesthetics, making them ideal for contemporary homes.

Features of Modern Wall Lighting:

Geometric Shapes: Rectangular, circular, and linear designs dominate this style.

Neutral Color Palettes: Matte black, white, chrome, or brushed brass.

Energy-Efficient Technology: Often integrated with LED for long-lasting and eco-friendly lighting.

Styling Tip: Use modern wall lighting in hallways or staircases for a chic and seamless look that adds both illumination and elegance.

Designer Wall Lamps: High-End Aesthetic for Every Room

If you're looking for standout pieces that double as functional art, designer wall lamps are the perfect choice. Crafted with attention to detail and luxury in mind, these lamps bring a high-end feel to your space.

What Sets Designer Wall Lamps Apart:

Unique Forms: Artistic and often sculptural shapes that make a statement.

Premium Materials: Marble, hand-blown glass, brass, or ceramic.

Custom Finishes: From antique gold to satin nickel for a refined touch.

Placement Idea: Install designer wall lamps on either side of your bed or around a vanity mirror to add symmetry and sophistication.

Indoor Wall Lights: The Versatile Choice for Every Setting

Indoor wall lights come in an array of styles, allowing them to adapt to any room’s needs and aesthetics. Whether you're after mood lighting, task lighting, or accent lighting, there's an indoor wall light for you.

Ideal Uses:

Living Room: Highlight artwork or create cozy reading nooks.

Bedroom: Replace traditional table lamps with wall-mounted alternatives.

Bathrooms: Flank your mirror with moisture-resistant fixtures.

Corridors and Entryways: Add rhythm and warmth to transitional spaces.

Design Suggestion: Choose dimmable indoor wall lights to adjust brightness based on the time of day and activity.

How to Choose the Right Decorative Wall Light

Before purchasing, keep these considerations in mind:

Purpose: Decide if you need ambient, task, or accent lighting.

Room Size: Proportion is key. Choose fixtures that complement your room’s scale.

Design Theme: Match your lighting with the existing decor—modern, rustic, industrial, or traditional.

Light Direction: Upward lights for ambient glow, downward for task lighting, and multidirectional for added drama.

Installation Height: Typically, wall lights are mounted 60-66 inches from the floor.

Lighting Placement Tips for Maximum Impact

Flank Artworks: Use modern sconces to highlight paintings or photography.

Bedside Upgrade: Swap bedside lamps with designer wall lamps to save space and elevate style.

Hallway Drama: Install a series of indoor wall lights to create depth and interest.

Reading Nooks: A targeted wall light above a reading chair adds both comfort and charm.

Top Trends in Decorative Wall Lighting

Stay ahead of the curve with these popular lighting trends:

Mixed Materials: Combine wood, metal, and fabric for a unique textural blend.

Organic Shapes: Soft curves and flowing lines that mimic natural forms.

Vintage Revival: Mid-century modern and industrial styles are making a comeback.

Sustainable Options: Eco-friendly LED fixtures and recycled materials are in demand.

Final Thoughts: Illuminate Your Style

Decorative wall lights do more than light up a room—they define the room’s character. Whether you’re leaning toward the minimal charm of modern wall lighting, the elegance of designer wall lamps, or the practicality of indoor wall lights, your choices should reflect both your lifestyle and taste.

Ready to explore premium lighting options that blend design with function?

Shop Decorative Wall Lights at My Design Angel

[architectnews]

City Road Apartment, Islington

City Road Apartment Interior, Islington, London Home, Residential Building, City Property Images, News

City Road Apartment in Islington

14 Apr 2022

Architects: DROO

Location: City Road, Islington, London

Photos: Henry Woide

City Road Apartment, London

After months of in house working and schooling, urban centres must engage with a set of new behaviours to retain their necessary importance. In the world where reuse and density should be encouraged, DROO’s City Approach project celebrates the increasing global reality of LIVE / WORK / SCHOOL / HOME.

