Goucher College’s LEED-certified Athenaeum
The first time I went to college my choice was Goucher, located in Towson, Maryland. I was a theater major. Since then, I’ve gone back to school (The College for Creative Studies) to earn a degree in Interior Design. But I never forgot my first Alma Mater. I’ve been a faithful class agent (begging for money from classmates) since graduation. And I’m still close friends with many of my Goucher buddies.
I met last week with Nancy Turner, the Director of Development and Alumnae Affairs, and was thrilled to hear first-hand about Goucher’s new library and cultural center – The Athenaeum. It’s a green building with a silver rating from LEEDs. Let’s take a little tour.
When I attended, Goucher was an all women’s college. We were fairly ticked when they started admitting men. But you have to roll with the times. I am no longer ticked, but enthused about their international approach to education. Every student must spend at least 3 weeks studying in another country. They’re the first college to dedicate themselves to the global village, so to speak.
The exterior is constructed from Butler stone, redwood and copper.
Part of the environmental design includes 2 grass-covered roofs. Grass acts as an insulator to keep heating costs low. The large windows are light sensitive and change throughout the day to make the best use of the natural energy.
The Forum is the central feature of the new Athenaeum. It’s modeled after the amphitheaters of Europe. The cool thing is that the character can change according to what happens to be oging on. The steps leading up from the stage can accommodate crowds of varying sizes.
There’s more!
Moxy Crochet
Helping people to support themselves and become independent is a growing phenomenon in depressed regions of Africa. 
Moxy Crochet is part of this growing trend. The small company (only seven people) are from the Khayelietsha neighborhood of Cape Town, South Africa.
They work from home to create blankets, pillows and handbags. The team members work from home and meet every two weeks to exchange materials and news. Laura Summs, the chief designer of Moxy Crochet, pieces the elements together herself.
Moxy Crochet’s products are made from locally dyed cotton, wool and mohair. Each item is one-of-a-kind. They make their blankets in a standard size, but take custom orders.
To find out more about Moxy Crochet, or to place an order, visit their site and contact them directly.
It seems that crocheting is making a comeback. I think it’s the brighter colors that make these blankets so appealing.
Does anyone crochet? I’m thinking of learning how, since all I can knit is one long thing. This seems easier to do and to make something usable. Is it easy to learn?
Earth Day: 7 ways to save our planet
Here are my tips for making your life a little more eco-friendly without giving up on style.
1. Check out Sierra Club’s new site. Green Home is jam-packed with advice (shown above) on how to go green in a big way.
2. Switch some of your light bulbs to fluorescents. They give a green cast, so use them in closets, the basement, and your mother-in-law’s guest room. The bulbs save big on energy.
3. Buy a reusable grocery bag. Check out the colorful options at Baggu (above, $14.00)
4. Recycle. More than just newspapers! Cans, bottles, cardboard, even magazines, can be recycled. Check with your city to see what you they’ll pick up.
5. Make your own drinking glasses – from recycled wine bottles. Check out this site for the How-To. You get to drink the wine, and they make great gifts!
6. Turn off the water. A simple thing like turning off the tap while you brush your teeth can save a lot of H2O.
7. Ride your bike. Work those glutes while you save the Earth!
Salone del Mobile
Wednesday is the official opening on the 2009 Salone del Mobile. It’s like Fashion Week for furniture.
I was there last year, reporting on the latest styles. This year, the ‘ole hip has not recovered enough to attend. But I’ll still be reporting on what’s new.
Featured here is the Illusion Table, designed by Michael Bihain. He’s designed award-winning furniture for companies such as Swedese.
I have a feeling we won’t see many mind-bending designs this year – in terms of style. I think most designers are more interested in new materials than new looks. It will also be interesting to see if there’s added focus on sustainable design. Stay tuned.
Sliding Wall House
Sliding House is an innovative house in Suffolk, UK. Architectural firm, dRMM, designed the house with a sliding roof. It’s not only beautiful, but is an amazing achievment in architectural problem solving. It’s also just plain cool.
The roof slides along tracks. In the winter, it covers the structure like a blanket. In the summer, the house’s glass structure is exposed to let in the summer sun. I particularly love the staircase, and the way the movement of the house transforms the three basic structures.
To truly appreciate the beauty of both the design and the home itself, check out Wallpaper’s video on YouTube by following this link. You can find more still photos and a detailed description over at Dezeen.
This seems to be the best of both worlds – a sun-filled house in which one could at least pretend they lived in the tropics, and a cozy warm retreat on a cold winter day. What do you think? Is this a gimmick or a gem?
