Tag: memorable

Architectural Anomalies: 8 Times Unexpected Design Choices Created Memorable Buildings

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Architizer is thrilled to announce the world’ best architecture firms in 2024, all winners of the 12th Annual A+Awards! Want to get your firm in the running next season? Stay up to date by subscribing to our A+Awards Newsletter.

We each have our word for it: irregular, quirky, odd, eccentric — nuanced, even. There are countless reasons a building is described as “unusual,” and sometimes, if you’re lucky, it’s a compliment.

In most cases, what might at first be seen as an anomaly is an intentional design decision. By introducing unconventional elements to a design, be it material, form or scale, architects can challenge norms to create focal points or express artistic vision. These “anomalies” can become a building’s signature feature, providing a distinct visual identity and creating impact. They are excellent marketing tools and ignite conversations.

Other times, an anomaly arises because of the site; a project might have to change and evolve in response to its location. In doing so, the original design becomes distorted to accommodate the issue. These anomalies are endlessly interesting to architects and designers. It’s fascinating to see how the context of the landscape can define the parameters of human intervention. Sometimes, with all the will in the world, nature prevails, and we must relent and conform, adjusting our designs to accommodate what came before.

Then, of course, there is the anomaly that is created when a design takes a completely unexpected turn, creating something unplanned and imperfect. Most architects seek to smooth out these irregularities, but we’re making the argument that sometimes, though not always (safety first!), we should embrace the imperfections.

As Frank Gehry aptly said, “The creative act is not the province of visionaries alone. It finds expression in the choices we make, in the willingness to improvise, to adapt, to embrace the unexpected.” Unsurprisingly, he’s not wrong. In a world where uniqueness is few and far between and revival and reinterpretation are our lifeblood, perhaps it’s in these imperfections that we will find fresh inspiration and excitement in architecture. The following eight projects are perfect examples of the beauty of imperfection.

The Grand Mulberry

By MA | Morris Adjmi Architects, New York City, New York

Popular Choice Winner, Façades, 12th Annual A+Awards

Photographs by Glen-Gery

The Grand Mulberry is a modern building in traditional clothes. On the corner between Grand and Mulberry Streets in the heart of Little Italy, the design of the contemporary condominium takes its inspiration from the rich heritage of the historic Italianate tenements that are found throughout the surrounding neighborhood.

Traditionally, Italianate tenement buildings featured a tripartite façade that consisted of a base, middle and top with differing details and brickwork used for each portion. Using custom-profiled brick, The Grand Mulberry is wrapped with a pattern of banding to replicate pediment windows, arched windows and a cornice. While the design does not align with the modern positioning of the windows, which is typical of a contemporary building structure, somehow, this offset pattern elevates the overall look of the building, making it stand out and say more.

Urban Discourse Machine

By Darkefaza Design Studio, Yazd, Iran

Photos by Mohammadhossein Hamzehlouei

Darkefaza Design Studio’s unusual project in Yazd reconsiders the role of a building’s façade. Using their expertise, they turned a once undefined exterior into a conversation with the city. Located in the modern Safayieh region, an area where many buildings follow a standard design strategy and appearance, the design began without a clear façade. Yet, over the course of the project it gradually evolved into a structure that uses its very surface to announce its purpose. The result is a building that draws on the historic motifs of Yazd to become a lively and engaging presence its local neighborhood.

LH

By STARH, Varna, Bulgaria

Photos by Dian Stanchev

STARH’s LH apartment building is as confident as it is white — completely. The semi-modern structure is bright and bold amongst the historic architecture that surrounds it. The building’s crisp, white façade of suspended fiber cement panels is a contemporary choice that sits in sharp contrast to the area’s traditional, highly decorative forms. Yet, this new design does not ignore its context. The façade’s rigid grid structure represents, thoughtfully, the original 1923 building, creating a conversation about old and new. In embracing this brave choice, LH adds a fresh layer to Varna’s architectural history, showing a profound respect for the past with a clear vision for the future.

Huizhen High School

By Zhejiang University of Technology Engineering Design Group Co, China

Images provided by WAF23

At Huizhen High School, the concept of “wasting time” is an intentional anomaly at a time where “efficiency first” typically dictates design. This approach turns its back on maximizing space and speed, instead offering its student body a “floating forest” where they can slow down and escape. The innovative design rejects a standard grid layout, scattering classrooms around the forest with perceived abandon. Meandering paths replace straight lines, and open spaces invite exploration, making this campus a rare exception — an environment designed to encourage unstructured, leisurely moments in a demanding academic setting.

Tile House

By The Bloom Architects, Vietnam

Photographs by Hiroyuki Oki

It’s not often a client would be happy to have a hole in their roof. However, in the case of Tile House, it’s a positively positive outcome. In Bao Loc in Vietnam, The Bloom Architects have turned a supposed flaw into a clever feature. With long, dry, sunny days followed by relentless rain, typically, houses in the area are clad in corrugated iron, a practical but uninspired choice. Tile House, however, opts for something different — embracing the natural elements rather than shutting them out. Using a strategically placed “light-wind hole” the house draws in the cool air to help ventilation. It’s a practical and refreshing approach where the outside world is welcomed in without hesitation.

