Modernism In Your Neighborhood

I am discovering that the more I explore the diverse and numerous neighborhoods around DC, the more modern interventions I find. The Brookland neighborhood is no exception. What was once a sleepy and worn down area, is now a location where authentic arts and crafts bungalows and Victorian houses on large grassy lots are being snapped up. Some of these original houses are great examples of that style. Many of these which are salvageable and not too far gone are being beautifully restored. They make great houses for urban families looking for more space, inside and out. Along side of these historic gems, can also be found some very cool modern houses. One example stands out on the corner of 10th and Jackson Streets. It shares the block with typical bungalows having large porches, steeply sloping roofs, and abundant wood exterior detailing. This new house is obviously modern compared to it's neighbors, but it is evident that the design pays homage to the history of the location. The rooflines and massing are broken up into different sections. Each piece is uniquely articulated. Wood detailing, color, and material create these separations. Not only does this create a vibrancy to the architecture, but it allows it's large scale to be perceived as smaller. The post and beam construction and detailing is inspired by the original arts and crafts construction methods. These elements are classic yet prove how tried and true construction methods can be recreated in a modern way. The soaring rooflines, angled masses, and large windows are what make this house stand out. The cohesion, simplicity and uniqueness of these pieces is what creates a well designed and crafted modern home.
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See DesignCult Live!

This Thursday, March 6, at 7 PM, come to Pecha Kucha Night at the Czech Republic's embassy. This event is a gathering of architects, designers, artists and other creative types presenting brief views into their worlds and works. This is an art party not to be missed! DesignCult will be making their first ever public appearance presenting a glimpse into what makes us tick.
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Upcoming: The Adamson Gallery Announces...

The Sartorialist
March 15th - April 26th, 2008

Opening Reception:
Saturday, March 15th
6:30 - 8:30 pm

Adamson Gallery is pleased to announce an exhibition of prints by Scott Schuman (bio), who is better known by the moniker The Sartorialist, the name of his astoundingly popular street fashion blog. Schuman is one of TIME magazine's 100 most important design influencers, and contributor to style.com (the official website of VOGUE magazine), GQ, Italian VOGUE, and other fashion periodicals. The images in this exhibition were originally taken by Schuman for his blog, but are now reproduced as digital prints. Displayed in a gallery setting, contextually reconfigured from fashion documentary into fine art, Schuman's striking images are evocative of the street photography of Diane Arbus or Lisette Model.

Schuman's goal as The Sartorialist, launched in 2005, is to "shoot people who execute their style really well." He states "I thought I could shoot people on the street the way designers looked at people, and get and give inspiration to lots of people in the process." In just over two years, he has become one of the most popular style bloggers on the internet, drawing thousands of daily visitors to his site who leave hundreds of comments for each image. In addition, Schuman's work has been profiled in WWD, British, French, Italian, Greek, Brazilian, Korean and Spanish VOGUE, Esquire, and others.

Schuman has a rare talent for seeking out interesting-appearing individuals, of every age, shape, and size, and capturing them in well-composed and striking photographs. His images take full advantage of their subjects and their surroundings, emphasizing contrasts and complements in color, texture, light, and shadow. Because of these qualities, Sartorialist photographs often look as if they could be high-fashion photographs, but this is juxtaposed with a certain democracy of the everyday; a sense that anyone can be stylish, arresting, or elegant. This contrast is underscored by other interesting tensions: the images are of the moment, yet timeless, the subjects are the audience, and vice-versa, Schuman's photographs both inspire, and are inspired by, high fashion. The appeal of the Sartorialist is in this balance between the everyday and the extraordinary.

Scott Schuman was born in Indianapolis in 1968 and has a background in fashion marketing and costume construction. Prior to The Sartorialist, he worked in apparel sales and marketing for designers such as Valentino, Helmut Lang, Gaultier, and Peter Som. Apart from The Sartorialist, he has a monthly column in GQ magazine, and photographs street fashion worldwide for style.com. He recently opened his first solo exhibition of photographs at Danziger Projects in New York.

