Wrapping up a year in the wake of the recently concluded COP28 UN climate summit that resulted in, well, mild levels of agreement on the role of fossil fuels, it is possible to sense a slightly increased urgency toward this most pressing planetary issue on a high-minded diplomatic level. As we're... View full entry
The number of schools with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac), which the Health and Safety Executive has said is now 'life expired' and could collapse 'with little or no warning,' has been steadily rising since the government announced the sudden closure of more than 100 schools at the end of August, just days before the start of the new academic year. — The Guardian
There are now over 230 schools and colleges listed on the government’s register of buildings under consideration for Raac replacement and repair. The challenge is twofold at present, with contractors' inability to hasten repairs before 2026 being made worse by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's cuts... View full entry
Besides winning the commission, getting planning approved, breaking ground, and having that invoice paid, no milestone in an architectural project is as anticipated and satisfying as the opening celebration — welcoming actual building occupants into the new space after months, years, or even... View full entry
A large swath of the 6th Street Bridge, known as the “Ribbon of Light” because of its illuminated arches of color across the Los Angeles River, has gone dark.
Copper wire thieves are to blame, city officials said, and it’s unclear when the lights for the Instagram-popular bridge will be fixed.
— LA Times
Other notable incidents include a deadly fall and several social media-driven impromptu street takeovers that caused damages to its road surface just weeks after the Michael Maltzan design opened in July of 2022. The damage extends over a third of the bridge. Councilmember Kevin de... View full entry
Carlo Ratti has been named as Director of the 19th International Architecture Exhibition at the 2025 La Biennale di Venezia by the fair’s Board of Directors and at the recommendation of current and future Presidents Roberto Cicutto and Pietrangelo Buttafuoco. The Massachusetts Institute of... View full entry
Coverage of the architecture industry and its (very) many discontents often delves into conflicts that reflect movements for change in the arts, law, academia, and business culture. The value of focusing on these stories at year's end extends beyond their subjects and results in a critical... View full entry
Our mission is to accelerate technological progress to create a more vital future for humanity. To this end, we are developing cities designed to support those solving the world’s hardest problems.The Steel Visa is your entry point to the Praxis Community. It will evolve into an official Visa within the broader immigration framework of our host-country. — NYT
Joseph Bernstein writes about Dryden Brown and his plans for Praxis. Bruce Sterling was surprised (?) "People can still somehow raise money with an offshored islands-in-the-net racket". View full entry
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) have announced a continuation of the professional partnership that, put together, impacts more than 140,000 architects in the U.S. and UK combined. In order to foster collaboration and strive towards... View full entry
As part of Archinect’s In-Depth: Artificial Intelligence series, Niall Patrick Walsh reported out from a conversation with Morehshin Allahyari about among other things a "re-figuring of the past…about technological relationships as well as the power relationships in which technology plays... View full entry
The Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA) has just announced its acquisition of architect Toyo Ito’s early-career archive. The trove entails drawings, models, and sketches related to his practice Toyo Ito & Associates, Architects (founded as Urban Robot) from 1971 until 1989. The... View full entry
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill has announced the completion of a recent restoration project that’s meant to breathe new life into their historic Lever House design in Manhattan. The scope of their work entailed the creation of a new lobby, ground-level public plaza, installation of an entirely new... View full entry
Compared to the Summer 2020 survey, the latest Archinect community mental health survey results show a moderate recovery since the COVID-19 pandemic, "although 34.1% still rate theirs at 5 or below". For instance, h0wl works for "a pretty progressive company" and they still "feel burnt out"... View full entry
The issue of unsafe concrete panels in the aging structures in the UK is affecting museums and cultural institutions who now report conducting their own building safety investigations after a spate of school closures linked to the issue first stirred controversy in August. A report compiled... View full entry
Construction of the lingering suicide prevention upgrades is wrapping up on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The project's long road to culmination was covered by the New York Times recently as contractors work to finish installing the netting system, which was more than 80% in place as of... View full entry
Boring, soulless buildings are making people stressed and lonely, according to Thomas Heatherwick [...]
Calling for “a national conversation” about halting the spread of depressing architecture, he said: “We need to fearlessly demand interestingness. We need to rebel against the blandification of our streets, towns and cities, and make buildings that nourish our senses. Human beings deserve human places.”
— The Guardian
The Lantern House and Vessel designer has been making the media rounds lately to promote his new treatise Humanize, which offers a call-to-arms of sorts for architects and planners both looking to combat the proven detriments bad architecture has on mental health. Heatherwick says his... View full entry
