Small Axe, the Caribbean Journal of Criticism, gets a new online presence. Its aim "is to participate in the renewal, as well as in the expansion and revision, of practices of criticism in the Caribbean. "

U is for Utzon

Sydney Opera House

Perhaps more popularly known for his Sydney Opera House, Jorn Utzon has taken the modern principles of architecture to capture the imagination of a people. His work attempts to create architecture for living that adheres to a strict structural and constructive process yet strongly influenced by local traditions.

V is for Villanueva

Central University of Venezuela

The works of Venezuelan architect Carlos Raúl Villanueva trace the conceptual evolution of the Latin modernity that prevailed in South America during the 1950s & 60s. His work often played "homage to Le Corbusier's definition of architecture as circulation and as a play of forms in light," yet afforded a regional precedent to Latin American architects believing that architecture could be a apparatus for social betterment, cultural and urban rejuvenation.


Central University of Venezuela

T is for Tavora

Fernando Távora's buildings were critcal constructions of modernity where he sought to integrate local and traditional principles into an otherwise Modern aesthetic. Despite the similarities of traditional houses with the values shared by Modern architecture, there is a sense of identity in his works created by the use of local materials, the inclusion of verandas and the respect for the Portuguese climate. Dubbed the father of "Escola do Porto (Oporto school)," of which Siza & Souta de Moura are included, he was instrumental in the contemporary development of the architecture in Portugal.

sorry for the late post - had great difficult finding any images of Tavora's work

"...the architect provides the stage on which the dance occurs," MoCo Loco interviews John Brown of Housebrand, "a new kind of architectural firm that makes good design accessible to the public"

pop-ups...not just on your pc

Retail & food shops created from disused/reused shipping containers, dubbed pop-up shops "as the name suggests, these shops pop-up unannounced, do little advertising and a lot of business, and move on."



via butter

Architecture & Morality has added a rather parochial perception of the critical regionalism A to Z; but as the description of that blog goes it is the musings on architecture, et al.

S is for Siza

Santa Maria Church, Portugal

The work of Alvaro Siza establishes a dialogue with the site, through its placement and its sensitivity to the materials added with a profound social conscience. His can be defined as Modern architecture that is nourished by the poetry of society and the environment.


University of Oporto, Portugal

R is for Rewal

The work of Raj Rewal has simultaneously expressed both Modernity and regionalism, residing at the crossroad of the old and the new, blending traditional details with modern forms. The results are an oeuvre of contemporary architecture respectful of India's environment and history.


The World Bank, New Delhi

designpublic another design blog to the mix

P is for Prasad

Indian Modernism02
Originally uploaded by architechnophilia.

Like many young architects during India's independence, Shiv Nath Prasad was keen to change the language of architecture to reflect the emerging nation. Along with Le Corbusier's presence, Modernism manifested in India and the works of Prasad found centre stage. His work was climatically sympathetic with a strong Modern aesthetic of bare-faced concrete with deep recesses to handle the Indian environment.

Guiness

Happy Sint Paddy's Day tuh yooo
(Happy Patricks everyone)

take a pint of Guiness and call me in the morning...I know I am

O is for O'Gorman

Juan O'Gorman works were heavily influenced by European Modernists, especially Le Corbusier, his buildings are some of the first examples of functionalist architect in Mexico. Like his modernist mentors his work was not limited to architecture, embracing the fine arts as well particularly the painting of murals. His latter work however favored a heavier influence from Frank Lloyd Wright, producing a more organic form of architecture. He integrated vernacular forms with modern detailing creating a culturally, socially, and environmentally responsive architecture.



his murals were heavily influenced by Diego Rivero

N is for Niemeyer

Oscar Niemeyer was a contemporary of Le Corbusier, having collaborated on numerous projects in Brazil and France. His ouevre is modern in scope with its details have always been catered to the realities of its environment both naturally and socially. Niemeyer's work wonders with its concrete delight, despite emgerging from a communist aesthetic, always delivers the monumental.