ADAMSON GALLERY
1515 fourteenth street nw
washington dc / 20005
202.232.0707

hours of operation:
tuesday - saturday
10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

email: erin@adamsongallery.com

web: http://www.adamsongallery.com

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Modernism In Your Neighborhood

Architecture that speaks of it's time should be of high value to any place, and it usually is. Architecture that speaks of it's time, and is added on to, can be viewed as a difficult situation. The default answer to adding on to an existing historic structure is to blend in the new construction as seamlessly as possible. I find this being detrimental to the original building, almost a diluting of its importance and historical significance. When the new part is designed to stand as a piece of it's own time, utilizing modern materials, technology, and today's living standards, it not only becomes a very dynamic architecture on it's own merit, but also solidifies the historical significance of the original by not mimicking it or applying faux-replication. This example is one that has been done in the best possible way. It is important to be visibly unique from the existing, yet it is just as crucial to be sympathetic and contextual. The original corner Victorian townhouse is a wonderful example of architecture from the late 19th century, early 20th century. It stands on a very solid base, anchoring it to the block, while the upper floors become more light and punctured with fenestration. The base gives way to a series of cutbacks along the facade to expose angled bays and to created shadow lines and depth. The masonry banding is very horizontal, in juxtaposition to the more vertical elements of the towers and the chimneys. In a certain manner, the new addition can be perceived as another vertical tower. The base is more massive in masonry construction that contains a more simplified cut-out detail relating to the front entry of the original. The second and third levels are clad in a more light paneling material, which picks up on the color of the patina of the original copper detailing and slate roof. These levels create more of a vertical movement with the larger glass openings and the abstraction of a third chimney stack. The original masonry banding between the floors is further abstracted by making a more volumetric and dimensional banding which wraps around the corner and continues along the side elevation. When around to the rear alley elevation, the "lighter" clad exterior massing seems to collide with a more "massive" brick volume, which is of similar proportions to the neighboring rears of the other townhouses. The interplay between the massing, materiality, and surface articulation give this addition a very modern interpretation of the existing historic townhouse. The new architecture is very bold, but in a way that does not take away from the original or compete with it. Both of the architectures relate to each other and strengthen each others significance in the visual timetable of the changing city.
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City SMARTS

Within the last month or so in Washington , DC along with other America urban hubs, there have been sightings of the Smart. To be more descriptive, the Smart Fortwo. Once only available to Europe and Canada, this insect like mode of transport is an ideal and hip way to traverse the urban maze. The original design concept, a collaboration between Daimler-Benz and Swatch, was inteneded for the convenience of a car but one that could navigate cities with tight streets and little parking. London, Paris, and Rome are a few of the places where you could hop into a Smart and manage to travel through centuries old streets and actually fit into an almost non-existant parking spot. With the recent boom in city living within the United States, smaller and more economic modes of transportation have become a more popular method of travel compared to large SUV's and sedans. Modern styling along with egronomic and vibrant interiors make the Fortwo a fun and fuel sipping answer to the sophisticated urbanite on the go. If you spot a Smart in your neighborhood, let us know! For those of us thinking spring, the Fortwo also comes in a cabriolet!
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New Art @ Vastu

Looking for a fun way to chase away the winter blues? Might we recommend a little art?

We've gotten word of a new art exhibit opening today at Vastu.

Ricardo Zapata’s first official entrée into the art scene began as an experiment. While testing different camera settings during a recent trip to Europe, he stumbled upon this body work, which explores European icons through a hazy veil.



Thomas Drymon says that the greatest challenge an artist faces is to be true to his instincts, his notion of what beauty is, and then to communicate those feelings through his work. His paintings which are an homage to abstract expressionism are an effort to do just that.



