Author Archives: abaadmin

4 Feb 2021 | Webinar Conference on Women British Architects

Alison Brooks is a keynote speaker at the next Webinar Conference on Women British Architects organised by Milan Foundation of the Chamber of Architects in collaboration with the Media Partner Editorial Group Design Diffusion World. Tune in on February 4, 2021, at 4:30 pm. 

Alison Brooks is a keynote speaker at the next Webinar Conference on Women British Architects organised by Milan Foundation of the Chamber of Architects in collaboration with the Media Partner Editorial Group Design Diffusion World. Tune in on February 4, 2021, at 4:30 pm. 

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Alison Brooks Architects Named as One of Britain’s Top Ten Architects in this Month’s Avontuura

Alison Brooks Architects named as one of Britain’s top 10 architects in this month’s Avontuura alongside Adjaye Associates, Foster + Partners, Heatherwick, Zaha Hadid, and others.

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Alison Brooks Architects named as one of Britain’s top 10 architects in this month’s Avontuura alongside Adjaye Associates, Foster + Partners, Heatherwick, Zaha Hadid, and others.

“There’s a timelessness to Alison Brooks Architect’s work that I find quite interesting. First and foremost, their designs are beautiful; but the creativity and research-driven aspect of their practice are what I find most interesting. Their buildings are sensitive to their place while speaking concurrently to their future, and each project has a sculptural quality to it that isn’t lost in detailing. Some of their more well-known work includes the Quarterhouse in Folkestone and Exeter College Cohen Quad in Oxford (pictured).”

[Read the full article]

Source
Avontuura
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Ceri Edmunds Judging The Photographers Network Award

Our Associate Ceri Edmunds is one of the judge’s in this year’s  Photographers Network Award.[more..]

Our Associate Ceri Edmunds is one of the judge’s in this year’s  Photographers Network Award.

This award has launched three categories of competition, each with a unique theme and unified goal to find the best architectural photography being created around the world.

For more information and to enter the competitions, please visit The Photographers Network’s website.

Source
The Photographers Network
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Wood Awards 2020: A Treasured Wooden Object

In celebration of the 2020 Wood Awards, Alison Brooks shared ‘A Treasured Wooden Object’ with Disegno Works.

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In celebration of the 2020 Wood Awards, Alison Brooks shared ‘A Treasured Wooden Object’ with Disegno Works.

“These carved maple wood scrolls, each about 30cm long, hang as a pair on a wall in my living room. They formed part of my mother’s collection of 18th- and 19th-century “Canadiana”, which is the unassuming name for the art of Canada’s early settlers.”

Read the full article at the Wood Awards website.

Source
Wood Awards 2020
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Alison Brooks Architects named Dezeen Architect of the Year 2020

We’re delighted to receive this recognition from Dezeen’s international jury and honoured to be in the company of NADAA, Studio Gang, MAD, Lever Architecture and Carl Fredrik Svenstedt Architect.

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We’re delighted to receive this recognition from Dezeen’s international jury and honoured to be in the company of NADAA, Studio Gang, MAD, Lever Architecture and Carl Fredrik Svenstedt Architect.

With huge thanks to all our clients and colleagues for supporting our work and practice ethos outlined in our statement.

With very best wishes!

Alison Brooks & the ABA Team

 

 

JUDGES’ COMMENTS

The judges said that the practice is “conscious and questioning, and adopts a public interest approach and that this is the direction we want architecture to move towards”. They described Alison Brooks Architects as “a groundbreaking practice with great ethos – particularly the way that they question both norms and the profession itself.”

The Dezeen awards aim to identify the world’s best architecture, interiors and design, as well as the studios and the individual architects and designers producing the most outstanding work. This year the awards received more than 4,300 entries from over 85 countries across five continents.

 

PRACTICE STATEMENT

Source
Dezeen Awards
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Alison Brooks Interview for The Davidson Prize

Alison Brooks is honoured to be judging The Davidson Prize 2021,  along with fellow judges Thomas Heatherwick (Heatherwick Studio), Michelle Ogundehin, Narinder Sagoo (Foster + Partners), and Sonia Solicari (Museum of the Home).

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Alison Brooks is honoured to be judging The Davidson Prize 2021,  along with fellow judges Thomas Heatherwick (Heatherwick Studio), Michelle Ogundehin, Narinder Sagoo (Foster + Partners), and Sonia Solicari (Museum of the Home).

Each year entrants are asked to consider a different aspect of the home, starting with future ways of working. Amanda Baillieu (Archiboo Awards, Developer Collective)  asked Alison how architects should rethink housing design. Read the interview on the link.

Source
The Davidson Prize
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Atoll Spa Hotel at the BauNetz magazine

Alison Brooks Architect’s Atoll Spa Hotel has been selected by design magazine BauNetz as one of the Best Hotels and Restaurants in the World from the last 20 years.
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Alison Brooks Architect’s Atoll Spa Hotel has been selected by design magazine BauNetz as one of the Best Hotels and Restaurants in the World from the last 20 years.

The Helgoland hotel is featured alongside ten other magnificent places to add to the post lockdown to-do-list, including Philippe Starck’s Sanderson Hotel in London; ‘Under’, Snøhetta’s underwater restaurant; and Hotel Puerta America, Madrid, where each floor was designed by luminaries such as Zaha Hadid, Norman Foster, David Chipperfield or Ron Arad.

Source
BauNetz
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Alison Brooks Judging Design Educates Awards 2021

Alison Brooks is honoured to be on the judging panel for the Design Educates Awards 2021.
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Alison Brooks is honoured to be on the judging panel for the Design Educates Awards 2021.

The awards recognize, showcase, and promote globally the best ideas and implementations of design that educate.

Alison is on the 2021 judging panel alongside other influential names in architecture such as Prof. Toyo Itō (Toyo Ito & Associates), Prof. Farshid Moussavi (FMA), and David Basulto (ArchDaily).

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Exeter College Cohen Quad is a Civic Trust Awards Regional Finalist 2021

We are very proud to see Exeter College Cohen Quad as a Civic Trust Awards Regional Finalist 2021. Congratulations to our fellow finalists and best of luck!

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We are very proud to see Exeter College Cohen Quad as a Civic Trust Awards Regional Finalist 2021. Congratulations to our fellow finalists and best of luck!

Cohen Quadrangle is Oxford University’s first fully inclusive and barrier free quad. A reinvention of the ‘collegiate quadrangle’, the new Cohen Quad expands Exeter College’s 700-year-old campus with undergraduate and graduate living accommodation for 90 students, seminar rooms, auditorium, special collections archive, café, JCR and Learning Commons.

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Read Alison Brooks’ Interview with the University of Waterloo Magazine

University of Waterloo magazine has published an interview with Alison Brooks where she talks about her book ”Ideals then Ideas” and how the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored and reinforced her studio’s ultimate purpose, which is ”improving the quality of life for everybody.”

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University of Waterloo magazine has published an interview with Alison Brooks where she talks about her book ”Ideals then Ideas” and how the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored and reinforced her studio’s ultimate purpose, which is ”improving the quality of life for everybody.”

”At the end of the day, it’s about trying to make the world a better place. In architecture, we are physically forming the places where people will live, work and play, and so there is a responsibility in that. You must bring joy, bring your ideals and bring that magic to solving problems that impact a lot of people.”

[Read full article]

Source
University of Waterloo Magazine
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17 Nov 2020 | CTBUH Live-Streaming Three City Conference

On November 17Alison Brooks will be presenting alongside esteemed colleagues from around the world, including Lord Norman FosterMun Summ Wong, and Patrik Schumacher, to discuss what the future of cities could look like post-COVID.

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On November 17Alison Brooks will be presenting alongside esteemed colleagues from around the world, including Lord Norman FosterMun Summ Wong, and Patrik Schumacher, to discuss what the future of cities could look like post-COVID.

Could we emerge from this pandemic committed to creating more sustainable and resilient urban environments? View the program and join this great event on the link.

In the second quarter of 2020, much of the world’s office workforce transitioned to working from home. But many homes were never intended to double as workspaces; childcare takes on entirely new, daunting dimensions; and the lack of traffic into central business districts is severely damaging local economies. A panel of leading experts discusses how they’ve dealt with the work-from-home surge in their own lives and companies, and how we’ll work next.

Source
CTBUH
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Windward House Shortlisted at AR House Awards

We’re delighted to have our project Windward House recognised on the AR House Awards shortlist among other 14 fantastic private houses from around the world.

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We’re delighted to have our project Windward House recognised on the AR House Awards shortlist among other 14 fantastic private houses from around the world.

The winner and commended projects will be announced online at the end of November and published in the December 2020/January 2021 issue of The Architectural Review.

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Knights Park Wins the Evening Standard New Homes Awards

We’re absolutely delighted to have received the Evening Standard New Homes Award in the Development of Outstanding Architectural Merit category for our scheme Knights Park.

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We’re absolutely delighted to have received the Evening Standard New Homes Award in the Development of Outstanding Architectural Merit category for our scheme Knights Park.

We designed 143 new homes, as part of Cambridge University’s exceptionally ambitious North West Cambridge Development. The 150-hectare urban extension masterplanned by Aecom includes university and market housing, a primary school, research space plus community facilities such as a nursery, a doctors’ surgery, community center, supermarket, and retail units, and open green space.

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Alison Brooks Architects ― Housing Architect of the Year

We are thrilled to win our second BD Housing Architect of the Year Award in the company of great competition. Congratulations to our partners, Argent, Hill Group, Rize Alliance, patrons and residents.

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We are thrilled to win our second BD Housing Architect of the Year Award in the company of great competition. Congratulations to our partners, Argent, Hill Group, Rize Alliance, patrons and residents.

Our winning submission included Cadence, a mixed-use scheme in King’s Cross about to start on site, The Passages, a residential development at the heart of the emerging Surrey City Centre in Vancouver, Athena, a Cambridge Universit’s exceptionally ambitious North West Cambridge Development where we designed 143 new homes as a part of, and Durham & Gloucester Court, a regeneration scheme in the South Kilburn Estate that establishes a consistent urban character.

We’re also happy to receive an AYA High Commendation in Individual House Architect category for our projects Mesh House and Windward House, with thanks to our exceptional clients.

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Athena nominated for BHA Sustainability Award

Athena Phase 1, part of the University of Cambridge’ ambitious new Eddington city quarter, a benchmark in urban sustainability, has been nominated for the Best Sustainable Development at the British Homes Awards. We have designed this project with Pollard Thomas Edwards and Aecom for Hill Group.

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Athena Phase 1, part of the University of Cambridge’ ambitious new Eddington city quarter, a benchmark in urban sustainability, has been nominated for the Best Sustainable Development at the British Homes Awards. We have designed this project with Pollard Thomas Edwards and Aecom for Hill Group.

https://www.britishhomesawards.co.uk/shortlist/

Unique measures are integrated into every aspect of our developments at Athena to encourage residents and visitors to lead more sustainable lives. This means using resources in a safe and efficient way, minimising carbon emissions and pollution to help the environment now and in the future. In addition, the design process ensures wildlife and biodiversity are encouraged across the development, as well as extensive travel planning and advice to minimise the use of personal motor vehicles. We have engaged thirteen sustainable design principles, based on the internationally recognised “One Planet Living” criteria, which have been used to guide the design and development of the scheme, which prioritises passive energy, as well as the social and cultural implications of collective sustainable living.

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BD Architect of the Year nominations

ABA continue to develop a very strong portfolio of housing projects, which has been recognised in the shortlist for AYA2020 in the Housing category. Featured here is Athena in Eddington, a highly sustainable new town extension in Cambridge. We have also been nominated in the Individual House category. We completed two houses in the past year for private clients, Mesh House, and Windward House, and currently have another house in North London in for planning. More on this project soon.[more..]

ABA continue to develop a very strong portfolio of housing projects, which has been recognised in the shortlist for AYA2020 in the Housing category. Featured here is Athena in Eddington, a highly sustainable new town extension in Cambridge. We have also been nominated in the Individual House category. We completed two houses in the past year for private clients, Mesh House, and Windward House, and currently have another house in North London in for planning. More on this project soon.

https://awards.bdonline.co.uk/2020-shortlist/

ABA has a long track record of producing award-winning architecture for housing, and this past year has seen a variety of projects, of different typologies and tenure, reach key stages of development and completion. Our housing projects are variations of classic typologies: the palazzo, the mansion block, the skyscraper, the courtyard block, but we also strive to present them in contemporary and inventive ways.

Cadence is a pivotal building in the final stages of the development of the King’s Cross Masterplan for which we are currently developing detailed designs after being novated last year. Gloucester & Durham continues our work for the estate regeneration of South Kilburn. ABA has also seen the first stage of its work at Eddington in North West Cambridge reach completion at Athena, which represents a continuation of the very high-quality housing that this significant town extension for the University of Cambridge is becoming known for. The Passages, our largest housing project to date and our first in Canada, gained City permits in December. In addition, we have also seen the first phases of Mosaics, a mixed tenure green-field development on the outskirts of Oxford reach completion, and we have developed detailed designs for S3, another key site in the Eddington masterplan. 1 Ashley Road East, the first element of Argent Related’s regeneration project for Tottenham Hale is now on site, and we were successful at winning new work through international design competition, including a major high-rise landmark building at the International Quarter Stratford, and another estate regeneration project for Hackney at Lincoln Court.

A house project is like an essay – in a very succinct way, you can test ideas. At the scale of a house, a thesis or concept can be realised in a way that large more complex projects have difficulties achieving. The two projects that we have presented for this year’s award are the culmination of a long process of design development, conversation, and innovative construction. We have been lucky enough to have worked with two sets of private clients who’s interest and passion for architecture has metamorphosed into a close, supportive working relationship, resulting in two new houses of individual character; one in the Wye Value, and one in Belsize Park.

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Open City – Common Cause

Alison Brooks is a Trustee of Open City, a charity dedicated to the idea that architecture and urban design must make our built environment more accessible and inclusive to everyone. In this article, she discusses the post-covid 19 period with optimism.

