Play Rooms
05/01/2008
Richard Bilow: Aquatic installation artist Richard Bilow likes to think outside the fish bowl. Known for aquariums creatively packed with sculpted glass interiors instead of the usual coral and rock, Bilow is patenting his Liquid Image Bylosphere, a technique he developed using recorded and still life images of underwater scenes playing behind the aquarium. Prices vary. 310.314.2216, www.rbilow.comAquarium ASP: Suspended aquariums for residential and commercial purposes are the specialty of Aquarium ASP. The ASP Spacearium, an elliptical glass aquarium, hangs from stainless steel cables, taking up zero floor space, and, as a fresh alternative to a room divider, could be considered a piece of living art in its own right. Starting at $4,900. 514.279.4352, www.spacearium.net
Living Art Aquatic Design: Known for exotic aquariums fitted into walls, ceilings, and even the floors of major restaurants, hotels and homes, Living Art Aquatic Designs offers custom-built aquariums for every imaginable space. Their designs come with a wide range of finishes and a broad selection of reefs and aquatic life—they created a jellyfish aquarium for one client. Custom designs start at $2,000. 310.822.7484, www.aquatic2000.com
Applied Imagination: Paul Busse’s model trains are more like kinetic sculptures than toys. A landscape architect, he creates elaborate outdoor environments from natural materials. Trains weave through gardens full of real plants like bamboo and grapevines, circumnavigate patios, engulf hot tubs, run through meticulous re-creations of cities and soar over bridges tall enough to walk beneath. Starting at $25,000. 859.448.9848, www.appliedimagination.biz
LGB Trains: The indoor/outdoor trains created by this German company were revolutionary when they were introduced in 1968, and they are still cutting edge today. For one thing, they are large (LGB stands for Lehmann’s Big Train), up to four times the average model size. Made of impact-resistant materials, they are also designed to withstand both weather and kids. 800.669.0607, www.lgboa.com