Architectural Digest

Maybe it was living with an older brother - and his awesome wooden train sets - but there's nothing quite like a primo architectural model - or building blocks, or Lincoln Logs, or this rad dollhouse from brinca dada - to ignite the nostalgia flame.

Now, of course, I have to be interested in the built environment and its social implications, and these two structures - so completely different in purpose and construction - perfectly illustrate our evolving responses to our living spaces.


A theatre collective in Amsterdam constructed the unceremoniously-christened Redneck Mansion (top) for an avant-garde production of Ivanov. Seems an interesting locale for a doomed Russian wedding...the rusted railings add intrigue and danger.


Habitat 67 (bottom), in Montreal, was architect Moshe Safdie's master's thesis while a student at McGill University; he strove to connect the greenery and fresh air (or not) of the suburbs with the design and concept of a high-rise urban apartment.


Both are stacked like, well, blocks. 

Dylan's Candy Bar.

For Valentine's Day I'm hoping for a little sugar with my building blocks. I certainly haven't outgrown Legos (not by a long shot). But I'm not sure how these guys stand up to the elements.