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Alison Brooks is a Trustee of Open City, a charity dedicated to the idea that architecture and urban design must make our built environment more accessible and inclusive to everyone. In this article, she discusses the post-covid 19 period with optimism.

https://open-city.org.uk/blog/common-cause

The reset button being pushed by the pandemic is a chance for human culture to change for the better. “Times of crisis can bring out the best in people. Inevitably, they make us see the world through a new lens. This coronavirus pandemic is perhaps the first time humanity is seeing the world through a common lens. Suddenly we’re all on the same side, acutely conscious of our interdependence.”

In an interview with Dezeen published last month, Alison Brooks also states that coronavirus is forcing architects to reconsider the importance of amenities like balconies and terraces, as well as space in general. “Whether or not there’s a pandemic, it’s really important to have those outdoor spaces,” she told Dezeen’s Marcus Fairs. “I think there’s going to be a value shift.”

Publisher
Open City
Source
Open City - Common Cause
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Home Ground, Biennale Architettura 2020

We are very happy to reveal that our contribution to the Biennale Architettura 2021 curated by Hashim Sarkis, designed to encourage dialogue and debate, will feature in the As New Households section at the Arsenale from May 22 to November 21, 2021.

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We are very happy to reveal that our contribution to the Biennale Architettura 2021 curated by Hashim Sarkis, designed to encourage dialogue and debate, will feature in the As New Households section at the Arsenale from May 22 to November 21, 2021.

This is the fourth installation that Alison Brooks Architects has contributed to the International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, and third in succession.

For a full list of participants visit the Biennale website

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Building Design: Alison Brooks gets OK for biggest project yet

Architect’s 38-storey Vancouver regeneration scheme clears key planning hurdles. The residential-led mixed-use development in Vancouver includes a 38-storey tower as well as mansion-block and point-block elements.

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Architect’s 38-storey Vancouver regeneration scheme clears key planning hurdles. The residential-led mixed-use development in Vancouver includes a 38-storey tower as well as mansion-block and point-block elements.

The practice’s The Passages scheme, earmarked for the Canadian city’s Surrey district, will deliver 90,000 sqm of new space – including 1,126 homes, 2,700 sqm of amenity space, and 1,683 sqm of retail and commercial space.

Brooks said Surrey city centre had a desire to create a high-density, transport-oriented and walkable downtown core to address “critical housing need”, and that the character of tall buildings and how they merged to form a beautiful skyline with “humane and diverse streetscapes” had been a key design driver.

“The proposal for The Passages on Whalley Boulevard is for an open city block, with free-flowing public space at its heart, lined by a mix of uses which aim to serve its residents and the wider city of Surrey,” the practice said.

Source
BD Online - Alison Brooks gets OK for biggest project yet
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Victorian Society Lectures

Wed, 01/29/20 , 18:30
The Art Workers' Guild
The Art Workers' Guild (map)

Re-engaging with the Past: New Architectural Approaches In the third lecture of The Victorian Society winter lecture series The Victorian Society, in which Alison Brooks discusses the role of archetype as a critical physical and conceptual framework for human experience.

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Re-engaging with the Past: New Architectural Approaches In the third lecture of The Victorian Society winter lecture series The Victorian Society, in which Alison Brooks discusses the role of archetype as a critical physical and conceptual framework for human experience.

Alison will explained how she transforms these models into an experimental, culturally specific architecture. Works discussed include her seminal new Quadrangle for Exeter College, Oxford; a competition-winning scheme for York Castle Museum; a new Maggie’s Centre in Somerset; and a private house in Hampstead. Each of these projects engages in a dialogue with historic forms, materials and patterns in search of a contemporary iconography. The ongoing debate about how to adapt and reuse old buildings has reached an exciting stage. A new approach to reconciling old and new in architecture has emerged in recent years, one that is neither purely conservationist nor historicist but instead adopts a fresh, innovative approach. In this Victorian Society lecture series seven leading architects discuss this new trend and what it means in their work.

Wed, 01.29.20 , 18:30
The Art Workers' Guild
The Art Workers' Guild
When
Where
The Art Workers' Guild (map)
Website
architecturediary.org
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Competition Win: Lincoln Court Estate, Hackney

After a highly competitive design competition with some of London’s most prolific housing practices, Alison Brooks Architects have been appointed by the London Borough of Hackney for the regeneration and extension of Lincoln Court, a 1960s council estate in the north of the borough currently comprising three towers.

[more..]

After a highly competitive design competition with some of London’s most prolific housing practices, Alison Brooks Architects have been appointed by the London Borough of Hackney for the regeneration and extension of Lincoln Court, a 1960s council estate in the north of the borough currently comprising three towers.

The commission is the result of a two-stage competitive tender resulting in a design competition. The stellar shortlist included Karakusevic Carson, Metropolitan Workshop, Haworth Tompkins and Bell Phillips.

ABA’s scheme for Lincoln Court is about reanimating the street, introducing a new urban grain and integrating mixed tenure housing into the existing built fabric. Their proposal introduces four mid-rise, street-facing residential buildings to mediate between the towers and the surrounding neighbourhood, reinstating the domestic character of Bethune Road before its post war redevelopment. The new linear block will embrace the towers at their bases and together will frame three west-facing garden courtyards. Two large new flexible community spaces opening to the communal gardens will support a range of daytime and evening uses.

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Major Regeneration Project in Vancouver Approved

Having gained consent at the first and second reading, The Passages, a one million square foot mixed use residential development in Vancouver was approved at the City of Surrey Public Hearing and third reading yesterday.

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Having gained consent at the first and second reading, The Passages, a one million square foot mixed use residential development in Vancouver was approved at the City of Surrey Public Hearing and third reading yesterday.

The Passages site is at the heart of the emerging Surrey City Centre in Vancouver, where there is a drive towards a high-density, transit-orientated and walkable downtown core to address a critical housing need. The character of tall buildings and how they merge to form a beautiful skyline with humane and diverse streetscapes has been a key design driver. Alison Brooks have worked with IBI Group on this project, for Rize Alliance.

Please refer to The Passages project page for more information

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Sto-Foundation: November Talks

Tue, 11/19/19
University of Stuttgart
University of Stuttgart

Alison delivered a presentation to the University of Stuttgart for the Sto-Foundation November Talks season. She began her lecture entitled “Making it real – Archetypes and Ecosystems” by reading a statement on today’s crises in which she commented: “We overuse the word crisis”.

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Alison delivered a presentation to the University of Stuttgart for the Sto-Foundation November Talks season. She began her lecture entitled “Making it real – Archetypes and Ecosystems” by reading a statement on today’s crises in which she commented: “We overuse the word crisis”.

Alison Brooks – November Talks

 

Tue, 11.19.19
University of Stuttgart
University of Stuttgart
When
Where
University of Stuttgart
Website
www.sto-stiftung.de
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International Quarter London, Competition Win

Alison Brooks Architects have successfully topped an international competition to design two new residential buildings within the International Quarter London (IQL) development in Stratford, East London.

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Alison Brooks Architects have successfully topped an international competition to design two new residential buildings within the International Quarter London (IQL) development in Stratford, East London.

Lendlease and LCR announced today that Alison Brooks Architects was selected from five practices invited to submit initial designs for two new residential and mixed-use buildings within the 22-acre development.

The buildings will include commercial space, a creche, and over 330 homes; increasing the number of properties available at IQL via affordability schemes such as Shared Ownership and Help to Buy.

Public consultation on a final set of designs is expected to begin in January, and the proposals will be consulted on and exhibited locally. They will demonstrate the very highest standards of architecture, while also melding seamlessly into the existing mix of residential, commercial and retail property at IQL. Plans for the public spaces around the buildings will refine the original masterplan and provide a continued focus on outside space, accessibility and nature.

Justin Davies, Head of Residential at Lendlease, Europe said: “Alison Brooks Architects have a wealth of experience in designing high quality residential buildings, and they have been hugely collaborative throughout this process. We are keen for that approach to continue as we take forward a project that will see us double the amount of housing on offer at IQL.

Adrian Lee, Development Director at LCR, said: “These designs will play a crucial role in delivering much-needed new homes for London and contributing to the Government’s housing targets, while bolstering IQL’s reputation as one of the capital’s top destinations to live and work. The area has leading cultural institutions and outstanding leisure and sporting facilities on its doorstep, which help it stand out as a great place to locate. We look forward to welcoming Alison Brooks Architects to the IQL team to bring new flair and design excellence to Stratford and to ensure that the new buildings will have sustainability at their core.”

Alison Brooks said “We’re honoured to have been selected to work amongst the exceptional architects working in the IQL and the wider Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park context. Our intention is to bring new character and urbanity to this park-side site, evoking the spirit of early 20th Century residential towers of New York and Chicago. Our proposal is conceived as a series of nested hexagonal columns that form ‘park ledges’ rising above a colonnaded base. We look forward to developing this concept with Lendlease and the wider Stratford and QEOP communities.”

IQL stands at the gateway to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The joint venture development between Lendlease and LCR is creating a vibrant new neighbourhood within the heart of Stratford, which brings together new homes, offices, and a diverse range of shops.

Image: Makower Architects’ masterplan for the International Quarter London.

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Wood In Architeture, Florence

Thu, 11/14/19 , 16:00
Palazzo Pucci, Florence
Palazzo Pucci, Florence

Michael Mueller delivered a lecture at the Palazzo Pucci in Florence, on ABA’s approach to designing with timber. The event was organised by The Plan Magazine and AHEC (American Hardwood Export Council).

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Michael Mueller delivered a lecture at the Palazzo Pucci in Florence, on ABA’s approach to designing with timber. The event was organised by The Plan Magazine and AHEC (American Hardwood Export Council).

The hall of the Palazzo was packed with about 400 architects – some had to stand throughout the more than 2 hours event.

David Venables (AHEC) described the variety of American hardwood species: they are now trying to introduce more red oak to construction. He also discussed new ways of mapping deforestation and growth of forests and explained how quick the American hardwood regrows, even with harvested timber.

https://www.eventbrite.it/e/biglietti-architettura-in-legno-creativita-tecnologia-e-innovazione-seminario-di-architettura-77462511457#

Thu, 11.14.19 , 16:00
Palazzo Pucci, Florence
Palazzo Pucci, Florence
When
Where
Palazzo Pucci, Florence
Website
www.eventbrite.it
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This Is Not A Fake, Bartlett International Lecture Series

Wed, 10/23/19 , 18:30
Bartlett School of Architecture
Bartlett School of Architecture

In the context of a contemporary culture saturated with the virtual and the illusory, Alison Brooks delivered a lecture to the Bartlett on both the agency of the architect and the role of architecture as a critical grounding force. She described the ways in which memory, conscious and sub-conscious experiences of ‘real’ places contribute to instinctive creativity (a fundamental human characteristic and critical form of authorship in architecture).

[more..]

In the context of a contemporary culture saturated with the virtual and the illusory, Alison Brooks delivered a lecture to the Bartlett on both the agency of the architect and the role of architecture as a critical grounding force. She described the ways in which memory, conscious and sub-conscious experiences of ‘real’ places contribute to instinctive creativity (a fundamental human characteristic and critical form of authorship in architecture).

Introduction to Lecture:

This Is Not A Fake

‘I thought I should start by explaining what I mean by this lecture title. I’m sure everyone in this room is aware of the number of crises we’re facing as a society, and as human culture in general.

There is the climate crisis. We’ve finally realised that the artificial division between “human culture” and “nature” carried down through centuries of so-called “human progress” must be reversed. This a huge project that should bring together all of humanity, and in which architecture must play a very big part.

There is the crisis of truth. Facts are manipulated by biases of many kinds, by political, religious, or commercial agendas. What is real? There is even a crisis in the overuse of the word crisis! We are simultaneously becoming immune and over-sensitised to transgressions of behaviour and language, to natural and man-made disasters, to image bombardment that digital communication has enabled.

So where does that leave architecture?

I’d like to put forward a declaration of optimism. That, although we are operating in a maelstrom of information and disinformation, the work of the architect is not a fake.

Problem solving, imagining, detailing, producing instructions for building: these acts although sometimes dream-like are commitments to the real, the solid, the permanent, the instrumental. We are tied to the fundamentals of being: we make places for people to spend time, share experiences, form memories and collectively flourish.

We hope projects and clients will offer us opportunities for poetic licence and, as a result, enrich others’ lives with meaning. We all know this is a privileged role that comes with huge responsibilities to current and future generations, institutions, corporate entities and the planet.

Maybe the most important role that being an architect allows us, within limits, is to express our individual conscience. Architects Declare, that I have signed up to, is fundamentally an expression of conscience. It is a catalyst for change in personal behavior and working practice. Therefore my position is that through our individual expertise, poetic instincts and collective conscience, architects are uniquely able to commit to, and act on, a better common future. We humans are part of the real and natural world and our project, as architects, is to prove it.’

This Is Not A Fake, BD Magazine

Wed, 10.23.19 , 18:30
Bartlett School of Architecture
Bartlett School of Architecture
When
Where
Bartlett School of Architecture
Website
www.ucl.ac.uk
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BASE – Big Architecture and Sustainability

Mon, 10/7/19
The Venue, De Montfort University
The Venue, De Montfort University (map)

More than 700 Architecture and Arts students from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) gathered for the first week of the academic year to take part in BASE (Big Architecture and Sustainability Event) where the discussed their future impact on sustainable design and communities. Alison Brooks presented a lecture on Experimental Sustainable Archetypes.

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More than 700 Architecture and Arts students from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) gathered for the first week of the academic year to take part in BASE (Big Architecture and Sustainability Event) where the discussed their future impact on sustainable design and communities. Alison Brooks presented a lecture on Experimental Sustainable Archetypes.

