designwire daily | Architects Design the Real Barbie Dream House

Architects Design the Real Barbie Dream House

by Deborah Wilk | Tuesday, July 19, 2011 | 7 Comments

As a fashion icon, Barbie’s sense of style has long been known as impeccable. But who realized she had a deep sense of design, as well? Mattel revealed this to be the case when it debuted architect Barbie, the latest addition to its “I Can Be” series that includes some 125 careers for the legendary blond in sky-high heels, at last May’s American Institute of Architects national convention. For its part, the AIA launched a competition for the design of this more informed Barbie’s Dream House.

The jury, composed of Despina Stratigakos, historian and professor of the Architecture Department at the University at Buffalo; Kelly Hayes McAlonie, interim assistant vice president of the Capital Planning Group at the University at Buffalo; Robert J. Hotes, Klein and Hoffman associate and restoration group leader; and Jean Zagrodnik, managing partner of San Diego’s Zagrodnik + Thomas Architects, has chosen five finalists. Review the models and vote for your favorite until August 2.

Finalist entry images courtesy of AIA.

Events > Competitions
Industry > Designers & Architects
Projects > Residential
zFeatured

7 comments

SUSAN Michalek

Posted Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 03:22 pm | Permalink

Maybe do a GI JOE man cave as well!
Dad

Posted Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 07:02 pm | Permalink

cool stuff
Residential house refurbishment

Posted Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 05:41 am | Permalink

This blog is very interesting- if not surprising- Who came up with the idea that a barbie dream house would be a good interior concept.
Healthcare Architects

Posted Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 11:23 pm | Permalink

Who would thought that from a playhouse of Barbie can be made as an idea or a concept of a dream house?It was so amazing and I really love the concept. Hope it will be made perfectly and hope I can visit the place.
Function > Form

Posted Thursday, July 28, 2011 at 02:18 pm | Permalink

Is it me or has no one considered how Barbie will get up spiral stairs?
dpbrelsford

Posted Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 04:34 pm | Permalink

Fun but not fully resolved from an interior design perspective. Entertainment area/kitchen is too small considering the mailbu location and price tag of such a project, live-in needs to shower I think too but again it’s a lovely design overall. Congrats.
Kristen B.

Posted Monday, October 17, 2011 at 09:15 am | Permalink

Although it seems a very nice idea, I wish that the design will be realistic as much as it is creative. The walls should be complete and the roof should be the usual kind of roof because plain and straight kind of roof is not admirable.

interior designing