Architecture Competitions and Articles Death by Architecture 2010-03-12T09:28:32Z 2010-03-12T09:28:32Z

<p> Access to Trestles, one of North America's most celebrated waves, is under threat due to safety and environmental concerns. Currently, over 100,000 people each year follow informal trails through wetlands and over active train tracks to gain access to the surf breaks at Trestles. These impromptu man-made paths present a safety hazard with passing trains and threaten the fragile ecosystem of Trestles. </p> <p> In response, a coalition of concerned groups organized by the volunteer non-profit organization Architecture for Humanity, are launching "Safe Trestles," an open-to-all, two-stage design competition to create a safe pathway to serve surfers, the local coastal community and day visitors to San Onofre State Beach. This coalition is looking for cohesive designs that eliminate the danger of crossing active train tracks, help to restore wetlands that have been damaged by the present path, preserve and improve vistas, and offer education about the history of the site and the beach marsh environment. The new path should ensure continued access to the resources by all members of our community and adhere to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. </p> <p> While placing no limitations on the originality or imaginativeness of design ideas, we are looking for tangible low-impact solutions that can actually be built at a future date. Ideally, the winning entry will be sensitive to the remote and undisturbed nature of the area?providing safe access without compromising the pristine environment and views of this rare example of natural Southern California coast. </p><p>Register by: 04-17-2010 / Submit by: 04-17-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-12T09:28:32Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-08T08:03:48Z 2010-03-08T08:03:48Z

<p> The Northern Design Competition was developed to raise the profile of design talent in the North, by highlighting opportunities to employers and students. It is a competition that rewards talented students across the north of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for their work in the creative arts. </p> <p> After finishing degrees in the North many graduates move south to the Capital in search of work in the creative industries. These awards act a mechanism to promote the aptitude of northern students at all levels of post 16 education and seek to demonstrate the value of the northern design industry. The awards started just five years ago and since then the Northern Design Competition has expanded at an astonishing rate. The 2009 competition welcomed some 3000 entries, all of which were of an exceptionally high standard. </p> <p> Use this website to find out more about the competition. Read about the categories you can enter and what is expected from your entry. Take some time to find out about the judges and the evaluation process before glancing through the archive section to find out about previous winners. The rules pages have information on how to format your work for entry. </p><p>Register by: 04-23-2010 / Submit by: 04-23-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-08T08:03:48Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-08T07:40:42Z 2010-03-08T07:40:42Z

Architects for Health invite architectural students to submit projects to be considered for the third annual Student Healthcare Design Award 2010. As in previous years any* project relating to the design of a healthcare building can be submitted, however the 2010 competition introduces a greater emphasis on the sample brief - Designing for Death: Hell, Purgatory and Paradise and a specific prize will be awarded for the most successful response to the sample brief we have prepared.<p>Register by: 07-02-2010 / Submit by: 07-02-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-08T07:40:42Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-08T07:26:24Z 2010-03-08T07:26:24Z

<p> The merging of different aspects of high quality architecture in sustainable building structures is the primary goal of teaching and research activities at the Department for Building and Environment. A key component is the skillful use of natural light. The competition "Daylight Spaces" provides a platform upon which to raise awareness of planning with natural light. </p> <p> Submitted projects and design concepts should show a sensitive, unusual, new or unexpected use of natural light and highlight its influence on structures of architectural space. Sustainability, design quality, user needs and positive effects on the environment should also be considered. Both realized projects and realizable design concepts can be submitted to the competition. </p><p>Register by: 04-26-2010 / Submit by: 04-26-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-08T07:26:24Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-08T00:00:00Z 2010-03-08T00:00:00Z

The Chicago Architectural Club is pleased to announce the 2010 Chicago Prize Competition: MINE THE GAP, a single-stage international design ideas competition dedicated to examining one of the most visible scars left after the collapse of the real estate market in Chicago: the massive hole along the Lake Michigan shore that was to have been?and may yet be?the foundation for a singular 150-story condominium tower designed by an internationally-renowned Spanish architect, a tower which was to have become a new icon for the city and region. What to do with the gap? Whether or not the project is resuscitated, what else can we do with this strategic and highly-charged site? Once the motor of real-estate speculation has stalled, what can we use to propel ourselves, and the discipline, forward?<p>Register by: 05-03-2010 / Submit by: 05-03-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-08T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-06T17:39:36Z 2010-03-06T17:39:36Z

<p> We are happy to announce that Talkitect.com along with Princeton Architectural Press are giving away five free architecture books to our readers. </p> <p> The Prizes<br> Princeton Architectural Press has agreed to donate 5 books to give away. The five winners of the contest get to chose one of the following three titles: </p> <p> Urbanisms: Working with Doubt, by Steven Holl </p> <p> Provisional : Emerging Modes of Architectural Practice USA, by Elite Kedan, F. Jonathan Dreyfous, Craig Mutter </p> <p> Kuth/Ranieri Architects, by Byron Kuth, Elizabeth Ranieri, and Ila Berman </p> <p> How To Win<br> You are eligible to win after subscribing to Talkitect.com by email (follow the steps in the left hand column of the site) or to their RSS feed and then leaving a comment below the contest post on talkitect.com (please include your name). We will randomly pick five winners and announce them on talkitect.com. Entertaining or informative comments will get preference. </p> <p> We will chose and announce the winners on Monday April 5th. Winners names will be posted on www.talkitect.com. The winners then have one week to claim their prize by emailing us with their mailing address and chosen book title. If the prize is not claimed by the Monday following the announcement we will pick a replacement winner. </p><p>Register by: 04-05-2010 / Submit by: 04-05-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-06T17:39:36Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-06T17:31:38Z 2010-03-06T17:31:38Z

<p> Designing absence aims to create an international brainstorm generated by an absence. There are cash prizes, exhibitions and a publication to win. The assignment: Design a new tower for the Cathedral of Antwerp. </p> <p> 'By playing with the idea of the absence, we generate a focus.' </p> <p> Keeping this in mind, every participant comes up with an idea for the unfinished tower. The competition can be seen as an international brainstorm, which means everybody can join. The result doesn't need to be functional, it can be an inflatable tower or a high tech amusement park attraction. Your entry can be a 3d render, a paper model, a collage, a black marker drawing or anything else you think fits your concept the best. On the website (http://designingabsence.com) you can find a picture of the Cathedral with the missing tower. Your tower must be placed on this picture, the way how is completely free. Together with the picture of the Cathedral completed with your 'new tower', you should write a short explanation about your concept and submit it on the 'Submit entry' page. </p><p>Register by: 04-20-2010 / Submit by: 04-20-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-06T17:31:38Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-06T17:27:30Z 2010-03-06T17:27:30Z

<p> Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust is seeking expressions of interest for the re-cladding of a 13-storey tower building on the St Thomas' Hospital site in central London. The East Wing building has a significant urban presence on the London skyline, being situated on the south side of the River Thames opposite the Houses of Parliament. </p> <p> The competition seeks a re-cladding design of exemplary quality befitting its location, that will at the same time provide a long-term solution to improved weatherproofing and energy efficiency. The Trust has aspirations that the re-cladding scheme should be of the highest architectural quality hence the decision to proceed down the RIBA competition route. A challenge to design teams will be to achieve a solution that can be delivered with the minimum of disruption and interference to the existing building, without the need for decanting. The internal refurbishment of the building will be carried out separately, at a later date. </p> <p> The Trust wishes to ensure that the full design team is committed to both the design and delivery of the re-cladding scheme and the competition therefore seeks expressions of interest from contractor/architect teams with the capacity and imagination to deliver the project. The successful consortia will need to strike a balance that considers cost, long term value and architecture, to generate an outstanding vision that will symbolically enhance the Trust&rsquo;s reputation for healthcare provision and its landmark status in London. </p><p>Register by: 04-13-2010 / Submit by: 04-13-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-06T17:27:30Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T17:32:05Z 2010-03-05T17:32:05Z

In any medium, create a spatial response to the competition title. Can you distill your ideas to a single vignette?<p>Register by: 11-26-2010 / Submit by: 12-31-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T17:32:05Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T17:31:20Z 2010-03-05T17:31:20Z

In any medium, create a spatial response to the competition title. Can you distill your ideas to a single vignette?<p>Register by: 10-29-2010 / Submit by: 11-26-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T17:31:20Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T17:30:37Z 2010-03-05T17:30:37Z

In any medium, create a spatial response to the competition title. Can you distill your ideas to a single vignette?<p>Register by: 09-24-2010 / Submit by: 10-29-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T17:30:37Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T17:29:50Z 2010-03-05T17:29:50Z

In any medium, create a spatial response to the competition title. Can you distill your ideas to a single vignette?<p>Register by: 08-27-2010 / Submit by: 09-24-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T17:29:50Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T17:28:57Z 2010-03-05T17:28:57Z

In any medium, create a spatial response to the competition title. Can you distill your ideas to a single vignette?<p>Register by: 07-30-2010 / Submit by: 08-27-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T17:28:57Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T17:28:09Z 2010-03-05T17:28:09Z

In any medium, create a spatial response to the competition title. Can you distill your ideas to a single vignette?<p>Register by: 05-28-2010 / Submit by: 06-25-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T17:28:09Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T17:27:17Z 2010-03-05T17:27:17Z

In any medium, create a spatial response to the competition title. Can you distill your ideas to a single vignette?<p>Register by: 06-25-2010 / Submit by: 07-30-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T17:27:17Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T17:26:20Z 2010-03-05T17:26:20Z

In any medium, create a spatial response to the competition title. Can you distill your ideas to a single vignette?<p>Register by: 04-30-2010 / Submit by: 05-28-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T17:26:20Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T17:25:16Z 2010-03-05T17:25:16Z

