tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55114874745807807962024-03-14T17:42:14.457+11:00Sublime TotsKathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-13761411499299411052011-11-02T10:53:00.000+11:002011-11-02T10:53:02.146+11:00Don't Speak Unless You are Told toFellow readers,<br />
<br />
Perhaps from this article we can deduce that if you not an architect, do not speak about architecture right? If you are not a doctor, do not cross examine yourself. If you not an engineer do not speak of structural parts.<br />
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It's wrong to think that one does not have an opinion over a subject. Maybe wrong to assume but never wrong to voice out our concerns and express our thoughts.<br />
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One does not need to read an article like this to be reminded that works of architecture can't be summarized into words:<br />
<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2011/apr/14/roger-scruton-architecture-zaha-hadid">http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2011/apr/14/roger-scruton-architecture-zaha-hadid</a><br />
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Field of architecture is an expressive one and the client has share the same amount of ambitiousness. We can read as many theory books about others but it is really down to experiencing the building or space before us that we truly understand.<br />
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For this I am inspired to embark onto a massive architectural journey in 2014. I will explore this more in my next entry.Kathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-67089531513707453022011-07-06T23:08:00.000+10:002011-07-06T23:08:16.469+10:00Running..running...as fast as you canMy latest obsession is running. My target is to run a full marathon. One day. Maybe not this year's Melbourne Marathon. Maybe next year. It depends.<br />
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One of the first events I did was Melbourne's Mother's Day Classic. That day we witness about 20,000 Melburnians participated in the event - 8km, 4km and fun walk. A little background of the event can be found here: <a href="http://mothersdayclassic.com.au/">Mother's Day Classic</a>.<br />
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My official personal best on that day was 28:04.7 wearing bib number 5316. I ran for 4km.<br />
Overall placement was 3296<br />
Age division placement was 561<br />
Gender placement was 2316<br />
<br />
So what did I get from this? Purely self satisfaction. Just the knowledge that I have only myself to prove to and my personal best just kept getting better. Motivation by self is far more rewarding than external forces.<br />
I will update more with pictures too.Kathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-49550667355775568162011-05-04T20:25:00.000+10:002011-05-04T20:25:00.633+10:00Excerpt from TheStarOnline<h1 id="story_title">Malaysians abroad urged to be tourism ambassadors</h1><h1 id="story_title"> </h1>DUBAI: Malaysians abroad should play the role of tourism ambassadors in a bid to woo more foreign tourists to the country.<br />
To this end, <span class="knx-annotation"><a href="http://archives.thestar.com.my/search/?q=Datuk%20Seri%20Dr%20Ng%20Yen%20Yen" rel="foaf:homepage" target="_blank">Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen</a></span> said they should be aware of the country's tourism policies, products as well as the future direction of the industry.<br />
"So wherever you are, please do your bit to promote Malaysia so that more tourists will visit our country," she told a gathering with Malaysians at a hotel here Tuesday night.<br />
Present were Malaysian ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) <span class="knx-annotation"><a href="http://archives.thestar.com.my/search/?q=Datuk%20Yahaya%20Abdul%20Jabar" rel="foaf:homepage" target="_blank">Datuk Yahaya Abdul Jabar</a></span> and consul-general in Dubai, Ahmad Fadil Shamsudin.<br />
Dr Ng is leading the Malaysian delegation at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2011 being held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from Monday to Thursday.<br />
A total of 87 government and private organisations from Malaysia are taking part in the event.<br />
Dr Ng said Malaysia received 24.6 million tourists in 2010 and the country aimed to get 25 million tourist arrivals this year.<br />
She said Tourism Malaysia offices were a good source for the latest on the country's tourism industry. - Bernama<br />
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p/s: Since this piece of information was released in Dubai, does it apply to citizens also living in other countries? I'm joking! Of course it would, regardless wherever you are, if you hold the passport of a certain country, you are an Ambassador of that country. Refer previous post. <br />
<h1 id="story_title"> </h1>Kathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-81841716183495795052011-05-04T20:21:00.000+10:002011-05-04T20:21:36.709+10:00We are all Ambassadors in our own rightAmbassador defined by The Free Online Dictionary is:<br />
<b>1.</b> A diplomatic official of the highest rank appointed and accredited as representative in residence by one government or sovereign to another, usually for a specific length of time.<br />
<div class="ds-list"><b>2. </b> A diplomatic official heading his or her country's permanent mission to certain international organizations, such as the United Nations.</div><div class="ds-list"><b>3. </b> An authorized messenger or representative.</div><b>4. </b> An unofficial representative<br />
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So, I am an Ambassador of Malaysia! I have been living in Australia for awhile and it made me realized what I can do to promote my country in the name of tourism.<br />
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There are so many ways to promote a country too. Not only having an ambassdor is handy but also convenience of getting information via internet directly by potential visitors. For this reason, the government of a country itself has to have a proper channel to provide information.<br />
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Nevertheless I am exciting today that I am an Ambassador of Malaysia, in line with the fourth definition from The Online Dictionary.Kathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-57685364447215633432011-04-10T16:43:00.000+10:002011-04-10T16:43:34.524+10:00Complimentary reading to previous postI thought that I share Dr M's infamous speech post-9/11 at the Islamic Summit Conference in Putrajaya on 16 October 2003 (20 Shaaban 1424H).<br />
<br />
This is the link to Asean.org archive on various leader's views:<br />
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<a href="http://www.asean.org/15360.htm">PM of Malaysia's Speech 2003</a><br />
