fidzu : Architecture

We've all slipped quarters into vending machines for one thing or another: a can of soda, a bag of chips, candy.

10 Mar 2010 9:17am GMT

RTT announced two international student competitions: the RTT Emerging Technology Contest and the RTT Funky Visualization Contest.

10 Mar 2010 9:14am GMT

The 9th annual Architectural Digest Home Design Show features the best in home products from nearly 300 established and up-and-coming brands.

10 Mar 2010 9:08am GMT

Duravit announced the success of its PuraVida collection, created in collaboration with Phoenix Design.

10 Mar 2010 9:01am GMT

Although the world has been rocked by a deep recession, it has forced many to reset priorities and rethink the future creatively.

10 Mar 2010 8:51am GMT

They are all trends at the intersection of design and business. They have more hype than bite.

10 Mar 2010 8:43am GMT

The seven category winners of the Brit Insurance Design Awards 2010 are announced today.

10 Mar 2010 8:31am GMT

Architects, photographers and writers connected with architecture and design who are interested in publishing their work in books on the international publishing market can send their proposals to Loft Publications.

10 Mar 2010 8:24am GMT

The 21st annual Dusty Film and Animation Festival and Awards will highlight over 100 films by students graduating from the BFA Film, Video and Animation Department at the School of Visual Arts (SVA).

10 Mar 2010 8:19am GMT

As I am conducting my job search, I want to determine before anything if planning is worthwhile for me to proceed with or if a similar alternative career elsewhere might be better. I've posted here before on and off, so hopefully this does not come off as a repeat. I know from years of studying myself and in school that land use and transportation development along with demographics are my interests which is why I went for an MA in Geography. My key concerns are 1) Hours. I'm not "lazy" but I do value work-life balance strongly and find I do much better when not "under the gun" and pressure all the time. I do well with a structured, predictable schedule which allows time to unwind after a day of work. I'm concerned when I hear about evening and weekend meetings being regular occurances. -Now if you have to do it once every two weeks, that's one thing. -Or if you have to do it more frequently but can have flex time to come in later or leave earlier on other days, that's fine. I just feel I'd do better, knowing myself, where I had the standard 37.5-42 hour workweek. That I can do. However if there is constant overtime pressure, frequent long days and meetings, I just think it would not work so well. 2) Doing work. I am used to the school way in the sense I have collaborative time with others but spend a lot my time doing work independently. I do not interact much with the public, I do not always have to be "on" like a teacher and having to frequently multi-task. I do better being able to focus on a few things as opposed to 20 different things and having to interact constantly with people in a customer service role. public interaction 3) GIS. Not my strength, not even close, hardest classes I ever took and probably as they say "shouldn't quit your day job" to do GIS. What I can offer to an employer is a strong work ethic, the ability to focus and do a thorough, detailed job. The ability to think, write, and communicate critically and do work independently (in other words I do not need supervision to not slack off). Now my question, how logical is it for me to be looking for a planning career? I mean, the subject of sprawl/planning is my passion, this is what I went to school for. I gather that private sector planning jobs have long hours, and municipal planners have a lot of meetings. I also gather there is much variety and it really depends on your organization and specific role. I've spoken to some regional planners who love it saying a regional planner is what most resembles what you learn about planning in school (as opposed to things like zoning) and you get a more standard 37.5 week. I've seen a municipal planner have 2+ meetings at night per week, while heard a private sector planner say 50+ is the norm. Is there a niche/role for me coming in an entry-level and as speculated it just will vary by organization or are over 40+ with nights and weekends, multi-tasking and frequently having work consist of customer service and zoning tasks along with GIS unavoidable if one wants to make it as a planner the norm? If so, any suggestions on similar careers which capture my planning/sprawl interests but as well work environment? I really hope this doesn't rule out planning.

10 Mar 2010 5:59am GMT

As part of an ongoing drive to enhance their interactive offerings, SF-based TEAK has hired Jeremy Leeds as their new senior interactive producer.

