nikola basic

i was just reading about the croatian architect/designer nikola basic, and was blown away by the ingenuity and sensitivity of his work.

he’s best known for ‘sea organ’, a stunning piece of public architecture that harnesses the ebb and flow of the sea to create an organic musical composition. under the simple steps that lead into the water, there is a series of tubes which produce whistles as air is pushed through them with the coming and going of waves. there’s so much beauty in this simplicity, particularly because it’s a public space that encourages people to sit and contemplate the sea, whilst having an amplified experience of a natural phenomenon. more about the work can be found here.

tasmania– a place of wonders all by itself

imagine empty beaches, white sand, clear blue waters, crisp clean air, moss-covered forests and gurgling streams. that is tasmania summed up in a line, a little hidden treasure of wonders tucked away in the south of the globe.

some of the best places and spaces in tasmania must have been these below. take a google if you ever plan on heading on over there:

– ocean beach, strahan: a pebble strewn beach with a jaw-dropping view of a spreading sunset, highlighting the clouds from below and above.

– styx valley of giants, maydena: a moss-covered forest dripping verdent and lush. old trees, filtered sunlight, tall ferns.

– george’s, hamilton: an adorable cottage with exposed brickwork and a delightful garden bursting with blooms and birdsong. as a bonus, it’s run by a cute little old lady.

– tynwald’s house, new norfolk: a b&b housed in an 18th century georgian house, nestled up a road in an unlikely town, this place serves up delicious food (hazelnut and goat’s cheese souffle, tia maria and chocolate cheesecake) with great service.

– fleurty’s, woodbridge: an essential oil distillery set amidst expansive grounds attached to a forest reserve.  the highlight was the cafe which serves food with a lot of heart.  the chef/owner blasted elvis tunes, and bopped along as she lovingly prepared each dish. think banana and pineapple cake with passionfruit icing.

– friendly beaches, freycinet: a beach which lives up to its name, the sand here is white and powdersoft, the waters are bright blue and clear, and best of all there’s hardly a soul here to bother you other than the occasional wallaby.