Where: Vastu home furnishings + art gallery
When: Feb 20 – April 15, 2008

For more events, please check out the 'Upcoming Events' to the right.
If you have an event that you'd like us to consider, please let us know!
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Fenty Selects Developer for Poplar Point, Courts DC United

Clark Realty Capital has been selected to develop Poplar Point. Mayor Fenty is expected to formally announce the selection today at a press conference in Anacostia. Clark was one of three short-listed finalists, beating out Archstone Smith - Madison Marguette and Forest City.

The winning proposal is broken into five distinct pieces: The Point, The IEC, The Preserve, The Metro Soccer District, and The Village at Poplar Point. The Point features a waterfront hotel and conference center, retail and restaurant promenade, offices, and mixed-income multifamily housing. The IEC, or International Environmental Center features a research campus, and is anchored by a proposed National Hall of the Environment. Featured prominently in Clark's proposal (above), the museum as rendered is a plagiarized, albeit poorly reinterpreted version of Santiago Calatrava's breathtaking Tenerife Opera House (perhaps suggesting Clark's desire to woo a starchitect?). The Preserve bills itself as a 'Waterfront Version of New York's Central Park" (which may have Olmsted and Vaux turning over in their graves) and will feature nature trails, walking and biking trails, wetland preservations, recreated marshlands, and recreation fields. The Metro Soccer District contains the existing Anacostia Metro Station, and provides land for the construction of a MLS Soccer stadium, which Fenty has expressed a renewed interest in supporting, in spite of recent news that the DC United has begun considering a move to Maryland. In addition, the MSD will feature high-density office and residential buildings, and an innovative, two block wide 'deck' which will span 295 (perhaps one of the more commendable components to help reconnect this area to Historic Anacostia). The Village at Poplar Point will feature residential development, public marinas, and a new pre-K through 12th grade school. According to a news release on the Washington Business Journal website, the entire developed Poplar Point site is expected to provide 1.5 million square feet of offices, 3,200 residential units, 405,000 square feet of retail, 224,000 square feet of hotels, and 70 acres of park land.

The earliest construction may commence is 2010. Certainly in the meantime there will come changes and further development to the proposal. Whether or not DC City Officials are successful in their persuasion of the DC United to remain in the city will have a significant impact on the plan. And hopefully local residents and groups which currently utilize the area and adjacent river will have an opportunity to voice their concerns.

While the accepted proposal does thoughtfully address a number of interests, and provides a generous mix of retail, residential, office, recreational, and tourist-oriented elements, there are a few questions that the development raises. For example, the proposed location of the MLS Soccer stadium places it away from the waterfront hotel with its adjacent retail & restaurant promenade, and awkwardly close to the decidedly more residential sector (one can begin to visualize the throngs of people traversing The Preserve before and after a soccer game); likewise, the National Hall of the Environment's proximity to the more commercial sector too seems like a miscue. These are certainly issues which will be addressed as progress moves forward. It's an ambitious proposal, and I am excited to see this level of investment on one of our greatest assets, our waterfronts. Only time will tell if this potential is fully realized.


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Making a Scene

Seamless integration. In a project this is something most aspire to. But there are certainly times that being too well incorporated into the surroundings can be a detriment. Take for instance the case of the mid-block office building. It is all too often the case that such buildings are so well integrated into the urban fabric that they are easily missed...passed by in our hurried progress. This is even compounded when the architecture is, well, nondescript, as was certainly the case at 1110 Vermont prior to a recent renovation. I admit that I myself had walked down this stretch of Vermont Avenue many times on my way to and from the McPherson Square metro when I first started working in the city, taking note of little more than the traffic in and out of the building's parking garage. It's a difficult program. How do you get people to take notice of an existing, blasé building?

