This post is brought to you by Harvard GSD Executive Education Every building tellsa story. These stories are grounded in our emotional connection toarchitecture. Our built environment protects us, surrounds us,defines us, and gives us a place to live our lives. The better youunderstand a building's story, the better you can enlist others intoyour vision.In this program onnarrative architecture, SteveTatham, one of the world's leading theme parkdesigners, will discuss how theme parks use story techniques tocreate unforgettable built environments and how you can use thesepractices to bring your built projects to life. We asked Steve whatyou will learn in this program in the video below.When FloridasWalt Disney World opened in 1971, NBCs David Brinkley calledit the most imaginative and effectivepiece of urban planning in America. This in-depth program, taughtby a 30+ year veteran of theme park design with Disney and UniversalCreative, demonstrates how to imp...

Steven Holl Architects, in collaboration with Newil&Bau, has opened a new multifamily development in Finland's capital called Meander Housing. The September 12th inauguration marks the end of a journey that first began in 2006 and underwent a period of dormancy before being constructed in just 2.5 years.Image: Jenny KallioHelsinkis Taivallahti Bay provides the backdrop to the 115-unit building that was recuperated from a former military barracks in the citys Taka-Tl district.Image: Kuvatoimisto Kuvio OyHoll designed the project as though building equivalent to a musical crescendo, with its 180 meter (591 foot) central volume tapering in section oriented to the ocean and fluctuating at various heights between two and seven floors.Image: Kuvatoimisto Kuvio OyAccordingly, it weaves or 'meanders' along a stem-winding path interspersed with strategically placed landscaped voids and wrapped in a glazed enclosure.Image: Jenny KallioThe wood materials used in its construction...

The newestAIA/DeltekArchitecture Billings Indexreporting has shown a continued stasis of weak conditions for firms nationally. The August ABI is now 45.7, down from the 48.2 figure that was recorded for July (any score below 50.0 indicates a decline). This is now the nineteenth consecutive month of declines in the ABI index."Unfortunately, even the impending interest rate cuts didnt move the needle on project inquiries or new design contracts at architecture firms. Hopefully, once the trajectory of further cuts gets clarified, delayed projects will restart, and new projects will gather momentum,"the AIAs Chief Economist Kermit Baker says of the findings:August ABI HighlightsRegional averages: Northeast (48.2); South (46.8); Midwest (46.6); West (45.7)Sector index breakdown: mixed practice (firms that do not have at least half of their billings in any one other category) (48.6); institutional (47.4); commercial/industrial (46.6); multifamily residential (44.0)Project inqui...

The Prix Versailles has revealed its list for the 2024 edition of the World's Most Beautiful Emporiums List. Each is said to exhibit a number of sustainable credentials and will next compete against other category winners for one of three 2024 World Titles Prix Versailles, Interior and Exterior that are expected to be announced from the UNESCO Headquarters on December 2nd."Emporiums are amongst the top identifiers and influencers of todays changing societies. Becauseof their heightened sensitivity to visitor numbers, they are compelled to reinvent themselves in themost promising ways," Jrme Gouadain, the Secretary General of the Prix Versailles,said of the 2024 field. "This collection, this sample, of the worlds most beautiful emporiums, demonstrates the many pathsthat lead to business that is truly open to the aspirations, needs, well-being and environment of localinhabitants.The pleasure derived from visiting a place generates moments that deliver sensations, emotion...

Frank Lloyd Wrights first independent commission in River Forest, Illinois has hit the local real estate market for just under $2 million. The historic 1894 Winslow House was the young architects first after leaving Adler & Sullivans Chicago office, reports Blair Kamin.Christies International listed the 5,000-square-foot/five-bedroom property, which was restored recently for $1.3 million. Wright credits the nascent underpinnings of the Prairie Style to its development in several sources including his biography perCrains. The National Register of Historic Places added the landmark to its database in 1970.Wrights early Warren Hickox House in nearby Kankakee, Illinois also hit the market in March after being held in private hands for 48 years.

Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)s Taikang Financial Centre is off and running in Wuhan, China. The construction update posted this past week to the firms Instagram shows progress on three ultimately glass-enclosed cores separated by a lush "urban canyon" that envelopes skybridge-connected towers of 52, 50, and 47 floors separately within the Hankou Riverside Business District.Its design loans from the previous Leeza SOHO tower finished in 2019 in Beijing's Fengtai financial precinct. The firm had previously announced the mixed-use project's completion for 2025 but now says it's 'TBC' along with other underway developmentsin the region on its web page.

