United States
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has announced the 12 recipients of its Diversity Recognition Program, which celebrates contributions of AIA members toward the goal of a more diverse profession. The winning firms include Denver Women in Design, BRR Architecture, Boston Society of Architects and HOK. “As jurors, we were as impressed by the range of submissions as we were by the innovative ways in which diversity can and should be addressed nationwide,” wrote juror Renee Kemp-Rotan.
Brazil
Brasilian architect Oscar Niemeyer turns 101 this week, making him the oldest living architect. Famed for his modernist concrete architecture, Niemeyer won the Pritzker Prize in 1988 and has continued his involvement in architecture passed his 100th birthday last year.
United Kingdom
Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) decision to hike membership fees by 3 per cent has smashed relations with the RIAS it’s Scottish counterpart, leading to predictions the two may “divorce”. RIAS claims the move was made against its wishes and has promised to break a five-year-old formal partnership agreement drawn up five years ago between the two bodies.
Russia
HOK architects has developed a new masterplan to regenerate the eastern fringes of St Petersburg. The blueprint covers 60 hectares and proposes the city’s first Techno Park. The scheme will be financed through both public and private investment: about a third of the development will be State funded.
China
China needs profitable new uses for old architecture, says Tang Zilai, professor of urban planning in Tongji University. There are positive and negative types of uses. "Negative protection requires a lot of money from the government annually to protect old buildings. Positive protection means finding new uses for existing buildings," says Tang. "We need to consider positive rather than negative conservation and find creative ideas for investors."
Australia
Nearly $1.3 million in funding is aimed at upgrading public access and recreational areas around Sydney Harbour, says the NSW Minister for Planning. The state government has announced 19 grants to local councils and recreational clubs as part of the 2008 Sharing Sydney Harbour Access Program (SSHAP). Minister Kristina Keneally, said the funding will bolster infrastructure, including more than four kilometres of new and upgraded walking tracks and cycleways, as well as new recreational boat launches. “Including this year’s funding, the NSW Government has provided over $8 million for 138 lands and water based projects since 2003,” Keneally said.
