Atelier Masōmī - Mariam Kamara (Founder & Principal) NIGER

Design Philosophy: Architects have an important role to play in creating spaces that have the power to elevate, dignify and provide a better quality of life. The context, people and cultural heritage of a place are the building blocks we employ in order to come up with culturally relevant designs, that are at home in their local context but reimagined for the 21 century. Our work is built on a foundation of extensive research that uncovers ways in which we can go beyond the client’s brief and amplify the impact of a project. We have found that by working within our constraints and challenges allows us to be able to create more meaningful, sustainable architecture. We believe that as architects and designers, it is our duty to find ways to bridge societal divides, be they cultural, economic or political. This mindset has resulted in the ability to develop meaningful and impactful ways to shape positive evolution of present narratives.

Time Cover by Artist JR

This powerful piece was unfolded by about 100 people in Lviv, Ukraine yesterday. The image of the girl is from about a month ago. The girl and her mother have since fled to Poland.

Aerial Photographs by Kacper Kowalski (Poland)

These photographs are part of Kowalski’s Head Series. “Heads is an educational project dedicated to children aged 3 – 10. Its goal is improve abstract thinking, spatial imagination and teach shifts in perspective.”

Kowalski is a trained architect but appears to fly his mini helicopter around often to capture patterns, natural designs and other abstract beauties from the sky. More here.

Hempcrete Blocks by Just BioFiber (Canada)

I have not used these highly sustainable building blocks yet but am intrigued by them. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Lightweight, yet strong (can be used to construct a 4-5 story structure) & can be cut w/ common saws/tools

Carbon Negative - absorb more CO2 than is used to create them + the interior structure is made of bio-resin

Have high insulation R-values, are fire-resistant + moisture & pest resistant

They have dedicated blocks for sub-surface foundations (waterproof) w/ R-70 Insulation

The holes in the middle align to become chases for electrical & plumbing

Install 30% faster than similar construction projects

They are made in Canada and are currently 8-11 months out due to high demand

Cranes

While Emily was donating blood I watched these two arms make compositions in the sky. This was my favorite. Enjoy the weekend.

Go, Switzerland!

I feel like the world is getting behind this.

Excerpt from the NYTimes:

Switzerland, a favorite destination for Russian oligarchs and their money, announced on Monday that it would freeze Russian financial assets in the country, setting aside a deeply rooted tradition of neutrality to join the European Union and a growing number of nations seeking to penalize Russia for the invasion of Ukraine.

After a meeting with the Swiss Federal Council, Switzerland’s president, Ignazio Cassis, said that the country would immediately freeze the assets of Russia’s president, Vladimir V. Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail V. Mishustin and Foreign Minister Sergey V. Lavrov, as well as all 367 individuals sanctioned last week by the European Union.