The image of a house attached to thousands of colorful balloons and floating into the air has become an iconic symbol of the beloved Pixar film Up. Owned by the grumpy Carl Fredricksen, this quaint home has made movie lovers dream of one day taking off to their bucket-list destination. Now, Airbnb is making part of this wish come true. In honor of the movie's 15th anniversary, the company has faithfully recreated the house from Up—and it even floats!

Rather than make their way to a remote region of South America, those who wish to stay in the Up house will have to travel to the red rocks of Abiquiu, New Mexico. While Airbnb has fitted it with 8,000 balloons, what truly makes the illusion come to life is a crane that rises the dwelling several feet above the ground.

“I don’t always like visitors, but I guess it’s pretty nice to have them now that it’s just me and Dug. So, come stay in my cozy home I made with my dear Ellie,” writes Airbnb, in the voice of Fredricksen. “My greatest adventures have happened here, and I learned that the best ones are always with someone you love, so bring your pals to kickstart your very own Adventure Book and watch as my house drifts off before you depart.”

As if the sight of the floating house wasn't breathtaking on its own, Airbnb has truly captured the spirit of the Fredricksen's home as depicted in the movie. Visitors will see Carl and Ellie's lounge chairs, photographs of the couple around the living room, little Russell's backpack by the staircase, the lovely mailbox with hand prints by the porch, and even Dug's food bowl.

Once you're done exploring the house, there are plenty of activities you can partake in. By day, you can help Mr. Fredricksen by checking his mail before preparing a picnic basket and filling your own Adventure Book. At night, you can gather in the lawn to stargaze with your party.

The Up house is part of Airbnb's Icons collection, made up of one-of-kind international experiences. Other adventures in the Icons collection include a stay at Paris' Musée d’Orsay during the 2024 Olympic Games, a night in the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, Italy, and a visit to the X-Men mansion in Westchester, New York.

If you want to book any of these experiences, make sure to sign up on the listing's Airbnb page. Some are under $100 per person, while others, like Mr. Fredricksen's home, are free. Submissions for the Up house close on May 14. Afterwards, Airbnb will select the winning guests to finalize their bookings. You can sign up here.

In honor of Up‘s 15th anniversary, Airbnb has faithfully recreated the house from the movie—and it even floats!

Rather than make their way to a remote region of South America, those who wish to stay in the Up house will have to travel to the red rocks of Abiquiu, New Mexico.

While Airbnb has fitted it with 8,000 balloons, what truly makes the illusion come to life is a crane that raises the dwelling several feet above the ground.

As if the sight of the floating house wasn't breathtaking on its own, Airbnb has truly captured the spirit of the Fredricksen's home as depicted in the movie.

“Bring your pals to kickstart your very own Adventure Book and watch as my house drifts off before you depart.”

Visitors will see Carl and Ellie's lounge chairs, photographs of the couple around the living room, and little Russell's backpack by the staircase.

The Up house is part of Airbnb's Icons collection, made up of one-of-kind international experiences.

If you want to book any of these experiences, make sure to sign up on the listing's Airbnb page.

Submissions for the Up house close on May 14.

Airbnb: Website

All images by Ryan Lowry via Airbnb.

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READ: Airbnb Recreates the House From Pixar’s ‘Up‘ and Even Makes It Float in the Air

Inspired by the timeless allure of the golden ratio, architectural designer Manas Bhatia has used AI to produce a series of floating skyscrapers. With these buildings, which he calls Nautilus Bioarchitecture, Bhatia muses whether the timeless classicism of the golden ratio can shape the architecture of the future. Based on what we've seen, we think that the answer is yes.

“The spiral pattern, governed by the Fibonacci sequence, is a testament to the inherent beauty and efficiency of natural design,” shares Bhatia. “Could we create buildings that mimic the resilience and adaptability of these natural forms?”

Bhatia's questions build on the golden ratio, which has been in place since antiquity. Revered for its ability to create stunning, balanced compositions, it is based on a mathematical ratio of approximately 1.618. The Greeks based the Parthenon on this ratio, which is also present in the proportions of the pyramids of Giza. In this case, Bhatia was inspired by the natural world and, more specifically, the nautilus shell.

