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Dezeen Wire: a report commissioned by the Design Council has recommended a more localised approach to supporting design and architecture across England. 

The review examines the legacy of the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), which merged with the Design Council earlier this year and suggest ways to create a national infrastructure delivering expert design advice where it’s needed and creating stronger links between industry and design.

The following information is from the Design Council:

England needs a networked system of design support, providing local people with access to built environment expertise and advice, according to the Bishop Review, published today.

Commissioned by the Design Council in April 2011, Peter Bishop undertook an extensive consultation, involving more than 450 representations via written submissions and roundtables held across the country. The Review was supported by an expert advisory group of industry leaders and organisations including the RIBA, RTPI, RICS, Landscape Institute, BPF, HBF, Architecture Centre Network and the Prince’s Foundation.

The Bishop Review is an independent report to the Design Council. It examines the legacy of the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) in the context of the new planning system and economic and political context, and makes recommendations for a new ecosystem of design support in England.

Peter Bishop said: “The wide and thoughtful responses to the consultation on the review demonstrates that good design should be an essential element in the buildings and places we create. Good design though is about more than just the physical appearance of development. It needs to embrace social functionality, environmental performance and be capable of being delivered in a tough economic climate. If we are to leave a lasting legacy for future generations then all the major bodies and institutions need to come together on a shared agenda to build a national infrastructure where good design can flourish at all levels. In this respect the Design Council Cabe has a key strategic role as a facilitator, as a champion and as a principal advisor to Government.”

David Kester Chief Executive of the Design Council said: “At a time of great economic and policy change in the built environment this report provides the Design Council and its partners with a snapshot of the big design issues that we all face. Peter has made meaningful recommendations based on the significant amount of consultation he’s undertaken. Broadly we support the direction Peter has outlined. As you might imagine we have come a long way in formulating our own response to these issues, and I look forward to publicising our plans in more detail in the near future.”

Key issues that the Design Council will pursue that have arisen from the Bishop Review include:

Design Council Cabe must empower others to deliver good design. Rather than continuing with a centralised system of design support and Design Review services, the Design Council Cabe must work with and through its partners across the country to deliver expert advice to Local Authorities, Communities and Developers.

• Design and Sustainable Development are intrinsically linked. Design is vitally important to economic recovery and community development. It is a key way of reconciling perceived tensions between localism, economic growth and environmental sustainability. There is a need for design to be championed, particularly at this transitional time in the planning reforms, and as part of a national design agenda.

 

• Communities are the new clients. While there are a number of organisations who offer support to communities, what is required are new models of engagement, clear advice, and a simple point of access to available support.

 

• Quality well-built homes are critical in delivering economic growth, but they must fit the local community and context. The quantum and quality of available housing is a significant concern. The UK requires more housing but it must be of good quality particularly where the public sector is making an investment either through land or finance. Design Council Cabe should work with the HCA, as well as commercial house-builders, to ensure that what is built is of good quality and embraced by neighbourhoods.

 

• Local Planning Authorities are pivotal, but need support to deliver reform. The reforms of the planning system will have a significant impact on the way plans are made and developments are taken forward. Local planning authorities will need to ensure that their plans are up to date and that local neighbourhoods are actively involved in place-making. All this is coming at a time when resources within many departments are over-stretched.

 

• Design Review must be decentralised and made more accessible to local people. The system of providing Design Review needs to be refreshed to be more responsive to developers and relevant to communities. In part this can be accomplished by the delivery of Design Review closer to the development site. London alone lacks a subnational Design Review panel. This should be rectified, with Design Council Cabe taking responsibility for delivering Design Review in London. In the absence of core funding for Design Review, it should be paid for through planning fees as it can help bring confidence and certainty to developers and local authorities.

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Dezeen Wire: architect Frank Gehry has invited some of the world’s leading architects and designers to join an advisory board that aims to identify ways to achieve a higher quality of built environment through intelligent design.

