Architect: The apple doesn't fall far from the tree...

and in this case the apples don't fall far from each other either! Sophia Kokosalaki's little sister, Natalia, has just been featured in Wallpaper's ten best architects for its Graduate Directory of 2008. The fashion designer's sister is making a name for herself by designing an environmentally sustainable stadium in Tripoli, while working at the team of Deca Architects in Greece. Her dream working aspirations though include the offices of Herzog and de Meuron, Morphosis, Thomas Heatherwick and Rural Studio, which reveal clearly her british influence that she got from UCL's School of Architecture.

Development: Spain does design... sustainable!

with the new development, Portosenso, in the town of Altea, Spain proves itself once more that has the know-how in the second-homes market. A development that has the signature of Jean Nouvel for its concept design and a plan to create an environmentally friendly atmosphere among the complex by integrating the architecture perfectly to the surrounding area, using natural materials and applying a low consumption of energy resources plan. The project is consisted of around 300 residences, a hotel, a spa and a marina with retail use included. Portosenso, undoubtedly gets a five-star from all aspects.. just check it out here!

Development: Spain Open

This is why I love Carlos Ferrero that much... not only is he my favorite tennis player, but also we share the same interests... real estate!!! Mr. Ferrero has renovated a 19th-century house on a 120,000 sqf of land in an old town close to Valencia, Spain. The renovation lasted for three years with a total cost of $11,720,000, in order to transform the beautiful villa into a luxury hotel with a spa, restaurants and of course a tennis court. I guess this was a grand slam, n'est-ce pas?

Event: The Architectural League NY

hosts its student program 2007 today at the Urban Center in the court of the New York Palace hotel; for more details click here. The Leaugue will launch the student membership with influential talks of current professional architects and a tour around some of the most important architectural firms in New York, like SOM, HOK, Shop Architects and Hanrahan Meyers.

Development: Manhattanville in West Harlem

One of the biggest in size developments that is happening this moment is undisputedly Columbia University's plan to expand its facilities in West Harlem. This urban developement plan consists of 18 academic and research buildings and campus housing on 17 acres. It's not a surprise that the large neighborhood of West Harlem that consists mostly of black and Hispanic residents feels threatened by this grand scheme. Scott Stringer, the Manhattan borough president, is planning to protect the character of the neighborhood by practicing the special zoning model that worked for the Hell's Kitchen region in Midtown Manhattan. Renzo Piano is the assigned designer for the project, who has seeked to maximize green space, which it will be open to the public. The star architect will undeniably elevate the university's image even further. And as the New York Times wrote "without a vibrant Columbia, New York City itself will suffer...".

News: New kid on the blog...

Maybe not so new to his Facebook friends, but Yatzer.com is all about our favorite things... art, architecture, design and good photography! He says "design is to share" and that's what we do here... sharing this blog with you!

Wishlist: Sleep on air..

Wouldn't you be a tiny bit curious to found out how it feels? Better yet, how cool your room would look like? For the trend setters, the risk takers and most of all the big spenders, Janjaap Ruijssenaars, created for you the first floating bed. The ducth architect dedicated six years of his life to complete this project and secure the safety of his unique idea. The bed floats due to the use of permanent magnets that can ensure up to 900 kilos. Only four thin cables assure its motionless position and keep in contact to the ground... Although, not cheap at all - the scale model is priced at US$146,953, while the actual model would cost about US$1,533,419 - you would be able to find out what dreams look like on air!