Closely associated with the Fibonacci sequence and golden ratio, this visually pleasing shell provides the starting point for the architect's idea. Elaborated using Midjourney, ChatGPT, and LookX, Bhatia's designs once again prove the aesthetic power of this mathematical ratio. Of course, as the designer points out, architecture is not all about aesthetics. If these designs were to translate into the real world, they need to include practical considerations such as building codes, client preferences, and budgetary constraints.

Still, Bhatia's work shows us the best of AI's capabilities by opening our minds to what could be possible. If architects incorporate even a fraction of these spiral designs into their work, the results would be magnificent. For Bhatia, showing others how these mathematical principles could be applied in contemporary terms is a win.

“Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the application of these mathematical principles offers tangible benefits in architectural design,” he writes. “From optimizing spatial layouts to enhancing structural stability and efficiency, the golden ratio and Fibonacci sequence provide architects with a versatile toolkit for realizing their creative visions. By adhering to these principles, architects can create buildings and environments that not only captivate the senses but also foster a sense of balance and well-being for their inhabitants.”

Scroll down for more glimpses of Bhatia's golden ratio floating skyscrapers, and prepare to be inspired.

Nautilus Bioarchitecture is architectural designer Manas Bhatia's take on the golden ratio.

Since antiquity, this mathematical ratio has been incorporated into architecture, and now Bhatia is giving it a contemporary spin.

Inspired by the Fibonacci sequence and the nautilus shell, he's used AI to design a series of spiraling skyscrapers.

“The spiral pattern, governed by the Fibonacci sequence, is a testament to the inherent beauty and efficiency of natural design,” Bhatia shares.

The contemporary floating structures demonstrate the visual power of the golden ratio.

Manas Bhatia: Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Manas Bhatia.

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READ: Dreamy Floating Spiral Architecture Inspired by the Golden Ratio

 

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For many, a lamp is a functional piece of furniture that lights up a space. But for an artist known as bycal, illuminating a room presents a unique opportunity for a creative and inventive design. Instead of following the usual formula for a lamp, they went a completely different direction, and this is how the arndale lamp was born.

For context, the Manchester Arndale is a famous shopping center located in England. The building, which resembled an industrial office building, was initially constructed between 1972 and 1979 and was redeveloped after the 1996 Manchester bombing. Due to the lack of natural light and maze-like interior, it faced harsh criticism after it was built. The yellow tiles covering the exterior of the building, which one newspaper described as “bile yellow,” also didn't help.

Yet bycal decided to base their lamp design on this piece of architecture, choosing to fill a replica of the Manchester Arndale with light. The small wooden model of the shopping center is about 11 inches (28 centimeters) tall, and when the lamp is turned on, about half of the little windows glow yellow. All lamps are constructed and painted by bycal, and the craftsmanship on display is remarkable, as the replica is perfectly to scale. It really looks like the artist shrunk the building down to fit in someone's living room.

There is a bit of nostalgia to the piece, as the Manchester Arndale hasn't maintained its original design. Following the IRA bombing in 1996, much of the building had to be refurbished. This included removing the notorious yellow tiles and replacing them with modern-looking glass and metal and providing the structure with a more open floor plan. Today, the Manchester Arndale is Europe's biggest inner-city shopping center, with 1.4 million square feet of space, and hosting over 230 stores and restaurants.

But in the meantime, if you want to remember the Manchester Arndale for what it used to be, you can purchase the lamp from bycal's website for £180 (about $225). To keep up with the artist's creative journey, be sure to check out their Instagram as well.

The arndale lamp is a handmade replica of the famous Manchester Arndale shopping center, and about half of its windows glow yellow when the lamp is turned on.

bycal: Website | Instagram
Manchester Arndale: Website | Instagram

All images via bycal.

h/t: [this isn't happiness]

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Inspired by Venice's relationship with glass and water, Luca Curci Architects has designed the stunning Floating Glass Museum. With the support of AI, the firm has created breathtaking renderings of the colorful structure, which blurs the lines between art and nature.

