Education (7)

Florence Design Academy

http://www.florencedesignacademy.com/



The Florence Design Academy (FDA) is an international school of interior design, graphic design, industrial design, 3D graphics, and 3D animation. It describes itself as "one of the best and most futuristic design schools in Europe for its international award winning teachers and designers with amazing talent". Available in English, Italian and German versions, the FDA's neat website features information on academic, Masters and summer courses, as well as an excellent gallery of student work and an enjoyable section covering 'Florence pictures and nightlife'. [GAS, 10 Nov 2008].



ENTRY NUMBER: int-230805-03
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Italy
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Interior Design
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The Florence Institute of Design International

http://www.florence-institute.com/



The Florence Institute is an international school of Italian design providing both masters and undergraduate design courses in Italy. The Institute specialises in a range of courses of Graphic Design, Interior Design, Art History and Architecture for students from across Europe and around the world, with all classes taught in the English language. The Institute's site is attractively designed, with the information that you would expect about courses and admissions, as well as a gallery of student work and information on living in Florence. [GAS, 10 Nov 2008].



ENTRY NUMBER: int-101108-07
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Italy
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Interior Design
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Leeds School of Architecture, Landscape and Design

http://www.leedsmet.ac.uk/as/ald/



Based at Leeds Metropolitan University, the Leeds School of Architecture, Landscape and Design has over 900 students studying full and part time with an academic and support staff of nearly 50. Originating as part of the Government School of Design in the 1850s, the School describes itself as "proud of this long tradition of creative endeavour"; today, it "builds on traditional practice and embraces new media and technologies". The site provides a basic introduction to the School, with some interesting news stories, and profiles of former students. Much of the useful content is hosted elsewhere, however, with links to dedicated sites for each of the School's subject areas (including Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Garden Art and Design, Environmental Design, Design, and Design Culture), while the School's research is also covered on a separate site. [GAS, 1 Jan 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-201004-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture
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Lincoln School of Architecture

http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/arc/



The Lincoln School of Architecture (LSA) is located close to the centre of the city of Lincoln, sited in a new £10.5 million purpose-built facility designed by the world renowned architect Rick Mather. Formerly the Hull School of Architecture, the School's origins date back to the 1930s when Sir Lesley Martin was its first principal. Since that time, the School states that "it has established an international reputation for the study of Architecture, Museum and Exhibition Design, and Interior Design". The School's website is elegantly designed and simple to use - sections provide background about the School, details of its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and a series of useful staff profiles. However, the absence of any information about the School's research activity is disappointing. [GAS, 7 Jul 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-241004-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture
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RMIT - Architecture and Design

--NEW URL-- http://www.rmit.edu.au/ad/



Part of the 'Design and Social Context' Portfolio at RMIT University (in Melbourne, Australia), the School of Architecture and Design is "committed to delivering leading-edge programmes within the disciplines of Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture". As well as information about the various courses offered, the site includes news (with an up-to-date events listing) and comprehensive details of staff, research and publications. [GAS, 18 Sep 2005].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-030402-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Australia
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture
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UCE Birmingham Institute of Art & Design (BIAD)

http://www.biad.uce.ac.uk/



Describing itself as "one of the foremost centres for art, design and media education", BIAD offers a wide portfolio of courses including architecture, landscape architecture, interior design and fine art. With a refreshingly modern design that avoids the dull university prospectus look, the BIAD site provides full coverage of the Institute's courses and research, via a series of subsites. [GAS, 2 Mar 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-020306-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture
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University of Texas at Austin - School of Architecture

http://wnt.utexas.edu/architecture/



This redesigned site offers information on academic programmes at the UT-Austin School of Architecture - as well as architecture, these include historic preservation, sustainable design, architectural history, urban design, community and regional planning, interior design and landscape architecture. Other sections provide information about staff, events, resources, and a useful research and publications section, featuring the online journal Planning Forum. The design of the site is reasonably attractive, though many of the deeper pages are inconsistent in their format; furthermore, the frequent use of images as internal links (with no text alternatives) is poor in terms of accessibility. [GAS, 13 Mar 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: pla-020603-06
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Planning
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Organisations (5)

