Casa Bashmi / Bahrain Fort

Addam's Family much?:

For all the non-Bahraini Bedouin living in tent believers: my old school camel saddleback..

You can light my fort:

But don't poop on my desert parade..

Sustainable pay off: AUB

I visited my old college campus, American University of Beirut (AUB), in June this year and took a few quick shots of the Charles W. Hostler Students Center. Though the new center was opened to the public in May 2008, it was one of the shortlisted sites for the AGA KHAN AWARDS for ARCHITECTURE 2010, boasting of a simple contemporary, environment-friendly design that complements its surroundings. Though it did not win at the AKAA 2010, whose winners were announced on 24 November, it was voted in AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Projects of 2009.

Here's some more information on the project:

Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and Lebanese mountains, the Charles W. Hostler Students Center was designed by Boston-based architectural firm Machado and Silvetti Associates as part of the Olayan Business School of the American University of Beirut.

The architects refer to their design as "based on the belief that the best surfaces for socializing and learning are to be found at the intersection of architecture, climate and behavior. The project is as much about human behavior, collegiate life, and even politics, as it is about questions of architectural form.."

Entirely smoke-free (very impressive for any Lebanese premises, kind of like trying to turn any part of Paris smoke-free), the center possesses an environment-friendly design that minimizes heat and cooling needs by recycling water, and employing energy-efficient lighting. Solar panels installed at the site heat the indoor pool and a green plant cover filled with landscaped vegetation maintains the coolness of the entire area during hot summer days.

'Zaha Hadid: Fluidity & Design' - My piece on @diaboutique

Read my feature on Zaha Hadid's exhibition 'Fluidity & Design' in the Bin Matar House, Bahrain, on Dia Boutique's website here.

First published on April 26 2010.

Writing / Photography Luma Bashmi

'Let it Be Jewelry' - my piece on @khaleejesque

Read my feature on the 'Let it be Jewelry' Exhibition at the Bahrain National Museum on Khaleejesque magazine here.

First published on May 12 2010.

So alas. the reason I haven't been blogging recently (in blog world this is also equivalent to a century or as my friend likes to call it, blog suicide, and I say petoowee to that) is because of this:

http://sketchbookblog.tumblr.com/

Yes the blog is live now. And soon the first issue will come out. and I must say, I'm really really.. excited. (It might not show through this post. you'll just have to envision it, or copy paste the text somewhere and add a couple of exclamation marks and capital letters).

Most images, unless stated otherwise, are my own through experimentation with my handy D60.. would be nice to hear a word or two. or three, from my -1 follower. 

until my next almost-suicidal blogpost, ma3a ilsalamah

Turkey Delights Schmilights

My titles just keep oozing more and more cliches creativity, don't they. Back to my vow of silence and portrayal of *cough* mesmerizing  imagery..

The Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey (2008)

Upper Gallery Pillars, Hagia Sofia, Istanbul (2008)

Egyptian Obelisk at The Hippodrome, Istanbul (2008)

Obelisk base, Hippodrome, Istanbul (2008)

Grand Bazaar, Istanbul (2008)

Less talk, more actioaaaannaayyy

In an attempt to curb the sarcastic tone that I've become so well-versed in boredom that has taken over me in the past month on the island, I've decided to follow the title by sharing some images I've taken on trips over the years. So in the next few days, my blog will be taken over by images of a different city to rub in my fantasy jetsetting ways/show off what a natural photographer I am entertain you (guffaw). 

Yes, that's all the text I'm writing - you can breathe a sigh of relief now. Cuz I'm shutting up. For real this time. No. Really. Ok. Now it's real. 

Birmingham Canals, Birmingham, UK (2009)

Dog on Boat, Birmingham Canals (2009)

Shearwater, Birmingham Canals (2009)

Canning Docks, Liverpool, UK (2008)

For BIG mistakes like the previous blog entry I put up, Liverpool, UK (2008)