10 Mar 2010 2:51am GMT

At a meeting at Roden Crater, Arizona (USA) in February, an international jury selected this year's winners of the Zumtobel Group Award for Sustainability and Humanity.

10 Mar 2010 2:46am GMT

Editor Jeremy Baumann has joined creative digital shop Click 3X as a fulltime editor.

10 Mar 2010 2:43am GMT

BET has a new look, thanks to the creative genius of INTERspectacular.

10 Mar 2010 2:34am GMT

Does anyone have regulations for tattoo use/service that are more expansive than just tattoo parlor? We have a zoning inquiry for a cosmetic/makeup use that may involve tattoo service (we are waiting for them to send us additional info) but not likely in the classic or old style definition of the term. Pella's zoning code regulates tattoo service use but is primarily geared toward the classic tattoo parlor use and limits such use to the industrial districts through special use permit. George Wesselhoft, AICP, LEED GA Planning and Zoning Director City of Pella 100 Truman Road Pella, Iowa 50219 (641) 628-1601 Email: gwesselhoft (AT) cityofpella (DOT) com

09 Mar 2010 10:05pm GMT

I am looking to conduct a survey at my company to determine the barriers to employees commuting by bicycle and what sort of things might entice them to bike to work more often. Does anyone know of a good example or template to start out with? Have any of you conducted a survey similar to this before?

09 Mar 2010 9:40pm GMT

SENIOR PLANNER - LIMITED TERM The beautiful Southern California coastal City of San Clemente is seeking an experienced planning professional to perform a wide variety of planning activities. The selected individual will manage highly complex public and private land development and land use policy projects that involve the analysis of development applications for consistency with applicable laws, codes and regulations and will provide guidance in the amendment of the City's General Plan, Coastal Element, Housing Element and Zoning Ordinance. The position will also work as a lead for the "case management" system that is being developed as recommended by a recently completed management study of the Department. This is a Limited Term position anticipated to last four years. The ideal candidate for Senior Planner will have at least five years of increasingly responsible experience in urban or regional planning, urban design, or a related field and the equivalent of a bachelor's degree with major course work in urban planning, geography, architecture, public administration or a related field. Salary Range: $6,084.00 - $7,396.00 per month, DOQ Visit the City's website at www.san-clemente.org for full job description, supplemental questionnaire, and application. Apply immediately as this position is open until filled.

09 Mar 2010 6:52pm GMT

Our fair city has hundreds of sites built decades ago that are nonconforming to current standards--landscaping, paved parking, etc... Our ZO requires that once a site is vacant for 6 months, ALL new standards must be in place for a new business to open. Obviously those non-conforming sites are ugly and we want to improve the community aesthetic. So it also is likely in some cases a small business is faced with significant paving, landscaping costs associated with starting the business. We are faced with sites remaining vacant because of the requirements. How do you guys handle this.? Keep the status quo and never improve old sites or require full compliance and spaces stay vacant. I need some middle ground Help.

09 Mar 2010 6:38pm GMT

Pardon me if this is posted in the wrong area. I wanted to ask what recording devices other departments used and how they chronicle meetings. We are thinking of updating from an audio tape recorder to a digital recording system that will allow us to save meetings electronically. Also of interest would be information on the format of meeting minutes and the amount of detail. Do your minutes describe the entire meeting or just provide the major bullet points? I think it would be useful to determine which way to go forth. Posting model numbers of any recommended devices in the description would be great.