The Institute of Conservation

http://www.instituteofconservation.org.uk/



The Institute of Conservation is a body formed by five conservation organisations (Care of Collections Forum, Institute of Paper Conservation, Photographic Materials Conservation Group, Scottish Society for Conservation and Restoration, and United Kingdom Institute for Conservation) "pooling their resources and expertise to provide a service for the public, our cultural heritage and the members". The Institute's site is well-organised, and shaping up to be a comprehensive and good quality resource. As well as the obligatory 'About us' section, it includes useful conservation profiles of the UK nations and regions, a small page of links, coverage of policy and publications, and a range of dedicated content for members. [GAS, 11 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: her-240805-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Heritage
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International Association for People-Environment Studies (IAPS)

http://www.iaps-association.org/



IAPS "works to facilitate communication on the relationships between people and their physical environment", and describes itself as "the forum for scholars who have an interest in an interdisciplinary exchange and in the study of the transactions and interrelationships between people and their socio-physical surroundings (including built and natural environments) and the relation of this field to other social and biological sciences and to the environmental professions" - thus, members of IAPS represent a diversity of professions, including architects, city and regional planners, landscape architects, interior designers and psychologists. Features of the site include the history, aims and objectives of IAPS; background on the notion of 'people-environment studies'; details of the association's boards, networks and members; news, events and publications; and a useful page of links. Though the design and navigation of the site is generally good, the main text throughout the site is too small to read comfortably. [GAS, 16 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: sus-051105-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: International
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Sustainability
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International Interior Design Association - IIDA

http://www.iida.org/



Founded in 1994, the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) is a professional networking and educational association of more than 10,000 Members in eight speciality Forums, nine Regions, and more than thirty Chapters around the world. According to its site, "IIDA is committed to enhancing the quality of life through excellence in interior design and advancing interior design through knowledge. IIDA advocates for interior design excellence; provides superior industry information; nurtures a global interior design community; maintains educational standards; and responds to trends in business and design". Slickly designed, sections are headed 'about' (featuring extensive information about the association, including news, publications and research), 'membership' (including links and a knowledge base), 'education' and 'especially for...', the latter providing targeted information for members, clients, students, educators and 'CLCs' respectively. [GAS, 21 Aug 2005].



ENTRY NUMBER: int-210805-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Interior Design
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The National Trust

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/




Founded in 1895 by three Victorian philanthropists - Miss Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley - the National Trust now cares for over 248,000 hectares of countryside in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, plus almost 600 miles of coastline and more than 200 buildings and gardens of outstanding interest and importance. The Trust's website is vast - as well as details of all properties open to the public, there are sections covering (among other things) environment and conservation, holidays and travel, learning and discovery, policy and campaigns (with downloadable documents), and membership. The site also includes an excellent section of related links. The design of the site is attractive and logical, and a complete large text version is available for visually impaired users. An impressive site, awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 12 Nov 2007].



ENTRY NUMBER: her-110303-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Heritage
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United Kingdom Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (UKIC)

http://www.ukic.org.uk/



UKIC is the professional body representing those who care for the country's cultural objects and heritage collections. According to the site, "its members are conservators working in public institutions such as museums and galleries, and conservators and restorers working in the private sector". Members of the Institute normally belong to one or more of its twelve specialist sections - Archaeology, Ceramics and Glass, Ethnography, Furniture and Wood, Gilding and Decorative Surfaces, Historic Interiors, Metals, Paintings, Photographic Materials, Stained Glass, Stone and Wall Paintings, or Textiles - and the organisation of the website reflects these various specialisms. The site also features up-to-date news (including the forthcoming 'convergence' with other conservation organisations to form a new 'Institute of Conservation'), details about membership and publications, and a 'members only' area. A simple but effective site. [GAS, 24 Aug 2005].



