May 22, 2002

Design Detailings: CoCA looking for designs that 'blur'

"Blurred," the first group show of architectural installations at the Center on Contemporary Art, will explore the breath and depth of architectural possibility, expanding the traditional definition of architecture in the Northwest. The exhibit will ask the question, how are boundaries being blurred?

For the exhibit, CoCA is seeking formally trained architects that use architectural methodologies and ideas to create works in a wide range of media. Participants should use this opportunity to share the new CoCA space and install ideas that engage architectural issues, expressed in ways outside of what is typically understood as architecture.

This includes sculptor-architects that focus on materials and space, digital-architects that work on virtual environments, architect-builders who explore construction techniques, filmmakers or photographers who explore architectural spaces or the art of making that challenges our imagination.

CoCA is looking for submittals that will confront the question of what is architecture and address how the work blurs architecture's boundaries. CoCA is looking for four images of relevant, completed work.

Submittals are due by June 10. Installation will take place from July 15 to July 29, and the public opening is on Aug. 3. For information, call (206) 728-1980. CoCA's Web site is cocaseattle.org. E-mail questions to blurred@cocaseattle.org.

A/E group backs Referendum 51

A coalition of Washington architects and engineers will pledge support Thursday for Referendum 51 at a meeting with Gov. Gary Locke. Craig Curtis, chair of the Architects & Engineers Legislative Council, will join colleagues from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Washington and AIA Washington Council in voicing support for the referendum, which would bring $7.7 billion in road transit improvements.

AIA Seattle President Steven N. Arai will offer the architects' perspective on transportation issues, representing a significant number of design practices throughout Washington actively engaged in planning and designing transportation-related infrastructure and facilities.

The bill addresses financing transportation improvements through transportation fees and taxes. The bill would increase highway capacity, public transportation, passenger and freight rail and transportation financing accountability through increased fuel excise taxes, sales taxes on vehicles, and weight fees on trucks and large vehicles.