Proposals for the West Side Rail Yards, New York

American Institute of Architects, New York Chapter; Architectural League of New York; Design Trust for Public Space; Fine Arts Federation; Friends of the High Line; Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture of The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art; Municipal Art Society; New York New Visions; Regional Plan Association

present

Proposals for the West Side Rail Yards

Monday, December 3, 2007
6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
The Great Hall, Cooper Union
7 West 7th Street
New York City
Free admission, no reservations required

Even in an era of large-scale real estate ventures, the proposed development of the West Side Rail Yards is an enormous undertaking, with equally enormous implications for the future of New York. On October 11, 2007, five developers submitted responses to a Request For Proposals issued by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for development of both the Eastern and Western Rail Yards, the largest undeveloped tract of land in Manhattan. Zoning on the overall site allows 12 million square feet of combined residential and commercial development; the RFP also requires that space be allotted for a public school and community and cultural organizations. The MTA expects to select a developer for the site in the first quarter of 2008; after conditional approval by the MTA board, the selected proposal will proceed through the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP).

On Monday evening, December 3, representatives of the design teams for the proposals will present their schemes in a public program co-sponsored by a group of architecture and civic organizations. This is the first public program at which these proposals will be presented.

Architectural teams and developers are as follows: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Field Operations, Thomas Phifer and Partners, SHoP Architects, Diller Scofidio and Renfro, Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa/SANAA, Handel Architects (Brookfield Properties LLC, developer); Steven Holl Architects (Extell Development Company, developer); FXFOWLE and Pelli Clarke Pelli (Hudson Center East LLC and Hudson Center West LLC, joint venture of Vornado Realty Trust and The Durst Organization, Inc., developer); Kohn Pedersen Fox, Robert A.M. Stern Architects, Arquitectonica (The Related Companies, developer); Murphy/Jahn Architects, PWP-Peter Walker and Partners (TS West Side holding, LLC, joint venture of Tishman Speyer and Morgan Stanley, developer).

Proposals are currently on view in an exhibition presented by the MTA:
Public Viewing of Rail Yards Bid Proposals
335 Madison Avenue (northwest corner of Vanderbilt Avenue and 43rd Street)
Across from Grand Central Terminal
Daily 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., through December 3

Creative Kids Nursery: London

New Nurseries Opening Summer 2008:
Liverpool Street & Stoke Newington

Creative Kids was set up by two architect parents to offer a whole learning environment with an additional bonus - a specific focus on creativity - helping children to develop their tactile skills and awareness of colour, form, space, language and music.

Run by experienced, qualified staff, Creative Kids is a safe, stimulating environment for your child through these important early years.

Childcare places are available for 0-5 year olds. We welcome applications from parents in the creative industries and other professions.

Places are limited – for reservations and more information please email: creativekidsnursery@yahoo.com

Friends of the High Line

Three Opportunities to View and Comment on West Side Rail Yards Proposals

UPCOMING RAIL YARDS EVENTS
This Thursday, November 29: Rail Yards Proposals Viewing and Drinks FREE
Monday, December 3: Rail Yards Architects Presentations FREE
December 10: Hudson Yards Community Advisory Committee's Rail Yards Input Forum FREE

Each of these three events has a different format, and each offers an opportunity to learn more about the proposals before the MTA's selection process begins. It's essential that High Line supporters show decision-makers at the MTA how important it is to preserve the entire historic High Line at the rail yards. If you can't make any of these events, please go see the exhibit of the proposals and fill out a comment form before December 3.


THIS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29: RAIL YARDS PROPOSALS VIEWING AND DRINKS FREE
Join Friends of the High Line to view and comment on the proposals now on exhibition near Grand Central Terminal. This may be your last chance to view and comment on the designs, which are only on display until December 3. Afterward, join us across the street at Annie Moore's bar for a free drink and informal discussion. FHL staff will be on hand to discuss the rail yards and other High Line developments.

