Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Cinema Paradiso: An Architect-Designed Theater in Switzerland
Cinema Sil Plaz was born out of necessity. When the last cinema in the Alpine town of Ilanz, Switzerland, closed down over 20 years ago, resident moviegoers banded together to form their own film club. The club’s 300 members were constantly on the lookout for places to screen movies, and after several years of screening in makeshift locations, the idea of having a permanent home for a new theater began to take hold.
In 2004, club members discovered a former 19th century forge that had recently become vacant. Using a mix of local and imported materials, film club members and local architects Ramun Capaul and Gordian Blumenthal created an inviting, minimalist movie theater that has become a cultural hub for the inhabitants of the surrounding Surselva district.
What can’t be conveyed through photographs are the sensory details that add to Cinema Sil Plaz’s charm: the smell of aged leather and raw wood, the feel of the waxed rammed earth floor and untreated walls, and even the occasional (unintended) sound of church bells ringing from next door, sometimes right in the middle of a movie.
Photography by Bruno Augsburger and Laura Egger for Cinema Sil Plaz, unless otherwise noted.
Above: Cinema Sil Plaz opened in the fall of 2010 with a screening of Jean Luc Godard’s Breathless. The screening room is made of rammed earth.
Above: The earthy hue of the theater’s 52 seats contrast with the stark black speakers and spartan light fixtures. The seats were made locally with an oak hardwood frame. And while the architects express a preference for local materials, the sheep leather they chose for the chairs was sourced from Marrakech.
Above: A porthole provides a view into the screening room from the projectionists’ room. Photograph from Foundation Pour L'Architecture.
Above: Intermission during movies is regularly observed in the theater’s upstairs bar, which was designed to encourage lingering. A raised wooden stage houses vintage tables and chairs on movie nights where moviegoers can sit to enjoy drinks and snacks. On nights when there are no screenings scheduled, it’s also where bands perform.
Above: A sliding barn door made of steel opens into the bathroom.
Above: The bathroom just off the theater's bar.
Above: A raised wooden stage houses tables and chairs on movie nights. Bands perform on this stage on nights when there is no movie scheduled.
Above: Cinema Sil Plaz is located at Via Centrala 2 in Ilanz, Switzerland.
For more about rammed earth, see our post: Rammed Earth House by CCS Architects. Interested in a similar look? See more posts on Concrete in our archive. Like classic French films? See our post on Truffaut-Inspired Colored Carnations.
N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on February 20, 2013 as part of our Film Fest issue.
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For Rent: A Ski Cabin by a World-Renowned Swiss Architect
Care to stay in the home of internationally renowned Swiss architect (and Pritzker Prize winner) Peter Zumthor? Architectural enthusiasts are in luck: Zumthor recently started renting out Unterhus, one of two vacation cabins he built on a mountainside in the tiny Swiss hamlet of Leis. The adjacent second house, the Oberhus, is Zumthor's own retreat where he lives with his wife, Annalisa, who grew up in the area and had long pined for a mountain home.
His light, airy, narrow wooden structures are a modern take on the surrounding traditional architecture, the antithesis to one of Zumthor's most revered works, the Hotel Thermes Vals, located on the valley floor below and built from gray quartzite and concrete.
N.B.: Zumthor has recently completed a third cabin nearby, Türmlihus, that's newly available for rent. For more information, go to Zumthor Ferien Haeuser.
Photography by Hélène Binet.
Above: Zumthor's cabins are sited on a snowy incline. There's great skiing—and hiking—directly from the doorsteps; click here for info on winter sports in the area.
Above: Large windows open up to panoramic views and extend almost the width of the house.
Above: The walls are made from tongue and groove pine boards.
Above: In the living room, a small low window with a sliding shutter reveals the view outside.
Above: Zumthor's work is minimalist but rich with detail, with great attention paid to the woodwork (his father was a cabinetmaker by trade).
Above: A sliding panoramic window in the bedroom.
Above: Wood detailing is present throughout the house, including the bathroom, which even has a wooden sink. Another small window can be seen in the far wall.