09 Mar 2010 6:36pm GMT

Is it just me or are there certain establishments that seem to attract disproportionate numbers of rude customers? Took the family to an Indian restaurant this weekend and got seated near the entrance. I swear two out of three groups that entered after we sat down cast gazes of contempt in our direction until establishing eye contact (then quickly averted their eyes). These same groups proceeded to complain up a storm about their food and the poor service to the wait staff. I'm surprised they didn't complain about being seated next to us! Perhaps restaurants are more prone to experience snotty customers because folks are a wee bit peckish until fed?:not: The locally-owned 'health food' store was started by a group of hippies 40 years ago. The employees there are just what you'd expect - for the most part earnest college aged granola types….but the customers? Suffice it to say all that 1960's peace-and-love-for-your-fellow man exists only on one side of the check out line. I had the audacity recently to ask a clerk where to find gluten-free pie crusts and while the clerk was answering this chick standing behind me who evidently also wanted to ask the clerk a question sighs impatiently/audibly!:r: Was at the tire store not too long ago getting a slow leak repaired and I sat down in the waiting area. I picked up a magazine from the table where a half dozen other magazines lay (no, it was not left opened or bookmarked). Some guy apparently returning from the bathroom sits down next to me cops a 'tude and says "hey I was reading that magazine!":-{ Are there any other places you can think of that tend to attract more than their share of rude customers? Dentist offices? Gun stores? Thrift shops? Wine merchants?

09 Mar 2010 2:47pm GMT

A parcel that fronts a state highway east of our town is said to include a UST. Parcel contains an old wood frame building that was once a service station. No plat exists on county records. An owner of this parcel wants to sell it. As a condition of the sale he has hired a surveyor to create a plat. The plat uses centerline distances to the state highway and to an intersecting local road to establish points, which the surveyor set. My review of the parcel found that the new property line is for all purposes contiguous with the front edge of the building. It appears to me that the new plat, if approved, will leave the suspected UST's off the property and remaining in the state's right of way. Does this plat appear to relieve a new owner of responsibility for removal of the old UST's? I have been asked to approve this plat for recording at the Clerk of Court. Should my approval only be contingent on the tanks' removal?

09 Mar 2010 1:25pm GMT

Parsons The New School for Design recently launched the website The Copyright Corner.

09 Mar 2010 12:28pm GMT

At the Geneva International Motor Show the Thonet gear shift lever presented to a worldwide audience.

09 Mar 2010 12:25pm GMT

As part of an ongoing effort to bolster its education and outreach on sustainability, and to foster a collaborative training and work environment to support young architects entering the profession, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) added two on-staff resource architects.

09 Mar 2010 12:17pm GMT

The $25 admission to this year's Architectural Digest Home Design Show buys a lot. First, you get to see spaces created by big-name designers and furnishings from several hundred companies. Plus, you can attend seminars on topics like kitchen design, working with color and texture, and eco-friendly decorating. Best yet, you can sign up for a free 20-minute, one-on-one meeting with a design pro. Be sure to bring your house photos, floor plans, and/or color swatches!

The Architectural Digest Home Design Show will be at Pier 94 in New York City from March 18 through March 21. Admission includes a pass to the adjacent Go Green Expo where you can see exhibits and attend presentations on energy efficiency and eco-friendly living.

Meet With a Pro, Free! originally appeared on About.com Architecture on Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 at 10:00:16.

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09 Mar 2010 10:00am GMT

I'm planning on visiting Cairo next week to film a short documentary on how there is still hope in Cairo. I feel like every story every done on Cairo is about its death and destruction - basically an obituary on what was once a thriving city. I am looking to take a different angle and talk about how people still have hope there. From what I've seen on this site and all over the Internet, there is a lot of negative energy about Cairo's future. But I know there are people actively charging forward with the hope that its former glory can be restored. My goal is to bring forth that sentiment and let it be known to a wider audience. Right now, from superficial research, I see the BBQ joint on Washington Street as a potential resource to find some positive energy. If anyone can point me in the right direction in terms of who to speak to, that would be fantastic and greatly appreciated. If you yourself live in Cairo and wish to talk to me on camera, please let me know!

