BLRB Architects presented the current state of the plans for a new school to be built on the site of the old Genesee Hill Elementary during a Community Conversation held Thursday, March 14.

By Gwen Davis

Parents and community members gathered at a Community Conversation on Thursday evening to discuss the proposed site for a new elementary school on Genesee Hill.

The meeting focused on how the new facility would physically look. Architects of the company to construct the building, BLRB, presented a PowerPoint showcasing diagrams of the proposed plan. The diagrams were crude rough-drafts of the final version, they said, analogous to crayon sketches.

The building will not near actual construction for another year.

This meeting was one of the first of many opportunities the public will have to raise questions and submit comments. During the hour and a half meeting, facilitators wrote down attendees concerns on a large white easel. Around 20 community members showed.

Questions were raised about safety and security, parameters of the playfield, number of stories, venues for parent drop-off, numbers of students the facility could accommodate, and others. Architects frequently said they didnt know the answers to questions, simply because this was still in such an initial phase.

BLRB will need to work with the Seattle Department of Transportation and other city agencies as the plans become more finalized.

Facilitators said they were eager to address the concerns of the community and looked forward to more conversations in the near future.

This story will be updated

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Community members, architects discuss new Genesee Hill elementary school

Architects defend Tolworth Greenway design against unimpressed residents

10:01am Friday 15th March 2013 in News By Hana Hausmeister, Reporter

Toloworth Greenway project manager Rod Raffell

Architects of the 3m Tolworth Greenway project defended their design against an onslaught of unimpressed residents at the latest presentation.

Tom Sudhoff, landscape architect at Studio Egret West, the team behind the project design, said he was pleased with the final plans despite a backlash of protests.

He said: We love the approach that the council is willing to take to improve the area.

Residents at the meeting in Tolworth Tower on Wednesday night raised concerns about the fragmented colour-scheme, the 20mph speed limit, and the traffic on the roundabout.

Mary-Ann Sorci, from Raeburn Avenue, said: It is a waste of money. All they had to do was take the barriers down and let Tesco do all the rest.

Twenty miles an hour at three oclock in the morning is ridiculous. Tolworth Broadway already makes more money than any road in the area because of the parking charges.

Defending the colour scheme, Mr Sudhoff said: We couldnt use lots of shrubs in that area because of the cyclists and pedestrians. It would be difficult to maintain.

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Architects defend Tolworth Greenway design against unimpressed residents

The Tour of Architects is gearing up for the 4th annual home tours, offering the public a rare opportunity to visit architectually significant homes and meet the architects who designed them. The tours enable the public to experience first-hand the resounding affect that excellent design can have upon their senses.

Seattle, Bellevue, Mercer Island, WA (PRWEB) March 12, 2013

Twelve architectural firms are presenting projects, including cutting-edge newcomers Chadbourne + Doss Architects, who are presenting a home that won the esteemed AIA Honor Award in 2011. Fourth year participant and tour favorite Lane Williams from Coop 15 is also presenting a new remodel in the View Ridge neighborhood. Other architects include Baylis Architects, Elemental Design, llc; Group 3 Architects; Jones & Jones Architecture + Landscape Architecture; Lewis + Smith; Replinger Hossner Osolin Architects; ROM Architecture Studio; Studio Zerbey and Whitney Architecture.

As a special bonus, title sponsor Albert Lee Appliance will host in-store cooking demos at their Bellevue Store as part of the tours.

A sneak preview of the maps and featured homes and complete schedule of events can be viewed at http://www.TourofArchitects.com, Tickets are priced at $20.00 for one day, or $35.00 for a weekend pass, and are on sale now at the same website.

Tour of Architects. March 23 & 24, with projects in greater Seattle featured on Saturday, and projects on Mercer Island and the Eastside open on Sunday. Projects are open 11am 4pm. Contact Liz Gadbois, Producer, for more info at (206) 819-3618 or Liz(at)TourofArchitects(dot)com.

Tour of Architects, March 23 24, 2013. Projects open 11am 4pm. Tickets $20.00 per tour, or $35.00 for weekend pass. Maps & Projects viewable online at http://www.TourofArchitects.com. Tickets on sale now at http://www.TourofArchitects.com.