City Road Apartment is located in the heart of the Moorfields conservation area in Islington, the project continues of our work from “within” to extend the life and relevance of existing urban contexts. This retrofit is a multi-level extension of a historic building through a series of staked maisonettes-like bridging between the Edwardian period building and the ever-evolving contemporary city scape surrounding it.

Fittingly at the heart of London’s Tech centre, the resulting hybrid live-work typologies offer a flowing organisation that is both open and differentiated by possible occupations and times of the day. Between the necessary closed spaces one can find a series of niches and spatial nooks that offer alternatives to gather or isolate, to work or to school. Large communal live-work spaces for each unit are separated from the private spaces by dramatic sculptural staircases and secret joinery walls.

Minimal division and the spatial joinery create informal structure playing with the strict functional definitions with stairs acting as sculptures or bookshelves and elsewhere bookshelves becoming secret doors.

This functional layering intentionally plays with traditional codes navigating between office, gallery and home design through a minimal palette meant to heighten the spectacle outside. The design is geared to view out and to best use and control the natural light to allow the use of all available hard-won spaces. Because the lightweight construction occupies what was roof “voids” to create new tucked in sixth and seventh storeys, the design had to carefully use the available volume defined by urban constraints.

Within the living/viewing “machine” sculpted from outside, one constantly journeys through panoramic and immersive city views amplified by the perspective effect created by the multidirectional roof.

In duplex spaces the journeying in the project’s surrounds is reinforced by individually designed staircases where one can move from sky to “within” the existing brick warehouse building. The existing building was originally constructed as a warehouse in the late 19th century has since evolved into a collection of commercial spaces and housing.

The overall reconstruction project was a phased construction with moving buffer floors to allow all functions remained functional during construction. The structural reconstruction spanning most of the floors was carried locally with minimized disturbances. The structural skeleton is such that future changes and modes of living could be carved within too.

Ultimately, City Approach further densifies a building with many lives and many simultaneous uses through what dense urban settings can offer. It caters to unknown potentials to design – work – school – live and re-create in them.

City Road Apartment, Islington – Building Information

Design: DROO – https://drooprojects.com/blog/ Amrita Mahindroo, Michel Da Costa Goncalves and Harikleia Karamali – Project Architect Project size: 1500 sqm Completion date: 2021 Building levels: 3

Photography: Henry Woide

City Road Apartment, Islington images / information received 140422

Location: City Road, London, England, UK

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Another City Road building on e-architect:

259 City Road Bennetts Associates 259 City Road London photo © Tim Crocker 259 City Road The new public space sits within a Bennetts Associates designed masterplan that is being developed by Groveworld, Miller Developments, British Waterways, Fidelity Investments and London Borough of Islington. This new civic area is key to improving access to future phases within the masterplan which includes two private residential towers and a lower building of affordable housing planned around the basin head at the southern end of the site.

259 City Road design : Bennetts Associates

London Architecture Designs – Selection

Laban Centre, southeast London Herzog & de Meuron

The Shard Design: Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW)

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Comments / photos for the City Road Apartment, Islington designed by DROO page welcome

The post City Road Apartment, Islington appeared first on e-architect.

[calorieworkouts]

13 Tips for Making Cardio Workouts More Effective (and Way Less Boring)

This short article belongs to the Greatist x Aaptiv Combat the February Slump obstacle, a monthlong fitness program in order to help you keep that inspiration going. There's still time to sign up with! Subscribe below then start your complimentary 30-day Aaptiv trial.

On the checklist of points we love to hate and also dislike to love, cardio makers sit at the top. It can occasionally seem like we're pedaling, running, and also tipping our lives away. Include an absence of outcomes with time, and also you have actually got all the reasons you need to stay clear of cardio machines whatsoever costs.

But don't toss out the treadmill simply yet. Normal cardio includes a lots of benefits: It can boost your mood as well as heart wellness, keep your mind sharp, aid safeguard against some types of cancer cells, and also so much more.

