Architectoid

  The Chemosphere (1960) is often cited as the most modern home in the world, but its true genius lies beneath the floorboards. While most hillside construction in Los Angeles depends on extensive piling systems to "stitch" the house to the slope, John Lautner took a radically different approach. The Single-Point Foundation As seen in the technical section drawing, the house sits atop a single 5-foot-wide concrete column . This pedestal is anchored into a massive, buried concrete base that essentially acts as a "counterweight" to the 2,200-square-foot octagon above. No Piles required: By avoiding traditional piles, Lautner minimized the disturbance to the steep 45-degree slope. The Steel Umbrella: The roof and floor are supported by steel "ribs" that radiate from the central column, creating a rigid, lightweight structure capable of withstanding high-velocity winds and seismic activity. 360-Degree Integration: This "mushroom" design allowed f...

Case Study House #22 (The Stahl House), 1960. > Designed by architect Pierre Koenig and photographed by Julius Shulman . Image © J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004.R.10).  The Icon on the Cliff The Stahl House , designed by Pierre Koenig in 1959, remains one of the most famous examples of residential architecture in the world. Perched precariously (and beautifully) over the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, it represents the pinnacle of the Case Study House program. Why It Matters in 2026 While we now use AI like Midjourney to visualize radical structures, the Stahl House reminds us that great architecture is about site integration . Much like the organic philosophy of John Lautner , the Stahl House doesn't just sit on the land; it commands the horizon. The L-Shaped Plan: Separating the private quarters from the glass-walled social spaces. Steel and Glass: Using industrial materials to create a sense of weightlessness. The View: The house acts as ...

Is Midjourney the future of Architecture ... or some form of AI? Midjourney AI rendering of images can revolutionize the field of architecture in several ways in the future. Here's how: 1. Visualization of Concepts: Midjourney AI rendering can help architects bring their ideas to life in a more realistic and immersive manner. It allows architects to visualize their concepts and designs in high-quality, detailed images before they are actually constructed. This visualization can aid in making crucial design decisions and modifications. 2. Real-Time Design Changes: Architects can experiment with various design elements in real-time. AI-powered rendering can quickly process these changes, providing architects with immediate feedback. This iterative process can significantly speed up the design phase, allowing for more creativity and experimentation. 3. Client Engagement: High-quality and realistic visualizations enhance client engagement. Clients can better understand and appreciate a...

Getty Garden by Artist Robert Irwin and Architect Richard Meier building beyond  Al_HikesAZ   In the heart of the Getty Center, a profound clash of artistic visions unfolded, illuminating the intricate dance between architectural rigor and organic creativity. Richard Meier, the esteemed architect, envisioned a structured, Aristotelian masterpiece — a unified axis of concrete and watercourse. In stark contrast, the museum committee yearned for a lush, vibrant garden, entrusting this vision to the skilled hands of landscape artist Robert Irwin. Irwin's task was formidable: to weave a living tapestry that harmonized with Meier's imposing structures. Their discord reached a crescendo in a fateful meeting in 1993. Frustrated by the limitations of blueprints and words, Irwin, in a moment of raw candor, exclaimed, "BULL...SHIT." This explosive instant crystallized the clash, leading to the establishment of a boundary line that demarcated their design territories. Out o...

In 1997, Steve Jobs famously reintroduced Apple to the world not with a new product, but with a philosophy: "Think Different." He understood that in a noisy world, the most powerful brands and the most enduring designs aren't just about features—they're about core values. As architects and designers in 2026, we face a similar challenge. We are surrounded by new tools, from advanced BIM software to powerful AI image generators like Midjourney . It's easy to get lost in the technical possibilities and forget the why . But just as Jobs used his campaign to honor the misfits and rebels who changed the world, we can use his principles to push the boundaries of our own craft, particularly in the realm of Organic Modern Architecture . Thinking different isn't just about being contrary; it's about having the courage to let your foundational values dictate your design, even when it defies convention. It’s the spirit that led John Lautner to build the Chemosphere ...

Stahl Residence (Case number 22 house) overlooking the city below hand drawing by Architectoid No need to hand draw anymore powered by AI and these prompts. Midjourney Prompt:  editorial photo from Dwell, Midcentury modern house, on a cliff overlooking Los Angeles, morning sun, brilliant architecture, beautiful, exclusive, expensive, minimal lines, breathtaking, 8K, architecture photography, style: pencil sketch --ar 3:2 tweet midjourney image by  Linus (●ᴗ●) You can make any architecture photo made in Midjourney appear hand sketched by just adding: → style: pencil sketch 💬 full prompt in ALT, as always. pic.twitter.com/CSRJMW421o — Linus (●ᴗ●) (@LinusEkenstam) March 13, 2023 Want to make your own architecture shots like these? I included the prompts in the alt and I’m using Dynamic Prompting ™ writing technique to get these results Midjourney Prompt:  editorial photo from Dwell, Midcentury modern house, on a cliff overlooking Los Angeles, evening sun, brilliant arch...

Villa Savoye by Le Corbusie photo by neogejo Five Points of a New Architecture Le Corbusier's "Five Points of Architecture" is a set of design principles that he developed in the 1920s and 1930s to guide the creation of modern, functional buildings. The five points are: Pilotis - The use of slender, reinforced concrete columns to lift the building off the ground, creating an open space underneath. Free Plan - The separation of the load-bearing structure from the interior walls, allowing for greater flexibility in the arrangement of interior spaces. Free Façade - The use of non-load-bearing exterior walls, allowing for more freedom in the design of the building's façade. Ribbon Windows - Horizontal bands of windows that provide even lighting and ventilation throughout the interior. Roof Terrace - The inclusion of a flat roof that serves as an outdoor living space, providing a connection to nature and a place for social interaction. Together, these five points formed ...