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Architexture 2: May 2005
Welcome to Architexture, a monthly newsletter from the Architecture
Centre Network (ACN) - the independent body representing architecture
and built environment centres in the UK.
Snapshot
A new 28pp publication from the ACN highlighting the work of the centres
from a selection of people who work with them - from teachers, architects,
community groups and other design professionals. Snapshot gives
a selection of stories in their own words.
“I’m not sure that we would have got so far so quickly
without the support of Kent Architecture Centre. They have brought a
wide range of skills to the project, not only in terms of architectural
advice, but also in introducing us to public consultation, and assisting
with co-ordination. They have been a really useful point of contact,
a one stop shop.”
Peter Webber, Director, Carer’s Support
You can download a copy of this first edition from the ACN website here:
[download]
note: 4.15Mb pdf file
Design Review
Two recent major contract wins by member architecture centres from their
Regional Development Agencies illustrate the commercial acumen and cutting-ege
regeneration practice within the Network.
Design Review is emerging as a process of choice at Regional and Local
Authority level to manage the design cycle, particularly at its early
stages, as a means to deliver better projects to the benefit of client,
contractor, developer and community.
A Design Review Panel at Urban Vision North Staffordshire
Architecture centres in the UK are increasingly involved in the delivery
of Design Review, not least because the independence and expertise of
the centre provides an ideal resource for discreet and accountable brokering
of development schemes.
Urban Vision (Stoke-on-Trent), MADE (West Midlands) and OPUN (East Midlands)
are examples of centres all successful in developing design review processes
and building effective design review teams.
For details of opportunities within centres as Design Review panel members,
check out the ACN
jobs page.
Excellent background information and case studies from across the UK is
available from the CABE website.
Network News
Staff and Board Development
The ACN staff team met in London in April to discuss the Network's emerging
Corporate Strategy 2005-8 subsequently followed by an Executive Board
away-day at Public Arts in Wakefield later that month. News also that
in July this year the ACN's "Big Day Out" in London will feature
the AGM, the next meeting of the Network Education forum, field visits
and a boat trip down the Thames to view the stunning waterside redevelopments
that have re-awakened the Capital's relationship with its river.
ACN Education CPD Event
ACN Education Officer Catherine Williamson organised a 2-day workshop
in April for centres, in collaboration with the Institute of Education
at the University of London [link]. Featuring
a rich programme of hands-on activities and presentations, with examples
of good practice, group work and feedback sessions, day one emphasised
pedagogical theory, day two its practical application in the classroom.
International Architecture Centres
This month sees the welcome visit to the ACN by a delegation from the
Australian Architecture Association. Headed by Stella de Vulder
and with Pritzker Prize Winning Architect Glenn Murcutt as Founding President,
the AAA is building an impressive programme of public engagement with
architecture [link].
The ACN represents the second largest network of Architecture and Built
Environment Centres in the world -surpassed only by the Netherlands. For
a comprehensive directory of international architecture centres check
out Hannah Ford and Bridget Sawyers' publication 'International Architecture
Centres' which was compiled by the Architecture Foundation on behalf
of the ACN in 2003 [more].
Growing Network
The ACN is delighted to welcome the Doncaster Design Centre (DDC)
as an associate member of the Network. Headed up by Jeff Prior, Senior
Planner at Doncaster Council, the DDC will be based at a stunning historic
building in Doncaster town centre [link].
An initiative of Yorkshire's Renaissance Town Initiative, the DDC has
been established to help deliver a 25 year vision for regeneration for
Doncaster and its public programme will acknowledge the good practice
that already exists across the UK within other members in the ACN family.
The ACN wishes Jeff and all the team at the DDC good luck for the future!
Changes at CUBE
CUBE has been one of the flagship centres in the Network and since 1998
has developed a pioneering exhibition, education and commissioning programme
from its gallery in Manchester city centre. It is with regret therefore
that news has been released of the departure this month of Graeme Russell,
CUBE director and founder who recently announced his resignation.
Said Peter Luxton, National Co-Ordinator of the ACN:
"Graeme has always pursued [CUBE's work] with a vision, and a
passion...We are sad to see him go and hope he will continue to be involved
in the issues with us.”
Architecture Week 17-26 June
With events now being registered for Architecture Week thick and fast,
architecture centres across the UK are busy creating a diverse and exciting
programme. Highlights to date include Bill Dunster architects speaking
at Public Arts, the Archiprix International 2005 Exhibition at the Lighthouse
and Rowan Moore in conversation with Jacques Herzog at Tate Modern [more].
What's On?
Museums and Galleries Month 2005
Now in its fifth year Museums and Galleries Month (MGM) takes place throughout
May and offers museums and galleries up and down the country a chance
to promote themselves and engage with as many people as possible [more].
The Archmedia Project
An exhibition from the Architecture Centre, Bristol reflecting their collaboration
with Knowle West Media Centre to design and build a new media centre on
the current site in Knowle West, Bristol [more].
Small Projects
Run in conjunction with the Architects' Journal; an exhibition at the
RIBA where the projects exhibited, all built for less than £250,000,
demonstrate that it is still possible to achieve architectural excellence
on a tight budget [more].
8 Projects: Bennetts Associates
See the first major exhibition of the work of Bennetts Associates, architects
of the acclaimed Loch Lomond visitor centre at RIBA gallery [more].
Benedetta Tagliabue
Come and hear Benedetta Tagliabue, widow and partner at EMBT Arquitectes
- designers of the Scottish Parliament building - speak at the RIBA [more].
Bristol Civic Society
100 years of campaigning to protect and enhance this, one of the UK's
most historic and interesting cities, is celebrated at the Architecture
Centre, Bristol [more].
Jean Nouvel
Adam Caruso's lecture for Architecture Foundation this month has already
sold out so interest will be high for this talk by the architect of Barcelona's
triumphant 142 metre Agbar tower [more].
Summer School
The dates for Public Art's acclaimed summer school at The Orangery, Wakefield
have been released: 22-24th July 2005. For booking and further
information email.
"The three days changed peoples' perceptions and opened up points
for consideration that might change their future working practice. That
is the point of a good summer school."
Will Alsop on the Orangery Summer School
European Architecture News
2nd International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam
This month sees the launch of Rotterdam's festival of contemporary architecture
which in 2005 echoes the UK's Year of the Sea with 'The Flood' as its
central theme - an exploration of waterside living, tourism and rural
development, curated by Adriaan Geuze [more].
Staying in Rotterdam, from July 4-15th the Rotterdam Academy of
Architecture and Urban Design is running a Summer School with Peter Wilson,
Martin Aarts and Aaron Betsky examining the changing face of world harbours
[more].
Related Links:
Architecture Lokaal - The Netherlands
network of architecture centres
NAI -The Netherlands Architecture Institute
Next Edition: June 2005
Architexture is a free, subscription
only, email newsletter of the Architecture Centre Network - the independent
body representing architecture and built environment centres in the UK.
We are always happy to consider articles for submission, please email
Architexture editor: John
Elcock
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