Monday, July 31, 2006

Masters' Graduation History

Design Academy Eindhoven had launched an online catalogue of Masters Grauation Show 2006.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Waterscape

"Water is selfless, extremely transformable, full of surprises both quiet and powerful, and yetr remains the reliable carrier of life for all organisms.
Its untarnised beauty and elementary power were regarded with repect in many cultures, admired and revered in religions and mythologies. Today we rediscover its fundamental value and essential role in the environment, climate and life of this planet." to find out more...
Passage and Image from http://www.dreiseitl.de/en/index.html

Monday, July 24, 2006

Bercy Chen Studio LLP

"It seems strange that two very international young architects would find Austin, Texas, to be the right place to practice architecture, but Thomas Bercy and Calvin Chen, partners in Bercy Chen Studio, have found the capital of Texas to be neutral ground for their particular approach to the craft." to find out more...
Image from http://www.bcarc.com/projects/annie/00.html
Passage from http://archrecord.construction.com/archrecord2/design/design.asp

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Archives of PHD-DESIGN@JISCMAIL.AC.UK

What to think deeper in design? A series of PHD Design research, questions and topics can be found in PHD-Design. to find out more...

The Persistence of the Exotic Menial

"It was September, 1981, when design critic Ralph Caplan first unveiled the phrase. He was speaking at a Design Management Institute conference in Martha's Vineyard. His talk was titled "Once You Know Where Management Is Coming From, Where Do You Suggest They Go?"
"I want finally to address in some detail," Caplan said toward the end of this talk, "a role that I call 'the designer as exotic menial.' He is exotic because of the presumed mystery inherent in what he does, and menial because whatever he does is required only for relatively low-level objectives, to be considered only after the real business decisions are made. And although this is a horrendous misuse of the designer and of the design process, it is in my experience always done with the designer's collusion."
It's 25 years later. Has anything really changed?" to find out more...

Passage from http://www.designobserver.com/archives/010963.html

NextD

"NextD is one small part of a growing wave of change initiatives attempting to accelerate the thinking, conversations, and action regarding the reinvention of design today. We recognize that many talented folks are at work out there sincerely trying to move the disciplines of design forward into the future. Needless to say, it is a huge and complicated task involving many constituencies.While our own focus at NextD is exploring the terrain of design/innovation leadership, the HOW of next design in particular, we see others stepping up to take on the rerethinking of design culture, the focus of design, the state of design discourse, the content of design, design education, etc. " to find out more...

Passage from http://www.nextd.org/06/index.html

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

°R e s e a r c h ° o n ° P l a c e ° & ° S p a c e °

"These pages pull together work on the concept of place from a wide range of disciplines. The term "place" does not necessarily have the same implications or meanings in the different disciplines. Furthermore, other terms are sometimes used in place of place, such as home, dwelling, milieu, territory, and of course, space. None of these, though, are necessarily equivalent to the notion of place.
The purpose of this set of resources is to try to cross-pollinate the notion of place across disciplines. Philosophy, for example (my own discipline), has much to learn from the way that other disciplines conceive of place, even as those disciplines have drawn on the resources of philosophy in order to reflect on place.
There is no real attempt at a definition here, except perhaps by extension."
Passage from http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~janzb/place/

Monday, July 17, 2006

What is critical thinking in architecture?

Thoughtful architectural designs incorporate considerations of balance, order, shapes, pattern, rhythm, form, space, volume, and scale; which are grammar of architecture. Alike music composition, architecture has the language of art, yet with science and technological background. What is critical thinking in architecture? This is the question of the day.

Sunday, July 16, 2006

What 'Styles' Mean to the Architect

"Styles in architecture are part and parcel of this standardization. During the process of formation, exciting, fruitful. So soon as accomplished—a prison house for the creative soul and mind.
''Styles'' once accomplished soon become yard-sticks for the blind, crutches for the lame, the recourse of the impotent,
As humanity develops there will be less recourse to the ''styles'' and more style,—for the development of humanity is a matter of greater creative power for the individual—more of that quality in each that was once painfully achieved by the whole. A richer variety in unity is, therefore, a rational hope." to find out more...

