Archinect - News

The Free Universal Construction Kit

2012-03-19T12:02:00-04:00

F.A.T. Lab and Sy-Lab are pleased to present the Free Universal Construction Kit: a matrix of nearly 80 adapter bricks that enable complete interoperability between ten* popular children’s construction toys. By allowing any piece to join to any other, the Kit encourages totally new forms of intercourse between otherwise closed systems—enabling radically hybrid constructive play, the creation of previously impossible designs, and ultimately, more creative opportunities for kids.

This is totally brilliant.

What can a toy do for architecture?

2011-11-21T18:59:12-05:00

Opinion seemed to be divided along generational lines. Simon, FAIA, shared Berman’s sentiment. Simon founded San Francisco-based SMWM, once the region’s most successful woman-owned firm. (SMWM has since joined Perkins + Will where the formidable Simon is now a design principal.) She thinks “Architect Barbie” trivializes the profession and objectifies its female practitioners.

Blueprint for Architect Barbie! Think pink – and give her a monster home

2011-08-17T18:33:28-04:00

It's fun to design – even when you have to work for free ! In fact, a freebie “conceptual design” is what two Harvard-educated women produced for Barbie’s new home in a competition to build a dream home for the Mattel doll, sponsored by the American Institute of Architects.