Archinect - News

MacArthur Foundation doubles high-stakes open call for $100 million proposals

2019-02-28T16:11:00-05:00

In June 2016, the MacArthur Foundation launched a high-stakes contest for an incredibly large grant. The big bet competition, called 100&Change, promised $100 million to whatever group could come up with the boldest idea for tackling one of the world's most pressing challenges.

The winning project saw Sesame Workshop teaming up with the International Rescue Committee in order to create mass media and direct services for refugee children that addresses their unique educational and emotional needs. Picked from over 1,900 applications, other proposals sought to tackle issues such as neonatal health, river blindness, malnutrition, the millions of uninsured Americans, and much more.

Proposals submitted by architects include Architects for Society's project for a rapidly deployable, dignified shelter for disaster relief; Gensler's and Skid Row Housing Trust's work on using prefabrication to deliver effective, streamlined solutions to homelessness; and Miller Design Group's approach to ...

Jeanne Gang wins 'genius' grant!

2011-09-20T01:29:00-04:00

Jeanne Gang is an architect challenging the aesthetic and technical possibilities of the art form in a wide range of structures. Always responsive to the specific geography, social and environmental context, and purpose of each project... Gang is setting a new industry standard through her effective synthesis of conventional materials, striking composition, and ecologically sustainable technology.

Congrats to Studio Gang!

Previous winners of the MacArthur grants include:

James Carpenter
Elizabeth Diller & Ricardo Scofidio
Samuel Mockbee

Plus the grand dame of critics:

Ada Louise Huxtable

But looking at the list of dozens of past winners, I'm struck by how few architects have been granted this honor (only Musicology and Biographers have gotten fewer awards). I'm also struck by the fact that NO landscape architects, urban planners, urban designers, or structural engineers have gotten noticed by the Foundation. I'm sure that most readers of Archinect can think of dozens of deserving (and struggling) practitioners who have made significant contributions to the built environment (not just their client's egos or the creation of digital masturbation) worthy of recognition. At least Sambo got what he rightly earned.

David Macaulay, genius (like they needed to tell us...) .

2006-09-20T02:30:14-04:00

The master illustrator known for intricate explications in sectional, worm and bird's eye views of subways, undergrounds, skyscrapers, mosques, Rome and machines (among others...) awarded MacArthur 'genius' grant this year. More winners...

MacArthur Foundation Announces 2004 "Genius Grant" Winners

2004-09-27T20:33:32-04:00

Among those selected: James Carpenter, noted artist of glass and light, and Heather Hurst, an archaeological illustrator from New Haven.