Not your usual concert hall

The first thing that comes to mind when people discuss about classical concert halls is usually the classical style of architecture with its big pillars and Roman-style ornaments. Walt Disney Concert Hall, home of Los Angeles Philharmonic is a striking exception to the rule.

(Photo: Discover LA)

Architect Frank Gehry frequently refused to abide by modern architecture principles that form follows function. He instead employed his trademark curved stainless steel in the exterior of the building, the same technique he had employed in designing the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. The intriguing exterior fosters visitors' imagination and amazes them, especially when sunlight reflects off its matte finish and informal contour.

(Photo: interactive.wttw.com, landscapevoice.com)

However, the concert hall interior itself really is just that: a concert hall. Gehry himself described that the hall is a highly functional box, wrapped in his trademark exterior. Needless to say, the hall has impeccable acoustics; its walls and ceilings are finished with Douglas-fir wood, and the floor is made of authentic oak. The seating arrangement looks like a big flower or a garden; Mr. Gehry is likely inspired by Lillian Disney, Walt's widow, who is very fond of flowers.

(Photo: huffingtonpost.com, lasavvytours.com, archdaily.com)

Working Overtime at This Office? Sure!

Check out the office of 1stdibs, an online shop which claims to sell "the most beautiful things on earth". More precisely, 1stdibs is a marketplace of vintage and modern furniture, jewelry, fashion, and art from the world's best dealers.

Their 42,000 square foot Manhattan corporate office fully reflects what the company does: it's designed and furnished like a home, with first class antique items from their own dealers. The result is an open, collaborative space that provides comfort for both focused individual work and group meetings. At night, the company could even use the space to host yoga classes and wine tastings! 

Laura Schneider, Head of PR at 1stdibs, admitted in an interview with WorkDesign Magazine that it is about finding the right mix between antiques and 21st century technology to create a workplace that's both beautiful and functional. The elements have to be considered work of art, thus their value and integrity needs to be consciously maintained. She said that "most employees are (in the office) every day; the space is so comfortable and inviting that everyone wants to be in the office". She especially likes the bar, which is the place where everyone congregate and socialize -- just like what bars are supposed to be like.

What do you think? Wouldn't you want to stay in the office longer? I'd want to!

Picture Credit : Elle Decor, Joshua McHugh for 1stDibs