Dalezhiye Kindergarten

By DIKA Architectural Design Center, Leshan, China

Photographs by Arch-Exist Photography

Designed by DIKA Architectural Design Center, Dalezhiye Kindergarten is a reflection of its young inhabitants. A free-form structure, the building appears to emerge naturally from the land, its organic shape an architectural mirror of the region’s mountainous terrain and red sandstone landscape. Rather than imposing itself on the land, the kindergarten becomes part of it. Its form is dictated by the site’s sharp slopes and varying elevations creating a highly dynamic space that feels as though it’s grown out of the earth itself.

Ushimaru Restaurant

By Axel Vansteenkiste Architecture, Sammu, Japan

Photographs by Axel Vansteenkiste

Sometimes, a new addition can completely redefine a building’s presence. Ushimaru restaurant has long been known for its blend of European style and locally sourced cuisine. However, the recent redevelopment by Axel Vansteenkiste Architecture introduces a striking anomaly. The new addition, composed of two distinct volumes, extends the original structure while bringing a bold new look.

One volume, with its sharply pitched roof, opens the lounge to sweeping views of the landscape, while cleverly concealing the adjacent parking area. The other, more discreet, houses the expanded kitchen and service areas. The building’s low profile emphasizes the contrast between the welcoming openness of the lounge and the functional spaces beyond. Clad in reflective silver galvalume, the restaurant is now a contemporary landmark in the countryside.

The Wall Maze of Vi Park

By XING DESIGN, Shanghai, China

Photographs by UK Studio

Why is it we always put the interesting stuff on the inside? Well, at Vi Park, XING DESIGN are changing that. Located in the repurposed Shanghai Greater China Zhengtai Rubber Factory, the new design has a labyrinthine structure on the exterior. The so-called “Wall Maze” connects various offices and terraces spanning the façade, breaking the rigid order of typical office spaces, creating a new environment where work meets play. The maze-like design, with its ups and downs, becomes an unsuspecting experience—one where a casual walk can lead to new conversations or a moment of reflection amid the greenery. From the street, the façade appears playful and puzzling, with a hint of Esher, as paths seemingly cut off or go nowhere.

Architizer is thrilled to announce the world’ best architecture firms in 2024, all winners of the 12th Annual A+Awards! Want to get your firm in the running next season? Stay up to date by subscribing to our A+Awards Newsletter.

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September 12, 2024
This Brooklyn Home Shows How Timeless Design Can Pack a Memorable Punch

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There are designer-client relationships that unfold like storybook romances, with late-night texts, long lunches, shopping sprees, and impromptu trips to Paris. This was no such project—much to everyone’s relief. When McKayla Kingston and Arpan Podduturi, two busy tech executives, purchased an apartment in a historic Brooklyn building, they arrived with clear ideas and a sense of urgency. “We didn’t want to wait a decade for some place to feel lived-in and loved,” recalls Kingston, who came prepared with a meticulous dossier of reference images and notes. “It needed to feel like home as quickly as possible.”

Enter consummate professional Heidi Caillier, a Seattle-based talent whose moody twists on tradition caught the couple’s attention on Instagram and whose streamlined approach, they happily discovered, aligned with their own. “Our process is super condensed,” reflects Caillier, who in just 10 years has grown her practice from a one-woman show to a team of seven, with upwards of 20 projects on the boards. “We design everything top-to-bottom in one fell swoop.” Brainstorming is limited to one epic onboarding session, during which she and her clients go room by room in exacting detail. “Brass or nickel? Upholstered or non-upholstered dining chairs? Monoprint or pattern mixing?” muses Caillier, rattling off just a few or her many routine questions. Mind meld accomplished, she then devotes herself to developing the complete plans. “By our next meeting, everything is in place.”

And so it was just weeks after the couple contacted her that Caillier presented them over a video call with what would then become the final scheme for their home. “It was a resounding ‘yes’ to everything,” Kingston says of the designer’s nuanced array of furnishings and fabrics. “Trends accelerate, peak, and fade so quickly. We wanted a mix that would age such that you couldn’t date it to a specific year, even though it was all done at once.”

Good bones laid the foundation. “There was already enough detail that the rooms felt special,” Caillier recalls of the interior architecture, conceived by the AD100 firm Workstead as part of the building’s recent conversion. “All we had to do was layer on top of it.” True to that strategy, an airy foyer gives way to a visually impactful dining room, where a floral Fromental wallpaper serves as a bold backdrop to a 1950s Stilnovo chandelier, contemporary table, and vintage Henning Kjaernulf chairs. In the adjacent living room, by contrast, white walls offset an eclectic array of furniture—some new, some vintage—and a salon-style art arrangement. “You need places to breathe,” says Caillier, noting that the view from the living room extends past the entry to the powder room, where decorative painter James Mobley created an immersive mural of dots and stripes.

That kaleidoscopic rhythm continues throughout the 2,500-square-foot apartment, whose circuitous floor plan centers on the kitchen. Whereas the guest suite is cocooned—walls, curtains, bed, seating—in a densely patterned Rosa Bernal textile, the primary suite is a melange of muddy tones, handsome plaids, and tactile details. The office reveals rich coats of Farrow & Ball’s Bancha green—a verdant counterpoint to the chocolate scheme of daughter Vivian’s nursery. “I will marinade on a room until it’s perfect,” Caillier reflects. “But once it’s done, it’s done.”