M is for Murcutt

Glenn Murcutt's work is a mixture of pragmatism and lyricism, of contemporary forms, concern for landscape and respect for earlier civilizations. Murcutt's work synthesizes the high modernism of Mies van der Rohe and Alvar Aalto with such traditional precedents like the Australian wool shed creating architecture that is sensitive to their environments, and admired for being an identifiably Australian idiom in domestic architecture. In his words, "I've learned to be careful on the land, to respect the land, and to not allow the land, our mother, to be harmed."

L is for Le Corbusier

Palace of Justice, Chandigarh

Arguably the father of Critical Regionalism, Le Corbusier's seminal work in India and South America have served as precedent for a generation of architects seeking to reconcile contemporary notions of architecture with the growing need for social and environment responsibility.


Assembly Building, Chandigarh

see Le Corbusier and the Continual Revolution in Architecture

New Books

Perspecta 37 "Famous"

Latin American Architecture 1929 - 1960

Barragan - the complete works

Zaha Hadid's project at Spittelau, Vienna, is one of her most compelling yet. Too bad it has become possibly the most expensive and ill-conceived social housing in the world.



via BD

One Year On...

Its the first anniversary of architechnophilia and I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who links here. 28,000 visits so far, not bad seeing as I work from a desolate architectural wasteland

Apariencia Publica (Appearance Publishes)
Archidose
Archinect
Architectural Ruminations
Architectural Sketches
Architecture & Morality
A Tale of Two Architects
Bioclimatica2 (thanks Kisha)
BldgBlg
Building Big Easy
Do you want Coffee? (thanks Tommy)
Eye Candy
Field notes
Geosocial
Improvised Schema
Land+Living
Life Without Buildings (thanks Jimmy)
Miragestudio7
MocoLoco
Pen(-lex/-sieve) - An Archisophist
Polis
Refuge Welcome Centre
Strange Bungalow (thanks Yamani)
The Agora
Things Magazine
Treehugger
Tropolism (thanks Chad)

those that I've forgotten I love you too :)

A BIG thanks to Melon too - who kept asking to see the fetish

K is for Kalach

Mexican Architects Kalach & Alvarez derive their basic vocabulary from the Corbusian and Russian constructivist slabs but are infused with a sense of memory and influenced by Italian and Spanish traditions.


GGG house

Sustainability News

The Aspen Ski Company intends to turn green with a plan to convert entirely to renewable energy. Beginning as early as this June, majority of the hotels are to be powered by wind turbines. Aspen's purchase illustrates a small but growing trend for companies that use large amounts of energy.

via Newsweek

Weblog apartmenttherapy is featured as well in their article on the "Celebration of Small"

Can't sleep and found this rather prosaic look at some student housing projects catering for immigrant cultures.

link via dexigner

J is for Jarmund

The Red House

The works of Jarmund / Vigsnaes Architects are a nod to Modernism but are catered, like Aalto's, to handle the Norweigan climate at times even being shaped directly by it. In their words,"every commission should be unique with reference to its site and circumstances.” Their buildings despite the response to it enivirons however remain Modern in their aesthetic.


Cabin Nordmarka

H is for Harris

Using mainly wood, Harwell Hamilton Harris exhibited a sensitivity to site and materials that carried on the American Arts & Crafts movement. Adapting from the vernacular of California and from the modular practices of the modernists he created a style of his own. Harris developed a regional oeuvre at balance with naturalism yet embracing a modernist ideology -creating works that exhibited a sensitivity to site and materials and at peace with the environment.


see Harwell Hamilton Harris

Cuban Architect Pedro Martinez Inclan is the only architect I can find under the critical regionalist genre, does anyone know where I can find more information or suggest someone else to represent the letter "i".

