If one were to describe Rem Koolhaas’ architectural aesthetic in a few words, “disruptive,” “angular” and “asymmetrical” might come to mind. Jagged and avant-­garde, his buildings stand out from amongst the symmetrical buildings that are common to any metropolitan skyline. For his habits of turning a blind eye to established conventions, Koolhaas is one of the most highly-regarded, provocative and influential architects of the 21st century.

Born in 1944 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Koolhaas was a journalist at the Haagse Post prior to beginning his studies at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London in 1968. He continued his studies at Cornell University and the Institute for Architecture and Urban Studies, training under notable architects such as Peter Eisenman and O.M. Ungers. In 1975, Koolhaas founded the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) with Elia and Zoe Zenghelis, and his wife, Madelon Vriesendorp. After a decade or so of theoretical designs, OMA was hired to design and build the Netherlands Dance Theatre in the Hague, which was completed in 1987 and garnered international acclaim.

Koolhaas and OMA saw much success in the 1990s, taking on a number of projects including the Nexus World housing project in Fukuoka, Japan, and the Kunsthal in Rotterdam. As the years went on, the OMA began taking on larger projects — of which the most noteworthy were the 11-storey Seattle Central Library in the United States and the CCTV headquarters in Beijing, China.

Koolhaas is not one to shy away from challenges; instead, he embraces them: "Change tends to fill people with this incredible fear," Koolhaas told the Smithsonian. "We are surrounded by crisismongers who see the city in terms of decline. I kind of automatically embrace the change. Then I try to find ways in which change can be mobilized to strengthen the original identity. It's a weird combination of having faith and having no faith."

Given his ardent work ethic combined with an innate ability to see the potential of design, it’s no wonder that Koolhaas won the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2000.

Koolhaas sees what no other architect sees, choosing to continuously think about what architecture could be and its potential. As Frank Gehry once said of Koolhaas: “He’s capable of challenging everything. He’s one of the great thinkers of our time.”

Originally published on September 21, 2015 on Herschel Supply Co.'s blog.

While some may be so fortunate to escape the dreaded layover, it's usually an inevitable aspect of travel. With limited food options, inaccessible Wi-Fi and hours upon hours of utter boredom, there's no denying that a layover is tough on anyone — seasoned travellers included. But gone are the days of the lackluster airport. The modern terminal, with amenities and entertainment aplenty, is the new standard of cross-border travel. Perhaps the once unwelcomed layover will soon be a thing of the past.

MUNICH AIRPORT (MUN)

Since historical roots extend to beer gardens in the Bavarian capital of Munich, it’s only natural that the city’s airport would house the world’s only airport brewery. For those with relaxation in mind, the Napcab sleeping cabins and specially­-lit designated relaxation areas are perfect if a little shut-­eye is needed. Passengers stopping in Munich during the summer months can test their surfing skills on the world’s largest artificial standing wave. But if the winter months beckon, be sure to take a gander through the airport’s Christmas market, which includes an outdoor rink and plenty of delicious German treats.

HEATHROW AIRPORT (LHR)

With 73.4 million passengers arriving and departing this airport last year, it’s no wonder London’s Heathrow Airport is ranked the third busiest passenger airport in the world. Five expansive terminals provide passengers with all the amenities they could possibility require, from high­-end designer shops like Miu Miu and Harrods, to an art gallery that houses works by emerging British sculptors. Pass some time sampling sea edibles at the Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar, or admire the views from Plane Food — Gordon Ramsay’s stylish restaurant.

SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SFO)

Arguably the best North American airport, San Francisco International Airport is a reflection of the northern California city’s rich cultural diversity. Peruse the rotating SFO Museum exhibitions in the terminal galleries and admire the permanent art displayed throughout the airport’s four terminals. Dine at one of the many restaurant options, ranging from casual Mexican fare to fresh seafood and sushi, and venture out to Terminal 2’s free-­of-­charge Yoga Room, a first in the world, for a light après­-meal meditative stretch.

HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (HKG)

Designed by famed British architectural firm Foster + Partners, the Hong Kong International Airport is a sight to behold. A spacious concourse lies behind a façade providing optimal amounts of natural light, welcoming passengers to the travel hub that is Hong Kong. If shopping and eating don’t strike your fancy, perhaps watching a film on the largest IMAX screen in the city or a round of golf at the airport’s nine­-hole course will.

SINGAPORE CHANGI AIRPORT (SIN)

For the third time, Singapore Changi Airport was named the world’s best airport in the prestigious Skytrax World Airport Awards and with good reason. The busy airport counts a rooftop pool, butterfly garden and multimedia entertainment center as just a few of the many attractions housed in the impressive space. An expansion of Terminal 1 is already underway and will see the construction of a new mixed-­use complex. Once complete, it is where you’ll find the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. With so much to see and do, passengers will embrace layovers at this stunning airport.

Originally published on September 29, 2015 on Herschel Supply Co.'s blog.

The word “useful” is mainly used to describe objects of a utilitarian nature with set purposes. Today, quantity often takes precedence and we end up surrounded by more things than we need. While some possessions cycle through and are passed along, ending up in the arms of strangers, a select number remain with us over the years. These are the most special of objects, often acquired in interesting ways, and their stories are being told in the 100 Useful Things project.

Launched in August by Danish design studio Double, 100 Useful Things is a curated collection of objects that are durable, beautiful and functional in equal measure. “We’re celebrating well-crafted items through the stories of people’s relationships with them,” says Daniel Flösser, a partner and creative director at Double. The objects — ranging from an iconic Flag Halyard chair to a pair of Indian tailoring scissors — are brought to life in stories told from the perspective of their owners, many of whom are people the team at Double admire greatly. For instance, Cereal magazine’s Rosa Park; Jens. H. Jensen, the Japan editor for Wallpaper* magazine, and Ryan Willms of Inventory magazine, to name just a few.

“I’ve noticed among a lot of our friends that the more successful they get, the less stuff they want,” Flösser says. “They want to travel light, [enjoying] the mobility that comes with less stuff. me, learning, personal development, lots of esoteric things come before actual stuff.” 100 Useful Things presents this trend in a way that creates a dialogue on the topic of our consumption of objects. It gives the project’s readers an opportunity to reflect upon their own relationships with the objects they collect.

100 Useful Things highlights the practice of a more monogamous approach to the acquirement of things. With its implied call to arms, the project imparts its vision for a life in which we're not so dependent on the number of things we have, but rather their quality and ensuring their use and purpose. "People buy boatloads of mediocre stuff they don't need, and don't care about, instead buying fewer, better things," Flösser states. “Good products get better with age, are easy to update and fix if need be, and stay relevant through the years.”

Originally published on September 23, 2015 on Herschel Supply Co.'s blog.

Throngs of shoppers, endless lines and discounted goods — all signs point to the shopping occasion known as Black Friday. It’s become wildly popular, with many retailers offering products at largely discounted prices for a limited time.

Originating in 1950s and 1960s Philadelphia, Black Friday as a term was originally coined by the police. Reason being, after Thanksgiving in November, huge crowds from the annual Army­ versus Navy football game merged with shoppers travelling downtown to take advantage of early holiday shopping. Streets were packed, stores were filled to the brim and pandemonium ensued.

By the 1970s and 1980s, the term Black Friday spread to other cities and retailers began spinning it in relation to profits and sales. Referring to the black ink that appeared on resulting balance sheets, they regarded Black Friday as the day stores came out of the red and went into the black. In the 1990s, Black Friday became a full-fledged shopping occasion. And today it has grown from a one-day in-store opportunity, to a shopping bonanza over a number of days, both in-store and online.

An additional marketing term has been coined to describe the online sales on the Monday after Thanksgiving, better known as Cyber Monday. Terms aside, retailers across the world — from Canada to the UK and Sweden — are now participating in this unofficial shopping holiday after observing its success in America.

Enticed by discounts and the chance to get an early start on Holiday shopping, Black Friday is certainly the busiest in terms of customer traffic. The moment Thanksgiving ends is the moment it begins, and whether you’re willing to brave the crowds or you would rather shop from the comfort of your own home, one thing is guaranteed: there will be discounts.

Originally published on November 25, 2015 on Herschel Supply Co.'s blog.