30.3.08

light and space - penguin house















yasuhiro yamashita from tekuto's award wining penguin house.

source: archispass

AIAS deisgn competition for retirement housing

the American Institute of Architecture Students is hosting a competition for a residential model for the aging population. And it is exactly what we're doing for our water street project.

"“Home is where you hang your hat” as the old saying goes. However, as a person ages, his or her ability to stay in their home and community can be put into jeopardy. Most older homes were not designed for older residents and as their needs and abilities change people can be forced to move even though an overwhelming majority of older Americans (89%) have said they want to remain in their current home and community for as long as possible. This is a growing problem as the baby boomer generation ages.

This competition calls for the design of a single family home ranging in size from 1,000 square feet to 2,000 square feet. Participants should consider how “Universal Design” is incorporated in the house so the residents can live in the house for a lifetime. "

Schedule + Deadlines

Monday, March 17, 2008 Deadline for competition registration (postmarked).

Friday, April 11, 2008 Deadline for competition submissions
(postmarked).

Monday, April 28, 2008 Review by the Jury
(AARP Headquarters, Washington, DC).

Monday, May 5, 2008 Results posted on the AIAS Web site.

May 15-17, 2008 Display of winning entries at 2008 AIA Convention and Design Exposition in Boston, MA.

July 17-20, 2008 Display of winning entries at 2008 AIAS Grassroots Leadership Conference in Washington, DC.

September 4-6, 2008 Recognized promoted and display of winning entries at AARP’s 50th Anniversary Life @ 50+ Member Event and Expo in Washington, D.C. and through various other AARP Channels.

Fall 2008 Publication of winning designs in Crit.


- AIAS



though they're requesting a smaller scale project. i think it's worthwhile to check out the overview of the competition site.


source: AIAS

22.3.08

CITY Racks competition


the New York City department of transportation has proposed a competition to provide bicycle parking racks through out the city. the registration deadline is april 23rd and submission by june 9th. for more information please visit, http://nycityracks.wordpress.com



What is CITYRACKS?
CITYRACKS is a program run by the New York City Department of Transportation that provides FREE sidewalk bicycle parking racks throughout New York City to encourage cycling for commuting, short trips and errands. CityRacks are not intended to be used for long-term parking.
How will CITYRACKS benefit my neighborhood?
CITYRACKS provides added convenience for the entire cycling community: businesses, commuters, shoppers, messengers and food diliverers and students. Businesses can expand their client base and improve customer satisfaction by providing convenient parking nearby. Also, the availability of CITYRACKS parking discourages cyclists from parking at mailboxes, parking meters, trees, and other sidewalk structures.
What do the bicycle racks look like?
The bicycle accommodates all types of bicycles and locks. The racks are continuous curve square tubing pipe made of black coated polyester finish steel. CITYRACKS are installed in two sizes: an upside-down "U" rack for two bikes and a double loop for five bikes.
Where are CITYRACKS installed?
CITYRACKS are installed on City-owned sidewalks throughout the five boroughs. The sites selected are virtually everywhere bicyclists go: business districts, neighborhood shopping areas, universities, museums, libraries. The siting criteria for CITYRACKS are as follows:
  • City-owned property;
  • Wide concrete sidewalks (minimum sidewalk width 12 feet);
  • Removed from the natural flow of pedestrians, usually at the curb and always away from crosswalks;
  • Usually a minimum of 6 feet from other street furniture (e.g., street signs, mailboxes, benches, telephones);
  • Greater distances from certain features(e.g., up to 13 feet from fire hydrants, and 15 feet from bus stop shelters and newsstands);
  • CityRacks can NOT be installed on pavers, cobblestone, brick, stone/slate slabs, custom/patterned concrete or metal grating.
How are CITYRACKS installed?
After a request is received and evaluated, those sites deemed suitable for inspection will be given an on-site evaluation. If the location is approved, it will be added to the contractor's next order for manufacturing and installation. After installation, the CITYRACKS remain the property of the City of New York. The City assumes responsibility for the rack but not the bicycles parked at it.
How to request new or additional CITYRACKS or report a damaged rack…
To request new or additional bike racks, complete our online request form or you can complete and mail or fax our printable request form (pdf). To report a damaged rack, use our online repair form or our printable form (pdf). Mail printable forms to:

CITYRACKS
40 Worth Street - Room 1035
New York, NY 10013
Fax # (212) 442-7823

For more information about CITYRACKS call (212) 442-7687.

source: CityRack Design Competition

New York City Department of Transportation


18.3.08

my favourite time of the year.


&you all know i'm a film junkie. if anyone would like to accompany me and enjoy some good cinema, it would be wonderful. just let me know.
on from Mar/26 to Apr/6.. a chance to watch films from emerging filmmakers before it breaks onto the world stage.
here is an overview for your viewing pleasure:
http://www.filmlinc.com/ndnf/program.html


and can i just add that i am unbelievably sad that i am missing out on this:
http://newyork.going.com/event-260540;Elephant_Walk_Crosstown


10.3.08

ISMAEL


remember our friend ismael?? him and 3 other kids from his school is now working on a bathroom design for the olympics sometime in the future. and if they're good they might actually get to build it. they 've started a new blog, roca&roll, for this project and there are some interesting things there go check it out and give some support to our spanish fellow.

roca&roll

source: abedesign