As well as the lectures, which also featured presentations by Matthew Barnett Howland, Oliver Wilton and Louise Palomba, a series of workshops involved students getting together in groups to think and work creatively, such as dreaming up a perfect building for a celebrity and designing the structure in miniature out of paper straws, or coming up with ideas of how society can work in a more sustainable way.

www.dmu.ac.uk

Mon, 10.7.19
The Venue, De Montfort University
The Venue, De Montfort University
When
Where
The Venue, De Montfort University (map)
Website
www.dmu.ac.uk
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Oktyabrskaya masterplan in Kaliningrad

Our contribution to the Oktyabrskaya masterplan in Kaliningrad has been supported by the municipal governor, and is moving onto the next stage of design development and subsequent permissions. Working with Strelka KB, the overall masterplanner, for the government client body DOM.RF (formerly AHML), we were asked to design a series of related concept apartment building typologies which overlook a new public park.

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Our contribution to the Oktyabrskaya masterplan in Kaliningrad has been supported by the municipal governor, and is moving onto the next stage of design development and subsequent permissions. Working with Strelka KB, the overall masterplanner, for the government client body DOM.RF (formerly AHML), we were asked to design a series of related concept apartment building typologies which overlook a new public park.

Streetscape and programmatic considerations have been important in the emerging design – as we are creating a zone of the city that is lively and active. The development site for our project within the Oktyabrskaya Masterplan in Kaliningrad is a high-density urban quarter consisting of residential courtyard blocks with 5 to 9 floors and commercial double and single height ground floors. The ten concept apartment buildings we have designed are conceived as ‘Palazzos’ with more or less symmetrical massing which define a strong edge to the park. Strategically located towers with up to 20 floors provide spatial accents at the main square and at the transport hub at the entrance to the site. We developed these typologies in a very short space of time, with each block designed by a different architect in the studio according to a set of overriding design principles. They were produced for the masterplan to illustrate the future potential of the development.

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Public Housing: A London Renaissance

Thu, 05/16/19
NLA, The Building Centre
NLA, The Building Centre (map)

The opening of a new exhibition at the NLA this week at London’s Building Centre. A review of current trends in London Estate housing.

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The opening of a new exhibition at the NLA this week at London’s Building Centre. A review of current trends in London Estate housing.

“This exhibition shows how London boroughs are working to deliver high-quality, pleasant and affordable homes on estates, smaller sites and large-scale areas of regeneration across London, to create places that can also support the sustainable growth of the capital.”

Alison Brooks Architects have contributed a number of our projects in Kilburn including Ely Court.

The exhibition will open from 16 May to 18 July 2019, at The Building Centre.

Thu, 05.16.19
NLA, The Building Centre
NLA, The Building Centre
When
Where
NLA, The Building Centre (map)
Website
www.newlondonarchitecture.org
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Forest of Fabrication Symposium on ‘Re-Imagining Timber’

Wed, 04/3/19 , 14:00
The Building Centre
The Building Centre (map)

Alison presented our work in relation to the innovative use and the future potential of wood in architectural construction, alongside Alex de Rijke of drMM Architects and Amin Taha.

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Alison presented our work in relation to the innovative use and the future potential of wood in architectural construction, alongside Alex de Rijke of drMM Architects and Amin Taha.

Other speakers included: David Venables of the American Hardwood Council, our client for The Smile project; and Johannes Rebhahn of specialist timber contractor Wiehag. Thanks to the host of the event, Vanessa Norwood of The Building Centre  for facilitating such an interesting discussion that touched on wide ranging themes from technical design, the future of wood as a material in construction, well-being and the management of the world’s forests to provide a sustainable source of construction materials.

Wed, 04.3.19 , 14:00
The Building Centre
The Building Centre
When
Where
The Building Centre (map)
Website
www.buildingcentre.co.uk
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University of Manitoba

Thu, 03/21/19 , 18:00
John A. Russell Building
John A. Russell Building (map)

Alison Brooks is providing a lecture titled ‘Ideals, then Ideas: Authenticity, Generosity, Civicness and Beauty’ at the University of Manitoba on 21 March 2019.

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Alison Brooks is providing a lecture titled ‘Ideals, then Ideas: Authenticity, Generosity, Civicness and Beauty’ at the University of Manitoba on 21 March 2019.

In her talk she will discuss her practice philosophy, architectural approach and the ideals of ‘authenticity, generosity, civicness and beauty’ relating her current and recently completed projects. These include the new Cohen Quadrangle for Exeter College, Oxford University and new models for urban housing such as Ely Court, shortlisted for the 2017 Mies Award for Contemporary European Architecture.

 

Thu, 03.21.19 , 18:00
John A. Russell Building
John A. Russell Building
When
Where
John A. Russell Building (map)
Website
www.umanitoba.ca
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PR & Marketing Manager

We require an experienced and enthusiastic PR & Marketing Manager to manage all Public Relations activities for the Company. Reporting directly to Principal & Creative Director, the person should be outgoing, highly organised and passionate about architecture and the built environment. The position requires a high degree of responsibility, discretion and a proactive team focus. Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

Public Relations

  • maintaining and creating relationships with representatives from the media and press including journalists
  • identifying press opportunities and raising the profile of the practice
  • creating and editing written materials including press releases, newsletters and biographies

New Business

  • researching new business & collaboration opportunities
  • monitoring online procurement portals
  • preparing Expressions of Interest and presentations for prospective clients
  • representation at networking & client events

Marketing

  • developing the marketing strategy for the company in line with business development plan
  • managing the website and liaising with the web developer
  • organising talks, presentations and events, liaising with the PA to Alison Brooks
  • managing content for the practice’s social media platforms; LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
  • creating and managing of graphic material including lecture presentations, brochures and award submissions
  • holding overall responsibility for brand management and corporate identity including template management
  • commissioning professional photography and managing the practice image library
  • managing and updating of the practice contacts database
  • preparing industry awards submissions

Qualities & Skills

  • a minimum three years’ experience in a similar role in and architectural /built environment practice
  • excellent writing and graphic skills
  • a team player with a pro-active approach to all tasks
  • highly personable, with the ability to create and maintain creative relationships with colleagues and clients
  • self-motivated and dedicated to delivering high-quality creative campaigns
  • possess relevant industry contacts and the ability to network with journalists and industry professionals
  • experience of event management and networking
  • expertise in relevant software including Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite and WordPress
  • eligible to work in the UK

In return Alison Brooks Architect offers a generous benefits package and a warm and welcoming team environment.

If you’re a confident and strategic PR & Marketing professional, who’s passionate about architecture please send your CV, stating your notice period and salary expectations to pamela.lawrie@alisonbrooksarchitects.com.

Alison Brooks Architects is an equal opportunities employer.

We require an experienced and enthusiastic PR & Marketing Manager to manage all Public Relations activities for the Company. Reporting directly to Principal & Creative Director, the person should be outgoing, highly organised and passionate about architecture and the built environment. The position requires a high degree of responsibility, discretion and a proactive team focus. Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

Public Relations

  • maintaining and creating relationships with representatives from the media and press including journalists
  • identifying press opportunities and raising the profile of the practice
  • creating and editing written materials including press releases, newsletters and biographies

New Business

  • researching new business & collaboration opportunities
  • monitoring online procurement portals
  • preparing Expressions of Interest and presentations for prospective clients
  • representation at networking & client events

Marketing

  • developing the marketing strategy for the company in line with business development plan
  • managing the website and liaising with the web developer
  • organising talks, presentations and events, liaising with the PA to Alison Brooks
  • managing content for the practice’s social media platforms; LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
  • creating and managing of graphic material including lecture presentations, brochures and award submissions
  • holding overall responsibility for brand management and corporate identity including template management
  • commissioning professional photography and managing the practice image library
  • managing and updating of the practice contacts database
  • preparing industry awards submissions

Qualities & Skills

  • a minimum three years’ experience in a similar role in and architectural /built environment practice
  • excellent writing and graphic skills
  • a team player with a pro-active approach to all tasks
  • highly personable, with the ability to create and maintain creative relationships with colleagues and clients
  • self-motivated and dedicated to delivering high-quality creative campaigns
  • possess relevant industry contacts and the ability to network with journalists and industry professionals
  • experience of event management and networking
  • expertise in relevant software including Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite and WordPress
  • eligible to work in the UK

In return Alison Brooks Architect offers a generous benefits package and a warm and welcoming team environment.

If you’re a confident and strategic PR & Marketing professional, who’s passionate about architecture please send your CV, stating your notice period and salary expectations to pamela.lawrie@alisonbrooksarchitects.com.

Alison Brooks Architects is an equal opportunities employer.

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Architects’ Journal: Alison Brooks Lands York Castle Museum Redevelopment Job

Architects’ Journal have announced Alison Brooks Architects appointment as  Lead Architect and Masteplanner of the multi-million-pound redevelopment of York Castle Museum

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Architects’ Journal have announced Alison Brooks Architects appointment as  Lead Architect and Masteplanner of the multi-million-pound redevelopment of York Castle Museum

‘York Museum Trust has appointed the London-based practice, working with Richard Griffiths, Purcell and Todd Longstaff-Gowan Landscape Design to draw up concept work and a masterplan for the ‘reimagined museum’.

The practice was chosen from a shortlist which included Stanton Williams; Purcell Architecture; Simpson and Brown; and Wilkinson Eyre.’

“For us, Alison Brooks Architects were the ideal choice despite never working on a museum project before. We felt that they had brought together a great team and, more than anyone else, they understood the site and our approach to the project.” Reyahn King, Chief Executive, York Museums Trust

To read the full article, click here.

 

Source
Architects Journal
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Building Design: Alison Brooks lands York Castle Museum redevelopment

Building Design has published the announcement of our appointment as Lead Architect & Masterplanner for the York Castle Museum redevelopment.

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Building Design has published the announcement of our appointment as Lead Architect & Masterplanner for the York Castle Museum redevelopment.

“The practice will work with Richard Griffiths Architects, Purcell Architecture and Todd Longstaff-Gowan Landscape Design, Real Studios, BDP, Appleyard and Trew, and BuroHappold Engineering on the project, described by the museum as multimillion pound.

York Castle Museum had shortlisted five practices for interview to lead the project: Alison Brooks, Purcell Architecture, Simpson & Brown, Stanton Williams and Wilkinson Eyre.”

To read the full article, click here.

Source
Building Design
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Architizer: 19 Women Architects to Watch in 2019

Alison Brooks has been named in Architizer’s ’19 Women Architects to Watch in 2019′.

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Alison Brooks has been named in Architizer’s ’19 Women Architects to Watch in 2019′.

“Alison Brooks’ The Smile – a 2017 A+Award Jury Winner in the Pavilions category — is one of those projects that seems to be everywhere, its image proliferating in both print and social media years after its construction. Conceived as a “habitable arc poised on the horizon,” the engineered wood structure was created as a pavilion for the 2016 London Design Festival. The building quickly garnered international attention, and has been viewed online — by one estimate — over 290 million times, a testament to the fact that great design still has the power to make an impact.!”  Julia Gamolina, Architizer

To read more, click here.

 

Source
Architizer
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Farrell Review: 5th Anniversary Event

Thu, 02/21/19 , 13:30
Royal Institute of British Architects
Royal Institute of British Architects (map)

To celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Farrell Review of Architecture and the Built Environment Alison will be taking part in a panel discussion, reflecting on its recent achievements.

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To celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Farrell Review of Architecture and the Built Environment Alison will be taking part in a panel discussion, reflecting on its recent achievements.

Some of the Farrell Review’s main achievements include;

  • Architecture moving from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to the Ministry for  Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)
  • The House of Lords establishing the first ever Select Committee on the Built Environment
  • The Government recruiting a Chief Architect
  • The Greater London Authority (GLA) and LB Croydon setting up PLACE Review panels
  • Public Practice placing architects and urban designers into local authority planning departments
  • More than 15 Urban Rooms throughout the country, where anyone can go to find out about the past, present and future of their place
  • The Place Alliance being established as a movement campaigning for place quality
  • The London School of Architecture creating a new model for architectural education
  • The National Arts and Place Consortium promoting the role of the arts in the built environment

The half day conference will be held at the Royal Institute for British Architects on Thursday 21st February, tickets can be purchased here.

Thu, 02.21.19 , 13:30
Royal Institute of British Architects
Royal Institute of British Architects
When
Where
Royal Institute of British Architects (map)
Website
www.eventbrite.com
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Studio Coordinator / Receptionist

Alison Brooks Architects is looking for a studio coordinator/receptionist to join its growing studio in Kentish Town, London.

The studio coordinator/receptionist will be the first point of contact for visitors, clients and staff so you will be committed to creating an excellent first impression for all visitors, have an eye for detail, can do attitude and excellent communication skills.

Duties will include, but not limited to:

  • helping to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the office
  • reception duties; including answering calls
  • greeting clients, preparing meetings, managing office supplies, equipment and post
  • liaising with external IT support, managing printers & printer supplies and maintenance contracts
  • coordinating the office calendar and meeting room bookings
  • ensuring company policies are maintained and updated accordingly including the practice handbook
  • maintaining excellent office standards, ensuring a tidy environment at all times
  • managing premises e.g. office renovations, desk moves
  • maintaining company supplier contracts
  • arranging CPDs
  • managing or assisting with practice events, staff and client hospitality
  • supporting the design team with diary management, including travel arrangements
  • maintaining office supplies, stationery, kitchen, etc.
  • managing the samples library
  • collating/recording expenses and petty cash
  • answering the telephone and directing calls as required
  • supporting all employees with administrative tasks where required E.G printing, filing, archiving and other ad hoc duties
  • maintaining and updating the office contacts database

Skills & experience

  • prior studio coordinator/reception experience, ideally within a creative or design environment
  • proficiency in Microsoft Office
  • proficiency with Adobe Suite desirable
  • excellent verbal and written communication with a strong attention to detail
  • able to take initiative and work in a dynamic studio environment
  • highly organised, proactive & professional

In return we offer a generous benefits package and a warm and welcoming team environment.

Alison Brooks Architects is an equal opportunities employer.

