A progressive design conference looks at modern architecture for an aging population If design is about problem solving, the stereotypical nursing home—sterile, isolated, generally depressing—is perhaps one of the institutions most in need of an overhaul. In an effort to change traditional retirement living, Architizer co-founder Matthias Hollwich came up with New Aging —a conference consisting of hands-on workshops and discussions about progressive development for age-related living spaces. Also a partner at NYC-based architecture firm HWKN , Hollowich hopes that together with other architects, designers and visionaries they can create projects that will bring a sense of playfulness and community for the elderly through functional design. Speakers at the conference include Manuel Ocana of the Santa Rita Geriatric Center on the island of Menorca, Spain; Arnoud Gelauff of the De Plussenburgh Apartments in Rotterdam, Netherlands; Erhard Kinzelbach of the Hainburg Nursing Home in Hainburg, Austria; Daniel Cinelli of the Newbridge on the Charles in Dedham, MA; HWKN of Aging in Africa in Cote D’Ivoire; Madeline Gins of design firm Architecture Against Death ; and several other prominent figures like Jeurgen Mayer H , Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Joel Sanders . New Aging will be held at the UPenn School of Design where Hollwich previously taught advanced design studios focused on re-thinking the nursing home . The two-day conference takes place on 1-2 October 2010 and is open for registration to the general public and students for $285 and $35 respectively. For more information, visit the New Aging site.

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New Aging

Cover your floor with satellite views of agricultural fields For anyone who’s ever been mesmerized looking out an airplane window at the patchwork patterns of fields below, the Land Carpet recreates the manmade beauty of the arial views on your floor. Designed by former architect Florian Pucher, the 100% New Zealand wool rugs use satellite images to represent different continents and countries, with fields of varying heights lending a surprising tactile and visual element. From Europe’s odd shapes to the grids of the U.S.A. and African shades of tan, the floor coverings are mini-lessons in geography and agriculture in addition to making an attractive and modern decor choice. Limited to editions of 88 carpets for each region, prices start at $1,200. Check out the buying info page to purchase.

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Land Carpet

A millionaire in Austria has decided to give up his decadent lifestyle and return to a much simpler existence.

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Millionaire raffles off alpine villa