Architecture Products

Editor's Bookmarks - February 2007

Each month RECORD reviews building product related web sites and blogs that might be of interest to our readership. We visit each site, kick the tires a bit, and share what it is about and how it functions. Please let us know if there is a site you've found particularly useful, well-designed, or easy to navigate. — Rita Catinella Orrell

www.neo-metro.com
The site for this L.A.-based manufacturer of stainless-steel bathroom fixtures includes product slide shows, one-click tech and spec download, a 2007 price guide, and an easy-to-navigate bar of icons to guide visitors to sections on urinals, toilets, tubs, and tiles. A thorough FAQ section offers helpful answers to common questions such as, “Isn’t the stainless-steel toilet seat cold?” The response from Neo-Metro is no, since it is actually constructed of chrome-plated ABS plastic instead of stainless steel.

www.design21sdn.com
Design 21: Social Design Network is an online community site that “explores the connection between design and society.” Launched by UNESCO and Felissimo, the site includes a section for competitions (Design It), ideas and resources (Share It), a forum (Plaza), and a place to purchase a specially designed ring for members (Wear It). The site’s look could use more “design,” but it is easy to navigate.

www.sabaxter.com
The site for SA Baxter, a designer and producer of high-end residential architectural hardware, is a visual treat—an opening product slide show reveals the jewelerylike detailing you could find on display at Tiffany. Rollovers on product categories focusing on windows, doors, and cabinets activate pull-down menus of specific product types within each category.

www.myglassclass.com
The National Glass Association offers a new course available through its online education and training tool for the glass industry. The new course features definitions, applications, technical information, and market data about switchable “smart glass” technologies. Access to the “Library” is available to all enrolled students as well as to the general public via a Guest ID at this informative site.