Colin Fournier, the British architect and planner who helped form Archigram with Sir Peter Cook and others in the early 1960s, has passed away at age 79. He was best known for the firms 2003 Kunsthaus Graz and work with Bernard Tschumi on the design of Parc de la Villette in Paris.A commemoration from the UCL Bartlett School of Architecture notes: In addition to his architectural practice, Colin was a dedicated and well-loved educator. He joined The Bartlett in 1998 and inspired generations of students for almost two decades with his distinctive approach to design. As Professor of Urban Design, he was instrumental in the formation and directorship of the Urban Design MArch and led the successful Unit 18 on the Architecture MArch programme for several years with a number of teaching partners. Colin inspired countless students and colleagues throughout his life, and his absence will be felt profoundly by all who were fortunate enough to know him."In a statement to the Architects ...

Mabel O. Wilson, the celebrated multivariate writer and architect, has been announced to deliver the 74th A. W. Mellon Lecture in the Fine Arts at the National Gallery of Arts Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts in Washington, D.C.. The four-part series is being presented under the theme 'Americas Architecture of Freedom and Unfreedom', which presages Wilsons forthcoming book on slaverys role in shaping U.S. civic architecture."Wilsons groundbreaking research on our nations architecture, including that which surrounds the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, encourages us to relearn and reconstruct our lived environments, providing new insights and reckonings," Steven Nelson, the dean of the Center, said, speaking to the discoveries latent within her work.The lectures will take place every Sunday from March 9th to March 30th, 2025.

The design for the Fallen Journalists Memorial has been unveiled in Washington DC. Located near the National Mall, the scheme is being designed by Chicago-based John Ronan Architects.

The large-scale modernization of CBS Television City in Fairfax, Los Angeles led by Foster + Partners is moving forward with an endorsement from the Los Angeles City Planning Commission. The revised version of the $1 billion project, which preserves existing William Pereira-designed heritage structures, is now less its originally proposed 15-story office tower component. The new plan results in shorter commercial buildings along Fairfax Avenue and a maximum of 500,000 square feet for general office space with another 712,000 square feet used for productions.RIOS and Adamson Associates are included as part of the design team. Opponents had been claiming the project violated local zoning mandates. It has been in operation since 1952. Multiple outlets have said construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2028.

Apples new The Observatory event space at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, has been unveiled by the tech giant as part of the launch event for the new iPhone 16. The design, which is in ways reminiscent of several of James Turrells skylit spaces, is marketed as a contemplative experience that dialogues with the surrounding mountainside landscape.All images provided to Archinect from AppleThe materials palette features terrazzo, natural stone, and timber (the same used in the campus' circular main building and Steve Jobs Theater next door). The building reportedly runs on 100% renewable energy. All images provided to Archinect from AppleEarly design concepts of The Observatory were led by Foster & Partners. Apples Global Architecture & Design team, led by John De Maio, completed the building design and development in collaboration with Gensler. All images provided to Archinect from AppleThe site offers an elevated view of the main Apple Park building an...

Next Friday, September 20th, theArchitectural League of New Yorkis hosting its annual Beaux Arts Ball. This years event will be themed HEAT and examine the challenges that climate change imposes on the built environment as its subject, asking those in attendance to imagine a better future relative to how the current "foundation of extractivism, carbonization, anthropocentrism, and technocracy are put under increasing pressure."The event takes place inside the Turbine Hall of the new Herzog & de Meuron-restored Powerhouse Arts venue in Brooklyn beginning at 9:00 PM. The space will feature a special installation piece related to the theme designed by Olalekan Jeyifous, lighting design by Joel Fitzpatrick Studio, and a live set from DJ Tara. Be sure to dress festively and prepare to dance the night away!Thanks to The Architectural League, Archinect is giving away five party tickets to five of our readers.For a chance to win a ticket, leave a comment below naming your favorite rec...

A new digital recreation of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine has been released in time for the 23rd anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks in Lower Manhattan.The creative team behind the new app's development, G&A, says they wanted to find a way for those located outside of New York City to share in its inspiring and symbolic rebirth in a lasting way that harkens to the spiritual mission undertaken by church leaders since its establishment during the first World War.In-app visual. Image courtesy G&AIn-app visual. Image courtesy G&AUsing drone-enabled 3D photogrammetry, Santiago Calatrava-designed architecture and recovered original iconography can be experienced in detail along with supplementary text, audio, and short films relating the story of its history and documenting the $95 million worth of contributions that led to its eventual regeneration in 2022.In-app visual. Image courtesy G&AIn-app visual. Image courtesy G&A"Were proud of th...