" The range of cardio equipments is additionally a major benefit in itself," claims Aaptiv instructor Kelly Chase. "All these devices target various muscle mass as well as are extremely helpful for enhancing endurance and toughness-- if you recognize how to use them right."

But how do you use them less tedious?

Chase recommends finding something to press or challenge you. "You require great music, someone to encourage you, and something to inform you just what to do," she says.

We asked Chase to break down other basic methods to make cardio-machine exercises much more intriguing:

Treadmill

1. Always do intervals!

" I never recommend any person do steady-pace cardio regularly," Chase says. "Attempt incline or speed intervals. Keep at your same rate, however up the slope every few mins or attempt it the other means. Maintain the incline the exact same and continuously increase your speed.

2. Sprint it out.

" Running jobs wonders," Chase claims. "You don't have to do 30 mins of it, but you'll get a wonderful workout in half the time if you alternate one minute at your optimum effort and two minutes at a slower rate or walking.

3. Add strength training.

" You could constantly reduce your maker means down and do moving lunges," she says. "Or get some pinheads and walk as you do bicep curls or shoulder exercises."

Elliptical

4. Add more resistance.

" Always include resistance to your elliptical machine workouts also if it's light," states Chase. "You ought to always be pressing versus something as well as triggering various muscular tissues." She suggests testing a variety of speeds against changing resistances to blend your workout.

5. Take it back.

" Try stepping at various rates as well as against different resistance levels," she states. "Whenever I'm going in reverse, I really feel various muscular tissues in my legs working, and I likewise seem like my core is extra involved since I'm working to stabilize a lot more."

Stair Climber

6. Gradually add speed.

" I enjoy development periods on the stair climber," claims Chase. "You start at a reduced level as well as function your way up, raising the rate every couple of mins."

7. Go a different direction.

" Constantly integrate multidirectional infiltrate your stair-climber exercises," she states. "You could resort to either side and even step at a super-slow pace. You'll work your complete body aiming to remain well balanced, and those legs will certainly obtain an awesome exercise."

8. Squat it out.

" It's possible to do squats as well as leap squats on the equipment too," she states. To do this, slow the machine way down and, with both feet on the same action, squat as you normally would. Continue to the next step as well as so on.

Indoor Cycling

9. HIIT it high.

" When I instruct interior biking, I incorporate high-intensity period training one of the most," Chase claims. "You do not utilize also much resistance as well as instead you press hard on sprints and afterwards pull it back for a few minutes."

10. Move in and out.

" Technique various speeds as well as various resistances both in and also out of the saddle," she states. "Establish your bike to a certain resistance and also do periods at that level both standing and also resting."

11. Make it heavy.

" I likewise truly love sittinged gets on the interior biking bike," she adds. "Crank the resistance all the means or a lot of the way up and also push against it while in the saddle. This truly forms and tones those legs just like jogging on an incline on the treadmill."

Rowing Machine

12. Beat the clock.

" I like doing intervals for time whenever I'm rowing," Chase says. "I see just how quick I can get to 200 meters, and afterwards I attempt to beat it going from 200 to 400 meters."

13. Build a pyramid.

" Try pyramid job to keep things intriguing," she claims. "Strike 100 meters, take a 30-second break, do 200 even more meters, take another break, include 300 more meters, and also take an additional break, etc. Keeping it progressive maintains it fascinating."

Overall, Chase suggests using a variety of machines each week and even each exercise. "I delight in doing 15 minutes on the elliptical machine, 10 mins on the staircase mountain climber, as well as 15 mins on the treadmill," she states. "It maintains points enjoyable as well as seems like the moment passes faster, however you're still getting 45 minutes of cardio in."

[angelinatoms]

Buying one of Scout’s top-of-the-line boats gets you VIP treatment and a peek into the boating industry’s top-shelf customer service. (Richard Steinberger/)

“Welcome to the Belmond Charleston Place,” said the young valet cheerily as he opened my passenger door. “Are y’all staying with us tonight?”

We stepped into an unseasonably warm January day. The tang of sea air was unmistakable; it was almost a shame to go inside, leaving the bustle of downtown Charleston behind.