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Enjoy!Kathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-60053399705871091462011-04-10T15:40:00.004+10:002011-04-10T16:32:48.901+10:00Doctor M:Operation Malaysia (A Book Summary)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh484Ko8xFXhliRCMMPsXmN-PbaHj2BUIi-2DMilFasEEeZ10dk_HjKBd-RO1WwnlLOoog4LrVpKuYCy6wsmfmkXw7fVfZzVSP3-0XFQRo9f6WGUujZtf51fmPWW2Ncuf8W05h2fh2uq_8/s1600/blog_DrM.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 235px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh484Ko8xFXhliRCMMPsXmN-PbaHj2BUIi-2DMilFasEEeZ10dk_HjKBd-RO1WwnlLOoog4LrVpKuYCy6wsmfmkXw7fVfZzVSP3-0XFQRo9f6WGUujZtf51fmPWW2Ncuf8W05h2fh2uq_8/s320/blog_DrM.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593838504181919810" border="0" /></a><br />Book information:<br /><br />Took me aeons to finish this book since I bought it in February. I wish I am a fast reader but not everyone is a superhuman. Well, let me reveal to you why I bought this book in the first place. I think I have discover a passion to 'doctor' my home country, for it to be better and nice for all. I find it hard to learn at a mere citizen level, hence I decided to learn from the 'experts'. I have been collecting books from notable leaders, such as Dr M, Bill Clinton (also because he has the same birthdate as mine) and Barack Obama to name a few. Notice that the leaders I chose are contemporary leaders because I believe their visions are still relevant for at least another 10 years time.<br />Especially for Dr M's book, my interests in Malaysia with his more than other leaders I have read. What did I learn from him:<br /><br />1. We have to have a sense of pride that not only make us who we are but eventually make others' respect us of what we believe in. Not to say being egoistical is good all the time but also the flexibility is much appreciated especially you have to make decision for others. I believe that not many will see his good intention straightaway but mostly will realize Dr M's contribution in 2-3 generations later.<br /><br />2. Its not that he hated the Jews but he just appalled of how disunited Muslims can be. He is not talking of just Malaysian Muslims but Muslims on a global scale. To date, there are 1.3billion of Muslims to 14million of Jews<span style="font-size:78%;">1</span>. How could a lesser community got hold of how the world works? I am not going to travel more in this subject as I think I am more adapt to talk of buildings than theology.<br /><br />3. "<span style="font-style: italic;">A muslim fundamentalism must let me be moderate</span>" - Dr M. This quote shows how he can adapt to 'international' terms without being oppressed by their demands. Extremism is prohibited in order to win votes and favour from everyone. In his case, Malaysia is a tough one to crack as he had to make deals with all races and religions hence sometimes one sector is compromised as to make way for the others. As we all know it, its hard to please everyone.<br /><br />4. He does believe in a little bit of punishment just so that others could learn the lessons. This comes from managing a multi-racial country. He believes in order to keep everything in order, he had to show his authoritarian claws sometimes. I guess it works. The whole chapter of 'For Your Eyes Only' p.127-142 he explored the idea of educating people of how idealism works for multi-racial community. Although his approach could mean dictatorship to some point, he did maintain peace for 22years.<br /><br />5. Not all that comes from the West is good. I felt that this is the underlying intent of the book. Dr M's policy of '<span style="font-style: italic;">Looking to the East</span>' not only will benefit the region but also keep the context relevant in terms of culture. What understands more about a South-East Asian country than its....neighbour? Relevance is the main point here. We can say, well, we can learn from the Westerners? Nope, perhaps its better that we explore things ourselves in order to undersand our capabilities.<br /><br />Top 5 points from the book. Now, some basic info for the book:<br />Author - Tom Plate<br />Published - 2011 (its new!)<br />Publisher - Marshall Cavendish Singapore<br />Number of Pages - 24pp including Appendix (dont worry, the font is as big as the Twillight series book)<br /><br />Probably we can discuss about this book too! Tell me what you think. :)<br /><br />References:<br />1. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_religious_populations">List of Religious Populations</a> - Wikipedia<br />2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Conversations-Mahathir-Mohamad-Dr-Operation/dp/9814276634/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1302416751&sr=8-2">Conversations with Mahathir Mohamad</a> by Tom Plate - Amazon.com (I bought mine in Malaysia in February 2011)Kathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-62621335110155996812011-04-01T15:49:00.004+11:002011-04-01T16:19:59.053+11:00New Year with New Resolution<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYz8RVwp47O2K0plTiEvIdrbHhD6FcT6keh1hz5fv8kOvclEe0JgqfnYhSxXQc4z1lYTDbCi2W3QVRyVGdoNxVPhyj8YRUjCwv1APouT92FgU7LX1YmHNjTlds7omLzLbMIOfaXhGhRpM/s1600/buildings+021+%2528Medium%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590478359824523586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYz8RVwp47O2K0plTiEvIdrbHhD6FcT6keh1hz5fv8kOvclEe0JgqfnYhSxXQc4z1lYTDbCi2W3QVRyVGdoNxVPhyj8YRUjCwv1APouT92FgU7LX1YmHNjTlds7omLzLbMIOfaXhGhRpM/s320/buildings+021+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" /></a> <br /><div>Hello all,</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>It seem pretentious to have a serious topic on such jovial day. Jovial today being April 1st and a Friday. Nevertheless it is never to late to re-think about one's goal in the short term.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Maybe in architecture there is no such thing as 'New Resolution'. Resolution sounds like a destination rather than a journey, a dot rather than a line. In architecture, a Development sounds more familiar. Development gives us a picture of a continuing progress, which is encouraged to arrive at one's idea. Or in this case, one's destination.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So what is your New Development for 2011?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Mine would be: </div><br /><ol><br /><li>Documenting my travel into this blog, as I have been home to Malaysia in February and made a short visit to Singapore as well. As well as some other places in Victoria, Australia last year.</li><br /><li>More design!!! I am even willing to do it for free. Maybe make a group of engineers, surveyors and other consultants too?</li><br /><li>Sketch more design ideas on my own. I have started this by having a small sketch book and a set of handy markers.</li></ol><br /><p>Share about your New Development for 2011. Cheers!