INDIA
The Council of Architecture has suspended the license of one of India’s most prominent architects, Hafeez Contractor. Known for his skyscrapers and signature buildings across the country, Contractor has been suspended from practice for one year on the grounds of misconduct. The council, which is empowered by parliament to take action against rogue architects, commenced its inquiry after a complaint relating to Contractor for advertising his work as an architect, his “skills and philosophy as an architect’’ and for proclaiming himself to be “India’s favourite architect’’.
UNITED STATES
An American architect is selling advice on home improvement projects for five cents a pop. After getting laid off from a architecture firm for the second time last year, John Morefield set up shop in a plywood booth at Seattle’s Ballard Farmers’ Market. His advice has led to one couple hiring him to draw up plans for a remodel of their home. Morefield hopes it will lead to a thriving business, and perhaps a better office.
UNITED STATES
The Green Building Initiative and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) have signed a memorandum of understanding, pledging to work together to promote the design and construction of energy efficient and environmentally responsible buildings. “The GBI’s engagement in life cycle assessment and promotion of post-construction third party review in Green Globes illustrates GBI’s commitment to the creation of high performance buildings and supports the role of the architect in creating them,” stated Chris McEntee of the AIA. “We look forward to working with the GBI on our common goal of reaching carbon neutral buildings by 2030.”
UNITED KINGDOM
Archial, one of the UK’s biggest architecture firms, has been forced to slash staff salaries to cope with the dramatic slowdown in construction. According to sources within the AIM-listed company, formerly known as the SMC Group, the management has imposed a 3 per cent pay cut across the firm, with directors taking an 8 per cent cut, reports the Architects’ Journal. London-based Haskoll has also been forced to cut back on staff due to reduced workloads, with voluntary pay cuts having been taken by all members of staff.
DUBAI
Last week’s glitzy art fair, Art Dubai, has reported a good turn out with 68 dealers congregating at the upscale resort of Madinat Jumeirah. While slightly smaller than last year, with a few last-minute drop-outs, and the organisers had discounted some stands and drew some high-calibre newcomers, including London’s Lisson Gallery and Gimpel Fils and New York’s L & M Arts, which had skipped Maastricht’s Tefaf fair to do Dubai. In total 80 museum groups attended, with a contingent of 18 patrons and curators from Tate alone.
KUWAIT
SM Architecture has launched the first design manifesto for the Gulf region. The London and Kuwait based practice revealed the proposal earlier this month at the Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyyah Cultural Centre, laying out eight key points for improving design and delivery of new buildings. Written by director Tom Modeen, the Kuwait School manifesto aims to help establish a recognisable cultural identity for Kuwait.