As a final, personal leitmotif, the couple has sprinkled in an array of Etsy finds, including artworks and lighting. “We both work at companies that empower small businesses, so it was important to incorporate that into our home,” reflects Kingston, who—ever organized—maintains her own secret shortlist of online vendors. In a sign of the times, she and Podduturi have yet to meet Caillier in person—not that they feel any less of a connection to her work. “Heidi has so much confidence and conviction and heart. It made every decision super easy.”

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August 7, 2024
Visual Vignettes: An Interior Designer’s Guide to Creating Memorable Moments

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Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletters.

As designers, we often see our projects in 2D, working with layers and lines to produce plans and elevations that could easily be considered artworks in their own right. To the trained eye, a well-drawn elevation is a thing of beauty. Our drawings are a place where, through the deep understanding of space and dimension that is common to designers, we can experiment with the intricacies of form and placement to explore the interaction between objects. Yet, the true magic happens when the successful elevation drawings are translated into reality, a skill that can transform spaces into immersive environments that captivate and inspire visitors.

“Visual Vignettes” are carefully composed moments within an interior design scheme that capture the balance of a two-dimensional elevation while harnessing the user’s or visitor’s sensory perceptions. They result from bridging the gap between the theoretical and the tangible. Visual vignettes are where the art of designing meets the science of space planning, turning abstract lines and shapes into moments. By thoughtfully manipulating light, texture, scale, and other parameters, designers can craft these vignettes to instill emotion and create memorable spaces — as is exemplified in this year’s A+Award-winning projects.

Establishing focal points is a great place to begin when building a visual vignette within a space. The aim is to guide the viewer’s eye and create a clear visual hierarchy. By creating a focal point in a space, your aim is to draw attention to a specific area or object, making certain that a chosen element or area stands out. These could be created by specifying a striking piece of furniture, highlighting unique architectural features, or choosing an artwork that effectively illustrates the desired atmosphere for the space. Intelligent placement of focal points in a room allows a designer to direct a visitor’s gaze with purpose to coordinate a sense of order and reaffirm the intended narrative of the space.

When striving to create visual vignettes, the principle of balance is key. Balance in a space ensures that no single element overshadows the others. For the person experiencing a space, balance or lack of it is one of those feelings we can never really put our finger on. When it’s right, typically, a user will feel a sense of comfort. When it’s not, a sense of uneasiness that cannot be determined is common. There are many ways to achieve balance in a design. However, two of the simplest to master are based on humanity’s innermost desire for order and ordered chaos.

Tree O’clock — Villa Qabalah by Studio Locomotive, Phuket, Thailand | Photos by Beer Singnoi | Jury Winner and Popular Choice Winner, 12th Annual A+Awards, Mixed Use (S <25,000 sq ft)

As you’ve probably noticed, humans enjoy symmetry. It appeals to us on both a conscious and subconscious level, providing a sense of aesthetic pleasure and cognitive ease. It makes us think of health and stability and off—ers a sense of order. In interior design, symmetry shows up all the time. Think about in bedrooms with headboards, bedside tables and lamps. Or fireplaces with mantels centered on a lounge wall. As designers, we can introduce symmetry in subtle ways, for example, by framing areas with a set of curtains or choosing patterns that are symmetrical in design; even how we style shelving can bring symmetry into a design and instill harmony into a space.

Conversely, asymmetrical choices can also be highly effective. In this instance, designers use visual weight to capture a sense of balance as opposed to having an exact reflection. By grouping different elements of equal visual weight, we can achieve equilibrium while creating a more dynamic and intriguing composition. For instance, balancing a large piece of art with a cluster of smaller objet d’art items brings a lively yet cohesive feel. Similarly, a large armchair is flanked by nesting tables and a floor lamp — the varying heights and weights make the arrangements both engaging and balanced.

Building on the foundation of balance, composition and proportion are crucial to ensuring that each of the elements in a space relate well to each other. To achieve cohesion, many designers turn to established proportional strategies to guarantee pleasing relationships. “The Rule of Thirds” is often used to prevent monotony by introducing our old friend dynamic asymmetry, guiding the gaze through the space in an engaging manner. Adopting a well-understood idea like “The Golden Ratio” replicates the kind of organic balance we would typically experience in nature, making the composition of a space feel inherently satisfying in a primal way. Equally, designs that follow a grid system rely on proportions and the relative size of elements to ensure unity and balance.

House FC by fws_work, Taipei, Taiwan | Photos by Suiyu | Jury Winner, 12th Annual A+Awards, Apartment

This idea of grid systems can be used to great effect when making visual vignettes. Rhythm and repetition are excellent at mimicking a sense of movement that has continuity. By deliberately repeating design elements, designers can establish a visual flow that appeals to users. There are many ways to do this and different types of rhythm to try and create. Regular rhythm involves consistent intervals, equal spacing and positioning. Think of a corridor of artwork, all the same size in the same frames or a pathway flanked by the same species of tree.