Taking up the challenge was Studios Architecture, who, in addition to making several minimal, yet thoughtful gestures on the building facade, further recognized the need to create a street presence. To that end, Studios enlisted MY Studio, a multidisciplinary art and design studio, to create an interactive audio/video installation. The result is a truly eye-catching, if not mesmerizing, assembly of high-tech displays and a field of sound resonating rods. Bearing the title LowResHiFi, the installation is broken into what the designer/artist refers to as the Sound Grove, a field of tall, stainless steel poles with lighted discs which emit sounds when touched by passersby, and the Light Stream, which are composed of a series of screens with 'pixel' lights which display the building's address and other information, and in certain cases project the image of the pedestrian traffic both in- and outside the building, thanks to the aid of strategically located cameras. True this interactive installation makes quite an impact on the otherwise unremarkable streetscape and helps to create a street presence for the building. But more than that it represents the dynamic nature of the city, creating unique urban moments through the ever changing displays, constantly recreating itself in response to its environment. The life of the city is revealed in impromptu street performances created by a passing crowd.

There is a commendable level of collaboration visible in the thoughtful incorporation of the installation within the architecture and interiors. This is the seamless integration that is so pleasant in a well-tailored space. The lobby boasts warm woods and stainless steel elements which combine beautifully with the installation, creating a modern, high-tech, refined aesthetic. The reception desk with its fiber optic lit glass apron does just enough to be visually interesting without competing with the two interior interactive displays. The installation, in turn, is placed in such a way that it becomes part of the architecture.

A thoughtful economy of gestures is also present on the renovated facade, where, rather than choosing to fully reface the building facade, which seems to be the prevailing response for aging downtown buildings (standby for a future post on this craze), the architects made strategic adaptations to the facade. Responding to the existing grid of windows, Studios quilted bands of new glass curtainwall, asymmetrically locating a vertical band to one side of the facade to mark the building 's entry, and placing a second horizontal band along the full length of the facade at the top floor. This upper band is thickened at the south end of the building, and topped with a brise soleil, which acts to restore balance to the facade. A continuous awning and storefront help to define the newly enlivened pedestrian zone.

The incorporation of public art into the streetscapes of DC is something that truly makes our urban experiences unique. It adds further dimension to our urban environments and helps to distinguish one block from another. How much more inspiring and memorable K Street Canyon might be with thoughtful insertions such as this. At a time when many downtown building owners seem to be taking steps to freshen and enliven the look of their buildings and attract new tenants, we hope that some might take note of this fine example and follow suit.

DC Note: Some of you might notice this locale from the article about us in December's DC Modern Luxury magazine. When asked for a location in the city which we felt was architecturally interesting and represented our interests, we selected this work, both because of the interdisciplinary collaboration of art, architecture, and design, but also because of the way that the installation speaks to the dynamic nature of the city itself.
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Modernism In Your Neighborhood

Public alleys are ususally a topic for discussions revolving around negative issues. Parking, trash, rodent infestations and crime are a few things that come to mind when the word is referenced. If you are a person who loves getting to know your city on it's most personal terms by exploring these areas, you will know that public alleys also offer a few glimpses of some really great modern architecture. Most of this modernism is hidden behind historical streetfronts. I really appreciate the preservation of the historic aspects of these places on the streetfront, while integrating a more modern approach to the new pieces added along the rear. One such situation is the new stairwell addition to the rear of the German Marshall Fund building on the corner of New Hampshire and R Streets. The main building is a beautiful example of a pre-war Italian palazzo. The rear of the building is smashed into an awkward lot along with several other buildings. From the alley entrance, the new stairwell is visable from the street. It is obviously modern, but it mixes in politely with the other existing historic buildings in scale and with its "lightness". Louvers add a delicate and dynamic layer to the elevation. They are a functional piece of ornamentation, by shading the glass facade. While this example is not the most innovative or groundbreaking design, its simplicity and clarity add to the texture and layers of the urban alley. Modernism might not be obvious in your neighborhood, but take a look around back and you might be surprised at what you can discover.
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GRAFFITI AS HIGH ART