Almost.

The hotel lobby shone, from its sweeping grand staircase to the golden, glittering lights. Jazz music and a low murmur of conversation flowed from the direction of the Thoroughbred Room, and shiny brand names beckoned from what was clearly a high-end shopping area.

The Belmond Charleston Place proved to be a wonderful starting part for the journey into Scout’s VIP treatment. (Richard Steinberger/)

We approached the registration counter.

“I’m Heather Steinberger,” I began, “and we have a reservation…”

“Oh yes, Mr. and Mrs. Steinberger, with Scout Boats,” the young man responded with a warm smile. “We’ve been expecting you. Your room is ready, and please enjoy our complimentary gourmet hors d’oeuvres and cocktails on the Club Level this evening.”

We collected our luggage and turned toward the elevators.

“Oh, Mrs. Steinberger,” he called out. “Congratulations on your new boat!”

Take the VIP Tour

In the interest of full disclosure, we did not buy a boat. Rather, we were on assignment: Travel to coastal South Carolina and slip into the shoes of new Scout 380 LXF owners. We wanted to find out how this particular boatbuilder has taken its customer experience to the next level, one that has more in common with luxury automobiles and even luxury homes than with fishing boats.

We quickly realized this wasn’t going to be any old customer-service experience. It began as soon as we pulled into the parking lot at Scout’s boatbuilding facility in Summerville, 25 miles northwest of Charleston. We found our own designated parking space adjacent to the front doors, and when we entered the lobby, a sign welcomed us by name.

High-density foam-core composites and heavy-duty methacrylate bonding material make for added strength and durability. (Richard Steinberger/)

I’d barely had an opportunity to admire the branded merchandise available for purchase—including the fancy Yeti mugs I coveted—before Alan Lang, director of sales and marketing, introduced himself with a broad grin and ushered us onto the production floor.

This isn’t unusual for Lang. It’s part of his job, and he handles it with genuine enthusiasm. If you purchase a Scout and wish to make the trip to Summerville to see your boat, Lang will take care of all the arrangements: airport transfers, a factory tour, quality time in the new design studio, hotel accommodations, even dinner reservations at a Charleston hotspot. He’ll also get you out on the water.

“Some customers will visit five or six times, from around the country and overseas,” he said. “They’re all excited to visit. Not only is it a beautiful destination, the Lowcountry is home to their boat and the people who built it.”

Lang says Scout’s customers are split 50-50 between those who use the boats as their primary vessels and those who are adding to an existing fleet. In the latter case, many Scouts will serve as yacht tenders. That includes the 38- to 53-footers coming to life in Building D.

“The 53 is a roughly $2.5 million boat, but the final price tag depends on the customer,” Lang explained. “We had a Middle Eastern royal family who threw six 450 hp Mercs on it and customized everything they could.”

Read Next: An exclusive interview with Scout Boats President, Steve Potts, describing the 53 LXF, Scout’s largest boat to date!

Other recent Scout 53s went to a Vegas casino owner and a Latin pop star. Naturally, we were curious, but Lang wasn’t about to kiss and tell.

“You probably could guess who they are,” he said with a wink. I made a mental note to confer with the internet later.

Watching the Build

When we went to the production floor, it was humming with activity. Immediately, I noticed a crew hand-laying fiberglass.

Scout Boats uses 6-to-12 member crews to hand-lay fiberglass on an exact laminate schedule. (Richard Steinberger/)

“We produce the only 100 percent hand-laid fishing boat on the market,” Lang explained. “Instead of one person with a chopper gun, we’ll have six to 12 people hand-laying fiberglass in a multidirectional pattern to an exact laminate schedule. That means tolerances are tightly controlled by our engineers. We can eliminate 60 percent of extra resin for a strong hull, with no extra weight.”

As we continued our walk, Lang called attention to the high-density foam-core composites, which won’t ingest water and start rotting, and the heavy-duty methacrylate bonding material for two-engine boats 25 feet and up.

