Twelve 363kg (800lb) bronze animal heads have gone on display in the historic courtyard of Somerset House in London , the first contemporary sculpture to be featured there. The artist responsible, Ai Weiwei, was the missing element, his wellbeing and whereabouts still unknown after he was detained by Chinese authorities on 3 April. — guardian.co.uk
I had never pronounced the word 'preservation' until eight years ago," said world-renowned architect and outspoken urban theorist Rem Koolhaas at a recent media preview of his exhibition Cronocaos at the New Museum (through June 5). "Now preservation is outpacing us." — The L Magazine
I know I have been on a Dutch rag as of late, but where else can you buy postage stamps that honor not just architects, but architecture, and not just timeworn monuments, but experimental work that has not even been built? As a kicker, the stamps are designed so that, if you hold them up to a Web cam, they turn into 3D models floating in front of your screen. — Aaron Betsky, Architect Magazine
Google’s self-driving cars might soon become more than a pet project. The company is quietly lobbying legislators to make Nevada the first state to allow autonomous vehicles on public roads.
Google has created a line of self-driving hybrids, including six Toyota Priuses and an Audi TT. The vehicles have been tested on more than 140,000 miles of California roads, at least 1,000 of which were driven fully autonomously.
— mashable.com
Ai is a fire and ice personality. The ice is in the impossibly self-confident impresario who has become a hero of the global art world with his elegant appropriations and deconstructions of China’s cultural heritage. — The New Republic
The sculptor called for a worldwide day of action where museums and galleries close for one day in sympathy for the plight of his fellow artist. "Why not?" he asked.
Ai, whose sunflower seeds work in Tate Modern's Turbine Hall closed at the weekend, has been missing for about a month, in the hands of the Chinese authorities. He had not been heard from, nor charged with any offence.
— The Guardian
Barack Obama's administration has criticised China over its crackdown on dissidents in a week that has seen the passing of a legal deadline to charge or free the detained artist Ai Weiwei. — The Independent
"To quote the unfortunate architect who claims to have been hired to design the mansion, who identifies himself as Bill - "On paper it was beautiful; a large entry court around a two story water feature, Italianate with Etruscan entablatures and friezes from the 13th Century Portuguese... View full entry
Nearly half a century after Habitat 67, I worked five days a week in a cubicle in Safdie's latest high-profile creation, the United States Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C. And as I stared at a computer screen in my small slice of Safdie-dom, I wondered: What good has visionary architecture ever done for working plebes? — theawl.com
Leah Caldwell discusses the perspective of an office worker in a building designed by a "starchitect". View full entry
The CN Tower will add a new attraction this year that could make bungee jumping look like a walk in the park.
The tower’s new EdgeWalk will allow thrill-seekers to stroll outside on the world-famous tower on a 1.5 metre ledge that rings the main pod 356 metres (1,168 feet) above the ground.
— cbc.ca
Via the Forum View full entry
Mr Assange was given the Sydney Peace Medal at a ceremony at the Frontline Club in central London today.
The Sydney Peace Foundation said that it was making the award to recognise Mr in recognition of the need “for greater transparency and accountability of governments”.
— Telegraph
Zaha Hadid has made the Sunday Times Rich List for the first time, with her personal wealth estimated at £37 million.
Hadid features in the extended list of the UK’s 2,000 wealthiest people, due to be published in full later this month. The threshold for entering the top 1000 is £70 million.
— bdonline.co.uk
Previously discussed: Zaha Hadid to make 100 staff redundant View full entry
Most of these units have never sold, and though they were finished just three years ago, they are already falling into disrepair, the concrete chipping off the sides of the buildings. Vandals have stolen piping, radiators, doors — anything they could get their hands on. — nytimes.com
From Steve Jobs down to the janitor: How America's most successful -- and most secretive -- big company really operates. — tech.fortune.cnn.com
As you're probably aware, Ai Weiwei, Chinese artist and human rights freedom fighter, is still being detained by Chinese police. In an effort to increase public awareness we're working with BIG to offer these t-shirts designed by e-types, at cost. Now available: Click here to buy  ... View full entry