UNITED KINGDOM
Duct tape is being used to hold together one-fifth of the internal marble pillars of the Canterbury Cathedral, as it waits for money to be raised for repairs. Experts are warning that parts of the building are falling down and that it is in "serious jeopardy". There are also fears that the great southern window could collapse after masonry around it fell out in July. It is estimated that repairs for the window alone could cost approximately $965,000. The cathedral, which was founded in 597 by Saint Augustine, is suffering from damage caused by corrosion and pollution. Three years ago, a global campaign to raise $96 million by 2011 begun, however so far it has only managed to collect $18 million.
DUBAI
Lebanese construction firm, Arabian Construction co, has been appointed as the contractor for the world's tallest residential tower, Pentominium. Designed by Andrew Bromberg, executive director at Aedas, the tower will provide 116,200 sqm of floor space and will comprise a banquet room, sky lounge, observation deck, business centre and cigar lounge. Pentominium is 516m tall but very slim. Aedas said that the shape resulted from the project's main challenges of "density/proximity to neighbours and the extreme environmental pressures of Dubai". The tower is split into two sides, one which features balconies and a layer of glass to enhance solar gain and another which includes skygardens and apartment pods.
RUSSIA
Architecture students in Moscow are now required to study music as well, making them professionally trained musicians once their studies are complete. Peter Nalitch and some of his fellow students decided to start a cover band a few years ago, and after failing to generate a significant following from demo tapes sent to record companies and radio stations, the band decided to put self-produced music videos of YouTube. It was a song titled "Gitar", containing lyrics such as "Guitar, guitar, guitar, guitar, Come to my Boudoir. Baby you have a possibility, play it with me", which has made the band's popularity skyrocket. All five thousand tickets for the band's first official concert in Moscow sold out in a matter of days.
UNITED STATES
The mayor of New Orleans is expected to sign a contract within the next few days, giving the go-ahead for the rebuilding of five new libraries destroyed in Hurricane Katrina. It is expected that the libraries will open just ten months from when construction starts, thanks to a fast-track process that has Kansas City architects working at breakneck speeds. The $26.4 million project is a symbol for renewal in the area, which was devastated by the hurricane four years ago. Architectural firm Gould Evans landed the contract and is in the process of revising and reviewing drawings with other architects. The city's accelerated design-build process allows work to begin in the absence of completed and detailed documentation.
SCOTLAND
Images of Donald Trump's planned Menie Estate golf resort in the north east of Scotland have been released. Designed by Gareth Hoskins, the $2 billion "village green" will comprise two 18-hole golf courses, 950 holiday homes, 36 golf villas, 500 houses, a 450-room hotel, conference facilities and a clubhouse. The plans are expected to be on display for the public at the end of the week and have already received outline planning permission.