Elizabeth Gadbois Liz@BainbridgeGEM.com 206.819.3618 Email Information

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Tour of Architects Home Tours Slated for March 23 and 24, Featuring Custom Homes Designed by Cutting-Edge Regional ...

NEW HAVEN, Conn., March 12,2013 /PRNewswire/ --A state-of-the-art computing center by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, the Bill & Melinda Gates Computer Science Complex and Dell Computer Science Hall, opened Wednesday at the University of Texas at Austin with a talk by Bill Gates. Known as GDC, the 232,000-square-foot complex brings together all programs, faculty, and students of the university's top-10 ranked Computer Science Department for the first time.

(Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130312/NE75420 )

The complex comprises two buildings connected by a large glass atrium; Dell Computer Science Hall is the north building. Materials such as cast limestone and Texas brick recall UT's Spanish Mediterranean-style architecture, while the use of glass adds a contemporary spirit. The bustling atrium is the social center of the complex with wide bridges crossing the space that includes inviting study lounges with links to outdoor terraces. Artwork was selected for the project as part of UT's public art program.

"The open design and spectacular light and architectural features of the Gates Dell Complex create an inspiring environment for computer science researchers, faculty, students and staff," stated Pat Clubb, Vice President for University Operations. "A building that engages the academic community to this degree can only be achieved with a world-class architect. Pelli Clarke Pelli's contemporary vision for this building and the architectural dialogue it creates is perfectly complemented by Sol LeWitt's Circle with Towers which the university erected in front of the new complex."

The complex contains nearly 24,000 square feet of instructional space and 20,000 square feet for research. Ten research clusters each have glass-walled laboratories surrounded by offices and discussion areas to share the excitement of research with students. The department is known for its work in cybersecurity, computer systems, artificial intelligence and robotics.

GDC is the second UT Austin building by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, which also designed the 1996 campus master plan. The firm has designed buildings and campuses for more than 40 higher education clients.

STG Design is the executive architect for GDC.

Founded in 1977 and led by Cesar Pelli, Fred Clarke, and Rafael Pelli, Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects has designed some of the world's most recognizable buildings, including the World Financial Center in New York, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, and the International Finance Centre in Hong Kong.

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Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects ' new computing center opens at the University of Texas at Austin

Daniel Brown (left), director of the Carl Hansen Student Center, with Jefferson Riley of Centerbrook Architects. Centerbrook donated a series of Bobcat statuettes that now overlook the newly renovated Carl Hansen Student Center on Quinnipiac University's Mount Carmel Campus. February 21, 2013.

HAMDEN >> Centerbrook Architects & Planners has donated 10 bobcat sculptures to be placed in Quinnipiac Universitys Carl Hansen Student Center to symbolize the strong relationship between the two organizations.

We designed the nook behind the fireplace to be a cozy den for students, and it turned out to be a perfect den for bobcats, as well, said Jefferson Riley, partner at Centerbrook, of Centerbrook, Conn.

Riley, who has been the major architect at the university since 1978, said he hopes the university community enjoys the statues sculpted by Bob Shure and his team at Skylight Studio in Boston.

Each of the bobcats, sculpted first in clay by hand then cast in a liquid resin before being smoothed and painted to resemble bronze, is unique in pose. Each is approximately 24 inches long by 14 inches high and weighs about five pounds.

The bobcats complete the space, said Daniel Brown, assistant dean and director of the student center. They bring a sense of spirit and pride to the piazza. We are grateful to have them.

The bobcats are not Centerbrooks first contribution to the university. Other donations include the floral gutters at the College of Arts and Sciences, the artwork on the walls of the Arnold Bernhard Library and the three chandeliers in the Rocky Top Student Center made of recycled jet engine parts.

Centerbrook has been an extraordinary corporate partner providing financial support for the Arnold Bernhard Library, the TD Bank Sports Center, the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine and all three Quinnipiac Classic Golf Tournaments, said Donald J. Weinbach, vice president for development and alumni affairs. We truly value this long-standing relationship with Jeff Riley and his partners.

