isabelle bradbury architecture inks new logo

 ''Ray Tomlinson  ... enabled [the asperand] to become an important part of our identity in relationship and communication with others."       Paola Antonelli, Senior Curator, MoMa

When it became clear that the company name needed to be shortened, globalized (français + español) and otherwise made more accessible, a rethink of its 18-year old logo was in order.

Principal Isabelle Bradbury recalled Jemima Kiss's article New York's MoMa claims @ as a design classic and the wonderment of this typewriter character reaching the MoMa pinnacle of modern design. 

Back in the days of hand-drawn plans,  the  asperand,  abbreviation for at, was universally used for the specification of wood framing (2x4 SPF @ 16'' oc), shaving four strokes off the labourious 5-stroke AT.  Of course, it took a little practice to perfect, but who didn't feel a burst of pride upon neatly forming this symbol on the company vellum sheet? 

So, when it came time to incorporate the company  name to a symbol what better inspiration than an icon with the MoMa seal of approval and an architectural history to boot?  Architecture claims the asperand as its own; its popularisation upon Ray Tomlinson's use in e-mail correspondence, separating name from address, only reaffirms the role that applied art plays in day-to-day contemporary life.  Taking a step back, the symbol's tail lassos the company into the realm of integrated design and community, the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. 

American typewriter typeface was chosen as homage to the asperand's coming of age with the portable printing press.    The old company logo is still present in the 'i' of the new with the familiar red dot taking a life of its own. You never know where it will show up...

Relevant articles:

@ at MoMa (inside/out)

American typewriter

Vacation Rental Apartment

nomadim is pleased to announce the launch of its first venture:  a townhouse retrofitted to address the needs of the experiential traveller.  

Designed by the architectural firm, iba, the Ottawa-Gatineau townhouse was given a new look and feel appropriate to active guests desirous of an ecologically sensitive oasis to return to after several hours of cycling, running or cross-country skiing along the public bicycle paths accessed from this property.   With 2 bedrooms, the property sleeps 4 -10 guests.

The townhouse features radiant floor heating throughout, abundant natural lighting, cross-ventilation, composting on-site. Air conditioning provided on all three levels. Bright open floor plan with plenty of operable windows. Floors with maple hardwood and ceramic tiles.

For more details, visit:

Runners' Eco Oasis Along Ottawa River

                                Main room

 

                               Kitchen view

 

                               Master bedroom

  

                              Master washroom

 

Tour of the 'New Faculty of Social Sciences' at the University of Ottawa

On June 14, 2012 we attended the tour for the 'New Faculty of Social Sciences' organized by the Ottawa Chapter of the CaGBC and the Design and Construction team of this brand new 15 storey building.

The design and construction consultant team was composed of our many times partner and Ottawa architects KWC, Toronto architects Diamon Schmitt, MHPH project managers, and Canada-wide construction company Aecon.

This was the 1st open tour of the tower and we got to enjoy the great views while asking questions before the building is even open to the public.

Since the tower is still under construction, safety was at the forefront, those of us who forgot to bring our own were supplied with Hard Hats, Safety Boots, Glasses & Vests by Aecon. Many of the project's Architects, Engineers, LEED consultants and Construction workers were on hand guiding us through University of Ottawa's newest building.

The aim for the building was LEED Gold for New Construction, the tour was very interesting, we got to "explore many of the towers special features from exterior greenroofs, shading devices, site design challenges, through to interior highlights - the atrium greenwall, breathtaking views, 225 seat cantilevered auditorium, mechanical and related systems." CaGBC  

We were not allowed to take pictures just yet but the images and ideas are still imprinted in our minds, especially that very large green wall, open atrium and escher looking main stairs.

Thank you for the Tour, we can't wait to see the finished product!

Read on:
http://www.socialsciences.uottawa.ca/eng/new_bldg.asp (pictures were obtained from their website with their permission)

http://www.sustainable.uottawa.ca/faculty-of-social-sciences.html

http://thefulcrum.ca/2012/01/social-sciences-under-one-roof/

Ottawa Race Weekend: MC's first 5K Run

During the Ottawa Marathon weekend Maria Cristina finished her first 5K run achieving a time of 46:38

"It was a challenge, I mostly walked/jogged, but I am very proud of having finished such a well attended event and not last place" MCV

Her newly earned medal now hangs proudly around the nose of our office's reindeer!