Alternating rhythm introduces variety, using two different repeating elements that alternate back and forth. This could be a checkered floor or striped wallpaper. Progressive rhythm uses gradual variations, color gradients, or light washes, which are common ways to introduce progressive rhythm into a design. Random rhythm scatters elements in a planned yet spontaneous manner. This can be used effectively when designing shelving units, making each opening unique while consistent material and color bring cohesion. Introducing rhythm into a design can make a space feel both unified and engaging, creating a visual journey that truly captivates and holds a visitor’s attention.

Liminal House by McLeod Bovell Modern Houses, West Vancouver, Canada | Photos by Hufton and Crow | Jury Winner and Popular Choice Winner, 12th Annual A+Awards, Residential Interiors (>3000 sq ft)

Finally, contrast is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools for creating a visual vignette. By juxtaposing different elements, such as texture, color, material and even something as basic as shadow and light, it is easy to create visual interest and highlight key features. Contrast, for example, using dark and light woods together or a high gloss finish paired with matte surfaces, allows elements to stand out from one another and adds further depth to a design. Effective use of contrast ensures that key elements capture attention, enhancing the overall visual appeal and dynamism of the composition.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletters.

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July 30, 2024
Celebrity Estate Sales and Auctions: 6 People Share Their Most Memorable Shopping Experiences

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Celebrity estate sale finds range from the totally bizarre (think Truman Capote’s ashes) to the completely mundane (Betty White’s precious pet puzzle collection, for instance). Spending loads of money on used stuff from a celebrity may seem odd to some, but there’s undeniably a market for it. For shoppers, these purchases can be a way to cement an emotional connection with a favorite entertainer or artist, or at the very least, they can serve as conversation starters that create a more meaningful living space.

There is no one definitive experience of the celebrity estate sale or auction. You can end up at a highly curated auction, held by Christie’s, Sotheby’s, or some other auction house, with no way to guarantee you won’t get priced out of the lot you have your eye on. You could attend the estate sale of a beloved celebrity who’s passed away, or to a sale hosted by someone who’s simply trying to clean out their garage. You could go to an in-person estate sale, with a mountain of goods big and small to sort through and the constant fear that you’re missing something in another room or beneath the pile of stuff a fellow shopper is hoarding for their own perusal.

Still, the uncertainty is a major part of what makes the experience worthwhile, and at the end of the day when you end up with something you never thought you’d call your own, whatever your specific anxieties were will have been proven worthwhile. Below, we spoke to real people about their celebrity estate sale and auction finds, and learned more about what compelled them to seek out objects that once belonged to their idols.

Truman Capote’s stuffed animals

In 1999, screenwriter and television producer Stephanie Savage received the catalog for Marilyn Monroe’s estate auction as a gift from her then boyfriend. “Flipping through the catalog, I got to the auction lot that was her makeup case and I just totally burst into tears,” she says. “It just felt like it had so much energy inside of it. It was so intimate that it just really moved me.” In the 25 years since, Savage has remained drawn to the sense of intimacy that estate sales offer. Her home contains a handful of storied finds and her Marilyn Monroe catalog has gained more than a few companions. Over the years, she’s secured a variety of auction catalogs, including those of Elizabeth Taylor, Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, for her collection.

Stephanie Savage’s collection of Truman Capote stuffed animals are placed together on a shelf alongside other tchotchkes.

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Savage

In 2006, Savage had her first experience shopping an estate sale at the Truman Capote auction held by Bonhams. The lot she was immediately drawn to was a collection of five stuffed animals from the ’50s and ’60s. Though she worried they would end up being bid up out of reach, they ended up being “highly affordable” and she’d held onto them for nearly 18 years. “Ever since then I’ve just always felt an understanding of the power of being able to have that connection with someone who you really admire, whose personality you’re fascinated by,” she says. “To be able to bring that energy into your own home and share it with your friends and family and your guests, I think it’s something that’s really special.”

Bidding on the Joan Didion auction was quite a contrast from the experience at the Capote auction. The item she was most drawn to, Didion’s peacock chair, ended up selling for 40 times its estimate. Sitting at her laptop watching the bids tick up, “it quickly became clear that all reason had gone out the window for every bidder. Things were going extremely high and emotion was just taking over,” Savage recalls. Still, she was able to secure a Robert Rauschenberg print, which now sits in her bedroom above her own wicker chair that she previously planned on replacing with Didion’s. “Things owned by other people are something that I’ve always treasured and sought out,” Savage says. “This is just a specific iteration that I’m really lucky to be able to enjoy and share with other people.”

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April 11, 2024
Bath, Bristol & Great Western Railway’s combine to create memorable incentives

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The post Bath, Bristol & Great Western Railway’s combine to create memorable incentives appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

First impressions count, especially for corporate incentive & VIP guests; stepping beneath London Paddington Station’s iconic wrought iron and glass three-span roof, is a reminder of rail travel from a different epoch, but also Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s vision to ‘build a station after my own fancy’. It certainly delivers on positivity and conjures-up a sense of adventure which criss-crosses the evolving eras of rail travel.

For corporate planners looking to take their meetings, events and incentives outside of London, but still within 1.5-hour radius, then set your compass to the southwest for a twin-centre experience spread across Bath & Bristol. Located just 12-minutes apart by train, and both under two hours from London, this duo of uniquely distinct destinations, offer many wonderfully different qualities, characteristics, experiences and venues.

