A 99% Invisible podcast dives into why Brutalist architecture is easily despised, using examples such as Boston City Hall and the Trellick Tower in London. But could the concrete blocks be making a resurgence? [Slate]
Over at The Washington Post‘s Wonkblog, Emily Badger writes about a statement of interest the U.S. Department of Justice filed in a case against Boise, Idaho’s law that criminalizes sleeping in public spaces, saying that it effectively criminalizes being homeless in cases where people have nowhere else to sleep. Laws like Boise’s, which have proliferated over the past half-decade, violate the Eighth Amendment, according to the DOJ’s argument (cruel and unusual punishment), and if the courts uphold the federal stance, it could force a lot of jurisdictions to rethink how they are handling the problem of homelessness. [Wonkblog]
In the video above, take a tour with us through Ryerson University’s new Student Learning Center, designed by Snøhetta and Zeidler Partnership Architects. [ARCHITECT] And find more amazing videos at our Video Gallery.
Smithsonian’s Summer Showdown for the “most seriously amazing” objects includes Washington, D.C.’s National Museum of the American Indian and the National Museum of African American History & Culture, a building currently under construction. [Smithsonian]From the Magazine:
Beijing is expanding its population to 100 million or more. What does that mean for urbanism? [ARCHITECT] Eileen Gray’s E-1027 survived Le Corbusier’s act of vandalism and decades of neglect. Now this midcentury icon shines again. [ARCHITECT]ICYMI: The Storefront for Art and Architecture gallery in New York opens a new exhibition titled “Measure” today, the 2015 AIA Compensation Survey reveals moderate growth for architectural staff positions, and NCARB reviews plans from more than a dozen schools that want to integrate the licensure process into their curricula.
A group of architects launched a crowdfunding campaign for £2 billion (about $2.2 billion) to build a life-size replica of fantasy city Minas Tirith from The Lord of the Rings. [The Telegraph]
Following a construction boom in China, a slowdown in the world’s second largest economy work is forcing architecture firms and developers to scale back on projects, reduce salaries, and cut staff. [The Wall Street Journal]
Awards: Enter Now!
The Architectural Imagination exhibition, hosted by the U.S. Pavilion at the 2016 Venice Biennale, is accepting Expression of Interest forms from architects until today.
The Hansgrohe + Axor Das Design Competition recognizes residential, hospitality, and commercial projects built in the U.S. within the past three years. Entries are due tomorrow, Aug. 14.
Treehousing, an open international wood design competition based in South Africa, asks students, architects, and engineers to design innovative wood housing and urban building solutions. Deadline for registration is Saturday, Aug. 15.
The AIA is now accepting submissions for its Institute Honor Awards, which recognizes achievements for a broad range of architectural activity in order to elevate the general quality of architectural practice, through Aug. 21.
Doug Mockett & Co. wants innovative ideas for furniture parts, components, accessories, and hardware for its 30th Annual Design Competition through Sept. 8.
The Chicago Architecture Foundation is hosting an ideas competition for a 241,000-square-foot Center for Architecture, Design, and Education, on a prominent downtown site near Millennium Park. The top prize is $10,000, and Chicago Public Schools students will award a special $1,000 prize. Submissions are due Sept. 9.
Bathroom products manufacturer Victoria + Albert is challenging designers to create a space that uses its products. Entry is free and submissions are due Dec. 20.
For more news and views, sign up for the ARCHITECT Newswire, the best daily newsletter on architecture and architects.Click “next” to read past News Roundups.