</p>Picture: (WHITE??) Fire Hose Reel at State Library of Victoria. Picture taken during Melbourne Open House 2010. <br /><div></div>Kathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-84601331288245900742010-04-07T15:49:00.003+10:002010-04-07T16:08:34.274+10:00Let Us Pick on Malaysian ArchitectureThe following news video from TheStar again made me sick, and what follows after the video is the Shanghai World Expo website showing Malaysia Pavillion making no references whatsoever to 'Minangkabau-inspired' roof/architecture.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7rOTPFjJeKE&hl=en_GB&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7rOTPFjJeKE&hl=en_GB&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />It seems childish to link our nation's architecture with only one type of hut. Yeah, Minangkabau houses are all over in Minang (Indonesia) and also Negeri Sembilan(Malaysia) but to what extend should we copy and paste and with no articulation at all exhibit this particular style at the World Expo?<br /><br />Why not Kutai house? Why not Kelantan/Terengganu houses? Why not go for a Sarawakian long house? Dato Seri Ng said, she wanted the pavilion to be 'eye-catching' to the visitors as they come into the site. Well, are other types of huts/houses not 'eye-catching' enough? I am pretty sure if you put a big steel box and colour it with glossy silver or gold paint, it will be indeed VERY 'eye-catching'.<br /><br />Plus, the design of the traditional hut does not reflect this year's World Expo theme anyway, which is Better City Better Life. Ideally, at least to me, it has to show what our Malaysian architecture has come into terms with latest design and technologies. Yeah, recylable plastic wall is fine but the principle and gist of the pavillion itself has gone to dust.<br /><br />Great architects like Ken Yeang, Hijjaz Kasturi, Jimmy Lim, and some others should stand up to this great shame! In one month time, we will be unveiling the pavillion for the eyes of the world to see. I'd say, Good Luck!<br /><br />Read on and click on these articles. If you are a Malaysian, you will be ticked. *wink*<br /><br />1. <a href="http://en.expo2010.cn/c/en_gj_tpl_8.htm">World Expo Shanghai 2010 - Malaysia Pavillion</a><br /><br />2. <a href="http://weechookeong.wordpress.com/2009/07/21/the-minister-of-tourism-why-venturepharm-asia-sdn-bhd-so-special/">Some Political Relations</a><br /><br />3. <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/deaaerchitect/2nd-malaysia-pavilion-for-the-shanghai-world-expo-2010">Final Design Proposal - Spatial Organisation and 'Translation'</a>Kathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-69257159261094326012010-04-07T15:27:00.002+10:002010-04-07T15:49:37.003+10:00So Our Architects Are Not Good Enough eh?This video showed that Minister of Tourism, YB Dato Seri Ng Yen Yen underestimating Malaysian architects who will not understand the construction and nature of Shanghai. Fair enough, but I do think we are allowed to "collaborate" with other local organisations. Very close example - Norman Foster and GDP Architects or the best example - Cesar Pelli and KLCC Architects for our very own Petronas Twin Towers.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Wm2Rsb3o3FY&hl=en_GB&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Wm2Rsb3o3FY&hl=en_GB&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />Project Info: 3,000 sqm site at Shanghai World Expo<br />Dear friends, please tell me that I heard it wrong. She actually said:<br /><br />1. She only understand when she was briefed IN Shanghai, not BEFORE. ok, sound fine with me. with the benefit of the doubt I assumed that she is indeed a busy 'wakil rakyat' <span style="font-style: italic;">(trans. people's representative)</span><br />2. She is very confident of the local company which did the design and construction of this pavilion.<br />3. You can't take things from Malaysia. Aik, cannot ar? We have a new thing called globalisation and for this reason, the internet will be handy for research and learning. Time to travel has been minimised by the advent of our aviation industry with hundreds of flights a day direct to Shanghai.<br /><br />Please tell me I didn't misheard what she said because this pavillion's design is simply appalling!<br /><br />The minister's comments should be recorrected because she is implying that Malaysian architects are not good enough. To me, this is a generalisation but the finalised design of the pavilion is just pathetic.<br /><br />I hate to say this; I think I can do better design than that. Learn this Malaysia: please organise an open competition for this sort of things so that we dont get bombarded by racial-slurs and comments as this article on ArchDaily:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.archdaily.com/35071/malaysia-pavilion-for-shanghai-world-expo-2010/">Malaysia Pavilion for Shanghai World Expo 2010</a><br /><br />This is a disgrace to the architecture industry! No wonder we are having the 'brain drain' phenomena at the moment.Kathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-9185603440102648432010-04-07T14:41:00.003+10:002010-04-07T15:30:16.977+10:00Malaysia Pavilion at Shanghai World ExpoFirst of all, apologies for not be able to keep up with times and update this blog.<br /><br />Secondly, I am truely and utterly disgraced by what I have stumbled upon this morning. And have been enraged ever since.<br /><br />Well, I should be proud that Malaysia has its own pavilion design this year at the prestigous Shanghai World Expo 2010. BUT... I am feeling very very very disappointed by the sheer fact that there is no articulation of design in its conceptual diagramme thus reflected on the form for that matter. In short - Badly Designed.<br /><br />Put politics aside, RM20million would be spend to promote Malaysia as a nation and to be able to do so, one has to design a pavilion to reflect my beautiful country. Architecture wise, one has to be able to demonstrate that Malaysia has deep mixed cultural roots that can be traced back to the 12-14th century. One has to articulate the best design/features for the pavilion.<br /><br />So what do we get? A direct copy-paste rendition of one of the traditional houses and blown up to accomodate "commercial" scale. I will paste them in my next post so that I can put my own commentaries on them. (More like scrutinizing)<br /><br />Apparently the pavilion was designed by <a href="http://designevolutionarchitects.wordpress.com/category/projects/">Design Evolution Architects Sdn Bhd</a>, and the final design was their second submitted to the ministry. Honestly I liked the first proposal because the architects have injected some intelligence into it.<br /><br />This is their first proposal:<br /><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/J4DQJTmJHko&hl=en_GB&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/J4DQJTmJHko&hl=en_GB&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object><br /><br />I liked it as much as I have liked our National Library on Jalan Tun Razak, KL.