Larry Lane on the Design Jury at NYC School of Interior Design

The students were given a real building in lower Manhattan and asked to find a medical cause of which that they wanted to provide a designed space as a part of the solution.

The building shown on this blog post is the one that the students had to design within. It is located near Battery Park in the lower part of Manhattan (not too far from ground zero). Some put their creation on the 1st and 2nd floor, other's at the top floors so they could use the roof too.

Some chosen causes included autism, premature birth baby rehab, some sort of dental/skeleton alignment philosophy that has not been introduced into America yet (this one was one of my favorite presentations), cancer recovery, and many others.

During the semester, they visited at least one NYC art museum and came back with knowledge of one or two art pieces that gave them the feelings and/or experiential perception of the place they were about to design. They were learning my office’s design philosophy which is experiential design. (To learn more about how it can help your business increase profits, get a copy of my book at The Designed Office)


Then, they went to real case study sites to know technical data (room sizes and other basic functional requirements) that they used while writing a program for their project.

I was privileged to participate as a design jury member during the mid-term design presentations, so I was able to see the undeveloped designs months ago.

There were several more steps in-between…

Today, as a returning design jury member, I found it be a great treat to see how the student’s thoughts and concepts germinated from just a concept to an inspiration to various levels of design exploration to a well executed designed end result.

We have some great minds about to come out into the real world to help us create better lives!

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How Has Architecture Shaped Your Life?

This week, the president of the American Institute of Architects proclaimed that it is "Architecture Week." With that announcement, George Miller asked, "How has architecture shaped our lives?" Check out this video of people on the street answering this question...


Share your stories with me on this blog. I really want to hear about it! This is one one of the four videos of people that answered this question.

Go to this link to see what others have said... "Click Here to See More"

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How Haiti Earthquakes Destroyed Buildings

Check out the video above to see the reason why the earthquakes in Haiti caused so much devistation. You can also view this video at my new vlog at

http://www.YouTube.com/LarryLaneTV

Listen to the podcast at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LaneArchitecture to hear more reasons why this tragedy happened and how we can help prevent it from happening again in the future - anywhere!

I also share a story about how a man in the USA made a special trip to Haiti to personally save the life of one Haitian man that once saved this American only 5 years earlier.

See you there at

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lanearchitecture/2010/01/25/tragedy-in-haiti-also-shares-blessings

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Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Live!

Here is the link to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade LIVE right now!

http://www.inquisitr.com/49503/watch-the-macy%E2%80%99s-thanksgiving-day-parade-live-online/

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How to Fill Vacant Commercial Properties

There is no place you should rather be than in Liberty, NY on November 1st and 2nd this year.

Liberty, NY is the town that was had to lend a helping hand to the wayward hippies that found themselves cold, hungry, and in need of first aid during the famous Woodstock concert.

Liberty, NY is now the destination of many movers and shakers who want to learn from experts how to revive their dying downtowns and create massive profits within their central business districts.

Come join other forward thinkers, NY and NJ state officials, town planners, merchants of downtown shops, architects, and leaders of a lot of townships throughout the east coast to become a leader of progress for your community.

For the third year in a row, I have been invited to speak at the Main Street Forum that is Monday, November 2nd, 2009. My topic will be for advanced thinkers at the Catskill Artists Gallery at 11:00 AM EST.

The title of my talk is, "How to Make Your Workplace Work for You."

As retailers close stores and corporations downsize, what are some new and productive uses for this excess space? We’ll look at new concepts, new uses, and old but half-forgotten solutions that can turn vacant properties into cash-flowing asset during our information packed 40 minute disussion.

You will also learn some key green design solutions that others are doing that immediately puts money back in their pockets for ZERO personal investments, and see successful case studies that will make you want to go make it happen at your own hometown.

Be sure to sign up for this event NOW! Just click on the black and white Main Street Forum icon at the blue column of information to the right of this blog post.

Oh, by the way, we will also be talking about some key proven stategies found in the book, "The Designed Office." Get your copy by clicking on the book icon to the right of this post to get a head start. Then, we can build upon what you already read from the book.

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Lane Launches into the Media

Thanks to my friend, David Mathison, I now have more ways to share my passion of architecture with others. David is like the wizard behind the curtain. He really spilled the beans when it came to exposing the new and innovative ways to communicate to others.