Part of the whole experience is the journey, and whilst relatively short, one is following in the footsteps of generational travellers from yesteryear, taking them to the English and Bristol Channel resorts in the West Country, and onto the far southwest of England such as Torquay in Devon, Minehead in Somerset, Newquay and St Ives in Cornwall. The GWR was called by some “God’s Wonderful Railway” and by others the “Great Way Round” but it was famed as the “Holiday Line”.

GWR was originally founded in 1833 and in the safe hands of chief engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, forever changed Britain’s commerce and leisure landscape by connecting London to the West Country and Wales. Today, they have fine-tuned their product, one that carries with it their history and heritage, all wrapped-up within a framework of modern rolling-stock and state-of-the-art stations.

Stepping onboard GWR’s first class carriage, as it points towards Bath & Bristol, sets the right tone. With Eurostar-style seating, spacious carriages, plug sockets with USB terminals, complimentary refreshments served to your seat, all means that one can mould themselves into the reclining seats, whilst watching the countryside serenely and cinematically pass by the carriage windows.

The Rail tracks carve a path through a softly undulating landscape; the route specifically selected by Brunel to find the most efficient means to ensure the smoothest journey between Bristol and London. And yet between these two points, the train darts passed verdant woodland and quaint villages surrounding ancient church spires, before running alongside canal ways traversed by barges characterised by flower and geometric patterns painted in vibrant colours. Intertwined with the old and ancient, is the future, unveiled through fields of solar panels and the uber modern Reading Railway station which took on a colossal renovation, was unveiled and opened by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2014; under the modular canopies of metallic-blue steel, the GWR’s original station entrance and clock tower constructed in 1860, was incorporated within the ultra-modern refurbishment.

This clever amalgamation of old and new, embracing the need to look to the past to shape the future, extends beyond GWR and is a key theme that marks the many experiences which run like a ribbon through Bath and Bristol’s main attractions, sites and venues. Both cities are very close geographically, yet very different in terms of body and soul, making them exceptional twin-centre incentive destinations.

Bath is an UNESCO World heritage city and as quintessentially English as is possible to get, (think Bridgerton, filmed in the city or indeed the backdrop for many a Jane Austen film) with period Georgian architecture around every corner and crescent. Surrounded by rolling countryside, Bath is world-famous for its thermal waters, which have been enjoyed since before the Romans arrived. Add in ’boutique’ shops, quality restaurants, hotels and parks, it becomes a super attractive proposition.

Bristol is a young, creative and innovative city, with major multi-nationals and global firms calling it their home. It has a very strong urban culture that has produced the likes of world-famous street artist ‘Banksy’. Bristolians are known for their quirkiness, accents, irreverence and fun nature and they want visitors to experience their thriving culture, first-rate nightlife and proximity to the great outdoors. Brunel’s Bristol is a legacy stretching across the city and includes the ship SS Great Britain, Clifton Suspension Bridge and Brunel’s harbourside walking trail, all of which provide an insight into and symbolise Bristol’s origins of innovation, forward-thinkers, independent and alternative spirit.

TEN Incentives to consider……

-Roman Baths & Pump Room (Bath): It is impossible to come to Bath and not experience their famous thermal waters, and even more unthinkable not to tick-off the bucket list the Roman Baths & Temple, followed by high tea in the 18^th century Pump Room. Dating to the 5^th & 6^th centuries, the Roman Baths were an important landmark for Romans’ who named the city Aquae Sulis. This UNESCO heritage site can be hired out for a diverse range of events including a drinks reception beside the Roman colonnades looking upon the steaming waters, before moving to the exquisitely elegant ‘Pump Room’ for a Gala dinner. There can be few places that can present such outstanding options in such an iconic venue, which combines 2000 years of history, part of the city’s UNESCO world heritage status and the neo-classical architecture in the form of the Pump Room Restaurant, all on the one footprint and all for hire.

-Blowing Bath’s Blue Glass Baubles: Looking for an experiential incentive that lets your group take home a souvenir they have created, then ‘BathAquaGlass’ ticks all the boxes. Bath is famous for its blue glass which features in the stained glass windows of Bath Abbey. The ‘BAUBLE MAKING’ experience takes place at the wonderful Theatre of Glass, their Studio & Factory Shop located on Walcot Street. Personally created baubles will be hand signed with the word ‘Bath’ and the year date.

–Tour of locations for Bath’s Bridgerton Netflix series: Want to have a group incentive that keeps people on their toes and healthy, then consider arranging a private guided tour of Bath’s filming locations of Netflix’s hit show ‘Bridgerton’ on an immersive walking tour around Bath, which includes headphones to showcase the music and sounds used in the series. Season 3 saw the cast and production return to Bath for some filming including street scenes on Edward Street off Pulteney Street. The film ‘Wonka’ was filmed on the steps of Parade Gardens, The Colonnades by Pulteney Weir, Bath Street and Kingston Parade and the alleys by Bath Abbey. It is no wonder that Bath is a perennial film location destination

-Star-Gazing atop Bath Abbey with Astronomers: This magnificent 15^th century Abbey is truly awe-inspiring even if you just have a tour of this ancient edifice or even take a meeting in one of their state-of-the-art meeting rooms in the remodelled crypt. Fan vaulted ceilings, honey gold walls and stunning stain glass windows, pour colour into this historic edifice, which has been around in its present form since medieval times. Why not add another dimension with a unique incentive of star gazing tours led by Bath Astronomers.

