Ciao Bella! Viktorija by Santiago Ruisenor for Elle Mexico May 2012

So I recently found out that I have got a position as a British Pavilion steward at the 13th International Architecture Exhibition for the Venice Biennale. What better way to celebrate on the blog than with an editorial set in Venice...

Images

Victor Enrich distorted photography

Now these take some photoshop skill! Created by Spanish photographer, Victor Enrich, these images are digitally manipulated views of the city that form fantastical post-modernist structures. In a time when each 'starchitect' is competing for the title of 'most creative building or 'most advanced structure', Enrich takes this to the extreme, with split skyscrapers, gigantic red postboxes and balancing staircases. 

Images: Victor Enrich

Urville: An Autistic's Fascinating Imaginary City

These fascinating drawings of an imaginary city called 'Urville' are the result of 20 years work by autistic savant Gilles Trehin. Trehin has created this remarkably complex megacity with over 300 meticulously sketched drawings, each featuring a plethora of detail, from skyscrapers and business districts to public squares and meeting places. Even the minute detail has been thought over, from the social events of the city, the effects of World War II and the impact of industrialisation on the urban design of the city. To quote Trehin; "In 1789, during the French Revolution, Urville has 2.8 millions inhabitants, but the number of habitations became too limited to host the huge population growth due to the Industrial Revolution. In order to cope, the authorities of Urville call upon the famous town-planner Oscar Laballière (1803/ 1883) to start gigantic urban projects which are still outlining Urville even today.” This is a fantasy city which could be forgiven for tricking the mind into thinking it was reality such is it's level of detail and dedication. 

Images: Brainpickings

A few snaps from Stockholm last month, one of my favourite cities

Images: my own

Helsinki 2011- images my own