Sweden has almost 100,000 lakes & one of Europe’s longest coastlines, dotted with thousands of islands — more than two-thirds of Sweden’s surface is covered in forest. It makes the dream of a summer cottage optimal. The perfect environment to get away from everyday life.
“Things should be primitive but practical. One should relax & live as naturally as possible. That’s the charm.” Words from Gustaf Odel, one of the pioneers of the summer cottage movement.
The Beijing city library recently opened to the public, revealing sculpted ‘hills’ &
‘valleys’. The glass-clad building, which serves as the world’s largest climatized reading space, invites nature into the rooms & adds transparency to the enriched interior when viewed from the outside. The architecture reminds of Frank Lloyd Wright.
Park Royal Pickering (that has a streak of seven years as Asia’s Leading Green Hotel) is an architectural luxurious masterpiece that manages to fascinate passers-by on the streets. Not many people seems to be able to pass by without stopping for a photo.
The inside is just as stunning with its open space connecting the lobby, reception, coffee bar & a restaurant. Floor-to-ceiling windows, water along the facade & several small pleasant resting places makes a great contribution.
Lighter, soft colours & less traditional Christmas decor makes a nice Christmas feel. And trinkets become more prominent.