Passage from http://archrecord.construction.com/InTheCause/onTheState/0412flw.asp

Saturday, July 15, 2006

Wulf & Partner

"The aim of our endeavour is good architecture.Our understanding is that each project is uniquely complex and therefore requires a tailor-made solution. We achieve this through a multivalent design process, enveloping all aspects of site, environmental, financial and deadline demands. The general, working structure of each of our projects is clearly reflected in their built form. These forms are not governed by (con)temporary fashions, but rather perpetually update themselves, embracing the influences and demands of our times, yet steeped in an understanding of architectural history and theory. Most important for us is the effect which our buildings will have on their users, our designs are playful whilst remaining objective. Freedom, clarity and an understanding of human needs, are ideals which we strive for in our architecture and similarly in our working ethic, which leads to a vibrant atmosphere and team spirit in our offices. Motivating factors of our work may be dreams, illusions and a utopian vision, but these are well balanced with a need for realisation." to find out more...
Image & Passage from http://www.wulf-partner.de/dna/381_home_english.html

Thursday, July 13, 2006

A new landmark in Barcelona

"Tall buildings do not have a long tradition in Barcelona. Building restrictions dictated by successive town plans and their by-laws have hindered a continuous development of the city’s skyline, with the commitment to modernity focused on other urban parameters. One could say that concern for the urban space derives from possibilistic municipal policies aimed at wringing the maximum profit from public investment, which has not always coincided with ambitions to transform the city. It has been necessary to think up alternative solutions to gain access to the level of investment needed for a city to reinvent itself after having been abandoned for decades. " to find out more...
Passage & Image from http://www.domusweb.it/domus2k6/source/contents/item.cfm?type=FTR&ID=56939&lingua=_eng

MIT architecture Open Course Ware

What if education is free and it all depends on you and your determination? We have now the OCW from MIT that shares it's course material and topics to the world. This is civilization to me. For the chinese version of 麻省理工學院「開放式課程網頁」 and 建築學 .

"The Department of Architecture, established in 1865, is the oldest architecture department in the United States and is consistently ranked as one of the top programs in the U.S. It is a place where the individual creativity of a student can be cultivated and nurtured in a framework that is humanistically, socially, and environmentally responsible." [1] to find out more...

Passage [1] from http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Architecture/index.htm

Jean Nouvel, Guthrie TheaterMinneapolis, Minnesota


"At the heart of the city, the Guthrie is a machine for capturing and radiating the enveloping vistas. It condenses the landscape that unfolds around it.
The exterior is a composition of metal and glass that evokes industrial forms, rendered in a modern way. The large circular form of the thrust theater echoes the area’s adjacent grain silos, while the towering rectangular structure of the proscenium theater is in harmony with nearby flour mills.At dusk, the exterior walls flicker with the ghosts of great dramatic moments played out on the Guthrie stage. Barely discernible, these urban memories inhabit the facade. They stir in the dark shadows of twilight, when evening descends and the theater comes to life." to find out more...
Passage & Image from http://www.arcspace.com/architects/nouvel/guthrie/guthrie.html

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Eye Candy

This is a love at first sight blog of architecture!
"This blog has been set up as an extension of a free weekly e-mail we've been sending out for over 5 years. It is our intention to raise the level of design by exposing ourselves to the examples set by others (both good and bad). We sincerely hope you will think, reflect, learn and raise the bar (or at least bring some insight and/or intelligent conversation that might have been overlooked) on the project in which you are currently engaged. The thoughtful evolution of the design of our cities and built environment is dependant upon the engaged critical thinking of its design professionals. " to find out more...
Passage & Image from http://eyecandy-webcandy.blogspot.com/

TVH

Another great architectural firm for your browsing pleasure! to find out more...