Alison Brooks Architects is looking for a studio coordinator/receptionist to join its growing studio in Kentish Town, London.

The studio coordinator/receptionist will be the first point of contact for visitors, clients and staff so you will be committed to creating an excellent first impression for all visitors, have an eye for detail, can do attitude and excellent communication skills.

Duties will include, but not limited to:

  • helping to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the office
  • reception duties; including answering calls
  • greeting clients, preparing meetings, managing office supplies, equipment and post
  • liaising with external IT support, managing printers & printer supplies and maintenance contracts
  • coordinating the office calendar and meeting room bookings
  • ensuring company policies are maintained and updated accordingly including the practice handbook
  • maintaining excellent office standards, ensuring a tidy environment at all times
  • managing premises e.g. office renovations, desk moves
  • maintaining company supplier contracts
  • arranging CPDs
  • managing or assisting with practice events, staff and client hospitality
  • supporting the design team with diary management, including travel arrangements
  • maintaining office supplies, stationery, kitchen, etc.
  • managing the samples library
  • collating/recording expenses and petty cash
  • answering the telephone and directing calls as required
  • supporting all employees with administrative tasks where required E.G printing, filing, archiving and other ad hoc duties
  • maintaining and updating the office contacts database

Skills & experience

  • prior studio coordinator/reception experience, ideally within a creative or design environment
  • proficiency in Microsoft Office
  • proficiency with Adobe Suite desirable
  • excellent verbal and written communication with a strong attention to detail
  • able to take initiative and work in a dynamic studio environment
  • highly organised, proactive & professional

In return we offer a generous benefits package and a warm and welcoming team environment.

Alison Brooks Architects is an equal opportunities employer.

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Surface Design Show: PechaKucha Evening

Wed, 02/6/19 , 18:30
Business Design Centre
Business Design Centre (map)

Alison Brooks will be presenting at the Surface Design Show’s PechaKucha evening on the subject ‘Identitites and Boundaries – Site Specific Responses to Modern Architecture’.

[more..]

Alison Brooks will be presenting at the Surface Design Show’s PechaKucha evening on the subject ‘Identitites and Boundaries – Site Specific Responses to Modern Architecture’.

The evening hosted by Chris Dyson will include: Lucia Berasaluce, Hantic Architects; Ben Cousins, Cousins & Cousins Architects; Simon Fraser, Hopkins Architects; Soraya Khan, Theis and Khan Architects; Nigel Ostime, Hawkins Brown; Stuart Piercy, Piercy and Co and Alex Scott-Whitby, ScottWhitbySTUDIO.

Wed, 02.6.19 , 18:30
Business Design Centre
Business Design Centre
When
Where
Business Design Centre (map)
Website
www.surfacedesignshow.com
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University of Melbourne School of Design: Interview with Alison Brooks

During her visit to the Melbourne School of Design in October, Alison Brooks was interviewed by Professor Donald Bates.

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During her visit to the Melbourne School of Design in October, Alison Brooks was interviewed by Professor Donald Bates.

In her interview, Alison discusses her career beginnings, practice philosophy, and award-winning works including Exeter College Cohen Quadrangle, The Smile and VXO House.

To read the full interview, click here.

Source
Melbourne School of Design
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Planning Permission Granted for Tottenham Hale Regeneration Scheme

The London Borough of Haringey have granted planning permission for a major mixed-use regeneration scheme in Tottenham Hale, London.

[more..]

The London Borough of Haringey have granted planning permission for a major mixed-use regeneration scheme in Tottenham Hale, London.

Alison Brooks Architects’ 183 unit mixed-use scheme Ashley Road East is one of six residential buildings by Argent Related on the Tottenham Hale masterplan site which features more than 1,000 homes along with retail, co-working and office space as well as a new health centre.

Located on the North Eastern section of the masterplan Ashley Road East will comprise of two podium mounted residential blocks formed around a central courtyard with ground floor retail, office and leisure spaces, and will play a key role in defining the new identity and quality of Argent Related’s redevelopment of Tottenham Hale.

The transformational redevelopment also includes schemes from AHMM, Pollard Thomas Edwards and RUFF Architects.

To read the full press release from Argent related, click here.

Source
Argent Related
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Privacy Policy

Who we are

Alison Brooks Architects (‘we’ or ‘us’ or ‘our’) gather and process your personal information in accordance with this privacy notice and in compliance with the relevant data protection Regulation and laws. This notice provides you with the necessary information regarding your rights and our obligations, and explains how, why and when we process your personal data.

Alison Brooks Architects registered office is at Unit 610 Highgate Studios, 53-79 Highgate Road, NW5 1TL London and we are a company registered in England and Wales under company number 4810339. We are registered on the Information Commissioner’s Office Register; registration number A8365277, and act as the data controller when processing your data.


Information That We Collect

Alison Brooks Architects processes your personal information to meet our legal, statutory and contractual obligations and to provide you with our products and services. We will never collect any unnecessary personal data from you and do not process your information in any way, other than as specified in this notice. Personal data we collect can include: name, date of birth, contact details, education and employment information and passport details.


How We Use Your Personal Data

Alison Brooks Architects takes your privacy very seriously and will never disclose, share or sell your data without your consent; unless required to do so by law. We only retain your data for as long as is necessary and for the purpose(s) specified in this notice. Where you have consented to us providing you with promotional offers and marketing, you are free to withdraw this consent at any time. The purposes and reasons for processing your personal data are detailed below:

  • We collect your personal data in the performance of a contract or to provide a service and to ensure that orders are completed and can be sent out to your preferred address
  • We collect and store your personal data as part of our legal obligation for business accounting and tax purposes
  • We will occasionally send you marketing information where we have assessed that it is beneficial to you as a customer and in our interests. Such information will be non-intrusive and is processed on the grounds of legitimate interests


Your Rights

You have the right to access any personal information that Alison Brooks Architects processes about you and to request information about:

  • What personal data we hold about you
  • The purposes of the processing
  • The categories of personal data concerned
  • The recipients to whom the personal data has/will be disclosed
  • How long we intend to store your personal data for
  • If we did not collect the data directly from you, information about the source

If you believe that we hold any incomplete or inaccurate data about you, you have the right to ask us to correct and/or complete the information and we will strive to do so as quickly as possible; unless there is a valid reason for not doing so, at which point you will be notified.

You also have the right to request erasure of your personal data or to restrict processing (where applicable) in accordance with the data protection laws; as well as to object to any direct marketing from us. Where applicable, you have the right to data portability of your information and the right to be informed about any automated decision-making we may use.

If we receive a request from you to exercise any of the above rights, we may ask you to verify your identity before acting on the request; this is to ensure that your data is protected and kept secure.


Sharing and Disclosing Your Personal Information

We do not share or disclose any of your personal information without your consent, other than for the purposes specified in this notice or where there is a legal requirement. Alison Brooks Architects uses third-parties to provide the below services and business functions; however, all processors acting on our behalf only process your data in accordance with instructions from us and comply fully with this privacy notice, the data protection laws and any other appropriate confidentiality and security measures.


Marketing

Occasionally, Alison Brooks Architects would like to contact you with details on the services that we provide as well as news updates. If you consent to us using your contact details for this purpose, you have the right to modify or withdraw your consent at any time by using the opt-out/unsubscribe options or by contacting Alison Brooks Architects directly, here.


Cookies

We use cookies to provide statistical information regarding the use of our website. Such information will not identify you personally – it is statistical data about our visitors and their use of our website. This data does not identify any personal details.  All computers can decline cookies, which can be done by activating the setting on your browser. Please note that should you choose to decline cookies, you may be unable to access some areas of our website.

 

Who we are

Alison Brooks Architects (‘we’ or ‘us’ or ‘our’) gather and process your personal information in accordance with this privacy notice and in compliance with the relevant data protection Regulation and laws. This notice provides you with the necessary information regarding your rights and our obligations, and explains how, why and when we process your personal data.

Alison Brooks Architects registered office is at Unit 610 Highgate Studios, 53-79 Highgate Road, NW5 1TL London and we are a company registered in England and Wales under company number 4810339. We are registered on the Information Commissioner’s Office Register; registration number A8365277, and act as the data controller when processing your data.


Information That We Collect

Alison Brooks Architects processes your personal information to meet our legal, statutory and contractual obligations and to provide you with our products and services. We will never collect any unnecessary personal data from you and do not process your information in any way, other than as specified in this notice. Personal data we collect can include: name, date of birth, contact details, education and employment information and passport details.


How We Use Your Personal Data

Alison Brooks Architects takes your privacy very seriously and will never disclose, share or sell your data without your consent; unless required to do so by law. We only retain your data for as long as is necessary and for the purpose(s) specified in this notice. Where you have consented to us providing you with promotional offers and marketing, you are free to withdraw this consent at any time. The purposes and reasons for processing your personal data are detailed below:

  • We collect your personal data in the performance of a contract or to provide a service and to ensure that orders are completed and can be sent out to your preferred address
  • We collect and store your personal data as part of our legal obligation for business accounting and tax purposes
  • We will occasionally send you marketing information where we have assessed that it is beneficial to you as a customer and in our interests. Such information will be non-intrusive and is processed on the grounds of legitimate interests


Your Rights

You have the right to access any personal information that Alison Brooks Architects processes about you and to request information about:

  • What personal data we hold about you
  • The purposes of the processing
  • The categories of personal data concerned
  • The recipients to whom the personal data has/will be disclosed
  • How long we intend to store your personal data for
  • If we did not collect the data directly from you, information about the source

If you believe that we hold any incomplete or inaccurate data about you, you have the right to ask us to correct and/or complete the information and we will strive to do so as quickly as possible; unless there is a valid reason for not doing so, at which point you will be notified.

You also have the right to request erasure of your personal data or to restrict processing (where applicable) in accordance with the data protection laws; as well as to object to any direct marketing from us. Where applicable, you have the right to data portability of your information and the right to be informed about any automated decision-making we may use.

If we receive a request from you to exercise any of the above rights, we may ask you to verify your identity before acting on the request; this is to ensure that your data is protected and kept secure.


Sharing and Disclosing Your Personal Information

We do not share or disclose any of your personal information without your consent, other than for the purposes specified in this notice or where there is a legal requirement. Alison Brooks Architects uses third-parties to provide the below services and business functions; however, all processors acting on our behalf only process your data in accordance with instructions from us and comply fully with this privacy notice, the data protection laws and any other appropriate confidentiality and security measures.


Marketing

Occasionally, Alison Brooks Architects would like to contact you with details on the services that we provide as well as news updates. If you consent to us using your contact details for this purpose, you have the right to modify or withdraw your consent at any time by using the opt-out/unsubscribe options or by contacting Alison Brooks Architects directly, here.


Cookies

We use cookies to provide statistical information regarding the use of our website. Such information will not identify you personally – it is statistical data about our visitors and their use of our website. This data does not identify any personal details.  All computers can decline cookies, which can be done by activating the setting on your browser. Please note that should you choose to decline cookies, you may be unable to access some areas of our website.

 

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Quality Assurance Statement

Alison Brooks Architects is a multidisciplinary firm specialising in urban planning, architecture, and design.

Our key objective is to seek excellence in every aspect of our work and practice.  We aim to maintain honour and mutual respect with a professional approach in relations between clients, members of our company and collaborators. By so doing we seek to achieve a service appropriate to the needs of our client and to society at large.

We seek to create conditions where people of high ability and high ideals, who share in our aims and objectives, are attracted to work with us.  We encourage creativity, skill sharing, team work, professional and personal development.  We operate in a manner that allows people freedom and flexibility to use their skills to the full.

We continually seek to improve our performance and therefore the service given to our clients.  It is our policy to give clear instructions, which are necessary to facilitate the planning, and execution of projects to the required quality and to meet the requirements of BS EN ISO 9001.

 

Project Quality Plan

QA arrangements for this project would involve a Project Quality Plan (PQP) established at the beginning of the project.  The PQP includes detailed project information outlining the requirements of the brief, set project objectives, budget, preliminary project programmes and schedules and the organization of resources.  The PQP records any client changes with respect to this information.  The PQP identifies information, as it is to be prepared at specific design stages and records relevant internal checking and approval procedures.  The PQP records the structure of the project filing system of paper hard copies, digital computer files, file archiving and back-up procedures.  The PQP is regularly reviewed and revised as necessary to suit the changing demands of the project.

In addition to the PQP file ABA regularly reviews the procedures for setting out the processes of project work, the responsibilities for them and the type and methods in which records are kept.

 

Approach

In order to maintain this approach to produce innovative, high quality work, it is necessary to ensure that ABA protocols are followed to make the most efficient use of time to maximise time for design and delivery.  The following quality control and management procedures are implemented through from concept to post completion of each project to ensure that quality is maintained and the delivery of each project is assessed after completion in order to improve services in the future.

ABA’s design approach is intensely site and client specific, drawing from the broader cultural context of each project to produce highly inventive work that seeks to communicate with a wide audience. The team defines this as ‘cross-fertilisation’, integrating urban design, landscape, and interiors with disciplines outside conventional realms of architecture. This approach has generated an award-winning body of work noted for its inspired manipulation of space, inventive use of materials, clear structural expression and the ability to create profound emotional and sensory experiences for its users.

Our client base is not unanimously in favour of formal Quality Assurance (QA) arrangements which has to date not encouraged us to seek accreditation.  ABA does however have several systems in place to monitor project quality.

 

Resourcing

Alison Brooks Architects are a medium sized practice of over 25 architectural staff and one office administrator, dedicated to excellence in all aspects of the practice’s work. For this project Alison Brooks as project design leader will be supported by technical and administrative services of a dedicated project architect who will provide a single point client contact. Other support will be added to the team as and when necessary.

 

Project Method Statement

Alison Brooks Architect’s work is conducted according to the terms and conditions of RIBA Standard Forms of Appointment and in alignment with the RIBA Plan of Work modified to meet the specific requirements of a given client’s brief. At completion of each Work Stage a client presentation will be prepared which may be accompanied by a cost study (by others) appropriate to the stage. Client approval will be sought prior to proceeding to any subsequent stage. ABA encourages a team approach from the initial stages of any project including public consultation, as well as requests for environmentally sustainable design solutions.

