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Bricks: The Latest Architecture and News

Brick Award 2016: Call for Entries!

The Wienerberger Brick Award is a biannual architectural award that is presented to outstanding examples of modern and innovative brick architecture. In 2016, Wienerberger will present this internationally established award for the seventh time, and the award is now open for submissions. Architecture critics, journalists and for the first time also architects themselves can submit projects online until March 31, 2015. The official Brick Award ceremony will take place in Vienna in spring 2016.

The Award acknowledges innovative brick buildings of international quality that show the varied and diverse ways brick can be used in contemporary architecture. At the same time, the award, and in particular the accompanying architectural book, gives people with an interest in architecture, as well as experts, an overview of current developments and trends in international brick architecture with its remarkable range of applications.

Surface As Sculpture: Henry Moore's Brick Reliefs In Rotterdam

In 1954 British sculptor Henry Moore was commissioned to design and install a large wall relief into Joost Boks' new bouwcentrum (Construction Centre) in the Dutch city of Rotterdam. The project, pieced together with approximately 16,000 hand-carved Dutch bricks, stands as the sculptor's only work completed in the humble material. In a short documentary film produced by ARTtube, architectural historian Wouter Vanstiphout narrates the fascinating story behind Wall Relief No.1.

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AD Round Up: Classics in Brick

As one of the most ubiquitous forms of construction, it can sometimes be easy to overlook the humble brick. However, this prosaic building method can also be one of the most versatile materials available to architects, thanks to the experimentation of countless architects who, for centuries, have worked to create new forms of expression with the simple material. In this round up, we celebrate architects who, with their architectural classics, have expanded the possibilities of brick craft: Antoni Gaudí's fantastical vaulting at Colònia Güell and Alvar Aalto's experimental brick patterning at his house in Muuratsalo; the powerful brick piers of Kevin Roche and John Dinkeloo's Knights of Columbus Building and the Catalan vaults of Porro, Garatti and Gattardi's National Arts School of Cuba; and finally, what brick round up would be complete without the brick-whisperer himself - Louis Kahn and his all-brick fortress for the Indian Institute of Management.

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Brick Awards Shortlist Unveiled

The Brick Development Association, representing the UK and Ireland, has unveiled its shortlist for the 2014 Brick Awards. The awards recognize excellence in design and construction using brick in 14 different categories. Among the contenders are Zaha Hadid Architects' Serpentine Sackler Gallery , Universal Design Studio's Ace Hotel and Mecanoo's The Library of Birmingham. The winners will be announced on November 12.

See the full shortlist after the break:

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Brick Transformed: The 2014 Wienerberger Brick Award Winners

The following news is presented by ArchDaily Materials, our new US product catalog.

The 2014 Wienerberger Brick Award Winners exemplify brick's potential in contemporary architecture, transforming the common brick into something spectacular. This year's jury featured 2012 Pritzer winner Wang Shu, who commented on the "spatial and secret" feeling of the Grand Prize Winning Kantana Film and Animation Institute. See all seven winners after the break.

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VIDEO: In Boston, Reclaiming the Craft of Brick

Our friends at Mecanoo have shared a fascinating mini-documentary exploring the complex brickwork on display in their latest project in Boston's Dudley Square, the Dudley Municipal Center (nearing completion).

Called "Boston Bricks with a Dutch Touch," this documentary features interviews with everyone involved in the project - from construction workers to architects - and focuses on the difficulty of using brick in this elaborate manner. Enjoy the video above and check out some fantastic images after the break.

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Six Essential Materials & The Architects That Love Them

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In case you missed it, we’re re-publishing this popular post for your material pleasure. Enjoy!

To celebrate the recent launch of our US product catalog, ArchDaily Materials, we've coupled six iconic architects with what we deem to be their favourite or most frequently used material. From Oscar Neimeyer's sinuous use of concrete to Kengo Kuma's innovative use of wood, which materials define some of the world's best known architects?

Bricks Grown From Bacteria

A unique biotechnology start-up company have developed a method of growing bricks from nothing more than bacteria and naturally abundant materials. Having recently won first place in the Cradle to Cradle Product Innovation Challenge, bioMason has developed a method of growing materials by employing microorganisms. Arguing that the four traditional building materials - concrete, glass, steel and wood - both contain a significant level of embodied energy and heavily rely on limited natural resources, their answer is in high strength natural biological cements (such as coral) that can be used "without negative impacts to the surrounding environment."

Video: Louis Kahn Talks to a Brick

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UPDATE: Unfortunately this video is no longer available. 

"Even a brick wants to be something." - Louis Kahn

In this jaunty little clip, Louis Kahn stresses the importance of honoring your materials to a group of students at the University of Pennsylvania.

RC House / Esc Arquitectos

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© Patrick López Jaimes

Architects: Esc Arquitectos Location: MTZ, Veracruz, México Design And Construction: Rafael Ojeda Núñez Project Year: 2011 Photographs: Patrick López Jaimes

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John W. Olver Transit Center / Charles Rose Architects

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© Peter Vanderwarker

Architects: Charles Rose Architects Location: Greenfield, MA, USA Project Year: 2012 Project Area: 24,000 sqm Photographs: Peter Vanderwarker

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Center for High Performance Athletics in Jamor / Espaço Cidade Arquitectos

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Center for High Performance Athletics in Jamor / Espaço Cidade Arquitectos - Image 3 of 4
Courtesy of Espaço Cidade Arquitectos

Architects: Espaço Cidade Arquitectos Location: Lisbon, Portugal Architect In Charge: João Silva Vieira Project Year: 2010 Photographs: Courtesy of Espaço Cidade Arquitectos

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Refurbishment of the West Tower in Huesca City Hall / ACXT

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© Iñaki Bergera

Architects: ACXT Location: Huesca, Spain Design Team: Ana Morón Hernandez, Raimundo Bambó Naya, Pedro Lafuente Lles Project Year: 2012 Photographs: Iñaki Bergera

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Kimisagara Football for Hope Centre / AFO with Architecture for Humanity

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© Killian Doherty

Architects: Architectural Field Office with Architecture for Humanity Location: Kimisagara, Kigali, Rwanda Project Year: 2009 Project Area: 200.0 sqm Photographs: Killian Doherty

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Städel Museum / Schneider + Schumacher

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© Christoph Bonke

Architects: Schneider + Schumacher Location: Frankfurt, Germany Project Year: 2007 Project Area: 24,726 sqm Photographs: Norbert Miguletz, Christoph Bonke, Kirsten Bucher

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Hotel Gent / Tazu Rous

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© Dirk Pauwels

Architects: Tazu Rous Location: Koningin Maria Hendrikaplein, Gent, Belgium Photographs: Dirk Pauwels

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Plinthos / mab architecture

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Courtesy Christos Drazos

Greek architects, mab architecture, have shared with us their interactive, multi sensory pavilion, Plinthos. Additional images, multiple videos and a description of this visually striking project after the break.

AD Round Up: Brick Houses Part II

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Great brick houses from Europe and Australia make today’s Round Up. Don’t forget to check the first part of our brick houses selection!