-Climb the rigging/mast of Brunel’s SS Great Britain (Bristol): If you want to test whether your friends or colleagues have a head for heights then challenge them to climbing the ship’s rigging to a mast platform, and then out along the main yard of ‘Brunel’s SS Great Britain’. Now a museum ship (do not call it a boat, Bristolians will be put out) designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it once carried a huge cargo of coal to San Francisco, sailed around the world 33 times and when launched from her dry dock in Bristol was the largest ship in the world. Once the rigging has been conquered, go below deck for a sit down meal or drinks reception or even below (sea level) the ‘glass sea’, to view the hull from this unique perspective. This is Bristol’s number 1 visitor attraction and another fine Bristolian venue to consider.

-Check-in for boarding on Concorde at Aerospace Bristol: One of the UK’s ultimate gala dinner venues. Imagine dining underneath the body and wings of ‘Concorde’, alongside 550 other guests which is the capacity of the venue for a seated dinner. This is not just any Concorde, but the last Concorde to ever fly, alongside exhibits charting aviation history. Concorde’s visitors have a chance to step inside the aircraft, a rare episode in itself. Concorde is a magnificent piece of aerospace engineering, housed within its own hanger, incorporating a museum and smaller meeting spaces, including a lecture-style theatre, so plenty of options for every event/ meeting. If you are looking to ‘WOW’ your guests, then this is the place to do it.

-The Wave, Bristol’s inland surf destination: Follow in the foot-steps of ‘Wave’ clients, such as the Premier League, who have used it as a corporate weekend away. This surfing lake fans-out across beautiful parkland, combining technology, nature and wellbeing. Let your group have a meeting in dedicated onsite spaces, before donning a wet suit and learning to surf on this man-made outdoor wave facility. Groups can stay onsite at ‘The Camp’, which is a very comfortable glamping experience; 25 tents for up to 8 people each complete with kitchenette and wood-burner.

-St Nicholas Night Market: Give your group a culinary and acoustic surprise at St Nick’s Night Market, spread around the Glass Arcade, Corn Exchange and Corn Street. This happens four times a year in the very heart of the city and is an incentive which touches all the senses; street vendors, musicians and an array of performers delight a thronging crowd. Whilst exploring an eclectic mix of cuisines, fabulously presented across the cobbles, why not make it extra-special and drop into the Harbour Hotel for some famous cocktails in their design-led and chic bar area.

-Boating & Paddle Boarding on the River Avon: For those groups who like to relax with a drink and take-in the sites of Bristol Harbour then step-aboard the glass roofed ‘Bristol Packet Boat’. It can also be your private mode of transport between city centre hotels and the historic SS Great Britain, a wonderfully historic and atmospheric gala dinner or cocktail reception venue. Alternatively, why not view Bristol from a totally new perspective and go paddle boarding through the city’s historic waterways. There are few better ways to bond, challenge or reward your team with one of the UK’s fastest growing water sports!

-Bristol Beacon, hub for the City’s music industry: Following a five-year, £131million refurbishment and then a hugely successful re-opening party in November 2023, the Bristol Beacon, the cities largest concert hall (around 1750 seats), will soon be reverberating to a vast range of of shows from orchestral concerts, stand-up comedy, dance music events and band nights. The venue has been transformed into a modern, accessible, state-of-the-art facility with two international standard performance venues, a bright new restaurant and its cellars in use for the first time as education and performance spaces. This venue will support major events in the city, whilst supporting the cultural future of Bristol, by providing the city and the South West with a world-class concert venue, but also a boost to the larger association and congress business attracted to the city.

The post Bath, Bristol & Great Western Railway’s combine to create memorable incentives appeared first on Brand TD.

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January 5, 2024
13 Must-Visit Quaint Towns in New Hampshire | Memorable Trips

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Quaint towns in New Hampshire are perfect for visitors looking for mountains, the ocean, and lakes paired with old New England charm. The variety of landscapes from the Atlantic Ocean to the peaks of the White Mountains is interspersed with quaint villages nestled in valleys and sprawling pasturelands.

New Hampshire is home to luxury resorts, extensive hiking trails, farm-to-table restaurants, festivals, history, and gorgeous scenery. Experiencing the relaxing pace of life and natural beauty is a tonic for your well-being.

13 Must-Visit Quaint Towns In New Hampshire

1. Portsmouth

New Hampshire’s coastline is short but packed with seaside charm. Portsmouth, on the Piscataqua River, is a working fishing city with ocean access.

Downtown’s Market Square is the city’s restaurant hub, offering fresh coastal cuisine in small chef-run restaurants tucked away in 17th- and 18th-century brownstones. You will find amazing restaurants including the Black Trumpet Bistro, where the chef prepares unique dining options for their weekly prix fixe menu. As a James Beard Foundation semifinalist, their reputation for hospitality is first-class.

The Strawbery Banke Museum is an outdoor history museum and a lovely spot to spend a sunny afternoon. Explore their historic buildings, heirloom gardens, and costumed residents while learning about the history of the Portsmouth area.