 

Programme Control

Realistic planning of design stages, allowing adequate periods for cost analysis, consultant input and client approval is essential to achieving project program targets. All potential obstacles to project progress must be identified at the earliest stages, such statutory consents or in the case of existing buildings, special consideration to be made for building structure, mechanical services and accessibility. This, combined with a clear team commitment to communication and adherence to deadlines, will minimise programme slippage. In previous projects ABA has consistently produced design and production information within extremely tight time frames and well within client needs.

 

Communication

Excellent design and project execution results from an excellent client-architect relationship and consistent, thorough and open communication amongst the project team for the duration of a project. Clear lines of communication are established at the outset of the project as well as an overall project programme and project team meeting schedule. Meeting are generally minuted by ABA unless other parties are assuming this role and distributed to the client and relevant parties.  All ABA telephone conversations are noted and when necessary, distributed. All correspondence with consultants and statutory and other bodies are copied to the client.  ABA maintains open communication within the project team, briefing individuals for tasks and clarifying the methods to be used as appropriate to the work at hand.

 

Project Filing

As outlined in the PQP a full paper filing system is maintained throughout the project in addition to all digitally saved files to ensure a clear audit trail relating to all decisions and correspondence.  All digitally saved files and project work are regularly backed up and where necessary off-site storage arrangements are made.  Standard systems of drawing revisions and drawing issue records are also maintained in full.

 

Project Reviews

ABA regularly conducts formal internal reviews of project work carried out by members of staff.  These reviews are used to monitor project performance against the requirements of the PQP, and that overall ABA project standards are maintained.  It is at this time that technical aspects of the design including health and safety are checked and verified.  ABA internal reviews are minuted and filed with project data to ensure continuity.

Alison Brooks Architects is a multidisciplinary firm specialising in urban planning, architecture, and design.

Our key objective is to seek excellence in every aspect of our work and practice.  We aim to maintain honour and mutual respect with a professional approach in relations between clients, members of our company and collaborators. By so doing we seek to achieve a service appropriate to the needs of our client and to society at large.

We seek to create conditions where people of high ability and high ideals, who share in our aims and objectives, are attracted to work with us.  We encourage creativity, skill sharing, team work, professional and personal development.  We operate in a manner that allows people freedom and flexibility to use their skills to the full.

We continually seek to improve our performance and therefore the service given to our clients.  It is our policy to give clear instructions, which are necessary to facilitate the planning, and execution of projects to the required quality and to meet the requirements of BS EN ISO 9001.

 

Project Quality Plan

QA arrangements for this project would involve a Project Quality Plan (PQP) established at the beginning of the project.  The PQP includes detailed project information outlining the requirements of the brief, set project objectives, budget, preliminary project programmes and schedules and the organization of resources.  The PQP records any client changes with respect to this information.  The PQP identifies information, as it is to be prepared at specific design stages and records relevant internal checking and approval procedures.  The PQP records the structure of the project filing system of paper hard copies, digital computer files, file archiving and back-up procedures.  The PQP is regularly reviewed and revised as necessary to suit the changing demands of the project.

In addition to the PQP file ABA regularly reviews the procedures for setting out the processes of project work, the responsibilities for them and the type and methods in which records are kept.

 

Approach

In order to maintain this approach to produce innovative, high quality work, it is necessary to ensure that ABA protocols are followed to make the most efficient use of time to maximise time for design and delivery.  The following quality control and management procedures are implemented through from concept to post completion of each project to ensure that quality is maintained and the delivery of each project is assessed after completion in order to improve services in the future.

ABA’s design approach is intensely site and client specific, drawing from the broader cultural context of each project to produce highly inventive work that seeks to communicate with a wide audience. The team defines this as ‘cross-fertilisation’, integrating urban design, landscape, and interiors with disciplines outside conventional realms of architecture. This approach has generated an award-winning body of work noted for its inspired manipulation of space, inventive use of materials, clear structural expression and the ability to create profound emotional and sensory experiences for its users.

Our client base is not unanimously in favour of formal Quality Assurance (QA) arrangements which has to date not encouraged us to seek accreditation.  ABA does however have several systems in place to monitor project quality.

 

Resourcing

Alison Brooks Architects are a medium sized practice of over 25 architectural staff and one office administrator, dedicated to excellence in all aspects of the practice’s work. For this project Alison Brooks as project design leader will be supported by technical and administrative services of a dedicated project architect who will provide a single point client contact. Other support will be added to the team as and when necessary.

 

Project Method Statement

Alison Brooks Architect’s work is conducted according to the terms and conditions of RIBA Standard Forms of Appointment and in alignment with the RIBA Plan of Work modified to meet the specific requirements of a given client’s brief. At completion of each Work Stage a client presentation will be prepared which may be accompanied by a cost study (by others) appropriate to the stage. Client approval will be sought prior to proceeding to any subsequent stage. ABA encourages a team approach from the initial stages of any project including public consultation, as well as requests for environmentally sustainable design solutions.

 

Programme Control

Realistic planning of design stages, allowing adequate periods for cost analysis, consultant input and client approval is essential to achieving project program targets. All potential obstacles to project progress must be identified at the earliest stages, such statutory consents or in the case of existing buildings, special consideration to be made for building structure, mechanical services and accessibility. This, combined with a clear team commitment to communication and adherence to deadlines, will minimise programme slippage. In previous projects ABA has consistently produced design and production information within extremely tight time frames and well within client needs.

 

Communication

Excellent design and project execution results from an excellent client-architect relationship and consistent, thorough and open communication amongst the project team for the duration of a project. Clear lines of communication are established at the outset of the project as well as an overall project programme and project team meeting schedule. Meeting are generally minuted by ABA unless other parties are assuming this role and distributed to the client and relevant parties.  All ABA telephone conversations are noted and when necessary, distributed. All correspondence with consultants and statutory and other bodies are copied to the client.  ABA maintains open communication within the project team, briefing individuals for tasks and clarifying the methods to be used as appropriate to the work at hand.

 

Project Filing

As outlined in the PQP a full paper filing system is maintained throughout the project in addition to all digitally saved files to ensure a clear audit trail relating to all decisions and correspondence.  All digitally saved files and project work are regularly backed up and where necessary off-site storage arrangements are made.  Standard systems of drawing revisions and drawing issue records are also maintained in full.

 

Project Reviews

ABA regularly conducts formal internal reviews of project work carried out by members of staff.  These reviews are used to monitor project performance against the requirements of the PQP, and that overall ABA project standards are maintained.  It is at this time that technical aspects of the design including health and safety are checked and verified.  ABA internal reviews are minuted and filed with project data to ensure continuity.

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Exeter College Cohen Quadrangle wins Higher Education & Research Building of the Year Exeter College Cohen Quad

At the World Architecture Festival 2018 in Amsterdam, Exeter College Cohen Quadrangle has won the Higher Education & Research Completed Building of the Year Award.

[more..]

At the World Architecture Festival 2018 in Amsterdam, Exeter College Cohen Quadrangle has won the Higher Education & Research Completed Building of the Year Award.

Amongst a shortlist of 15 schemes, our scheme was up against a stellar list of architectural practices including Zaha Hadid Architects, Stanton Williams, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and John Wardle. Following this prestigious accolade, Exeter College has made the final shortlist for the World Building of the Year Award.

 

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Evening Standard: Homes & Property

Alison Brooks was interviewed by the Evening Standard on her life in Queens Park, her Victorian semi-detached house, her decor and her favourite furniture.

[more..]

Alison Brooks was interviewed by the Evening Standard on her life in Queens Park, her Victorian semi-detached house, her decor and her favourite furniture.

Alison’s full feature can be found on pages 16-17 here.

Source
Evening Standard
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Design Council: Leading Women in Design

Alison Brooks is featured in Design Council’s ‘Leading Women in Design’ series. The series celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Representation of the People Act 1918 which for the first time, granted some women the right to vote in the UK.

[more..]

Alison Brooks is featured in Design Council’s ‘Leading Women in Design’ series. The series celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Representation of the People Act 1918 which for the first time, granted some women the right to vote in the UK.

To mark this anniversary Design Council feature a series of ‘Leading Women’  who have each made invaluable contributions to shape the world that we live in today over a course of twelve months.

In her interview Alison explains why the UK should take a leaf out of Canada’s book when it comes to secondary school education, and why complex problems should always be tackled with simple solutions.

“Alison Brooks is a woman on a mission. Flying to and from Boston to lecture at Harvard, creating an experiential installation for this year’s Venice architecture Biennale, being named as one of London’s most influential people in 2018 by the Evening Standard – there is a non-stop energy in the air. ”

To read the full article, click here.

Source
Design Council
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Arch Daily: 30 Most Influential Architects in London ReCasting The Smile East Parkside

Alison Brooks has been named by Arch Daily’s as one of the 30 most influential architects in London.

[more..]

Alison Brooks has been named by Arch Daily’s as one of the 30 most influential architects in London.

“The founder of Alison Brooks Architects has been praised for her installation at the Venice Architecture Biennale, while also overseeing major works such as The Smile, and the first high-rise for the Greenwich Peninsula in London.”

To read the full article, click here.

Source
Arch Daily
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University of Toronto: Home and Away Lecture Series

Wed, 11/21/18 , 18:30
John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design
John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design (map)

Alison Brooks has been invited by the University of Toronto to provide a public lecture as part of the Daniels’ Home and Away lecture series.

[more..]

Alison Brooks has been invited by the University of Toronto to provide a public lecture as part of the Daniels’ Home and Away lecture series.

Engaging broad, timely topics the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design’s Home and Away lecture series connects the wealth of expertise within the Daniels Faculty community with an international, multidisciplinary network of designers, scholars, artists, and curators.

In Alison’s guest lecture she will be joined by Brigitte Shim, Professor at John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture and Principal of Shim-Sutcliffe Architects, widely regarded as one of the most innovative and successful architectural practices in Canada.

Wed, 11.21.18 , 18:30
John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design
John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design
When
Where
John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design (map)
Website
www.daniels.utoronto.ca
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Evening Standard: Progress 1000 ReCasting

Alison Brooks has been named by the Evening Standard as one of London’s most influential people in 2018.

[more..]

Alison Brooks has been named by the Evening Standard as one of London’s most influential people in 2018.

“Brooks, still a rare example of a woman heading up a major practice, has had a good year with positive reviews for her installation at the Venice Architecture Biennale.”

Source
The Evening Standard
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New London Quarterly

Alison Brooks Architect’s scheme Ashley Road East features in this Autumn’s NLA Quarterly.

[more..]

Alison Brooks Architect’s scheme Ashley Road East features in this Autumn’s NLA Quarterly.

“The application [to redevelop central Tottenham Hale] encompasses five pieces of land, with six buildings delivering 1,036 new homes,15 retail spaces, co-working and office space, a health centre and open space, created by practices AHMM, Alison Brooks Architects, Pollard Thomas Edwards and Grant Associates.”

Publisher
New London Architecture
Buy
href="http://www.newlondonarchitecture.org/whats-on/new-london-quarterly/2018/issue-36" target="_blank">Purchase
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The Plan: Housing / Not Housing: Re-thinking the Architecture of the City

The Plan magazine have published Alison Brooks’ editorial critique ‘Housing / Not Housing: Re-thinking the Architecture of the City’ in this month’s issue.

[more..]

The Plan magazine have published Alison Brooks’ editorial critique ‘Housing / Not Housing: Re-thinking the Architecture of the City’ in this month’s issue.

In her editorial critique, Alison discusses the housing crisis and the role of architecture in responding to the ever increasing population influx.

“We can see that the housing crisis lies at the intersection of land economics, planning policy, social policy and daily quality of life” Alison Brooks

Publisher
The Plan
Buy
href="https://www.theplan.it/eng/magazine/the-plan-109-10-2018" target="_blank">Purchase
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Trailblazing Women in Architecture Who Have Changed Life for the Better

Alison Brooks features in Homedit’s article on 23 trailblazing women in architecture.

[more..]

Alison Brooks features in Homedit’s article on 23 trailblazing women in architecture.

“Architecture has not been an easy profession for women, but from the very start, a talented and courageous cadre of female architects has pushed the boundaries and fought for recognition.  Some worked in the shadow of a mentor or spouse, making groundbreaking achievements, only to receive no credit. Throughout the decades, these bold professionals laid the groundwork for today’s talent, allowing their work to be front and center. Moreover, many of these women waged a battle not to be recognized as women in architecture, but simply as talented and innovative architects. Period. Here’s a list of some trailblazers you should know about……… London-based Alison Brooks is best known for designing intelligent, stylish houses but also cultural buildings. Her belief that single-use buildings are obsolete has driven her goal of addressing problems such as the quality of housing and public space.”

Source
Homedit
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Evening Standard Homes & Property

Ely Court featured in the Evening Standard Homes & Property article ‘Future London, Kilburn’.

[more..]

Ely Court featured in the Evening Standard Homes & Property article ‘Future London, Kilburn’.

Brent council is holding a rolling sequence of competitions to choose designs for each phase of the [South Kilburn Estate] regeneration. Winners have so far included Alison Brooks Architects, which designed Ely Court, with 43 flats, for Catalyst Housing.

Publisher
Evening Standard Homes & Property
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World Architecture Festival 2018 Exeter College Cohen Quad

Exeter College Cohen Quad has been shortlisted for the WAF 2018 ‘Higher Education and Research’ award and will be judged by a panel in November. [more..]

Exeter College Cohen Quad has been shortlisted for the WAF 2018 ‘Higher Education and Research’ award and will be judged by a panel in November.