The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) for August reports a 2.9% increase to a new score of 220.4 following Julys revised total of 214.2. Over the month, commercial planning expanded by 1.9%, and institutional planning was up another 5.7%."Owners and developers continued to prime the planning queue in August, ahead of next years anticipated stronger market conditions," Sarah Martin, the associate director of forecasting at Dodge Construction Network, said. "With the Feds September rate cut all but finalized, the influence of selective lending standards and inflation should moderate next year, alongside a modest upgrade to consumer demand. As a result, stronger planning activity was widespread in August, with most nonresidential sectors seeing growth."The commercial planning sector was led again by data center and warehouse projects, while on the institutional side, healthcare projects continued to be a primary driver.Related on Archinect: Architecture's Interest Rate Prayers Answer...

Construction input prices increased slightly by 0.1% in August, according to a recent Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index data.Nonresidential construction input prices increased 0.2% for the month. Overall construction input prices are now 0.7% lower than they were a year ago, while nonresidential construction input prices are down by 0.9%.Chart credit: Associated Builders and ContractorsConstruction input prices are now down almost a full percentage point over the past year, ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu said. This is a welcome development for contractors, a plurality of whom now expect their profit margins to contract over the next six months, according to ABCs Construction Confidence Index. Moderating materials price escalation, along with easing labor constraints and the near certainty that the Federal Reserve will begin lowering interest rates at its next meeting, should provide some relief to con...

Geneva, Switzerland-based firm Leopold Banchini Architects has designed a sleek, minimalist home intended to reflect its alpine and waterside surroundings.Image: Rory GardinerLocated beside Lake Geneva, looking out at the Alps, Villa Montasser was likened, by the architects, to the work of Swiss painter Ferdinant Hodler. His paintings often depicted mountains reflected in Swiss lakes.Image: Rory GardinerAs a reaction to its landscape, the home was built to stay as simple and humble as possible. Its long, plain faade is described as a blank canvas, which reflects into a water basin of the same length. Here, a singular long window opens onto a floating terrace that is of a similar size.Image: Rory GardinerImage: Rory GardinerThe buildings long rectangular plan, constrained by building regulations, is spread across three levels. A wooden spiral staircase connects the floors.Image: Rory GardinerImage: Rory GardinerThe ground floor living spaces mainly open out to the surroundin...

TheAmerican Institute of Architects has released a statement urging action on a number of key priorities related to architecture and the built environment for the 2024 presidential elections following Tuesdays debate between candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump."Architects across the country are keen to see greater progress toward key goals related to the built environment and our businesses," 2024 AIA President Kimberly Dowdell says in a preface to the seven-point agenda. "Our top election priorities highlight critical issues including the need for increased investment in affordable housing, aggressive climate action measures, enhanced resiliency against natural disasters and sound tax policies.""[The] AIA calls on the candidates as well as the incoming new Congress to listen to architects as experts on the forefront of designing a more sustainable future," her statement continues. "Through these priorities, AIAs members will continue to move the built environment forwar...

This edition of Bustler's curated picks of noteworthy architecture and design competitions features four calls that are all from AIANY/Center for Architecture. They seek exceptional residential interior projects by New York City-based architects, emerging or mid-career architects looking to develop their research and practice through travel, outstanding architectural design across all scales, and projects that address various contemporary architectural issues.For the complete directory of newly listed competitions, click here.

The work of Bruce Goff and his many contemporaries to found a suis generis form of modern architecture in Oklahoma and California is the subject of a new exhibition being staged now at the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center in Oklahoma City.The University of Oklahoma's Gibbs College of Architectures Dr. Angela Person, Dr. Stephanie Z. Pilat, and Marco Piscitelli curate Outr West: The American School of Architecture from Oklahoma to California, a look at the prominence of Goff and other acolytes such as Herb Greene after their efforts launched environmentally conscious design into the mainstream beginning in the 1950s and 60s. Person will be remembered from this summer's popularCapital Brutalism exhibition at the National Building Museum and says they will be presented as renegades along with over 200 documents of their contributions to the vast mosaic of American modernist design, including the Pavilion for Japanese Art in Los Angeles and Prairie House in Norman.The final d...

