AUG 1 RUGGED BALANCE
Vacations are often dreamed of far in advance, an anticipated oasis of stress free living. We inherently recognize that the opportunity to recharge is imperative to our health and well being. The beach sunset off the horizon commonly becomes the visual we hold onto in our minds as we plow through demanding work weeks and home life leading up to the awaited sunset.
Yet, interestingly, as we make our final plans, be it a tree house remote in Michigan’s back lake country or a rocky beach along Maine’s coastline, we seem to crave a rugged experience in some expression balanced with solitude whether in views or reduced lifestyle. It is the rugged element, that stakes a flag to freedom at last and seems to allow us to finally unwind. And yet, even tree houses which started out as an amazing elevated retreat, can turn less enchanting when an unexpected cold air mass moves in overnight and there is no heat or blankets. In contrast, the picture perfect beach that fills with invading sand fleas or worse horseflies can just as easily ruin a day at the beach.
We still seem to adapt though and accept the imperfect-but is is never for long. Regardless of the vacation destination, when the locale or environment becomes monotonous and predicable our perspective changes rapidly. We soon dismiss the experience and long for our chaotic lifestyles...we start checking emails, responding to texts despite the inkling not to do so. The tree house soon feels like a tree fort and we are the prisoner, the chill holds us captive as the back to nature experience dissipates and more and more seems too primitive to bare.
Even in interiors as well as architecture, an artisan hand hewed newly opened rugged retail space may at first offer an alluring retreat from a busy city avenue but, if the rustic tip factor is without balance in the form of “bright and shiny tech or 21st century innovation. We fatigue quickly of the intriguing space as it fades from impressive to oppressive. The potential customer soon leaves without the purchase in tow.
A balance in nature in all environments holds our attention longer if paired well with rugged and sublime tech or respite in some respect. Recently, I spent a few hours daily peering out into the vast bay of Massachusetts, beauty beyond. Yet, is only after I have enjoyed the bay view for a few hours first, almost as a religious token of homage to mother nature, that my attention turned to seeking out the overlooked, undiscovered-the rugged nature that also defines shoreline life and I was yearning to locate.
I found myself tiring of the view of solitude and seeking balance. My well planned meditative walk became predictable as I tried to appreciate the anticipated view. It was only once I found a tidal pool of various sized hermit crabs and an occasional jellyfish calling it their home for the few hours while the seawater was far off the horizon, that my nirvana, my summer vacation really started and has always since I was a child.
Having land behind me and the bay view in front of me while my feet are perched at the edge of a temporary universe on which to explore, I found peace. It is in the balance of nature, the ying of the bay's elegance and the yang of the rugged life that lives within and clutches to its worn rocks softened by the sand that transformed and renewed my soul for another year soon to be without.
Yet, interestingly, as we make our final plans, be it a tree house remote in Michigan’s back lake country or a rocky beach along Maine’s coastline, we seem to crave a rugged experience in some expression balanced with solitude whether in views or reduced lifestyle. It is the rugged element, that stakes a flag to freedom at last and seems to allow us to finally unwind. And yet, even tree houses which started out as an amazing elevated retreat, can turn less enchanting when an unexpected cold air mass moves in overnight and there is no heat or blankets. In contrast, the picture perfect beach that fills with invading sand fleas or worse horseflies can just as easily ruin a day at the beach.
We still seem to adapt though and accept the imperfect-but is is never for long. Regardless of the vacation destination, when the locale or environment becomes monotonous and predicable our perspective changes rapidly. We soon dismiss the experience and long for our chaotic lifestyles...we start checking emails, responding to texts despite the inkling not to do so. The tree house soon feels like a tree fort and we are the prisoner, the chill holds us captive as the back to nature experience dissipates and more and more seems too primitive to bare.
Even in interiors as well as architecture, an artisan hand hewed newly opened rugged retail space may at first offer an alluring retreat from a busy city avenue but, if the rustic tip factor is without balance in the form of “bright and shiny tech or 21st century innovation. We fatigue quickly of the intriguing space as it fades from impressive to oppressive. The potential customer soon leaves without the purchase in tow.