Shortlisted for the ‘Higher Education and Research’ award, the new 6000 m² Cohen Quad expands Exeter College’s 700 year old campus in the heart of Oxford, with undergraduate and graduate living accommodation for 90 students, an auditorium, seminar rooms, social learning spaces, archive, café, roof terraces, offices and fellows’ accommodation. The announcement took place in June and has since been published on numerous platforms including the BBC and Dezeen .

Whilst at this year’s Festival in Amsterdam, Alison will also be judging the ‘Display’ award following The Smile’s win of this category in 2017.

 

Source
World Architecture Festival
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PRACTICE: Outside In | Inside Out

Fri, 10/12/18 , 14:00
Harvard GSD, Gund Hall Piper Auditorium
Harvard GSD, Gund Hall Piper Auditorium

Alison Brooks is taking part in Harvard GSD’s public symposium on ‘Building Practice: Ethics, Agency, and Labour’.

[more..]

Alison Brooks is taking part in Harvard GSD’s public symposium on ‘Building Practice: Ethics, Agency, and Labour’.

The symposium will consider discourse on contemporary issues of design practice in two parts: the external pressures of economic, environmental, and political systems, and internal forces of tools, techniques, and strategies for design.

Alison Brooks will be on the first panel discussion, addressing the current systems of value in contemporary design practice for the management and creation of labour, the evaluation of risk, and the mediation of underlying economic and social dynamics in the design of the built environment. Focusing on the duties of the designer in the current culture of production, this will be a critical discussion on the external forces affecting practice and the growing crisis of the marginalisation of the design disciplines. The evolution of practice will be examined through historical, ethnographic, and other qualitative lenses, revealing complex systems of relations between key players in the creation of the built environment.

 

Fri, 10.12.18 , 14:00
Harvard GSD, Gund Hall Piper Auditorium
Harvard GSD, Gund Hall Piper Auditorium
When
Where
Harvard GSD, Gund Hall Piper Auditorium
Website
www.gsd.harvard.edu
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Melbourne School of Design: Dulux Dean’s Lecture Series 2018

Tue, 10/2/18 , 19:00
Melbourne School of Design
Melbourne School of Design (map)

Alison Brooks has been invited by the Melbourne School of Design to give a public lecture at the University of Melbourne.

[more..]

Alison Brooks has been invited by the Melbourne School of Design to give a public lecture at the University of Melbourne.

Titled “Ideals, then Ideas: Authenticity, Generosity, Civicness, Beauty”  Alison’s talk will feature the new Cohen Quadrangle for Exeter College, Oxford University; a new Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre; and new models for urban housing such as Ely Court, shortlisted for the 2017 Mies Award for Contemporary European Architecture.

 

 

 

Tue, 10.2.18 , 19:00
Melbourne School of Design
Melbourne School of Design
When
Where
Melbourne School of Design (map)
Website
msd.unimelb.edu.au
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ReCasting at 100% Design ReCasting

Fri, 09/21/18 , 14:00
Olympia London
Olympia London (map)

Associate Michael Mueller will be presenting ‘ReCasting’ our large scale, immersive installation for the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale at 100% Design.

[more..]

Associate Michael Mueller will be presenting ‘ReCasting’ our large scale, immersive installation for the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale at 100% Design.

Presenting alongside our collaborators Benchmark and Arup, the session will explore this immense project both visually and through conversation. From its initial abstract conception, they will discuss the process of realising this installation and bringing methodologies of furniture making to an architectural scale.

 

Fri, 09.21.18 , 14:00
Olympia London
Olympia London
When
Where
Olympia London (map)
Website
www.100percentdesign.co.uk
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Harvard University Graduate School of Design Public Lecture

Mon, 09/17/18 , 18:30
Harvard GSD, Gund Hall Piper Auditorium
Harvard GSD, Gund Hall Piper Auditorium

Alison Brooks is providing a public lecture at Harvard GSD, Boston on “Model Building Model: Making Oxford’s New Collegiate Architecture”.

[more..]

Alison Brooks is providing a public lecture at Harvard GSD, Boston on “Model Building Model: Making Oxford’s New Collegiate Architecture”.

During her lecture Alison will discuss the recently completed Exeter College Cohen Quadrangle and her design methodology that transforms archetypal social, pedagogical and architectural ‘models’ into new tectonic and spatial paradigms. She will also present our large scale installation ‘ReCasting’ which acts as a sensorial model of our built work.

Mon, 09.17.18 , 18:30
Harvard GSD, Gund Hall Piper Auditorium
Harvard GSD, Gund Hall Piper Auditorium
When
Where
Harvard GSD, Gund Hall Piper Auditorium
Website
www.gsd.harvard.edu
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Living Accordia: 10 Years on Accordia Sky Villas Accordia Brass Building

Tue, 09/11/18 , 15:00
Accordia, Cambridge
Accordia, Cambridge

To celebrate 10 years since winning the the RIBA Stirling Prize, Projects Director Michael Woodford provided a public walking tour and lecture of Accordia alongside Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and Maccreanor Lavington.

[more..]

To celebrate 10 years since winning the the RIBA Stirling Prize, Projects Director Michael Woodford provided a public walking tour and lecture of Accordia alongside Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and Maccreanor Lavington.

This event organised by the Cambridge Association of Architects in conjunction with RIBA East, returned to the award winning housing scheme in Cambridge to consider its success and the project’s impact on housing both locally and nationally.

“This is high density housing at its very best… The whole scheme is about relationships: between architect and developer / contractor / client; between three very different firms of architects; and between private and public external spaces” – Stirling Prize judges, 2008

 

 

Tue, 09.11.18 , 15:00
Accordia, Cambridge
Accordia, Cambridge
When
Where
Accordia, Cambridge
Website
www.eventbrite.co.uk
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Monocle Summer Weekly Issue 1

Alison Brooks features in the 1st edition of the Monocle Summer Weekly Paper on the fears of Brexit for architecture and creative industries.

[more..]

Alison Brooks features in the 1st edition of the Monocle Summer Weekly Paper on the fears of Brexit for architecture and creative industries.

“Losing the ability to win projects easily in Europe is a disquieting prospect for architects in particular. The ease with which UK practices can pitch for EU business is key to firms such as Alison Brooks Architects….Brooks fears that after Brexit she might lose access to the Official Journal of the European Union, the industry portal where any government project within the EU which has a building cost of more than 144,000 Euros must be put out to tender and listed.” 

 

Publisher
Monocle Summer Weekly
Buy
href="https://monocle.com/shop/product/1350027/monocle-the-summer-weekly-issue-one/" target="_blank">Purchase
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Alison Brooks, John T. Dunlop Design Critic in Architecture, Harvard GSD

Alison Brooks will be teaching a Master in Architecture Design Studio ‘New Formations for the Social Metropolis’ at Harvard University, Graduate School of Design this Autumn.

[more..]

Alison Brooks will be teaching a Master in Architecture Design Studio ‘New Formations for the Social Metropolis’ at Harvard University, Graduate School of Design this Autumn.

Her studio will explore housing architecture’s latent potential to transform the global project of urbanisation to one of productivity, inclusivity, hybridity and resilience. Students will explore an emerging condition of urban re-industrialisation where new methods of creative production, distribution and exchange are diffused and reconfigured through virtual and spatial networks.

 

 

Source
Harvard GSD
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Plans for Tottenham Hale Scheme have been Revealed

Alison Brooks Architects’ scheme Ashley Road East has been unveiled as we submit plans for a major mixed-use development in Tottenham Hale alongside AHMM and Pollard Thomas Edwards.

[more..]

Alison Brooks Architects’ scheme Ashley Road East has been unveiled as we submit plans for a major mixed-use development in Tottenham Hale alongside AHMM and Pollard Thomas Edwards.

The Ashley Road East development is one of six residential buildings by Argent Related on the Tottenham Hale masterplan site which features more than 1,000 homes along with retail, office and leisure spaces.  Located on the North Eastern section of the masterplan, Ashley Road East will comprise of two podium mounted residential blocks formed around a central courtyard with ground floor retail, office and leisure spaces, and will play a key role in defining the new identity and quality of Argent Related’s redevelopment of Tottenham Hale in North London.

 

Source
Argent Related
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Canadian Architect: The Anglo-Canoids

Alison Brooks alongside Adam Caruso headlines Canadian Architect’s article on the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale.

[more..]

Alison Brooks alongside Adam Caruso headlines Canadian Architect’s article on the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale.

“Two of the most astonishing installations at the 2018 Venice Biennale are by Canadian architects whom most Canadian architects have never heard of. Born and educated in Canada, and with only the rare evidence of a round British vowel to give away spending almost their entire professional careers abroad, Alison Brooks and Adam Caruso are amongst the highest-regarded architects of their generation in the United Kingdom. They are both in their fifties, and now arriving at a scale and range of commissions that correspond with their talents. And these two are but the tip of the iceberg of Canadians of all ages working in British offices, and, increasingly, opening their own practices.

To read the full article, click here.

 

Source
Canadian Architect
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MCH: Master in Collective Housing

Mon, 07/2/18
Universidad Politécnica of Madrid
Universidad Politécnica of Madrid

Alison Brooks taught a one-week workshop “Ideal Formats for Future Urban Life” as part of the Master of Architecture in Collective Housing (MCH) in Madrid.

[more..]

Alison Brooks taught a one-week workshop “Ideal Formats for Future Urban Life” as part of the Master of Architecture in Collective Housing (MCH) in Madrid.

The postgraduate professional program of advanced architecture design, presented by Universidad Politécnica of Madrid (UPM) and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) focuses on housing, city and energy studies.

Alison’s brief used an existing City masterplan and a central site in Madrid where students were required to design an urban housing regeneration scheme embedding productive, creative or cultural uses: new formats for Collective Urban Life.

 

 

Mon, 07.2.18
Universidad Politécnica of Madrid
Universidad Politécnica of Madrid
When
Where
Universidad Politécnica of Madrid
Website
www.mchmaster.com
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Norwood Property Lunch

Fri, 06/29/18
London Hilton, Park Lane
London Hilton, Park Lane

Alison Brooks was part of a panel discussion at Norwood’s 19th Annual Charity Lunch which raised £550,000.

[more..]

Alison Brooks was part of a panel discussion at Norwood’s 19th Annual Charity Lunch which raised £550,000.

Alison Brooks alongside AHMM and Coffey Architects discussed the key problems and opportunities facing London’s residential and commercial sectors.

Norwood is the largest Jewish charity in the UK supporting vulnerable children and their families, children with special educational needs and people with learning disabilities and autism. Their annual charity lunch is one of the UK’s largest charity networking events in the property industry. This year the event saw over 750 guests come together to celebrate industry leaders while raising vital funds for the community-based charity.

Fri, 06.29.18
London Hilton, Park Lane
London Hilton, Park Lane
When
Where
London Hilton, Park Lane
Website
www.norwood.org.uk
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York Festival of Ideas: Technology & Transport Ely Court Kilburn Quarter East Parkside Audi Urban Future Initiative

Sun, 06/17/18 , 12:00
York
York

Alison Brooks provided the keynote lecture at the York Festival of Ideas on the subject ‘Technology & Transport’.

[more..]

Alison Brooks provided the keynote lecture at the York Festival of Ideas on the subject ‘Technology & Transport’.

The theme of the event “re imagining the city” focused on how architecture, technology and transport underpin urban living and how they impact on the environment, our lives, health and happiness. Within Alison’s keynote speech, she addressed the theme using our estate regeneration and large scale housing projects London including Ely Court, Kilburn Quarter, King’s Cross and Greenwich Peninsula.

Sun, 06.17.18 , 12:00
York
York
When
Where
York
Website
yorkfestivalofideas.com
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Venice Biennale 2018: Freespace on a Tight Rein ReCasting

Alison Brooks Architects ‘ReCasting’ features in the AJ’s review of the 2018 Venice Architectural Biennale, described as “gently optimistic and touchy-feely and unusually coherent”.

[more..]

Alison Brooks Architects ‘ReCasting’ features in the AJ’s review of the 2018 Venice Architectural Biennale, described as “gently optimistic and touchy-feely and unusually coherent”.

Rob Wilson states “Particularly immersive is Alison Brooks’s contribution: an elemental series of ‘totem’ spaces which you actually walk or slide yourself bodily into: threshold, passage, roof-space. These riff off corners from her housing projects – with mirrored walls and ceilings which complete the spatial experience, visually leading off into infinity around you.”

Source
The Architects' Journal
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Royal Academy of Arts – 250th Summer Exhibition

Tue, 06/12/18
Royal Academy of Arts
Royal Academy of Arts (map)

Alison Brooks Architect’s exhibited a unique architectural model at the Royal Academy of Arts’ 250th Summer Exhibition.

[more..]

Alison Brooks Architect’s exhibited a unique architectural model at the Royal Academy of Arts’ 250th Summer Exhibition.

The model, crafted using cherry wood and copper is of our private residential project ‘Mesh House’ in London. Nearing completion, Mesh House is an organic, crystalline form that wraps itself around an outdoor court yard. Each plane of its faceted copper surface – wall and roof planes, are tailored to allow sunlight from the south to reach every room in the house, to allow maximum light into neighbour’s windows, and to maintain the overall rhythm and form of the local streetscape.

 

Tue, 06.12.18
Royal Academy of Arts
Royal Academy of Arts
When
Where
Royal Academy of Arts (map)
Website
www.royalacademy.org.uk
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The Observer – Venice Architecture Biennale 2018 – A Joyous Treasure Trove ReCasting

Our installation ‘ReCasting’ features in Rowan Moore’s Venice Architecture Biennale 2018 review in the Sunday Observer.

[more..]

Our installation ‘ReCasting’ features in Rowan Moore’s Venice Architecture Biennale 2018 review in the Sunday Observer.

“Alison Brooks, Canadian-born and British-based, has built a composite of elements of several of her housing projects – a vaulted threshold, a canted roof space, a cloister – in plywood and mirrors, in order to show how an architect can “frame everyday life” with memorable spaces.” says Rowan Moore

Source
The Observer
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Design Boom: Alison Brooks Architects Recasts Urban Housing at Venice Architecture Biennale ReCasting

Design Boom published ‘ReCasting’ following the opening of the Venice Architecture Biennale.

