National Philharmonic of Moldova  Philharmonic after 2020 fire Sponsor: Government of Moldova Ministry of Culture Type: Open, International, RfQ Eligibility: Registered Architects/Landscape architects (Applicants should be able to show expertise in preservation) Language: English Fees: none Timetable: February 2023 – Submission deadline (Registration now underway) Jury: The international jury will be made up of architects, musicians and specialists in the field of acoustics. History: The first information about the building of the Philharmonic dates back to 1912. The building was firstly intended as a place for theatrical and circus performances. The construction was completed in 1913. The building endured several interventions throughout the exploitation period. In the period between 1920-1930 it was also assigned the function of a cinema, exhibition and polyvalent space. During the years 1957-1968, extensive works were carried out to rehabilitate the Philharmonic building. A new block with three levels and a partial basement was annexed to the existing block, as well as the semi-polygonal colonnade at the main entrance. The project was carried out by the architect Valentin Voițehovski within the Design Institute ”Moldghiprostroi” (actual Urban project). (The Philharmonic has been closed since the fire in 2020. Thus, the need for a major renovation and updating of the structure(s).)  Aerial showing fire damage Design challenge: The main purpose of the competition is to design the architectural concept for the building of the Chisinau “Serghei Lunchevici” National Philharmonic Hall, with a footprint of about 2500 m2, which will meet the country’s need for a modern building for acoustic concerts. The concept will present an architectural design of exceptional quality, contributing to the further development of the city’s image. The design should pay great attention to using culture and the musical arts in order to stimulate a sense of shared experience. It is expected to be able to integrate the national cultural activity and attract both the public and local and international artists. The participants are asked to develop a concept that will include parts of the existing building, taking into account the need for their rehabilitation. The concept should: • Create a building of exceptional value, which will be the main host of acoustic concerts, with the aim of raising public awareness towards acoustic music and musical arts in general; • Provide a favorable environment for musical creation; • Ensure that the access and the course of the edifice will be equal for everyone, including people with special needs. For more information and to register: https://rising.philharmonic.md/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/taskbook.pdf |
University of Florida’s College of Design Construction and Planning’s New Addition 
Development phase image courtesy ©Brooks + Scarpa
If architects have had one complaint concerning the planning and realization of a project, it has been with planners and especially construction managers, both of whom often display a lack of knowledge about architecture. The survival of a well-conceived design can hang in the balance when there is a knowledge gap at the planning and realization end.
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Young Architects in Competitions When Competitions and a New Generation of Ideas Elevate Architectural Quality  by Jean-Pierre Chupin and G. Stanley Collyer published by Potential Architecture Books, Montreal, Canada 2020 271 illustrations in color and black & white Available in PDF and eBook formats ISBN 9781988962047 What do the Vietnam Memorial, the St. Louis Arch, and the Sydney Opera House have in common? These world renowned landmarks were all designed by architects under the age of 40, and in each case they were selected through open competitions. At their best, design competitions can provide a singular opportunity for young and unknown architects to make their mark on the built environment and launch productive, fruitful careers. But what happens when design competitions are engineered to favor the established and experienced practitioners from the very outset? This comprehensive new book written by Jean-Pierre Chupin (Canadian Competitions Catalogue) and Stanley Collyer (COMPETITIONS) highlights for the crucial role competitions have played in fostering the careers of young architects, and makes an argument against the trend of invited competitions and RFQs. The authors take an in-depth look at past competitions won by young architects and planners, and survey the state of competitions through the world on a region by region basis. The end result is a compelling argument for an inclusive approach to conducting international design competitions. Download Young Architects in Competitions for free at the following link: https://crc.umontreal.ca/en/publications-libre-acces/ Houston Endowment’s New Headquarters on the Bayou  Southwest view Houston Endowment Headquarters – Photo Ivan Baan, courtesy Kevin Daly Following in the footsteps of other major non-profits—The Ford Foundation and LA’s California Endowment Center in particular—the Houston Endowment’s new headquarters, located on a grassy knoll just above the Buffalo Bayou in the city’s outskirts, has also made a strong architectural statement. Similar to the California Endowment, this project was also the result of a design competition, won by the California firm, Kevin Daly Architects. Read more…
The Makasiiniranta South Harbor Competition
Helsinki South Harbour and Tori Quarter Suomen Ilmakuva Helsinki. Image credit/ Tietoa Finland, Janne Hirvonen
As a prelude to a competition for the design of a new Architecture and Design Museum to be located in Helsinki’s South Harbor, the City of Finland staged an open competition to establish a roadmap for the future redevelopment of the Makasiiniranta harbor area, the last old harbor area to be transformed for public use in Helsinki. The competition for the museum is scheduled to take place later this year; but the entire surrounding area has come up with a plan to review improvements for the entire harbor environment.
Read more… Vltava Philharmonic Hall Design Competition  View to Concert Hall from bridge ©BIG Classical music is still part of a vibrant musical scene in Prague, with at least four principal venues hosting concerts, ballet and opera. As a modern European city, the only missing venue from these choices is a state of the art concert hall. Other European neighbors have also recently staged competitions for such projects: Munich, won by Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekten of Bregenz, Austria; Belgrade, won by AL_A of London; and Vilnius, Lithuania, won by Arquivio Architects of Spain. It should be noted, however, that one of the most important competitions for a concert hall, not only in Europe, but the world, was the 1961 Berlin Philharmonic hall competition, won by Hans Scharoun (below). It was the interior of that building, in particular, that served as a model for many others that followed, one of the first being Los Angeles’ Disney Hall by Frank Gehry. Read more… Budapest’s Nyugati Rail Station Competition  Image courtesy Budapest Development Agency ©Grimshaw Completed in 1877, Budapest’s Nyugati Railway Station has witnessed many of the twists and turns of Hungarian history: the Austro-Hungarian Empire, revolutions of post-World War I and 1956, and various shades of expansion and shrinkage in their territory. Its important location in Europe’s history as a contested land in southeastern Europe has not only served as a path for armies of conquest, but as a matter of great interest for major powers. Amid all the changes it has experienced, Hungary, and Budapest in particular, has retained a fascination for outsiders, making it one of Europe’s high profile tourist attractions. Read more… |