Pro Tip: For more information on Portsmouth, consider how to spend a day in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

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2. Hampton Beach

Hampton Beach is the vacation destination arm of the town of Hampton. The oceanfront village is packed with opportunities to play on the long, inviting beach. The boardwalk is loaded with fun things to do and see. The dining and bar scene is everything you would want from a fun resort area. Hampton Beach is a throwback to the old-style beaches where the main drag runs along the beach and parking is plentiful.

Pro Tip: To learn more about Hampton Beach, see my tips on how to spend a perfect day in quaint Hampton Beach.

3. Exeter

Exeter is home to Phillips Exeter Academy, one of the oldest and most prestigious boarding schools in America. As you stroll the campus quad, the lush green space is surrounded by meticulously maintained antique brick buildings. It is easy to imagine spending your high school years in this close-knit community of this quaint New Hampshire town.

Exeter was New Hampshire’s Revolutionary War capital. You can visit the American Independence Museum to view one of the rare first printings of the Declaration of Independence. The museum houses many documents and offers several docent-led tours for your enjoyment.

If you are craving some contemplative time with nature, hike the Jolly Rand Trail. The 3.7-mile out-and-back trail is rated as moderate and winds through the wooded Kimball Reserve.

Pro Tip: Stroll down Water Street and stop at one of the many coffee shops to watch the stream of students and faculty grab their afternoon pick-me-ups.

Photo by Dustytoes on Pixabay

Photo credit: town, street, main street

4. Peterborough

Peterborough is a quintessentially quaint New England town. Situated in the valley of the Monadnock Region along the Contoocook River, Peterborough’s charm and panoramic views give it high marks when it comes to evoking a classic feel.

Take a drive up Pack Monadnock in Miller State Park. At the summit, climb the fire tower for a spectacular view of the Peterborough area. The access road is a short 1.3-mile ride to the top. If you are feeling adventurous, you can choose one of the hiking trails up the mountain for a good workout.

If you love poking around for antique art, stop at the New England Art Exchange. You can browse paintings, fine prints, sculptures, drawings, and photography.

Pro Tip: If you are planning to drive up to Pack Monadnock, reserve your parking spot ahead of time.

5. Sunapee And Newbury

Home to skiing, lake life, state parks, and other natural areas, Sunapee and her lake neighbors are a necklace of jewels in the New Hampshire Lakes Region.

Visitors to Mount Sunapee State Park in Newbury can enjoy the beach, boating, camping, and hiking. The area is a popular vacation spot for many New Englanders.

Mount Sunapee Resort, also located in Newbury, is a family-focused ski resort and part of the Vail Resorts Epic Pass system. Operating 67 trails serviced by nine lifts, Mount Sunapee Resort is a great place for a multigenerational ski weekend.

Pro Tip: Sunapee is a popular destination with locals year-round. Plan on making reservations if you want to stay close to the lake.

Jeffrey M. Frank / Shutterstock

6. Cornish

Cornish is a small farm town in western New Hampshire. It is famous for the beautiful Saint-Gaudens Park, which was the summer home of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the great American sculptor. There are often artisans in residence, and demonstrations, tours, and classes are available. A popular place for events, the grounds, gardens, and buildings are beautifully maintained.

Pro Tip: Saint-Gaudens is a popular wedding destination, so check before your arrival to make sure the park is open for viewing the day you plan to visit.

7. Hanover

Home to Dartmouth College, Hanover is more than just a quaint New Hampshire hamlet. It is the center of an Ivy League college campus that embraces the great outdoors. The students and faculty take great pride in their Environmental Studies program.

The Hanover Inn, located on Dartmouth College’s campus, offers first-class amenities wrapped in historic charm. Dine at the Inn’s PINE Restaurant, where farm-to-table is a continued tradition. The chef offers Tuscan and American cuisine prix fixe or a la carte menus featuring ingredients sourced from local farms and encompassing seasonal products.

Pro Tip: The Appalachian Trail runs through Hanover, offering residents and visitors a chance to “walk the trail,” even if it is just for a few short miles.

Jon Bilous / Shutterstock

8. Lincoln

Lincoln is home to the breathtaking Franconia Notch State Park. Mother Nature’s gifts are boundless, and she showcases many of them for the park’s visitors. Nature enthusiasts come here to unplug and breathe the crisp mountain air.

Editor’s Note: Franconia Notch State Park has earned its place on our list of eight excellent hidden gems in New Hampshire.

Drive down I-93 between the Kinsman and Franconia mountain range peaks for the most beautiful eight-mile drive in central New England. In the spring and summer, the greenery is so deep and saturated, it is almost unnatural. In the fall, the vibrant foliage is a riot of colorful patchwork. In the winter, the peaks sparkle when the sunlight reflects off the clean, white blanket of snow.

Flume Gorge, at the base of Mount Liberty, is a popular hiking spot. The trail is an easy two-mile loop. It is well maintained, but expect to climb some stairs and hills. There is an entrance fee, and you must reserve your parking spot online.

Lincoln offers many options for campers, hikers, boaters, and picnickers. It is a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon or a long weekend.

Pro Tip: Download your trail maps while you have Wi-Fi; connectivity is spotty in the White Mountains.

9. North Conway

Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, North Conway captivates with its scenic beauty and outdoor adventures. Known for outlet shopping, charming village vibes, and proximity to ski resorts, North Conway is a year-round destination offering both serenity and recreational excitement.

