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Architecture news snippets on important projects, politics, exhibitions, and technology.

		17 April 2008: Belgium has celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Atomium, an oddity of modern architecture touted as the "most astonishing building in the world." Built for the 1958 World's Fair in Brussels, the Atomium is a towering structure made up of nine giant aluminum-clad spheres linked with steel tubes. The sci-fi design represents an iron atom magnified 165 billion times... Source: The Boston Globe

		The East Darling Harbour development to be named 'Barangaroo' has come under attack from world renown urban planner Jan Gehl, who is currently working on improving New York City's public spaces and was engaged by the City of Sydney council for advice. Even the name (Barangaroo was the wife of Bennelong, the Aborigine adopted by the first white settlers) is drawing criticism from some quarters, although it is supported by the Geographical Names Board. Some prefer its Depression era name, the Hungry Mile. Read more about it or view a fly-through animation of the scheme. Jan Gehl: The lack of nearby residences and the overly expansive park will make the area "fearsome at night" and a "wasteland" during holidays. "It's against all we know about recreational patterns in the 21st century." The parklands ought to be broken up by residences and canals. Premier Iemma: "I have a great deal of respect for Jan Gehl. He's entitled to his opinion, but it is just that - his opinion - and he is one person who has an opinion." In fact, it will be "one of the most magic spots in the world", and the city's "crown jewels". Former PM Keating: The name is merely "Aboriginal kitsch", and unconnected to the site. What do you say?

		A widely-reported "anniversary addition" to Paris's iconic Eiffel Tower seems to have been an early April Fools' joke. The Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel, the government-contracted firm that manages the tower, has completely debunked the plans for an organic, modern extension of the tower's famous upper observation deck as a "hoax". Several newspapers and agencies were trapped by the elaborate hoax, including The Guardian, The New York Times, ARCHITECT Magazine and Archinet. The rumours are believed have started with an email from Paris-based Serero Architects, claiming that it had responded to a "call to architects" to design a 120th anniversary redesign of the much-loved tower. The Société has denied there was any such "call", and on March 27 The New York Times reported that Serero Architects had submitted the plan spontaneously, as a "lark". Source: ARCHITECT Magazine

		Two new faces are soon to join the ranks of Sydney Harbour's elite waterfront crowd, with news that Tony Owen NDM Architects' Tide House and Moebius House have received elusive - and exclusive - development approval. The Tide House, on the water at Castlecrag, is a ripple-effect distortion of white boxes, while the Moebius House faces onto the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, with a folding twisting shape designed to make the most of the spectacular outlook. Both homes typify Tony Owen NDM Architects' "elastic architecture" concept, wherein designs are pliant and responsive, expanding to allow connectivity with the environment or retracting for greater privacy and differentiated uses. Source: World Architecture News

		Esteemed Sydney architect Ken Woolley has ignited passions after suggesting the construction of an 1800-seat opera theatre next to the world-famous Sydney Opera House, in the grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens and the World Heritage listed Opera House precinct. The Jørn Utzon-designed Sydney Opera House is one of the world's most distinctive examples of modern architecture, but has long been criticised for its poor acoustics. Woolley believes that trying to fit a new opera theatre inside the existing Opera House could compromise Utzon's design and cause the unnecessary closure of the original landmark building. Former Prime Minister Paul Keating has voiced the loudest criticism of the rumoured $700 million plan, printed in front-page column in The Sydney Morning Herald last month. Source: World Architecture News

		It's not every day you see a fog farm. Standing 400-metres tall Fernandez and Ortega's spiralling Coastal Fog Tower is designed to harvest the ‘camachaca', a special kind of Chilean fog, which stretches from Peru down to the northern Chilean regions, condensing into a low-lying coastal cloud layer that is pushed inland by the sea breeze. The tower's stacked weave construction traps and wicks moisture from the air, while the spiral shape gives a high surface area, funnelling up to 200,000 litres of water to the basement every day. Reverse osmosis is then used to remove trace minerals from the ocean and turn the trapped moisture into potable water - a process much more efficient than traditional desalination plants. Source: Inhabitat

		It looks like a volcano-like concept-tower might knock its rivals for the "tallest man-made structure" title right out of the water. Conceived by architect Eugene Tsui, the Ultima Tower is a 2-mile-high man-made ecosystem, borrowing design principles from trees and termite mounds maximise efficient use of the Earth's surface. According to the United Nations, within the next 7 years 22 megacities around the world will have populations exceeding 10 million people. The tower would source most of its energy from wind turbines and photovoltaic cells, as well as converting the differential in atmospheric pressure between the bottom and top of the tower into electrical power. The designers are also figuring out how to apply the transpiration-cohesion pull principle (last seen in a leafy green plant near you) to carry water from the bottom to the top of the tower. Source: Inhabitat

