peter townsend's vancouver real estate blog

Barcelona chair by Mies Van der Rohe

You have probably seen it a thousand times and chances are, sat in several. You might even be lucky enough to own one. It seems that these days, no home staging would be complete without one. Mies van der Rohe's most famous landmark work is probably the Chrysler building in New York, but could the 50's chair be his most defining legacy? "Less is more..."  quote: mies van der rohe

Palm Springs Modernism week: February 16-26, 2012

For those of you who love Palm Springs and love contemporary architecture there is no better time to visit than Modernism week February 16, 2012.

Modernism Week is an exciting 11-day celebration of mid-century modern design, architecture, and culture in Palm Springs, California. This design aesthetic originated in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, and was typified by clean, simple lines which came to define desert modernism.

Modernism Week is filled with a variety of events including architectural tours, films, lectures, an architectural symposium, educational events, and chic, fun parties in cool mid-century modern homes and boutique hotels. For more info and to visit the website click here, If you would like to know more about contemporary homes here on the North Shore, just give me a call: 604 218 2903.

Today I'm loving....Philippe Starck

Play With Dedon Chairs by Starck & Quitllet from mocoloco on Vimeo.

 

 

Having met Philippe Starck in Paris many years ago, I love love this video. He is a genius, his work is marvelous and his accent is fabuleux! Having met Philippe Starck in Paris many years ago, I love love this video. He is a genius, his work is marvelous and his accent is fabuleux!

Do you receive International Architecture & Design magazine free?

  

The Spring edition of International Architecture and Design magazine is now out. This edition's featured  articles include; Arthur Erickson's stunningly restored "Glass house" in Comox, the complete contemporary revival of an outdated Vancouver post and beam bungalow, and a photo essay on a "James Bond" house  located in California's Santa Rosa mountains.

If would like to receive your free subscription for a year and you live in or around Vancouver, Whistler or the Islands simply visit my pro Facebook page @ facebook.com/Peter.Townsend.Vancouver ,  when you get there just click the "Like" button and send me an email with your mailing address.

Palm Springs Modernism week

If you are into architecture and love the sun then what better way to spend a short break than to visit the  Palm Springs Modernism Week  held every February. A few days away from "Raincouver" and head off to Palm Springs for the warm weather and great tours of some of the city's famous mid-century modern architecture. Rent your favourite drop-top and cruise around, snapping photos of the homes, and even get in a round of golf!

Assouline publishing @ Sotheby's

 
Assouline’s glossy monographs exquisitely capture and bring to life art, culture and beauty. The luxury publisher has opened a boutique corner in the lobby at Sotheby’s Auction House in New York where they present a revolving selection of elegant publications and their exclusive line of gift items. To shop online visit assouline.com.

 

Alberto Giacometti bronze sets £65m world record at Sotheby’s

The Times paper reported today that: A sculpture by Alberto Giacometti became the most expensive work of art sold at auction, Sotheby’s said, as the market regained the peaks of the pre-credit crunch era in one bound.

L’Homme Qui Marche I fetched just over £65 million in a boisterous sale of Impressionist and modern art at Sotheby’s headquarters in London last night. The 39-lot sale realised £146,828,350, the highest reached for a sale in London. Eight lots were unsold. The six-foot figure cast in bronze in 1961 was priced at between £12 million and £18 million but interest before the sale had suggested that it would raise far more.