Above: An outdoor seating area on a stone terrace for dining al fresco in warmer weather. Zumthor supplies guests with backpacks, thermos flasks, binoculars, hiking sticks, a local map, and the Handbuch Schweizer Alpen with detailed information on Alpine flora and fauna and geology.
Above: The village of Leis has just 20 inhabitants, and at 5,125 feet above sea level, it's the highest hamlet in the Vals area that's inhabited all year round.
Above: Zumthor used wood beam construction; the roof is clad in local granite slabs required by local building code. In lieu of a central beam, he used steel rods to pull together the wood-framed walls, leaving a space between the roof and the top of the house.
Above: The houses, viewed from across the valley.
If, like us, you can't get enough of Peter Zumthor, take a look at his book Thinking Architecture. The ultimate Swiss vacation? Combine a stay in one of Zumthor's cabins with a visit to Vals Thermal Spa, his monumental resort design.
N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on February 6, 2013 as part of our On the Mountain issue.
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Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Monday, February 24, 2014
Marketing Your Self-Published Book
More and more writers are self-publishing these days but as great as that sounds, it does bring up the problem of not having the same level of marketing help that you’d have if you were being published by a big name. However, there are several ways that you can easily[Read More...]
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The Publishing Conundrum for the New Writer
A Guest Post by Author David M Wynn For the new writer, the writing process itself seems by far to be the most important aspect of being a writer; that need to get the story down on paper, that feeling of fulfilment as the final few pages come together, that[Read More...]
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Sunday, February 23, 2014
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Friday, February 21, 2014
5 Favorites: Garage Envy on Gardenista
This past week Michelle and Erin delved into all things garage: a multipurpose space that lends itself to a range of uses (floral studio, gear storage, potting shed).
Above: Erin dropped in on Sarah Winward, a florist who operates out of a garage in Salt Lake City.
Above: Lots of organization options out there and Janet's got you covered: 10 Easy Pieces: Garage Storage Units.
Above: Before there were garages, there were stables; Michelle drops in on florist Lila B. at the Stable Cafe in San Francisco.
Above: Considering a colorful stain for your garage exterior? Meredith found what you need; see Palette & Paints: 8 Colorful Exterior Stains.
Above: Our resident materials expert Janet looks into garage flooring options.
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Thursday, February 20, 2014
The Most Visually Stunning Libraries in the World
A little off topic but I thought these images were worth sharing. There’s nothing quite like a beautiful library, they have such a magical feel. These take that to a whole new level. Take a look at these visually stunning libraries, compiled by Sarah Park from Matador Networks. Complete with[Read More...]
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Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Mall Book Stores: 100% Corporate, Just Add Character
by Jas Faulkner You could call this article “The Hanff Effect: Part One”. This story actually has two beginnings. The most recent is my friends’ experience with a reading group that had just finished Helene Hanff’s books and how they took them to heart. You’ll hear more about that later[Read More...]
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Monday, February 17, 2014
Friday, February 14, 2014
Thursday, February 13, 2014
The Self Publishing Revolution
– How it Happened and Why it’s Good for All of us, even Publishers By Chris Lunda Author of The Voodoo Prophecies trilogy So, you have written your first novel or perhaps you are nearing its completion and toying with the idea of self publishing. But what about the nullifying[Read More...]
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Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Purchase Airsoft Online: What You'll Need to Get Started in Airsoft
YOUR GUN!
Duh! This one is the most obvious thing you'll should pack for your day of airsoft. Many gamers prefer to take the night before to see to it their guns are all cleaned and working, ready for the day ahead. Early preparation keeps away frustration when you get to the field and discover something is just not working; say, there's a dead battery or no gas. As soon as you've had a look at your weapon and make sure they're in good working order, put them into your weapon backpack or case. It can be useful to buy a larger case to hold all your equipment so you just have to worry about only one bag when you leave.AIRSOFT BBS
Another duh. Pack up sufficient ammo so you can last all day at the field of your choice. Remember that some fields will require the use of home bbs and you'll need to pack enough of theirs so you do not run low. Toss some additional bags of bbs into your bag or bring along some extra money in case you need more to control your day or airsoft.
