For the latest Student Works: Amelia featured Cellular Tessellation, a pavilion done as a "collaborative research effort among students from Bond University, University of Technology Sydney, University of South Wales, and University of Sydney" for the Sydney Vivid Light festival of 2014.

 Plus, Alexander Showcase:(ed) architect Jorge Mealha’s Óbidos Technological Park Main Building, sited in the countryside north of Lisbon.
 

News

Paul scoured the archives and website analytics in an attempt to most accurately represent 2014, month by month, by sharing the most popular stories, job opportunities and discussions. Reflecting on digital publishing trends he noted

"As the internet continues to move discussions away from publications to social networks, Archinect's increase in volume in the forum and comments sections proves that we're continuing to provide a platform to facilitate communication across diverse social circles".

Meanwhile, Nicholas Korody put together a list of what Randy Deutsch described, as "The Most Relevant Non-Architectural News of 2014 (for #Architects)".

Orhan offered "Two strong reads" regarding the news about how Cologne Cathedral switched off its lighting during anti-Muslim march, in protest. Chris Teeter wondered in response whether "the ‘light off’ of a modern building be as effective?...and could a Rem Koolhaas diagram of embodied capitalism be as effective? Is this a Tschumi moment?"

Michael Kimmelman examined how in Haiti, architects are battling disease with new designs for open-air clinics. Mr_Wiggin was worried "I am somewhat familiar with MASS's work in Rwanda, which is, in my opinion, the most holistically planned project I've ever put my eyes on...This article really glosses over the specifics of MASS Design Group's ethos and sensibilities, and might give people the wrong impression".

Ricardo Porro, architect of the Cuban National Art School, died at 89. In memoriam SDR recommended "An armchair tour of the work can be seen here:"
 

Firms/Blogs/Work Updates

Rob Mothershed started the blog DE_CON. The first post Deconstruct (ing) the Foundation of Ana-Architecture ? made reference to "ana-architecture", Arata Isozaki’s Re-ruined Hiroshima (1968) and Constructivist architecture.

Recently Mohamad Mahdi Alipour worked on the project "Damavand. Tehran. Iran".

For those seeking employment Marwan Al-Sayed Inc. Architecture + Design is looking to hire a Project Designer, the candidate for “must share in our commitment to design excellence. Be passionate about art and architecture and know the meaning of working hard effectively". Or you could apply to be an Assistant Project Manager at CHANEL where you would be "a core contributor in the team of professionals that oversees the construction of CHANEL boutiques throughout Greater China and Asia Pacific region"

Stallan-Brand shared their Guggenheim Helsinki design. They admit it "looks like a giant sea urchin, a pinecone, a snowflake, an explosion, or the kraken from the depths" but claim "Serious consideration has been given to the creation of contemporary civic space that would not only attract visitors, but also compel visitors to engage with their surroundings".
 

School/Blogs

Kevin Clement affiliated with the Advanced Design Studies Program at the University of Tokyo, continued to document the development of the STIK project. He touched on the process of prototyping, posted pictures of students setting up the projection scanning system, Building the final mock-up and shared "a series of diagrams and drawings produced to document the process of construction".

Miles Jaffe wanted to know "What exactly does the 'smart tool' do?" Kevin Clement answered - "The concept was (is) to develop a kind of hand-held 3D printer" and promised a "forthcoming after the holiday break" post by someone who worked on it.

A Georgia Institute of Technology studio, in partnership with the Ray Anderson Foundation and the Georgia Conservancy, created the vision of a sustainable highway. The project presents specific plans and design studies for I-85 and the Mission Zero Highway.
 

Discussions/Threads
hello2015 ("currently working as a freelance design consultant") wanted to talk about How to maintain a good relationship with clients.  mightyaa believes "The natural reaction from clients is to not know where your boundaries are.  Learn to say No, learn how to communicate dissatisfaction and know when it's time to tell the client you have to stop work" haruki opined "Restaurant clients and residential clients who don't have a day job to keep them busy are invariably the worst". Saint in the City added "From your troubles, I'm guessing you probably put together a very informal and poorly defined  contract".

gruen jumped into the thread with a followup "Tips on dealing w scope creep? Happens to all of us & I could use help from time to time too"...

Larchinect had questions about using BIM for Landscape. Specifically, for any Archinectors that have "worked with landscape architects using VW? Any problems with file exchange?...Do you see value in your LA consultant using BIM?" Out of the gate chigurh argued "the future of the practice will all be going 3d, so you can do it now, or be forced to do it later." Postal chimed in "I really just need a good looking background file in plan and an accurate mesh for any of your grading elements...Also, I would love it if Revit / Civil3d had a baby and created a tool for LA's, or at least site of easy to use site design tools that architects can use too".

Finally, mcfd is "Finishing up...applications for 3-year M.Arch programs" and asks for Books to read before starting architecture school. BenC thought mcfd already has "a pretty good grasp on the standards" but included; "Modern Architecture: A Critical History by Kenneth Frampton, The Eyes of the Skin by Juhani Pallasmaa and a new favorite New Nordic: Architecture and Identity by Kjeldsen, Schelde, Andersen and Holm". Yet acceskb advised "Leave architecture books for architecture school...Expand your mind". On a related note geezertect encouraged avoiding "titles with ‘theory’ or ‘ism’ ...until you are forced to read them for school".