A balance in nature in all environments holds our attention longer if paired well with rugged and sublime tech or respite in some respect. Recently, I spent a few hours daily peering out into the vast bay of Massachusetts, beauty beyond. Yet, is only after I have enjoyed the bay view for a few hours first, almost as a religious token of homage to mother nature, that my attention turned to seeking out the overlooked, undiscovered-the rugged nature that also defines shoreline life and I was yearning to locate.
I found myself tiring of the view of solitude and seeking balance. My well planned meditative walk became predictable as I tried to appreciate the anticipated view. It was only once I found a tidal pool of various sized hermit crabs and an occasional jellyfish calling it their home for the few hours while the seawater was far off the horizon, that my nirvana, my summer vacation really started and has always since I was a child.
Having land behind me and the bay view in front of me while my feet are perched at the edge of a temporary universe on which to explore, I found peace. It is in the balance of nature, the ying of the bay's elegance and the yang of the rugged life that lives within and clutches to its worn rocks softened by the sand that transformed and renewed my soul for another year soon to be without.
Below, an image I took at low tide, bay side, an afternoon walk and sail boats dotting the horizon.
Below, a tidal pool I discovered and photographed with life co-existing, randomly brought together till the tide carries them all out again.
Just as green and stunning is Ireland's coastline directly across from Massachusetts. The Thatched cottage below, was well lived in per potato famine but hunger for food and for the new way of life, industry called many young folk away. Today, Ireland still struggles with losing youth to
tech driven cities and companies that lure with innovation and the promise of a better life. Yet, it has not always been the case of found success and delivered dreams and some have returned to recognize both can exist and happiness can be found but updating the cottage for 21st century living as seen in the next image.
Image: https://1dragonwriter.wordpress.com/2011/05/11/may-10/
http://thebeautifulshelter.blogspot.com/2010_05_01_archive.html
tech driven cities and companies that lure with innovation and the promise of a better life. Yet, it has not always been the case of found success and delivered dreams and some have returned to recognize both can exist and happiness can be found but updating the cottage for 21st century living as seen in the next image.
Image: https://1dragonwriter.wordpress.com/2011/05/11/may-10/
http://thebeautifulshelter.blogspot.com/2010_05_01_archive.html
Contrast the undulating hills of Ireland's green landscape with California's high noon heat and you have the uber rugged Desert House (below). A striking example of organic forms and rare architecture but certainly specific and will attract a buyer that is willing to have every orifice custom molded without a ninety degree line in sight. The exterior and interior become one.
Image: http://www.priceypads.com/the-desert-house-3000000/
Image: http://www.priceypads.com/the-desert-house-3000000/
The Hotel Alila Jabal Akhdar (below) however, too has a rugged exterior yet offers sublime luxury for the traveler that is hidden yet accessible. The balance is evident and the end result stunning.
"It's the utter silence that gets you. When you first arrive, when you see over the edge of an Arabian Grand Canyon, it all seems too vast to be so still. Jabal Akhdar is part of the Al Hajar mountain range, one of Oman’s most spectacular regions. Perched here 2,000 meters above sea level, Hotel Alila Jabal Akhdar overlooks a dramatic gorge, surrounded by awe-inspiring views of the Al Hajar Mountains. Once a land of rebel tribes, these remote mountains now host Oman's newest, hippest, wilderness hotel - a blend of Asian minimalism and traditional Arabian design, sound chic enough for you.
The look is low-key and fabulous: dry-stone walls, eucalyptus-log balconies, a simple juniper branch painted on one white wall in each room, all of which have lavish freestanding marble baths. There are studded antique doors, natural stone floors, big old beams of dark iroko wood, delicate steel friezes of carved roses and frankincense wafting everywhere. And a black-granite infinity pool looking out over that canyon, with the endless stillness of the mountains all around."
Image: http://www.thedaysofthechic.com/blog/luxury-hotel-alila-jabal-akhdar-oman
"It's the utter silence that gets you. When you first arrive, when you see over the edge of an Arabian Grand Canyon, it all seems too vast to be so still. Jabal Akhdar is part of the Al Hajar mountain range, one of Oman’s most spectacular regions. Perched here 2,000 meters above sea level, Hotel Alila Jabal Akhdar overlooks a dramatic gorge, surrounded by awe-inspiring views of the Al Hajar Mountains. Once a land of rebel tribes, these remote mountains now host Oman's newest, hippest, wilderness hotel - a blend of Asian minimalism and traditional Arabian design, sound chic enough for you.