<p> True social change in architecture begins with insightful programming &ndash; programming that rethinks the purpose and social objective of individual spaces, as well as their collective effect on users and the surrounding community. Through programming alone, communicate your design concept for a school that fosters a socially-aware education for its students. </p> <p> How can a school inspire socially-aware design? </p><p>Register by: 04-30-2010 / Submit by: 06-11-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T17:25:16Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T17:18:37Z 2010-03-05T17:18:37Z

<p> Craft and clearly communicate your idea for a design school that fosters a socially-aware education for its students. </p> <p> How can a school inspire socially-aware design? </p><p>Register by: 11-19-2010 / Submit by: 01-28-2011</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T17:18:37Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T04:01:00Z 2010-03-05T04:01:00Z

<p> The goal of the program is to recognize, highlight and publish planning and design solutions that best illustrate the following park design principles: -Reverence for place<br> -Engagement of all people<br> -Expansion beyond traditional boundaries<br> -Advancement of sustainability<br> -Informed decision making<br> -An integrated research, planning, design, and review process </p> <p> The awards program is intended to reach both park planning and design communities. This call for submissions is extended both internationally and to parks that are administered by all levels of government. </p> <p> Entries must demonstrate response to one or more of these principles. Additionally entries in all categories must illustrate innovative and sensistive strategies applied toward resource preservation, energy conservation, sustainability, contextual design and mitigation of climate change. </p> <p> The award program seeks to recognize quality examples of these principles that are demonstrated through one of the following categories: Master Plans (adopted or approved), Design Guidelines (adopted or approved), Building Design (compete and open to the public), Site Design (complete and open to the public), and Transportation Design (complete, open and operational). </p> <p> All submittals will be judged on the following criteria:<br> -Leadership and innovation demonstrated in the application of the principles.<br> -Creativity and sensitivity demonstrated in the application of the principles.<br> -Number of principles illustrated.<br> -Complexity of park or open space problem solved.<br> -Compliance with entry requirements. </p><p>Register by: 04-30-2010 / Submit by: 04-30-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T04:01:00Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T03:57:58Z 2010-03-05T03:57:58Z

<p> RomeCityVision is an ideas competition, which challenges architects, engineers, designers, students and creatives individuals to develop visionary urban proposals with the intention of stimulating and supporting the contemporary city, in this case Rome. Through innovative ideas and methodologies which can improve the connection between the historical, present, and future city. CITYVISION aims to foster a critical evolution of architectural historiography. </p> <p> The Italian city manifests a consistent absence of Contemporary Urban Planning and relatively ineffective architectural intervention. The objective of the competition is to drive your imagination, by the use of new materials, echo- technologies, parametric software and territorial organizations for a future vision of the city of Rome. Globalization, environmental concerns, the future historiography of the city, adaptability and emerging digital practices are some of the elements that should be taken into consideration. </p> <p> The Planning Proposal can re-assess a significant monument, road, district or better still the whole city. For this reason there are no restrictions of site, program or dimension of the project. The goal is to give maximum freedom, with the intention of achieving the most innovative and provocative proposals. Proposals should aim to augment and stimulate the urban inhabitance and experience of the ordinary person. The proposed planning, should support and integrate itself environmentally, seeking to create and improve a unified relationship between the city and its&rsquo; cultural behavior. </p> <p> This International Competition has three aims: </p> <p> 1. To stimulate research in urban planning and civic vitalization. </p> <p> 2. To encourage and promote progressive ideas from the emerging generation of designers. </p> <p> 3. To stimulate the scientific development in the field of architecture by means of a critical reflection and discussion. </p><p>Register by: 05-28-2010 / Submit by: 06-02-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T03:57:58Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T03:49:44Z 2010-03-05T03:49:44Z

<p> Following the success of 2008 Bridge Design Competition, National Taipei University of Technology (NTUT) School of Architecture would like to further the event, by offering a second design competition to foster idea dialogues among students. Building upon past experiences, NTUT hopes to enhance the platform on which global exchanges can take place. Given architecture&rsquo;s recent involvement with sustainability and global warming, this competition calls for creative responses to these environmental concerns. </p> <p> THEME<br> This competition takes on an elemental perspective to architectural design and sustainability. Entrants are to imagine and produce creative proposals for an "ecological" WALL. The evaluation and definition of "WALL" are open to applicants&rsquo; imaginations. While "ecological" could have many definitions: Social, economical, sustainable, etc, it remains open to applicants' re-evaluation. Entrants are free to choose or make a site, real or virtual. </p> <p> ELIGIBILITY<br> Open to international students in the fields of architecture and design related disciplines from an accredited four-year or five-year architecture program. Teamed collaboration consisting of students in the above mentioned fields is permitted. Works submitted must be of applicants' original works. Works done through school studios are accepted, but limited to 2010 Spring term. </p><p>Register by: 05-12-2010 / Submit by: 05-19-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T03:49:44Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T03:43:04Z 2010-03-05T03:43:04Z

<p> The Young Architects Forum (YAF) of Atlanta is pleased to announce the 2010 competition entitled 10Up. We're calling on young designers to step up to the 10Up challenge! </p> <p> Each year Modern Atlanta (MA) celebrates architecture and design with a week-long celebration around Atlanta. This year the executive directors and founders of MA have asked the Young Architects Forum of Atlanta to create a competition for a temporary outdoor installation which will act as a beacon and marker for the week of events. The structure is to be installed and operational during the MA events, currently planned for June 1-6, 2010. The project is not only to accentuate the series of events organized by MA, but will also be an event of its own celebrating young talents showing their work to the public. </p><p>Register by: 04-01-2010 / Submit by: 04-15-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T03:43:04Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T03:41:02Z 2010-03-05T03:41:02Z

<p> A Competition for Built Residential Landscapes </p> <p> Through a juried competition, Suburbia Transformed, One Garden at a Time will assemble contemporary projects achieving the goal of exploring green technologies within the context of the aesthetics of human landscape experience on small residential sites. The competition, sponsored by the James Rose Center and co-sponsored by ASLANJ, Garden Design Magazine, and Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, will result in a traveling exhibition and catalogue. The emphasis is on how emerging sustainable strategies and tactics are used to create human landscape experiences that are beautiful, inspiring, perhaps profound; and which might serve as examples for transforming the suburban residential fabric, one garden at a time. </p> <p>Register by: 04-09-2010 / Submit by: 04-16-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T03:41:02Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T03:38:38Z 2010-03-05T03:38:38Z

<p> Integrated habitat design ensures that development maintains the health of the natural systems that we all depend on. The focus of the IHDC competition is to ensure that working with nature, adapting to climate change and enhancing biodiversity is integral to the design of new urban, suburban and rural built developments. </p> <p> Submissions can be for any built environment design project in an urban, suburban or rural location, of any size, anywhere in the UK and must take into account each of the Design Criteria (Ecosystem Services, Nature, Water, Energy & low-carbon, Livability, Economics). </p> <p> Designs can be for new-builds, retro-fits, open spaces, public spaces, transitional-spaces, residential, commercial, mixed-use, brown-field etc </p> <p> As a guiding principle: a bee should never be further than 20 metres from a food source within the site and a hedgehog should be able to cross the scheme in safety. </p> <p> The main award will be for the design that best integrates nature and the built environment, using innovative approaches that balance imagination and practicality and will be awarded GBP2,000. All runners up and winners will also be given free entrance to the World Green Roof Congress in September, as well as having their work published and displayed at a 5 week long exhibition at The Building Centre in Central London. </p><p>Register by: 06-30-2010 / Submit by: 06-30-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T03:38:38Z Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T00:00:00Z 2010-03-05T00:00:00Z

<p> MAG LAB (Syria-Spain) in collaboration with Ebdaat Magazine (Architectural Creations) - ALFA 301 (Spain) And Stardust* (Spain-Italy-Brazil-USA) is Organizing the 2010 International Architectural Competition. </p> <p> The competition invites architects, engineers, designers and artists to continue investigating new ideas and concepts for the 2010 International Architectural Competition. </p> <p> The competition calls for innovative designs which take into consideration the historical and social context, the existing urban fabric, the human scale, and the environment. </p> <p> This competition of ideas will aim to give the students, architects, engineers, artists and designers enough freedom to address the challenges in the most creative and innovative way. </p><p>Register by: 05-01-2010 / Submit by: 05-20-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-03-05T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2010-02-24T08:23:24Z 2010-02-24T08:23:24Z

<p> The mission of the Delaware Valley Green Building Council (DVGBC) is to advance and promote sustainable and environmentally responsible planning, design, construction and operation of the region's buildings, landscapes, cities and communities, mindful of the legacy left for future generations. </p> <p> Each year, the DVGBC conducts a Sustainable Design Competition to engage students from regional colleges and universities. Professors are encouraged to incorporate the Design Competition with the Spring 2010 college and university curriculum. This year the DVGBC would also like to invite young professionals to enter the competition. Integrated with the LEED Green Building Rating System, the Design Competition unites students and young professionals with esteemed individuals from the DVGBC and the local design community. The goal is to incorporate sustainable design strategies into the college curriculum and empower the students and young professionals within the green building movement to become future leaders. </p> <p> The competition will award a number of cash prizes as well as a grand prize stipend to attend Greenbuild, the USGBC's annual Green Building Conference and Expo (www.greenbuildexpo.org). Greenbuild 2010 will be held in Chicago. </p><p>Register by: 04-30-2010 / Submit by: 05-03-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-02-24T08:23:24Z Death by Architecture 2010-02-24T07:38:57Z 2010-02-24T07:38:57Z