Rail Yards Proposals Exhibition
335 Madison Avenue
(Northwest corner of Vanderbilt Avenue and 43rd Street)
Across from Grand Central Terminal
6:00 – 8:00 PM

RSVP to rsvp@thehighline.org

More information on the MTA's Release of the Rail Yards Proposals


MONDAY, DECEMBER 3: RAIL YARDS ARCHITECTS PRESENTATIONS FREE
Representatives from the architectural teams will speak about the architecture and urban design of their proposals. Presentations will be followed by Q&A.

This event is co-sponsored by American Institute of Architects, New York Chapter; Architectural League of New York; the Design Trust for Public Space; Fine Arts Federation; Friends of the High Line; Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture of The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art; Municipal Art Society; New York New Visions; and Regional Plan Association.

Great Hall, Cooper Union
7 East 7th Street
6:00 – 8:00 PM
No RSVP required. More details will be announced in our e-mail newsletter later this week.

www.thehighline.org

Singapore Archifest 07 "Aspiration to Realisation

Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) announces the launch of Singapore ArchiFest07, to be held in Singapore from 27 November to 8 December 2007.

The theme “Aspiration to Realisation” provides a focus for the inaugural Singapore ArchiFest. The festival events will centre on the unique challenges faced by Singapore as a small city with high density living and scarce land resources. Representatives from different parts of the world will be invited to share their journeys in realising their aspirations, through presentation of ideas and philosophies, in the context of the growing city and its living environment.

Professionals from all the design and construction fields are invited to interact and encouraged to engage in a fun, friendly and free atmosphere, which will allow for discussion of the most critical challenges facing architecture, society and the city. Throughout the two-week festival, a myriad of exciting events including Exhibitions, Forum and ArchiTours will be unveiled at various locations. Celebrate the diverse talents in local architecture and uncover the dreams behind the facade, with activities and happenings for all to participate in.

Visitors can also look forward to the many public events at Singapore ArchiFest 07. The exhibitions at the City Hall will feature winning designs from Design Ideas Competition for Marina South Residential District and the National Art Gallery, while the guided ArchiTours will involve exploration of some of the mosticonic buildings in Singapore.

Singapore Archifest 07 is an initiative supported and co-funded under the Architecture and Urban Design Excellence (A•UDE)Promotion Programme by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).

HIGHLIGHTS / SINGAPORE ARCHIFEST 07 EXHIBITIONS/ 27 Nov -8 Dec 07/ 10am –9pm / City Hall/ Free The collection of exhibitions will be held at the City Hall, featuringaward-winning works from various architectural competitions as well as internationally acclaimed urban designs.

+ Design Ideas Competition for the Marina South Residential District Jointly organised by SIA and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), the Design Ideas Competition invited architects, planners and students to submit fresh, innovative ideas for a unique waterfront-garden residential district in Marina South located at Singapore's Marina Bay. The ideas will serve as an inspiration and catalyst for the planning and urban design strategies to be adopted for the development of the district. Submissions will be exhibited at ArchiFest. Competition information attached separately.

+ ‘S 3: Steel. Space. Structure’ Ideas Competition Jointly presented by SIA and BlueScope Steel, S 3 is a platform for designers with imaginative ideas to create steel building designs that not only demonstrate strong levels of innovation and functionality, but also inspire those who will see and use the space. Participants are to design and detail a steel pavilion located beside the visitor centre at Orchard Road, accommodating a cafe, retail space and an exhibition space. The winning design stands a chance to be built and realised on site in 2008and outstanding submissions will be exhibited at ArchiFest.

+National Art Gallery Competition The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA) has launched an architectural design competition to seek world-class design ideas to transform two important heritage buildings -the City Hall and former Supreme Court -into Singapore's National Art Gallery. The winning entries have been selected by an international jury panel and will be exhibited at ArchiFest.

+ Special Exhibition Specially curated for the Singapore ArchiFest, the exhibition will feature exceptional works from established architects from different parts of the world.