<br />I admitted that this one has a little bit more thinking on the spatial features.<br />I found that this design incorporated Sarawakians' tribal motives, Chinese letterings (because it is in Shanghai), more generic and Malaysian-theme elements.<br />This pavilion simply answered our theme for this year's expo - Better City Better LivingKathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-65371290859362013072009-11-29T22:08:00.003+11:002009-11-29T22:33:44.468+11:00Architecture Scene in MalaysiaAlthough I live in Australia, I am still interested in my own country's affair especially the architectural social circle. I am still in contact with most of my friends, picking out the gist of what is good and what is controversial. <div><br /></div><div>I always read up on Prof Tajuddin's writing on TheStar.com. and always buy the paper which has his article whenever I am at home. He himself is no stranger in the business. He has a few books to his name and I do admit that his arguments are solely for the benefit of nation building, in this case, Malaysia. </div><div><br /></div><div>Link: <a href="http://thestar.com.my/columnists/more.asp?col=architectureinsideout">Architecture Inside Out</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I wonder what he would say to the following articles or opinion posted by The Star readers on LAM Architect Registration. </div><div><br /></div><div>Read up these two articles and I think the president didn't really address the issue. Issue that needed to be addressed are:</div><div><br /></div><div>Article 1: <a href="http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/11/20/focus/5146066&sec=focus"> Big stumbling blocks for architects</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Article 2: <a href="http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/11/26/focus/5184073&sec=focus"> No answers to exam queries</a></div><div><br /></div><div>1. <b><i>Transparency</i></b> - so only 9% passed the exam. Why? Specific cases please? Can you please disclose unwanted answers that actually has been answered for the exam? Considering that the exam is only once a year and thinking of all the studying done is for nothing. I think the examination council has to publish a 'post-mortem booklet' to all unsuccessful applicants so that they know what has gone wrong and with this they'll remember what NOT to do next.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. <b><i>Up-to-date information on the internet</i></b> - with the current wide world of web, website of an architectural organization should be beneficial to its members and also to the community who wish to seek answers regarding the profession. LAM/PAM doesn't do this - at least not extensively. Basic information has been posted just enough so that people grasp the idea, but if you have any questions, please contact the office. I dont mean to juxtapose unfairly to my own country but if you have a look at other architecture associations throughout the world, their websites has some substantial information. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Recently, I have contacted the office of LAM, asking about Part 1 & Part 2 recognition. The answer I got was that as long as the degrees are recognized by <a href="http://www.aaca.org.au">AACA</a> (Architects Accreditation Council of Australia) we should be able to register for Part 3 straightaway. </div><div>So this means that I have to register as a graduate architect for at least a year, fill up my log book and -<i>voila!</i>- ready for Part 3 exam. </div><div>It doesn't seem that easy nowadays...</div>Kathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-90944787468435658202009-11-24T22:39:00.002+11:002009-11-24T22:50:13.867+11:00May the Greatest Oscar live forever!Maybe he is cheating death or simply because God let him live to spread his brilliant designs on earth? I stay content with the second.<div><br /></div><div>Read this news clipping:</div><div><br /></div><div><h2 id="a143910">Oscar Niemeyer Back to Work Following Surgeries</h2> <div class="byline">By Steve Delahoyde on Nov 23, 2009 07:02 AM</div> <div class="blogpost"> <p><img alt="1002oscsurg.jpg" src="http://www.mediabistro.com/unbeige/original/1002oscsurg.jpg" align="right" height="228" width="139" /></p> <p>Back in early October, we were getting a little worried about <b>Oscar Niemeyer</b>, the world's oldest starchitect (<a href="http://www.mediabistro.com/unbeige/awards_competitions/im_pei_to_receive_the_royal_gold_medal_139424.asp"><b>I.M. Pei</b> ranks second</a>), who at 101 <a href="http://www.mediabistro.com/unbeige/people/oscar_niemeyer_recovering_from_second_surgery_in_as_many_weeks_138584.asp">had undergone two major surgeries</a>, one planned, one not. But like we said back then, "if there's one thing we can say about Niemeyer, he's a fighter." And how right we were. A Brazilian newspaper is reporting that his recovery has gone well and, surprise surprise, <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jDtA8kYyTgecADE_pxyvR2OkmNyAD9C40FPO0">he's back to work</a>:</p> <p></p><blockquote>The daily newspaper <b><i>O Globo</i></b> reports that Niemeyer is working on a collection of buildings in the city of Niteroi, outside of Rio de Janeiro.</blockquote> <p>Here's to fifty more years of productivity, Mr. Niemeyer.</p><p>(news article taken from <a href="http://www.mediabistro.com/unbeige/people/oscar_niemeyer_back_to_work_following_surgeries_143910.asp">mediabistro.com</a> )</p><p><br /></p><p>Some of his greatest works lie in the heart of Brasilia, Brazil. Brasilia was designed by the grand master - Le Corbusier and honour was given to Oscar to design a few buildings in the precinct, namely: the National Congress, the Cathedral, the National Library and National Gallery. </p><p>For more reading, click the links below:</p><p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Niemeyer">Oscar Niemeyer - Wikipedia</a></p><p><a href="http://www.brasiliabrazil.info/oscar-niemeyer.html">Brasilia Brazil Info</a></p></div></div>Kathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-78686108991491434292009-11-02T20:09:00.002+11:002009-11-02T20:29:10.814+11:003 Rs - Reduce, Re-use, RecycleI was taught of these three principles in Year 4 of my first degree. We were exposed to a plethora of sustainable projects and construction materials. At that time, I thought - Wow, if we use these principles carefully we can really make an impact. So years went by and the principles became one of my criteria of observing the environment.<br />I went to further study for the professional degree (some called it B.Arch, some called it Post-Grad degree, some called it Masters now) and my observation became a thesis in implementing sustainable ideas. Although I never use any sort of sustainable principles directly into my student projects, my peers' arguments sometimes made me wonder.