		FUTURISM has reached Azerbaijani, with visions from Heerim Architects giving birth to these two new buildings within the appropriately named Full Moon Bay. As one of the world’s fastest growing economies, the city of Baku is marking its place on the world map with the construction of these two buildings – Hotel Full Moon and Hotel Crescent. The curving form of Hotel Crescent, similar to a crescent moon, will stand in harmony with the rounded disc of the Hotel Full Moon, punctuated with a hole. These spectacular masterpieces are designed to be joined by three tall residential buildings and a 43 floor office building 203m in height. Source: Inhabitat

		THE Australian Interior Design Awards are fast approaching, with awards set to be announced at a celebratory dinner on Friday 11 April 2008 at the Hilton Sydney. Entries for this year’s awards are now closed and the short listed projects have been announced. For a glimpse of the short listed projects, click here and to view their images, click here. The awards are ready celebrate and promote outstanding commercial and residential design, such as the pictured Dire Tribe for Dusk Bar, 2007 winner for Excellence and Innovation. The presentation of awards coincides with designEX 2008, Form & Function 2008 and the 2008 RAIA National Conference. For further information see interiordesignawards.com.au

		GERMAN-based firm, GMP Architekten, has recently seen the completion of their design of the largest Christian church in China, located in Beijing. The building now radiates the once overshadowed space located between Zhongguancun Cultural Tower and "city of books", with the towering symbol of the cross visible from its surrounds. The use of an exterior rod system forms a unifying building skin which lets in sufficient daylight. The newly-built church marks a large step in the process of instating more religious freedom in China. In close proximity to some top learning institutes, the church has attracted large numbers of young students. Image: Christian Gahl, www.christiangahl.com Source: World Architecture News

		THE newly constructed Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane is yet again set to display exhibitions which intrigue and inspire design and art professionals. This August will welcome an exhibition titled Place Makers: Contemporary Queensland Architects, showcasing the esteemed work of 22 contemporary Queensland practices. The exhibition will explore their range of design responses to the Queensland climate, lifestyle and population growth. Although a number of months away yet, all aspiring Australian architects can look forward to the showcase of architects including Rex Addison, Bligh Voller Nield, Lindsay & Kerry Clare (Architectus), Cox Rayner Architects, Donovan Hill, m3architecture and more. Image: Architectus. Source: Queensland Art Gallery

		HAVE you ever longed to call the houses of world renowned architects ‘home’? Although the constructed works of the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright sit as invaluable for purchase, you may now experience a taste of ownership through the rental of these masterpieces. The Duncan House is one of these exquisite dwellings of which rental is available, with the chance to experience the carefully planned spaces, views and furnishings. This home, located about 35 miles from Pittsburgh, has been open for rental since last June and is one of 11 modest dwellings prefabricated and constructed on lots chosen by the buyers. Source: New York Times

		THE University of South Australia can now boast its latest addition, The Hawke Building designed by John Wardle Architects with Hassell. The building celebrates the completion of the commission for four new buildings at the university and completes an architectural promenade. The daring and striking form of the concrete façade brings a character to the pedestrian front, of which the building entry addresses, while this bold statement is carried through to the interior, with irregular geometric forms and the crossing of planes. Within the building lie exhibition areas housing installed works and artistic pieces, completing this sophisticated and inspiring student facility. Source: Architecture Australia

		WITH environmental sustainability as the forerunner in current architectural issue, it is no surprise that someone has stepped out in the hope to transform Sydney into a green city. Sydney-based architect and environmental thinker, Tone Wheeler, has envisaged the installation of green rooftops on every Sydney building. Given a $48,000 grant, Wheeler has set out to research the possibility of fulfilling this vision in a practical and feasible manner. Wheeler told the Sydney Morning Herald “This could be the single biggest revolutionary change wrought on Sydney in terms of greening up the city.” Source: Inhabitat

		WITH a much-needed facility expansion, the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne has embarked on a $1 billion upgrade. After careful deliberation, a team of three arhcitectural firms has been selected for the design, inlcuding HKS Inc., Billard Leece and Bates Smart. The new hospital is expected to treat 35,000 more patients per year, with the majority of the addition devoted to intensive care and medical beds. This project will result in Australia's first five-star Green Star hospital with the sustainable outlook to reduce water and energy consumption and greenouse gas emissions. Ronald W. Dennis of HKS states, “The hospital is designed to be a world-class facility, offering the latest in quality care in a healing environment that is responsive to the needs of children, their families, and staff". Source: World Architecture News