<p> Mission Statement:<br> The AIA Queens Housing Committee is proud to invite architectural schools in New York City to submit outstanding student projects that represent both creativity and innovation in housing design. Our goal is to bridge the professional and school communities while promoting events that enrich and support the architectural profession. </p> <p> Description:<br> Single or Multi-family housing in an urban setting with unique approaches to site, scale, sustainability and/or program. </p> <p> Submission requirements: Student(s) name, school program, school affiliation and project site location the Dean of each school will select three (3) students or teams and their design projects. Maximum two (2) 24" x 36" presentation boards in PDF format. </p><p>Register by: 04-02-2010 / Submit by: 04-02-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-02-24T07:38:57Z Death by Architecture 2010-02-21T20:11:43Z 2010-02-21T20:11:43Z

<p> The 2010 ResilientCity.org Design Ideas Competition is an exciting opportunity for architects, city planners, urban designers, engineers, and landscape architects, including students, graduate students and interns of these disciplines around the world to contribute ideas about creating more resilient cities. </p> <p> The purpose of the ResilientCity.org Design Ideas Competition is to stimulate thinking and discourse about how to increase the resilience of our cities as we move into a century where our cities will be subjected to the combined environmental and economic impacts of Peak Oil and Climate Change. </p> <p> There are many possible opportunities for increasing the resilience of our cities, and in the 2010 Design Ideas Competition we are looking for you to explore ideas about how you would increase the resilience of the city you live in. To this end, the 2010 competition&rsquo;s theme will be: </p> <p> "Building Urban Resilience where you live with what you have." </p> <p> There will be a $1,000 CAN prize for our jury's selection of the best planning and design idea, and there will also be an additional prize of $1,000 CAN for the best video mini-documentary. </p><p>Register by: 05-14-2010 / Submit by: 05-28-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-02-21T20:11:43Z Death by Architecture 2010-02-21T20:10:13Z 2010-02-21T20:10:13Z

<p> In celebration of the launch of Foreign Architects Switzerland, a new publication, we are hosting an ideas competition for an Islamic Center in Zuerich. Triggered by the recent ban on the construction of minarets in Switzerland, we search for entrees where Muslims can gather and practice their religion in an open, western context. </p> <p> Located on a prominent site above the Limmat River, the presence of such a Mosque is impossible to camouflage. How can architecture, as a manifestation of social relationships, expedite conflicts in a city? Is Zuerich an undisturbed town, or a war-zone, a platform for ideas to be fought for? How can elements of a foreign culture be augmented, rather than diminished, through contextualism? </p><p>Register by: 03-01-2010 / Submit by: 03-01-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-02-21T20:10:13Z Death by Architecture 2010-02-06T00:00:00Z 2010-02-06T00:00:00Z

<p> The AIA|LA's Restaurant Design Awards (RDA) honor excellence in restaurant design. The competition is open to all individuals and practices with both restaurant owners and architects/designers invited to submit. Either the project itself must be located in the United States or the submitting individual/firm must be US-based. Submissions are accepted in three main categories: restaurants, caf?s/bars and lounges/nightclubs. The annual RDA Ceremony recognizes both Jury Award Winners as well as People's Choice Award Winners, as selected by votes collected from the general public on the AIA|LA website. </p><p>Register by: 04-02-2010 / Submit by: 04-30-2010</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-02-06T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2010-02-04T00:00:00Z 2010-02-04T00:00:00Z

<p> The second issue of eVolo magazine is now available and highly recommended as a worthwhile addtion to any library. In much the same way the premier issue symbiotically merged real projects with the more conceptual sort generated in the course of the eVolo competitions, this sequel does to great success. Creating an admirable sense of balance, oftentimes acting as somewhat of a transitional device between projects are the incredibly varied and thought-provoking essays. The theme centers specifically on skyscrapers and speculates on the future of the typology as proposed through various projects and writing. </p> <p> With over thirty selected projects from the eVolo skyscraper competition and several case study towers, the publication is sure to provide a current snapshot of critical thinking on tall buildings. Graphically, the book is well-composed and complements the rigorous editing of Carlo Aiello. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.evolo.us">eVolo Issue 2 available here.</a> </p> <p> Interviews with:<br> Carol Willis<br> Giacomo Costa </p> <p> Skyscrapers by:<br> Herzog & de Meuron<br> Morphosis<br> MVRDV<br> Jean Nouvel<br> Office for Metropolitan Architecture<br> Skidmore Owings and Merrill<br> Studio Shift </p> <p> Essays by:<br> Brian Ahmes<br> Marcos Betanzos<br> Joanna Borek-Clement<br> Benny Chow<br> Mario Cipresso<br> Elie Gamburg<br> Arvin Garay-Cruz<br> Mohamed Ghamlouch<br> Ted Givens<br> Maryana Grinshpun<br> Mathias Henning<br> Reinaldo Leandro<br> Andrew Liang<br> Jos? Mu?oz-Villers<br> Chad Porter<br> Maria Prieto<br> Javier Quintana </p> <p> 2009 Skyscraper Competition:<br> 30 most innovative projects </p> <p> Aranda / Lasch:<br> Recent work </p> <p> Editor's Letter<br> by Carlo Aiello<br> It has been a tremendous satisfaction to compile this issue about the past, present, and future of the skyscraper. No other architectural genre captures our imagination and reflects our cultural and technological achievements like these towers that pierce the sky. We start off with the history and evolution of building high, from the Egyptian pyramids, Gothic cathedrals, and first American skyscrapers to the contemporary reality in Asia and the Middle East. </p> <p> We present two fascinating interviews, the first one with Carol Willis, the founder and director of the Skyscraper Museum in New York City, who explains the true genetics and economics behind the birth and future of the skyscraper. The second one with Italian artist, Giacomo Costa, who shares his vision about "the relationship between the natural environment, human activity, and supernatural reality" with provocative images of an apocalyptic urban future. </p> <p> Javier Quintana exposes the time gap between new architectural concepts and their built reality &ndash; like Arne Hosek's "City of the Future" designed in 1928 and materialized in 1998 by Cesar Pelli as the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur or Sergei Lopatin's 1925 idea for the Veshenka Tower in Moscow, later observed as the Willis Tower (former Sears Tower) in Chicago in 1974. </p> <p> Another group of essays explore the global influence of Manhattan as a contemporary Babylon to be replicated across the world, or the role of the Italian Futurists, Japanese Metabolists, and Archigram, who influenced generations of architects and designers to push forward the concept of vertical living. </p> <p> In the 'Opinion' section you will find critiques on some of the latest ideas for skyscraper design by some of the most forward-looking architects &ndash; like the concept of pixelated tectonics in Le Project Triangle in Paris by Herzog & de Meuron and Rodovere's Sky Village by MVRDV. On the other hand, Jean Nouvel redefined the Italian loggia towers of the seventeenth century with the Tour Signal in La D?fense, Paris; while Morphosis Architects explores new programs for vertical density with The Phare Tower. Lastly, Studio SHIFT masterfully integrates their Miyi Tower in Sichuan, China, with the existing landscape. </p> <p> Central to this issue are thirty projects from eVolo's 2009 Skyscraper Competition which look into the future of the skyscraper with the use of new technologies, programs, and aesthetic expression. Sustainability, globalization, flexibility, and adaptability are just some of the multi-layered elements explored by some the entries. You will find examples of cities in the sky, horizontal skyscrapers that link various cities, or emergency architecture for disaster zones. </p> <p> Finally, we present the work of Aranda / Lasch, a young New York-based design studio which develops their research on the observation of the patterns of organization in the natural world and its implementation in architecture and design. Their "Quasi-Series" furniture is designed following the assemblage logic of Quasi-crystals, where a structural pattern does not repeat itself. </p> <p> We would like to acknowledge our readers for their encouraging letters and e-mails that we have received over the last months. It is our mission to continue discovering and promoting new talents and to present a new wave of architecture that will undoubtedly transform our world. </p><p>Review By Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-02-04T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2010-01-27T00:00:00Z 2010-01-27T00:00:00Z

<p> What If this could happen in Boston? </p> <p> Winner of the SHIFTboston Ideas Competition announced at the SHIFTboston Forum </p> <p> (Boston, MA, January 14, 2010) Government officials, business, academic, and community leaders converged with artists, architects and design professionals at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston to showcase and celebrate the creative ideas about Boston's future cityscape. </p> <p> Before a packed auditorium, the finalists of the SHIFTboston Ideas Competition were discussed by a panel composed of local architects Brian Healy and Audrey O&rsquo;Hagan, joined by Maria Aiolova Co-Founder of Terrefuge and Terreform ONE, NY and Carlo Ratti Director of MIT SENSEable City Lab. Projects presented encompassed a variety of topics ranging from social web technologies, transportation, urban agriculture, energy harvesting and ecological urbanism. </p> <p> The winning team of Sapir Ng and Andrzej Zarzycki were presented with their US$1,000 prize check for their idea TUTS: Tremont underground theater space. Their concept is to transform the abandoned Tremont Street subway tunnels into an interactive cultural space with experiential theaters and immersive digital galleries. While creating a connection between the Orange and Green subway lines, a trolley museum would celebrate the history of the landmark as North America's oldest subway system. "Compared to what I do on a daily basis and seeing the normative architecture that we have, this is really truly wonderful. I'd like to figure out a way that in city government and in the development community, that we can figure out what are the kernels of brilliant ideas and be able to apply them." Kairos Shen, Chief Planner, Boston Redevelopment Authority. </p> <p> Visit <a href="http://shiftboston.org/outcome.html">SHIFTBoston</a> to see the all of the finalists online. </p> <p> About the SHIFTboston Ideas Competition 2009, http://shiftboston.org, This international competition gathered 141 entries from sixteen states and fourteen countries ideas from visionary architects, artists, landscape architects, urban designers, and others answering the call: WHAT IF this could happen in Boston? </p> <p> About SHIFTboston<br> SHIFTboston is here to be the catalyst for change; our goal is to promote the future urban environment and provide a stage for progressive thinkers to present his and her visions. We will push new ideas and innovations that are necessary for Boston to become a model city for the future. Let's start now and have fun doing it. </p><p>Posted By Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-01-27T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2010-01-14T00:00:00Z 2010-01-14T00:00:00Z