<br /><br />So to implement sustainability, there are 3 Rs - Reduce, Re-use, Recycle. So at uni, what do we learn?<br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Reduce</span> - not reduce the workload! I think in a way reduce the independence of the subjects that are offered. I found that the subjects are too different with each other that it is so riddiculous to inter-relate. For example, at my uni, my thesis subject has no connection whatsoever with the major design subject. Well, although the old syllabus supported this, not the one I took. So I did miss out on the integrated part of the study. Oh well, so much for $20k a year.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Re-use</span> - plagiarism. While its good to develop one topic over and over, this facility might be taken for granted by students who just wants to copy other people's work. But how much originality can one produce? Its a hard and tough world and not many has the ideals to bringforth into the real working world.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Recycle</span> - I loved the recycle bin at uni! When I did my first degree, for the first 2 years I didn't buy much model materials because we picked up things from the recycle bin. Like they said, 'Someone else's trash is someone else's treasure'. I agree with that because we might find a diamond in the rough. Different textures and colours give the model a little spice.<br /><br />So the proper way to Sustainable futures? Implement 3 Rs deep inside your hear first.Kathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-38634034503203680162009-08-18T23:50:00.002+10:002009-08-18T23:53:19.852+10:00New Flickr accountCome now, come all to my new collection:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/eruditesnaps/">Flickr - Kathy DIO</a><br /><br />For my love of photography, I'd probably upload most of my work up there - this includes my attempts at HDR photos not too long ago.<br /><br />The latest upload is my New Zealand collection. Mind you, selecting the best from 1700 ++ photos is not easy!<br /><br />Enjoy...Kathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-86419326387243247862009-07-12T15:53:00.004+10:002009-07-12T16:01:42.585+10:00Of OLd and NEw LiFe -Part 2After Death we have RE-BIRTH.<br /><br />Re-birth is like rejuvenating ourselves, renew ourselves to a better solution. Its like giving an old skin a good scrub, its like cleansing old memories of its wound. Perhaps to forgive and forget is the best remedy accompanying Re-Birth.<br /><br />Re-birth is like restarting on a clean sheet. I like the concept because it lets people see past you and expect surprises, but with people its hard to predict as there is a thing called History and Memory. Sometimes we are content being who we are that we hurt the ones we close to the most. Sometimes we a bit arrogant to deny our faults at the expense of a relationship. History and Memory dont help much as they are good at reminiscing the parts where we hate the most, making us the most vigilant person we can be. Self-preseverence perhaps? Yes...I believe everyone has the right to.<br /><br />I wish that life hasn't flew past me this fast, that I am not be able to change anything at the right time I wanted it to. So for the celebration of me ending my studies, I will have my own Re-Birth, with the Death of the past. It certainly feels good to etch this in my blog.<br /><br />Till then, I will be back with more things. Stay tuned!Kathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-67545155915745109712009-07-12T15:38:00.004+10:002009-07-12T15:53:15.397+10:00Of OLd and NEw LiFe -Part 1Lately I have been exposed with a few movies that made me think in many many ways, not only spiritually but also hedonistically. By spiritual, I am referring to all beliefs and by hedonist, just pure materialism.<br /><br />The movie called <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414993/">The Fountain (2006)</a>, main actors were Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz. Although this movie was reviewed mostly by Buddhists, I also think as a person who believe in religion that the message it portrayed was appropriate in a lot of ways in life.<br />Take DEATH for example. It is inevitable, but many people are in fact unprepared for it. Why?<br />Why are we unprepared a thing that is so certain? I asked not because I have the answers but I also wonder the magical power DEATH has to effect us mentally and physically. Mentally that made us scared and shivered thinking about it, Physically moving that it made us change our way of life.<br />In this movie, Death was an irony for a person who can biologically change the nature of human for Hugh was a biologist/scientist/doctor-researcher, but cant save his dying wife (Rachel) from the fatal brain cancer (or something like that).<br />In relation to religion, Death is perceived in many perspectives. Some say we have an after-life, another says we will be revived and others says the world is just a transition. So what if we accumulate a lot of wealth or name for ourselves? Does it matter? Do we bring that glory to the after-life?<br />The Fountain as a movie explores about what happens in between as well. Made you think that there is no co-incidence to events in life. Sometimes made you think that if we are going to die one day anyway, why we bother to be on earth?<br /><br />So hedonistic point of view, I think our existence on earth is to make a mark. We were sent with a mission, not for ourselves but for the sake of humanity, to prove our existence worthy. As much as I loved this phrase: "He who dies with most toys wins" I do believe in the happiness of nothingness. Some may say lets optimize our existence by getting rich now and not worrying about it when we die. Some may say, why bother to get rich when everyone who is less rich is just equally happy?<br /><br />What is the measure here?Kathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-24811999189700080432009-07-12T15:21:00.002+10:002009-07-12T15:24:23.884+10:00I am backI have a few good news:<br /><br />1. I am back from my holidays in NZ, and will be posting some of them in here, esp. memorable notes and travel tips.<br />2. I have finally ended my studies, means I am more independent to do whatever more than just a student. Yay!<br /><br />Lastly, I will be active in this blog soon, as soon as I get organized with the trip stuffs and around me too. Have to take care of myself as I have met with an accident while holidaying but all in all, it was a good trip to New Zealand!Kathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-10919139119821456402009-05-31T15:54:00.002+10:002009-05-31T16:02:39.989+10:00T.O.O. B.U.S.Y.I am certainly too busy now. The end of the semester is approaching soon and I am so excited that it's going to be holidays after that. Trip to New Zealand has been planned and now just need to be executed. It is going to be awesome.