Nicholas Korody discussed Using game theory to fine-tune architectural diplomacy with architect Adam Tarr (founder of award-winning Mzo Tarr Architects). 

alexsenciuc was impressed "From theory to practice, this is one of the most interesting ways to shape an architectural project. One could argue that shaping the brief leads to shaping the resulting architectural piece…"

Meanwhile, Quilian Riano published an essay reflecting on using games and gaming to supplement other design tools.

News
Metropolis Magazine reacted to the news that famed designer Jane Thompson has passed away.

Archinect reported in from a LACMA’s public scoping meeting, for the planned Peter Zumthor designed building.

Contrary to some critics Vulture is "a proponent of the Zumthor design. It has a sleek, mid-century modern boomerang feel to it, which I think pays homage to Southern Californian architectural history. I also think it's smart how the design references the shape and color of the landmark La Brea tar pits next to LACMA."

According to 2016 edition of "NCARB by the Numbers", the time it takes to get an architecture license has continued to gradually decrease, as the average age of licensure also keeps steadily dropping. The percentage of ARE completions by women also reached its highest since 2006, increasing by over 10% to 37%. sameolddoctor wasn’t impressed "1.7 years shorter in a span of 9 years is a ‘shorter path’ - guess it is, for this asinine profession."

BBC Radio 4’s World At One chatted with Paolo Beccegato, vice director of the Catholic charity Caritas, about the rebuilding (or not) that should take place in Italy following the recent earthquakes.

Mr_Wiggin found it interesting "to compare this with how Japan responded to the 3/11 tsunami that wiped out their NE coastline.  Not once, and I wasn't privy to much of the discussion, but not once did I hear that any official declared that it wouldn't be feasible to build in such a vulnerable area.  Granted the geography is different, but the issues of depopulation, and likelihood of future disaster are similar in these areas."

Z53 in Mexico City by MAPmx and Duetto in Vitoria, Spain by ANGATU CO are just two of the projects from the latest Ten Top Images on Archinect's "Bricks & Stones" Pinterest Board.

Firms/Work Updates
Sean Joyer asks Is Architecture Humane Enough? His reasoning "Ultimately, I think, even more so than having scientific evidence, it’s having architectural education grounded in understanding the people we are supposed to build for. If foundational classes in psychology, human behavior, sociology, and neuroscience were a core part of the pedagogy at design schools I believe it would not only result in more thoughtful design outcomes but also empower designers to design on an even deeper level."

anonitect chimed in "The plain fact is that most architects have no interest in rocking the boat...We suck."

If you are looking for work, Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects have an immediate need for a talented and driven Project Architect to join their Los Angeles based office.

Otherwise, for something a bit less traditional, YR&G (a provider of technical and strategic sustainability consulting services) is seeking a Director of Analytics to guide project work around the country and internationally, and provide overall strategic direction, thought leadership, and business development efforts.

The team of Stockwool and L&Q were granted consent, for their £90m mixed-use regeneration scheme, in London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

School/Blogs
kaleyoverstreet wrote about a Hilary Sample (of New York-based MOS architects) lecture, at Knowlton School at The Ohio State University.

The theme of the 7th academic year at Strelka is The New Normal. Research will focus on the new contemporary condition, which has emerged because of the rapid development of technology. Applications are accepted at applytostrelka.com starting August, 25. Strelka traditionally enrolls 30 international students with free tuition and stipend of $600 monthly. The Programme runs for 5 months from February 2017 to July 2017
 

Discussions/Threads
David Cole shared a paean to his "first love. Here's to you, John Portman." citizen shared that "Portman's Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles was an early milestone for me". Later quondam posed "Is Portman architecture and macho architecture pretty much the same thing?" Along with a photo-quiz aka "multiple true or false choice."

Over at Thread Central the talk turned to the joys of working with contractors aka "blankstaresfromcontractor". The difference between the quality of GCs/subs on high-end residential and commercial work, came up. Everyday Intern tried to understand "What's stopping us from holding residential contractors to a commercial level standard when it comes to these types of things?" mantaray helpfully explained "Client service in commercial/institutional projects is more of a rational proceed. Client service in residential is more of an emotional process." gruen reminded everyone "Residential contractors are horrid. Except for the ones that aren't but they cost 3x as much."

Finally, architrains started a thread to get opinions on whether "Is It Me, My Firm, or the Profession?" ArchNyen’s initial reaction was a bit harsh "all i read was... whhaaaa!" senjohnblutarsky had some words of wisdom "If everyone is working over 50 hours every week, the firm needs to hire more people.  Some here are going to say I'm wrong and that number is a little low.  But, there is absolutely no reason why excessive overtime should be an every-week thing." chigurh agreed "I never understand these people that think this 80 hour a week bullshit is the norm.  Prioritize your personal, mental health, and life". In the end William Wynne saw an easy solution "quit."
 

Additionally
Detroit Resists criticizes the U.S. pavilion curators (of the Venice Biennale), for their definition (some might say co-option) of "community" and "activism".