Last week, my neighborhood was being invaded. The weeklong invasion consisted of a dozen or so urban revelers with hoodies and hightops, and several hundred cans of spray paint. Living in a very active neighborhood environment, I compiled a vast amount of commentary, questions, opinions, applause and complaints regarding the graffiti installation going up on the entire first floor perimeter of the old Church of The Rapture, cum T Street Flats, cum now vacant warehouse building on the corner of 14th and T NW. Much to my amusement and intrigue, I discovered that this was part of a sizeable installation for Meat Market Gallery's Performance Week. The best of the best in public graffiti artists were called into action to create a diverse canvas of urban art. The diversity in the typologies of the art are evident in the unique styles, layering, color patterns and scenes. Some of the neighbors complained and questioned the "building defacement" and how it was a distraction to the neigborhood. Many others found intrigue in the boldness of this as public art. The bottom line is that this installation created a discussion about graffiti as public art versus a public nuisance. While some opinions are that this is not a valid form of art, it is important to take a close look at the complexities of the finished product. Perspective, axonometrics, layering, color, and demsionality are just a few very difficult techniques that are a part of this art form. If anyone would question this, I challange them to create their own written name into a three dimensional perspectival version, aka tag.

The performances inside the top floor of the warehouse were a wide range of interactive and active art forms. The inside space was raw, and riddled with more graffiti installations. The Pink Line Project, Civilian Art Projects, and the Goethe Institut all contribued to this event conspired to stir discussion, participation, and accesibility to unique art forms. Urban art is exciting, should be approached with a very open mind, and can create some great discussion. The urban underground art scene is well and alive in our very own DC.

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In 2015, the Anacostia Waterfront will Shine! (Maybe...)

At Saturday's Anacostia Waterfront Community Fair the year 2015 was mentioned...a lot! We can imagine that this is when all the projects that are depicted in dreamy watercolor renderings on glossy display boards will actual come to fruition. Also about this time, representatives from DC WASA tell us, that major steps to control combined sewer overflow will be in place, serving to remedy the current system by which combined sewage and storm water overflows into the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers during heavy rainfalls. And even the new Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge may be completed, though a DDot representative admitted that might be optimistic.

Don't be mistaken though, things are happening on the Anacostia Waterfront. The new Washington Nationals' ballpark is preparing for its inaugural season, and the area there abouts is betting on new residents with the construction of new rental and condo properties. Billing itself as the "DC's fastest selling condominium", Velocity is looking to lure new residents, as well as new retail and restaurants to the area. The limited depictions of this property render what is becoming the typical turn of this century DC condo building style: a corner building with bay windows and pronounced corner bay. It looks passable, if not slightly awkward, though we'll wait to pass final judgment until construction is complete. Capitol Yards' 'Axiom' and 'Jefferson' are on track to be some of the first luxury rental properties to come online later this year. Boasting "an industrial, historical warehouse look" the architecture is uninspired and tired. Of the four buildings in the Capitol Yards development, only the '909' has head turning potential, and regrettably, this property, slated to open a year after the first two rental only properties, is the only will be the first to feature retail. The representative couldn't offer a satisfying reason for this shortsightedness, but we assume that with the proximity to 395, it was assumed that new residents would head to Costco for their monthly provisions.

But we should be thankful for target completion dates in the '0's, I suppose, as most other projects had completion dates beyond 2010. Some of these were met with anticipation, such as Forest City's 'Waterfront' and 'The Yards' projects, both which seem to offer a vital mix of mixed use opportunities near the emerging Anacostia Waterfront communities. As does Monument Realty's Half Street, though it is perhaps the most blatantly poised developments to turn a forgotten and impoverished neighborhood on its head. One has to wonder what the effects will be on the residents nearby. In fact, with the exception of Poplar Point, there was little focus on development east of the river, and upstream (stay tuned for a future post on Poplar Point). There is, of course, the RFK site, which NCPC and DMPED seem to have conflicting notions for development with Fenty's recent announcement that he hopes to lure the Redskin's back to town. In fact the mix of bureaucracy certainly was apparent, with many of these proposed projects needing to work within frameworks established independently by NCPC and the DC government, and in some cases the NPS, though a recent land transfer has mitigated some potential headaches.

