Things-Magazine Style Update:

Too much from too many sources makes it tough to keep a focus on things. Brand and design thinking isn’t limited to logos and graphic design unfortunately.

Amongst my theoretical architecture periodicals, the one I secretly most enjoy is a non-theoretical-publication: the outstanding The Architects Newspaper, complete with it’s own gossip column. I think it is important to mix in a little ‘build’ with your ‘theory’. Though it would be a mistake to consider that architecture is limited to just buildings, which is what Geoff Manaugh also suggests in his post, Architectureal Criticism. Dan Hill weighs in on the Economist’s recent piece on how London hasn’t changed that much in some respects. Jane Jacobs passes and leaves a space perhaps the size of London, or maybe even the continent she lived on, in urban-thinking. Slate considers architects building something else, their brand. Which is nothing but a toe-dipping piece compared to Perspecta’s Famous which wonders if the brand empowers or undermines the field.

Can I add in here a spotlight on an idea I thought was brilliant even though tiny in contribution, massive in its gesture. Bank of America’s “Keep the Change” service, a technical loss-leader offered in and amongst it’s “Achieve Your Goals” category, rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar, then deposits that difference into your savings account. It could potentially be anywhere from a dollar fifty a day to five bucks, that is saved for you. On your behalf. The idea is a lovely little human gesture which though I’m a great fan of, though not a customer, not everyone is.

So KKR buys up the software arm of Flextronics, getting frog as part of it. There has been some rumors that frog will be renamed along with the other groups in KKR’s shopping basket. / Scobelizer added his 12cents to the ‘undesign’ theory that just keeps on getting resuscitated.

But nothing was more enjoyable than my visit to Arion Press which is a beautifully preserved and still working place of industrious and unmatched craftsmanship and artistry. M.I.3 I’m afraid didn’t come close to being as entertaining or long-lasting. But I did also love Pegg’s monologue innit, which was definitely the peak of the movie.

I’m off to Overlap 2006 in two weeks, to immerse myself in the thoughts, discussions and topics from some amazing people. Thanks to Niti for inviting me.

2006-05-08 + plink