04 August 2011

Architect Barbie Gets A Dream House

Architect Barbie designs her dream Malibu home in a competition run by the American Institute of Architects.

Earlier this year, Mattel released Architect Barbie – the newest in their careerwoman "I Can Be..." series, where Barbie takes on a number of guises, from actress to computer engineer to veterinarian.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently gave their members a chance to imagine what sort of dream house the creative and savvy Architect Barbie would design for herself.

The winning design, created by Ting Li and Maja Paklar, shows Architect Barbie as a "creative, fashionable, busy and powerful" Malibu-dwelling professional.

Sustainability is Architect Barbie's chief concern, and the house features solar panels on the roof, operable shading devices, low flow bathroom fixtures and energy saving light fixtures to minimise her carbon footprint.

"The concept of this house reflects exactly who Barbie is in her new profession," reads the project statement.

"She has pledged to build an environmentally sustainable home using the principles set forth by USGBC as well as to stay true to all the needs of a classic California girl!"

The house also includes a computer-controlled centrally located closet to house Architect Barbie's designer clothes, a meditation space for her to relax in, an exercise room for keeping fit, a greenhouse and a landscaped garden for her pets.

Architecture is Mattel's 'Career of the Year', with the company hoping to educate young girls about the profession and encourage a new generation to pursue it as a career.