As a rower who understands the value of the river now, as well a native of Norfolk, VA, where the waterfront is embraced as a key element, and the waterways the life blood of the economy, I am fully supportive of the District's plans to finally focus on developing the waterfront. But of course this takes more than just dreamy watercolor renderings on glossy presentation boards. It takes big ideas, and it takes actions. So DC is to be applauded for hosting a community forum, that, by many accounts, seems to have exceeding expectations. I only hope that DC is listening to the needs that were less apparent in these glossy renderings; things such as the retail vital to support new residences and offices, mixed-income development and affordable housing, sustainable initiatives, and recognition of the various environmental and sporting groups that are utilizing the rivers today, and ensuring that these stewards have a place on tomorrow's river.
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Green Watch: Counter Intelligence

For our very first installment of Green Watch we offer a look at new innovations in counter surfaces. While the current field of countertop options seems dominated by laminates, solid surfacing (including varieties such as Corian and Silestone), and granite (the top choice in high-end design), with the movement towards more environmentally conscious material choices, these frontrunners may soon find themselves loosing favor to more sustainable alternatives.

Gaining rapid appeal, especially among those desiring a clean, modern aesthetic, is concrete. Though not considered a true 'green' product, the benefits of concrete from a green standpoint are that it is made from all natural ingredients, without the harmful effects on the landscape as harvesting granite. However, be warned that concrete does have its downside -- its primary ingredients is Portland Cement, the manufacture of which produces greenhouse gases. So, should you go the concrete route, be sure that the mixture uses 30-50% fly ash (a harmless by-product of coal production). We can only imagine that innovation will arise to push the environmental envelope. In the interim, the good news is that, unlike most other countertop options, concrete can be entirely recycled, whereas with granite you can only be advised to make trivets.

While concrete, with its inherent durability, may seem like an obvious candidate for a counter surface, how about a material that seems unthinkable...perhaps paper? That's right, paper is emerging as a new surfacing material. Products such as PaperStone and Richlite are gaining a lot of attention in the market today, and was seen in several of the Solar Decathlon homes on the Mall this past summer. The former boasts up to 100% recycled content. And as it's nearly impervious to water and extremely scratch resistant, it is not only a viable option for countertops, but for a myriad of other uses as well, including toilet room partitions, thresholds and sills, signage, and rain screens. The latter was the first producer of hemp-based countertops, and, with its similar qualities to PaperStone, is also used for skate ramps, and various boating and aeronautical uses. In fact, both PaperStone and Richlite are even used as prep surfaces and cutting boards in commercial kitchens! Take note, however, that the heat resistance of both products does not exceed 350º, so keep that new granite trivet handy!

Looking for a little sparkle in the kitchen? Then terrazzo might be the option for you. No longer just for floors, terrazzo is a beautiful option for counter tops. Today companies such as EnviroGLAS are producing terrazzo with recycled content. Along with offerings for flooring and landscaping, EnviroGLAS offers EnviroSLAB, which uses recycled glass bottles, mirrors, and plate glass, and offers the option to customize your countertop with your choice of glass and resin colors. The companies latest offering is EnviroMODE, a porcelain terrazzo made using recycled toilets, tubs, and sinks. Like PaperStone and Richlite, the green aspect come on the production side, as recycling of these surfaces is not a possibility, so choose a look that will last. But with these good looking options, we think that you should be happy for years to come.

For more information on these and other countertop options, as well as tips for greening your entire home, we recommend visiting GreenHomeGuide.com. And of course stay tuned to DesignCult for future Green Watch product!
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Elsewhere: News from around town...

Washington Post's Benjamin Forgey picks his favorite and least favorite buildings.

