Filed under: Architecture
Looks like Barbie has a new career...and a newly-imagined house that has serious design cred.
You know, we always thought Barbie's home could use an overhaul, and apparently The American Institute of Architects (AIA) agreed. They recently held a contest for its members to re-imagine the design-focused doll's home. The entries in the AIA Architect Barbie Dream House competition were winnowed down to 5 finalists, which were then put up to a public vote. The public has spoken...and the winners are: Ting Li, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP and Maja Parkler, Assoc. AIA.
Their winning design features entertaining space and a chef's open kitchen on the first floor, along with an office/library/meeting space. The second floor contains a terrace, while the third and fourth floors house Barbie's private enclave (her bedroom and inspiration room, respectively). There is plenty of garden spaces, with a green house on the roof and a landscaped garden for her pets. Design elements include solar panels, operable shading devices, bamboo flooring, low flow toilet and sink features and locally sourced and manufactured materials and furnishings.
While the architects' submission will not be produced by Mattel, they will have a $1000 donation made in their name to CHAD, a charter high school in Philadelphia focused on architecture and design.
Architect Barbie with winners Ting Li and Maja Paklar
Here's a little about the winners:
Ting Li, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP lives and works in New York City. She recently graduated from Harvard Graduate School of Design's MArch program and has previously worked at the internationally-renowned firms of Kohn Pedersen Fox and Gensler. While she pursues her architecture license, she volunteers at Minds Matter, a non-profit that helps students from low income households achieve their fullest potentials.
Maya Parklar, Assoc. AIA also lives and works in New York City. She received her MArch Degree from Harvard University Graduate School of Design and was one of the students featured in the 2010 Wallpaper Graduate Directory. She's also working to obtain her architecture license.
I chatted with Ting and Maja, who had plenty to say about their newest client.
What did you take into consideration when designing for a client...who can't talk?
It was surprisingly easy: we channeled our inner barbie, but were also thinking of things that we wanted in a barbie house as kids.
How was Barbie as a client?
She knows what she wants, and goes after it. She has incredible taste- its really the best client an architect could hope for!
What are three words that describe your house for Architect Barbie?
CURRENT,STYLISH, FUN.
How did your vision for the home come about?
We tried to think of what is important for Barbie. When one thinks of Barbie, one thinks of her love for fashion. Such passion could only be complemented by an amazing closet, which became an architectural element that unified the rest of the home.
Which room do you think will be Architect Barbie's favorite?
We think Barbie will enjoy her entertainment room for its social value and direct access to the library & landscaped terrace. It provides a perfect space for her to entertain her guests and spend time with her sister and her favorite dolls.
What's your favorite part of the house?
Closet!!!
Where do you envision this house being located?
Malibu Beach
Would you live in architect Barbie's house?
Absolutely!!!
I think Architecture Barbie will inspire a new generation of design-savvy girls to think beyond princesses. (And I would've loved to have this doll growing up!) To bring her home, visit Shop.Mattel.com.