Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Click here to see today's news:
Architects and the AIA respond to the Moore, OK, tornado disaster. -- An architect explains why two schools were not built for Tornado Alley despite architects' recommendations (cost - what else), and calls for reconsidering earth-sheltered public buildings (no, it's not a "liberal" idea). -- Q&A with Marxist and social theorist Harvey re: impending "urban class warfare" and "how urbanization will play a key role in social conflicts to come." -- European expats fleeing the euro crisis are contributing to a real estate boom in Rio's favelas (needless to say, not all are pleased). -- Badger reports on a new study that quantifies the cost of sprawl (it's expensive). -- An architect explains why LEED doesn't work in rural Africa; "One size does not fit all...we must consider social and economic factors as well" - and he has high hopes for two alternative grading systems. -- Kamin accesses Corbu's Carpenter Center at Harvard 50 years later: "time has done little to soften the sharp edge of its parachute-in urbanism," but its "faults do not diminish its enduring architectural quality." -- Anderton has lively conversations with some of the key players in the beleaguered "A New Sculpturalism" show in Los Angeles who discuss why they don't want to be "sculpturalists." -- The newest thing in NYC architecture is something old - actually a new brick building that looks like it's always been there. -- Hunter posits that "architectural education needs a proper shake-up" (he blames Eisenman), and what he's planning to do about it - a "21st-century version of apprenticeship." -- Winners all: An eyeful of the Top 50 designs of The Battery Conservancy Americas "Draw Up A Chair" Design Competition (very cool - now vote for your favorite). -- AIA Chicago hands out its Small Firm/Small Project Awards. -- The Association of Siamese Architects names winners in its "Borderless" competition. -- Call for entries: Projects & Architect-in-Residency for Rethinking Urbanity 2013: innovative solutions for the urban fringe of Vienna.