First steps taken on Santiago Calatrava's second Dublin bridge, compassionate architects given a helping hand by RIBA and Dubai's "cultural hub" welcomes its first guests.
IRELAND
The Samuel Beckett Bridge (pictured) was officially inaugurated yesterday in Dublin. The six-lane bridge, designed by Santiago Calatrava, resembles a harp with steel cables as its strings. Construction began in May 2007 and involved the assembly of eight steel bridges as sections to create a 123m deck span. Resting on a reinforced concrete support pier, the bridge is capable of swinging 90 degrees.
UNITED KINGDOM
Students and young architects keen to work in developing countries will be pleased to hear that the annual funding for the RIBA/Institution of Civil Engineers bursary has been doubled. The Whitbybird Foundation and supporter, John McAslan and Partners, have agreed to contribute approximately $89,200 each over the next five years. Awards are given to help young members of the architectural and engineering industries eager to help local communities.
DUBAI
Saadiyat Island, said to be the future cultural hub of the Middle East, has started welcoming its first visitors. The island will eventually house Abu Dhabi's new Louvre and Guggenheim Museums and Zaha Hadid will design a new Performing Arts Centre. The first space to open is the Manarat al Saadiyat, which houses Arab contemporary art, and the exhibition titled ‘Disorientations II: The Rise And Fall of Arab Cities’ will run until 20 February 2010.
UNITED STATES
The American Society of Landscape Architects, with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Centre and the US Botanic Garden, has released the Sustainable Sites Initiative. The program aims to encourage sustainable practices in landscape design, construction and maintenance. It offers a framework to ensure that landscapes perform functions such as retaining and treating stormwater, producing energy, mediating temperatures and growing food. A project earns points by meeting criteria based on the initiative's guiding principles.
RUSSIA
Russia's pavilion for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo will be a 6,000 sqm plot featuring 12 white towers that resemble traditional Russian women's costume. The 20m towers in white, red and gold are reminders of the ancient Ural towns, but with irregular shapes. They represent the diversity of both ancient and modern cities.
