Category: Uncategorized

A new effort on the boards in DC’s Capitol Riverfront aims to make good use of some underutilized public space in the neighborhood. 

The Underpass and Virginia Avenue Public Space Vision Plan, spearheaded by the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District, proposes a variety of changes, particularly to the 2nd Street, 3rd Street, 4th Street, 7th Street, 8th Street and New Jersey Avenue underpasses along I-695. 

While projects in the proposal are largely comprised of aesthetic changes and art installations, such as a cultural storytelling mural along the 4th Street underpass, others are more ambitious. The plan for the 2nd Street underpass calls for a basketball court, pickleball courts with stadium seating, a skate park, a stage for community events and an inviting entryway into Garfield Park. 

Other aspects in the proposal include three-dimensional windmill-powered sculptures, solar panels, updated stormwater management systems, freeway sound barriers, LED light art, bike paths, a bicycle repair station, playground equipment and an opportunity for urban farming. 

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Amazon‘s $125M partnership with WMATA to fund transit-oriented development in the D.C. region has borne fruit at two Prince George’s County Metro stations.

Amazon is investing $81.7M combined into two multifamily projects, it announced Tuesday, pumping $56.3M into Gilbane Development Co.’s project at the College Park Metro station and $25.4M into an Urban Atlantic building at New Carrollton.

The investments are being made to help ensure that both projects, which combined would yield more than 700 apartments, would remain affordable for those making less than 80% of area median income for 98 years, according to details released Tuesday by Amazon and WMATA.

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Setting – Dundee sits on the north shore of the Firth of Tay and has a long history as the key entry point to Scotland for shipping from northern Europe. Today, V&A Dundee is the jewel in the crown of a £1 billion transformation of Dundee City Waterfront, which stretches 8km alongside the River Tay and its estuary over an area of 240 hectares, in a 30-year development that began in 2001. The building is positioned at the heart of what was once Dundee’s bustling maritime infrastructure, on the site of the demolished Earl Grey Dock. Its striking form reconnects the heart of Dundee to the Tay, echoing the time when shipbuilding and the trade in textiles were its economic lifeblood. Alongside the museum are Slessor Gardens, a new public park space that hosts live music and events, and RRS Discovery, the exploration ship which was built in Dundee and sailed to Antarctica from 1901-1904 by Scott and Shackleton.

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Another large new apartment building is on the boards near Nats Park. 

The Ruben Companies has filed plans for a 248-unit apartment building at 1100 South Capitol Street SE (map) just north of Nationals Park and adjacent to St. Vincent de Paul church. The 130-foot tall building was designed by Eric Colbert & Associates and Robert A.M. Stern Architects. 

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Supertall skyscrapers are becoming increasingly common in North America outside of New York. Here are six designs by architects including Frank Gehry and SOM for supertalls that are planned across USA and Canada.
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Originally a white cottage in Northern Melbourne, the Host House underwent a massive renovation and expansion to work for a growing family. Splinter Society first extended the pitched roof volume running front to the back behind the original facade. To top off the new, dramatic design, the cottage is the base to black structures seen from the outside and inside as they penetrate through to create new interior divisions.

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The primary function of architecture, and possibly the most important and basic, is to protect against the weather. Whereas our ancestors would stack tree trunks and animal skins to create rudimentary shelters against the sun and rain, the emergence of architecture took on impressive proportions, creating temples and captivating spaces that fulfill many other functions. The purpose of sheltering people from the outdoors, however, remains an important one and can turn an outdoor area into a functional and engaging space. With all the innovations that currently exist, there are also numerous improvements emerging for their mechanisms and functions.

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From established award-winners to up-and-coming talents, these architects are both innovative designers and powerful advocates for a more equitable AEC industry.

Black History Month is a time to reflect upon the past and reckon with the long history of racism and inequality that has disenfranchised Black Americans to this day. It is also a time to acknowledge the contributions and celebrate the achievements of generations of Black communities across all areas of society. A history that should not be limited to a single month, we recognize the urgency of listening to and amplifying Black voices all year round.

The under-representation of Black architects and designers continues to mar the architectural profession. Today, Black people make up 14% of the United States’ population; yet, less than 2% of the approximately 113,000 architects licensed in our country are Black. In addition to increasing diversity within the profession, the industry must confront the need to design more equitable spaces and cities and incorporate communities of color into these design processes. As Kweku Addo-Atuah beautifully states, “It takes the collective populace to imagine and shape the built environment, and for it to be truly reflective and responsive to society, inclusiveness must be at the forefront of collaboration.”

Read more: https://www.noma.net/news/architizer-recognizes-noma-leaders-and-members-in-february-article/

America is obsessed with football — a love affair that has allowed the NFL to tighten its already-firm grip on our culture despite mounting scandals.

The big picture: From brain injuries to toxic workplaces to racism allegations, the NFL is no stranger to outrage. Then Sunday arrives, and all is seemingly forgiven.

That will be the case once again this week, as the same networks currently reporting on the Brian Flores lawsuit and Commanders harassment allegations will begin promoting the Super Bowl.NFL fans, much like those networks, have shown a willingness to separate the product from the business, which has made the league impervious to gaffes that would doom most organizations.

State of play: The NFL has arguably never been more entertaining than it was this season, delivering unrivaled parity, a record number of close games and thrilling playoff drama.

The league accounted for 41 of the 50 most-watched U.S. broadcasts in 2021, which explains why its media partners are willing to pay more than $100 billion over the next decade-plus to broadcast games.The Broncos’ sale price could exceed $4 billion, which would smash the record for richest sports team sale. Sunday’s Super Bowl will be played in the most expensive sports venue ever built (~$5.5 billion).

The other side: The NFL has reached these heights despite spending the past decade mired in controversy. A few demons that aren’t going away:

Brain injuries: In 2013, the NFL agreed to a $765 million settlement after retired players alleged the league concealed what it knew about concussions. A few years later, a neuropathologist examined the brains of 111 deceased NFL players, and all but one had CTE, a brain disease linked with repeated blows to the head.Racism concerns: Roughly 70% of NFL players are Black, but Mike Tomlin is the only active Black head coach. There’s also the “race norming” practice used in the concussion settlement, Jon Gruden’s emails and the Kaepernick saga and collusion lawsuit.Lack of accountability: The NFL’s investigation into misconduct allegations in Washington hasn’t been transparent, and owner Dan Snyder may have control over whether the results are made public — a reminder that Roger Goodell works for the owners, not with them.

By the numbers: NFL fans may be divided when it comes to issues like kneeling during the national anthem, but in general, most feel the same way about the league: They love it.

51% of Americans are professional football fans, according to a 2021 Axios-Ipsos poll. No other sport cracked 40%.That includes 51% of Democrats, 50% of Republicans and 55% of independents. The NFL is also equally favored by Black and white Americans.

The last word: “The NFL doesn’t care about your concerns, because the NFL doesn’t have to,” as NYT’s Kurt Streeter put it — not as long as viewership, revenue and franchise values continue to outpace every other sports league on Earth.

Source: https://www.axios.com/the-nfl-always-wins-1442adc3-59ca-4b3c-a754-79a4c5a36761.html