Architectural luminaries including Zaha Hadid, Moshe Safdie and Ben van Berkel of UNStudio have agreed to serve on Gehry Technologies‘ Advisory Board, which will meet virtually on a monthly basis and annually in person to discuss the best ways to tackle global issues through design.

Here is the full announcement from Gehry Technologies:

Architectural Leaders Join Frank Gehry to Form Strategic Alliance Dedicated to Transforming the Building Industry Through Technology

Gehry Technologies (GT), a global leader in applying technology to building industry challenges, today announced that Co-founder and Chairman, Frank Gehry, has brought together the world’s most distinguished architects and designers to form a strategic alliance furthering his vision to transform the building industry and the practice of design. As part of today’s announcement, this core group of renowned architects will also serve on Gehry Technologies’ board of advisors.

“The building industry has been slowly but steadily moving toward minimizing individual responsibility and away from producing architecture that solves clients’ and communities’ problems,” offered Frank Gehry. “I am dedicated to giving architects better control of process so that they can deliver the fruits of their imagination, which is what our clients expect. I have gathered a group of my friends together who believe in this mission as much as I do and who can help me find the solutions that will ultimately lead to better buildings throughout the world.”

Alliance objectives

The alliance intends to enable new approaches to design through technology, to create more effective industry processes and a higher quality built environment. By applying and innovating new technology solutions to old problems such as waste, delay, and miscommunication, this new alliance will lead the process change that the AEC industry needs to confront future challenges. The group represents a new type of professional organization for the 21st century, one which embraces the possibility of technology to empower design. The alliance will work together to drive technology innovations that support the central role of design in the creation of culture.

This group will work collectively with GT to realize and demonstrate better ways of achieving project outcomes: higher quality, more efficient, and cost effective projects. Most importantly, the alliance wants to ensure a context for professional work where the best designs and the best facilities can be realized. GT’s management team-led by CEO Dayne Myers-will be bolstered with the unprecedented experience and strategic guidance of the world’s leading architects, builders and visionaries. They will test, use and support emerging GT innovations and high-profile projects; participate in marketing and public relations initiatives; and catalyze AEC industry change

Initial Alliance and Board members include:

Ben van Berkel, David Childs , Massimo Colomban, Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, Greg Lynn, Laurie Olin, Wolf Prix, David Rockwell, Moshe Safdie, Matthias Schuler, Patrik Schumacher and Richard Saul Wurman

“We are honored to add such legendary expertise and industry thought leadership to the GT advisory team,” said Dayne Myers. “Their combined experience, ideas and insights will be instrumental in shaping our offerings to the market. This kind of resource is truly invaluable toward shaping our growth and leadership moving forward.”

The advisors will come together today for their inaugural meeting, which will take place at the Marketing Center at 7 World Trade Center in New York. Discussion topics will include: demonstrations of new GT technologies and initiatives; the future of design; and the role of technology in design.
The board of advisors will continue to meet virtually on a monthly basis, with an annual in-person session.

About Gehry Technologies

GT provides design and project management technology and consulting services to leading owners, developers, architects, engineers, general contractors, fabricators, and other building industry professionals worldwide. GT solutions increase creativity and control; reduce project risks, costs, and completion times; and improve processes and decisions through collaboration, project visibility, and information access. GT is privately held, with offices in Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Mexico City, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing. For more information about Gehry Technologies, visit www.gehrytech.com.

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Dezeen Wire: developers seeking planning permission for a river park that will float on the Thames River in London have built a 1:100 scale model to test its impact on the river’s flow.

The model was created by hydrodynamics specialists HR Wallingford and is the first accurate representation of the Thames riverbank to be constructed on this scale, including notable landmarks such as Blackfriars, London and Millennium Bridges and a replica of HMS Belfast.

The proposed design for the London River Park has divided opinion among architecture critics and residents but the developers hope to receive planning permission in order to complete the installation in time for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee next June.

You can see some photos taken by Dezeen of the model on our Facebook page.

