News: In Architecture

By Emma Matthews

» Dr. Harry Charrington takes up post at University of Westminster

» Dr. Enrico Fodde sadly passes away

» Chancellor’s Building completed

» Work under way for Centre for the Arts Building

In the Faculty In the Industry

» RIBA reviews 3-part education system

» ARB strikes 2000 architects off register for non-payment of retention fees

» Witherford Watson Mann scoop 2013 Stirling Prize for historic reinvention

» dRMM win BD Architect of the Year 2013

» Mecanoo’s Birmingham Library voted AJ readers’ favourite building of 2013

» Kevin McCloud receives MBE in New Years’ honours list

» New Stonehenge visitor centre opens to visitors

» Caruso St John complete renovation of Tate Britain’s Millbank

» Pritzker reject petition to recognise Denise Scott Brown as joint winner

» “Walkie Scorchie” nightmare for Rafael Viñoly

» Planning approval granted for Google’s £1bn London offices

» Balfour Beatty to convert Olympic Stadium for West Ham

» Theis and Khan win competition for design of new RIBA London HQ

» Zaha Hadid Architects release images for Qatar 2022 WC stadium

» Peter Clegg defends FCB Southbank proposals

» More criticism for Calatrava as city to sue for Valencia project

» London announced as world’s most expensive city

» Competition for Expo 2015 pavilion to be announced

» Dubai chosen to host 2020 World Expo

In the World The Education Review

By Lilian Tran

It seems the climate may soon be changing in architectural education, as the RIBA Council recently announced its consideration for ending the part I, II, and III system of professional qualification in architecture, which has been maintained since its inception in 1950s.

The RIBA suggests that the new structure would consist of either five years of university level training (5+0 integrated award), or not less than four years of study with two years of professional traineeship (4+2 route). This would allow some graduates to register as an architect at the end of university study, and is in line with the EU professional qualifications directive. Other measures may include conversion courses for graduates with affiliated degrees and graduates from non-validated schools, to encourage flexibility in the system.

Overall the proposal for change seems to be a step in the right direction, by making architectural studies more accessible and less of a financial burden given the recent rise in university fees. As someone who is now in her fourth year of architectural studies, the possibility that under this system I would be able to enter into professional practice for the next two years and then qualify as an architect is an exciting prospect.

However the idea of the integrated award, which combines study with professional and practical issues, suggests students can qualify as an architect with very little or no practical experience which is absolutely terrible. It simply isn’t realistic to expect a new graduate to be able to handle the professional, legal, economic and business aspects of running a project straight out of university. The RIBA has insisted in its review that “every option is on the table” - and this option clearly needs to be amended.

Norman Fosters

Cycling Network

A scheme for London has been proposed by Foster and Partners for car-free cycle paths, built above the railways. A 220 km network of safe cycle routes would be accessed by 200 entrance points. The proposal was designed with the help of exterior architecture and transport consultant Space Syntax, and if it is approved could exist within 20 years. Currently the design team if focused on raising funding for the feasibility study. It is also working on the details of a £220 million trial route between Stratford and Liverpool Street stations.

Amazon’s Greenhouse office space

Three interconnected glass spheres that resemble a greenhouse will form the heart of a new Amazon office designed by NBBJ Architects, in Seattle In total it will cover over 300,000 square metres over 3 city blocks, with the spheres themselves containing four stories of open plan office space for 1,800 employs. Work spaces will be surrounded by trees and small vines, which will be specially selected to create a microclimate, suiting the office environment.

AJ’s Women in Architecture Awards

AJ’s Women in Architecture Awards will be held on the 7th February. Created in 2012 as part of the AJ Women in Architecture Campaign, they aim to celebrate excellence in design and promote role models for young female architects. There are three awards, Women Architect of the Year, Emerging Women Architect of the Year, and the Jane Drew Prize. Last year Alison Brooks received Women Architect of the Year, after her London based practice along with two others received the Stirling Prize in 2008.