<br />However, my philosophical and academic thoughts had to be stopped for now. Bye all!Kathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-43612904269635225112009-05-04T13:57:00.002+10:002009-05-04T14:03:18.587+10:00Intellectual Property II<h2>Adding Value to Members Intellectual Property</h2> <!-- start of I-CMS content --> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="600"><tbody><tr site_row="" cms_table_row=""> <td cms_tag_text="" mainobject="" width="600"><span class="bodytext" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans Serif;font-size:78%;color:#333333;"><i>By RAIA CEO<br />Michael Peck AM LFRAIA</i><br /><br /></span><span class="subhead1" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans Serif;font-size:78%;color:#ff9900;"><b>March 2001<br /></b></span><span class="bodytext" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans Serif;font-size:78%;color:#333333;"><br />Members will recall that the Institute has for a number of years been lobbying the Federal Government in respect to bringing Australian Copyright Law in line with the provisions of the Berne Convention.<br /><br />An important aspect of the amended legislation recently en-acted is the establishment of Moral Rights for creators.<br />For architects this provides two significant rights of which members should be aware.<br /><br />In respect to the moral Right of Integrity it is now illegal for a building owner to demolish the creative work of an architect without;<br /><br /></span></td> </tr> <tr site_row="" cms_table_row=""> <td cms_tag_bullet_list="" mainobject="" width="600"> <ul><li><span class="bodytext" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans Serif;font-size:78%;color:#333333;">firstly, if possible identifying and notifying the architect and </span></li><li><span class="bodytext" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans Serif;font-size:78%;color:#333333;">secondly affording the architect an opportunity to record the work before it is demolished or altered. </span></li></ul></td> </tr> <tr site_row="" cms_table_row=""> <td cms_tag_text="" mainobject="" width="600"><span class="bodytext" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans Serif;font-size:78%;color:#333333;">To those accustomed to the moral rights enjoyed in some Napoleonic Law countries this may not appear to be insufficient reform. However it is for Australian architects an important acknowledgement of their creative contribution.<br /><br />In practical terms it also provides the original architect with the possibility of conveying to the current building owner, or architect, a better understanding of the original design intent and the possibilities inherent in the design for future modification and improvement, if that is the owners intent.<br /><br />The new law also establishes the Moral Right of Attribution.<br /><br />It has long been a fascination and irritation to architects to note that virtually without fail magazines, newspapers and journals acknowledge the artists responsible for the paintings and sculptures that are published, yet most often the architects of featured buildings are not mentioned. Now, however, under the new legislation it is illegal for the published work of an architect not to be attributed to that architect.<br /><br />The Institute has also played a part in two other significant wins for the profession on copyright which I have reported on elsewhere;<br /><br />The recommendation from the Intellectual Property and Competition Review Committee to the Federal Government that the Crown no longer enjoy preferential treatment under the Copyright Act and<br /><br />The amendment to the Australian Standard AS4122 which now requires any Proprietor who wishes to have the copyright in an architects work to pay for it separately and in addition to the fee for architectural services.<br /><br />So next time the question arises on what does the Institute achieve for its members - raising the value of architectural intellectual property is not a bad subject to start with.<br /><br />Michael Peck AM LFRAIA</span></td></tr></tbody></table><h2><br /></h2><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: georgia;">So what we have is an industry example, already enforced to protect the beautiful works of architects.</span> </span></h2>Link:<br />1. Article from - <a href="http://www.architecture.com.au/i-cms?page=440">architecture.com.au</a><br /><br /><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><br /></h2><br /><table style="width: 600px; height: 52px;" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr site_row="" cms_table_row=""><td cms_tag_text="" mainobject="" width="600"><br /></td></tr><tr site_row="" cms_table_row=""><td cms_tag_bullet_list="" mainobject="" width="600"><br /></td></tr><tr site_row="" cms_table_row=""><td cms_tag_text="" mainobject="" width="600"><span class="bodytext" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans Serif;font-size:78%;color:#333333;"><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Kathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-66612298512607315192009-04-29T20:32:00.003+10:002009-04-29T21:05:27.762+10:00Food that benefits usI'm gonna take a break from architecture and write something that is easy to implement everyday. So we eat a lot of food right? Then we have to really know what is best for us by now. Hmm, not really apparently. Humans are at the top of the food chain and we just eat everything, just as the Chinese proverb "We eat everything that has legs, except tables..."<br />So for this post, I have a piece of advice I'd like to share with you, compiled from 3 websites I stumbled upon.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">MY TOP PICKS</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNNaR-xPy08Hgq-PnIstCdzPmFOKvoyxn-3MCYZKqvFz7Nr1lqMIFfNn8WF6LpTjE5xeLlJXcBRQlfmvgLB6Chm-e4eY6h_9wOzZZ2HW4Ih_BTOOjUTaDER8qQ2XMXA7-gGcYg_Tv7xQ/s1600-h/flax_seed.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 159px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNNaR-xPy08Hgq-PnIstCdzPmFOKvoyxn-3MCYZKqvFz7Nr1lqMIFfNn8WF6LpTjE5xeLlJXcBRQlfmvgLB6Chm-e4eY6h_9wOzZZ2HW4Ih_BTOOjUTaDER8qQ2XMXA7-gGcYg_Tv7xQ/s320/flax_seed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330062507651809650" border="0" /></a><br />1. <span style="font-style: italic;">Flaxseed</span> - apparently has one of the highest Omega-3 source other than fish. Recommended as alternative to fishes. The oil that comes from flaxseed will also help to mosturise our skin from the inside. <span style="font-style: italic;">How to eat it?</span> Daily take 2.0-2.5grams (1/2 - 1 teaspoon) and feel the difference in approximately 6 weeks.<br /><br />2. <span style="font-style: italic;">Green tea</span> - one keyword you need to know: ECCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) or catechin. Almost all tea has this ingredient, green tea has the most. Catechin degrades with when the temperature is cooling so its good to have your tea while its hot! Green tea has lower caffeine level too. Other properties that makes this tea a must in our pantry are: anti-aging, prevents skin cancer, lion-tamer effect on tumor cells and stress relieve. <span style="font-style: italic;">Dosage per day?