Mayor Fenty presents the Future of the DC Waterfront (NBC4)

DC of the Future: DCMetrocentric covers the History Channel's regional installment of their 'City of the Future' competition

Bleak DC: The Washington Post's coverage of the 'City of the Future' competition
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ON THE SCENE: Meat Market Gallery

The modern art scene has blossomed in DC. Art openings turn into art parties where a diversity of social segments converge. These events draw a crowd not only for the innovative and highly conceptual work on display, but also for the chance to be part of a group who share a common excitement towards modern art in Washington. The Meat Market Gallery at 1636 17th Street, NW, is a leader in the pack that mixes experimentation, installation, and interactive art. The latest show, Intellectual Property, opened with an event combining high conceptualism art, an underground lounge, a graffiti covered backstairway, electro beats and cool kids to add to the eye candy. The space itself is the epitome of sleek. Stained steel plates are the floor and mimimalist "gallery" finished walls become the background. The storefront location allows for the art and the people to become the gallery's own advertising. A stairway to the basement bar and lounge is its own installation covered with line sketches, while the outside rear stair is riddled with luxe graffiti. Exposed brick walls in the downstairs lounge play in contrast with the high gloss cherry red lacquer of the bar. A visit to this gallery is an instant way to be energized by our modern city.

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Getting GREENER

Finally "green" design is beginning to appear all around us; from Hybrid cars, restaurants supporting local organic and sustainable farms, interior finishes that are made of recycled or sustainable materials, and more LEED certified buildings. It has been difficult for the typical individual to have easy access to the materials and fixtures that allow for the "greening" of their own homes and offices. This is where Greater Goods on 1626 U Street, NW comes into play. Peer through the storefront and at first it might seem to be just another hardware store. Sure, you can buy shower heads, light bulbs, and cleaning supplies, but when you see that they are high pressure low flow shower heads, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and biodegradable cleaning supplies it is clear that this is not your typical store. While peering in the window, look up at the roof of the storefront, and you will see a "green" roof beginning to take root. Walk in and you will not only be greeted by Stella the friendly store mascot, but also by products that will cut your electric, water, and gas bills while looking modern, streamlined, and urban. These products are showcased on a system of shelves that are constructed out of sustainable materials and are built into a functional modular system for adaptability. The aesthetic comes off as a more simplified and "green" Charlotte Perriand, who also explored prefabrication and modular designs. This simple and useful design becomes a very hip setting for the goods. Bland and typically ugly fluorescent tube lighting on the ceiling is masked and made into a quick and inexpensive fixture by draping corrugated translucent plastic panels below. This store is a great example of how you can create an intelligent, functional and modern interior on a budget. It is all about low end costs and a high end product. I highly recommend everyone to check out this store and to go "green", because everyone is doing it.

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FLY DESIGN

Most urban areas offer a large amount of options when it comes to food. DC is no exception. Lunch always plays an important part in anyone's day who happens to live, work, or play in town; power lunches, lunch breaks, the ladies who lunch, vending carts..... YES and now vending carts. Actually, SmartKarts, ergonomic and green (green in color and because they are battery operated) modern euro styled mini-trucks by Daimler-Chrysler have begun parking themselves on well trafficked downtown corners during lunch. The SmartKarts are their own best advertising. Super graphics, vivid color and funky design grab everyone's attention. Watching for twenty minutes on the street corner will prove this point. Drivers stop to oogle, business exec's rush over to order some of the best fast food that dc has seen yet, and urbanites and tourists come together to get a fresh, local, and fun bite to eat. Check out their funky website to find their locations, http://www.ontheflydc.com/ or stop by the corners of 8th and H and 7th and F streets to visit the first karts. I love living in a city that is not afraid to take on its own identity with new and innovative designs. Seeing the SmartKart in the midst of the Washingtonian downtown is exactly that. Their "ecovending" theme is changing the way DC lunches and it is well worth the trip to a SmartKart.
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