<p> On Jan. 12th a powerful 7.0 quake hit the impoverished nation of Haiti. This was followed more than 30+ strong aftershocks. There has been widespread major damage and a loss of life estimated to be between 45,000 to 50,000 according to the Red Cross with some other estimates as high as 100,000. There are projections of 2-3 million without shelter. </p> <p> Architecture for Humanity has launched an appeal to focus on the long term reconstruction effort in Haiti. </p> <p> If you can, please support this cause. </p> <p> For more information about Architecture for Humanity's activities in Haiti or to donate, please visit <a href="http://architectureforhumanity.org/updates/2010-01-13-haiti-quake-appeal-reconstruction-plan-in-development">Architecture for Humanity</a> </p><p>Posted by Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2010-01-14T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2009-12-31T00:00:00Z 2009-12-31T00:00:00Z

<p> [New application now available in the App Store] <p> Apple has approved 'Architecture' for distribution in the App Store. A selection of the world's finest architectural masterpieces in pocket size. A one-stop GPS-enabled guide to the world&rsquo;s greatest buildings from the 20th and 21st century. </p> <p> Travel to any place in the world and this guide will tell you, where the most interesting buildings are located nearby. It tells you the story behind the building and the architect, shows two images for each project, website and address, and a detailed map with walking or driving directions. It also presents you with a Google Street View where available. </p> <p> 'Architecture' contains projects from 165 different architects, in 270 cities worldwide. It has more than 1000 pictures from buildings stored internally. From Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe to Sanaa and OMA. From Oscar Niemeyer and Frank Lloyd Wright to Morphosis and Peter Zumthor. A selection of 20th and 21st century architecture that spans traditions throughout the world, from the all time favorites to the latest Pritzker Prize winners, from classic icons to hidden architectural gems and oddities. </p> <p> A great tool for architecture and design lovers, world travelers and city dwellers, to discover great buildings worldwide. Projects can also be browsed by categories ?cities? or ?architects? with no data connection needed, because all information and pictures are stored offline on the end-user&rsquo;s phone. So no expensive roaming cost when abroad and it can also be used without GPS, in Flight Mode or on the iPod Touch. All projects have a full description, photos and additional details such as the name of the architect, the year it was built and the associated website. </p> <p> 'Architecture' offers a free trial version that lets users try all features for 3 days. After the trial period, it will return to basic browsing mode. Cost of application is USD 3.99 / EUR 2,99. </p> <p> <a href="http://itunes.com/apps/architecture">Download Application</a> </p> <p> <a href="http://www.makayama.com/architecture.html">Application Homepage</a> </p> <p> <a href="http://www.makayama.com/Architecture_Screenshots.zip">More Screenshots</a> </p><p>Posted By Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2009-12-31T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2009-12-30T00:00:00Z 2009-12-30T00:00:00Z

<p> From Studio Banana TV's website: </p> <p> Studio Banana TV interviews Japanese architect Toyo Ito on the occasion of his lecture at the European University of Madrid. Toyo Ito is one of the world's most innovative and influential architects. Ito is known for creating extreme concept buildings, in which he seeks to fuse the physical and virtual worlds. Interview realised with the sponsorship of the European University of Madrid. </p> <p> Toyo Ito is a Japanese architect born in 1941. He graduated from Tokyo University's Department of Architecture in 1965. His office Toyo Ito & Associates is a world leading exponent of architecture that addresses the contemporary notion of a "simulated" city, and has been called "one of the world's most innovative and influential architects." </p> <p> After a brief stint in the Metabolist studio of Kiyonori Kikutake, in 1971 he started his own studio in Tokyo, named Urbot ("Urban Robot"). In 1979, the studio name was changed to Toyo Ito & Associates. Throughout his early career Ito constructed numerous private house projects that expressed aspects of urban life in Japan. His early experiments include the Tower of Winds, the Egg of Winds and the Pao House for nomad women. Later projects include the Yatsushiro Municipal Museum and the Shimosuwa Municipal Museum. More recently he has built the Sendai Mediatheque (2001), the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in London (2002), TOD's Omotesando Building in Tokyo (2004), the World Games Stadium in Kaohsiung, Taiwan (2008) or the Torre Fira BCN Building in Barcelona (2009). </p> <p> Ito has defined architecture as "clothing" for urban dwellers, particularly in the contemporary Japanese metropolis. This theme revolves around the equilibrium between the private life and the metropolitan "public" life of an individual. The current architecture of Toyo Ito expands on his work produced during the postmodern period, aggressively exploring the potentials of new forms. In doing so, he seeks to find new spatial conditions that manifest the philosophy of borderless beings. </p> <p> Interview by Cornelia Tapparelli. Translation by Yayoi Kawamura. </p> <p> <a href="http://studiobanana.tv/2009/12/18/studio-banana-tv-interviews-toyo-ito/">Watch the interview.</a> </p> <p><p>Posted by Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2009-12-30T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2009-12-30T00:00:00Z 2009-12-30T00:00:00Z

<p> For those of you unfamiliar with the work of Triple Canopy, you'll find this most recent issue to be an exemplar of the timely critical writing and cultural analysis that has quickly become their hallmark. In reviewing Issue 7, you'll find yourself digging back into previous issues to connect various urban ideas that have been investigated over the first several issues. In this sense, Triple Canopy offers an admirable sense of continuity from release to release. </p> <p> From Triple Canopy: </p> <p> Issue 7, Urbanisms: Master Plans </p> <p> The seventh issue of Triple Canopy has reached its conclusion, and with it a seven-month examination of our current urban situation and what lies beyond it: the city&rsquo;s past and its future; the suburban, the exurban, the frontier. </p> <p> Learning from Tijuana by Teddy Cruz with Caleb Waldorf From the graveyards of corporate architecture to the informal settlements of Latin America. </p> <p> The VPL Authority by Rustam Mehta & Thomas Moran with Keller Easterling Deep in the desert Southwest, a public-private corporation is building a mega-eco-city that will be the hub of a new high-speed rail network. </p> <p> Divine Wilderness by Nathan Schneider From Thomas Aquinas and John the Baptist to cellular automata and intelligent design: How God taught us planning, and where we went wrong. </p> <p> Daybreak by Lucy Raven In the suburbs of Salt Lake City, the newest great dead American economy lies in wake atop the last one. </p> <p> Urbanisms: Master Plans also features work by Zlatan Filipovic with Molly Kleiman, Bryan Finoki, Hovhanness Tumanyan & Vahram Aghasyan, Urban China, Kazys Varnelis, and Zs with Josh Slater. </p> <p> <a href="http://canopycanopycanopy.com/7">Read Triple Canopy Issue 7</a> </p><p>Posted By Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2009-12-30T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2009-09-16T00:00:00Z 2009-09-16T00:00:00Z

<p> The recently launched eVolo magazine is now available digitally on Zinio for a fraction of the price of the print edition and with the added bonus of sparing a few trees from the horror of the paper mill. </p> <p> Zinio provides an easy-to-use interface with excellent clarity of text and graphics. There are various zoom and viewing controls to help you maximize your reading experience. My favorite features include a clickable table of contents and the ability to search the text. </p> <p> Have a look at <a href="http://www.zinio.com/browse/publications/?productId=500296301&offer=500136039&bd=1&pss=1">Zinio.com</a> </p><p>Posted By Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2009-09-16T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2009-08-27T00:00:00Z 2009-08-27T00:00:00Z

<p> From SPFa:<br> SPF:a presented its design concept in grand style to a packed house at the Grand Theatre in Calgary, along with other finalists, Allied Works Architecture/BKDI, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Jean Nouvel Workshop, and Saucier + Perrotte. The project, which involves building a National Music Centre in and around the shell of Calgary's oldest blues bar is seen by many as one of the country&rsquo;s most ambitious and important urban-design projects, and is located in the heart of one of Calgary's oldest neighborhoods. The Centre will be part museum, part education and outreach facility, and part performance space, incorporating genres ranging from pop and country to ancient music and contemporary composition. For its presentation, SPF:a delighted the crowd with a stunning documentary film &ndash; taking viewers on a journey, not only through the building, but through the entire creative process and soul of the project. Cantos will announce a selection in September 2009. </p> <p> VIDEO:<br> <a href="http://www.vimeo.com/5794349">SPFa on Vimeo</a> </p> <p> More information at:<br> <a href="http://www.spfa.com/cantos">www.spfa.com</a> </p><p>Posted by Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2009-08-27T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2009-08-12T00:00:00Z 2009-08-12T00:00:00Z

<p> By now, many of you are familiar with the annual eVolo Skyscraper Competition that has been featured on our Death By Architecture website. In fact, we reviewed the publication, 'eVolo, Skyscraper For The XXI Century' that presented the results of the 2006, 2007 and 2008 editions of the competition and still highly recommend it as a worthy addition to your library. </p> <p> Like the book, the magazine is thoughtfully edited by Carlo Aiello and the lengths he has gone to publicize the work produced in the course of the competitions is commendable. This premier issue of eVolo Magazine centers itself around selected projects from the 2007 Housing Competition and then complements those projects with a strong selection of notable commissions by architects such as Herzog & De Meuron, Steven Holl, OMA, BIG and Asymptote. The juxtaposition of 'real' and 'conceptual' makes for interesting food for thought especially when you consider the mission of the magazine, which is to highlight the most innovative and inventive ideas that will shape the cities of the 21st Century. </p> <p> With over 30 projects and articles, the magazine is substantial and of high-quality and you'll surely find yourself returning to it many times. eVolo plans to release two issues a year currently and given the execution of this first issue, I am definitely looking forward to the sequel. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.evolo-arch.com">www.evolo-arch.com</a> </p> <p>Review by Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2009-08-12T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2009-06-24T00:00:00Z 2009-06-24T00:00:00Z

