The proposed American Commerce Center

The proposed American Commerce Center will join the ranks of superstructures Taipei 101, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the Sears Tower and the Empire State Building. The ultramodern architecture and sheer magnitude of the skyscraper is a truly captivating symbol of arrival for Philadelphia.

With its 300 ft spire piercing the skyline and its glass exterior, the 1,510 ft American Commerce Center will reinvent the skyline. The unique shape of the building will include a 63-story Tower for Office space with public gardens, movie theaters and high-end retail and restaurants. A 2-story skybridge will overlook the city streets and connect the Tower to a 26-story, 5-Star hotel, while the shops and gardens on the first levels.

Progressive in every element of its design, Philadelphia's newest skyscraper is aiming for LEED Gold Certification in an effort to not only mitigate the skyscraper's impact on our resources but also to positively benefit the environment.

New Pyramid found in Saqarra, Egypt

In April of this year, 2008, I traveled to Saqarra, Egypt to see the worlds oldest pyramid. It is the unfinished step pyramid of Sekhemkhet designed by the great Imhotep. My photos above give you a brief view of Saqarra, the first photo is of the step pyramid. I have hundreds more photographs should anyone be of interest.

Earlier today another pyramid was discovered beneath the sands of Saqarra. The 4,300-year-old monument is believed to be the tomb of Queen Sesheshet, the mother of Pharaoh Teti, the founder ancient Egypt's 6th dynasty. Nearly five stories tall, the pyramid—or at least what remains of it—lay beneath 23 feet of sand as well as a small shrine and mud-brick walls from later periods.

My excursion to Memphis and Saqarra from Cairo was rich in culture and history. It was an unbelievably moving experience to walk amongst the tombs and architecture of our ancestors. I remember my first night in Cairo, standing on my balcony overlooking the Nile, listening to the call to prayer echoing over the sounds of traffic and weeping.

Material Culture presents All Of India

One of my favorite stores to explore Material Culture is hosting a special event on November 15. Their is a lecture by Pravina Shukla followed by party and exhibitions. I highly recommend that you stop by anytime the store is amazing. Hoping to see you there!

Flames lick close to the Getty Center in Los Angeles

A wildfire burned 100 acres of brush and grass near the world-famous Getty art museum before it was doused early Thursday without causing any damage or injuries, fire officials said.

The Getty Center is absolutely and unforgettable experience and collection. The architecture and design are phenomenal. I hope to repeat the experience.

Architectural Design - 56 Leonard in Tribeca

Unparalleled Design by Herzog & de Mueron

Artist rendering of the Lobby of 56 Leonard St in Tribeca, the Annish Kapoor sculpture anchors the stunning structure.

The innovative glass tower is most often compared to a glass "Jenga" tower.

The residences have floor to ceiling glass with spectacular views and multiple terraces.


Penthouse floor plan

Construction of the much anticipated 56 Leonard is underway in Tribeca. The collapse of the global economy left many with doubts that the project, now a hole in the ground, would move forward. Construction of the magnificent structure is a green lighted.

The Anish Kapoor sculpture is reminiscent of his, well known, Cloud Gate installion in Millennium Park, Chicago. This project is designed to be a seamless integration of Art and Architecture, 56 Leonard will be his first permanent installation in New York.

Residences are being offered by the Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group , floorplans, pricing, and photos are now available.

Barnes Musem breaks ground on the Philadelphia Benjamin Franklin Parkway

The Barnes Foundation, currently located on the Main Line, is home to one of the world's largest collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings, with extensive holdings by Picasso, Matisse, Cézanne, Renoir and Modigliani, as well as priceless African sculpture.

Yesterday, the Barnes Foundation took formal possession of its future home on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway; the former Youth Study Center is pictured above. Construction costs are expected to total between $100 million and $150 million. The new facility is scheduled to open sometime in 2011. The Barnes is paying $1 a year to lease the site from the city, which moved the juvenile jail earlier this month to a temporary location in East Falls. A permanent facility is planned for West Philadelphia.