Repurpose buildings and trash into new uses, just 2 ideas from the new book: 1000 Ideas by 100 Architects

This book is one of those that isn't exactly crafty but boy is it creative and it really gets my mind going. The world around us really can spark creativity (and just general eye candy), and reading about what other creative people think about is cool.

Inside the mind and behind the scenes!

Click on the image to enlarge and read a bit about taking a building from one use to another and trash for new construction. These are just 2 ideas from the new book:

1000 Ideas by 100 Architects

By

Sergi Costa Duran and Mariana R. Eguaras Etchetto

Architecture is an art form that provides both function and beauty. Each architect brings something uniquely distinct to his or her work. Learning what makes an architectural work or the body of an architect's work unique is difficult to deconstruct. This book provides behind the scenes insight into the work of 100 top international designers through the deconstruction of 1000 architectural details and projects.

1000 Ideas by 100 Architects is an unrivaled sourcebook for ideas. This collection also provides details and information that are not available on this level through any other source.

Sergi Costa Duran is the author of the architectural books Green Homes, New Prefab, High Density and Earth. He lectures frequently on environmental subjects for the Catalan Government (Generalitat de Catalunya) and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). He lives in Barcelona, Spain.

Mariana R. Eguaras Etchetto is an architecture and interior design editor. She lives in Barcelona, Spain.

 Holiday Goodness Giveaway Time!

Here's how it works:

• We ask a question each weekday.
• You leave your answer in the comments section each day to the question (and you can enter each day!).
• We will randomly pick a winner each day to send a free book to!

Today is DAY 5 of 19!

Question:

Have you ever gotten your crafting or decorating inspiration from a piece of architecture?

My answer:

YES, big YES. Not only the buildings themselves, but photos of them hold all sorts of possibilities. I walk in my neighborhood every night and it is so interesting how all the different shapes of the houses and then the decorations on them make you look at different shapes and color pallets.

Different styles come through: whimsical, retro, classic. There were some "tee pee" shaped light-up Christmas trees on one person's lawn that I definitely had not seen before, and it sparked some thoughts and I came to the conclusion I prefer the coil style of construction.

And on a materials front, aluminum trees still coordinate nicely with my aluminum Airstream!

Be sure to read the comments of others; maybe you can pick up a good idea, a new place to find your inspiration, or just a good giggle!

Comments

[Dolores]

I love architecture and I especially love doors, windows and unusual brick.

[MonkeyGurrl]

Although it was long, long ago, walking the streets of Paris really inspired me, with all the beautiful architecture and decorative touches. There was one building that had the buzzers made from tiny (2") gargoyles. And I found an old iron key in the road in Italy. Not exactly architecture, but it still hangs on my wall...

[wendy m.]

I like to use photos of architecture in collages, especially "urban decay" stuff, like old abandoned buildings. Don't know why but it just appeals to me.

[Lila Schmidt]

Absolutely. I love sketching different ideas from displays and arrangements in stores and buildings I visit. So often that serves as a stepping stone to inspire a different arrangement for something I all ready have. Since beginning crafting, I can never enter a building without noticing elements that I would have done differently or that would contribute to making something I am considering different.

[Shari in Colorado]

Definitely. I have used architechtural influences in cake decorating and needlework. The SW style of architecture inpires a lot of the work I do in crafts.

[Yo Presley]

Perhaps from the shapes and repeating patterns, the odd juxtaposition of materials.

[f lynn rush]

ahhh...architecture... columns, doors, windows, garden entries, gargoyles and other little critters, cemetaries....lots of wonderful ideas that lie below the simple piece of architecture. these elements can convey so much information...

[calico51]

From buildings and windows, espcially old churches and church windows.

[Susan]

facsinating idea of inspiration form architecture. I've nominated you for a Kreativ Blogger award on my blog.

[Suella]

I love the photo of the drinks cans turned into building blocks. I'm not sure how cost effective that was, but it gave a great mottled and textured finish.