Scott Frances

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Will Architecture in the Future Be a Luxury Service?

This article was originally published by Common Edge as "In the Era of Artificial Intelligence, Will Architecture Become Artisanal?"

Like food and clothing, buildings are essential. Every building, even the most rudimentary, needs a design to be constructed. Architecture is as central to building as farming is to food, and in this era of rapidly advancing technological change farming may offer us valuable lessons.

At last census count there were 233,000 architects in the United States; the 113,000 who are currently licensed represent a 3% increase from last year. In addition there’s a record number of designers who qualify for licensure: more than 5,000 this year, almost the same number as graduates with professional degrees. There is now 1-architect-for-every-2,900 people in the US. A bumper crop, right?

Hill House / LSS

Hill House / LSS - Houses, Garden, Facade, StairsHill House / LSS - Houses, Stairs, Facade, Handrail, Door, Fence, LightingHill House / LSS - Houses, Facade, DoorHill House / LSS - Houses, Garden, Facade, Arch, Beam, LightingHill House / LSS - More Images+ 7

Shelter Island, United States

15 Inspiring Architecture School Buildings from Around the World

15 Inspiring Architecture School Buildings from Around the World - Image 37 of 4
© Matthew Carbone

Architecture schools and the students they house have a particularly unique and interesting building-user relationship. Architecture students value the buildings of their school not only for providing the valuable work space necessary for constructing studio projects but also as an example and model of a building in use. As the buildings are the places where students first learn how to read and understand architecture, design schools become full-scale teaching tools that help new designers grasp structure, details, how materials perform and interact, and so many of the other core concepts of architecture. While the scrutiny of students and faculty can be exhaustive, architects have embraced the challenge of creating engaging works of architecture that both suit the specific needs of a school and take on the pedagogical challenge of educating students by example.

AD Classics: Smith House / Richard Meier & Partners

AD Classics: Smith House / Richard Meier & Partners - Residential, Garden, Facade, Door
© Mike Schwartz

Five decades ago, Carole Smith called Richard Meier and told him about a site in Darien, Connecticut that she had bought with her husband. This was a rocky piece of land with dense evergreens and coastal outcrops. A dramatic slope at the back of the plot gave way to the Long Island Sound and a small, sandy cove. Carole wanted to place her weekend home on this particular site and she wanted Richard Meier to do it. At that time, he was just 31.

The Smith House was built between 1965-1967 by Richard Meier & Partners Architects. Richard Meier recalls of the project that would later propel his career as an architect: “I was working out of one room of a two-room apartment shortly after leaving the office of Marcel Breuer. One day I had a call from Carole Smith asking if I would be interested in designing a weekend house for her...She was looking for a young architect who would give full attention to her house.”

In never-before-seen photos and an exclusive interview with the architect himself, we trace the building's history from the first phases of construction to now. 

AD Classics: Smith House / Richard Meier & Partners - Residential, FacadeAD Classics: Smith House / Richard Meier & Partners - Residential, Facade, Door, Beam, Column, Balcony, Chair, TableAD Classics: Smith House / Richard Meier & Partners - Residential, Facade, Handrail, BalconyAD Classics: Smith House / Richard Meier & Partners - Residential, Deck, Facade, Arch, Balcony, CoastAD Classics: Smith House / Richard Meier & Partners - More Images+ 21

15 Fantastic Photos of Stunning Staircases

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© Johannes Vogt

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The staircase is a fundamental element for the connection of architectural spaces. But beyond its functional use, in many projects the staircase serves as a sculptural object, offering an opportunity for architects to generate creative spatial forms that animate the built space. In this installment of our Photos of the Week, we present 15 incredible staircases captured by photographers such as Patricia Parinejad, José Campos, and Brigida González.

Shore House / LSS

Shore House / LSS - Houses, FacadeShore House / LSS - Houses, Garden, FacadeShore House / LSS - Houses, Deck, Facade, BeamShore House / LSS - Houses, Kitchen, Table, Countertop, ChairShore House / LSS - More Images+ 8

North Haven, United States

First Photos Revealed of Amenity Spaces at Zaha Hadid Architects' High Line Residential Tower

Now open to residents, the first photos of the lobby and amenity spaces at Zaha Hadid ArchitectsNew York residential tower, 520 West 28th Street, have been revealed by developer Related Companies. Rising 11 stories next to the High Line in West Chelsea, the building houses 39 bespoke residences, interiors of which were revealed for the first time earlier this year.

Now, the building’s spectacular common spaces are complete, including a 75-foot-long skylight-lit pool; an entertainment lounge with complete kitchen; a fully equipped gym; a 24-hour juice bar; and a spa suite containing a hot tub, rain showers, treatment beds, a plunge pool, sauna and steam room. But perhaps the most unique feature is the 12-seat IMAX theaters, one of the first private IMAX theaters in the world. The space will be able to be reserved by residents for film watching, parties or video game tournaments.