David recently launched his new book, "Be The Media." In this book, he gives away more stuff than you could imagine. He even shows how authors, writers, columnist, cartoonists, syndicators, and licensors can self-publish their own information and get it to more people than Amazon.com would ever begin to reach.

Other media methods that are discussed are blogs, moblogs, newspapers, videoblogs (this one really interests me), websites, wikis (got to go to his book to learn what this is...), and zines.

This is perfect for producers of music, films, podcasts, radio, and television shows. It is also perfect for architects, like me, who want to find the best way to get the word out about any cutting edge architectural idea.

So, keep a look out for this book. You can buy it at www.BeTheMedia.com.

Also, be on the look out for more cool things that are discovered in this book from the desk of Larry Lane.

I better start putting my radio show together. It airs in only 2 hours (at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LaneArchitecture) from the posting of this blog article. (David has a radio show too, it is at www.blogtalkradio.com/Be-The-Media. He talks about how to create your own internet radio show on page 147).

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Soaring with the NJ Nets

This is Brook Lopez of the NJ Nets next to me. He is at least a foot taller than I. Brook was the first round draft pick in 2008 and is the Center for the team. He soars at 7'-0" in height.

I asked Brook an experience architecture related question. He related to his own perceptions and past experiences. This is exactly what I discuss in my book, "The Designed Office." Check out the today's radio show (9-14-09) to hear his answer.

Also, during today's radio show, I will be sharing 10 fast money saving tips that you can implement right away to keep the green stuff in your pockets.

Oh, by the way, get dozen free stuff at www.MyDesignedOffice.com.

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Adaptive Reuse

When you are holding on a commercial property and can't find a buyer for it, what are your other opitions?

One of them is to propose a different use for the building.

Check with the zoning department in the town that the building is in. There, you will find out what uses are allowed for that property. You can also find other buildings of the same zone designation and learn what uses are allowed in the city that are not listed in the zoning books.

For example, there is a building in Union, NJ that was built in the early 1980's. Its original use was a office/warehouse for office furniture and office equipment. After some research, it was found that medical related uses were attractive to the locale zoning board. So, the commercial realtor contacted our office to help them illustrate to their potential clients how a health/wellness center would look within its walls.

Here is a before and after of just one of the interior areas for the warehouse area. There will be more images that will be posted on future blogs of this property.



This is a photo of the existing warehouse area. Notice the location of the columns on both the photo and the rendering. This is how you can match to two images.



This is a proposed lap pool in the existing warehouse. The wall to the right is all glass with water flowing down it to create a translucent barrier between the adjacent muscel machine room. Descriptive words such as uplifting, empowering, motion, health, and healing are just some of the experiences that a user of this space is to enjoy. This is an example of what Experience Architecture design philosphy is all about.

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Two Human Desires

During my radio show today, I will be sharing what the two human desires are.

Do you think that these desires include love, money, a bigger house, a fast car, travel...? If so, you will be surprised with my answer.

Listen in at http://www.BlogTalkRadio.com/LaneArchitecture. The show is only 15 minutes and will start at 5:30 pm EST.

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What a banner weekend!

Yesterday, I joined in to celebrate my oldest son's 13th birthday. My, oh, my! Now I have a teenager in the house.

Another exciting thing happened yesterday too. I launched my book titled, "The Designed Office." It is a book written to help people find, design, and build an office that will explode their profits even in these recession times.

Feel free to click on the book icon to the right to get a closer look at it.

Still 50 and Still Kicking

Just recently, Michael Jackson passed away at age 50. Today, we hear about the famous TV pitchman, Billy Mays, passing on also at the age of 50.

I turned 50 just 25 days ago and I am still alive and still kicking.

In fact, don't miss our latest radio show today at 5:30 pm EST. There I will be remembering some other people who we lost last week, share some of my experiences at the BOMA convention in Philly that I had yesterday, and reveal what is on the boards (there are a lot of things cookin', don't miss out).

You can listen live at http:www.BlogTalkRadio.com/LaneArchitecture or just listen to the podcast that will be posted on the right column of this blog.

Talk to you soon!

Fun to Assemble Furniture

This is the funniest spoof that compares "Ready to Assemble" furniture (like IKEA’s systems that require a lot of loose parts, connectors, and patience to assemble) with Legare’s "Fun to Assemble" furniture that required no tools, glue, screws, or nails.