With an office in Venice, the firm is very familiar with the city's rich history of glassmaking. And the very nature of the city, with its canals and waterways, makes the effects of climate change undeniable. Keeping these factors in mind, the architecture firm has created a cutting-edge design mixed with sustainable practices to showcase the history of glass.

“Floating Glass Museum represents a global initiative, a symbol of environmental awareness, a unique space where art, nature, and tradition converge: the balanced fusion of contemporary art and sustainable design that will invite contemplation, reflection, and discovery,” writes the firm.

The beautiful renderings show the museum floating like an island with expansive glass windows that glow from within. Stepping into the interior, large open spaces leave plenty of room for creative glass exhibits. Clean lines and white walls provide a blank canvas for the artwork to pop and allow the glass to take center stage.

Created to work for any city affected by climate change, Luca Curci Architects intends to present the project in Dubai, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Busan. As the proposals move forward, we can't wait to see if someone decides to make this vision a reality.

Italy's Luca Curci Architects has proposed a stunning Floating Glass Museum.

Inspired by Venice's relationship with glass and water, the structure marries cutting-edge design and sustainability.

“Through meticulous research of materials and attention to the surroundings, the museum will be a sanctuary where the history of glass meets the contemporary experimentation.”

The firm will present the project to different cities affected by climate change, from Dubai to New York.

Luca Curci Architects: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Luca Curci Architects.

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Photo of the cathedral in 2022. (Photo: Maksim Sokolov via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED)

Strolling through Barcelona in 1882, many citizens would never have guessed that the next century would create—though painfully slowly—one of the city's most iconic buildings. At first glance, the Sagrada Família looks medieval and gothic, but in actuality, it's the work of modern architect Antoni Gaudí. Built mostly from his blueprints, it has spires topped with Christian symbols and intricate stonework. But this magnificent church is still unfinished over 100 years after its construction began. As each piece is added, it inches closer to completion, which is now anticipated for 2026—just in time for the 100-year anniversary of Gaudí's death.

The basilica is especially known for its exceptional façade, known as the Glory Façade. However, the European news is currently reporting on a debate over the completion of this entrance to the church. The late architect's planned magnificent staircase is still in the works, but there is local resistance. This is because the staircase will require the clearing of an adjoining area of the city containing 3,000 apartments and 1,000 families. A protesting lawyer, Salvador Barroso, who works with the Association for those Affected by the Sagrada Familia, has contested the staircase's existence in the original Gaudí design.

Meanwhile, work on the church has continued in the past few years, though COVID-19 created a delay in construction. The Tower of Mary was completed and topped with a star in 2021; while in 2022, the towers of Luke and Mark joined her. Once completed, the cathedral will have 18 spires, 13 of which are currently standing. Its façade with immense carvings is a prime tourist attraction, as despite being unfinished, the basilica is open for visits and worship. Check out the website for updates and more insight into this modern masterpiece.

The ongoing century-old construction of Sagrada Família may well wrap up in 2026, based on current updates.

A model of the complete building as currently planned. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED)

h/t: [designboom]

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A new “vertical creative office” designed by Foster + Partners is set for Downtown Los Angeles. The Star is a sleek highrise that features a spiraling vertical garden and is designed to attract Hollywood's top content creators.

New renderings show the firm's plans to include floor-to-ceiling windows that will offer 360-degree unobstructed views of the Hollywood Sign, DTLA, and the Pacific Ocean. Plenty of outdoor space, as well as a rooftop restaurant, are just some of the features that the architects hope will foster a nurturing community of workers.

The garden that moves vertically up the building provides plenty of green gathering spaces for creators to collaborate and for individuals to find moments to cater to their own well-being. Through natural light, ventilation, and clearly defined spaces, the design aims to help people work better and be more efficient while thriving in all aspects.

“Cascading gardens for outdoor working, natural light, and ventilation create a healthy and highly productive working environment on Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard,” shares Patrick Campbell, senior partner at Foster + Partners. The Star will also make an impact at street level thanks to the restaurants, community gathering spaces, theater, and gallery that are planned for the ground floor.