<p> BIG wins an International Competition to design Tallin's new City Hall. </p> <p> An international idea contest was held for Tallinn's new City Hall in Estonia and the best concept was presented by the Bjarke Ingels Group from Denmark together with Adams Kara Taylor of the UK. </p> <p> The purpose of the international idea contest was to find the best architectural solution for the new administrative building of the city government that will be situated on a 35,000 m2 plot near the Linnahall building. The contest for the new city was met with a great interest, 81 architects and their teams were willing to present an entry. Of those, the international jury chose the best 9 to shortlist as finalists into the second phase of the competition. By May 15 the finalists handed in their final solutions. The international jury's decision to award BIG's entry first place in the competition was unanimous and was presided by the vice mayor Taavi Aas. </p> <p> Bjarke Ingels, BIG, Partner-in-Charge:<br> There is a saying that success has many fathers. That is especially true when designing such a crucial public building and public space as a town hall. The design needs to be shaped by input from neighbours and users, citizens and politicians. Paradoxically we architects often find ourselves isolated from this crucial dialogue at the moment of conception, due to the anonymity of the architectural competition. </p> <p> Since this was a 2 stage competition, we already had our first feedback from the jury &ndash; causing us to dramatically rearrange our design to fit the citizens&rsquo; needs. As a result we have envisioned a very elastic structure &ndash; capable of adapting to unexpected demands. We see it as the first conversation in a design dialogue we look forward to continue. </p> <p> Public Insight + Political Overview<br> Good governance and participatory democracy is dependent on transparency in both directions. It requires adequate political overview of the problems, demands and desires of the public, as well as public insight into the political processes. The new town hall of Tallinn will provide this two way transparency in a very literal way. The various public departments form a porous canopy above the public service market place allowing both daylight and view to permeate the structure. The public servants won't be some remote administrators taking decisions behind thick walls, but will be visible in their daily work from all over the market place via the light wells and courtyards. From outside the panoramic windows allow the citizens to see their city at work. In reverse the public servants will be able to look out and into the market place's making sure that the city and its citizens are never out of sight nor mind. </p> <p> Jakob Lange, BIG, Project Leader<br> The Town hall is not only surrounded by public space - but literally invaded by the citizens in the form of the public service market place beneath the canopy of the public offices, where the citizens of Tallinn can meet their public servants. </p> <p> Democratic Tower<br> The City Council, the heart of the democratic process, is located in the town hall tower visible from the park, the plaza and the podium of the Linnen Hall. The roof of the tower is tilted forming a slender spire. Inside the City Council greeting hall is accessed via the grand stair or elevators directly from the market place, or from the City offices around it. Above the greeting hall, the City Council is located in a generous space illuminated though a large window facing the city. A balcony for press and visitors flanks the space on the level above. The sloping ceiling of the tower is finished in a large reflective material. The mirror ceiling transforms the tower into a huge democratic periscope allowing literal transparency between politicians and public. In ancient times the town hall would have a vaulted ceiling decorated with a sky or frescos of the land and territories under the ruler's government. In the new town hall of Tallinn the ceiling will be a real (reflected) overview of the city both old and new. </p> <p> Whenever a politician raises his/her glance, he/she will be met with the view of Tallinn's townscape. In reverse, the citizens, rallying protesters or simply people passing by, will look towards the tower, and within it get an insight into the political work. The circular formation of council members will be reflected in the tilted ceiling, and give the surrounding citizens a sense of assurance that the democracy is busy working for them. In a traditional tower only the king at the top gets to enjoy the great view. The periscope is a form of democratic tower, where even the average Tallinn citizen on the street gets to enjoy the overview from the top. From a distance the silhouette of the town hall tower enters the family of Tallinn&rsquo;s historical spires including those of the Niguliste Museum-Concert Hall, Toomkirik, Kaarli Kirik, P?havaimu Kirik, St. Olav Church and the current town hall. </p> <p> Hanif Kara, Adams Kara Taylor:<br> The structural concept reflects the simplicity of the architectural intent; a grouping of "easily assembled individual Frames" that through vierendeel frames free the connection of the city at ground level whilst simultaneously act as a "group" to resist lateral loads. The result is an economic, fast build adaptable solution. </p> <p> The Jury<br> The international idea contest was jointly organized by the City Planning Department and the Union of Estonian Architects. The members of the jury were: Head Architect of Tallinn Endrik M?nd, Administrative Director of the Tallinn City Office Viljar Meister, head Architect of Riga Janis Dripe, architect Tarald Lundevall from Norway, architect Peter Wilson from Germany, architects Martin Aunin, Tiit Trummal, Kalle Komissarov, and Andres Levald as a substitute member. The winning project was awarded with 500,000 Estonian kroons. The mayor of Tallinn Edgar Savisaar stated contentment with the results of the competition, thanked all the participants and expressed his hope that the new administrative building of Tallinn will be built sooner or later, despite the hard times in the European economy. </p> <p> THE TALLINN TOWN HALL CREDIT LIST:<br> - ARCHITECT: BIG<br> - CONTRIBUTORS: Daniel Sundlin, Hanna Johansson, Ondrej Janku, Ken Aoki, Benjamin Engelhardt, Maxime Enrico, Joao Albuquerque<br> - PROJECT: TALLINN TOWN HALL<br> - CLIENT: CITY PLANNING OFFICE, CITY OF TALLINN<br> - COLLABORATORS: AKT<br> - SIZE: 28.000 M2<br> - LOCATION: TALLINN, ESTONIA<br> - TYPE: OPEN IDEAS COMPETITION </p> <p> For further information or high res images please contact:<br> BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group<br> E-mail: press@big.dk<br> Website: <a href="http://www.big.dk">http://www.big.dk</a> </p><p>Posted by Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2009-06-24T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2009-06-10T00:00:00Z 2009-06-10T00:00:00Z

<p> Their usefulness and relevance to our purpose is yet to be seen but in hopes of connecting with more of you, I have setup a Twitter account and created a group on Facebook. </p> <p> Many of you have already joined us online at Linkedin and that's proven somewhat successful. I expect these two venues to create more frequent debate. </p> <p> I'm definitely open to some feedback in how you think Twitter can best be utilized, I doubt you want to know when I am making a turkey sandwich...well, maybe some of you do. So look me up on Twitter with my name or my user name, "DeathByArch". </p> <p> Those of you on Facebook, which I believe is everyone by now, please look us up and join the group. </p> <p> I am looking forward to your participation. </p> <p>Posted By Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2009-06-10T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2009-06-03T00:00:00Z 2009-06-03T00:00:00Z

<p> From the 0300tv.com website: </p> <p> 0300TV visited Sofia von Ellrichshausen and Mauricio Pezo [Pezo von Ellrichshausen Architects] and four of their recent residential projects in Concepcion, Chile: Parr House, Poli House, Wolf House and Fosc House. </p> <p> So what's the big deal? PvE Architects may have the recipe for operating in developing contexts like -not-so-emerging-anymore Chile. </p> <p> It&rsquo;s been almost eight years since they&rsquo;ve been established in Concepcion, Chile and started to experiment with their subtly restrained method of work formats, trial and error, between art and architecture. Operating in unstable conditions, PvE Architect&rsquo;s work demonstrates that there&rsquo;s no room here for grand gestures. It&rsquo;s all about searching for small ideas, small approximations, which &ndash;in addition- will conform the final oeuvre. </p> <p> 0300TV presents Pezo von Ellrichshausen Architects: Context & Work System, featuring an interview to PvE Architects and footage of Forestal and I Was There Installations plus Parr, Poli, Wolf and Fosc houses. </p> <p> See the video at <a href="http://www.0300tv.com/2009/05/pezo-von-ellrichshausen-architects-context-work-system-english-subs/">0300tv.com</a>. </p><p>Posted by Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2009-06-03T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2009-06-01T00:00:00Z 2009-06-01T00:00:00Z

<p> VBS.NET is featuring a recent interview with Oscar Niemeyer that is a must-see. The interview is presented in two short segments but it's quite fascinating that after 101 years of life, thus far, Niemeyer believes in keeping it simple although his architecture maintains a certain complexity that has become a trademark over his long career. </p> <p> He talks briefly about his work but turns to the ocassional outside influence on his architecture, such as a woman. He prefers not to discuss architecture it seems, rather he appears to return to various moments in his life, painting a vivid picture of what he really believes in hindsight is important. A life that he believes is so insignificant in comparison to the magnitude of the cosmos, that no man should consider himself important. It's all about being useful and making contributions to society. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.vbs.tv/video.php?id=23347144001">Oscar Niemeyer Interview at VBS.NET</a> </p> <p> From the VBS.NET site:<br> In the 1950s, Brazil decided it would be a perfectly reasonable idea to move the capital to the center of the country's interior plateau (read: nowhere). To facilitate this sensible endeavor they enlisted Oscar Niemeyer - an ardent communist and proponent of modern architecture who, alongside his buddy Le Corbusier, had co-designed the UN building in New York - to build a crazy spacepod city in the middle of the planalto. </p> <p> Brasilia provided Niemeyer the perfect template to test out all the theoretical business he and his modernist colleagues had been cooking up for the past two decades. Together with urban planner Luis Costa, he designed a functionally integrated city full of massive concrete mushroom buildings and swooping aluminum spires and twisty overpasses and skyways and symbolic edifices and designated "sectors" where no one would ever have to watch out for traffic or wait at a stoplight. It's basically the bastard child of Alphaville and Albany, NY, and to this day remains a benchmark in what we really hope the future is going to look like. </p> <p> It also sealed his reputation as one of the century's most influential architects and certainly its most influential Brazilian. Then an anti-communist military junta seized control of the country and kicked him out. </p><p>Posted By Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2009-06-01T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2009-05-20T00:00:00Z 2009-05-20T00:00:00Z