“Putty would work just fine,” Lang observed. “This is total overkill.”

In addition, each boat’s deck fits neatly inside the hull; the lip is on top rather than underneath, and a rub rail covers the seam. I hadn’t given this much thought, but the hydrodynamics make perfect sense. It’s kind of a reverse-shoebox design. When the boat is underway, the water pushes the sides of the hull inward, and the deck provides support.

On our way to see the testing, inspection and detailing areas, we caught a glimpse of Building C, home to research and development. This is the daily workspace for Steve Potts, Scout Boats’ founder and president, and his son Stevie, vice president of research and development.

When I observed that it’s increasingly rare for boat companies to remain in the hands of family founders, Lang nodded.

“Steve started the company in his garage,” he said. “He’s been a boatbuilder since his teens, and he says he still thinks of himself that way. Stevie has been involved since his childhood.

“The two of them have done every single job here, and they still work hard—as hard or maybe harder than everyone else,” he continued. “The employees respect them, and they all take pride in seeing the boats on the water and the clothing around town. ‘Family owned’ means something.”

The wiring is installed in meticulous fashion. (Richard Steinberger/)

We were eager to see Building D, an 85-percent-efficient structure with motion-sensor lighting and 1,342 rooftop solar panels. This is the birthplace of the largest models in the Scout fleet, including our 380 LXF.

“In the 380, we use a hull epoxy infused with carbon fiber and e-glass,” Lang said. “It’s the entire hull, not just the keel, so you really get the strength and weight benefits. We’re the only production boatbuilder to use hand-laid, epoxy-infused carbon fiber. It’s aerospace-caliber.”

We spotted 380s in various stages of completion. Lang walked up to one and pulled down a thick document.

“This is the boat’s birth certificate,” he said. “Each boat has one. It documents who did what, and when. It’s usually 10 to 12 pages. It tells you everything about the boat’s life since day one.”

Design Dynamics

Walking through an unassuming glass door on a second-story landing, we immediately found ourselves in another world. We’d entered the design studio.

The design studio offers a chance to get hands-on with the plethora of options available at Scout Boats. (Richard Steinberger/)

“This is where our owners get a reprieve, where they can take a breath after touring the factory,” said Josh Slayton, a Scout Boats concierge captain who joined us in the studio. “We want to bring them back to the luxury side of this experience.”

With a smile, Lang handed us a bag. My husband pulled out his-and-hers Scout Boats caps, a Williams Edisto oyster knife, and a bottle of the Animo Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon from California’s Rob Mondavi Jr., a Scout boat owner himself.

New owners receive a bottle of the Animo Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon from California’s Rob Mondavi Jr., a Scout boat owner himself. (Richard Steinberger/)

There was something else: a Scout Boats Yeti mug.

Looking up, I spotted a large projection screen welcoming us to this elegant design space.

“We built the design studio just for people like you,” Lang said. “We looked at high-end car dealerships, and we wanted to give people something special.”

As I walked around the room, I ran my hands along the many available steering wheels, exterior vinyls and captain’s chairs, including custom teak seats. I studied the electronics displays and color books, and I examined the room’s centerpiece island, featuring every possible appliance you might want.

Buyers can customize a number of things, including electronics, on their new boat. (Richard Steinberger/)

“This is a touch-and-feel room, not a sales room,” Slayton observed. “The purchasing decision is made by the time people get here, so this is about getting involved in the process, and making the boat your own.”

It’s also about seeing how cold that built-in wine cooler will keep your Champagne.

Instead of toasting our new purchase at the design studio’s well-appointed little bar, we opted to join Lang and Slayton aboard a 380 LXF for a quick boat ride down the Wando River to Charleston. This was our opportunity to see the high-end fit and finish on a 38-foot fishing boat that retails for more than $900,000.

