on top of each other

I recently stumbled upon an interesting residential building that is being built in Hong Kong.  It is a condo that has "individualized" modules...you can choose your own layout according to the square footage you purchase (small, medium, large, like clothing).  But what is really intriguing, is the fact that these modules are completely mobile.  Every five years, the modules/units will be moved to another zone in the building, so you can still live in your dwelling (i.e. you don't need to buy new furniture), but have new neighbours and a new view!  

{source: Y Design Office}

The theory behind this is that the residents will create new social bonds and this will in turn, create a more unified community within the tower. 


I think this building concept speaks volumes of what we as humans, crave.  (and also shows how congested the population is becoming...where the only space to build is vertical).

Although there is a generation of people who communicate mostly via facebook, email, twitter etc, I think we participate in "social media" largely because we are all ultimately seeking to belong to a community.  To be able to connect with friends, old and new.  And although it may seem that we always have our heads down typing away at our device, we still crave social interaction at the other end.  That these devices should be just that...a means to get to that end.


I'd be curious to see five years from now, the success of that building.  To see if communities really are created when they move and meet new people.  I hope the residents of that building take the opportunity to meet new neighbours, and instead of exchanging twitter handles, to invite each other in, have a coffee and share the sweetness of new friendships.

Caramel Toffee Squares

(adapted from the book "Company is Coming: 150 Delicious Squares")

These are similar to Nanaimo bars, minus the coconut.  It's a great treat with coffee or tea.


Bottom Layer

• 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 2/3 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Second Layer

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. corn syrup
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

Top Layer

• 1 1/2 cup chopped belgium chocolate
• 1/4 cup butter

Bottom layer:

• Mix all 3 ingredients in a medium bowl until crumbly.  
• Press firmly into un-greased 9x9 inch pan. (I used 11x7).
• Bake in 350degree oven for 15 minutes

Second Layer:

• Combine all 4 ingredients in a medium saucepan.
• Bring to a boil on medium heat.
• Boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat.
• Stir vigorously for 1 minuts.
• Pour over bottom layer, and spread evenly.
• Let stand in pan for 30 minutes.

Top Layer:

• Heat chocolate chips and butter in a small saucepan over the lwest heat until almost melted.
• Remove from heat and continue stirring until smooth.
• Spread evenly over second layer.
• Let stand in pan for about 3 hours until set.

Cuts into 36 squares.