Eco Petrol Station

In Los Angeles, in the gas guzzling centre of the Universe, BP has enlisted Office dA to embrace the paradoxical task of creating a green petrol station. Taking the existing station on the site, it was 'upcycled' into not a futuristic station but a station for today that is a 'little better' ... a little greener in its design and materials, and in its use of water and energy.

Quite ironic really that a petrol station is trying to be greener. I suppose... every little helps and the design is cutting edge.

Citylounge

A red carpet has enveloped the surface in and around the financial district of St. Gallen, a north-eastern city of Switzerland. A result of a competition, the 'Stadtlounge' (citylounge) was designed by artist Pipilotti Rist along with the Carlos Martinez architectural firm. The redness meanders through the functional office buildings, creating an inspiring and fun people-friendly space.

The entire ground, including cars and the road, have been covered in red broadloom, as part of a design competition to create a "public living room."

It's interesting how the fabric pours out over the streets and rises in curves to form ultra-chic couches dotted around, and also how objects such as cars are covered in a carpeted material making it part of the lounge. The car isn't functional in it's own right... it's part of a piece of art - there to be used as a piece of furniture.