There’s basically no need to introduce Aga Khan Award for Architecture to you. So those who are willing to submit their project in this cycle, this is a reminder to them as the deadline of submission is getting close. It is 15th October the deadline of project submission for the 11th Award cycle runs from 2008-2010. Hurry up and shoot the best. This cycle’s focus areas are: 1.Rural Development 2.Industries and places of work 3.Public spaces small or large Absolutely anyone can submit or suggest any project that is serving the Muslim communities in any countries of the world. Visit: http://www.akdn.org/akaa.asp for details. CLICK HERE to download the submission form.
[Visit, comment, download this talk at TED.com HERE]
I watched this talk live at TED 2009 in Long Beach in February. And I talked with Daniel Libeskind after his presentation during a coffee break. I told him the same thing I wrote in the comment to this talk: “There is no greatness in making things 'deliberately complex'! Architecture is not a matter of one’s self ego. An architect can’t afford to say something like.. "I love to do complex things. So I made it complex!” When one can deal with complex overlapping issues with simple solutions then why to make it complex? The intention of architecture can never be creating complex spaces. Complexity should evolve from the idea, visions and purpose of the spaces. The spaces should tell their stories from 'inside out' of the building how they are participating with activities, culture, people and the climate. I read no stories looking at a building from outside as a spectator of a sculpture. Architecture is not a thing to "see" and read the story of it. Architecture is to be experienced. "Deliberate complexity of forms" has nothing to do with phenomena, purpose and context of a space.”
He replied something like this: Architecture is also an exercise of radical geometry and technology. Why do architects cannot work with new technologies and new radical approaches towards design? One can question the way we see architecture today. Our life is complex; it deals with beauty and ugliness, calmness and disturbance… architecture can go beyond the typically simple aesthetically cool way of doing things.
(I wrote it from memory. I had no voice recorder, so please don’t take it as an absolute ‘reference’ anyway).
After several years of organizing the annual Skyscraper Competition it has become a renowned architectural prize around the world. Evolo invites students and professional architects, engineers, and designers to take part in the 2010 Skyscraper Competition. The main idea of this contest is to examine the relationship between the skyscraper and the natural world, the skyscraper and the community and the skyscraper and urban living. In the last few years we have seen hundreds of new skyscrapers been developed around the world without careful consideration to the context or environment. There is a constant lack of urban planning and poor architectural design without intellectual or perceptual enjoyment. The aim of the competition is to push our imagination to redefine the term skyscraper through the use of new materials, technology, aesthetics, programs, and spatial organizations. Globalization, environmental warming, flexibility, adaptability, and the digital revolution are just some of the multi-layered elements that should be taken in consideration. There are no restrictions in regards to site, program or size. The objective is to provide maximum freedom to propose the most innovative projects for this fascinating architectural genre. Ultimately, the designs should help the environment, restructure our cities and improve our way of life.
Registration All students, architects, engineers, and designers are invited to participate in the competition. It is encouraged to have multidisciplinary teams. Participants must register by January 12, 2010 at www.evolo-arch.com Registration fee: US $60 until November 17, 2009 (early registration) US $85 from November 17, 2009 to January 12, 2010 (late registration) One registration = one project. Participants may submit various projects but they must register each entry. Individual entries are accepted. There is no limit on the number of participants per team.
Schedule November 9, 2009: Acceptance of questions deadline November 17, 2009: Early registration deadline November 23, 2009: Answers to questions posted on website January 12, 2010: Late registration deadline January 18, 2010: Submission deadline February 22, 2010: Winners’ announcement
Awards 1st place. US $2000, 2nd place. US $1000, 3rd place. US $500 Winners and special mentions will be published in several magazines including eVolo_04.
There’s basically no need to introduce Aga Khan Award for Architecture to you. So those who are willing to submit their project in this cycle, this is a reminder to them as the deadline of submission is getting close. It is 15th October the deadline of project submission for the 11th Award cycle runs from 2008-2010. Hurry up and shoot the best.