G is for Godsell

Tucker House, Melbourne

The works of Sean Godsell have been continually exploring contemporary notions of an Australian vernacular that is a sensitive response to light and climate associated with an inventive use of materials, such as cedar battens, recycled shipping containers, glass and rusted steel. His works have called a 'genuine hybrid between architecture of the East and the West.'


Peninsula House, Victoria

see Sean Godsell: Works & Projects

more literature on Critical Regionalism

Towards a New Regionalism: Environmental Architecture in the Pacific Northwest by David E. Miller. "This book illuminates the history of a "green trail" in the work of key architects ... it focuses on technologies, materials, and methods, with a final section that examines thirteen ...buildings in detail and in light of their contributions to sustainable architecture," Amazon books

and



Tropical Architecture Critical Regionalism in the Age of Globalization by Alexander Tzonis, Liane Lefaivre & Bruno Stagno. From Amazon, "...a selection of essays ...on key issues in tropical architecture today. Alongside these are examples of work (both architectural and urbanist) from leading tropical architecture practitioners ... Ken Yeang, Michael Pearce, Charles Correa ... "

CELEBRATION OF CITIES 2: Toward a new urban democracy

The first edition of the international consultation Celebration of Cities, launched by the UIA President Jaime Lerner, called on architects and students of architecture around the world to imagine operations of 'urban acupuncture' intended to rectify the imbalances and fractures from which today's cities suffer.

F is for Fathy

Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy, utilized ancient design methods and materials to build structures with a modern Mideastern aesthetic. He integrated a knowledge of the rural Egyptian landscape and a wide knowledge of ancient architectural and town design techniques to create structures responsive to climatic conditions, public health considerations, and ancient craft skills for the modern world. His work offered criticism to the modern movement, adding personalisation and individuality to communal living in a ever constant desire in making humane spaces - especially for the poor.


see An Architecture for People: the Complete Works of Hassan Fathy

E is for Eldem

In the early 1930s, Sedad Eldem rejected the Beaux-Arts tradition and gave his support to early functionalism. Eldem's works developed partially from the nationalistic atmosphere of the new post-war Turkish Republic with the "creation of a modern national style" and borrowing from the plans of old Turkish houses. His works melded a functionalist language with traditional Turkish elements, however the results aways displayed a strict structural expression.



see Sedad Eldem: Architects in the Third World

THE SPACES INTERNATIONAL DESIGN COMPETITION

SPACES offers a unique showcase setting for students from design schools around the world in which they can compete against one another for international recognition, gifts from sponsors and a cash prize. Over the course of the competition, the selected candidates will have many opportunities to display their design skills and techniques to TV viewers, industry professionals, developers and retailers from around the world. The designers will be required to complete a variety of challenging tasks utilizing all design mediums; interior, fashion, home décor, urban-living, furniture, accessories, etc.


via core77

D is for Doshi

After initial study in Bombay, Balkrishna Doshi worked in the office of Le Corbusier in Paris (1950s) returning to India to supervise Corbusier’s projects in Ahmedabad and Chandigarh. Subsequently he formed the Vastu-Shilpa part architectural practice & educational foundation focussed on pioneering work in low-cost housing and city planning. BV Doshi's roots are evident in his works, softened and secured by the Indian environment showing a "sensitive adoption and refinement of modern architecture."

As previously mentioned, Critical Regionalism: Architecture and Identity in a Globalized World, by Liane Lefaivre & Alexander Tzonis

New archi-blog this one by the folks at Olll.com, called pointingit, the concept of the blog is the integration of the 0lll architecture photographs database with Google Earth.

Another...

No, 2 self, a play on 'note to self' and a reminder to keep it from being too self centred. Feeds available

ArchVoices Essay Competition

This year's topic asks entrants to examine our profession from a totally new angle. Entrants are asked to develop a mission statement for a new mode of practice. If traditional practice is half as uninspiring as some young (and not so young) architects make it out to be, then the profession definitely needs a kick in the pants, and we see this year's essay theme as an opportunity to provide it.

