Dreamland: Architectural Experiments Since the 1970s

Rem Koolhaas's watercolor Plan of Dreamland (1977), a recent acquisition, is the point of departure for this presentation of selections from the Architecture and Design collection. The 1970s saw an explosion of architectural thought and experimentation-with the city, and New York especially, becoming a screen for the projection of architectural fantasies and utopias. The installation includes documentation of the real projects that resulted from these innovative ideas and experiments, including such traditional building types as single-family houses and skyscrapers. Also featured are works by Raimund Abraham, Peter Eisenman, Steven Holl, Hans Hollein, and other well-known contemporary architects. Finally, the display presents a number of new acquisitions, including works by Paulo Mendes da Rocha, Diller + Scofidio, and Simon Ungers.

http://www.dexigner.com/architecture/news-g15271.html

http://www.moma.org/exhibitions/exhibitions.php?id=9224&ref=calendar

Architectural Damascene rose

Dramatic discovery centre leads way for Syrian educational programme

As one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Damascus represents discovery all by itself. Evoking the necessity to embrace this spirit are the statistics - 40% of the Syrian population is under the age of 14. Embarking on a revolutionary project for the historical city are Henning Larsen Architects, Martha Schwartz Partners and engineers Buro Happold who will work together to create the dramatic Massar Children’s Discovery Centre and public park in the heart of Damascus.

The Massar project’s ambition is to create better educational opportunities for young people. The centre will comprise various scientific thematic exhibitions for children aged 5-15. The discovery centre – designed by Henning Larsen Architects - is located on a 170,000 sq m river bed site. It is located centrally in walking distance from Damascus’ historic city centre with the Umayyad Mosque and university, national opera and national museum in close proximity.

Louis Becker, Design Director of Henning Larsen Architects, said: “The discovery centre’s form is inspired by the unique Damascus rose. The shape provides shade and natural ventilation in the building. Its centre forms a large communal space. This is where the children will meet, share their knowledge and develop new ideas together. The idea of the project is to create a park which features a quilt of activities interwoven with the discovery centre. The visitors will be led through several intimate spatial experiences addressing all the senses. Water will be current theme – both as activity and as a visualisation of sustainable measures and educational media.”

Martha Schwartz Partners Ltd will provide the public realm and landscape design for the project. Based on the site of the old international fairground, the public realm acts as a ‘culture corridor’, connecting the public space of the Discovery Centre with nearby cultural venues. Lorraine Landels, Senior Principal at Martha Schwartz Partners, said: “This is a landmark project as the park and the discovery centre will be the focus for a new Syrian educational programme, and one that will help us develop our portfolio as we work in the unique cultural climate of Damascus”.

Tom Hay, Buro Happold’s project leader said “This project is unique in that it gives the children of Syria the means to view the world around them through Syria’s incomparable cultural heritage. This is a milestone that will empower the children of Syria, and the Buro Happold Massar team feels proud and privileged to take part in this process.”

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=10714

Peter Z

Peter Zumthor of Switzerland becomes the 2009 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate

Posted on 13 April 2009 by aline chahine

from The Pritzker Architecture Prize

” Los Angeles, CA—Peter Zumthor of Switzerland has been chosen as the 2009  Laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize. The formal ceremony for what has come to be known throughout the world as architecture’s highest honor will be held on May 29 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. At that time, a $100,000 grant and a bronze medallion will be bestowed on the 65-year old architect….

Although most of his work is in Switzerland, he has designed projects in Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, England, Spain, Norway, Finland and the United States. His most famous work is in Vals, Switzerland — the Thermal Baths, which has been referred to by the press as “his masterpiece.” Most recently critics have praised his Field Chapel to Saint Nikolaus von der Flüe near Cologne, Germany. The jury singled out not only those buildings, but also the Kolumba Museum in Cologne, calling the latter “a startling contemporary work, but also one that is completely at ease with its many layers of history.”

http://architecturelab.net/2009/04/13/peter-zumthor-of-switzerland/

Democratic Design: IKEA

 

 

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Democratic Design: IKEA

via Dexigner Design Portal on 4/15/09

"The aesthetic form is there for all. And not just for the museum!"

 

 

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Provide leadership

How can local authorities lead the way?

There are eight main ways in which local authority leadership can really influence climate change and sustainability outcomes:

• policymaker– interpreting national policy and guidance and formulating policy at the local scale to deliver climate change objectives and the sustainable community strategy. Key policies include the local area agreement, the local development framework and the core strategy plus a significant masterplanning role through area action plans and supplementary planning documents
• planning authority – the negotiating and consent-giving roles of local authorities in the planning process can have a big influence on both new build and refurbishment
• building control authority, setting, overseeing and signing off the standards for new development
• social landlord – local authorities may have control over a vast stock of existing housing and a considerable amount of new build and refurbishment
• client for new public buildings – including town halls, schools, leisure centres and community centres with opportunities to provide benchmarks of good practice in their design and management
• asset manager for existing buildings and open spaces, with opportunities for sustainable refurbishment and maintenance that reduces emissions and increases adaptability to a changing climate
• leader in local strategic partnerships in delivering effective services and resource management and working with private and public partners to provide a solid base for sustainable communities and local economies
• advisor to communities on how to live, work and play more sustainably, reducing their ecological footprint and building their resilience to a changing climate.

You can find out more about leading on energy, waste, water, transport, green infrastructure and public space on this website

http://www.sustainablecities.org.uk/leadership/

TPAC

	MVRDV architects: taipei performing arts center international competition here is dutch firm  MVRDV architects proposal for the TPAC - taipei performing  art center international competition. their design received an honorable mention. with their design the three theaters are covered by a blanket proposed to be made  of sprayed insulated concrete (with substantial sustainable potential) and covered with PU polished painting, giving it a subtle glance. the inside of the blanket is covered with mirrors creating a reflective environment for the audience. the blanket is punctured with glass windows that form a line pattern that is derived from a traditional taiwanese piece of textile. this pattern illuminates the foyer  during the day.

http://www.designboom.com/weblog/search.php?search=taipei+performing+art+center&image=0&button=searchhttp://www.designboom.com/weblog/search.php?search=taipei+performing+art+center&image=0&button=search

Alex