BATTERSEA POWER STATION REGENERATION PROJECT

Something I am really, really excited about is the major regeneration project of the Battersea Power Station and its surrounding area. It is a major redevelopment which is eagerly anticipated by many and, once completed, will become one of the most celebrated and visited destinations in the city of London. 

The Battersea Power Station was opened in the 1930's and today, it is one of the most recognised works of architecture in the world. Although, it is currently derelict and in bad condition, the beautiful art deco interior features will be preserved and restored throughout the project. It is a landmark loved by many and the £8bn resoration is due to start in October 2013. It is expected to take approximately 10 years to complete and generate over 26,000 jobs. 

There will be over 800 residential units including studios, apartments and penthouses. The new site will also include office space, shops, hospitality and entertainment venues, and there is planning permission for a new Battersea tube station to be built as part of the Northern Line. 

Visit www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk to find out all about the project.

Images are courtesy of www.costar.co.uk

ASSOULINE BOOKSTORE, LONDON

On my recent trip to London, I didn't have much time to explore as I normally would since I was at the Free Range graduate design show most of the time. However, I did manage to fit in an afternoon of retail therapy (even if it was just window shopping). A hidden gem I discovered was a bookstore in Claridge's called Assouline. I had never heard of the brand before and was told that it is a French publisher that specialise in making hand-made books. They are the equivalent of a gorgeous designer dress in the book world. The quality of the publications is fantastic and some of them are huge! The store itself is chic with expensive-looking fittings and furniture, whilst incorporating old-fashioned features such as a sliding bookcase ladder. 

The pricing varies greatly, with some of the smaller books costing as little as £30. The large, premium collection books can cost anywhere up to £550 but they are works of art in themselves and, in my opinion, worth every penny.

Here are some photographs I took of the interior and, of course, the super stylish Assouline books themselves.

Take a look at their website here.

BOOK HUNT

I decided to make the most of the uni library today and found some little gems that are worth having a look at.

This is a cute little book called 'Eat Me: Appetite for Design' all about product, packaging, branding, art and interiors. There is some great imagery and it's nicely laid out with stylish graphics. The cheeky bite mark at the corner adds that extra touch of fun.

And a selection of design and fashion books with some pretty pictures and sketches, including, Vogue the Covers, Decorative Arts and Design and Karim Rashid's 'Karim'.

GENSLER

During my second year of studying, I was lucky enough to take part in a small project with one of the largest architectural companies in the world. Gensler has offices in 42 countries and have designed many outstanding buildings of all kinds. The Gensler website has a fantastic portfolio of past and future projects, many are still at concept stage. It is well worth a look, particularly if you are like me - interested in both architecture and interiors and also urban planning. 

I've posted a few images from their website.

LONDON AQUATICS CENTRE BY ZAHA HADID

I've decided to do an Olympic related post today as I have loved watching all the sports over the past two weeks and I am so disappointed it has to come to an end. Team GB have performed amazingly well and like everyone is saying - it makes you proud to be British! 

So this update today is taking a look at the work of my favourite architect, Zaha Hadid. 

The London Aquatics Centre was purpose built for London 2012 Olympics for all swimming and diving events. The structure itself is a typical Hadid design style - encapsulating an organic fluidity throughout. The concept was inspired by the motion of flowing water and the want to reflect and fit in with the surrounding river and landscape of the Olympic village. The theme is included throughout the interior of the building, particularly in the shape of the diving stands and the vast undulating roof.

It's worth having a look at other Zaha Hadid Architects' projects here.

BOILER HOUSE HAIR SALON

So close to home, I had to post a photo of this luxury 3 floor hair salon located in Jesmond, Newcastle designed by Collective Design. Its industrial, grunge theme combined with a shabby-chic edge creates a unique experience for its clients. 

RICE TO RICHES

A shop completely devoted to selling nothing but rice pudding!? Of course, in New York anything is possible. Rice to Riches is a shop on Spring Street in Soho which sells a vast array of rice pudding flavours, served with your choice of topping and sizes range from a small pot to a massive sumo bowl! Even if you aren't a fan of the food it's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

TOPSHOP, LONDON

Just a few snaps I took inside the Oxford Circus Topshop, highlighting my favourite features.

CRAZY BEAR, LONDON

Crazy Bear is a vintage style cocktail bar and restaurant in London. The interior is dimly lit enabling the the stunning gold embellishments to glimmer subtly in the space. The lighting has been designed to create a relaxed yet exclusive atmosphere. The gold leaf detailing on the stairs work well with the lining of strip mirrors. It's a great place to visit for a fancy cocktail.

MALIBU DREAM HOUSE

Interior designer, Jonathan Adler, has designed a real-life Barbie Malibu Dream House and has really captured the character and style of the famous Barbie doll!

DALZIEL+POW

Dalziel+Pow is an Interior Design company which specialises in high street retail design and design for brands. They have designed stores for Topshop, Next, River Island, Primark, Superdrug, Timberland and many more.

Visiting Dalziel+Pow in London and meeting David Dalziel was a great experience and emphasised just how much hard work it takes to complete a professional project in the industry.

Topshop, New York by Dalziel+Pow

SNOG CEILINGS

Snog is a frozen yoghurt bar which I first came across on a visit to London. Walking past the window you can't help but notice the bright and colourful light features on the ceiling. Each shop has its own unique design and below are images of one of the branches in London and Chelsea. Check out www.ifancyasnog.com

STYLE CLUB, DUBLIN

Style Club is a trendy hair and beauty salon in Dublin. The interior is vibrant with colour, funky patterns and quirky design ideas, creating a fun and animated atmosphere for clients and staff.