Donors Pledge $4 Billion to Haiti

Architecture for Humanity continues to lend its support to rebuild and renovate.
By Gillian Wong

Donors from all across the globe have pledged approximately $4 billion to Haiti, which suffered a 7.0 earthquake on Jan. 12. While the amount may seem momentous, it covers merely a fraction of the total damage, estimated between $8 to $14 billion.

The U.S. has pledged $1.15 billion for long-term recovery plans, which Hillary Clinton says must be implemented by Haiti’s own government. The EU and a group of U.S.-based humanitarian organizations have pledged over $2.7 billion, and other governments have also pledged additional sums. The Haitian government itself has requested a donation of $350 million to help over the next six months. The Haitian Recovery Commission would channel $3.9 billion into programs for health, sanitation, education, and housing services within the next year and a half.

Meanwhile, organizations such as Architecture for Humanity have been helping to rebuild and renovate (see this link for further information). Two to three million residents are still without shelter.

For a list buildings that suffered extreme damage during the Haiti earthquake, see this link.

Having a Light Bulb Moment?

By Gillian Wong

Sometimes, store designs just don’t cut it. When you’ve got the right size, you don’t have the right color. You might want a particular lamp to fit into the corner by the coat check—but just as you’ve found the perfect lamp, you find that it comes in just the shade of green that would make the curtains look like dying sunflowers.  

 LAMPS PLUS aims to provide an answer for these frustrations with “Design Your Own,” a new interactive online tool for exasperated designers. After picking a lighting fixture, designers can choose from a wide selection of patterns, and then change the colors to their own satisfaction. Included in the range of fixtures, are pendant chandeliers, table lamps, floor lamps, and more. The color palette is also surprisingly varied, and although some patterns have fixed color schemes, most are adjustable.

Additionally, the Web site is fast in loading up an image of what the fixture would actually look like. For tired eyes and imaginations, this feature will be particularly useful.

It isn’t, of course, the ideal situation—LAMPS PLUS doesn’t let you adjust the dimensions of your light, so if you’re trying to look for something to fit into a rather tight nook or corner, you might have to keep looking. Nevertheless, designers with a dream lamp in mind may find their quest a little easier.

http://www.lampsplus.com/design-it/

Design ‘Bolts’ Out

By Gillian Wong

Ready, set, go! Germany-based Regupol, recently initiated a program called “Bolt for Jamaica.” A minimum of four architects will be invited to embark on a four-day, all-expenses-paid trip to Jamaica, to meet Usain Bolt, three-time Olympic gold medalist, and world record-holder for the 100 meter, 200 meter, and—with his teammates—the 4 x 100 meter relay.

Regupol’s parent company, Bad Berleburg, Germany-based Berleburger Schaumstoffwerk, or BSW for short, was responsible for the blue tracks at the Berlin world championships, where Bolt broke the world records in the 100 meters and 200 meters events. Following the competition, Bolt has endorsed the product, and will now be present as BSW builds a Regupol AG running track at Bolt’s practice facility at the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica. Much better than the grass track that Bolt is using at the moment!

The architects will be privileged with a track dedication event, where Bolt and other athletes will give the new track an official first run. Of course, there will also be some free time to admire and relax on some of Jamaica’s gorgeous beaches.

Regupol normally produces rubber flooring products for tracks at schools, universities, and international games. The trip will be from April 29 to May 2, and the deadline for the application is April 9.

Tour the Future of Design Online

Tronic studio designers Vivian Rosenthal and Jesse Seppi have produced a brand new digital sculpture/video installation at Hewlett Packard’s Palo Alto headquarters and, simply put, it’s wild.

The 60-foot long installation features a series of reinforced fiberglass panels that combine sculpture, animation, and interactivity to create a video wall on one side and, on the other, an incredible expression of architectural form.

“We were commissioned to create a large-scale sculpture and video installation that 'transcends technology and creates an experience that embraces the new' at HP's Palo Alto headquarters,” Jessi Seppi, Tronic partner and designer, notes in a statement.

Safe to say that the “new” has been embraced. Judging by the pictures (see below and tronicstudio.com), the installation will give any employees or guests of HP’s Palo Alto site the vibe that they truly are walking through the future. Tronic’s Web site states that the piece “allows visitors’ perceptions to change as a function of time, use and other external influences.” The colors and lighting change throughout the installation, which was designed to blend the line between the virtual and the actual. (A video of the installation at work may be seen at tronicstudio.com.)

There doesn’t seem be too much of a purpose to the entire project (although it is nice to see that somebody actually has the money to afford this kind of thing, given the sociopolitical climate and whatnot), but we’ll take it as HP putting on a smile and welcoming the future of design with open arms – and 60 ft. of reinforced fiberglass.