ENTRY NUMBER: her-110303-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Heritage
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Places (1)

Urban Home and Garden Tours, Amsterdam

http://www.uhgt.nl/



Urban Home and Garden Tours provides tours in English of Amsterdam's historic canal house architecture, including their interiors and gardens. Attractively designed, the site itself comes in both English and Dutch versions, featuring details of tour dates and prices, an attractive photo gallery and a worthwhile section of related links. [GAS, 19 Jun 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: her-240505-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Netherlands
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Heritage
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Research (1)

CSDI - The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Centre for the Study of the Domestic Interior

http://www.rca.ac.uk/csdi/



CSDI - The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Centre for the Study of the Domestic Interior, based at the Royal College of Art in London, brings together three institutions: the Royal College of Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Bedford Centre for the History of Women at Royal Holloway, University of London. Launched in September 2001, its goal is to develop new histories of the home, its contents, and its representation. It pursues research into the changing appearance and layout of rooms in a range of buildings, from tenements to palaces; the objects that furnished those rooms; the ways rooms and objects were depicted; the manner in which people used them; and how they thought about them. The CSDI site is attractive, with information about the Centre, an up-to-date events listing, informative staff biographies, the Centre newsletter, project details, and a publications list. A small but worthwhile links page provides access to domestic interior-related resources. [GAS, 28 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: int-230805-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Interior Design
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Resources (35)

ADAM, the Art, Design, Architecture & Media Information Gateway

http://www.adam.ac.uk/



ADAM, the Art, Design, Architecture & Media Information Gateway, describes itself as "a searchable catalogue of Internet resources that have been carefully selected and catalogued by professional librarians for the benefit of the UK Higher Education community". The catalogue is not only vast, but also offers considerable information about each resource, including a rating, description and keywords. Unfortunately, the site is no longer in active development, but existing links are being "checked to retain currency". While ADAM therefore remains an important and impressive resource, it seems a shame that the site should be mothballed after so much investment of time and energy. [GAS, 25 Oct 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: cul-091103-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Culture
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Architecture-India.com

http://www.architecture-india.com/



Architecture-India.com describes itself as "the webpage for the building industry in India", targeting architects, developers, building owners, contractors, subcontractors, civil and structural engineers, façade consultants, environmental engineers, testing and clarification agencies, government departments, academics, trade missions, and manufacturers and suppliers of building materials. Features of the site include a comprehensive searchable and browsable directory, covering a range of organisations, resources and businesses (including over 1500 architecture and interior design firms in India and elsewhere), conference papers, details of events, a discussion forum, and a section of architecture-related links. [GAS, 8 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-091105-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: India
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture
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Architecture.co.uk - Architectural Jobs

http://www.architecture.co.uk/



Architecture.co.uk describes itself as "the UK's definitive architecture recruitment job board and website", advertising the latest permanent, temporary or contract architectural vacancies, including architect, technical, assistant, design, planning, CAD and senior appointment positions and jobs - "from major architectural practices, from principal employers and from leading industry recruiters - right across the UK". The site has a professional appearance and an attractive colour scheme, with dedicated sections for jobseekers (free registration required) and employers. Jobseekers can easily browse the site by job type, with jobs in CAD management, interior design, visualisation, urban design and landscape design all featured, as well as architecture. [GAS, 28 May 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-230106-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture
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ArtandArchitecture.org

http://www.artandarchitecture.org/



Art & Architecture describes itself as "a practitioner led alliance promoting interaction between artists and architects". Arguing that "art and architecture take time to learn, time to execute and time to appreciate", the site claims that by "combining the sensibility with a commitment to sustainability energy efficiency, we give you the recipe for a great house". It certain has some interesting and attractively illustrated content, under such evocative headings as "a welcoming abode", "bright accents" and "artistic inspiration", and including links to some interesting articles and related sites. However, a year after Sapling's previous review the news section and discussion forum remain empty, so there seems little prospect of these being developed in the near future. [GAS, 28 Aug 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: cul-200805-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: India
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Culture
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Artifact

http://www.artifact.ac.uk/



Launched in November 2003 and funded by JISC, Artifact describes itself as "a free online subject gateway providing access to the best arts and creative industries web resources for the UK higher and further education learning, teaching and research community". A search facility is provided, or the site can be browsed by theme: sections cover Architecture; Communications, Media and Culture; Design (including Interior Design); Fashion and Beauty; Music and the Performing Arts; and Visual Arts. Comprehensive and regularly updated information is given about each of the 400+ featured sites, including a description, keywords and subject headings. For a gateway showcasing the arts and creative industries, the 'look' of the Artifact site is disappointingly clunky and old-fashioned; however, beneath the aesthetics, it does benefit from a layout and navigation that is simple and quite intuitive. [GAS, 5 Jun 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: cul-091103-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Culture
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Bathfaucets.info

http://www.bathfaucets.info/



Bathfaucets.info describes itself as being "created for the homeowner who would like to know more about bath and bathroom faucets and the varieties to choose from", with sections covering all the different types as well as information on faucet repair. Elsewhere, a links section features other sites relevant to kitchens, bathrooms and the home. Overall, the site benefits from a slick and professional appearance, though the overprominence of Google ads risks detracting from its credibility as a resource. [GAS, 23 Mar 2009].