Please forward this to everyone that you know!
Everyone needs a little laughter during these economically challenging times.

I hope that this video put a smile on your face. Let me know at info@LaneArchitecture.net.

Oh, by the way, Legare’s furniture is not expensive. Check out www.LegareFurniture.com or call them at (817)737-8802 to learn more about it. When you do, tell them that Larry Lane sent you.

Here some “Gee-Wiz” scoop about this video:

• The “cool” guy (the Apple equivalent) that is on the right of the screen is Mr. Brock Brandenberg. He is the person who actually designed this furniture system. Go here to hear the story about him http://www.legarefurniture.com/story.php

• The “girl friend” of the Microsoft type of guy is a good friend of mine from grade school (many, many years ago).

• Another place to learn more about this furniture is by clicking on the podcasts to the right of the article on this blog that is titled, “What is RTA furniture?” and “Fun to Assemble Furniture.”

• Sorry in advance if this video offended you. Hope you find your funny bone soon. Go to the previous blog post for a more professional video of this furniture product. (Viewing while sitting on a whoopie cushion is optional).

Tell them that Larry Lane sent you

Fun To Assemble (FTA) Furniture

Tool Free Furniture That is Easy to Assemble!

It is hard to believe that one could put an attractive and strong desk together in less than 2 minutes, but this video prooves it. Check out this cool video of how a ready to assemble furniture can actually be easy and fun for anyone to put together.

Go to our podcast to hear the history of Legare' furniture. While there, just click on the iTunes icon to listen to it later while on your way to work or at play.

"Click Here to hear the history and background story about this fabulous product and about the company named Legare'"

"Click Here to learn more about Fun To Assemble Furniture"

It is hard to believe that this desk would be very strong. But it is! Check out this video to see what I mean...



"Click Here to visit www.LegareFurniture.com"

You can also call them at (817) 737-8802.

Tell them that Larry Lane sent you

Playing by the Rules to Win

The beauty pageant controversy that I wrote about in our last blog entry was ultimately resolved by Donald Trump when he reviewed and reinterpreted the rules of the pageant.

Rules affect everything that we do and design. In fact, we have rules to follow at work and play. While playing the game of monopoly, for example, we have a set of rules to follow.

Like monopoly, we have rules to follow while designing storefronts. They are in the form of building codes, zoning laws, and regulations set forth by landmark commissions. Since they are enforced by people, the interpretations of these rules can vary from one person that in charge from another.

Check out this short video clip to find out how a good design is much like playing a game of monopoly…



Our clients keep referring others to us because we have become experts who create the experiences that they desire while working successfully within the rules and with those who make the ultimate decisions within these municipalities. We play the game of life so you can win.

Subscribe to this blog by clicking on the button to the right of this article to receive the next posting about how photos affect the success of your designed surroundings.

Larry Lane with Jerry Reese, General Manager of the NY Giants

During church today, I was fortunate to meet Mr. Jerry Reese, the general manager of the NY Giants professional football team.

He was a gueat speaker during the Sunday service. During his talk, he shared how he was raised in a small town in TN (population 2400), lived in a home with indoor plumbing until he was 12, learned his leadership skills as the quarterback in his small town foot team, worked quietly/humbly/hard up through the ranks as an asst. coach of his college team, and then helped the Giants win the Superbowl during his first year as GM with them.

You would never know that he was in deep mourning due to the loss of a close relative while in the throws of the NFL draft this year. The death was sudden and unexpected. He had to put a business and sometimes happy game face on during his ESPN interviews and while focusing only on the draft that will affect the success of the team for the entire season to come.

In fact, when we visited, I asked him if he has heard any inside scoop about my favorite professional football team, the Dallas Cowboys. As you may have read on the previous blog, their indoor training facility blew apart yesterday.

Jerry had only heard about it on the news and has been a bit out of touch of any inside scoop sources since he was just returning from the funeral of his close relative.

Here is the link to the previous blog
http://lanearchitecture.blogspot.com/2009/05/dallas-cowboys-indoor-practice-field.html

Keep Jerry and his family (wife, son, and daughter) in your prayers.

(Maybe keep the Cowboys in your prayers too).