Quinnipiac is a private, coeducational, nonsectarian institution located 90 minutes north of New York City and two hours from Boston. The university enrolls 6,200 full-time undergraduate and 2,300 graduate students in 58 undergraduate and more than 20 graduate programs of study in its School of Business and Engineering, School of Communications, School of Education, School of Health Sciences, School of Law, Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, School of Nursing and College of Arts and Sciences. Quinnipiac consistently ranks among the top regional universities in the North in U.S. News & World Reports Americas Best Colleges issue. The 2013 issue of U.S. News & World Reports Americas Best Colleges named Quinnipiac as the top up-and-coming school with masters programs in the Northern Region. Quinnipiac also is recognized in Princeton Reviews The Best 377 Colleges. For more information, please visit http://www.quinnipiac.edu. Connect with Quinnipiac on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/quinnipiacuniversity and follow Quinnipiac on Twitter @QuinnipiacU.

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Centerbrook Architects & Planners donate bobcat sculptures to Quinnipiac

Even though its current owner has boring plans to turn it into flats and a shopping complex, architects can't resist imagining new uses for Battersea Power Station. Architecture firm Atelier Zndel Cristea (AZC) is the latest, rendering a future station that's both a museum of architecture and a giant rollercoaster.

Before you get too excited, this isn't going to actually happen any time soon -- the site is owned by a consortium of Malaysian investors who are intent on turning the power station into the centrepiece of a new 3,400 home development that is incredibly dull. AZC, though, is the firm that was behind the idea for a trampoline bridge across the Seine, and that sense of fun can be seen in "The Architectural Ride", with the power station turned into a museum which visitors can get a full view of by taking a ride on a rollercoaster that encircles and slices through the iconic brick building.

It's the winner of a competition hosted by ArchTriumph to imagine a new Museum of Architecture for London using the power station as its site and inspiration. The rollercoaster is for people who want to see the Sir Giles Gilbert Scott-designed building from all angles, but a number of new floors and galleries inside and on the roof will host exhibitions on architecture from the modern era to as far back as the Middle Ages.

The Tate Modern -- located down the river in the former Bankside Power Station -- also serves as an influence. The AZC team write: "Our project puts the power station on centre stage. Our created pathway links together a number of spaces for discovery: the square in front of the museum, clearings, footpaths outside and above and inside, footpaths traversing courtyards and exhibition rooms. The angles and perspectives created by the rail's pathway, through the movement within and outside of the structure, place visitors in a position where they can perceive simultaneously the container and its contents, the work and nature. They come to participate in several simultaneous experiences: enjoying the displayed works, being moved by the beauty of the structure and the city: river, park, buildings."

The power station has arguably been a victim of its own fame, and has tended to be worth more as an investment than an active project for its successive owners over the years. Proposals for the site have come and gone without anything actually happening, leaving the building empty and falling apart since 1983. The very first winning bid, submitted at the time, was from the owners of Alton Towers, who wanted to turn it into the centrepiece of a new central London theme park.

In recent years there have also been proposals to convert it into Chelsea Football Club's new stadium, or to tear down all but the front and rear walls with the chimneys and create a new park, and even to turn it back into a functioning (and ecologically-friendly) power plant running on bio-fuel. We can only hope that the current developers now reconsider their plans for luxury flats, luxury flats, shops and more luxury flats instead.

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Architects imagine a Battersea Power Station rollercoaster conversion

TDG Architects creates trusted partnership, helps to grow clients business into franchise reality

Troy, Mich. (PRWEB) March 11, 2013

The Big Salad has prioritized the design, interior finishes and overall aesthetic of its restaurants to best serve its customers with top rated service, food and atmosphere. The company has partnered with TDG since its establishment in 2008 to consistently scope, design and fit a balanced front and back of house into all locations.

I came to TDG Architects with a passionate concept that they they shared, which allowed them to turn it into a vibrant reality, said John Bornoty, owner and CEO of The Big Salad. Their creativity and passion for a superior client partnership is what differentiates TDG from the rest. Since we opened our first restaurant, TDG has been and continues to be involved in every new location we open. Five years and four stores later, they still share my passion for every new Big Salad we launch, including our new Ann Arbor restaurant which will open this spring. TDG designs our space and they bid and manage the project to ensure that the contractors are building the space just as they designed it to be.