Some of my favorite features on the 380 LXF included a side beach platform with hull cutout, a walkable transom with no splashwells, the standard Seakeeper 3 gyrostabilizer, and a rear aft-facing lounge seat that converted to a nifty summer kitchen. The patented retractable rocket launchers, designed to protect both the rods and the SureShade, were a nice touch—as were the four color-matched Mercury 350 Verado V-8 outboards, and the transparent livewell lids.

“We want people to be able to showcase what the hull is made of,” Lang said. I got a kick out of the automotive-style key fob that could start the boat remotely, and the large Garmin touchscreen helm displays that provided all necessary functionality. When I asked about backups, Slayton pointed upward.

“The boat is set up like a Tesla,” he explained. “We have redundancies, but we keep the switches out of your line of sight.”

I took a peek down below. The 380 has a large cabin, with a convertible queen berth, well-appointed galley, enclosed head with shower, and plenty of headroom.

“This is a gentleman’s fishing boat,” Lang said. “You can go fishing, and you can take it for dinner in Charleston.”

A trip down the Wando River showed off the combo of luxury and power available on a Scout. (Richard Steinberger/)

We motored from Ralston Creek into the Wando River. Slayton pointed the bow south toward Charleston, and the 380 roared to life. As we charged beneath the bridges toward the city, he explained he does exactly this with each new boat owner.

“As a concierge captain, I work with the dealers to prep the boat and take care of all the details, and then I spend at least one or two days with the owners, making sure they’re comfortable with the boat,” he said. “I focus on performance, functionality and features.”

Lang also added: “Our customers have my cellphone number, and I answer calls and texts 24/7. When Josh gets involved, he’s on their speed dial. We’re happy to do it. It’s a relationship, and we all become friends.”

The Royal Treatment

Back at the hotel, it was hard to leave the margaritas and appetizers, including fresh ahi tuna and spicy gumbo, on the Club Level. But Lang was scheduled to pick us up for dinner, and we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to experience Hall’s Chophouse; rumor had it, one must either wait months for a reservation or know someone. Thankfully, we knew someone.

Owner Bill Hall stood in the doorway, greeting customers with a handshake as they entered his upscale restaurant. He knew Lang by first name, and Champagne arrived at our table as soon as we sat down.

Slayton joined us, and he and Lang insisted that we order any delicacies we desired. Together, we savored oysters Rockefeller, a rich concoction known as “bacon steak,” tender bison filets, caramelized Brussels sprouts, and lobster mac ’n’ cheese.

We topped it off with the best bread pudding I’ve ever tasted, hands down. It wasn’t on the menu that night, but again, it’s who you know.

Throughout the meal, locals approached our table to greet Lang and exchange pleasantries. We gathered that many were Scout owners, just like the gentleman who stopped us as we were leaving.

“I heard you just bought a Scout,” he said. “Oh man, you’re gonna love it.”

After dinner, Lang turned to the pedicabs lined up outside in the street, and he directed us to enter one of them.

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails were just part of what made the Belmond Charleston Place so inviting. (Richard Steinberger/)

“Take them to the Belmond Charleston Place,” he said to the driver, and he turned to give me a hug. “This is part of your experience. Go have a nightcap in the Thoroughbred Room and enjoy the hotel. And the next time you’re here, be sure to give me a call.”

We fell silent as the driver pedaled us swiftly away down the street. All too soon, the elegant fountain outside the Belmond splashed into view, and we pulled up in front of the valets. Pedaling into the Lowcountry night, our driver called over his shoulder, “Hey, I heard you bought a boat! Congratulations!”

* CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

#boating #boatingtips #boatingsupplies #boatingnews #boatingshop #wolfcreek

[100ssarahmeg]

[Meg 9.2]

[a 200!]