Gouldevans

This firm is great~!

"The collective creative spirit is directed toward expressing an idea or unifying concept, comprehensively and honestly addressing all aspects of the project, and considering efficiency, effect on human health, and reuse. Our work embraces its physical, social, and aesthetic potential while seeking to make a real contribution to our clients' needs and the built environment.
We work with a team approach and a highly articulated, inclusive workshop process to reveal the greatest insights about every project. Our team utilizes every tool available, from rough sketches and traditional models to sophisticated modeling software, to help reveal the best possible alternatives..
Gould Evans is a learning organization, committed to continuing the preparation of emerging professionals in support of our profession. IG:AP is a formal mentorship program designed to encourage education and communication among all associates as an avenue towards firm-wide improvement." to find out more....

passage from http://www.gouldevans.com/

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

archiBlogs

'ArchiBlogs' is currently featuring 98 architectural blogs! to find out more...
Image from http://www.archiblogs.net/

Jewish architect builds Guggenheim's largest museum in booming Abu Dhabi

"The Guggenheim will open a Frank Gehry-designed art museum in Abu Dhabi, a cultural coup for a small Persian Gulf nation in the midst of a mammoth building boom, and an adventurous expansion by one of the world's most famous foundations. The New York-based Guggenheim Foundation, which attracts over 2.5 million visitors each year to its collections, said Saturday that Abu Dhabi would host its biggest museum ever. " to find out more...

Monday, July 10, 2006

Raic Events

"The project of the 21st century is integration. In the 20th century we were reductionist – we had micro and nano and molecular discussion – and now we are in the era of design – of architecture and of integration. We are entering the era of city-states – the era where an understanding of cities, of urban form and of urban design is valued. Yves Gosselin, our out-going President, started the RAIC on a path of recognizing significant Urban Design, and the importance of cities. We will continue to challenge Canadian cities to celebrate design excellence.
As Architects we are positioned to inspire our communities and our business leaders to integrate and collaborate and work across disciplines, to create a healthy and sustainable Canada.
I invite you to join me on the journey of integrating our leadership and vision into the heart of our communities and our Institute." to find out more...


Passage from http://www.raic.org/raic/about_us/presidentmessage_e.htm

How to register as an architect in Malaysia?

"Those who have obtained qualifications recognised by "LAM" (Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia) and "PAM"(Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia) are exempted from the Part I & II examination. The Part 3 Examination is mandatory for every would-be architect.
Upon passing the Part 3 Examination, one may become a member of PAM and register with LAM as an Architect."[1] to find out more...

"To appear for the Joint LAM-PAMPart I & II Exemption Examination
(Application form is available from LAM. The examination is held once a year and the closing date is 15 August of every year) "to find out more...

"Under Section 4(1) of the Architects Act 1967, the Board is responsible for determining the standard for entry into the architectural profession and conducting examinations related thereto. The examinations are conducted by the Achitectural Examination Council Malaysia. The relevant examinations are as follows :-
"1. Part I and II Examination
This examination is aimed to assess graduates from architectural programmes yet to be recognised by the Board.For further information, please refer to the
Handbook for the Part I and II Examination."[2]to find out more...
Image from http://www.pam.org.my/career_guidance.asp
Passage [1] from http://www.pam.org.my/career_guidance.asp
Passage [2] from http://www.lam.gov.my/architects.html


Saturday, July 08, 2006

Architectural Movies

Some great introduction movies of great architecture as listed below:-
Guggenheim Museum,Spain by Frank Gehry
Jewish Museum, Berlin by Daniel Libeskind
Casa Mila, Barcelona by Antonio Gaudi
Auditorium Building, Chicago by Louis Sullivan
Maison de Verre, Paris by Pierre Chareau
Thermal Baths, Vals by Peter Zumthor