[more..]

Design Boom published ‘ReCasting’ following the opening of the Venice Architecture Biennale.

Responding to the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale’s theme of ‘freespace’, Alison Brooks Architects creates a large-scale, highly experiential installation. called ‘ReCasting’, the work addresses the subject of housing and urban dwelling, specifically with a focus on the practice’s related work.

The space, which also comprises an amphitheater, is divided into four inhabitable ‘totems’: threshold, inhabited edge, passage, and roofspace. each one offers a particular spatial, emotional and sensory experience, revealing housing architecture’s meaningful civic role. this is through forms of mirrored surfaces, organic geometries and forced perspectives that harness the corderie arsenale’s specific qualities of light and volume.

Source
Design Boom
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The Guardian: Venice Architecture Biennale Review ReCasting

Upon the opening of the 16th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale Architettura 2018, Alison Brooks Architects’ installation ‘ReCasting’ features in The Guardian’s ‘Venice Architecture Biennale review’.

[more..]

Upon the opening of the 16th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale Architettura 2018, Alison Brooks Architects’ installation ‘ReCasting’ features in The Guardian’s ‘Venice Architecture Biennale review’.

Oliver Wainwright writes “London-based Canadian architect Alison Brooks has constructed a tableau of habitable totems that recreate in-between moments from some of her buildings, using a clever combination of plywood and mirrors to conjure a curving colonnade, an infinite cloister and a grand vaulted threshold. They are dreamlike fragments that speak of the potential of housing to create moments of delight beyond the dwellings alone.”

Source
The Guardian
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FT Series: Venice Biennale 2018 ReCasting

Alison Brooks was interviewed by the Financial Times, ahead of the unveiling of the 16th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia on 23 May.

[more..]

Alison Brooks was interviewed by the Financial Times, ahead of the unveiling of the 16th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia on 23 May.

Alison Brooks Architects have been invited by Curators Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara to participate at the 16th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, running from 26 May to 25 November 2018. The theme for Biennale Architettura 2018 is FREESPACE, a word which describes a generosity of spirit and a sense of humanity at the core of architecture’s agenda.

 

 

Source
Financial Times
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Alison Brooks Interview with the Globe & Mail

Following her keynote lecture in Toronto, Alison Brooks was interviewed by The Globe & Mail, Canada’s most widely read newspaper, on the responsibility of architects to make great buildings, better cities, and to deliver high quality design, joy and beauty.

[more..]

Following her keynote lecture in Toronto, Alison Brooks was interviewed by The Globe & Mail, Canada’s most widely read newspaper, on the responsibility of architects to make great buildings, better cities, and to deliver high quality design, joy and beauty.

“Her career of three decades in Britain suggests a lesson for design professionals: That fighting for the ideal building and city is their job, and sometimes they can even win.” writes Alex Bozikovic. “Her buildings are respectful of traditional urban design, sensitive to the city around them and are both beautiful and inventive.”

 

Source
The Globe and Mail
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16th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia

Alison Brooks Architects have been invited to participate at the 16th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia curated by Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara. The 16th Exhibition runs from 26 May to 25 November 2018. Details of our involvement will be unveiled on the 23rd May.

Alison Brooks Architects have been invited to participate at the 16th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia curated by Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara. The 16th Exhibition runs from 26 May to 25 November 2018. Details of our involvement will be unveiled on the 23rd May.

When
Source
La Biennale di Venezia
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Alison Brooks to present the keynote lecture at Vancouver Design Week

Wed, 05/9/18 , 18:00
UBC Robson Square
UBC Robson Square (map)

Alison Brooks is presenting the keynote lecture of Vancouver Design Week taking place from 7-13 May 2018.

[more..]

Alison Brooks is presenting the keynote lecture of Vancouver Design Week taking place from 7-13 May 2018.

In her lecture ‘IDEALS THEN IDEAS: New Urban Housing as Civic Architecture’ Alison will be discussing her practice philosophy, architectural approach and the ideal of ‘civicness’ relating her current and recently completed projects in housing and higher education. These include the Cohen Quadrangle at Oxford University and her exceptional mid-rise, high density residential schemes In London such as Ely Court, shortlisted for the 2017 Mies Award for contemporary European architecture. She will discuss how her architectural ideals of authenticity, generosity and beauty can be embedded in all urban development and will demonstrate the potential of housing to both express local culture and serve the wider community.

Wed, 05.9.18 , 18:00
UBC Robson Square
UBC Robson Square
When
Where
UBC Robson Square (map)
Website
www.picatic.com
Source
Vancouver Design Week
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Part I Architectural Assistant

Alison Brooks Architects is recruiting a Part-I architectural assistant to join its London team.

Alison Brooks Architects are internationally recognised for producing high-quality architecture that inventively responds to the context and culture of each project. Our architects provide a bespoke service to each client, working collaboratively with world-class expert consultants to provide a fully integrated design service, and as such candidates must possess, at a minimum the below experience, skills and technical expertise:

Minimum requirements

  • bachelors degree from RIBA accredited school of architecture
  • previous experience in an architectural studio an advantage
  • proficient 2D, 3D design and visualisation skills
  • excellent design skills
  • Revit skills are an advantage
  • highly proficient in InDesign and Photoshop
  • excellent verbal and written communication
  • excellent coordination and organisational skills

The candidate will be based at our Highgate studio but may be required to travel and be based on site as and when necessary. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.

Please submit a CV and concise portfolio in a PDF format not to exceed 5MB to careers@alisonbrooksarchitects.com. We will not accept hard copies.

Alison Brooks Architects is an equal opportunities employer and treats all job applicants equally, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, beliefs or religion.

Alison Brooks Architects is recruiting a Part-I architectural assistant to join its London team.

Alison Brooks Architects are internationally recognised for producing high-quality architecture that inventively responds to the context and culture of each project. Our architects provide a bespoke service to each client, working collaboratively with world-class expert consultants to provide a fully integrated design service, and as such candidates must possess, at a minimum the below experience, skills and technical expertise:

Minimum requirements

  • bachelors degree from RIBA accredited school of architecture
  • previous experience in an architectural studio an advantage
  • proficient 2D, 3D design and visualisation skills
  • excellent design skills
  • Revit skills are an advantage
  • highly proficient in InDesign and Photoshop
  • excellent verbal and written communication
  • excellent coordination and organisational skills

The candidate will be based at our Highgate studio but may be required to travel and be based on site as and when necessary. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.

Please submit a CV and concise portfolio in a PDF format not to exceed 5MB to careers@alisonbrooksarchitects.com. We will not accept hard copies.

Alison Brooks Architects is an equal opportunities employer and treats all job applicants equally, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, beliefs or religion.

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Building: Women in Architecture – on a role

Alison Brooks was interviewed by Building, along side fellow female architects, Karen Cook, Teresa Borsuk and Gorana Shepherd on International Women’s day.

 

Alison Brooks was interviewed by Building, along side fellow female architects, Karen Cook, Teresa Borsuk and Gorana Shepherd on International Women’s day.

 

Source
Building
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Alison Brooks to Speak at RIBA Future Leaders: Learning to Lead

Alison Brooks will be providing a talk at the RIBA Future Leaders ‘Learning to Lead’ half day conference on 22 March. [more..]

Alison Brooks will be providing a talk at the RIBA Future Leaders ‘Learning to Lead’ half day conference on 22 March. 

‘Learning to Lead’ is the first of this year’s three-part programme, aiming to provide early career professionals with a comprehensive introduction to leadership through industry specific training. It is a dedicated session on what it means to lead. Why is leadership important to practice? What differentiates leadership from management? How do you line yourself up for leadership by adopting a leadership mindset? How do you set about taking those initial steps to shift from an operational to leader mode?

Following the half day conference, Alison will be amongst an inspiring team of female mentors, providing practical tips, guidance and encouragement to delegates.

When
Where
RIBA (map)
Website
www.architecture.com
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Ideals then Ideas ABA 21

This book marks 21 years since the founding of Alison Brooks Architects. It presents an overview of ABA’s built and unbuilt work within a set of conceptual, formal and material themes that have emerged over the past two decades.

[more..]

This book marks 21 years since the founding of Alison Brooks Architects. It presents an overview of ABA’s built and unbuilt work within a set of conceptual, formal and material themes that have emerged over the past two decades.

It also aims to communicate four ‘ideals’ that underpin Alison Brooks’s work in architecture: Authenticity, Generosity, Civicness and Beauty. The naming of these ideals is an attempt to distil the motivations behind the urban, spatial, tectonic and experiential qualities of ABA’s architecture. They intend to provide an alternative to the assumption that architecture is the result of a reactive orchestration of project criteria (site condition, building economics, spatial and technical performance, legislation) into a formal organisation of architectural ideas that may or may not represent the architect’s values, experience, or place and culture in which the project appears. Without subjectivity, the architect loses authority. An alternative narrative is that the motivation of the 21st Century architect and the source of his or her invention could be their particular ideals; social, political, cultural and artistic, that form the source material for an architecture of specificity through which a client’s and a community’s needs can be met.

Cost: £40

Please note we are currently out of stock.

 

 

Publisher
Alison Brooks Architects
Buy
href="mailto:lucy.pride@alisonbrooksarchitects.com?subject=Ideals then Ideas: Purchase Request" target="_blank">Purchase
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CLADmag

Alison Brooks features as the cover article on CLADmag’s first issue of 2018.

[more..]

Alison Brooks features as the cover article on CLADmag’s first issue of 2018.

Following The Smile winning the Display Award at the 2017 World Architecture Festival in Berlin, Alison was interviewed on timber building, protecting the public realm and the unsung role of architects.

 

 

Source
CLAD
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If not us, then who?

Thu, 02/22/18 , 18:00
Great Room Auditorium, RSA
Great Room Auditorium, RSA (map)

Following Alison Brooks’ appointment as a Royal Designer for Industry, Alison will be this year’s speaker for the annual RSA Bossom event on the built environment and society on 22 February. [more..]

Following Alison Brooks’ appointment as a Royal Designer for Industry, Alison will be this year’s speaker for the annual RSA Bossom event on the built environment and society on 22 February. 

In her lecture, Alison will discuss architects’ duties to respond to the social, cultural and physical context in their work within a clearly stated set of values.

 

 

Thu, 02.22.18 , 18:00
Great Room Auditorium, RSA
Great Room Auditorium, RSA
When
Where
Great Room Auditorium, RSA (map)
Website
www.thersa.org
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The Plan – Did you say “wood”? The Smile

The Smile features in this month’s issue of The Plan on the technological innovation of it’s use of CLT panels.

[more..]

The Smile features in this month’s issue of The Plan on the technological innovation of it’s use of CLT panels.

The article looks at three very different projects illustrating the use of hardwood as a structural building material;  The Smile, Maggie’s Centre Oldham (dRMM Architects) and Warner Stand at Lords Cricket Ground (Populous).

“The Smile’s disarming simplicity conceals years of research into the cross-lamination of hardwood fibres and is the first structure built with industrial-sized panels of hardwood CLT” The Plan

Source
The Plan
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RIBA Gloucestershire: Guest Lecture with Alison Brooks

Thu, 01/25/18 , 17:30
Chapter House, Gloucester Cathedral
Chapter House, Gloucester Cathedral (map)

Alison has been invited by RIBA Gloucestershire to give a lecture on the theme ‘Taking Architecture out of the Straitjacket’ in January.

[more..]

Alison has been invited by RIBA Gloucestershire to give a lecture on the theme ‘Taking Architecture out of the Straitjacket’ in January.

The event will take place at Gloucester Cathedral and tickets are now available to purchase. Entry is free for RIBA members.

 

Thu, 01.25.18 , 17:30
Chapter House, Gloucester Cathedral
Chapter House, Gloucester Cathedral
When
Where
Chapter House, Gloucester Cathedral (map)
Website
www.eventbrite.co.uk
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Alison Brooks awarded as a Royal Designer for Industry

Alison Brooks has been awarded as a Royal Designer for Industry, regarded as the highest honour a UK designer can receive.

[more..]

Alison Brooks has been awarded as a Royal Designer for Industry, regarded as the highest honour a UK designer can receive.

The award celebrates substantial contribution for rethinking design for positive social, economic and environmental impact and only 200 designers can hold the title at any one time.

Alison Brooks was recognised for design excellence and innovation in urban regeneration and masterplanning, and public buildings for the arts, higher education and housing. She said “I look forward to contributing to the brilliant RSA programmes, exchanging knowledge and supporting their design education mission.”

 

Source
The RSA
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Celebrating Excellence in Wood Architecture: 2016-17 Wood Design Award Winners The Smile

The Smile has been published in the Wood Design & Building Awards’ book ‘Celebrating Excellence in Wood Architecture’ which features all 2016-17 winning projects across the globe.

[more..]

The Smile has been published in the Wood Design & Building Awards’ book ‘Celebrating Excellence in Wood Architecture’ which features all 2016-17 winning projects across the globe.

“This structure cleverly uses site placement and materials. It’s a symmetrical, lifting, heavy object in front of an old building that is heavily grounded, and the two work together beautifully. It has this automatic connection with such incredible difference that it’s surprising and delightful.” – Jury

Books will be available to purchase shortly.

ISBN
978-0-9916862-9-2
Publisher
Canadian Wood Council
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designboom: Interview with Alison Brooks

At the World Architecture Festival 2017 in Berlin, Alison was interviewed by designboom about our award winning ‘The Smile’ and why she thinks the public should be involved in discussions about architecture.

[more..]

At the World Architecture Festival 2017 in Berlin, Alison was interviewed by designboom about our award winning ‘The Smile’ and why she thinks the public should be involved in discussions about architecture.

 

 

Source
designboom
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Wood in Architecture, Milan The Smile

Thu, 12/14/17 , 16:00
Milan, Italy
Milan, Italy (map)

Alison will be presenting The Smile at ‘Wood in Architecture’ in Milan, a seminar jointly organised by American Hardwood Council (AHEC) and The Plan Magazine.