ENTRY NUMBER: int-111006-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Interior Design
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Bricks and Brass - The Period House Web Site

http://www.bricksandbrass.co.uk/




Bricks and Brass aims to provide comprehensive information on the architecture, design, and history of houses in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Sections cover architectural styles (Classical, Gothic, Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau etc.), external and internal features (walls, roof, windows, rooms, etc), and period house maintenance and remodelling, while the site's directory lists companies offering relevant products and services across the UK. Meanwhile, a helpful resources section features books, events, places to visit, links, and a searchable glossary. Overall, Bricks and Brass is a valuable source of information, complemented by a neat and easy-to-use design. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 1 Jun 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: her-150903-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Heritage
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BuilderNet

http://www.buildernet.com/



BuilderNet describes itself as "the UK's construction, DIY and home improvement portal", providing contact details for companies and organisations within the building and home improvement sectors. The site's Business Directory can be used to find the contact details for plumbers, electricians, landscape specialists, builders and other contractors in a given area, featuring a search function and the ability to browse by towns or category, while a Resources Directory features annotated and rated links to other useful sites. BuilderNet benefits from a neat and attractive interface, with its content clearly displayed and easy to navigate. [GAS, 21 Aug 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-080706-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Construction
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Buildipedia

http://www.buildipedia.com/




Buildipedia.com is "an online community and knowledgebase for the AEC industry", centred around "a growing community of people passionate about design and construction gathered to share knowledge, promote best practices, and advance construction technologies." The clean and attractively illustrated home page gives access to news, channels for different professions (including architects and planners, sustainable design, and construction), the online community, and an impressive Knowledgebase that catalogues thousands of articles, photos and videos. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 4 Jul 2010].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-040710-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Construction
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Design Training

http://www.design-training.com/




Focused upon North America, the Design School site is premised on the idea that "gaining recognition as a professional designer is a ticket to opportunity, and the right design school is therefore key." With this in mind, the site aims to help users "fulfill your dreams at any one of many design training centres across the United States and Canada... whether your goal is a career in design, or is one of self-improvement for your own pleasure." The site is pleasingly designed and easy to get around, with design schools listed by degree type, location and category (including, among others, interior design and architecture). Other resources include news, articles, and a worthwhile 'Best Architecture Websites' section showcasing sites - including Sapling.info - that excel in terms of their usability, content and popularity. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 6 Jul 2010].



ENTRY NUMBER: int-060710-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Interior Design
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Designguide.com

http://www.designguide.com/



Newly launched in 2004, Designguide "is dedicated to providing the design and construction industry with the most comprehensive and efficient directory for professionals, products and online resources". Users can browse the site's content by category ('professionals', 'products' or 'links') or use the convenient search tool. When it launched, the site described its interface as "a sophisticated online environment built on imagery, speed and simplicity", and it certainly is unusual to see construction-related content presented within an architectural aesthetic. It all looks very professional indeed, with a recent redesign tweaking the category headings to better articulate the site's undoubted value as a resource. [GAS, 15 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-070604-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture
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DesignIntelligence

http://www.di.net/




DesignIntelligence is the American Design Futures Council’s "report on the future, delivering original research, insightful commentary, and instructive best practices." DI.net is an interesting and elegantly designed resource, offering original feature articles, industry news and trends, unique research, and blogs by design professionals. Feature articles are often in-depth examinations of trends or best practices at the cutting edge of professional practice, while the site's original research covers topics such as technology benchmarks, sustainable design, and trends in architecture, design and property. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 4 Jul 2010].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-040710-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture
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Dexigner Design Portal

http://www.dexigner.com/



Dexigner is set-up as a large portal for the design industry, featuring databases, news, events, designers, design companies and feeds, and including design topics from 3D to floral to lighting to transport. At the moment some section are sparse, but Dexigner could develop into a comprehensive design resource. The website is fairly well designed though navigation is a little complex; however, like any large website it will take time to become familiar with the layout. [RB, 7 Nov 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: cul-071106-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Culture
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Diseño y Decoración en la Argentina

