August 11, 2015
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Wildfire
One More Notch in the Belt for Climate Change Once rare, megafires—wildfires that reach at least 100,000 acres of land—will become the norm within a century, say many researchers. Last summer, once such fire in Washington State covered more than 250,000 acres. Thus far this year, none of the large wildfires have reached that size, but we’re heading into what is historically the worst part of the wildfire season. Mostly driven by the increase in temperatures and frequency of droughts due to climate change, and to a lesser extent human development on the outskirts of national forests, these megafires are becoming more pernicious and more frequent, and researchers are struggling to realize the long-term effects that these far-reaching fires are going to have on animal habitats. [National Geographic]
We throw away a lot of electronics equipment, and the amounts of that dangerous, non-biodegradable refuse is growing each year as we become more and more reliant on digital technologies. So what if we could start producing electronics using biodegradable parts instead? That’s what a University of Wisconsin professor recently, replacing the substrate on a microchip with nanocellulose paper, or wood fiber, basically. And it’s just the substrate too, not the circuits that sit atop it, but it’s something. [Mental Floss]
Architecture photographer Max Touhey explored the John F. Kennedy International Airport’s TWA Flight Center, a space designed by Eero Saarinen that has been largely closed to the public since 2001. Touhey describes the iconic terminal, which is set to become a hotel, as having “surprises at every bend.” [Wired]
Scottish artist, Charles Young has painstakingly constructed a miniature city out of watercolor paper titled, “Paperholm.” The entire project took him one year to complete. Watch him bring the paper city to life with a stop motion video he created called, “Paperports.” [DesignBoom]
ICYMI:
These five textiles go big with pattern and color to amplify residential and hospitality interiors.
New York City architecture firms are trying to figure out how to handle more business as the city experiences a real estate resurgence, especially in the commercial and residential markets. Some are adding staff members; others are becoming more selective with the projects they undertake. [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 this Thursday, 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.
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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