We here at MIIM Designs are very excited to welcome Steve Martin at the MFA Boston. The actor and comedian is guest curator of an exhibition at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts devoted to Canadian modernist Lawren Harris. Some years ago, when our founder, Maryam Eskandari, designed the Phoenix College Fine Arts Building + the Eric Fischer Gallery, both Eric Fischl and Steve Martin made a surprise visit.
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SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 10, 2016 – On Thursday, the 30-chapter international organization of volunteer humanitarian designers and architects once affiliated with defunct nonprofit Architecture for Humanity announced its new brand and identity as the Open Architecture Collaborative.
After over a year of development, the Open Architecture Collaborative (OAC) has determined an ongoing, autonomous identity and governing structure, following the January 2015 closure of the nonprofit that originally orchestrated them, while staying true to the shared values and practices of participatory design. In January 2016, while simply calling themselves the Chapter Network, the organization named its Executive Director, Garrett Jacobs. Jacobs has since been guiding the final decisions on organizational name and logo, the launch of a website, assembly of a Board of Directors, and election of 11 regional leaders.
“The OAC’s launch shows that our process works. This past year we turned participatory design on ourselves to create this organization,” says Jacobs. “There are hundreds of people who experienced this process and now feel an incredible sense of ownership over this name and this brand. Imagine what our places would be like if everyone felt as proud in their creation and change. We are working to make such visions realities large and small around the world.”
Currently in development, the Open Architecture Collaborative’s bylaws intend to preserve flexibility for local chapters to conduct their work as needed to be most in tune with their communities. The OAC would then provide oversight and professional resources to guide successful outcomes and equip more members and partners with tools, knowledge, and experience.
Jacobs continues: “I personally believe that designers and architects have a privileged view to how things get built in this world, and we can use that insight to help others advocate for themselves to gain agency in our cities and rural communities. We need to be intentional about who we work with and the inclusive processes we use so everyone can feel a sense of ownership over what they create.”
The OAC conducted its first Board of Directors meeting on Sunday, March 6. The board consists of seasoned professionals and experts with backgrounds in architecture and design, affordable housing law and development, academia, innovative business practice, network structures, marketing, and branding.
“This organization defines good design as something beyond the aesthetic and functional, but that which thrives on inclusivity and empowerment,” said Maryam Eskandari, founder and principal architect of MIIM Designs, LLC. “Personally, I am excited to serve on the Board of Directors, and to continue pursuing MIIM Designs’ passion: ‘design communities and create culture.’ We look forward to contributing to a design platform that betters our communities.”
The Open Architecture Collaborative is currently completing its bylaws, at which point it will apply to become a United States 501(c)3 organization. The OAC has one remaining Board vacancy for an experienced nonprofit manager with a financial background.
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Inhabitat
Curbed
Dezeen
Archinect
Fast Company
Architect Magazine
Images courtesy and copyright by Vladimir Baron
New York, NY – January 13, 2016 – The Children’s Museum of Manhattan today announced the opening of America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far, a groundbreaking, new interactive exhibit for children and families that explores the diversity of Muslim cultures in New York City, the U.S. and abroad. The multimedia exhibit and programming at the Children’s Museum (212 West 83rd Street) showcases the cultural expressions of various Muslim communities around the world through age-appropriate experiences with art, architecture, travel, trade, design and more. It will open Feb. 13 and remain open for at least a year.
The 3,000-square-foot exhibit was designed by MIIM Designs in collaboration with Afsoon Talai of Children's Museum of Manhattan and Golreezan , Graphic Designer: Tarek Atrissi , Fabrication by Collab and Roto Group and Academic Adviser Hussein Rashid of Islamicate .
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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“This is an opportunity to develop our own voice, and to have a platform [on which more] people can develop their skill and talents within the public interest design movement. I don’t think the profession supports it enough, and this is our way of doing that.”
Congratulations to our friend, Garret Jacobs, the newly appointed Executive Director of Architecture for Humanity. In the past year, After a year in hiatus, Fast Company "What's Next for Architecture for Humanity?", Jacobs incredible energy and commitment has allowed for Architecture for Humanity to flourish again. We are thrilled to see Jacobs' experience, exuberance and vision be carried out as Executive Director. Over the course of the past week, not only have we celebrated this news, so have many of our architecture families.
Exactly a year to date, Fast Company wrote a profound article celebrating with us, "The Story Behind Architecture for Humanity's Surprising Rebirth", followed by Archinect and Architect Magazine.
