Mind & Matter

 
February 01, 2010

Real-time Google Earth

Remember the time before Google Earth? It’s a bit fuzzy, isn’t it? Remember when architects and students would scan maps in atlases or order regional maps from GIS websites? What about the ability to “dive into a map” in Google Earth and view a street scene? We could only have dreamed about this tool a decade ago. Read more...

 
 
February 01, 2010

Armchair Productivity

After much anticipation, Apple finally unveiled its new tablet computer in San Francisco last week. Sitting back in his black Petit Confort chair, Steve Jobs demonstrated the joy of navigating the new iPad with grace and ease. Now that we are able to fully scrutinize the iPad and its capabilities online, the next stage of anticipation builds in preparation for the actual product release in late March. Read more...

 
 
January 25, 2010

Catching Big Air

Despite the lagging economy, 2010 is already shaping up to be an impressive year for design that pushes limits. First, we witnessed the opening of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building by some 40% over the next tallest structure. Now, we can view the world’s tallest wing sail—designed by BMW Oracle Racing for the America’s Cup race. Read more...

 
 

About the Blogger

Blaine Brownell

thumbnail image Minnesota-based architect and author Blaine Brownell is a self-defined materials researcher and sustainable building adviser. His "Product of the Week" e-mails and two volumes of Transmaterial (2006, 2008) provide designers with a steady flow of inspiration—a 21st century version of The Grammar of Ornament. Blaine has practiced architecture in Japan and the U.S. and has been published in more than a dozen design, business, and science publications. The recipient of a Fulbright fellowship for 2006–07, he researched contemporary Japanese material innovations at the Tokyo University of Science.