09 Mar 2010 2:45am GMT

Set up the group for this year....info below: http://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com group ID# is 23556 and password is: cyburbia

08 Mar 2010 7:59pm GMT

That is, aside from Komar and Melamid's Most Unwanted Music (http://www.wired.com/listening_post/2008/04/a-scientific-at/). Let's get down to business: a short list: * Chinese restaurant music. Take a typical, small "1000 strings" type studio band; what you might have heard on the "beautiful music" stations your grandparents listened to in the 1970s. Add more flutes, some erhus, and whatever instruments make that "plinging" sound that is associated with Chinese music. Now, add a woman with a high-pitched, lilting singing voice, howling "waaaaaaaahachaieeeeeeepaieahhhoooowahaieee" into a microphone, with the voice being processed in a reverb box. Put it all in a tape loop. Chinese restaurant music is the result. To my Western ears, it sounds pretty, corny and grating. * Low bass boom-boom music that was composed specifically to be played in cars with loud stereos. * Smooth jazz. It all sounds alike, not in the way that the elderly think "that roll and rocking music all sounds alike, now get off my lawn!", but rather that every song really does sound like an excerpt of the same long composition, and every performer has the same style. It's music for yuppies to make sweet love in elevators to. * Production music: the bright, blinky-sounding music that was hard in television theme songs, industrial films, and so many other film and television venues in the 1950s and 1960s. An example would be The Typewriter Song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vuDMInQMYQ). * Eastern European interpretations of rock, adult contemporary and rap. Such music just seems to have enough amateurishness and ethnic folksy influence to make it sound ... well, really, really off. * Bluegrass. Okay, not really, but if I listen to it for an hour it all sounds the same; mountain this, valley that, hollow something else, ridge whatever. The lyrics often sound like they're just reading a list of geographical features common to West Virginia, accompanied by plinging banjos.

08 Mar 2010 4:51pm GMT

How do you tend to spend your vacations? Do they often involve lots of highway miles and a specific destination or do you wander around a bit looking for fun things to do with no particular place necessarily in mind? Are you the sort of person who has a destination(s) in mind, gets there in the most efficient manner possible, perhaps following a carefully planned itinerary/timetable? Are you one who tends to spend your vacations with some regularity attending to *chores or projects* (e.g. moving grandparents into a retirement home, or painting the house)? Would you say that vacations are primarily about *relaxation* (i.e. not engaging in high levels of activity) or are they about engaging in *enjoyable* activities (e.g. kayaking, hiking, whirlwind tours of Europe, etc.)? Do you often do the "staycation" thing (cringe...hate that term!) and maybe do a combination of day trips and chores? What constitutes an ideal vacation in your opinion?

08 Mar 2010 4:38pm GMT

I know there is debate on whether Special Use Permits run with the land or the permit applicant- not here to debate that right now..... What I am looking for is feedback on renewal requirements for Special use Permits- here is the language as it reads in the Town's code (municipality in Upstate NY); " the Planning Board may require, as a condition to the issuance of any special permit, that it be periodically renewed or may issue any special permit for a specific time period, subject to adequate guarantees that the use covered with be terminated at the end of the period specified or such extension thereof as may be granted by the Planning Board." I can see where this clause really gives the Town the right to pull an applicant back in if there are issues with the operation of their business BUT, I also think this could create a hardship for the applicant if they are forced to renew their permit every two/three years (what ever the condition stipulates). Does anyone know of case law that addresses this issue? :D Thanks!

08 Mar 2010 4:37pm GMT

The Town of Cornelius, NC now has an opening for a Transportation Planner. A cover letter, resume and Town of Cornelius employment application must be sent to the attention of Karen Floyd, Director, Town of Cornelius, Planning Department, P.O. Box 399, Cornelius, NC 28031. The Town of Cornelius is an equal opportunity employer. General Definition of Work Performs advanced professional planning related to transportation, connectivity, intersection improvements, etc. for the Town. Planning, coordinating and managing transportation infrastructure projects. Duties involves policy recommendations and setting goals under the direction of the Planning Director. Essential Functions This position will coordinate and manage all transportation activities including bikeways, walkways, roadways, highways, and public transit. Primary duties include project management, various committees support and policy research and development. Provide technical guidance and staff support to the Town for the land development review process and assist in implementation of the Town's connectivity needs. Develop revenue resources, researches grants, and other funding opportunities. Make recommendations on transportation projects to the Town for the CIP. Education and Experience Bachelor's degree with coursework in traffic engineering, civil engineering, or planning related field. Requires 3-5 years experience in managing projects. Prefer work experience with government planning and interaction with governing bodies. Special Requirement Valid drivers licence for the state of North Carolina.