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Rothschild Tower / Richard Meier & Partners

Rothschild Tower / Richard Meier & Partners - Apartments, Facade, CityscapeRothschild Tower / Richard Meier & Partners - Apartments, Facade, ChairRothschild Tower / Richard Meier & Partners - Apartments, Facade, CityscapeRothschild Tower / Richard Meier & Partners - Apartments, Kitchen, Facade, TableRothschild Tower / Richard Meier & Partners - More Images+ 16

Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
  • Architects: Richard Meier & Partners
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2016
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Alumayer, BASWA acoustic, Doortec, Pietrelli Porte, Porcelanosa Grupo, +2

Hudson Valley Guest House / Janson Goldstein

Hudson Valley Guest House / Janson Goldstein - Houses, FacadeHudson Valley Guest House / Janson Goldstein - Houses, Facade, ColumnHudson Valley Guest House / Janson Goldstein - Houses, Door, Facade, Column, ArchHudson Valley Guest House / Janson Goldstein - Houses, FacadeHudson Valley Guest House / Janson Goldstein - More Images+ 7

  • Architects: Janson Goldstein
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  1000 ft²
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2015

Teachers Village / Richard Meier & Partners

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  • Architects: Richard Meier & Partners
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  104000 ft²
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2017

Richard Meier & Partners' Teachers Village Looks to Revitalize Downtown Newark Through Education

Richard Meier & Partners has completed 3 new mixed-use buildings as part of their “Teachers Village” master plan in downtown Newark, New Jersey. The development, led by RBH Group, centers around two Charter Schools completed by Meier & Partners in 2013, to provide a variety of retail spaces and 123 residential units marketed specifically at teachers.

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Richard Meier & Partners Unveils Milestone Black-Glass Residential Tower for New York City

Richard Meier & Partners Unveils Milestone Black-Glass Residential Tower for New York City - Facade, Cityscape
© bloomimages

Richard Meier & Partners has revealed the design of 685 First Avenue, a new 42-story residential tower to be located just south of the United Nations Headquarters along the East River in Manhattan. The 460-foot-tall building, Meier’s tallest in New York City, will be primarily constructed of black glass and metal panels, marking a surprising departure away from Meier’s signature all-white aesthetic.

Richard Meier & Partners Unveils Milestone Black-Glass Residential Tower for New York City - Facade, CityscapeRichard Meier & Partners Unveils Milestone Black-Glass Residential Tower for New York City - Facade, Door, Handrail, ChairRichard Meier & Partners Unveils Milestone Black-Glass Residential Tower for New York City - Bedroom, Facade, Column, Table, ChairRichard Meier & Partners Unveils Milestone Black-Glass Residential Tower for New York City - Facade, CityscapeRichard Meier & Partners Unveils Milestone Black-Glass Residential Tower for New York City - More Images+ 7

Dickinson College Kline Center / Cannon Design

Dickinson College Kline Center  / Cannon Design - Research Center, FacadeDickinson College Kline Center  / Cannon Design - Research Center, Facade, Fence, LightingDickinson College Kline Center  / Cannon Design - Research CenterDickinson College Kline Center  / Cannon Design - Research Center, Facade, Beam, BenchDickinson College Kline Center  / Cannon Design - More Images+ 19

  • Architects: CannonDesign: Cannon Design
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  29000 ft²
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2014
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Arconic, Brentwood Industires, DAMS Inc, Epic Metals, Fairview Architectural, +3

Zaha Hadid Unveils High Line Installation

With the construction of their High Line-adjacent residential building 520 West 28th Street, Zaha Hadid Architects have constructed a temporary construction shelter to protect pedestrians in the event of any falling construction materials. However, as is often the case with Zaha Hadid designs, this is a construction shelter unlike any other, serving as a protective shelter but also as an artistic installation.

Named Allongé, the installation is "is inspired by the connectivity and dynamism of movement along the High Line," allowing visitors to the High Line to move through 34 meters (112 feet) of sweeping metallic fabric supported by a curvilinear steel frame, offering a spatial experience that foreshadows the presence of Hadid's building at the site.

United States Courthouse, Salt Lake City / Thomas Phifer and Partners

United States Courthouse, Salt Lake City / Thomas Phifer and Partners - Courthouse, FacadeUnited States Courthouse, Salt Lake City / Thomas Phifer and Partners - Courthouse, Facade, CityscapeUnited States Courthouse, Salt Lake City / Thomas Phifer and Partners - Courthouse, FacadeUnited States Courthouse, Salt Lake City / Thomas Phifer and Partners - Courthouse, FacadeUnited States Courthouse, Salt Lake City / Thomas Phifer and Partners - More Images+ 25

Salt Lake City, United States

2015 AIA Institute Honor Awards for Architecture

Several projects have been selected to receive this year's Institute Honor Awards for Architecture, chosen by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The award celebrates projects which exhibit design excellence in the field of architecture, and is one of the highest such awards in the industry. The recipients will be recognized for their work at the AIA 2015 National Convention and Design Exposition in Atlanta.

View the winners after the break.

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American Academy of Arts and Letters Announces 2013 Architecture Award Winners

The American Academy of Arts and Letters recently announced the recipients of its 2013 architecture awards. Beginning in 1955 with the inauguration of the annual Arnold W. Brunner Memorial Prize in Architecture, this is awarded to a preeminent architect from any country who has made a significant contribution to architecture as an art. In 1991, the Academy began giving Arts and Letters Awards (formerly called Academy Awards) to honor American architects whose work is characterized by a strong personal direction. An additional award category was created in 2003 to honor an American from any field who has contributed to ideas in architecture through any medium of expression. Information on the winners after the break.

'Richard Meier - Architecture and Design' Retrospective Exhibition

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Richard Meier’s architecture career, Richard Meier & Partners Architects, in collaboration with the Fondazione Bisazza from Italy, are presenting the first Richard Meier Retrospective in Europe, titled 'Richard Meier - Architecture and Design'. Taking place May 8-July 28, the new exhibition will be a retrospective of the American architect’s iconic work and the unveiling of a site-specific installation for the Foundation’s permanent collection. Meier’s oeuvre is a reflection of the continuous search and analysis of concepts perfected over more than half a century of constant work in the field of architecture and design. More images and information on the exhibition after the break.