RSS feeds available by bloglines...see tag on the lower right margin

C is for Correa

Charles Correa's work in India shows a careful development, understanding and adaptation of Modernism to a non-western culture. Much of his early works attempt to explore a local vernacular within a modern environment. His land-use planning and community projects continually try to go beyond typical solutions to third world or Diasporic problems instead identifying and understanding them as answers to universal urban problems.

In the March issue of Artforum a large portfolio is presented featuring architectural responses to the disaster wrought by Hurricane Katrina .

The proposals were solicited from MVRDV, Huff + Gooden, UN Studio, Morphosis, West 8, and Hargreaves Associates.

B is for Bawa

Sri Lankan Architect (Geoffrey)Bawa was a recepient of the Aga Khan award for Lifetime Achievement in 2002. Highly personal in his approach his work tends to evoke the pleasures of the senses that go hand in hand with the climate and landscape. The intense devotion he brings to composing his architecture in an intimate relationship with nature is characterized by his attention to landscape and vegetation, the crucial setting for his architecture. His work is often described as the harmonious and pleasurable fusion of local building traditions with modern forms and sensibility.



Bawa's work has served as a model for contemporary tropical architecture.

B is for Barragan

The works of Mexican Architect Luis Barragan appear to be carved from the Coliman landscape, part rock|part vegatation. From his journeys to France in the 1920s & 30s he became exposed to the works of Le Corbusier and the International Style. On his return he became increasingly aware of similar forms in simple rural dwellings in Mexico. By the 1940s his work began to take on the gentle mixture of the two, resuming the old traditions of his country in very modern ways. His works remain simple, but in solidarity with Nature always conscious of it surroundings.



Like Aalto his works add colour, however rather explosive in a dramatic way to modernism's otherwise simple palette.

A is for Aalto

Alvar Aalto's work was exceptionally broad in scope, however always having an essentially Finnish element utilising metaphors of the Nordic nature. His work borrowed from the International Style adding to it texture, color, and structure in creative new ways. He refined the generic examples of modern architecture that existed in most of Europe and recreated them into a new Finnish architecture. Aalto's designs were particularly significant because of their response to site, material and form.

A to Z of Critical Regionalism

Hmm well with a little time off I decided to publish a manifesto I began writing a few years ago whilst in grad school. The theme is Critical Regionalism, a list from A to Z.

The term Critical Regionalism was first used by Alexander Tzonis and Liane Lefaivre and later more famously by Kenneth Frampton in his position paper "Towards a Critical Regionalism: Six points of an Architecture of Resistance." Without getting two heady, Frampton proposes that Critical Regionalism mediates between universally accepted practice and the particularities of place or locality, recalling the phrase, "think globally act locally." Further, that architects should adopt modern archtitecture critically for its universal progressive qualities but at the same time should value responses particular to the context with emphasis on topography, climate, light, tectonic form, etc.

As this approach is neither formalised nor an architectural style per sae, this manifesto seeks to project examples of Critical Regionalism.

Metropolis Books

Specializing in timely and relevant books on architecture, design, graphic design, and related fields, Metropolis Books also focuses on contemporary issues in urbanism and the built and natural environment, sustainable architecture, innovative materials and technologies, leading figures of twentieth and twenty-first centuries, and much more. Metropolis Books is a collaborative effort between Metropolis magazine and D.A.P./Distributed Art Publishers

Design shouldn't be a first world country privilege

"If you as a designer don't remember that design is about creating things that makes peoples lifes better, then you are a part of the problem, not the solution." -Richard Seymour, Dick Powell

Design for Africa is a project concerned with the application of this method and the recycling of materials. It will be implemented during a yearlong trans-african crossing, culminating in Kibera, Kenya, beginning October 2005.

via archinect

Shake, rattle and roll

Shake
Originally uploaded by aqui-ali.

Frank Gehry's "Fred & Ginger"