FORUM/ 30 Nov & 1 Dec 07/ NTUC Auditorium The two-day Singapore ArchiFest forum brings together a stellar lineup of speakers who will be addressing the challenges of urban architectural design. “Aspiration to Realisation” sets the theme for the forum, where 12 speakers from different parts of the world will be invited to share their journeys in realising their aspirations through presentation of ideas and philosophies, in the context of the growing city and its living environment. The interactive and thought provoking sessions will inspire all, offering excellent opportunities to exchange experiences and gain valuable new perspectives.

Keynote Speakers
+ Manabu Chiba/ Chiba Manabu Architects / Japan
+ Kerry Hill / Kerry Hill Architects / Singapore Forum Speakers
+ Ma Yansong/ MAD / China
+ Hitoshi Abe/ Atelier Hitoshi Abe / Japan
+ Takaharu Tezuka
+ Yui Tezuka/Japan
+ Kevin Mark Low/ Small Projects / Malaysia
+ Angelene Chan/ DP Architects / Singapore
+ Chan Soo Khian/ SCDA Architects / Singapore
+ Sonny Chan/ Chan Sau Yan Associates / Singapore
+ Seah Chee Kien/ RSP Architects Planners & Engineers / Singapore
+ Chris Luebkeman/ ARUP/ United Kingdom
+ Max Fordham/ Max Fordham Consulting Engineers/ United Kingdom

Forum Ticketing Information Public S$260 SIA Members S$210 Student S$50 Prices exclude taxes, administrative fees and any other charges. Ticket entitles delegate to the Forum on 30 Nov and 1 Dec, Awards Party on 30 Nov and one session of ArchiTour. To purchase tickets, please visit www.archifest.sg

ARCHITOURS/ 30 Nov-9Dec 07/ Various locations A fun and engaging way to explore some of Singapore’s most distinctive neighbourhoods and districts, the guided ArchiTours will be held daily throughout the festival. The guided ArchiTours aim to educate and inspire locals and tourists alike on the unique architecture in Singapore and how the changing urban landscapes affect the way we live, work and think. The ArchiTours will highlight the development and expression of local architecture through the times, charting the influences of changing political, economical, social and cultural conditions, and drawing attention to the architectural milestones and predominant language used. Comparison will also be made between the traditional and contemporary architectural interpretations. Some of the landmarks lined-up for the ArchiTours include Tiong Bahru SIT Flats, Pearlbank Apartments, Golden Mile Shopping Complex and Gallery Hotel. Participants will also get to experience night life through the architectural eyes, visiting unique watering holes such as Dempsey Road, Loof, Muse and St James Power House at the specially curated night tours. Tour information attached separately. ArchiTours Ticketing Information Day Tour (4 hours) Public S$40 | Student S$25 Night Tour (7 hours with drinks) Public S$60 | Student S$40 Prices exclude taxes, administrative fees and any other charges.

AWARDS PARTY / 30 Nov 07/ City Hall There’s no better way to celebrate the best in architectural design than with a great bash! An occasion to recognize and honor the winners of the SIA Industry Awards and the perfect get-together for professionals, students and festival goers, the Awards Party will be held on 30 November at the City Hall. Entry with forum tickets and by invitation only.

FRINGE EVENTS/ City Hall/ Free Running concurrently with the events during the two-week festival, a range of fringe activities will be held at City Hall.

+ ROJAK by FARM/ 1 Dec 07. 9pm ROJAK is a series of sharing parties to celebrate and share local independent works in art, architecture, words, music, fashion, food, film and anything creative really. Organized by FARM, anon-profit society initiated by a group of creatives to help creatives in Singapore flaunt, share, understand and possibly collaborate with one another. In conjunction with Singapore ArchiFest and Design Festival, FARM presents ROJAK 10: The Collaborative Edition. 5 groups of artists/designers are invited to present their works and processes that stems from collaboration at the session. For more information, please visit www.farm.sg.

