Original Penguin x K2 Snowboarding

by Karen Day

Putting a retro spin on a new board, K2 teamed up with Original Penguin to create a classic look for their all terrain, high performance Slayblade snowboard.

Once gracing golf legends such as Bob Hope and Arnold Palmer, Penguin's high style is now infused into the freestyle board. The interlocking pattern adorning both sides of the Slayblade is a mix of Penguin's signature plaids and stripes woven together with a simulated stitching, giving a fabric aesthetic to the triax top and integrated carbon glass base.

While so far CH has only had the opportunity to see the board's integrated Harshmellow construction (pictured above), we're excited to put the vibration-dampening technology to the test this winter along with the rest of the gear included in the collaboration like the Auto bindings and Maysis boots.

Re-Imagining Chinatown: An Interactive Planning Process

by Nathan Suberi

Urban visionary James Rojas captures the energy of L.A.'s transient Chinatown environment in his exhibit Re-imagining Chinatown: An Interactive Planning Process. Nationally acclaimed for his insight into U.S. Latino urban built culture and co-founder of the Latino Urban Forum, Rojas brings his intimacy with community to the exhibition aiming to create an installation that "mimics the dynamic and collective nature of urban life."

The exhibit will be hosted by Fifth Floor, an art/design gallery located within L.A.'s Chinatown, which will transform into a pop-up urban planning store.

Shelves lining the walls hold a rainbow collection of miniature buildings, which visitors can use to construct their own cityscape on a topographically accurate 4x8 foot model of Chinatown and the adjacent cornfields and L.A. river.

Special events will also be taking place during the course of the exhibit, including the opportunity for community members to design and implement their own building designs.

Re-imagining Chinatown: An Interactive Planning Process
Opening reception: 8 August 2009, 6-9pm
Re-imagining Chinatown: An Interactive Planning Process
Fifth Floor Gallery
502 Chung King Court
Los Angeles, CA 90012 map
tel. +1 213 687 8443

Surf Montréal

by Karen Day

A city usually associated with frosty beer and weather, Montréal shows off their summer side with a surf spot on the St. Lawrence River.

Hidden behind the prestigious Habitat 67—a Moshe Safdie apartment building infamous for its Expo 67 debut and infinite occupancy waiting list—the location may sound tame. One look at the wetsuit-clad surfers navigating the surf proves that the river's current can be as tricky to maneuver as any ocean wave.

Literally off the beaten path, the thick veil of trees lining the trail to the entry point makes this recherché activity one of Montréal's best kept secrets. Thanks to insider Tamy Emma Pepin, CH experienced the surfing frenzy first hand.

Standing up on a surfboard can be a difficult enough challenge, but this variety of surfing requires tenacity upon first entering the water, keeping with the correct flow of the current in order to position yourself in the heart of the rapids. Beginners can opt for the assistance of a rope, a sure-fire way to keep from missing the surf and ending up a mile downstream. (Click on images for enlarged view)

The payoff in landing the wave is huge and worth any struggle. Once up, the force of the current offers a nearly endless ride, only stopping to allow other surfers a chance at one of the three major breaks.

For more ideas on what to do in and around Montréal, check out the Montreal Insiders' blogs which include a cast of experts on everything from epicurean life to nightlife.

See more images after the jump.

Searching For True: Cutler Anderson Architects

by Nathan Suberi

We love nature and we love innovative architecture. Cutler Anderson Architects showcase their amazing ability to combine the two in "Searching For True," an upcoming compilation of 22 of their most impressive projects.

These projects range from chic, expansive forested villas to an inconspicuous yet undeniably moving Armed Forces Memorial. No matter what the task at hand, Cutler insists that "each material has its own characteristics" and "tell[s] us how it wants to be used." This almost druidic connection with his natural environment shines through in the tact with which he executes his projects.

One of our favorites, the Residence at Meteor Vineyards, is nestled into the rolling vineyard country of Napa Valley, the roofing slant's inward in a "V" form, emphasizing the house's placement within the natural hillsides. The pool is also gorgeous, lined by discrete stone tiling that blends perfectly with the low profile gravel pathways traversing the property.

The Reeve Residence is another standout. You may barely notice the rustic single-story from the fields and forests lining Lopez Island's weathered coastline. Stone retaining walls and a slanted roof, pitched to mimic the natural wind-shaped trees and planted with native vegetation, obscure the facade, creating an allure of privacy and intimacy.

Cutler and Anderson deliver a lesson in subtlety with their Armed Forces Memorial. The pavilion lies in the corner of a Norfolk waterfront park, accessible only from two bridges. The only standing monument within the space is a flag pole flying the stars and stripes; however, the ground is littered with what seem to be letters blowing in the wind. Each metal sheath is inscribed with an outreach from a soldier days before their death in battle. Visitors to the memorial must bend or kneel to read the emotional accounts, physically engaging themselves in their remembrance.

Cutler and Anderson's breathtaking connection to their environment is definitely worth exploring. Searching For True is available through Rizzoli Publications and for pre-order from Amazon, with more images after the jump.

Pijama Cases

by CH Contributor

by Paolo Ferrarini of Future Concept Lab

Pijama, a small company embodying the luxury trademark phrase "Made in Italy"—represents good design, deep research, fine materials and a handmade process. This time, rather than designating shoes or clothing with the highly-regarded label, instead it applies to a fashionable and sturdy case for electronic devices.

The project began in 2006 when Monica Battistella (fashion and web designer) and Sergio Gobbi (deejay and architect) decided to join their passions for handmade objects and technology. They came up with a collection of scratch-proof soft cases for computers, iPods, cameras and other tech gear.

"We started designing and producing only Mac-oriented covers," Monica tells CH, "but the rapid success made us develop also cases for PCs, digital cameras and more. We aimed to have something to cuddle and take care of, like a soft and stylish pajama." Initially the pair handmade everything in their basement. But as the business grew rapidly, they passed off production to a few small laboratories around Milan, which guarantees both precision and craftsmanship.

The research for the right textiles is central for Pijama and part of the design process itself, often using dead stock and unexpected fabrics. "The fabrics are not exclusively made for us," Monica explains. "We select what is originally meant for traditional blankets, drapery or classic menswear and then we double it with a special high-density material (a kind of neoprene), which makes for a certain degree of protection."

Distributed through Fabrica Features and other design retailers, Pijama products are also available at regular computer stores, booksellers and online, ranging from €16-37.