Here are some details about the development of the London River Park:

Progress soars ahead, as 1:100 scale model of London River Park is created for the first time

London, Tuesday 18th October 2011 – Developers of the London River Park, the forthcoming icon of the Thames which is being created to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, have created a 1:100 scale model of the structure and of the Thames River upon which it will float, in order to perform a series of due diligence examinations into the surrounding river flow.

London River Park will be the world’s first ever floating tidal river park and, as the most technically advanced structure of its kind, is being delivered by a world class British team of experts to mark one of the most important dates in British public consciousness – the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The model, which is 35 metres long and features all the major landmarks of the Thames – including Blackfriars, London and Millennium Bridges, is evidence that the Park will not affect river currents under or around the proposed site. The ‘miniature Thames’ even includes a replica HMS Belfast and ‘visiting’ cruise ship model, to allow for further checks and balances to be made on water displacement.

The scale model resides at HR Wallingford, Oxfordshire, and it is the first time ever that a model of this size and proportion has been made of the Thames riverbank, highlighting the ambition and scale of the project.

Londoners gave their backing for plans to create the first river park of its kind in the heart of the capital.   When asked at a public exhibition, 76% of people asked thought the river park plans were good or very good.

The London River Park, which is currently going through the planning process, will bring a whole new dimension to the river for Londoners and visitors to the capital. It will attract up to 3.5million new visitors a year to the river bank and is set to deliver a breathtaking new open space, right in the historic heart of the City.

The London River Park will be free to use and will add another chapter to the rich heritage of the Thames.  The London River Park will:

• Provide a star attraction for visitors to London – creating easy connections between some of London’s top tourist destinations, including the Tower of London, Tate Modern and St Paul’s Cathedral
• Be great for the City of London – it will showcase the historic beauty of the City of London and bring people into the heart of the City, 7 days a week
• Be great for Londoners – as well offering Londoners fantastic new cultural and educational spaces for Londoners to enjoy, the London River Park team will give 30% of all net revenue to good causes in the capital via the Greater London Authority

John Naylor, speaking on behalf of the London River Park team, said:

“London is the most exciting city in the world, so where better to create this unique river park?  The London River Park will make the capital even more attractive to visitors and investors and it is clear that Londoners back these plans.  We’re overwhelmed by the level of support from Londoners.

With the backing of the City of London and GLA, we can make the floating river park a reality in time for the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations next year.”

About the London River Park

The London River Park will be a world first and create a floating walkway along the north bank of the Thames in central London and a remarkable new space for people to enjoy.  The park will be in two core parts and:

1. The 420m western section will start to the east of Blackfriars Bridge and terminate to the east of Southwark Bridge.  It will house floating pavilions, trees and open space in front of the historic Queenhithe Docks.

2. The 540m eastern section will run from east of Cannon Street Rail Bridge to the east of Customs House by Tower Bridge.  As well as further floating pavilions, this element of the park will also include a new swimming pool that floats on the Thames and a new docking station for Thames passenger services.

The planning application is made by the London River Park Ltd and is funded by the Venus Asset Group of Singapore.

The London River Park was designed by global architects Gensler and built by a world class team including Mace – who built the London Eye and are building the Shard, the new river crossing Emirate’s Air Line, and have delivered London’s Olympic Park.

Plans for the river park were submitted to the City of London in July.  The planning authority is expected to determine the planning application later this year.

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Dezeen Wire: the organisers of the Shenzhen & Hong Kong Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture have announced the programme for the fourth edition of the fair, which begins on 11 December.

The programme will be overseen by architect, author and curator Terence Riley and will focus on the relationship between architecture and cities, exploring issues of sustainability, urban design and global typologies.

You can see our coverage of the 2009 event here.

Here is some more information from the biennale organisers:

2011 Shenzhen & Hong Kong Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture announces exhibition programme

Exhibition dates: 11 December 2011 – 10 February 2012

Vernissage: 7-10 December 2011

Chief Curator: Terence Riley

Shenzhen, China, October 12, 2011 – The Organizing Committee of the Shenzhen & Hong Kong Bi-City Biennale Of Urbanism/Architecture announced the program for the fourth edition of the Biennale, organized by the Chief Curator of the 2011 Biennale Terence Riley. Selected from an international call for proposals, Mr. Riley is the first non-Chinese curator for the Shenzhen & Hong Kong Bi-City Biennale Of Urbanism/Architecture. Riley is an architect and partner in the architectural firm K/R, and the former director of Miami Art Museum.  As the Philip Johnson Chief Curator of Architecture and Design at the Museum of Modern Art New York, he played a key role in overseeing MoMA’s 2004 expansion project.

