Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde has been called “a hippie with a business plan” by the New York Times The Dutch are known for their love of nature – all those bicycles and parks are solid proof. Daan has taken this even further. “I made a decision not to stay in the white cube of the MoMa, with all due respect,” he says. “You need to make it public. You need to make it for everyone.” And that’s what he’s aiming for. At SXSW this year, Daan took the audience on a “safari tour” of what our future world could look like. His expertise as dreamer reveals a future that has a natural glow, due to plants that produce their own light, smart highways that focus on road safety, smog rings that turn pollution into diamonds, and sustainable dance floors that capture the energy of dancers and use it to generate power for the surrounding building. Luminous trees – the future public lighting turns into poetic landscapes Swap streetlights with luminous trees – Daan Roosegaarde at SXSW from Dezeen on Vimeo. Roosegaarde’s fondness for biomimicry (the imitation of the models, systems, and elements of nature for the purpose of solving complex human problems), combined with his attraction to marine life, especially the jelly fish, gave him the idea to try and use the same biological system to recreate trees into energy-neutral ones. In collaboration with BioGlow founder Dr. Alexander Krichevsky and the State University of New York, the first plants of the kind were created and presented in Austin during the SXSW conference. This location was chosen because of the strict regulations within the EU regarding the use of genetically modified plants which forbid him to use them in his Netherlands studio. For Europe, the company currently employs a “biological paint” made of luciferin (the light-emitting compound found in organisms that generate luminescence, such as fireflies or jelly fish); both methods, he says, are harmless to the plant. The Smart Highway Futuristic highways glow in the dark by Daan Roosegaarde and Heijmans from Studio Roosegaarde on Vimeo. The luminous trees idea led to an even brighter dream: the development of a smart highway that comes with some amazing features. It is covered with temperature-sensitive paints that change color as the temperature drops – when the road is icy, snowflakes would pop up as warning for the drivers, lined by the above-mentioned glowing trees, and marked with luminescent road lines that charge at daylight and give light at night to replace all these energy consuming street lights; they remain visible for 10 hours after nightfall. The first highway to test out the paint is in the Netherlands. Interactive lights help save energy by lighting up as a car approaches and turning off as it departs. An electric vehicle priority lane allows you to charge as you drive. The Sustainable Dance Floor Sustainable Dance Floor_ Daan Roosegaarde from Studio Roosegaarde on Vimeo. It is known that movement produces energy. The simple action of walking can generate power, the only thing lacking being the ability to capture it and put it to good use. Roosegaarde designed an interactive dance floor which generates electricity through the simple act of dancing. Using the right materials that produce energy when mechanical stress is inflicted on them, known as the ‘piezoelectric effect’, can turn the dance floor into a big generator, transforming each movement into power. On a larger scale, this can be used throughout the cities, using every vibration to create clean energy. The Smog Ring Smog by Studio Roosegaarde from Dezeen on Vimeo. Perhaps the most amazing project he’s designed, and which is tentatively scheduled to be implemented in the near future, is SMOG. It is the result of ion technology which cleans the air by creating a weak electromagnetic field that vacuums smog from the sky. Using the basic principles of physics – buried coils...
Property Enhancement
Adding color and efficiency
The real estate environment is in constant evolution, changing and adapting to accommodate the needs of a diversified pool of customers. To stay on top of the game, investors are constantly looking for the right mix of ingredients to ensure asset performance; more often, it’s a blend of creativity, sustainability and innovation that helps deliver the best results. Enhancing interiors through art. Parmenter Realty Partners, a real estate investment, management and development company headquartered in Miami, Florida, has found art as a most appropriate means to add color and appeal to their properties. With the help of two local artists and their inspiring creations, Parmenter aims to breathe new life into one of their most recent acquisitions in Dallas, Texas. The lobby of Rambler Park (pictured, right), a 14-story, 310,771-square-foot office building at 7557 Rambler Road, is now home to exquisite artwork installations by Mark Whitmarsh and Carlyn Ray. “When we acquired this beautiful building, the gallery-like lobby was missing some much needed color,” said Josh Hedderich, Asset Manager for Parmenter Realty Partners. “The addition of the work by artists as talented as Mark and Carlyn adds an upgraded dimension to the building, which we hope will delight and intrigue our tenants.” Three of Whitmarsh’s pieces are currently on display, including “Fall Thunder,” “Blue Odyssey,” and “Dream Sequence.” The artist is highly appreciated and admired for his abstract expressionistic use of color and creating high-energy vivid stories on the canvas. He has lived and painted in Dallas for more than 20 years. Carlyn Ray, a local glass blower and former Dale Chihuly understudy, has created a unique glass weave light sculpture that gives the building’s lobby a contemporary yet relaxing feel. During her two years as an employee for Chihuly, Ray was part of...
Rental Art
Multifamily creativity
Your community’s curb appeal is key in enhancing asset value. Location and price are still at the top of the most coveted amenities among urban apartment renters, yet creating an attractive atmosphere and relaxed background is critical as well. A safe and comfortable community that features an inspired design will linger in the minds of prospects touring your property, and act as leverage when it comes to weighing housing options. When prospects are first introduced to a community, they are very interested in the general vibe of the place, the looks and feels of the community. Once they become residents, they expect the same level of service and responsiveness, transforming ambiance into a retention driver that will help you keep your residents happy. One way to ensure good design is by personalizing your properties with unique works of art. Whether it’s used to add aesthetic value to an office, recreational center, lobby, or living space, artwork can make a great difference in terms of visual appeal. Chosen with care, an intriguing painting can add edginess to a blunt room or transform a rigid setting into a welcoming place; it can make any area feel stylish, comfortable and complete. Acknowledging the need for more affordable and customizable art services, several entrepreneurs in the creative sector have come up with a solution in the form of rental art. Innovative companies such as HangItUp Chicago offer unique paintings, designs, photography and sculptures to individuals and businesses for rent or sale. Not only is rental art an economic option for those who seek to beautify and diversify spaces, it also allows businesses to rotate art pieces and alternate design schemes, keeping their professional environment ever-changing and exciting. In conjunction with interior decorations, artwork can be used strengthen your...
Apartments Get Arty
Museum-like lobbies
A man’s home is his castle. But a person’s apartment community could be her gym, business center and social lounge. And, in some cases, a gallery. That’s right; some property managers are setting up art installations so that residents can view beautiful works of art from famous and local artists right in their very own lobby! Take, for example, the South Junction Apartments in Memphis, Tenn., which is being developed by Henry Turley Co. and Tower Ventures LLC. This community is still being developed, but when it’s completed, this apartment community will feature 12 illuminated sculptures throughout its staircases for residents to enjoy. Another example of a community displaying art for their residents is at 1214 Fifth Ave., which was developed by Related Cos. This is community in Manhattan that will feature original paintings from local artist Derek Reist. All the paintings there will be on permanent display. Not only does displaying original works of art in multifamily communities support the local artistic community, but it also provides a unique amenity and bragging rights for the residents. All that separates these communities from an art gallery is an over-priced gift...
