Image Credit: Tonkin Liu, Mike Tonkin & Architonic

Its been quite a while since I've posted anything directly related to architecture on my little page, and I suspect its because I've not seen anything that really catches my eye. I honestly do believe that what catches your eye first is most likely what you like.

What I find so particularly interesting is the way that this roof-top addition was handled so differently from other projects that I've seen. Firstly, I think that it's a brilliant idea to utilise roof space in such a manner, especially if the building's structural integrity isn't compromised. That being said, what's even more brilliant is the interesting use of what Architonic termed as "fragrant climbers" to add a bit of visual interest to the building. I doubt that added to the building's green credentials - a term so flippantly used today, but it definitely humanises the addition. The gleaming white pillars, and almost transparent glass gives this addition a somewhat Japanese-esque appearance, yet retaining its British identity.

Very nice indeed.

Oh yes, I love the brown leather on those Le Corbusier sofas.
The same however can't be said about the sofa's design.

"Memory is a sense of loss, and loss pulls us after it"

Marilynne Robinson, Housekeeping

Its funny how people only take notice when the embers are dying. Well I suppose that makes sense when you take into account that there's no way to explore the tracks with trains plying its ways. Anyway, here's the result of a 4km walk with Ansen, tiresome as it may be. No time to present it properly, and I'm peeved by having to mix black and white photography with colored ones, but whatever.

Evidently, I've digressed. Its sad to see something like this lost (especially before I got a chance to experience it, like the train rides and all); in the words of a young boy we met there, "That's stealing". But at least the government's preserving some bits of it.

I don't write well when its late.

Image Credit: Burberry 

Yet another season of ethnic-inspired prints. Don't know whether that's a particularly good thing or not, but 1. Extraordinary pants in the first picture (I wonder if I can pull it off), and 2. Lovely bag in the 2nd!

Lost in time and space.

We scavenge and curate a collection of beautiful, home-grown, and raw works. Watch this space, as ObscuRed.sg will be showcasing the thoughts, words, blogs and works of aspiring local writers, photographers, artists, film-makers, musicians and dreamers alike.

An upcoming project that I'm involved in.

Very impressive, reminds me of the Ralph Lauren 4D experience that I posted a couple of months ago. And the music is particularly apt too. A beautiful blend of technology and architecture.

I personally love flipping through large coffee table books, which is why I try to make it a point to present my photographs in such a manner, whenever possible. So here are some pictures (most of them posted before) from my trip to Hong Kong just last month.

P.S. View it in full screen.

A mid-day nap is common in many warm countries, where post-lunch drowsiness is aggravated by the searing afternoon heat. While the term is Spanish in origin, the phenomenon can be observed worldwide, from Greece to Japan, where it is more commonly referred to as a "power nap"

The question then is, given the benefits of an afternoon nap (greater alertness, increased mental capacity etc.), why do Singaporean establishments still remain adamant in the adoption of such a measure? Is it the pursuit of productivity? That argument however falls flat, given the benefits of a power nap, which, when employed correctly, should produce even better results.

I don't quite know, but I remain hopeful that Singapore will one day shift away from its soulless pragmatism and be a bit more empathetic of the needs of the human spirit.

Does this rant even make any sense?

A beautiful video about the loss - of love, innocence and youth; a worthy winner of the 21st Saatchi & Saatchi New Director's Showcase. The cinematography's lovely, as is the use of vivid imagery. Almost haunting, in fact. Somehow, the protagonist reminds me a wee bit of Richard III. That being said, perhaps I'm being anal retentive here I'm somewhat bothered by the opening shot - my mind convinces me that the video would look more visually coherent had it been taken from a front view. Also, the vehicle that passed by in that same shot. yes I'm most definitely being anal here.

Regardless, beautiful video.

Image Credit: Brett Amory

Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion

There's something really captivating about this triptych. I mean, its undeniably scary, with its contorted humanoid forms and what not, and that harsh orange backdrop, but perhaps it is this vividness of emotions conveyed that is so punishingly enthralling.

That being said, I don't think I would want to hang anything similar in my home. its much too creepy, especially in the likely scenario of me getting a late night snack.

Music video for a cover of Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody" by the Scala & Kolacny brothers