“Architecture Creates Cities, Cities Create Architecture” is the title of the 2011 Shenzhen & Hong Kong Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture. The Biennale will portray the endless interaction between architecture and cities, and provoke an in-depth discussion on sustainability and urban vitality. The Biennale will juxtapose that interplay as experienced in Shenzhen and other cities in China with that of other cities around the world in its exhibitions, publications, collateral events and, even, in its logo. Designed for the Biennale by wx-design, the logo graphically interprets the theme by stringing two sentences together in the form of a Mobius strip.

“The curatorial program for the 2011 Biennale expands the concepts established in the previous three editions, highlighting the significance of Urbanism/Architecture on a broader international and contemporary scale” said Feng Yueqiang, an architect from the Biennale Academic Committee.

Riley’s program includes more than 30 exhibitions, symposiums, panel discussions and performances. He has appointed a number of scholars, architects and artists as members of the curatorial team, including Jeffrey Johnson (Director of China Lab, Columbia University), Dr. Tang Keyang (Curator of China Pavilion, 12th Venice Architectural Biennale), Xiangning Li (Professor of Theory and Criticism, Tongji University), Qingyun Ma (Dean of the School of Architecture, University of Southern California), Dr. Mary Ann O’Donnell (Research Associate, College of Arts, Shenzhen University), Jonathan Solomon (Acting Head of the Department of Architecture, Hong Kong University), Rochelle Steiner (Dean & Professor, Roski School of Fine Arts, University of Southern California) and David van der Leer (Assistant Curator of Architecture and Urban Studies, Guggenheim Museum), among others.

The featured exhibitions in the program strive to express a global experience and dialogue. For example, 6 Under 60 is a multimedia project that retrospectively investigates the successes and failures of six new cities, including Shenzhen, China; Las Vegas, USA; Almere, The Netherlands, Gaborone, Botswana; Brasilia, Brazil; and Chandigarh, India. The exhibition will also feature new videography tracing their ongoing evolution from master plans to actual cities. Additionally, Shenzhen Builds will exhibit 5 major urban projects designed by leading architects from China and abroad currently or soon to be under construction in Shenzhen. It will reveal their design processes and the projects’ impact on the surrounding environment, architecture and urban development. Counterpart Cities selects 6 groups from Shenzhen and Hong Kong respectively, to interrogate their common ecological and environmental issues and propose solutions. Other exhibitions such as 8 Urban Plans For China, Informal China, Urban China Timeline and Boom! Shenzhen provide in-depth studies on urbanization at the regional and city level in China.

The biennale will also provide a venue for young architects, artists and designers. The Street will invite an international roster of 12 architects in their 30’s and 40’s to design 12 facades in their own architectural language, as well as an installation of their work. Together, the twelve facades will create a street-like environment, literally reflecting the theme of the Biennale. Ultra Lightweight Village highlights the work of a selection of younger, international architects by utilizing Shenzhen’s Civic Square.  The 2009 Biennale reconnected the square with urban life and activities through experimental interventions. Ultra Lightweight Village will continue to do so by erecting six structures designed by six leading contemporary architects from around the world along the connecting axis of the main plaza and the Lianhua Mountain Park to the north, passing through the Government Center. These projects will bring a different scale to the Biennale and help invigorate the area both during the day and at night. Also, New York architects John Bennett and Gustavo Bonevardi will create a series of installations that will function as platforms for performances during the vernissage, further activating the space.