http://www.dyd.com.ar/




This interior design e-zine from Argentina is a slick affair crammed full information. Extensive archives include articles on various subjects as diverse as Islamic Art, Feminine Fashion and Minimalism. There are interviews with Argentine designers, decorators and architects - however, many of the links are however not available in English. There are also details of competitions, courses and exhibitions in Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico as well as internationally. The current edition of the DyD magazine is augmented by beautiful photographs. As if that wasn't enough, there are contact addresses for many of the people mentioned and several useful links to other sites. Overall, the site is simply laid out and easy to browse, and though the English translation is flawe, it is well worth a visit in order to see what is going on in contemporary Argentinian interior design. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [KB/GAS, 5 Mar 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: int-190603-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Argentina
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Interior Design
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DutchArchitects.com

http://www.dutcharchitects.com/




Based in the Netherlands but written completely in English, DutchArchitects.com is a rich and exciting site. Its core content is a unique, searchable architecture database featuring hundreds of buildings, interior-, landscape- and urban planning projects, covering more than 2,900 Dutch design offices, and supported by more than 11,000 good quality pictures (the site's emphasis seems to be on the work of Dutch architects, anywhere in the world, rather than necessarily on buildings in the Netherlands). The site also has useful features such as project reviews, links to other architecture sites, and job opportunities. With excellent content, and a simple easy-to-use interface, DutchArchitects.com is well worth a visit. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 6 Nov 2005].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-131002-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Netherlands
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture
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E-interiors.net

http://www.e-interiors.net/




E-interiors.net describes itself as "a professional web tool for architects and interior designers". The site's catalogue includes products from companies in different European countries and America. Users must register to access the download section and to obtain 2D and 3D CAD files, technical information and printable images, but this is free of charge. The site is rich in material, well illustrated, and highly customisable, with clear instructions - users can browse through different types of product (kitchen, bathroom, lighting, flooring, etc.) using the main menu, and then refine their results by product category, product type, brand, designer, country of origin, style or sector. The interface is fine, though the extensive use of frames, evidently optimised for 1024 x 768, makes the site difficult to use on a small monitor. Nevertheless, this is an impressive resource overall, awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 3 Apr 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: int-040602-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: International
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Interior Design
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Espacio&Confort - Architecture and Decoration

http://www.espacioyconfort.com.ar/



Espacio&Confort is a Spanish-language architecture and decoration magazine from Argentina, packed with appealing articles as well as a decent links page. Unfortunately, the site's pop up adverts seem utterly incongruous with its neat and elegant interface. [GAS, 5 Jun 2007].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-050607-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Argentina
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture
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Estilo Ambientación - Portal de Decoración

http://www.estiloambientacion.com.ar/



Written in Spanish, Estilo Ambientación is an interior design and architecture e-magazine from Argentina. Features of the site include a useful directory, covering designers, stores, galleries, museums, factories and other contacts within Argentina, plus sections looking at furniture, walls, floors and - bizarrely - fairies. An architecture section features places to visit in Buenos Aires, described as "one of the most beautiful cities of the world"; like the rest of the site, it is well designed and attractively illustrated [ES: Portal integral de decoración, diseño, arquitectura y arte. Incluye directorio, noticias e informes]. [GAS, 23 Aug 2005].



ENTRY NUMBER: int-110304-09
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Argentina
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Interior Design
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Free-Flooring.com

http://www.free-flooring.com/



Free-Flooring.com describes itself as an "award winning site offering free tips, prices, and 'how-tos' to make the best decision for your flooring needs". Quite a useful resource, sections feature illustrated information about different types of floor, including cork, bamboo, hardwood and laminate. [GAS, 8 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: int-080706-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Interior Design
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The Furniture Directory

http://www.thefurnituredirectory.co.uk/



As its name suggests, the Furniture Directory provides a directory of UK furniture suppliers. A simple A-Z menu provides access to a wide range of furniture categories, with listings quite clearly displayed. [GAS, 8 Nov 2005].



