Modern Architecture
What is Europe? This question can be answered in countless variations on the theme. Rem Koolhaas and Luuk van Middelaar will go in search of the answer within the brackets of 12 hours, hoping to find it in nonstop conversations with impressive guests from the worlds of art, philosophy, and politics. What does Europe mean to them? Is there such a thing as European culture and identity to begin with, and if so, what should define it?
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Wim Delvoye, Rimowa Classic Flight Multiwheel 971.73.00.4, 2014. Embossed aluminium, 53 x 35 x 80 cm. © Studio Wim Delvoye, Belgium.
The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art has announced it will devote its entire space to a solo exhibition of the work of the internationally celebrated artist Wim Delvoye.
On view from March 7 to May 13, this remarkable display will be the first time since the revolution that the 38-year-old institution dedicates its complete exhibition space, in- and outdoors, to a non-Iranian artist.
A Belgian neo-conceptual artist, Wim Delvoye is best known for art that cleverly combines philosophical ideas, a fresh use of materials and a love for craftsmanship.
Organized by independent curators Vida Zaim and Leila Varasteh, in collaboration with TMoCA’s Director Majid Mollanoroozi and Deputy Director Ehsan Aghaei, the select survey offers an overview of Delvoye’s practice—from his Delft patterned shovels and gas canisters of the 1980s to recent aluminum suitcases, which are ornately embossed by Iranian artisans in the city of Isfahan.
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The Tamayouz Excellence Award–the first award in the Middle East to recognize women in architecture and construction–has announced the 2014 winners who have significantly contributed to Iraq’s built environment. The esteemed judging panel–Angela Brady, Clare Devine, Jane Duncan, and Ali Grehan–has selected architect, academic and planner Shereen Sherzad for the Tamayouz Women of Achievements Award. The Emerging Women Architects Award was bestowed upon Venus Akef, an award winning aspiring architect and academic at theUniversity of Technology in Baghdad, focusing on architectural heritage and the cultural identity. In addition, a Special Commemorative Award was given to Neda Al-Juboory, an “outstanding community architect who engaged at local level and inspired all those who came in contact with her.” Sadly in 2007, Al-Juboory was killed in a car bomb explosion where she worked as the Director of Urban Planning at the Ministry of Municipalities. Ahmed Al-Mallak, Founder of the Tamayouz Excellence Award, commented on the significance of the awards for Iraq.
“It gives us great pleasure to announce the winners of Tamayouz Women in Architecture and Construction Award, both Shereen Sherzad and Venus Akef are still making outstanding contributions to the profession of architecture in Iraq and it is important to show the commitment and sacrifices Iraqi women are making and this is portrayed by the commitment of the Late Neda Al-Juboory who was killed during a ceremony where she was supposed to receive a prize for her excellent work. Women in Iraq are doing fantastic jobs and we will continue to highlight their efforts.”
Click here to read the Tamayouz Excellence Award 2014 announcement, online atTamayouz-Award.com.
September 10, 2011 | Maryam Eskandari
This weekend, the world marks the tenth anniversary of the horrific events of September 11th. This tragedy pushed the Muslim American community to the forefront, forcing us to discover who we are, as a collective. This grueling process of defining identity can be traced through architectural designs where various attributes have been explored. From the relatively unknown Islamic inspired architecture of the World Trade Center, to the Islamic Center in Manhattan, we start to see not only a pattern of expression, but also a community coming into our own.
The World Trade Center in New York, an iconic masterpiece stood majestically around 1300 feet high. Designed by Minoru Yamasaki, an architect praised for merging modernism with Islamic architecture, recreated Mecca’s courtyard within the busy Financial District claiming the World Trade Center’s plaza was, “a Mecca, a great relief from the narrow streets and sidewalks of the surrounding Wall Street area.” Three decades ago, Yamasaki, the desired designer of the 1970’s, was commissioned for his ability to merge Islamic and postmodern design, an amalgamation of defining a renowned form of architecture. He was applauded for his innovation.