+ “Asian Alterity” Book Launch by World Scientific Publisher/ 5 Dec 07. 5.30pm “Asian Alterity” a new architecture book by William SW Lim is an interdisciplinary theoretical analysis that vigorously contests the homogeneity of the mainstream Eurocentric values. The book argues for the need for an alternate perspective to be introduced so as to understand the diversity of Asia’s cultural differences and to meet the complex challenges of the explosive urban expansion and disruptive changes in traditional cultures and lifestyles.

Cheltenham Art Gallery Competition Shortlist

Cheltenham’s Art Gallery & Museum is Building for a New Future
A sustainable development for Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum

Four design solutions have now been shortlisted by the judging panel for the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) competition, which attracted 77 submissions from all over the UK, Europe and the world.

In their deliberations, the expert panel of judges took into account the views of the public and Advisory Panel, including representatives from the Friends of the Art Gallery & Museum, and others involved in, and affected by the development.

Richard Brearley, the RIBA Adviser, said:
‘The judges were very impressed at the standard of the submissions and with the consultative process which has taken place. It was a difficult task to narrow the entries down to four, but we are confident that those chosen to go forward to the next stage meet the competition brief of being unique, functional, eco-friendly and achievable.’

The four shortlisted designs were all produced by British teams:
Submission No. 7: Ramboll Whitbybird, a Manchester firm, which has branches in Birmingham and Bristol and has worked on several projects in Cheltenham and Gloucestershire;
Submission No. 14: David Grindley Architects, based in Milton Keynes, which has worked on a wide range of projects in the public and private sector;
Submission No. 51: Ellis Williams, a London-based firm of architects, with experience in culture sector projects in the UK and abroad;
Submission No. 69: Berman Guedes Stretton, an Oxford based architect with a branch in London, and has worked on a variety of projects in these cities.

Jane Lillystone, Museum & Arts Manager, said:
‘We will be displaying the four shortlisted design solutions at the Art Gallery & Museum, around Cheltenham, and on our websites over the next few weeks, so that people can see them and make further comments. During this period, the four shortlisted teams will be answering questions arising from their submissions and preparing for detailed interviews by the judges in early December.’

To view online, go to:
www.cheltenhamartgallery.org.uk/buildingforanewfuture

THE BIG PAINT: CCDC

Tuesday, November 27 starting at 2 pm at CCDC

CCDC Friends,

We are now less than two weeks away from our move into the new space at 100 5th Street NE & invite you to help us in this last push to get everything done before our big moving day! Our next scheduled volunteer painting day will be on Tuesday, November 27 beginning at 2 pm. Please consider stopping by to lend a hand, even if it's for an hour or so after work.

Our volunteer efforts to date have been invaluable in helping us move forward, stay on schedule and save money, and we would very much appreciate your help as we hit the home stretch. If you are able to volunteer, please contact Mandy Burbage at burbage@cvilledesign.org or 434.984.2232. Food, drink and music will be provided.

World Architecture Festival

22-24 OCTOBER 2008. BARCELONA, SPAIN

The World Architecture Festival (WAF) will celebrate the work, concerns and aspirations of the international architectural community, during a three-day event taking place in Barcelona, Spain from 22 to 24 October 2008.

The Festival will be an annual opportunity to compare and contrast the extraordinary range of designs created by a profession which has always looked beyond national borders to the wider world of architectural culture.

At the heart of the Festival will be the biggest architectural awards programme in the world.

International juries will shortlist the best recently completed buildings in 16 categories. All shortlisted architects will present their work to live juries and audiences at the Festival, competing against each other to become category winners. Category winners will compete against each other in front of a super-jury, to win the ‘best in show’ prize, the first architectural Prix de Barcelona.

All entries in the awards will be exhibited on site at the Festival in a gallery modelled on the Barcelona grid system, and after the Festival all entries will be permanently available on the WAF website.

Entries open April 2008 and close June 2008

www.worldarchitecturefestival.com