UCLA Architecture and Urban Design has shared its public speakers and events information for the new academic term as part of our Get Lectured roundup of academic events in the 2024-25 school year.It all begins with the book launch event for Alfredo Thiermanns Radio-Activities on October 10, followed by a lecture from Lisa Iwamoto on October 17. The rest of the month includes a lecture from MITs Skylar Tibbets (October 24) and a talk featuring Ferda Kolatans presentation of his book Misfits & Hybrids: Architectural Artifacts for the 21st-Century City (October 28).Marion Weiss begins November with a lecture on November 18, followed by lectures from Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu of Neri&Hu (November 25) and Takaharu Tezuka (December 2).Here are the individual posters in full size:Lecture poster design by Alyssa Tohyama. Courtesy of UCLA Department of Architecture and Urban Design.Lecture poster design by Alyssa Tohyama. Courtesy of UCLA Department of Architecture and Urban Design....

In case you haven't checked outArchinect's Pinterestboards in a while, we have compiled ten recently pinned images from outstanding projects on various ArchinectFirmandPeopleprofiles.Today's top images (in no particular order) are from the boardHouses.Tip:Use the handyFOLLOW featureto easily keep up-to-date with all your favorite Archinect profiles.Canyon5inLos Angeles, CA byLorcan O'Herlihy Architects Meteorite inKontiolahti, Finland bySotamaa ASHER PROJECT inSan Jose, CA bySTYLARC Z-Haus inPortland, OR byWaechter Architecture 6 x18 Slender House inDelhi, India bySpaces Architects@ka; Photo:Bharat Aggarwal Stony Hill inAmagansett, NY byBates Masi + Architects; Photo:Bates Masi + Architects Black Diamond House inBuffalo, NY byasap/ adam sokol architecture practice SC Residence inManhattan Beach, CA byLaney LA; Photo:Roger Davies FUTAGO HOUSE inKyiv, Ukraine byMAKHNO StudioTo see more highlights from Archinect's Pinterest boards, c...

Located in West Hampstead, London, Minty House is a reimagined Victorian terrace designed by Peter Morris Architects. The project involved a full refurbishment, including a kitchen extension that fills in the side return and enhances the connection to the garden, creating additional space and flow throughout the property. Glazing work was carried out by Fluid Glass.The focal point of the extension is a curved glass bay window that brings in natural light and provides views of the garden. This feature, executed by Fluid Glass, creates a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors. To further integrate the kitchen with the garden, minimally framed sliding doors were installed, blurring the boundaries between the living spaces.Skylights, both square and circular, are positioned throughout the extension. These provide additional natural light and serve as design elements that contribute to the overall atmosphere of the home. The square skylights align with the linear layout, ...

Ahead of its January 2025 release of the World Monuments Watch list, the World Monuments Fund has announced the greatest factors threatening heritage sites globally are conflict, climate change, "overtourism," a lack of financial support and community engagement, and an extenuating state of overdevelopment.The organization says they are doing so now in the interest of sounding the alarm" and raising awareness while the final site included in its next watch list is still being deliberated. The WMF has not produced such documentation since 2022, when it found 25 sites as being under threat. The tenor of threats varies by region, with a majority (58%) of those surveyed in North America & Europe under threat due to "insufficient funding and resources." A total of 200 sites were nominated worldwide.

After a run of over 100 episodes, the Night White Skies podcast hosted by Sean Lally is finally coming to an end.Over eight years, the program sought to engage a diverse range of voices in the design field in order to ascertain a better picture of the scenarios currently unfolding within and surrounding architectural theory and practice.Guests included philosophers such as Ecology Without Nature author Timothy Morton and Emanuelle Coccia. Other popular thinkers like Catherine Ingraham, Fred Scharmen, Sylvia Lavin, and Rachel Armstrong appeared alongside designers Neil Denari, Rania Ghosn, El Hadi Jazairy, and MoMA curator Paola Antonelli.In this final episode, Lally summarizes a few of the recurring topics and thoughts that have proved as salients as a means for outlining what he says is a "course forward [...] or at the very least, playing out a hunch on work still to be done."An archive of all episodes is available at NightWhiteSkies.com for you to search now and in the futu...