The look is low-key and fabulous: dry-stone walls, eucalyptus-log balconies, a simple juniper branch painted on one white wall in each room, all of which have lavish freestanding marble baths. There are studded antique doors, natural stone floors, big old beams of dark iroko wood, delicate steel friezes of carved roses and frankincense wafting everywhere. And a black-granite infinity pool looking out over that canyon, with the endless stillness of the mountains all around."
Image: http://www.thedaysofthechic.com/blog/luxury-hotel-alila-jabal-akhdar-oman
Below, in another example of ideal balance and, the Grand Canyon locale hotel equally as beautiful.
One could soak in the water for hours and enjoy the view juxtaposed between the random rock formation and the precision of the spa perimeter.
Image: http://luxurylaunches.com/hotels_and_resorts/coolest-boutique-hotels-in-usa.php
One could soak in the water for hours and enjoy the view juxtaposed between the random rock formation and the precision of the spa perimeter.
Image: http://luxurylaunches.com/hotels_and_resorts/coolest-boutique-hotels-in-usa.php
(Below) Travel across the globe to Nepal, and you will find a new radio station that personifies rugged. Look inside and the hi-tech set up of the radio broadcast room reminds one that the space is fully functioning and the rugged rocks provide ideal sound absorption given the mass of crevices. The unexpected planned use of the building delights the radio guest.
Image: http://www.dezeen.com/2014/04/11/archium-stone-walls-radio-broadcasting-station-nepal/
Image: http://www.dezeen.com/2014/04/11/archium-stone-walls-radio-broadcasting-station-nepal/
From landscape to city scape, below in lower Manhattan the structure adorns a weathered steel slab on the facade of a Greenwich Street town house is 40 feet
tall, 14 feet wide and an inch and a half thick. While austere and stark the exterior choice works since it contrasts the materials found adjacent on the building facades.
Image: Ruby Washington/The New York Times
Image: Ruby Washington/The New York Times
City shopper: Step inside retail space below and the customer finds both tech and rugged treatments applied. Not an expensive space to construct but successful none the less. The bicycle adds just a touch of tech despite it is retro.
Image: http://www.meldrenachapin.com/blog/wordpress/2011/11/17/alison_ddi-magazine_-presentation-of-retail-design-trends/
Image: http://www.meldrenachapin.com/blog/wordpress/2011/11/17/alison_ddi-magazine_-presentation-of-retail-design-trends/
Successful retail spaces and new line emerging in fashion and retail fixture/display know that combining such elements results not only in a natural curiosity but a primal urge to just have to "own it". The images below are of molton/cast furniture in organic wood form yielding beautiful display stands and end tables. Followed by just a touch of ruggedness to the polished suit and rings alike in the form of geodes atop of gold prongs.
http://www.jeanniejeannie.com/2012/04/wood-casting-rugged-furniture-made-by-melding-wood-and-metal-together/
http://merkabawarriorjewellery.blogspot.com/2013/04/how-to-wear-bracelets-with-blazer-or.html
http://www.sarustar.com/product/best-friends-geode-rings
http://happylittlegems.tumblr.com/
http://www.jeanniejeannie.com/2012/04/wood-casting-rugged-furniture-made-by-melding-wood-and-metal-together/
http://merkabawarriorjewellery.blogspot.com/2013/04/how-to-wear-bracelets-with-blazer-or.html
http://www.sarustar.com/product/best-friends-geode-rings
http://happylittlegems.tumblr.com/
Perhaps one of the finest examples in recent architecture and interior design to master the balance of rugged and sublime is the project WOW architects completed in Singapore in 2013. The main entry alone is breathtaking and simple yet the hardware and black lacquer table define the foyer. The views in the house are framed to perfection and the use of materials and finishes not only compliment but allow the homeowner to inhabit a space they will not tire from. Like in all design, there are constraints, the space between the house and adjoining neighbors is tight, no property, that said place, locate the home bay side in Massachusetts and I am the first in line to admire it as I am sure I would not be alone in appreciating its beauty.
Fabulous project, a perfect Rugged Balance.
http://www.archdaily.com/610149/chiltern-house-wow-architects-warner-wong-design
Fabulous project, a perfect Rugged Balance.
http://www.archdaily.com/610149/chiltern-house-wow-architects-warner-wong-design