08 Mar 2010 1:24pm GMT

http://www.washingtonfl.com/employment/Senior%20Planner%20Advertisement%20-%20External.pdf I know something about this. There are some things you need to be aware of on this one. PM me if you have questions.

08 Mar 2010 12:17am GMT

Architect Andrés Duany has a plan for Haiti. Duany, who is well-known for his work on the post-hurricane Katrina Cottages, proposes housing Haiti's earthquake victims in modular cabins manufactured by InnoVida Holdings, LLC. InnoVida is donating 1,000 of the Duany-designed cabins to Haiti, and has pledged to build a factory that will make 10,000 more a year.

Made of lightweight fiber composite panels for quick and easy assembly, these boxy homes don't have the charm of a Katrina Cottage. But they're sturdy and waterproof, and they pack a lot of living into 160 square feet. Could you do better?

• Tour a Haitian Cabin
• Design an Emergency Shelter

_{Haitian Cabin Photo © InnoVida Holdings, LLC}

Homes for Haiti originally appeared on About.com Architecture on Sunday, March 7th, 2010 at 00:00:19.

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07 Mar 2010 12:00am GMT

The great Renaissance artist Michelangelo Buonarroti was born on March 6, 1475. Michelangelo is famous for painting elaborate Biblical scenes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, but most of Michelangelo's career was devoted to architecture.

Michelangelo spent 18 years working on the final design for St. Peter's Basilica. Other important projects included Capitoline Square on Rome's Capitoline Hill, Laurentian Library in Florence, and Medici Chapel in Florence.

Happy Birthday, Michelangelo originally appeared on About.com Architecture on Saturday, March 6th, 2010 at 00:00:51.

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06 Mar 2010 12:00am GMT

With square brick pillars and Craftsman details, this charming home is a beautifully preserved example of the Chicago Bungalow style. When the owners moved in, they were lucky to find old photos, mortgage statements, and other clues to the home's history.

See the Chicago Bungalow

More:

• Bungalow House Styles
• Bungalow Floor Plans

_{Photo by About.com Member Montor}

Reader Showcase: Chicago Bungalow originally appeared on About.com Architecture on Thursday, March 4th, 2010 at 10:00:06.

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04 Mar 2010 10:00am GMT

March is Women's History Month. So, where are the women architects? Join us as we explore the role of women in architecture. We'll look at some famous women architects, and we'll talk about contributions made by women you may not have heard of. Want more? Check out this thoughtful discussion in our Forum: Why aren't there more women architects?

Your Turn: Name your favorite woman architect

_{Above: Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University by Zaha Hadid. Conceptual rendering from Morphosis, courtesy of Michigan State University.}

Where Are the Women? originally appeared on About.com Architecture on Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010 at 00:00:00.

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02 Mar 2010 12:00am GMT

No, that's not a typo. Today, March 1, is Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant, or St. David's Day, in Wales. The Welsh holiday doesn't get the attention of St. Patrick's Day in Ireland, but Cardiff puts on a grand parade that culminates at the National Assembly Building (the Senedd).

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Richard Rogers, the Senedd has a wing-like roof, bright, airy chambers, and energy-efficient design. I can't think of a better place to celebrate the birth of spring and the life of the patron saint of Wales. Can you?

More:

• Architecture in Wales
• St. David's Day in Wales

^{Photo: The Senedd, National Assembly for Wales © Katsuhisa Kida, Courtesy Richard Rogers Partnership}

Celebrating Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant originally appeared on About.com Architecture on Monday, March 1st, 2010 at 01:00:14.

