Practice: Materials

To date, FormIt 360 is the only conceptual BIM tool that allows you to build 3D models on a tablet d evice instead of merely viewing them — and it’s all about finger control.

While the Day of the Dead opening sequence might have stolen the spotlight in the latest 007 movie S pectre, a certain design icon very quietly infiltrated the set — and has made a cameo in just about every James Bond film not via product placement, but by selection. Just take a look back at the…

As any architect knows, a sound substructure literally and figuratively is the foundation of any bui lding. And the key to a solid foundation, of course, is a comprehensive survey and geotechnical evaluation. To that end, the American Institute of Architects has recently released a series of new contract documents that are expressly intended to define…

When viewing the work of London-based Neil Tomlinson Architects, it becomes quite clear that the sta ircase is not an afterthought in the design process. On the contrary, it is sometimes a key element, as demonstrated by two recently completed local residential commissions. Morton Mews. Photography by Agnese Sanvito. For the Morton Mews project, the architects…

Metalwork and woodwork specifically produced for the purpose of screening need not be limited to app lications such as vent covers and heating registers. Depending on the product and style, grilles and grates lend themselves well to space division, light-fixture diffusion, screening windows and transoms, wall décor, ceiling medallions, infill, cabinetry and storage ventilation, and more.…

The younger sister to NeoCon World’s Trade Fair in Chicago, NeoCon East swept through the City of Br otherly Love last week. This marked the first time the event was held in Philadelphia (previously, the show was hosted in Baltimore), but that didn’t deter architects and designers from stopping in to see the latest in contract…

These eight luminaires get creative — or basic — with shape to enliven spaces from hospitality setti ngs to the workplace and home. Hem Hem: AlphabetaLuca Nichetto designed this luminaire for complete customization, with choices of shape and color finish of each top and bottom spun-steel shade (all shade interiors are powder-coated white, however, for optimal…

Award-winning architecture and interior design firm CetraRuddy is no stranger to creating bespoke el ements for its projects. But, for the first time, the firm is foraying into the realm of product design — starting with its kitchen line, Inspira. Photos by Bilyana Dimitrova “All of our work is about ‘home,’ creating environments for socializing and…

In honor of a certain holiday this week, we present this roundup of some favorite recent products th at wear Halloween colors well — from lighting and flooring to tile and textiles and, even, furniture by architect David Adjaye. ABK ABK: Interno 9Resembling industrial oxidized metal, Interno 9 is actually a rectified porcelain tile that looks…