-- Adam Figman

Addressing the Issues Facing the Architecture Profession

AIA president George Miller, FAIA shares insight into the current efforts and programs underway at the American Institute of Architects:

 

With a long and distinguished history and nearly 83,000 members, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) is an established organization of licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners that is dedicated to creating better-built environments for current and future generations. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct that assures the client, the public, and colleagues of an AIA-member architect’s dedication to the highest standards in professional practice. The AIA is also the collective voice of the profession and is intent on articulating the benefits of enlisting the services of an architect at the earliest stage of building planning.

 

Towards that end, AIA Knowledge Communities are focused on the various aspects or types of practice including healthcare, school design, sustainability or “green” design, historic preservation, and facility management. By hosting conferences and seminars throughout the year, the AIA Knowledge Communities provide architects the opportunity to network and collaborate with other architects, construction, and design professionals in different areas of specialization.

 

In order to share important industry-related trends and statistics, The AIA Economics and Market Research Group issues a monthly Architectural Billings Index (ABI) – the only predictive indicator of construction activity in the marketplace – that is compiled from the “Work on the Boards” survey of AIA member firms. The results amount to a nine- to12-month glimpse into the future of non-residential construction, which can serve as a valuable resource for all business involved in, or affected by, the construction industry, especially with respect to raw material procurement planning. Another initiative within the AIA Economics and Market Research Group is a quarterly residential design survey, and the information collected is a snapshot of where the housing industry is and where it is moving.

 

The AIA is keenly aware of the issues facing the construction industry and has helped members with online resources. Our Navigating the Economy Web site provides resources such as a career center and resources for firms to help weather the economic downturn. 

 

As the AIA examines the issues facing the architecture profession and the public at large, the organization continues to extend the reach of its influence by encouraging architects to engage in broader public policy issues with the distinct goal of creating more livable communities, in addition to advocating thoughtful design and planning. With a Government Advocacy group that represents the interests of architects before federal, state and local governments, and other policy-making bodies and organizations relevant to the architecture profession, the AIA is actively involved in the political process through lobbying efforts and member outreach. These actions enable the AIA to lead and advocate effectively on legislative, regulatory, and related issues of importance—like brownfields redevelopment, historic preservation tax incentives, and renewable energy sources that affect all citizens.

 

In a more general sense, the AIA seeks to increase attention around a host of subject matter that affects the everyday life of virtually all people. One of the objectives of the AIA is to spotlight the link between workspace and organizational performance, showcase concepts in healthcare facility design that promotes an environment more conducive to healing, explain how mixed-use urban developments contribute to the success of residential communities, explore ways to address population growth and density, and to consider ways in which new educational facilities can have a profound impact on the way students learn.

 

As a way of promoting the public awareness of architecture and architectural services, the AIA National Honors & Awards program is part of a long tradition of recognizing individuals and organizations for their outstanding achievements in support of the profession of architecture. With over 20 different specialty and general awards bestowed annually, the Institute recognizes excellence in design in categories that range from library design, to green buildings, schools, and urban planning. By focusing attention on a broad range of exemplary architecture, the general quality of architectural practice is elevated and a standard of excellence is established against which all architects can measure their own performance.  

 

The AIA remains steadfastly committed to the overarching themes of encouraging diversity throughout the profession, promoting environmental integrity and sustainability, strategies for enhancing the design of affordable “green” housing, high performance design criteria and performance codes, the planning and design of healthier communities and workplaces, and the overall ability of architects to add vision and value to their communities.

 

 

-- George Miller, AIA president, FAIA

A Mathematical Equation for Green

Last week, I took a trip down to Mannington Mills in Salem, NJ to meet with vice president of environmental Dave Kitts and tour the plant for an article I’m writing for Contract magazine’s April sustainability focus. The idea was to learn more about how one of their sustainable flooring products was made from start to finish, but I wound up discovering that sustainability at the company went well beyond its efforts to recycle post-consumer content into eco-friendly flooring (which made my two-plus hour drive well worth it).

Most interesting to me was the company’s philosophy on not only creating green, but acting green, proving that actions peak louder than words. Kitts explained to me in a slideshow presentation about Mannington’s homegrown metric to reduce waste and look to incorporate recycled content: waste in ÷ waste out > 1

By aiming to have the final metric equal a sum greater than one, it goals the company to recycle more than it sends to the landfills. (For example, 100 tons of reclaimed carpet divided by, let’s say, 50 tons of waste sent to landfills results in a total of two.) Last year (2009) was the first year that several of Mannington’s plants were successful in reaching the metric.

Another accomplishment that Kitts is proud of is the sheer volume of recycling. In 2009, Mannington six manufacturing plants brought in over 9,650 tons of waste (that’s equivalent to the weight of over 1600 elephants!)