Sourced from http://archidose.blogspot.com/2006/07/un-film-de.html

The Renovation of The Art and Architecture Building at Yale

"Inspired both by Wright's Larkin Building and Le Corbusier's La Tourette, this sculptural building has been criticized for "style at the expense of content" (Susan Sontag). The asymmetrical building, on an asymmetrical site (a corner), dominates the setting with its bold towers, housing mechanical services, and huge slabs bridging the towers. The building has also been criticized for its lack of functionality and "mysterious" plan--39 different levels on seven stories."to find out more...
"Charles Gwathmey faces a delicate task in the renovation of Paul Rudolph's famed brutalist masterpiece--The Art and Architecture Building at Yale University. NYT" sourced from archinect...
Image from http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/rudolph/rudolph.html

Friday, July 07, 2006

Form-Z

Form Z is another powerful software widely used in US. I had little chances learning this program, yet there are some great renderings done by form Z in our office by a new collegue that urges me to look into this new piece of archi weapon.
"form Z is a general purpose 3D modeler, which combines surface and solids modeling, and includes drafting and rendering, all in a single integrated package. Its users come from all design fields, including illustrators, animators, movie makers, special effects designers, architects, urban designers, landscape architects, interior designers, product and industrial designers, engineers, and even attorneys and doctors. Through the form Z Joint Study program, form Z is also used at about two hundred Universities worldwide to educate novice design professionals. " to find out more...
Passage from http://www.academicsuperstore.com/market/marketdisp.html?PartNo=727446

Thursday, July 06, 2006

Top Ten Sources

"Yes, there are over a billion blogs, but don’t you really want to know about the best ones?
Top 10 Sources publishes lists of the best ten blogs (or RSS feeds) on a variety of subjects. We show you the best blogs on sports, entertainment, science, people, finance … you name it. And our pages are dynamic, always full of new, fresh content, thanks to RSS technology." to find out more...

The top ten source of architecture here.
Passage from http://www.toptensources.com/about/

Moma

"THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART AND P.S.1 SELECT OBRA AS WINNER OF SEVENTH ANNUAL YOUNG ARCHITECTS PROGRAM BEATFUSE! BY OBRA TO BE UNVEILED JUNE 22, 2006 IN P.S.1’S COURTYARD(New York, March 14, 2006) The Museum of Modern Art and P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center announced today the selection of the New York City-based firm OBRA, led by Pablo Castro and Jennifer Lee, as the winner of the seventh annual MoMA/P.S.1 Young Architects Program." to find out more...
sourced from http://www.archidose.org/Jul06/070306.html
image from http://www.archidose.org/Jul06/070306f-pic.html

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Santiago Calatrava

The light rail train station in Jurusalem by Santiago Calatrava. The inspiration is of half an eye instead of a flying bird! to find out more...







Images from http://www.arcspace.com/architects/calatrava/hag_exhibition/hag_exhibition.html

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Chinese Renderings

This is a typical renderings output from a chinese rendering firm. It is good enough to firm a design job to me.http://sunaoni.com/eng/xiaotu/h108.jpg sourced from

Monday, July 03, 2006

Steven Holl Architects wins international housing competition in Helsinki, Finland

"Steven Holl Architects’ Meander has won the international competition for the Taivallahti Residential Area in Helsinki. The competition was organized jointly by the City of Helsinki and Senate Properties. The other three finalists were: Dominique Perrault (France), Jo Coenen (The Netherlands) and Cino Zucchi Architetti (Italy). Meander was praised by the jury for adding a new elegant element to Helsinki’s urban silhouette and for its fresh residential thinking... " to find out more...
Image & Passage from http://archinect.com/news/article.php?id=40787_0_24_0_C

The New Piaggio History Museum

The New Piaggio History Museum by Massimiliano Fuksas will be completed in 2007. There are pictures of the model from arkitera and 2strokebuzz.
Image from http://www.arkitera.com/project.php?action=displayProject&ID=94&year=&aID=651