In addition to front of the house design, TDG streamlined the design of The Big Salads prep, kitchen and customer areas to ensure the flow of traffic is fluid and without bottlenecks for optimum efficiency, food safety and customer experience. Bornoty believes that restaurant design is the most important feature of his restaurants, and without superior thought and design, food safety and ultimate customer satisfaction would waver.

If you walk into a space without a preconceived notion, youre liberated to do a better job and think creatively, said Brian Gill, president, TDG Architects. We spend a lot of time talking about branding. There always has to be a balance between form and function. Thats where I think we are the strongest. Weve found a true client partner in John and The Big Salad and as a Michigan based company, were proud to help The Big Salad grow its brand and franchise business.

We have been so happy with Brian and the group at TDG that we have made it mandatory that every new franchisee use them, Bornoty explained. TDGs talent goes beyond basic architectural services. Their knowledge of creating and building decorative materials combined with a keen ability to connect with suppliers has proven to be a very valuable asset in the continued growth of our company. After all, should a space be decorated for its functionality before its designed? We think so.

About TDG Architects

Since 1996, TDG Architects has had the privilege of providing architectural services for a wide variety of clients in the commercial, office, retail, manufacturing, and residential markets. Clients include top corporations, financial institutions, developers, governmental agencies, and more. TDG's projects range from small but challenging to large and complex, layered with multi-level financing and governmental oversights. For more information about TDG Architects, visit: http://www.tdgarchitects.com.

About The Big Salad

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The Big Salad Names Architects of Record for Corporate, Franchise Locations

Architects from Eugene and Portland know a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when they see one.

Eugene is looking for an architect to design its next City Hall, which will replace the closed downtown City Hall on East Eighth Avenue.

Architectural firms have until Thursday afternoon to apply for the job. The city will select a firm in April.

City officials expect the new City Hall will be built in 2 years.

Some of the citys largest architectural firms are forming teams of engineers and other experts to apply for the work by Thursdays deadline, architects said.

Every architect whose firm has the capability to work on a project such as this would jump at the opportunity, Eugene architect Paul Dustrud said.

Architects view the City Hall project as a rare opportunity to design an important building, both for the community and for their firms.

How often does an architect have the opportunity and privilege to vie to work on rebuilding and reinventing the government center of their town? said John Lawless, a principal with TBG Architects & Planners.

The city asked for proposals starting on Feb. 11, but it expects to get applications up until the 2:30 p.m. Thursday deadline, said Jaime Garner, a city purchasing analyst.

Illustrating the interest in the project, 28 people, including representatives from several architecture and engineering firms from Eugene and Portland, attended a Feb. 21 meeting to learn about the citys selection process.

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For architects , City Hall job is a prize

Just the Basics 4. Groups and Components - SketchUp Tutorials for Landscape Architects
This tutorial is in a series exploring the basics of SketchUp for Landscape Architects. This series is replacing an older series of tutorials made in the pas...

By: DigitalArchLand

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Just the Basics 4. Groups and Components - SketchUp Tutorials for Landscape Architects - Video

GET a chance to showcase your residential renovation at major cities in Malaysia by winning the inaugural Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia-Home Decoration Exhibition (PAM-Homedec) Award which is now open for entries.

The award is a first for PAM and Homedec which honour the work of architects in the home renovation field.

PAM president Saifuddin Ahmad said the award would help promote good architectural design and encourage homeowners to appoint architects for their renovation works.

Many Malaysians rely on contractors or unqualified persons for renovation advice and design.

This mostly result in completed works that lack design aspirations and do not harmonise with its surroundings.

It sometimes sticks out like a sore thumb and may even be unsafe, said Saifuddin.

He added that architects were well-versed with the regulations and building laws, ensuring health and safety requirements were met as well.

Homedec organiser C.I.S Network Sdn Bhds president Vincent Lim said the exhibition had become a Malaysian household name for renovation, refurbishment and redecoration.

People come to discover designs, solutions and the latest trends and ideas to spruce up a home. Architects play a major role in turning a homeowners vision or ideas into reality, he said.

Lim added that they would be considering providing the platform for showcasing regulations and laws when it comes to renovations.

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Chance for architects to exhibit their designs