“We have worked with leaders in the creative and tech industries to redefine The Star into a project that both fits perfectly into Hollywood’s urban fabric and captures the evolving workplace,” said Maggie Miracle, chief executive officer and chair of The Star LLC.  “The office space seamlessly moves from indoor to outdoor settings with extraordinary collaborative areas and tasteful settings that allow for contemplation and innovation.”

Foster + Partners has designed The Star, a “vertical creative office” set for Hollywood.

Featuring green gathering spaces on all levels, the high rise is designed to attract LA's top content creators.

Foster + Partners: Website | Instagram | Facebook 

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Foster + Partners.

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Photographer James Kerwin is known for his images documenting abandoned buildings worldwide. His latest series, The Sanctuary, takes him to Turkey, where he explores the abandoned mosques present in small villages across the country. Many of the structures are over 500 years old and have been left in favor of more modern spaces for worship. Thanks to Kerwin, we're able to appreciate their beauty and architectural detail.

To create the series, Kerwin, who is based in Istanbul, passed through approximately 18 towns and cities and visited over 40 villages, covering five of Turkey's seven vast regions. Each visit was truly an adventure, as Kerwin didn't know what he would find until he arrived at his destination.

“I never scouted the places prior in the flesh but tried to make sure there was at least some fairly recent news,” the photographer tells My Modern Met. “However, it failed with four of my top targets—I arrived, and they had vanished.”

Luckily, even with this hit-and-miss strategy, Kerwin found plenty of architecture to spark his creativity. As he's particularly inspired by color, he was pleasantly surprised to find many mosques retaining their vibrant interiors. His photography reminds us of the incredible artistry and craftsmanship that went into these religious structures and is an important testament to their existence.

Through this series, Kerwin hopes to share the rich heritage of Turkey and its architecture. To him, it's particularly important given that most tourists only visit a small fraction of the country.

Check out some of our favorite images from the series below and see the full gallery on Kerwin's website.

James Kerwin is known for his photography of abandoned spaces.

For his new series, The Sanctuary, he traveled across Turkey searching for abandoned mosques.

He visited over 40 villages and found some mosques that were over 500 years old.

Many of these spaces have been left behind in favor of modern places of worship.

But through his photographs, we can appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of the interiors.

Abandoned Mosque in Turkey by James Kerwin

James Kerwin: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by James Kerwin.

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Photo: mathes/Depositphotos

Shanghai is home to some of the tallest buildings in the world. As such, its sweeping skyline fascinates both travelers and architecture lovers. Josh Turner, a New England-based videographer, set out to capture the sweeping heights of Shanghai's skyscrapers during a trip to China. The result is a dizzying yet thrilling bird's-eye view that only a skilled drone pilot could get.

Turner's video focuses on Shanghai's three tallest buildings—the Shanghai Tower, which at 2,073 feet is the third tallest building in the world; the Shanghai World Financial Center, known for its distinctive “bottle opener” top; and the Jin Mao Tower, designed after the tiered pagoda from traditional Chinese architecture. All of them are conveniently located in Shanghai's Pudong district.

The video may not be for those with a fear of heights—Turner's drone flies above the skyscrapers before gliding down their glass façades at lightning speed. His clever framing catches details like the reflection of the Jin Mao Tower on the windows of Shanghai World Financial Center or the sun shining through the gap at its top. Still, the real treat comes near the end, when the city lights come on, depicting the creative possibilities of lighting up a super tall building at night.

“I had the opportunity to visit Shanghai this past January (2024) and couldn't miss the chance to fly FPV around the 3 tallest towers in the city,” writes Turner. “Shanghai Tower stands at an impressive 632m (2,073ft) making it the tallest building in China and the 3rd tallest in the world behind the Burj Khalifa and Merdeka Tower. Shanghai Tower with the Shanghai World Financial Center (492m), and Jin Mao Tower (421m) dominate the city skyline. I also flew around the Oriental Pearl Tower and was able to catch the window washers who dangle by ropes every morning cleaning the glass. Enjoy!”