<p> Denver, Colorado-based Sprocket hosted an open competition in the historic Highland Square district of Denver to engage the DESIGN community in a public forum. The specific goal was to create a discussion of innovative concepts for designing, occupying and programming public space. The competition endeavored to explore the concepts of community and sustainability through the union of an innovative programming, the exchange of goods and service, and public art. </p> <p> The program focused on creating a viable concept for programming a 'public space' and entrants were encouraged to go beyond the idea of food and produce. The entrants were asked to expand the historical notion of a ?farmer&rsquo;s market&rsquo; to things such as art display, community venues, music venue, crafts, etc. The concepts were to focus on activating the space with the flexibility to provide year round programming. In addition, each entrant was to create a viable identity for community outreach. </p> <p> The competition attracted almost 60 entries hailing from both the United States and abroad. All entries are online for viewing at the <a href="http://www.sprocketgallery.com/">Sprocket Gallery</a> website. </p> <p> The winners are: </p> <p> First Place<br> Arquitectura, Inc.-(Wisconsin)<br> Nick Cascarano, Harry Van Oudenallen, Brittany Radlinger, Andrew Herland </p> <p> Second Place<br> Andy Stein, Rick Alexander And Mari Suarez (Colorado) </p> <p> Third Place<br> Kenny Kinugasa-Tsui, Lorene Faure, Justin C.K. Lau, Jaenes Bong, Jonathan Alotto, & Ana?s Sansonetti (United Kingdom) </p> <p> Merit Award<br> Bernie Costello (Colorado) </p> <p> Colorado Award<br> Steve Perce (Colorado) </p> <p> International Honor Award<br> Carlos Marin And Carlos Avalos (Mexico) </p> <p> National Honor Award<br> Ziska Architecture (Ohio)<Br> Rick Ziska And Justin Gustafson </p> <p> Complete details and jury information at <a href="http://www.sprocketgallery.com/">Sprocket Gallery</a>. </p><p>Posted By Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2009-05-20T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2009-04-27T00:00:00Z 2009-04-27T00:00:00Z

<p> The recent release of the "HYBRIDS" series has proven timely and relevant given the current prevailing environmental and economic issues we face as a global society today. The underlying themes center largely on the need to intensify and maximize land use as a means to develop sustainable systems and societies which is directly connected to the increasing scarcity of available land. These two themes coupled with the recent trends towards re-inhabiting city centers makes the thoughtful consideration of high-density, mixed-use urban solutions more critical than ever. We've seen more large-scale urban proposals in the architecture media recently than ever before, often bordering on the absurd. The authors have done well to select a good cross-section of projects that are largely built (or planned) and have split the two volumes based on horizontal versus vertical strategies. </p> <p> The authors present the notion of the 'Hybrid' as structures that enable the mixing or combination of different programs and urban uses. They further expand the definition to include the hybridization of public and private interests in the realms of housing, public space and civic amenities as a means to address the aforementioned social and environmental issues. </p> <p> "Hybrids 1: High-Rise Mixed-Use Buildings" features Steven Holl's Linked Hybrid, OMA's Dubai Renaissance, REX's Museum Plaza and BIG's Scala Tower. "Hybrids 2: Low-Rise Mixed-Use Buildings" features Jakob+MacFarlane's Docks du Paris, Steven Holl's Vanke Center and Office dA's New Kuwait Sports Shooting Club. One may find the scale of these projects somewhat daunting and it remains to be seen how sustainable these high-density solutions are as projects of this nature are largely untested. These projects form somewhat of a laboratory, a new type of social experiment which is largely taking form in Asia and the Middle East. </p> <p> The projects are presented in typical a+t fashion which is anything but typical. All projects are custom diagrammed which lends to the ease of project-to-project comparison and analysis. Every project is considered and quantified urbanistically, programmatically and functionally. The graphic presentation is very well done and you'll find the books to be well organized. </p> <p> It's unfortunate that you can't find these easily on Amazon at the time of this review but you can purchase them directly through a+t ediciones. </p><p>Review By Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2009-04-27T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2009-04-17T00:00:00Z 2009-04-17T00:00:00Z

<p> Although the results were officially announced last week for the international competition sponsored by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, the work of all 7 finalists has now been published online at the <a href="http://twcdc.cpami.gov.tw/index_e.html">TCDC competition website</a>. Only the first place entry shows all the presentation panels while all others were limited to just a few images. The entries have also been published elsewhere on the internet in English and Chinese at Forgemind Archimedia where they display some varied materials, but still not all entries in their entirety (see the links below). </p> <p> The seven finalists were composed of three local Taiwanese firms, who placed first, second and third, and four international firms with local associate architects who all received honorable mentions......hmmm. </p> <p> First Prize<br> Ricky Liu & Associates + CUH2A<br> <a href="http://www.forgemind.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=15717">http://www.forgemind.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=15717</a> </p> <p> Second Prize<br> Fei & Cheng Associates + Harvey Ellis Devereaux<br> <a href="http://www.forgemind.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=15718">http://www.forgemind.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=15718</a> </p> <p> Third Prize<br> Domino Architects & Associates<br> <a href="http://www.forgemind.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=15719">http://www.forgemind.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=15719</a> </p> <p> Honorable Mentions<br> TAG Design Works + Kornberg Associates<br> <a href="http://www.forgemind.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=15720">http://www.forgemind.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=15720</a> </p> <p> Shuhei Endo + Kunio Watanabe<br> <a href="http://www.forgemind.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=15721">http://www.forgemind.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=15721</a> </p> <p> Studio Shift + HOY Architects<br> <a href="http://www.forgemind.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=15722">http://www.forgemind.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=15722</a> </p> <p> Manfredi Nicoletti + ARCO Architects & Designers<br> <a href="http://www.forgemind.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=15723">http://www.forgemind.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=15723</a> </p> <p> <br> <a href="http://twcdc.cpami.gov.tw/index_e.html">Taiwan Centers for Disease Control Competition Website</a> </p><p>Posted by Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2009-04-17T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2009-04-05T00:00:00Z 2009-04-05T00:00:00Z

<p> There are many organizations that sponsor worthwhile programs and they of course deserve our support. I recently learned of one such program that has architecture students as its driving force and the group in particular that I am familiar with is the University of Southern California chapter of the Global Architecture Brigades. This is essentially a student initiated effort and it's always inspiring and refreshing when young undergraduate students begin learning about the positive impacts that architecture can have on people and their communities. </p> <p> The students at the University of Southern California (USC) who in collaboration with the organization Global Architecture Brigades have begun an international project for the impoverished in Panama. They are researching and designing a sustainable and ecologically responsible residential project that will eventually be built in Panama, by us and with the help of the community. Our goal is to construct a beneficial space while teaching the community members construction techniques. Hopefully this will enable and empower the surrounding communities to continue rebuilding their neighborhoods. </p> <p> You can learn more about the program and students involved, and if you deem appropriate, donate, by following this link to the <a href="http://uscarchitecturebrigades.blogspot.com/">USC Global Architecture Brigades Blog</a> </p> <p> More on the Global Architecture Brigades:<br> Global Architecture Brigades is a volunteer student-based collaborative dedicated to the research, design, and construction of socially responsible, environmentally sustainable solutions to architectural problems in the developing world. A think tank design approach utilizes extensive community dialog and independent research to create efficient, appropriate, and elegant structures to be embraced and utilized by those for whom they were built. Ultimately, extended relationships between brigades and communities would result not only in the implementation of a variety of projects, but also the accumulation of a vast wealth of knowledge from which future students, designers, and communities could learn. </p> <p> Creating these solutions within the current parameters that the field of architecture has set is simply not possible. Students of design must question, reconsider, and ultimately rewrite every aspect of design that culture has come to accept. Through this counter-cultural approach to design defiance, architecture can become something essential not to the few who want, but rather to the many who need. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.globalbrigades.org/project/architecture/about-us/">Global Architecture Brigades Home</a> </p><p>Posted By Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2009-04-05T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2009-03-28T00:00:00Z 2009-03-28T00:00:00Z

<p> Recently launched was the new Morphosis website designed by Venice, California media/web firm UseAllFive. More impressive is the connection of the website to the new Morphopedia.com which is quickly becoming an exhaustive resource for all Morphosis work. Every project is documented in photos, drawings and text with specific technical data. </p> <p> This is a refreshing approach to publishing architectural projects which facilitates the detailed study of a complete body of notable work. Students should find incredible value in this latest endeavor. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.morphosis.com">morphosis.com</a> </p> <p> <a href="http://www.morphopedia.com">morphopedia.com</a> </p><p>Posted By Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2009-03-28T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2009-01-21T00:00:00Z 2009-01-21T00:00:00Z