SAFETY GEAR & FACE PRO
Buy Airsoft Guide, safety and protective gear is VITAL! Sealed eye protection is best to keep any bbs from getting near to your eye. The majority of airsoft proshops like VIPAirsoft sell impact-resistant tactical goggles at affordable prices to keep those peepers safe during game play. While some fields won't require the armor for your nose and mouth, it can be beneficial to invest in face protection anyhow so you don't run the risk of chipping a tooth and piercing your nose involuntarily. Metal mesh half masks are the most frequently used by ardent airsofters because they keep the eye professional fog down, help you breathe easier and safeguard you teeth!
No one desires a half-blind airsofter without depth perception on their group, so see to it you protect your eyes and always remember to pack your eye pro in your equipment bag before heading out.
SUPPLIES & TOOLS
Ensure you pack some standard tools to help you repair your weapons on the day of games should anything happens, leading to a breakdown or failure. This consists of electrical tape, silicone oil, clean paper towels, screwdriver and a cleaning rod. A hex key set will also assist you out in case you need to take your gun apart quickly. Don't let surprise gun troubles ruin your day of play!
Another thing to bear in mind is your charger and an extra battery so you never ever have to stop playing as you wait for a battery recharge. The charger will let you charge your extra battery while not in use, particularly if you're preparing a whole-day outing.
YOUR UNIFORM
A lot of airsofters choose to gear themselves up in their own special load out including their uniform. Use gear that not just matches the environment you prepare to play in, or just in the design you like! This consists of a specific pair of pants and a top or a full-on ACU/BDU attire in the pattern of your choice. Either way, make sure it's all clean and all set to go so you aren't scrounging out in the early morning looking for all your clothes.
Other gear includes a tac vest or plate carrier, helmet, or holsters. If you have a mollee vest and want/bought an extra mollee set, see to it you put it on your vest or rearrange it as you require.
VIDEO GEAR
{A few of you like to get video footage of your game play, which suggests you'll want to ensure you've got your GoPro or other camera setup packed in your bag. See to it it's charged and you have an available SD Card with ample space for your video geared up too. Keep your video equipment safe with protective casing or a high-impact resistant cover for your lens.
ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES
Depending on your load out, you might need to pack a couple of additional supplies in your weapon case. Make certain you pack some extra magazines and if you're running a gas weapon, additional canisters of gas or propane. If you run with a CO2 airsoft handgun, you'll want to pack additional CO2 cartridges. If you utilize a scope or flashlight, have some additional batteries in your case so you'll never need to worry about your equipment going down and wrecking your game time.
Head out early for your airsoft battle to beat traffic and avoid the late crowds. Talk with your team the night before about where you're meeting each other and if anyone needs anything specific.
Now that you're all packed and ready to go, it's time to dominate that field!
We'll see you soon at VIPAirsoft Arena! Remember, if you need anything above, you can visit the VIPAirsoft Armory at: vipairsoft.net
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Monday, February 10, 2014
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Friday, February 7, 2014
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
“Where do you get your books, and why we don’t have a bookstore cat.”
“Wow. I really like your selection. Where do you get your books?” the Customer asked. Little did he realize that I have a good understanding of customer-speak. Beneath his seemingly simple question lies his true thought: “I have a bunch of books I don’t need, and probably never read, and[Read More...]
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Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Kitchen Magic
Every Saturday morning at 10:00 am magic happens in The Book Garden. We join harrowing hunting expeditions on the African Plains, discover and rediscover the miracle of child birth, face death and then turn and walk in the other direction, share demons and desires. We return to favorite childhood moments[Read More...]
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Monday, February 3, 2014
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Curb Appeal and More
When visitors step through the imposing 12-foot-high front doors of this1860s Painted Lady Victorian, they often comment on the lovely house, the intricate woodwork, the faux-marble mantels. As they wander through the shop they remark on our “Blind Date with a Book” display, the staircase-turned-stack of favorite books and the[Read More...]
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