Virtual Realities

Dutch architects NL have created an interesting, funny and somewhat disquieting collection of photoshopped images for the Italian Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale. NL's images make you think twice about the use, function and symbolism of everyday architecture and design. Critical, relevant and comic - an excellent combination.

"Flower Power - can we move from what the Dutch call "pollution of the horizon" to "heroic" configurations? Is it possible to create an Eiffel Tower, Atomium or St Louis Arch dedicated to the production of environmentally friendly energy?" Is an aesthetically pleasing wind turbine too much to ask for?

"Minimum Speed 200 hk/h - the products that surround us often have unused capacities, we only use a fraction of their potential." This statement would apply to about 70% of the gadgets and appliances I own. (The 5 year-old matchbox car racer in me misses the point entirely and wishes someone would make the loop-the-loop a reality.)

"Phantom Pain - in the capitals of Europe 18 square kms of office space is left unused. This equals more than half of Manhattan, or a ghost town of 50 twin towers." This is my favourite of the images.

(NL via de zeen)