</span> 2-6 cups a day will get the catechin moving.<br /><br />3. <span style="font-style: italic;">Almond</span> - a traditional favourite this one, it is not a nut, it is seed! Its loaded up with Vitamin E, a sunblocker property that will make give your skin a good shield against the sun. <span style="font-style: italic;">How much to eat it?</span> It was proven that 20 almonds a day (about 14 miligrams) make you get less sunburned than a person who doesn't take any almonds.<br /><br />You've got my top 3 picks, now you go and do more research. The links are below and happy surfing!<br /><br />Links:<br /><br />1. <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30441163/">The perfect skin diet: 10 foods for your face</a>.<br />2. <a href="http://www.lifescript.com/Body/Looks/Skin/Feed_Your_Face_10_Foods_for_Better_Skin.aspx">Feed your face: 10 foods for better skin</a>.<br />3. <a href="http://food.yahoo.com/blog/beautyeats/29703/18-foods-that-make-your-skin-glow">18 foods that make your skin glow</a>. <-----My favourite!!!Kathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-76889174123076649322009-04-27T16:49:00.004+10:002009-04-27T17:20:29.040+10:00Intellectual PropertyArchitecture is probably the only field that doesn't required design patent to be enforced into the making of building's aesthetics. If aesthetics purely come from intuition, we dont have to dispute about design copyright right? WRONG!<br /><br />I might be wrong but more architects need to be in touch with their business nature and be resilient about design matters. Maybe Intellectual Property can be the answer to making every city distinct in their own unique way.<br /><br /><strong>What is Intellectual Property?</strong><br /><br />Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce.<br />Intellectual property is divided into two categories: <em>Industrial property</em>, which includes inventions (patents), trademarks, industrial designs, and geographic indications of source; and <em>Copyright</em>, which includes literary and artistic works such as novels, poems and plays, films, musical works, artistic works such as drawings, paintings, photographs and sculptures, and architectural designs. Rights related to copyright include those of performing artists in their performances, producers of phonograms in their recordings, and those of broadcasters in their radio and television programs.<br /><br /><strong>Why should we get an IP?</strong><br /><br />In these days of overnight celebrity, we might want to have a bit of our own to hold on to. Be it a work of art, a piece of poem, a brand name coined yesterday or even a colour. Of course this IP thing came to me when someone told me that apparently he/she should've been a millionaire because of this ideas or because of that design. Things like that happens, and to prevent that, IP is the answer.<br /><br /><strong>Is Architecture included in Copyright?</strong><br /><br />YES! Architecture is included - "works of applied art; illustrations, maps, plans, sketches and three-dimensional works relative to geography, topography, architecture or science." So this means architects can claim their special details and beautiful drawings from being copied. I've known a few cases where an employer caught a 'design plagiarism' when a former employee designed a house using principles the previous employer used. The employee got promoted and the former employer just get upset by the copycatting.<br /><br /><strong>So what is our take?</strong><br /><br />Architects has to work towards producing more of their own than 'copy and paste' method or reduce the usage of 'refer to manuf. details' in their drawings. I have worked with an architect who stressed that architects should establish their own details for a building project. Well, my rationale is that if the building project is small and managable, it will be crazy not to handcraft the project, but if the building project needs more man energy and help to finish it, might as well do the most practical we can think of.<br /><br />So for more info, please read the links. Intellectual Property might be availabe in your country too. Cheers readers!<br /><br /><strong>Links</strong><br /><ol><li>en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property - General Idea about IP</li><li><a href="http://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/">http://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/</a> - IP in Australia by the Government</li><li><a href="http://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/">http://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/</a> - World IP Organization</li></ol>Kathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-50667664025449165472009-04-08T16:46:00.002+10:002009-04-08T16:58:52.203+10:00Vote for Sipadan Island in Sabah!This can't be real. The only wonder nominated from Malaysia is Sipadan Island. Why not any more? Any 2 or 3 or even 10 or 100s more? But yeah, its the majority perception and I am pretty sure that the panels of New7Wonders.com did their best to choose the wonders worth giving awards for.<br />So Sipadan Island is in the Borneo part of Malaysia, specifically in Sabah. It is famous amongst holiday-makers and divers. In the website of New7Wonder, Sipadan Island is the only oceanic island of Malaysia. Oceanic as in region or oceanic as in being a part of an ocean?<br />But anyway, I will spread the news and beg everyone to make a vote so that Malaysia would have a mark in the New 7 Wonders of the Nature. Also that some of the nominees are sponsored. Sipadan Island is sponsored by Sabah Tourism Board.<br />Make your way to the <a href="http://www.new7wonders.com/classic/en/index/">New 7 Wonders website</a> to cast your votes and making sure they deserve the publicity needed to boost tourism to the respective places.<br />Cheers!Kathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-77905942856201659372009-04-08T16:42:00.001+10:002009-04-08T16:42:19.997+10:00Vote for Sipadan Island!<script type="text/javascript" src="http://widgets.clearspring.com/o/48607fb99aab19ef/49dc474af2899e54/48607fb99aab19ef/3c6e28ed/widget.js"></script>Kathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-91227016068061897702009-04-05T21:33:00.007+10:002009-04-05T23:00:06.257+10:00I Missed the April Fool!In Australia, you are supposed to set the trap in the morning, before midday then tell the jokes after in the late afternoon. Well, if this is wrong, I'll pass the blame to my friend who told me. Anyway, since I haven't been tricked for years, I am grateful for this and the years to come.<br /><br />Because I am doing my wish list.