July 23, 2003

Design Detailings: Arup’s Balmond speaks Aug. 6

Cecil Balmond

Balmond is chair of the London-based European division of the engineering consortium Arup. His structural systems are known for generating innovative solutions.

Balmond has collaborated with architects Rem Koolhaas on Seattle Public Library, Daniel Libeskind on the World Trade Center proposal and Lord Norman Foster on banks in Hong Kong and Shanghai. Philip Johnson said Balmond is "changing shapes for the world."

Balmond has published three works that explore the roots of creativity from his unique perspective: "Unfolding," co-authored with Libeskind, "Number 9: The Search for The Sigma Code," and "Informal."

Advance tickets are $10, at Peter Miller Books. Remaining tickets will be available at the door for $12. For more information see www.space-city.net, contact etc@space-city.net, or call (206) 842-2283.

AIA: firms seeing modest increase

The American Institute of Architects released the results of its Work-on-the-Boards, a monthly survey that provides an up-to-date snapshot of what is happening in the architecture and construction industries.

The survey lends perspective to traditional analysis of the construction market and provides alternative data for use as economic indicators both nationally and regionally.

Highlights include:

• Business conditions continue to edge up gradually at U.S. architecture firms.

• Regional billings trends show that firms in a single region -- the Midwest -- are responsible for the monthly improvement in business conditions.

• Compensation increases are modest at firms: Overall weakness in the economy plus mixed trends in the construction sector have limited compensation increases at architecture firms so far this year.

Gensler uses open space design

Gensler’s open workspace design leaves ample room for growth.

Gensler Architecture, Design & Planning Worldwide has opened a new office in a renovated historic building in downtown Seattle.

The new design jettisons the typical formal offices and creates a single open workplace environment, inviting clients, vendors and consultants visiting the offices to view the Gensler projects at their core. Gensler’s 6,000-square-foot offices will allow for growth. The staff is now 15 designers and architects. Gensler will occupy the third floor of 1524 Fifth Ave.

"Our new office offers the opportunity of demonstrating our design capabilities and our philosophy about space usage. We are really excited about the 50-yard-line seat location in Seattle," said Linda Moriarty, Gensler Seattle’s managing principal and vice president. "By taking down the traditional closed-office design and opening up the floor it both floods the space with daylight and encourages internal knowledge-sharing and collaboration."

Luncheon on Spokane renaissance

The Aug. 14 program and luncheon meeting of Marketing Associates of Spokane will be presented by Rob Brewster, president of ConoverBond Development and ConoverBond Properties.

Brewster will discuss Spokane development projects and the overall vision for the city. Brewster will also look at how the architectural, engineering and construction industry can play a part in the city's future.

The meeting will take place at noon at the Red Lion River Inn, 700 N. Division St., Spokane. Cost is $15 for MAS members and $25 for non-members. Reservation deadline is Aug. 11. For membership information or to make a reservation, contact David Dowers at (509) 536-3853 or visit the MAS website at www.maspokane.org.