ENTRY NUMBER: int-220805-03
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Interior Design
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Helpful Kitchen Tips

http://www.helpful-kitchen-tips.com/



No-one can accuse Helpful Kitchen Tips of not being explicit about its purpose - as you would expect it offers useful tips for the kitchen, "this special, oft-used room in our home". Primarily based around a series of buying guides, the site offers readable and well-presented advice about choosing the right knives, cutting boards, knife sharpeners, mixers, sinks or faucets. There is also an enjoyable kitchen blog and a page of links to useful kitchen-related resources. [GAS, 11 Oct 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: int-111006-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Bulgaria
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Interior Design
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Hire-Contractors.com

http://www.hire-contractors.com/



Hire-Contractors.com is a US-based directory of home improvement and restoration contractors, including cleaning services, carpet cleaning, architects, landscape architects, interior designers and builders. The site is attractively designed and easy to use, with users able to browse the directory by category or search it by Zip code. A series of home improvement-related articles add to the site's value as a resource. [GAS, 4 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-040906-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Construction
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ID-Sphere

http://www.id-sphere.com/



Launched in October 2008, ID-Sphere is a voluntary and non-profit contemporary interior design forum, designed to encourage users to share their knowledge and work, participate on forums, and find articles, case studies, comments, links, and information on planning, building regulations, software and events. With a pleasing interface and a growing number of users, ID-Sphere has the potential to grow into a useful resource. [GAS, 15 Mar 2009].



ENTRY NUMBER: int-150309-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Interior Design
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IDH - Interior Design Handbook

http://www.interiordesignhandbook.com/




Dedicated to interior design, the IDH website describes itself as "the complete online source for the industry". It is certainly impressive in scope - users can search the site's database to find in-depth profiles on over 1,870 architects and designers, or access 8,200 manufacturers and suppliers. Other features include an exhibition listing and a useful links page, all set within the site's neat and engaging interface. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 12 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: int-120906-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Interior Design
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InteriorDesignJobs.com

http://www.interiordesignjobs.com/



Describing itself as "the leading career resource in the design industry", US-based InteriorDesignJobs.com is "the advertising vehicle of choice to reach the best and brightest talent in the interior design industry". Beyond the hyperbole, it's a useful site - users can search and post jobs or resumes, while a few pages of helpful links to design resources, books and associations enhance its value as a resource. [GAS, 28 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: int-210805-03
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Interior Design
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Job-e-job.com

http://www.job-e-job.com/



Based in the US, job-e-job.com lists architectural, engineering, landscape architecture, interior design, urban planning, graphic design, and other related jobs. The site has been designed for both employers and jobseekers - jobseekers, for example, can post their CV online, or search the database for current vacancies - and is well-designed, with a helpful system of colour coding. [GAS, 2 Mar 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-081101-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture
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Lighting Directory

http://www.lightingdirectory.com/




As its name implies, Lighting Directory is a comprehensive resource listing manufacturers and suppliers of lighting fixtures and related products. The site is attractively designed, well laid-out and easy to use - visitors can browse the directory by category, or search by keyword or company name; each entry then includes a company profile, contact information and web link. Elsewhere, new lighting product releases, an up-to-date news section, and current job vacancies add to the site's value as a resource. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 13 Dec 2005].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-240304-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Construction
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Lighting Resource Forum

http://www.lightingresourceforum.com/



Centred around a lighting resource discussion and information forum, this well-used site allows users to share personal advice, tips and experience on all lighting related topics. Other resource content includes a lighting directory with detailed listings of lighting companies and links, as well as a series of useful lighting articles. [GAS, 12 Nov 2007].



ENTRY NUMBER: int-121107-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Interior Design
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Normal Room

http://www.normalroom.com/




Normal Room is such a brilliant idea it's hard to imagine that no-one has ever thought of it before. Essentially, the purpose of the site is to showcase "interior design and home furniture from all around the globe", allowing users to "explore the differences and similarities in architecture and home decoration between people in different countries". However, the site's real strength is the way it taps into the same appetite for content sharing that has made YouTube such a success, with users around the world able to upload photos of their own rooms, or to comment on the 'merits' of other people's. Normal Room's interface is also excellent, with a crisp, understated design that doesn't try to compete with the photos on display. Usefully, images can also be browsed by room - including a section dedicated to toilets - or by country, each employing well-designed clickable maps. Refreshingly, the site doesn't take itself too seriously, urging visitors to "explore the variety of lifestyles and cultural peculiarities!" Yet Normal Room is also a strangely compelling resource, offering a unique and fascinating perspective on how people in different cultures and countries live. A site that is sure to grow and thrive. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 8 Jan 2007].