Progeny usually invokes unidirectional lines of inheritance: An orderly column of stitches with one stitch begetting the next. Paths of descent like steps of a staircase: a name (Senior→Junior→III), a trait (mother→daughter→granddaughter), a possession (great uncle→aunt→niece).  But with productive entanglement, bequests follow multidirectional, lateral, non-generational, even accidental paths.  Trafficking in mending as both learner and teacher, I trade stories, ideas, texts, and artwork with students, friends, colleagues, family members, interviewees, and artists.  Friends offer me bequests passed down from their own relatives: a great-grandmother’s silk stockings, an antique christening dress, a bit of lace from a mother’s wedding veil.  From a deceased friend, I inherit utterly impractical items of clothing that I treasure as precious family heirlooms: a cobalt toreador jacket with Liberace-style embroidery; a corduroy hat with an enormous brim; an oversized, cinch-waisted vest made from curlicue white fleece of a lamb.  When I wear these items around the house, I hope to inherit some of my friend’s luminosity and courage, her gift for finding possibility amidst rubble. All these productive entanglements make my keepsakes communal—the offspring of many hands, minds, and hearts���and my bequest an individual and collective effort to tend to, and mend, the world.[1]

[1] Tina Lupton, “Grateful When It Works”; Rebecca Solnit, “The Mother of All Questions.”  

[architectnews]

Streets as the impetus of community life

LWK + PARTNERS Streets Design Article, Hong Kong Architects Office News, Public Realm Photos

Streets Design Article by LWK + PARTNERS

20 October 2020

Streets as the impetus of community life

LWK + PARTNERS Director HC Chan sees immense opportunities in excavating the power of street life to preserve cultural diversity and walkability.

Retail colonnades in Hong Kong:

Fostering a liveable city requires the engagement of various stakeholders. Policy makes up one side of the story, but the participation of residents in placemaking is equally important for achieving urban spaces truly fulfilling for the local people.

HC Chan, Director, LWK + PARTNERS:

How can architects help? How can building design encourage placemaking? LWK + PARTNERS Director HC Chan, with 18 years of project experience and well versed in humanising architecture in dense urban contexts, thinks it’s time that people reconsider the impact of vertical built environments on the quality of life and social dynamics. The streets, he said, are the vessels of colourful history and cultural diversity, and should be preserved as the main site of daily life and a highly walkable environment.

The veins of community life “A vibrant street scene is an indicator that the community is brimming with life,” said HC. Urban Regeneration in dense cities has often seen a sprawling of vertical spaces, with native community elements reeling from the pressure of Gentrification. The situation has prompted architects like HC to rethink how to keep social networks, history and the urban fabric in place and encourage cultural inheritance by enhancing connections between buildings and the street.

With the street comes people, which naturally makes it the heart of community planning. Besides macro policy, traffic flows are also driven and steered by buildings located on both sides of the avenue. The shops are especially key: “Traditional street-level shops are immensely diverse in scale and type, and together with the kaleidoscopic shop windows, they provide a wide range of visual stimulations and create a unique identity for the neighbourhood.”

Retail spaces in Oriental Bund in Foshan, China offer a spontaneous navigation experience:

For HC Chan, Hong Kong’s indigenous community planning and vernacular architecture in pre-war era can provide inspiration for newer developments: “Retail colonnades formed by rows of composite buildings built side by side are a signature of old Hong Kong. These ‘weather-protected’ sheltered spaces are where human connections grow, and they provide shades and rest spaces for passers-by.

Woo Cheong Pawn Shop in Hong Kong, China after revitalisation:

Open-air balconies on the upper levels also allow users of the building to come into direct sensory experiences with the outside world, receiving sunlight, wind and the bustling sounds of life downstairs. It’s a three-dimensional extension of the streetscape. These environmentally sound structures should be brought back to re-humanise our streets.”

Woo Cheong Pawn Shop in Hong Kong, China after revitalisation:

Apart from a vivid retail scene, people living near to friendly public spaces are more likely to innovate and collaborate with one another to initiate place-specific urban programmes catering to local needs: “Small changes can bring significant improvements to the overall spatial experience making it easier for the public to come and stay, use or wander. Building shelters over benches, removing any fences around the lawns, replacing staircases with ramps for the convenience of people with disabilities, or improving wayfinding are all beneficial to the community.”