“Of the multitude of commitments that are driving our smart products and processes, our commitment to be a net user of waste is perhaps the most powerful,” Kitts says.

Additionally, Mannington has made considerable efforts to give back to its local community, both environmentally and socially. Surrounded by wetlands, the company has teamed with organizations such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Foundation and NJ Audubon Society to restore the Riparian buffer ecosystem next to the plant. Mannington has built bird nesting colonies on site for Purple Martins to nest (the birds migrate from NJ to Africa each year), created programs where local students can work to plant shrubs and extend the birds’ habitat, and even encourages one of its workers (who’s a registered beekeeper) to farm honey bees on the property.

 

Read more about sustainability at Mannington in April at ContractMagazine.com

Design Dry Spell

LA’s first blow dry bar has arrived! Designed by New York-based Lacina Heitler Architects. The décor is fresh and clean, with creamy yellows and bright whites mostly running the show. I especially love the suddenness of their sunflower-yellow side table, planted demurely next to two beige lounge chairs.

The two founders, Alli Webb and Michael Landon, wanted their blow out bar to be unlike the normal chic salon or lounge. Though they still wanted the design to be chic and sophisticated, they also wanted it to be fun and comfortable, subtle but persuasive.

The result? A simple style, reminiscent of upscale tea parties between friends. Until, that is, you take a look at their ceiling. Mounted on to the ceiling, and seemingly dangling from five wire cords, the buttercup-yellow blow-dryer light fixture is a great surprise. From a slight distance, it almost seems as if the yellow blow-dryers are spitting out fire. Affectionately named by Webb herself, “Buttercup,” drybar’s very yellow blow-dryer mascot, says a very warm and bright hello from above your head.

-- Gillian Wong, editorial intern

Grab a Chair and Sit Yourself Down—Or Not?

By Gillian Wong, Editorial Intern

Don’t sit back when you take a look at Montreal-based Bruxe Design’s newest jewelry series, Tiny Little Chairs. Dangling on a thin chain, these chairs aren’t made to put your feet up, although they will certainly seem familiar to seating designers. 

Amusing and unique, these small chairs are a stunning rendition of some of the design world’s most famous chairs. The Tulip chairs by Eero Saarinen look eerily similar to the Scoop necklace, and the Pavilion seems a chip off of the old block in terms of the Barcelona chair by Mies van der Rhoe.

Laugh about it with a fellow designer or keep it as a secret. How often can you show off your knowledge of the interior design world and look enigmatic at the same time? You can even be selfless and give them to a design-savvy friend, or as a fun birthday gift to your one and only—these stylish necklaces are guaranteed to be memorable and evoke conversation.

The necklaces come in five different designs and are offered in solid gold, sterling silver, or bronze. The chairs are approximately 1 to 3 cm in height, width, and depth. Prices range from $160 to $1,600—nobody said smaller would be cheaper!

Video: Contract Celebrates 50 Years in Design

The 2010 New Year not only marked the beginning of a better economic outlook; It also ushered in a wonderful milestone for Contract magazine. And it is with great excitement that we announce Contract's 50th anniversary.

In addition to our retrospective March 2010 issue, filled with essays and articles about the past and future of architecture and design, Contract presents an engaging video look into the evolution of design over the last half decade. After watching the video below, make sure to take a glance at our anniversary issue, available in digital format at ContractMagazine.com.

Trouble viewing? The video is also available by clicking here.

Virgilio Barco Public Library Architectural Photo Shoot

By Gillian Wong, Editorial Intern

On January 19, 2010, Mike Butler headed for Bogotá to do a photo shoot for the Virgilio Barco Public Library. The library and the government will use the photos to increase the education of the Colombian people, as well as publicize the institution itself. Butler shot the library’s interior for two nights, and the exterior and surrounding spaces for three nights.

The wide swirling interior expands the space into one reminiscent of fields, while the wood and white color scheme lends a comfortably quiet air to the design. In the dusk light, with a backdrop of fading jewel tones, it is a throwback to olden day villas, and reminiscent of sandstone courtyards. 

Although it contains little public information, the library stands as a symbol of Colombia’s educational goals. The library’s design makes it so that there is no need for artificial lighting during daytime. It is circumvented by lush, green parks, sports areas, and an apartment complex, with an area of 16,092 sq. m.

The Virgilio Barco Public Library was designed by the Colombian architect Rogelio Salmona (1929-October 3, 2007). He was known for his use of red brick in his architecture, and for using natural shapes like spirals, radial geometry, and curves. His style is prominent in the swooping lines of the library’s interior and the warm blends of the library walls.

Butler is noted for his avant-garde lighting and composition skills. His earlier work is primarily black and white, mainly concentrated with scenes from Bangkok.

Read more about Mike Butler, and see additional photos from this shoot, in his exclusive Q&A with Contract magazine.