Amazon Court Office Complex, Prague, Czech Republic

Schmidt Hammer Lassen are the architects who designed Amazon Court Office Complex in Prague.  What is particularly interesting is that they worked with a textile designer to produce the printed screens for the windows over looking the atrium.  This work really demonstrates exciting creative solutions for buildings and also interesting opportunities for textile designers.

The textile designer in question is Ann Marie Ploug.

Too Many Possessions...

"If we do not see that we get used to our material possessions, we shall over invest in acquiring them, at the expense of our leisure.  As a result, our life can get distorted towards working and making money and away from other pursuits."

from Happiness Lessons from a New Science by Richard Layard

Is it fun being so rich?

Jack Ma, entrepreneur extraordinaire commented on wealth during The Interview was asked "Is it fun being so rich?"

During this interview he said he was happiest earning $10 a month and that being a rich man is a big burden.

Happiness is having a hinterland...

The concept of a hinterland is doing the rounds after David Milliband's comments.  What is a hinterland?  Hinterland is basically about having old fashioned hobbies or interests that have nothing to do with career, cash nor family...

Creating Flow

"Cultivating Flow in Everyday Life

• wake up in the morning with a specific goal to look forward to
• if you do anything well it becomes enjoyable
• to keep enjoying something you need to increase its complexity
• practise making everyday tasks enjoyable - eventually you will learn the meta skill and be able to turn any activity into an occasion of flow
• take charge of your schedule
• make time for reflection and relaxation
• try to be surprised by something everyday
• find out what you like and what you hate about life
• start doing more of what you love and less of what you hate."

From Mihalyi Csikszentmihalyi

Regeneration of Castleford

Tickle Cock Bridge in Castleford, West Yorkshire has been regenerated by architectural practice DSDHA with artist Martin Richman who works with light.  The bridge is actually an underpass and has been regenerated using lighting and a flock lining to the concrete structure.

The regeneration of Castleford was televised during four programmes on Channel 4 in August this year in "Kevin McCloud and the Big Town Plan".

Will Happiness Find Me?

Artists Peter Fischli and David Weiss questioned

IS HAPPINESS LOOKING FOR ME IN THE WRONG PLACE?