UK television station hunts for eager architects,  St Petersburg's Heritage listing under threat and Dubai still feeling the effects of the financial crisis.

 

UNITED KINGDOM
A British television channel, Channel 4, is searching for architects who would like to be part of an on-camera construction team, attempting to recreate the Titanic cruise ship. The team will reconstruct integral parts of the ship, from its structure to the more decorative finishing touches. They will use traditional Edwardian techniques, machinery and materials to gain a true understanding of the challenges faced by Edwardian workers.

RUSSIA
St Petersburg is in danger of losing its World Heritage status as construction of Europe's tallest skyscraper commences. Gas giant, Gazprom, is behind the project. Opponents are hoping that Vladimir Putin, who was initially supporting the project, will scrap it and allow the city to retain its Heritage listing.

DUBAI
The Dubai government's investment company, Dubai World, has revealed that it is seeking to delay repayment on a portion of its debts, requesting a six month standstill. The company has tens of billions of dollars worth of liabilities with other companies including Nakheel. The news has prompted fears among traders that the financial crisis is not over yet.

ITALY
The Maxxi National Museum of 21st Century Arts, Europe's newest art museum, will officially open early next year. It will host work by artists including Anish Kapoor, William Kentridge, Gerhard Richter and Ed Ruscha. A design competition for the Museum was held in 1998, with Zaha Hadid emerging as the winner. Her design incorporates both traditional Mediterranean and contemporary forms.

UNITED STATES
Developer Romanoff Equities has been granted five variances to build a 10-storey glass tower in the Meatpacking District next to the High Line. The building, designed by Jamie Carpenter of James Carpenter Design Associates with Randy Gerner of Gerner, Kronick + Valcarcel, will house approximately 10,800 sqm of retail, showroom and office space. Materials to be used in its construction include terracotta, zinc and perforated metals, as well as concrete and glass.