The 2011 Biennale will also include the concept of International Pavilions that was initially proposed by Mr. Antonius Lambertus Maria Van Zeeland, the Consul-General of the Netherlands Consulate in Guangzhou. Featured in this section of the biennale will be an award-wining project from the 2010 Venice Biennale of Architecture. Reclaim, the Bahrain Pavilion, which was awarded Best National Participation, consists of three fishing platforms – the informal waterfront structures that used to line the sea and served as lively social spaces before the real estate boom of recent decades reconfigured the city’s shore. It echoes Shenzhen’s experience of being developed from a small fishing village to an international modern city. In an effort to not only internationalize the Shenzhen Biennale, but also to expand the number of multiple internationally voices heard, various national institutes were invited to participate, including: Austria, Chile, Egypt, Finland, and The Netherlands.

Catalyzing change is also the subject of two projects in the 2011 Biennale. The Ghana ThinkTank is a worldwide network of think tanks creating strategies to resolve local problems in the “developed” world. These think tanks analyze “First” World problems and propose solutions, which are put into action back in the community where the problems originated. Similarly, Haas + Hahn, Dutch artists Dre Urhahn and Jeroen Koolhaas, turn public urban spaces that are deprived and often sites of conflicts, into inspiring artworks of monumental size. These projects offer local youth education and job opportunities, while making their community a nicer place to live.

As a city that recently celebrated its 30^th anniversary, Shenzhen is planning its future for the next 30 years. As part of this historic milestone, the Biennale will present Exhibition of Universiade Stories an exhibition that showcases the newly constructed stadiums, and investigates the impact that large public events have on the city of Shenzhen.  Another presentation of regional development will be The Research, Competition and Exhibition of Innovative Public Housing. The Biennale will include the fifth phase of this project that includes the exhibition and final review phase of design submissions. This will play an important role in the development and construction of public housing in Shenzhen.

In addition, the Hong Kong organizing committee was successful in securing sponsorship from the Hong Kong government and is working together with Shenzhen to truly make this a Bi-City Biennale. Based on the Biennale’s concepts established by the curatorial team, the Hong Kong edition will work to complement the Shenzhen Biennale in an integrative way. The Biennale in Hong Kong, curated by Gene King and Anderson Lee, is now under preparation and expected to open in February 2012. 2011 Shenzhen & Hong Kong Bi-City Biennale Of Urbanism/Architecture aims to achieve the goal of ‘Bi-City, One-Theme, One-Exhibition’.

About the Shenzhen & Hong Kong Bi-City Biennale of Architecture/Urbanism

The Biennale responds to the rapid urbanization of the Pearl River Delta, where Shenzhen is located. The biennale considers the ways urban designers and architects face the challenges brought on by unprecedented urbanization in which global warming and sustainable development have become keywords. These issues are more significant and challenging in the context of China’s great resource shortage and are addressed in the various exhibitions, projects and discussions that occur as part of the biennale. The Biennale is the first to focus on urbanism as an ongoing theme to explore issues of the city as an active agent in contemporary culture.

About Terence Riley

Terence Riley is an internationally recognized leader in the fields of design and architecture. In addition to the Museum of Modern Art (New York) and the Miami Art Museum, he has played a lead role in the architect selection for numerous institutions including, the Reina Sofia Museum of Art (Madrid, Spain) and the Parrish Museum of Art (Southampton, NY). He has served on many architectural juries and was chairman of the jury for the 2002 Venice Biennale and the jury for the 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon (Washington, DC).

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Dezeen Wire: Chinese artist Ai Weiwei is the most powerful figure in the art world according to Art Review magazine’s annual Power 100 list, published today. 

Ai Weiwei, who has risen from eleventh place last year, was detained by Chinese authorities for 81 days earlier this year, supposedly for “economic crimes,” and published an article in August that described Beijing as a prison and a city of violence. Art Review applaud his work for moving beyond the gallery or museum, dealing with “what’s happening now, around us, in the real world.”

Hans Ulrich Obrist & Julia Peyton-Jones, curators of the Serpentine Gallery in London, are at number two on the list.

See the full Power 100 list on Art Review’s website and see all our stories about Ai Weiwei here.

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