Public space outside Tsuen Wan Sports Centre in Hong Kong, China:

Kai Tak new area as Hong Kong’s next-generation green community In Hong Kong, for instance, the past 20 years has seen a significant number of commercial podiums topped with high-rise residential towers emerging as a phenomenal typology. Footbridges linking clusters of shopping malls and residential estates have become the key connectivity for people. By contrast, street frontages are mainly occupied by plant rooms where people rarely visit.

The emerging Kai Tak new area in Hong Kong, China:

“Public spaces are the core urban connector for society,” said HC, “Streets that are not pedestrian-friendly would become desolate, which is why Hong Kong’s Kai Tak new area takes on an unprecedented planning approach. Buildings are pushed further into the site to open up street spaces to create a new community with life, energy and style.”

Building heights at Kai Tak are controlled to minimise the blocking of views, while site coverage is reduced so that pavements can be broadened. Land lots are planned in grid patterns and buildings are built with certain distances apart to create visual corridors, mitigating street canyon effect and urban heat island effect. Five-metre setbacks are reserved for greening on both sides of the Kai Tak River, which is meandering through the heart of the district, to create additional recreational space for residents. The district is also connected to neighbouring districts through cycling trails to encourage regular exercise.

Visual corridors created in Kai Tak new area through pedestrian street planning and the setup of non-building areas (NBAs) (Source: Kai Tak Development Urban Design Guidelines and Manual for the Grid Neighbourhood)

LWK + PARTNERS plays a pivotal role in giving shape to the emerging Kai Tak new area with nine ongoing or completed projects, including One Kai Tak residences completed in 2018. The practice was architect of the project and HC was in charge: “Tall buildings are arranged to maximise views of the famous Victoria Harbour; and buildings are planned as far apart as possible to provide the most privacy for residents. All these aim to create a green, sustainable and sensible community for all.”

One Kai Tak in Hong Kong, China:

At One Kai Tak, residential blocks are connected with streets, public spaces and transport facilities through retail colonnades and lush landscape. This contributes to the development of a slow mobility system in the area with ample sunlight and fresh air at hand, encouraging residents to get outside into the green. The use of stairs and curves are minimised so that everyone regardless of age or physical conditions can enjoy these pleasant green spaces and take part in community life.

One Kai Tak in Hong Kong, China:

Implications for future retail design The street may be an excellent source of inspiration for future retail design, but in high-density context where land is scarce, architects must work hard to adapt the street-level experience in inventive ways. How street elements can be brought organically into vertical spaces is a constant challenge to meet rising demands for space while preserving traditional character, social relations and diversity. Buildings that blend well with the streetscape is also more likely to evolve in harmony with the area itself.

HC Chan visited a retail development in Shenzhen, China which brings in street elements

To keep the street experience afresh, HC is in support of future shopping malls taking a ‘semi-open’ approach and multidirectional circulation system: “We’ve seen a lot of creativity in recent developments. Large podium volumes have been bisected into smaller-scale cluster blocks in the style of shopping villages. Semi-open interfaces are created with glass curtain walls, transparent canopies and naturally-ventilated corridors. Most circulation takes place on ground level or via interconnected walkways to promote the kind of horizontal, free-flow, boundless navigation experience offered by the street to put on an engaging shopper experience. Further, adoption of green walls and natural materials can promote ventilation and sunlight reception, reducing energy consumption, in line with arising environmental awareness.”

HC Chan visited a retail mall in Shenzhen, China which brings in street elements:

“Buildings are not just objects; they are statements that represent the common values of a society. As architects, our work is not confined to the form of the building, but to use architecture as means to enhancing the overall urban landscape and shaping new ways of living. Through design, we trust that collaboration with developers as well as residents to reinvigorate community life in cities and bring back the long-lost human touch.”

Streets as the impetus of community life LWK + PARTNERS Design images / information received 201020

LWK + PARTNERS is a member of C Cheng Holdings Limited (HKEX stock code: 1486).

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Website: www.lwkp.com

Location: HK, China

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