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01 Mar 2010 1:00am GMT

By all reports, the earthquake in Chile was many times more powerful than the earthquake that devastated Haiti last month. Yet, Chile's losses -- although tragic -- have been far less severe. After a long history of powerful quakes, Chile developed strict building codes with careful attention to earthquake engineering and seismic design. The greatest losses are in Chile's historic districts, where older buildings did not incorporate the newest technologies in seismic design.

News Commentary:

• Lessons From Chile: Better Building Codes Work, Fast Company
• Chile and Haiti: A Tale of Two Earthquakes, Time Magazine
• CHILE EARTHQUAKE 2010: Why The Haiti Earthquake Wasn't As Strong, But Far More Devastating, Huffington Post
• Why Chile's Stronger Earthquake Won't Be as Deadly as Haiti's , Newsweek
• Haiti Devastation Exposes Shoddy Construction, BBC

How to Design Earthquake-Resistant Buildings

• 18 Tips to Design Earthquake-Resistant Buildings, by Archeng Designers, India
• Earthquake Engineering Photos
• More Earthquake Engineering Resources

Designing for Earthquakes originally appeared on About.com Architecture on Sunday, February 28th, 2010 at 01:00:34.

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28 Feb 2010 1:00am GMT

The inventive and irreverent architect Frank Gehry was born on February 28, 1929 in Toronto, Canada. From his earliest works, Frank Gehry has shattered conventions, designing buildings that some critics say are more sculpture than architecture.

Buildings by Frank Gehry >>

^{Photo: The Walt Disney Concert Hall by Frank Gehry stirred controversy in Los Angeles, California. David McNew/Getty Images}

Happy Birthday, Frank Gehry originally appeared on About.com Architecture on Sunday, February 28th, 2010 at 00:00:40.

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28 Feb 2010 12:00am GMT

Artist Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle turns International Style architecture upside down in this exhibit at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts. An unbuilt glass house designed by Mies van der Rohe and a dystopic novel about a society built of glass inspired Manglano-Ovalle's work, Gravity Is a Force To Be Reconed With.

Peer through the transparent walls of Manglano-Ovalle's art installation and you see that the house is flipped over. Furniture hangs from overheard and a shattered cup lays on the ceiling - which is now the floor. Confused? Maybe that's the point.

By inverting a failed house by Mies van der Rohe, the artist dramatizes the absurdities and failures of Modernism.

Gravity is a Force to be Reckoned With continues at Mass MoCA through October 31, 2010. Learn more about the exhibition

More Upside-Down Architecture:

• Upside-Down House in Syzmbark, Poland
• Wonderworks Museum in Orlando, Florida

_{Above: Gravity is a Force to be Reckoned With, by artist Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle. Photo by Arthur Evans, courtesy MASS MoCA}

Upside Down Modernism originally appeared on About.com Architecture on Friday, February 26th, 2010 at 10:00:31.

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26 Feb 2010 10:00am GMT

Like any self-respecting New Urbanist, author James Howard Kunstler hates the suburbs. But when I read his dystopian novel World Made by Hand (compare prices), I wondered if Kunstler wants society as we know it to unravel.

The book describes a not-so-distant future where war, illness, and a profound oil shortage have devastated the world and made life impossible in outlying suburban neighborhoods. Yet, all is not lost. Humanity finds strength and renewal in building a close-knit community free of cars, fast-food restaurants, and Walmarts.

The story may sound far-fetched, but Kunstler really does believe the suburbans are headed for disaster. "Ask yourself," he writes on his blog, the Daily Grunt. "Is it really a good thing to plow up more pastures, cornfields, and meadows to plant more suburban houses -- especially when over seven million houses are already in pre-default loan delinquency?"

What do you think? Should we re-think the way we design our neighborhoods? Tell us!

More:

• World Made by Hand Official Site
• Empire of the Stunned, in UTNE Reader

End of the Suburbs? originally appeared on About.com Architecture on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at 10:00:50.

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24 Feb 2010 10:00am GMT