130 William by Adjaye Associates. Photography by Dror Baldinger and Ivane Katamashvili…
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David Adjaye Completes 130 William in New York
In the vibrant tapestry of Manhattan’s skyline, 130 William, conceived by Adjaye Associates, emerges as a defining thread. A high-rise tailored for cosmopolitan living, the 66-story building—cloaked in a hand-cast skin and punctuated by a grid of arches—embodies both the minimalist ethos of modern architecture and the city’s daring spirit. The building’s design, inside and out, springs from the mind of David Adjaye, whose work spans from the streets of New York to the sands of Abu Dhabi. 130 William is a harmonious blend of private and public spaces, with 242 residences almost fully occupied, outdoor terraces, and a ground-level public plaza that serves as an urban living room that transitions seamlessly from the city’s energetic hum to the serene haven of private abodes. —Nate Storey
UNStudio completes a dynamic new headquarters for Booking.com in Amsterdam.
When designing new headquarters for Booking.com in Amsterdam, UNStudio aimed to create an inclusive, healthy, and socially engaging environment. The 700,000-square-foot project consolidates the company’s offices into a single location, featuring a main building made of glass and steel that reflects the city’s industrial history while maintaining a connection with its surroundings. The interior design prioritizes sociability and connectivity, offering various breakout spaces, meeting areas, and flexible work options to cater to individual work styles. The project also achieved a BREEAM Excellent design certificate.
Chris “Spanto” Printup, the co-founder of streetwear label Born x Raised, dies at 42.
Chris “Spanto” Printup, co-founder of Born x Raised, has died at 42. The Los Angeles–based streetwear brand confirmed his death, revealing that Printup was involved in a car accident in Albuquerque. Known for his popular streetwear label inspired by the Venice neighborhood, Printup had previously battled terminal cancer and successfully defeated the disease in 2018. Throughout the years, Born x Raised had notable collaborations with renowned fashion and sports brands, including Levi’s, the NFL, Nike, Converse, and the Los Angeles Football Club.
“The Making of a Fresco Showing the Building of a City” (1931) by Diego Rivera. Image courtesy of Cushman & Wakefield…
A Diego Rivera mural at the shuttered San Francisco Art Institute may still be sold.
Despite previous reports that the San Francisco Art Institute’s Diego Rivera mural would be saved and not sold, the fate of the artwork remains uncertain. Cushman & Wakefield announced their intention to sell the campus of the art school, which includes the iconic mural. The 74-feet-wide Rivera mural, titled The Making of a Fresco Showing the Building of a City, is highly regarded and could be valued at $50 million. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors previously voted to make the mural a landmark to prevent its removal, but the potential sale of the campus puts its future in question.
Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland are helping expand Houston’s affordable housing stock.
Beyoncé Knowles and Kelly Rowland are partnering with Harris County to establish a permanent housing complex in Houston’s midtown area. The project, estimated to cost $8.4 million, will create 31 housing units and provide support staff to assist residents with various needs. Both Beyoncé and Rowland have strong ties to Houston, and their philanthropic efforts have already made a positive impact in the community. The project’s official launch will coincide with Beyoncé’s upcoming shows at Houston’s NRG Stadium in September.
BMW selects Julie Mehretu to create the latest in their anticipated Art Car series.
The renowned BMW Art Car series, which has featured artists like Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons, has selected Julie Mehretu to create their next Art Car. An abstract painting by the Ethiopian-American artist will adorn a BMW M Hybrid V8 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in June 2024. Known for her intricate and dynamic works inspired by architecture and urban settings, Mehretu’s art explores themes of migration, globalization, and social behavior. Mehretu’s selection as the artist for the 20th BMW Art Car was praised by the jury for her ability to merge her work with the shape and speed of a racing vehicle.
Image courtesy of Pepsi…
Today’s attractive distractions:
Would you squirt this strange Pepsi-infused special sauce on your hot dog?
Vienna, unsurprisingly, has been selected as the world’s most livable city.
