UNITED STATES
A major downturn in private-sector projects has pushed architecture firms in South Florida to lay off up to 80 per cent of their staff. Experts say the private sector has “more or less dried up” as competition for institutional work increases with the global financial crisis. While opportunities still exist in the public sector, Miami-based Zyscovich Architects says more firms are diversifying their services to find more work. The firm has turned to urban design, planning, education and aviation to boost its billings and break into new markets.
UNITED KINGDOM
Wilkinson Eyre Architects has been dropped from a landmark tower development near Blackfriars Bridge, ending a seven-year involvement with the site. Having won planning permission for the 23-storey office tower and 42-storey residential building development in 2002, the project has now been reviewed and other architects appointed. Developer, Circleplane is blaming the decision on the recession and increasingly difficult market conditions. The newly-appointed architects are yet to be named.
SOUTH KOREA
Seoul’s forthcoming international business district will transform the city to a world-class destination, according to an acclaimed US architect. Daniel Libeskind, master architect of the Yongsan Dream Hub, said the development will combine historical and contemporary aspects as part of a $22 billion plan to refurbish and modify the city’s appearance. The plan will house a 600-metre-high landmark building and develop hotels and commercial complexes in the centre of Seoul. The project is expected to break ground in 2011 and be completed by 2016.
QATAR
“Glittering” buildings in Qatar are being compromised by poor quality building materials, according to an industry expert. Broadway Malyan architect, Alicia Perez, told attendees at the 2009 Q-Rex conference in Qatar that poor quality construction and materials is creating cracks and flaws in Qatar’s buildings. She also pointed to flaws in finishing and joints, as well as inadequate “functionality of design”. According to Perez, there is a need to bring in “international-quality” contractors to address issues between designers and contractors. However, Perez also said the city holds “tremendous new opportunities” in architecture and design.
AUSTRALIA
Customs House is aglow with creative light artworks as part of Smart Light Sydney, which runs until 14 June. Smart Light Sydney showcases dynamic light art sculptures and is the only major international lighting event driven by energy conscious and innovative design to recognise the importance of lighting design in cities and its role in the city nightscape. All exhibitions are free, open weekdays from 8am until midnight, Saturday 10am until midnight and Sunday and public holidays 11am until 5pm.