In case you haven't been able to find the secret that Jerry shared with me, here it is.....

His secret was that he could not tell about the death of his wife's brother while in the thick of the NFL draft season. He kept that as a secret to everyone even while being interviewed by the press such as ESPN.

The lesson that he taught by keeping this secret was that he was able to have peace by the grace of God.

Let me know what you think of this article by clicking on the envelope below.

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Using 3 Recyclable Building Materials is Kid's Play

When I was a little boy, I used to love building things out of cardboard. Whenever I found a refrigerator box, it was as if nothing could be better.

While in architecture school, my design class was assigned to design and build our own bridge that could only support our own weight. If it was overdesigned for a load heavier than us, we would get docked a letter grade. If the bridge failed under our own weight, well, we would fail. I think that the bridge assignment was one of my favorite projects because of its narrow requirements. My bridge did well, so I passed with a high grade.

Another design/build project that I have done out of paper was a piece of furniture. I designed a chair that looked like the profile of a hand that has the thumb extended. The seat would be where the thumb is and the back of the seat would be where the index finger would be.

About this time, last year, there was an article posted on the web about a Cardboard House of the Future. Check it out at http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/03/cardboard-houses-of-the-future.php#ch02.

My radio show that is aired today covers this article in depth. I also discuss the article in the latest March LAD Sketch Pad newsletter about houses built of straw. Download your free copy from http://www.scribd.com/doc/13042420/LAD-Sketch-Pad-March-2009.

There are a lot of other materials that can be used to build houses that are recycled. The metal shipping containers that you might see stacked all around shipping ports like Newark are among architects' favorite building blocks.

Metal shipping containers have been used to build houses, youth centers, schools, multi-family complexes, swimming pools, and offices. They can be put together in just a few days and don’t usually cost very much.

Check out this web site for some photos of buildings built out of metal shipping containers http://weburbanist.com/2008/05/26/cargo-container-homes-and-offices/.

With the economy in the tank, the idea of saving money on our construction and operational costs is more attractive than ever. Sometimes, we need to get back to the basics and get excited about the possibilities of building things out of materials that might have caught your eye as a kid.

March 2008 Newsletter is Available

The new March 2009 newsletter is out. Download your copy of the LAD Sketch Pad for March 2009 at the link that is along the right column of links.

A tip for a Better Office

Anyone can say that they need to hunker down in their dark cave and wait out the recession before doing anything to improve their office environment. I bet your competition is doing just that. Take a step to excel beyond your competition and prepare for the better times to come by taking a good look at the state of your office.

Do you have empty desks scattered about? Having people scattered about the office is very common when lay-offs occur. This leaves the remaining people feeling self conscience about their own job security. While looking at the desk that once was filled by their co-worker, they are bound to think, "Am I next?"

Minimize this dis-empowering atmosphere by relocating departments into a tighter group. This will improve their productivity, create a better feeling of belonging, save money on energy costs if you are able to block off the unused area, and create a concentrated area of empty spaces that can be sublet until this economic storm blows over.

Before you do all of this. Find out where all of your desks, furniture, and personnel, exists today. You need to light up the cave and create a road map of where you are before you can figure out where you need to go.

We can help you with that. Call us at 212-594-2007. Don't go through this recession in the dark.

P.S. I have no idea who is in the above photo. But, don't be without a light and plan of how you will survive the recession.

Now, I am Scar Face

This last Tuesday night, I fell upon my piano and landed on my forehead. So, if you see me now, you might thing that I am looking a little different. Hopefully the three layers of stitches will not leave much of a scar. But, I am already being called Scar Face around the office.

Hope your week is going better than mine.

Actually, I am pumped up and looking forward to some great things to come out of this week. We are still putting together our plans for our Fantasy Architecture Weekend. If you have not taken the survey to the right, why don't you do that now? That way, our event can be better designed to suit your wishes.

Also, while you're at it, hit the orange RSS feed button and leave your comments on this blog by clicking on the envelope icon below.

How Architecture Affects Unexpecting People

People react to their designed surroundings without even knowing that they are being affected. Some tricks that architects use are changes of lighting, surfaces, perspectives, ramps, mirrors, and so on. This video shows another way that people subconsciously react to architecture.

Do you know of other places where architecture creates emotion, motion, or other human reactions?