August 12, 2015
In the wake of the recent Supreme Court decision that ruled Texas’ tax credit allocation for affordable housing to be discriminatory, the future of affordable housing and the identity of many neighborhoods could hang in the balance. By requiring a more even distribution of resources across various community, The Atlantic‘s Alana Semuels explores whether the change will threaten the existence of traditionally minority and underprivileged communities, many residents of which might not want to move at all. [The Atlantic]
Every other year, the AIA does a comprehensive survey of the architecture profession’s compensation levels. This year’s just came out. We have a quick take on it up on our site here, and we will have more information, with interactive charts, in the days ahead. So please make sure to check back in frequently. [ARCHITECT]
There are reports (and even video, see above) of a massive explosion in the city of Tianjin in northeastern China. The blast was felt several kilometers away, and the state news says that it started in a container at a shipping terminal. More than 50 injured people have gone to the local hospital and the fires from the aftermath might still be spreading. [Quartz]
The work of demolishing the St. Petersburg Pier has begun, with the work scheduled to be finished in February. Last month, the city council officially approved the new design for a new pier from the team of Rogers Partners Architects+Urban Designers, ASD, and Ken Smith Landscape Architect, which had been selected back in May. [Bay News 9]
Architect Kengo Kuma’s new Rolex building broke ground in Dallas yesterday. Going up next to the original Rolex office constructed in 1984, the new 136,857-square-foot building is expected to be completed next year. [The Dallas Morning News]
“I have worked very hard to find out what the life is that goes on inside our buildings and how our buildings influence that life. In fact, I’ve spent most of my time studying life rather than buildings. And many of my architect colleagues said that I was wasting my time. But recently when I received two different gold medals for architecture, they had to redefine the category ‘architecture’ so that it considered not only the form, but also how it was used and how life is supported by it.” —Architect and planner Jan Gehl. [Metropolis]
German-based artist Karina Smigla-Bobinski’s sculpture piece titled, “Morning Star,” is being displayed at the BBK gallery in Munich. “Morning Star” is comprised of about 300 arrows aimed at an imperceptible center, creating the illusion of movement that’s been frozen in time. [Designboom]
Kansas City, Mo.–based Populous senior principal Scott Radecic said his firm designed the San Diego Chargers’ new home as “an expression” of the city and the “best stadium for NFL Super Bowls.” Populous previously designed the Chargers’ first concept for their Mission Valley site and their concept downtown, in 2003 and 2010, respectively. The firm also designed a proposal last year for a combined stadium-convention center in the city. [The San Diego Union-Tribune]
Photo of the Day:
A sculpture in China looks a lot like the Anish Kapoor’s “Cloud Gate”—also known as the Bean—in Chicago. But the China one has a warped surface and LED lights on the sculpture’s underside. [Hyperallergic]
Hello, future home! @wrigleybuilding pic.twitter.com/tB3Y7RzvZA
— Perkins+Will Chicago (@perkinswill_CHI) August 11, 2015From the Magazine: How architecture firms are supporting staff who are also caregivers. [ARCHITECT]
ICYMI: We picked our favorite designs from the 350-plus entries in the World War I Memorial competition, and the mobile version of the National Building Museum’s “House & Home” exhibition hits the road again.
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 tomorrow, Aug. 13.
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 this Friday, 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.
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