<p> Through an RFQ process, the New South Town of Miyi County in south eastern China selected the Los Angeles based team of Studio SHIFT and SWA Group to create a master plan for the developing area. As part of the new plan, Studio SHIFT has designed a tower containing various programs aimed at promoting the region's heritage and natural amenities. The tower sits at the edge of the Anning River and will mark the transition between the new development to the north and the new wetlands, leisure and agricultural districts to the south. </p> <p> The Miyi Tower rises from the southern end of a kilometer long promenade that stretches from a high density residential and cultural hub devoted to regional arts. The promenade itself consists of a series of parks and public spaces designed by SWA Group to highlight accessibility to the river. It then tapers between rising paths which form the amphitheater at the tower's base. The paths converge and then continue as a bridge across the river and as an overlook affording views of reclaimed wetlands and the lake beyond. The designers were intent on utilizing natural and mechanical means of filtration to produce clean water, converting a highly polluted river into a usable amenity for residents and visitors. This new amenity takes the form of a series of lakes, wetlands and waterways which lend form to the new districts in the master plan. </p> <p> The tower itself, which is to act as a major landmark per the Miyi government's request, is designed as an educational building for residents and the multitude of tourists that visit every year. Because the town is known for its abundance of sunshine and temperate climate, only half of the building's program elements are enclosed. These double height spaces alternate with unenclosed areas and rise around a vertical core, their alignment shifting toward different views at every floor. An auditorium, exhibition spaces and restaurants featuring local cuisine can be found on the interior while open-air floors are used as event spaces, gardens and an observation deck. The pairs of lower and upper enclosed spaces are joined by structures which act as light monitors. These light monitors, of which there is a third at the highest level, are aligned to take advantage of different lighting conditions throughout the day. </p> <p> The tower is sheathed in a very porous yet continuous skin that gives the various programs their unified form. As porous building skins are often treated as opaque modules with subtracted holes (i.e. perforated skins) Studio SHIFT deliberately created the inverse. On the Miyi Tower, rather than defaulting to a technique of perforation, they created a pattern of objects in space mounted to a light frame. This inversion allows the skin to take on a rather ethereal effect and evokes the shimmering surface of the river below. </p> <p> Architect: Studio SHIFT </p> <p> Principals: Mario Cipresso and Chris Warren </p> <p> Project Assistants: Chris Hyun and Andrew Kim </p> <p> <a href="http://www.studioshift.com">www.studioshift.com</a> </p> <p> Landscape Architect: SWA Group Los Angeles </p> <p> Gerdo Aquino, Ying Yu Hung, Patrick Curran and Alex Robinson </p> <p> <a href="http://www.swagroup.com">www.swagroup.com</a> </p><p>Posted by Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2009-01-21T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2009-01-16T00:00:00Z 2009-01-16T00:00:00Z

<p> If you've been to DBA over the years, you're by now familiar with an annual competition called eVolo. This ideas competition asks architecture firms and students to present their ideas on the potential and possibilities for the future skyscraper. For a study on typology in the modern era, it seems that there is none better suited than a skyscraper for this endeavor. It is, after all, somewhat bound by its definition. That specificity, and the tenacity with which it is manipulated, is why you'll be very surprised by the contents of this book. </p> <p> Carlo Aiello does us a favor in the simplicity of his presentation. There are just two blocks of text that introduce us to the aims of the book. These are best summed up in the text: </p> <p> "In this book we present the top ranked projects from the 06, 07, and 08 Skyscraper Competition. The central conception of these competitions was to speculate as to the reality and future of the skyscraper, posing questions such as; What is the skyscraper in the beginning of the XXI Century? What is the historical and social context of these mega-structures? What is their response to the urban fabric? Is the modern skyscraper a city in and of itself? Is the human scale lost?" </p> <p> From this point on the reader will find sixty two-page spreads of the entries categorized within the three years of competition covered by the book, beginning each with the first, second and third place proposals. Each spread is neatly edited with the name of the project, team members and country, and followed by descriptive text from the entries' authors. And finally comes the most eye catching feature of any architecture book, some very sexy imagery. </p> <p> Whether you're a student or a practicing architect, eVolo: Skyscraper for the XXI Century is a good addition to the bookshelves. By omitting the compulsory requirements of most competitions (and sometimes the compulsory requirements of gravity) eVolo is able to provide us with some very inspirational work. This book showcases the freshness of ideas, those from graduate students to some very well established firms, and reminds us of the potential that is found within our art. </p><p>Review by Chris Warren</p>

Death by Architecture 2009-01-16T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2008-12-30T00:00:00Z 2008-12-30T00:00:00Z

<p> Death By Architecture now has a group on Linkedin.com for your use as a discussion and collaboration forum. </p> <p> We hope you join us there and look forward to fostering new professional and personal relationships. Look for like-minded professionals in all disciplines to jointly approach competitions or connect with organizers and consultants interested in the competition process. </p> <p> Join today at <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/1568817">Death By Architecture Linkedin</a> </p> <p>Posted by Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2008-12-30T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2008-12-29T00:00:00Z 2008-12-29T00:00:00Z

<p> The RIBA is delighted to announce the shortlist in the competition to design a new foot and cycle bridge crossing the River Soar in Leicester. </p> <p> 151 expressions of interest were received from all over the world including India, Australia, Iceland, Brazil and the USA. Six teams have now been shortlisted for the second stage design phase and those teams are: </p> <p> Allies and Morrison with Price and Myers<br> Explorations Architecture, Paris with Buro Happold<br> Knight Architects with Gifford Bridge Designers<br> McDowell & Benedetti with Arup<br> Moxon Architects with Arup<br> Ramboll Whitbybird </p> <p> James Sinclair of Leicester Regeneration Company said "We have been delighted by both the quantity and the quality of the submissions received, even though this has made the selection exercise a very exacting process. We now have an outstanding shortlist of design teams and look forward to seeing the results of their design development in the New Year". </p> <p> The shortlisted designs will be submitted in early February 2009 with final presentations held on 19 February 2009 in Leicester. </p> <p> More information is available at <a href="http://www.ribacompetitions.com">RIBA Competitions</a>. </p><p>Posted by Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2008-12-29T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2008-12-26T00:00:00Z 2008-12-26T00:00:00Z

<P> Taiwan Centers For Disease Control Complex Planning, Design, And Construction Supervision Project, Announcement Of Short-List Tenderers (Stage One). </P> <P> Short-List Tenderers (7 Entries): </P> <P> 1. Number: 1, Tenderer: Domino Architects & Associates / Yi-Yong Yang Nationality: Taiwan </P> <P> 2. Number: 4, Tenderer: Fei & Cheng Associates / Philip T. C. Fei Nationality: Taiwan<Br> Joint Tenderer: Harley Ellis Devereaux / Samuel R Bayne, Jr (Louis Hartman) Nationality: USA </P> <P> 3. Number: 6, Tenderer: TAG Design Works, Inc / Johnny C. Lu Nationality: USA<Br> Joint Tenderer: Kornberg Associates Architects / Ken Kornberg Nationality: USA<Br> Ramer Architecture / Richard Ramer Nationality: USA </P> <P> 4. Number: 12, Tenderer: Ricky Liu & Associates / Ricky Liu Nationality: Taiwan<Br> Joint Tenderer: CUH2A, Inc. Architecture Engineering PLA / James Theodore Hall, Jr Nationality: USA </P> <P> 5. Number: 18, Tenderer: Mario Cipresso & Chris Warren <a href="http://www.studioshift.com>(Studio Shift, Inc.)</a> Nationality: USA </P> <P> 6. Number: 20, Tenderer: Manfredi Nicoletti Nationality: Italy </P> <P> 7. Number: 23, Tenderer: Shuhei Endo (Aoi Endo) Nationality: Japan<Br> Joint Tenderer: Kunio Watanabe (Kuwanfan Chin) Nationality: Japan </P> <p> For more information visit the <a href="http://twcdc.cpami.gov.tw/html/result_first-e.html">competition website</a>.<p>Posted by Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2008-12-26T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2008-12-08T00:00:00Z 2008-12-08T00:00:00Z

<p> Images 1 & 2 - 1st Prize: Michael Cady, Elba Gil ,David Lillie, Andres Montana: Chicago, IL<br> Images 3 & 4 - 2nd Prize: Cheyne Owens: Cambridge, MA<br> Images 5 & 6 - 3rd Prize: Lindsay Grote: Chicago, IL </p> <p> Earlier this year the Chicago Architectural Club and the Chicago Humanities Festival announced UNION STATION 2020, an international design ideas competition for the conversion of Chicago's Union Station into a high-speed rail hub, regional market, and meeting place. This year's Burnham Prize competition forms part of Burnham 2.0: A Patchwork Plan for Chicago, a composite urban plan that marks the centennial of Burnham and Bennett's Plan of Chicago. </p> <p> UNION STATION 2020 asked for innovative solutions for the transformation of Union Station into a center of high speed rail traffic and related programs. It was not simply a question of designing an efficient and functional transit hub. How can this intermodal node become more than a mere knot of infrastructure? What role can this project play in the reconfiguration of Chicago's West Loop and of the city and region? How can an existing landmark building be transformed to accommodate and generate a new combination of activities while welcoming an unprecedented level of rail traffic? How can we leverage infrastructure to produce other results, to shape the city and the public sphere? How can a point of exchange generate a regional culture? And what does 'culture' mean, anyway? </p> <p> The jury included Stan Allen, Doug Garofalo, Geoff Manaugh, Bruce Mau and Zoka Zola. </p> <p> The Results<br> 1st Prize: Michael Cady, Elba Gil ,David Lillie, Andres Montana: Chicago, IL<br> 2nd Prize: Cheyne Owens: Cambridge, MA<br> 3rd Prize: Lindsay Grote: Chicago, IL </p> <p> HONORABLE MENTIONS<br> FRPO Arquitectura + Urbanismo: Madrid, Spain<br> Gabriel Belli Butler, Pasquale Tuttolomondo: Rome, Italy<br> Duliao Studio: Beijing, China<br> Casimir Kujawa, Mason Pritchett, Patrick Johnson: Chicago, IL<br> Xiao Min Du , Wei Lun Huang : Toronto, Canada<br> Jeeyong An, Hosung Chun, Sang Hwa Lee of GinsengChicken: New York<br> Sascha Oroz: Chicago, IL </p> <p> More information available soon at: http://www.chicagoarchitecturalclub.org/ </p><p>Posted by Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2008-12-08T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2008-11-15T00:00:00Z 2008-11-15T00:00:00Z