Watch Josh Turner's drone footage on three of the tallest buildings in China below.

Videographer Josh Turner set out to capture the sweeping heights of Shanghai's tallest buildings during a trip to China.

Josh Turner: Instagram | YouTube
h/t: [Laughing Squid]

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Nestled in Turkey's only desert region, a striking piece of architecture complements the 3.2 million solar panels that fill the area. The Central Control Building is a centerpiece for Kalyon Energy's 1,350 MWp solar power plant, which has the capacity to be the largest solar energy power plant in Europe. Designed by Bilgin Architects, the building's façade is lined with 7,200 stainless steel panels to help it blend into the desert environment.

With four levels of transparency, the steel panels help regulate internal temperatures and keep out the scorching heat. But beyond this, the design choice creates a stunning aesthetic. “The façade becomes not only a part of the building but also a part of the sky,” explains the firm. “As the night falls, the façade turns inside out, contrasting with the experience in daylight and revealing the interiors and courtyard at night.”

The building, which is purposely built at a safe distance from the surrounding solar panels, is truly an oasis in the desert. The open, bright foyer blurs the line between indoor and outdoor, leading visitors through a series of interconnected spaces. These spaces include a cafeteria and a multipurpose hall designed with infrastructure to host various events, panels, and workshops.

At the heart of the building is a lush courtyard filled with plants that transport visitors away from the desert. Gently sloping steps lead from the courtyard up to the roof for an expansive look at the surrounding solar panels. When the sun goes down, the control center takes on a different guise. The façade appears to melt away, revealing the illuminated interior and courtyard.

With its clever, contemporary design Bilgin Architects has created a Central Control Building that is not just functional. The beacon in the desert is also a symbol of sustainable energy technologies and what we can achieve to save the planet.

Bilgin Architects has designed a Central Control Building for what may become Europe's largest solar energy power plant.

Located in the Turkish desert, the structure is lined with 7,200 stainless steel panels that reflect the exterior environment.

Inside, an airy foyer leads visitors to a lush central courtyard filled with endemic plants.

The building is located strategically, so it won't cast shadows on the surrounding solar panels.

Both functional and aesthetically pleasing, Bilgin Architects has created a structure that is a symbol of sustainable energy technologies.

Bilgin Architects: Website | Instagram | Facebook 

All images by Egemen Karakaya. My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Bilgin Architects.

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Much like movies, video games are also the brainchild of artists, from character design to the soundtrack. In an effort to pay tribute to the art of video games, Japanese developer Daiwa House has just broken ground on a Game Art Museum, slated to open in the summer of 2027. Located in Yokohama, this state-of-the-art facility will be the first of its kind in the world.

Designed by Kume Sekkei Co., the Game Art Museum will be part of multi-purpose development project that also includes a 32,291-square-foot art garden and a 29-story office building. The development is located in the 52nd block of Minato Mirai 21 Central District, the largest district in the area. With sustainability in mind, the developer will also install a district heating plant underground to reduce carbon emissions.

Koyo, a subsidiary of Koei Tecmo Holdings and known for popular video game franchises like “Dynasty Warriors” and “Ninja Gaiden,” is in charge of developing the Game Art Museum. The company plans to use cutting-edge CG technology to spotlight the many elements of the video game world building, whether it's overall visuals, music, sound, character features, or interactive experiences.

The museum's façade also pays tribute to the creative work behind video games with a “life-inspired” spiral design. Beyond the building, there's also more to see for fans of video games. During the day, visitors can roam the art garden, home to colorful seasonal plants. At night, this green area will have projection mapping displays, turning it into an immersive game-like environment.

Once it opens, the developers hope this museum will not only attract gamers and pop culture fans from around the world, but also expand the local museum offerings for those who call Yokohama home. To stay up to date with this project, visit Daiwa House's website.

Japanese developer Daiwa House has just broken ground on a Game Art Museum, slated to open in Yokohama in summer 2027.

Located in Yokohama, this state-of-the-art facility will be the first of its kind in the world.

Daiwa House: Website
h/t: [NextShark]

All images via Daiwa House.

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