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOaEWKvXQX72MCrb3jkrCkHqv1qO1ZNUsux0YnCaY4oUVV1oXEVN3MGx8EANBGmw2wViensQ8iCal-fktYbaBMM1KnJFVNSxSA68jeyL3jo3dz5peMyXDHkv4s6F2n4zLLShsDWjmD98/s1600-h/rim-blackberry-bold-smartphone1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOaEWKvXQX72MCrb3jkrCkHqv1qO1ZNUsux0YnCaY4oUVV1oXEVN3MGx8EANBGmw2wViensQ8iCal-fktYbaBMM1KnJFVNSxSA68jeyL3jo3dz5peMyXDHkv4s6F2n4zLLShsDWjmD98/s320/rim-blackberry-bold-smartphone1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321172357185500962" border="0" /></a><br />1. Blackberry Bold - ooooooh sexyness of men will be easily obliterated once I've got my hands on this piece. So beautiful, bountiful of goodies with it and it is NOT Nokia.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMM4c3WqqB-CGTLSP9CXpSDWQBiAbF8Leg0xoio_EbPORBqw4uDH_K9YQeCckb08CWybtZO1vJtXTqsqSP1Lm1t4ByGN4c_217Bw-rBcUpE9dodO_8ezp3A-0V0C8nP6X_ihq7ZfArGw/s1600-h/Het_Baldakijn_van_Bernini_-_The_Baldachinno.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMM4c3WqqB-CGTLSP9CXpSDWQBiAbF8Leg0xoio_EbPORBqw4uDH_K9YQeCckb08CWybtZO1vJtXTqsqSP1Lm1t4ByGN4c_217Bw-rBcUpE9dodO_8ezp3A-0V0C8nP6X_ihq7ZfArGw/s320/Het_Baldakijn_van_Bernini_-_The_Baldachinno.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321178735715017298" border="0" /></a><br />2. Europe - i don' mean I want to buy Europe but I really want to go to all the good places and spend time there, say 2 months of sightseeing and 3 months of architect apprenticeship. Ooooh, how I wish someone would sponsor me to work in Europe. 3 months would do. Just 3 months. Oh, I have also a long list things to do and places to visit in Europe so whether I like it or not, I have to save up from now.<br /><br />3. Car - I need one. Period. Refer my previous posts.<br /><br />4. More books from Amazon.com - I wish I could post all of my Wish List in here but someday will come when I have enough money to buy the books and then buy the shelves for the books and then buy a house to house the shelves to put the books in.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmX-QGCrJuhCZgxdVKAkm56ZQAAkAh12wsHYFMmcEo2SCXF9iALMPwTSe17m-GqZMeQneT5U1KvCvAye5-bTRtBUP7JlHapIVPOE2VW6_ox5TMnYwh2fpnrttwOPjizdU8vDu7OxfRIs/s1600-h/Underwater+Photography+0057.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmX-QGCrJuhCZgxdVKAkm56ZQAAkAh12wsHYFMmcEo2SCXF9iALMPwTSe17m-GqZMeQneT5U1KvCvAye5-bTRtBUP7JlHapIVPOE2VW6_ox5TMnYwh2fpnrttwOPjizdU8vDu7OxfRIs/s320/Underwater+Photography+0057.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321190783718131122" border="0" /></a><br />5. Scuba Diving - I am soooooo motivated into underwater photography so I might want to invest in a scuba diving course. I am going for the Open Water Course and perhaps move on to one of the special courses that they offer. PADI certificates are certified around the world so that is handy! Who would not like to touch the clown fish? NEMO!!!! (pic courtesy of www.dsexls.com)<br /><br />Top 5 at the moment. Will need more posts too. ahhhhh<br />See u all!Kathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511487474580780796.post-83846534624656482412009-03-31T21:32:00.004+11:002009-03-31T22:07:43.250+11:00The Hannover Principles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0ySncHcJ7HwlSu0gg8KipYSsMGLM08Z4yo0gdp2fsh89pdhkR2GWZMDhGNMR8lKYqWRH7puVO5D7XSfQEOugzClaRfuOhyWpTWPLp4E3FA9nh1MHsTrCGIEGC99VJJlbJSL8XDJr5jY/s1600-h/DoubtfulSound-Fjord.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0ySncHcJ7HwlSu0gg8KipYSsMGLM08Z4yo0gdp2fsh89pdhkR2GWZMDhGNMR8lKYqWRH7puVO5D7XSfQEOugzClaRfuOhyWpTWPLp4E3FA9nh1MHsTrCGIEGC99VJJlbJSL8XDJr5jY/s320/DoubtfulSound-Fjord.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319305491634882178" border="0" /></a><br />One of the roots of sustainability certainly came from this article by <span style="font-style: italic;">William McDonough</span>. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Hannover Principles</span> were announced at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 1992. The way it is described might be a bit different than what we encounter today with '<span style="font-style: italic;">energy-saving</span>' or '<span style="font-style: italic;">sustainable architecture</span>' stuff but the list is something for all architects to use in their design method.<br /><br />1. Insist on rights of humanity and nature to co-exist in a healthy, supportive, diverse, and sustainable condition.<br />2. Recognizable interdependence. The elements of human design interact with and depend upon the natural world, with broad and diverse implications at every scale. Expand design considerations to recognizing even distant effects.<br />3. Respect relationships between spirit and matter. Consider all aspects of human settlement including community, dwelling, industry, and trade in terms of existing and evolving connections between spiritual and material consciousness.<br />4. Accept responsibility for the consequences of design decisions upon human well-being, the viability of natural systems, and their right to co-exist.<br />5. Create safe objects of long-term value. Do not burden future generations with requirements for maintenance or vigilant administration of potential danger due to the careless creation of products, processes, or standards.<br />6. Eliminate the concept of waste. Evaluate and optimize the full life-cycle of products and processes, to approach the state of natural systems, in which there is no waste.<br />7. Rely on natural energy flows. Human designs should, like the living world, derive their creative forces from perpetual solar income. Incorporate this energy efficiently and safely for responsible use.<br />8. Understand the limitation of design. No human creation lasts forever and design does not solve all problems. Those who create and plan should practice humility in the face of nature. Treat nature as a model and mentor; not an inconvenience to be evaded or controlled.<br />9. Seek constant improvement by the sharing of knowledge. Encourage direct and open communication between colleagues, patrons, manufacturers, and users to link long term sustainable considerations with ethical responsibility, and re-establish the integral relationship between natural processes and human activity.<br /><br />The Hannover principle should be adopted by all designers in order to maintain the earth. Or otherwise, our children's children might not be able to see Doubtful Sound fjord in New Zealand, the picture on the top of this article.<br /><br />I am so inspired by New Zealand right now. Perhaps I am just anticipating the anxiety for a trip far east to Christchurch this winter!<br /><br />References + further readings:<br /><br />1. The Hannover Principles: Design for Sustainability (New York, William McDonough Architects, 1992)<br /><br />Picture credit:<br />1. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:DoubtfulSound-Fjord.jpgKathy DIOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10052332542109526296noreply@blogger.com0