Inspired by the Manta Ray

(Above) Inspired by the Manta Ray, 24k-Architecture went to work developing an extraordinary structure for children in Thailand.

(Above and below) Scale models.


(Above) One of many preliminary drawings.

(Above) Actual photograph of the Children’s Activity and Learning Center.

(Above) A dramatic view looking up at the center.

(Above) Interior view.

(Above) Would this space inspire a child? For sure. Let’s hope that these kids are old enough not to fall down stairs.

(Above) A sleeping room.

(Above) The main building materials of this structure, locally harvested bamboo.

(Above) A view from above the “manta-ray.”


HOW INSPIRING IT IS TO SEE ARCHITECTURE BUILT FROM LOCAL, SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS (like bamboo) AND IT’S DESIGN INSPIRED FROM NATURE! This children’s learning and activity center is located on the island of Koh Kood, in the Gulf of Thailand. Nearby the 6-Star resort Soneva Kiri is this incredible structure, made largely of locally harvested bamboo.

The Children’s Activity and Learning Center is designed to provide visiting children a wide range of entertaining activities as well as raise their level of ecological awareness. This “den-like” structure provides an Auditorium/Cinema for films, lectures and plays; a library with books on perma-culture and local traditions; an Art room, a Music room and Fashion room, thus giving children both creative and ecological education while playing.

The Den is located at a rocky slope close to the sea. With its Manta-ray inspired bamboo dome, perched in an elevated position so as to offer magnificent views, it seems to launch itself into the bay. The structure and roof are made from local Thai bamboo, thus contributing further to the ecological approach of the resort. The interior is made from local plantation River Red Gum wood and rattan structural elements for the inner domes.

The site provides a sleeping pod for toddlers, and a toilet building as well as a cooking “cave” with a vegetable garden for the children to prepare their own lunch (with a special cook).

Architects: 24H-Architecture
Location: Koh Kood Island, Thailand
Client: Six Senses, Bangkok
Architects in Charge: Boris Zeisser, Maartje Lammers
Collaborators: Olav Bruin, Anne Laure Nolen
Local Architect: Habita Architects
Constructed area: 165 sq. meters
Design year: 2006-2007
Construction year: 2008-2009
Photographs: © Kiattipong Panchee & Boris Zeisser

Via ArchDaily.

World War II: Then and Now

Image 1, c. 1944; click image for larger view.

Image 1, c. 2009; click image for larger view.
Image 2, c. 1944; click image for larger view.
Image 2, c. 2009; click image for larger view.
Image 3, c. 1944; click image for larger view.
Image 3, c. 2009; click image for larger view.
Image 4, c. 1944; click image for larger view.
Image 4, c. 2009; click image for larger view.

Image 5, c. 1944; click image for larger view.

Image 5, c. 2009; click image for larger view.
Image 6, c. 1944; click image for larger view.
Image 6, c. 2009; click image for larger view.


HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT YOUR STREET MIGHT HAVE LOOKED LIKE 50, 75 OR EVEN 100 YEARS AGO? If you live in an older area or big city, there could be images available to show you. But if you live in a subdivision or new expansion areas, there could be nothing but corn fields, trees or pasture land.

If you have a curiosity or interest about the Second World War, these historic images of Normandy in 1944 (and today) will certainly interest you. What these images say to me is that no matter what—life goes on.

Via Fishki.

All color photos are exclusive copyright © Patrick Elie.