<p> Density Projects is the second publication in the 'Density' series by a+t ediciones of Spain. Continuing the mission of the first book in the series, 'Density:Condensed Edition' the intention is to present new collective housing projects that promote density and intensity in architecturally unique ways. The authors specifically look to projects that combine other programmatic uses beyond residential as they're particularly interested in the ability of these combined uses to emulate the urban condition and subsequently their potential to affect and bolster the larger urban environment. Given the global movement towards conservation of resources, these types of projects are more relevant than ever as the increased densities and minimized footprints reduce our consumption of natural resources and our impacts on the physical environment. </p> <p> As I noted in an earlier review of their Civilities series, the quality and thoroughness of the diagramming presented is quite impressive. The authors not only include the architect's original diagrams and drawings, they employ their own method of analysis for the projects that allow for a one-to-one comparison of key data such as program distribution, density, open space, etc. This strategy, which is a common theme in most a+t publications, is what truly differentiates them from the average compilation of work. </p> <p> After each project is introduced with this initial level of analysis they are further defined through images of physical models and computer models, line drawings spanning floor plans to construction details, nicely coded diagrams and full-color renderings. It is important to note that the projects featured were in a state of design development or were intiating construction at the time of publication so none of the works were complete at the time of publication in 2007. Beyond the publication's usefulness in raising awareness of new ideas in high-density residential projects, the drawing and diagramming techniques presented are so varied and illustrate trends in architectural representation and the effective articulation of ideas. </p> <p> I've enjoyed referring back to both books in the Density Series regularly for the manner in which they analyze and present the ideas in each project and expect you will as well. </p><p>Review by Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2008-11-15T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2008-10-03T00:00:00Z 2008-10-03T00:00:00Z

<p> Completely filmed before 2008's Beijing Olympics and edited right after its ending, "China According to China" presents a set of thoughts by five local architects on China's current situation and history. </p> <p> Ai Wei Wei [FAKE design], Jiang Jun [UrbanChina], Yu Kongjian [Turenscape], Wang Shu [Amateur Architecture Studio] and Ma Qingyun [MADA s.p.a.m.] are in charge of defining the issues that every Chinese architect has to deal with in today's practice, all of which may set the parameters of future development for Chinese architecture. </p> <p> At the time of this posting, 4 of 5 video segments have been uploaded to the site in this five-part series at <a href="http://www.0300tv.com">www.0300tv.com</a> </p><p>Posted by Chris Warren</p>

Death by Architecture 2008-10-03T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2008-08-22T00:00:00Z 2008-08-22T00:00:00Z

<p> In a critical look at current state of mobility and the ubiquitous and multitudinous methods and venues of networked communications, Ted Kane thoughtfully analyzes and documents the resultant transient communities as they manifest themselves in Los Angeles. Kane makes an obvious nod to Paul Virilio's notion of 'polar inertia' where Virilio contends that rapidly developing technologies have the ability to create an instantaneous present that effectively supplants conventional notions of space and sovereignty of territory through unprecedented connectivity. </p> <p> Through several essays and some quite rigorous photojournalism, Kane focuses on the phenomena of migrating cities and emergent urban systems. Along with constantly evolving networking and communications systems, Kane identifies the increasing popularity of the Recreational Vehicle as an enabler of nomadic societies. Within the 8.8 million RVs on the road live an estimated 1.5 million people, on a full-time basis. Kane argues that the freedom associated with this lifestyle redefines our ideas of community and challenges our conceptions of cities as fixed settlements. Data and communications networks stretch far beyond the freeways and blazed trails, liberating the individual while continually providing that crucial connection to the city. </p> <p> Although Kane looks primarily to Los Angeles, he acknowledges parallel developments in nearby Las Vegas and Phoenix. Those familiar with the southwest United States will likely think of Quartzsite, Arizona. A small town with a permanent population of approximately 2,000 people, it swells dramatically during January and February as it receives over a million visitors in thousands of RVs for its mineral and gem shows. Quartzsite though is a desert condition where Kane emphasizes the urban. He cites the prevalance of urban street camping in Los Angeles where individuals, for a variety of reasons, live full-time in an RV. In many cases it's not preferred shelter, it's a necessity borne of the sheer economic disparity between income and the astronomical cost of housing in Los Angeles. </p> <p> The elegant book design, by <a href="http://www.whlucas.com">Henri Lucas</a> & Davey Whitcraft of Los Angeles, is of note as well. Printed in China, half of the publication uses a heavy, brown Chinese postal paper as stock which contrasts nicely with the black text. The extensive photos, which comprise one-half the book and surely required a significant effort, are presented in full-color depicting both urban and desert ideals. </p> <p> (Published by the <a href="http://www.laforum.org">Los Angeles Forum for Architecture and Urban Design</a> and may have limited availability.) </p><p>Review By Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2008-08-22T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2008-06-17T00:00:00Z 2008-06-17T00:00:00Z

<p> "Architectural responses to unprecedented conditions. Confronted by shifting densities and uncharted urban transformations, 'Verb Crisis' tackles the conflict between the limits of architectural design and the demands on the practice for updated relevance." </p> <p> If you haven't yet picked up the ongoing series of boogazines, we here at DBA highly recommend doing so. In addition to the high level of publishing quality we are used to seeing from Actar, the series offers a fresh accumulation of ideas, writings and projects in rapid-fire, content-full offerings. True to their name, the boogazines retain the finished quality of an architecture book, while coupling it with the timeliness of a magazine. </p> <p> In this sixth edition of the series, 'Verb Crisis' steps beyond the reporting of the architectural current and packs the volume with writings underpinned with a real sense of urgency. This is an edition largely devoted to understanding the awesome changes that are affecting the urban realm, and how, at the scale of rapidly expanding (and simultaneously developing) cities, the mire is further muddied by policy and politics as well as social, economic and environmental concerns. Also, as a publication devoted to the progressive nature of architecture, 'Crisis' recognizes the fact that the profession cannot sustain itself in this new world without a sea change in its methodology and outlook. While Verb usually strives to present a positivist attitude, this release builds itself around worthy self-examination and realism. As evinced by the selected authors and their experiences, crisis as a term appropriately marks the state of the practice of architecture and its impending need for an overhaul. It also raises several questions: </p> <p> Are architects capable of evolving to meet the needs of new development? </p> <p> How do we redefine ourselves? </p> <p> Is it possible that we have already become irrelevant? </p> <p> Through essays, project investigations and interviews with guest writers such as Alejandro Zaera-Polo, Jacob van Rijs, John May and Teddy Cruz, and through studies of the urban laboratories of Dubai, Madrid, Detroit and Tijuana among others, Verb Crisis will at the very least provoke thoughts on the architect's function and duty in the new world climate. As they see things, crisis breeds the necessity which spurs potential change and redefinition, "..the demands of crisis also represent unexpected possibilities, creating opportunities to work in extraordinary situations, as long as we are willing to immerse ourselves. Verb looks forward to what's next." </p> <p> Previous Verb boogazines: Processing<br> Matters<br> Connection<br> Conditioning<br> Natures </p><p>Review by Chris Warren</p>

Death by Architecture 2008-06-17T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2008-05-27T00:00:00Z 2008-05-27T00:00:00Z

<p> There appears to be an increasing number of publications documenting, assessing and projecting the future of not only the U.S.-Mexico border but of the various contentious border relationships throughout the world. Of the few that I've had the opportunity to peruse, this publication does perhaps the most thoroughly impressive job of defining and dissecting the vast number of issues that pervade not only U.S.-Mexico's tenuous relationship but intelligently draws connections to other regions. This book begins with a brief survey and comparison of border situations between such countries as North Korea and South Korea, Israel and Palestinian Territories, Morocco and Spain, U.S. and Canada and Myanmar, Laos and Thailand among others. </p> <p> If you're not already well-informed on the U.S.-Mexico situation, this book will bring you up to speed quickly with accessible text and well-executed diagrams. Romero immediately makes the scale of the problem obvious: 14 border cities as residence to over 12 million people strung along the longest border (700+ miles) between a developing nation and a superpower. He delves into the complex issues plaguing the border such as crime, corruption, free trade, urbanization, migration, scarcity of resources and environmental destruction. </p> <p> Beyond looking at the past and current situation, Romero looks forward and discusses both U.S. and Mexican policies that are beginning to shape the future of the border. From guest worker and anti-migration programs to economic development and transportation strategies, it's all insightfully analyzed. A fascinating and eye-opening read that is a must for anyone even remotely interested in the political, cultural and socio-economic factors shaping our relationship with Mexico and ultimately, the rest of the world. </p><p>Review by Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2008-05-27T00:00:00Z Death by Architecture 2008-05-22T00:00:00Z 2008-05-22T00:00:00Z

<object width="400" height="334"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uuGaqLT-gO4&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uuGaqLT-gO4&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="400" height="334"></embed></object> <p> This animation, MUTO, by an artist called 'BLU' is simply amazing. Pay attention to the changing light conditions and sky in the background, it gives you some understanding of the time required to create the work. </p> <p> To learn more about this animation and BLU's work, visit <a href="http://www.blublu.org/">BLU</a>. </p><p>Posted by Mario Cipresso</p>

Death by Architecture 2008-05-22T00:00:00Z