This post is brought to you by Pratt, an Archinect Partner SchoolNew York, NY August 2, 2024 Pratt Institutes School of Continuing and Professional Studies has announced an exciting new partnership with Creative AI Academy, a leader in AI-driven design education. This collaboration marks a significant advancement in corporate learning and training by integrating Pratt Institutes prestigious credentials with Creative AI Academys bespoke curriculum development.Pratt Institute, known for its rigorous academic standards, will issue digital credentials that validate the skills gained, while Creative AI Academy, with its industry-leading expertise in AI and design, will craft the tailored training programs to ensure they meet the specific needs of corporate clients. The innovative AI focused curricula, meticulously developed and delivered by Creative AI Academy, will provide cutting-edge learning experiences that meet the evolving needs of todays businesses.Pratt Institute, con...

What could be the worlds first 3D printed hotel development has just broken ground near art and design-rich Marfa, Texas. The vision of a Texas native, the noted Austin area hotelier Liz Lambert, will come together with design and logistical support from BIG and ICON. Both entities announced the project in March of 2023, at the time promising a concept defined by ahigh desert vernacular that equally purports a "primordial architectural language."All images courtesy ICON and Bjarke Ingels GroupTheir design for the expanded El Cosmico resort calls for multiple structures comprised of different organic forms to be 3D printed on a plot totaling more than 60 acres. Private residences and affordable housing units connect to a hotel with a new amphitheaterfor the Austin-basedLong Center for the Performing Arts included.All images courtesy ICON and Bjarke Ingels GroupIndividually, the homes are to be realized at between 2,000 and 2,500 square feet. The project expands the process and ...

Are you an experienced architectureprofessional looking for a new career opportunity? If so, check outthis week's edition of ourcurated jobs roundupfromArchinect Jobs. Below, we highlight 15 employers offering senior positions with astarting salary of over $100K per year.Our selection was based on jobs that have publicly disclosed the annual salary range in their job listings on Archinect Jobs. Make sure to take a look around thejob boardfor other good matches there are currently lots of opportunities with the stated salary range reaching into the six-digit figures.Additionally, check out Archinect's coverage onsalary transparencyand ourArchitecture Salary Pollfor more insight on what you should expect to make based on your position and location.Two Manhattan West by SOM. Photo: Dave Burk SOMSkidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) seeks:Project Manager - Transportation in New York,NYSalary range: $120,000 to $170,000 annually"This role will focus on aviation projects i...

The Southern California Institute of Architecture has started classes for the Fall semester and is sharing with us their schedule of events and lectures as part of our ongoing event highlight at Archinect Partner Schools.This Friday, September 13th, will see the first opening of Views of Planet City, featuring the sci-fi designs of SCI-Arcs graduate Fiction and Entertainment program director Liam Young. A separate opening at the Pacific Design Center follows on September 14th. (Our preview of the exhibition can be found here.)Liam Young. Image credit: Liam YoungNext up, a pair of lectures from Luigi Alberto Cippini (October 2nd) and Harvard GSD dean Sarah M. Whiting (October 9th). Following those will be the October 25th book launch for author Ferda Kolatans new title Misfits & Hybrids Architectural Artifacts for the 21st Century City. The month ends with a lecture from Fiona Connor on October 30th.November begins with the book launch event for 100 Women: Architects in Practic...

Today marks the grand reopening of the Transamerica Pyramid Center in San Francisco, California, following a $400 million redevelopment project fromdeveloper SHVO in partnership withFoster + Partners.The 853-foot masterpiece William Pereira first bequeathed to the city in the summer of 1972 is now revitalized with modern-day amenities and a new lobby that once again matches his designs original intentions while better integrating the building with civic life along the ground level.Image: David LipmanImage: David LipmanOutside the lobby, a revitalized Redwood Park with 49 replanted trees was enacted between Two Transamerica and Three Transamerica at Sansome Street to bind the site and program and serve as a new oasis-like destination in the heart of a busy pedestrian/commercial area.Image: David LipmanImage: David LipmanAnother exterior component of the project entailed rejuvenating Mark Twain Alley, which is now a more vibrant civic space replete with plum blossom trees that ...

The Chicago-based Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) has announced the departure of President and former CEO Antony Wood after 20 years. Wood, who led a tenfold increase in membership during his tenure, said he was lending to a "future generation of leaders" in stepping down. In a statement, colleague and the CTBUHs current Chairman Shonn Mills said: "Antony has completely modernized the organization over nearly two decades, while growing it into the significant global presence it is today."