ENTRY NUMBER: int-080107-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Finland
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Interior Design
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Property Maintenance Guide.com

http://www.propertymaintenanceguide.com/



Property Maintenance Guide.com describes itself as "your guide to all types of property maintenance services for private and commercial properties". The site appears to be quite new, but it boasts an attractive appearance and has the makings of a useful resource. Users can search or browse for the property maintenance services they require, with the site featuring an extensive range of categories relating to the home and garden, each including profiles and contact details for relevant businesses. The site's resource value will be further enhanced by the articles and links sections, both of which are currently being developed. [GAS, 11 Mar 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-110306-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Construction
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SalvoWEB

http://www.salvoweb.com/




Salvo aims to "support dealers who hold stocks of architectural salvage and garden antiques, reclaimed building materials and demolition salvage, and lastly recycled materials in order to encourage trade, to increase appreciation and awareness of historical crafts skills and manufacture, and to help reduce the amount of salvageable materials from old buildings and gardens going to landfill". This site, SalvoWEB, is an impressive resource containing everything needed to support that aim, featuring contact lists, dealers and craftspeople, architectural antiques, garden antiques, reclaimed building materials, higher value stock for sale and wanted, theft alerts and other information. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 6 Jun 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: sus-060606-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Sustainability
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Specifier Magazine

http://www.specifier.com.au/




Specifier Magazine is a well respected and well established Australian print-based architecture publication that has recently gone online. The site aims to help architects find product suppliers, and product suppliers to find architects; to encourage the use of green products; and to be a source of design inspiration, news and industry information. The site contains full text and images from the current and past issues of Specifier Magazine, including upcoming international projects and award-winning Australian architecture, green design projects, exhibition reviews and architect profiles. An extensive news section covers the latest openings and happenings, while the architecture and interiors product directory highlights suppliers of green products, and contains downloadable brochure libraries. There is also a searchable database of Australian design and consulting professionals, with more content being added to the site every week. The site is also beautifully presented, with clear navigation, lovely images, and effective use of white space. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 24 Aug 2007].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-101206-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Australia
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture
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Tapestry

http://www.tapestry-wall-tapestry.com/



According to this site, "almost every country in the world has some form of tapestry that has evolved through the centuries". The site includes some quite interesting background and history about tapestries, together with links to relevant commercial sites. [GAS, 25 Aug 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: int-280805-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Interior Design
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Tree Hugger

http://www.treehugger.com/




Tree Hugger is a web magazine, covering anything that has a modern aesthetic yet is environmentally responsible. The site boasts a large readership who check out the latest news, reviews and recommendations for modern yet green products and services, and who use its directory to help facilitate their buying processes. Tree Hugger is well written and despite the name does not preach at you, but seeks to inform. Coverage is vast, with headings covering accessories, 'almosts', alternative energy, architecture, audio/video, aviation, bathroom, bedroom, bikes, biopolymer, books, botanical, cars and celebrities, through to solar, sports and technology. In addition, there is also a link to Hugg (http://www.hugg.com/) a sister site and green news story harvester. Here, "all posts start out in the queue. Each time a story is Hugged, it climbs the ranks. If a story gets enough Huggs, it jumps up to the front page where it can be seen by everyone who visits". There is also Tree Hugger TV (http://www.treehuggertv.com/), again a sister site, which offers a video version of the web magazine, featuring material produced by anyone who shares Tree Hugger's passions and can operate a video camera. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [RB, 15 Jan 2008].



ENTRY NUMBER: lan-120906-03
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Sustainability
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Vinyl in Design

--NEW URL-- http://www.vinylindesign.com/




Vinyl in Design (formerly Vinyl by Design) is a valuable and well-designed resource for building and design professionals, featuring news, research, publications and case studies. Sleek and clean, the site covers various news and uses of vinyl in the building industry, such as for siding, fencing, decking and railing, roofing, windows and doors, flooring, piping, wallcovering, electrical uses and furniture. A search facility is also provided. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 6 Apr 2009].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-151100-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
SAPLING GATEWAY LISTING: Construction
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