Popville - pop-up cityscape book by Anouck Boisrobert, Louis Rigaud and Joy Sorman

For the budding architect in your family, or simply someone with a fascination with buildings comes Popville by Anouck Boisrobert, Louis Rigaud and Joy Sorman.

It's the development of a city in book form, with each page of the pop-up book corresponding to a moment of the city's development. Some urban and landscape elements remain constant references for the growth of the city, while others just disappear and make place to new ones.

For lovers of buildings, it's got 'Christmas gift' written all over it. Price? £15.

The Lollipop Shoppe website

Roost R2 aluminium pod - space age living accomodation for your garden

Not just useful, your neighbours might think aliens have landed when they see the Roost R2 aluminium pod appear in your garden.

But if you can deal with the space age look, the R2 could solve a space problem or two. This aluminium-clad house can include a micro-kitchen, shower, toilet and plenty of living space - enough for a sofa bed (or your home office essentials) for sure. If aluminium doesn't do it for you, there's also the option of cedar cladding, with light getting through via double glazed windows and the sliding double glazed door.

You need to supply the electrical cable, but all the electric essentials (lights, plugs, heating) are already on-board. Check out the full spec at the site and if you like what you see, the entry price is £18,900 + VAT.

Roost website

London Landmark bookends by Susan Bradley

Bookends can be interesting - at least they can if you pick up the London Landmark bookends by Susan Bradley.

Not the usual landmarks either, this set includes Trellick Tower and Battersea Power Station for instance. But our favourite is the Gherkin bookend, adding an uber-modern twist to a nostalgic range.

Produced by Susan Bradley Design for the Hidden Art Select 09 range of products, the powder-coated steel bookends can be yours for just £18.

Hidden Art Shop website

Free Kid's 'Make a Modern Home' Workshop at the Design Museum

 

If you are parent to a young Zaha Hadid or Thomas Heatherwick then this workshop at the Design Museum could be right up your street. Taking inspiration from the craftsmanship and building techniques of leading UK architect David Chipperfield, kids will get their hands on construction kits from Meccano and learn the latest building techniques to make a 3d model of their ideal home. 

Expert designers and architects will be on hand to offer guidance plus loads of design materials are available for a really creative model. 

The workshops are on Sunday 1st November and 6th December from 2-5pm. They are aimed at kids from 5 to 11 and and free for the nippers, accompanying adults are £8.50 (all children must have an adult with them).

All places must be booked in advance on 020 7940 8783, tickets@designmuseum.org

Design Museum

Highbury Square - football stadium turns into trendy city living

Can't say I've ever had a soft spot for Arsenal football club, but their old Highbury stadium was always a real gem of the past. Sadly the team moved out as the developers moved in - but thankfully, Highbury Square has kept many of those iconic features.

Some (like the stadium front) are there because they're listed, others have been left as the tribute to the old ground and supporters - but don't think this is just a relic, the apartments with are certainly something special.