The best way to see the country around North Conway is by train. Conway Scenic Railroad offers you the chance to explore while riding the rails. The Mountaineer to the Notch runs from North Conway Village to Crawford Depot. You can travel by coach or first class and add lunch service. The five-hour round trip showcases some of New Hampshire’s finest scenery, including sheer bluffs, steep ravines, and stunning panoramic views around North Conway.

If you prefer a more tranquil visit in North Conway, stop at Echo Lake State Park. Enjoy swimming, picnicking, and some hiking. The Echo Lake Trail takes you in a loop for a beautiful, easy way to enjoy the lake. Alternatively, you can work out your legs with a moderate hike to Cathedral Ledge for a panoramic view of North Conway.

Pro Tip: If you don’t want to hike all the way to Cathedral Ledge, you can drive up the road to the gate and walk the last mile to enjoy the amazing views.

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10. Meredith

Lake Winnipesaukee is synonymous with New Hampshire fun. The largest lake in the Lakes Region, Winnipesaukee has everything you need for a lake vacation. Swimming, boating, hiking, or just relaxing on the beach are at your fingertips.

The Loop Drive around Winnipesaukee takes you on a 97-mile adventure through the lakes. The views are spectacular at any time of year. Bring your camera; there are plenty of panoramic photo opportunities along the way.

Bed and breakfast stays are synonymous with quaint towns. The Nutmeg Inn is a piece of Meredith history decorated with charming 18th-century appointments coupled with modern conveniences. With rooms named after spices, you get the feeling you are visiting your great-aunt’s homestead, complete with a rocking chair deck.

Pro Tip: The Loop Drive takes you through Meredith and Laconia (see more on this community below). There’s also a lot you can do at Lake Winnipesaukee, so be sure to check it out.

11. Laconia

Famous for Laconia Motorcycle Week, known to the locals as Bike Week, Laconia welcomes over 400,000 motorcycle enthusiasts each year in mid-June. If a bike festival is on your bucket list, start planning now for next year. Finding suitable accommodations can be tricky.

Weirs Beach on the western shore of Lake Winnipesaukee is a popular resort destination because of its family-friendly beach, boardwalk, and classic drive-in. Watching a movie at the Weirs Drive-In Theater will add a touch of nostalgia to your visit.

Every trip to the beach requires ice cream, and Kellerhaus offers homemade ice cream, chocolates, and candy. With their goodies made on-site, they offer the freshest local ingredients. They also serve a Weekend Waffle Breakfast from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The breakfast is a great value, and you can even add a scoop of their sweet ice cream to your waffle.

Pro Tip: The week before Bike Week can be hectic with preparations, if you are looking for quiet and relaxing, you should choose a different time to visit.

The countryside is dotted with quaint New Hampshire towns and villages just waiting to be discovered.

12. Sugar Hill

With just over five hundred residents, the New Hampshire town of Sugar Hill in Grafton County, sometimes referred to as “New Hampshire’s best-kept secret,” is the smallest of the quaint towns on this list. Overlooking the White Mountain National Forest, Sugar Hill is easy to miss on a drive through Franconia toward Littleton along the I-93.

On your way through Sugar Hill, check out Harman’s Cheese & Country Store, a picturesque red country shop that sells more than 13 tons of premium-grade white cheddar cheese annually. Also, you can’t visit Sugar Hill without getting homemade pancakes at Polly’s Pancake Parlor.

13. Bartlett

Set in the heart of the White Mountains, Bartlett is a picturesque town just 10 minutes north of North Conway Village. For the best that nature has to offer here, head to the Rocky Gorge, Diana’s Baths, or Ripley Falls to enjoy the breathtaking views of waterfalls and rock formations.
During the winter months, Attitash Mountain Resort is the place to go for skiing and snowboarding, and North America’s longest Alpine slide. Bartlett is also home to the Story Land theme park, said to be the best children’s theme park in New Hampshire, with numerous attractions and rides for children of all ages.

FAQs

Why Are Towns and Villages of New Hampshire So Popular?

From stunning mountain views right outside your hotel room, locally crafted wine and beer, cheeses, and maple syrup local eateries to friendly locals, many people have been captivated by the charm of these quaint New Hampshire towns.

When to Visit New Hampshire?

The best time to visit New Hampshire is between September and November because the fall season is quintessential New Hampshire when you can experience the sights, tastes, and scents of New England. The summer months are great for swimming while winter is a paradise for people who love snow.

Where Can I Find Sandy Beaches in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, sandy beaches stretch along the Coastal Lowlands that cover the southeastern corner of the state and in wetlands farther inland. Hampton Beach is the largest, most popular, and one of the cleanest beaches in the nation.

What is the Smallest New Hampshire Town?

The smallest New Hampshire town is Hart’s Location. Situated in Carroll County in the White Mountains Region of New Hampshire, Hart’s Location is only 11 miles long and 1.5 miles wide with a population of 43. Much of the town area lies within the 800,000+ acre White Mountain National Forest.

What Is the Main City in New Hampshire?

It’s Manchester. While Concord is the New Hampshire capital, Manchester is the most populous city. It is one of the best places to visit near the mountains thanks to its fantastic museums, expansive outdoor activities, and exciting sports scene.

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January 2, 2024