		THE American Institute of Architects (AIA) declares their Gold Medal as the highest honored award of the year. With their recent decision and announcement, the acclaimed Gold Medal has been rightfully bestowed upon Renzo Piano, with praise given “for his sculptural, technically accomplished, and sustainable forms”. Most widely noted for the design of the Centre Pompidou in the city of Paris, Piano has designed and produced some of the world’s most loved architectural works. Thomas S. Howorth, chair of the AIA Committee has noted that “His work demonstrates the complete range of architectural concerns… he integrates the diverse disciplines that combine in contemporary building into cohesive, humane environments”. Source: American Institute of Architects

		THE recently completed Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane, Queensland has snatched at the opportunity to proudly display one of the world’s most famous artists of the 20th century. The renowned works of pop artist, Andy Warhol, dating from the 1950s until his death in 1987, will be displayed in one single exhibition. Displaying the famous works of ‘Death in America’ and iconic images of Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Onassis, Mao Zedong and Elvis Presley, the exhibition will also show for the first time in Australia his early commercial work, ‘Interview’ magazine as well as his Self-Portrait paintings. The exhibition is currently on show until March 30 2008. To download the exhibition audio tour, click here Source: Queensland Art Gallery

		HASSELL in association with JAWS Architects of Hobart have taken on the challenge to present Tasmania with a school which encompasses all the ideals of sustainability. The new middle school located in Kingston not only presents an aesthetically unique and challenging design, but will incorporate environmental strategies through the use of sustainable materials, green roofs, wetlands, vegetable and native gardens. Construction will commence at the end of 2008 and opening envisaged for the 2011 school year. Source: World Architecture News

		MIAMI architect, Chad Oppenheim talks to Inhabitat on the methods of sustainability employed in Miami’s COR Tower. Oppenheim discusses his vision for creating a green building in all senses – in essence, by “fusing ecology and architecture” to create a compelling building. The multi-level tower will house both commercial and residential spaces, encompassing the ideals of sustainability and contemporary design practice. Green technologies incorporated into the tower include wind turbines, photovoltaic panels and solar hot water, as well as the advanced thermal massing of the exoskeleton. The COR Tower is scheduled for completion in 2009. To view video, click here. To read more on the COR Tower, click here. Source: Inhabitat

		SYDNEY'S Rouse Hill is in for a makeover, envisioned to become a major town centre. The renewed urban design, as created by Group GSA, Rice Daubney and Allen Jack + Cottier, will incorporate major retail, commercial, community and housing facilities. The rejuvenated town centre will seek to “combine the traditional values and streetscape of a contemporary market town”, bringing to life an area that is currently under-utilised. Having already opened stage one of the redevelopment September of 2007, stage two is scheduled for completion in March of 2008. Source: World Architecture News

		THOM Mayne stands as one of the leading architects in the United States who has a keen eye for sustainability and environmental architecture. As part of the vision to educate the world about ecological architecture, Mayne has lent himself to the documenting genius of Belgum-based filmmaker, Jacques Allard. He is one of twelve leading international architects who have participated in Last Call for Planet Earth, a documentary on sustainable architecture and the way in which buildings affect the environment. This ground-breaking, award-winning documentary is premiering in Belgium on January 31 2008 and is alleged to hit the silver screen in the United States in May. To read more on Last Call for Planet Earth and view a trailer, click here Source: Architect Online

		FOSTER + Partners are embarking on one of the world’s most ambitious building projects: Crystal Island in Moscow. At 450m in height with a total floor area of 1 million square meters, it will be the largest single building in the world. While only 7.5km from the Kremlin, it has been conceived as its own self-contained city within a city, with its own museums, theatres, schools, hotels, offices and cinemas. The building is rooted into the landscape, with the building’s spiralling form emerging majestically from a newly landscaped park, which provides a range of activities throughout the year including cross country skiing and ice skating in the winter. Energy management is a primary concern, with the building’s triangulated mega frame covered by a ‘smart’ skin, which will provide a buffer against the extremes of Moscow’s weather; as well as staggered floors with winter gardens, creating a thermal buffer and breathable second layer. Source: World Architecture News

		THE City of Sydney has released a radical plan for Sydney's CBD, produced by Danish urban planner Jan Gehl. Gehl, who wants to return Sydney to its citizens, has promoted major changes which would restrict cars in the city centre to free up the roads for pedestrians and public transport. Under the plan, public squares would be built at Central, Town Hall and Circular Quay to foster a sense of community and-particular at the quay-to give the city's visitors and inhabitants more access to its famed harbour. Ultimately, it would involve the removal of the Cahill Expressway and the Western Distributor, as well as the banishing of cars from George Street. To succeed the plan would need support and funding from the Federal and State governments. The relevant ministers have yet to comment on the proposal. Source: SMH

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