[more..]

Alison will be presenting The Smile at ‘Wood in Architecture’ in Milan, a seminar jointly organised by American Hardwood Council (AHEC) and The Plan Magazine.

Alison will be joined by Alex de Rijke, Founder of dRMM presenting the Maggies Centre, Oldham and Andrew Laurence, Director at Arup who will be presenting the Warner Strand.

 

Thu, 12.14.17 , 16:00
Milan, Italy
Milan, Italy
When
Where
Milan, Italy (map)
Website
theplan.it
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The Smile wins Wood Awards ‘Structural Award’ The Smile

The Smile has been awarded the Wood Awards 2017 Structural Award.[more..]

The Smile has been awarded the Wood Awards 2017 Structural Award.

The Awards aim to recognise, encourage and promote outstanding design, craftsmanship and installation using wood.

Conceived as a habitable arc, The Smile was a 3.5m high, 4.5m wide and 34m long curved cross-laminated tulipwood tube that cantilevered 12m in two directions with viewing platforms at both ends. ABA collaborated with The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), Arup and the London Design Festival 2016 to present the structure at the Chelsea College of Art Rootstein Hopkins Parade Ground.

 

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The Modern Timber House in the UK Herringbone Houses

Herringbone houses features in Peter Wilson’s ‘The Modern Timber House in the UK: New Paradigms and Technologies’, published in September 2017.

[more..]

Herringbone houses features in Peter Wilson’s ‘The Modern Timber House in the UK: New Paradigms and Technologies’, published in September 2017.

Uniquely sited in a backlands plot, overlooking a Wandsworth bowling green, Herringbone Houses consists of two 400sqm ‘urban woodland’ houses for developer Lyford Investments. Like a Victorian house turned ‘inside out’, the building’’s herringbone cladding is a traditional timber floor pattern transferred to facades, creating an optical illusion of accordion-like surfaces. Light filled atriums illuminate suspended stairs at the centre of each house; high-ceilinged open-plan spaces interlock with gardens; full basements decrease the footprint but add space.

These houses are a rare example of a developer aiming to match the craftsmanship of neighbouring Victorian villas within a contemporary architectural language. The houses were conceived from the principle of manipulating two continuous planes of timber and graphite render, that extend from exterior to interior, forming walls, floors, external decking and fences.

Copies of the book can be purchased for £35 online.

ISBN
ISBN 978-1-904320-09-8
Publisher
Arcamedia Ltd
Buy
href="https://www.arcamedia.co.uk/product-page/the-modern-timber-house-in-the-uk" target="_blank">Purchase
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Studio Coordinator / Receptionist

Alison Brooks Architects is looking for a studio coordinator/receptionist to join its team in Kentish Town, London.

The studio coordinator/receptionist will be the first point of contact for visitors, clients and staff so you will need to ensure the smooth running of the space and be committed to maintaining an excellent first impression for all visitors to the practice.

The successful candidate must have an excellent eye for detail, can do attitude and show a high level of initiative as well as being confident with excellent communication skills.

Duties will include, but not limited to:

  • helping to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the office
  • reception duties; including answering calls, greeting clients, preparing meetings, managing office supplies, equipment and post
  • liaison with external IT support, managing printers & printer supplies and maintenance contracts
  • coordinating the office calendar and meeting room bookings
  • ensure company policies are maintained and updated accordingly including the practice handbook
  • maintain excellent office standards, ensuring a tidy environment at all times
  • oversee ad-hoc projects e.g. office renovations, desk moves
  • maintaining company supplier contracts
  • arranging CPDs
  • coordinating maintenance/repair work for the studio space
  • supporting the design team with diary management, including travel arrangements
  • maintain office stock, stationary, kitchen cupboards etc.
  • managing the samples library
  • collating/recording expenses and petty cash
  • answering the telephone and directing calls as required
  • support all employees with administrative tasks where required e.g. printing, filing, archiving and other ad-hoc duties
  • maintaining and updating the office contacts database

Skills & experience

  • prior studio coordinator/reception experience, ideally within a creative or design environment
  • proficiency in Microsoft Office
  • proficiency with Adobe Suite
  • excellent verbal and written communication with a strong attention to detail
  • able to take initiative and work in a dynamic studio environment
  • highly organised, proactive & professional

To apply please email a CV to careers@alisonbrooksarchitects.com.

Alison Brooks Architects is looking for a studio coordinator/receptionist to join its team in Kentish Town, London.

The studio coordinator/receptionist will be the first point of contact for visitors, clients and staff so you will need to ensure the smooth running of the space and be committed to maintaining an excellent first impression for all visitors to the practice.

The successful candidate must have an excellent eye for detail, can do attitude and show a high level of initiative as well as being confident with excellent communication skills.

Duties will include, but not limited to:

  • helping to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the office
  • reception duties; including answering calls, greeting clients, preparing meetings, managing office supplies, equipment and post
  • liaison with external IT support, managing printers & printer supplies and maintenance contracts
  • coordinating the office calendar and meeting room bookings
  • ensure company policies are maintained and updated accordingly including the practice handbook
  • maintain excellent office standards, ensuring a tidy environment at all times
  • oversee ad-hoc projects e.g. office renovations, desk moves
  • maintaining company supplier contracts
  • arranging CPDs
  • coordinating maintenance/repair work for the studio space
  • supporting the design team with diary management, including travel arrangements
  • maintain office stock, stationary, kitchen cupboards etc.
  • managing the samples library
  • collating/recording expenses and petty cash
  • answering the telephone and directing calls as required
  • support all employees with administrative tasks where required e.g. printing, filing, archiving and other ad-hoc duties
  • maintaining and updating the office contacts database

Skills & experience

  • prior studio coordinator/reception experience, ideally within a creative or design environment
  • proficiency in Microsoft Office
  • proficiency with Adobe Suite
  • excellent verbal and written communication with a strong attention to detail
  • able to take initiative and work in a dynamic studio environment
  • highly organised, proactive & professional

To apply please email a CV to careers@alisonbrooksarchitects.com.

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Alison Brooks to lecture at Greenwich University

Thu, 11/23/17 , 18.30
University of Greenwich
University of Greenwich (map)

As part of Greenwich University’s Hawksmoor International Lecture Series 2017-2018, open to all, Alison Brooks is giving a talk on ‘ The Ideal and the Real – why Civicness is the project’ at the Tessa Blackstone Lecture Theatre, Greenwich on Thursday 23 November.

[more..]

As part of Greenwich University’s Hawksmoor International Lecture Series 2017-2018, open to all, Alison Brooks is giving a talk on ‘ The Ideal and the Real – why Civicness is the project’ at the Tessa Blackstone Lecture Theatre, Greenwich on Thursday 23 November.

In her lecture, Alison will speak about the recent and current work of Alison Brooks Architects, including: The Cohen Quadrangle at Oxford University; a high rise urban block in Kings Cross, London, The Smile Pavilion and housing scheme Ely Court, shortlisted for the 2017 Mies Award for contemporary European architecture. She will discuss the notions of civicness and performance, the role of experimental materials and making, and how these can transform both our expectation and everyday experience of cities.

Thu, 11.23.17 , 18.30
University of Greenwich
University of Greenwich
When
Where
University of Greenwich (map)
Website
blogs.gre.ac.uk
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Architecture Masters

Alison Brooks was interviewed by Owen Wainhouse for episode 11 of Architecture Masters, the new podcast from the London Festival of Architecture.[more..]

Alison Brooks was interviewed by Owen Wainhouse for episode 11 of Architecture Masters, the new podcast from the London Festival of Architecture.

In this episode Alison talks about her early experience, her career, current projects and housing in Britain.

 

Source
Architecture Masters
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The Smile wins the World Architecture Festival 2017 ‘Display’ award The Smile

The Smile has been awarded the World Architecture Festival’s 2017 Display Award after a vigorous judging process in Berlin on 15 November.

[more..]

The Smile has been awarded the World Architecture Festival’s 2017 Display Award after a vigorous judging process in Berlin on 15 November.

Alison Brooks Architects collaborated with The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), Arup and the London Design Festival to present this cross-laminated tulipwood structure.

The Smile is one of the Festival’s Landmark Projects in 2016, and was inhabited and explored by the public. The spectacular, curved, tubular timber structure measured 3.5m high, 4.5m wide and 34m long and was effectively a beam curving up at both ends. Showcasing the structural and spatial potential of cross-laminated American tulipwood, The Smile was the first ever ‘mega-tube’ made with construction-sized panels of hardwood CLT.

Source
World Architecture Festival
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Alison Brooks at World Architecture Festival, Berlin

Wed, 11/15/17 , 12:00
Arena, Berlin
Arena, Berlin

Alison Brooks will be presenting on the main stage at this years World Architecture Festival in Berlin on Wednesday 15 November alongside Jacob Kurek, Partner of Henning Larsen Architects. [more..]

Alison Brooks will be presenting on the main stage at this years World Architecture Festival in Berlin on Wednesday 15 November alongside Jacob Kurek, Partner of Henning Larsen Architects. 

During the session ‘Performance Spaces’, Alison will be presenting four key projects in relation to performance: Quarterhouse, The Smile, Cohen Quad and Ely Court.

Whilst in Berlin Alison will also be presenting our shortlisted project ‘The Smile’ to a panel of judges for the 2017 ‘Small Projects’ Award.

Wed, 11.15.17 , 12:00
Arena, Berlin
Arena, Berlin
When
Where
Arena, Berlin
Website
www.worldarchitecturefestival.com
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Alison Brooks to lecture at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Alison Brooks is presenting a lecture at MIT, Cambridge on ‘The Ideal and the Real – why Civicness is the project’. Alison will be discussing her practice philosophy, techniques and the ideal of ‘civicness’ using current and recently completed projects: The Cohen Quadrangle at Oxford University; a high rise urban block in Kings Cross, London; The Smile Pavilion and housing scheme Ely Court, shortlisted for the 2017 Mies Award for contemporary European architecture.

Alison Brooks is presenting a lecture at MIT, Cambridge on ‘The Ideal and the Real – why Civicness is the project’. Alison will be discussing her practice philosophy, techniques and the ideal of ‘civicness’ using current and recently completed projects: The Cohen Quadrangle at Oxford University; a high rise urban block in Kings Cross, London; The Smile Pavilion and housing scheme Ely Court, shortlisted for the 2017 Mies Award for contemporary European architecture.

When
Website
architecture.mit.edu
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Kiosk: Spaces

Alison Brooks profiled in issue 3 of Kiosk., where she speaks to David Michon, former editor of Icon Magazine, about her time living and studying in Rome, her practice, work and ideals.

[more..]

Alison Brooks profiled in issue 3 of Kiosk., where she speaks to David Michon, former editor of Icon Magazine, about her time living and studying in Rome, her practice, work and ideals.

“One architect that has been captivated by Villa Adriana’s masterclass, is the Canadian-born Alison Brooks. In 1984, 20-something Brooks was living and studying in Rome; drawn to the Villa, she spent three weeks there in “solitary drawing and speculation”, understanding the art of the place – its nuanced design, its interaction with an undulating and disjointed landscape and its ability to surprise and delight.

And Tivoli seems to have had a lasting impression. Her best work, in tune with Hadrian’s villa, is a version of housing that is distinctly civic-minded (even if edged by countryside). It is built to last, with above-average understanding of good city-building, relishing in the collage of urban space.”

Source
Kiosk.
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Boston Architecture Expo: ABX 2017

Wed, 11/8/17 , 10:00
Boston Convention & Exhibition Centre
Boston Convention & Exhibition Centre

Alison Brooks has been invited by Leers Weinzapfel Associates, the first female-owned US practice to win the AIA Architecture Firm Award to take part in a panel discussion alongside Mexican Architect, Rozana Montiel. The discussion will address the  extraordinary achievements of female architects in the UK, Europe, North and South America and their strategies to achieve parity in the profession.

[more..]

Alison Brooks has been invited by Leers Weinzapfel Associates, the first female-owned US practice to win the AIA Architecture Firm Award to take part in a panel discussion alongside Mexican Architect, Rozana Montiel. The discussion will address the  extraordinary achievements of female architects in the UK, Europe, North and South America and their strategies to achieve parity in the profession.

ABX is the leading design and construction event in New England, bringing the industry together to share information, skills and resources. Attendees explore design trends and discover new technologies and products – this year with an added emphasis on sustainability.

Wed, 11.8.17 , 10:00
Boston Convention & Exhibition Centre
Boston Convention & Exhibition Centre
When
Where
Boston Convention & Exhibition Centre
Website
abexpo.com
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Festival of the Future City Bath: Preserving Utopia

Fri, 10/20/17 , 13.00
University of Bath
University of Bath

Alison Brooks will join a prestigious panel at the Festival of the Future City of Bath to discuss how Bath could evolve in the 21st century and how the city can preserve its UNESCO World Heritage status through new architecture, new infrastructure and welcome new populations.

[more..]

Alison Brooks will join a prestigious panel at the Festival of the Future City of Bath to discuss how Bath could evolve in the 21st century and how the city can preserve its UNESCO World Heritage status through new architecture, new infrastructure and welcome new populations.

Alison will be in conversation with Henrietta Billings, Director of SAVE Britain’s Heritage, who leads campaigns to preserve Britain’s historical environment and Tanvir Hasan, deputy chair of Donald Insall Associates. The event will be chaired by Elena Marco, a passionate Bath resident and Head of Architecture and the Built Environment at UWE.

The first in its series, The Festival of the Future of the City Bath is a three day festival of lectures, discussions, panels, pop up pavilions, walks, family events and more, exploring urban development in the 21st-century. Festival themes include housing, the artist & the city and what makes architecture great.

Fri, 10.20.17 , 13.00
University of Bath
University of Bath
When
Where
University of Bath
Website
www.edgearts.org
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Architectural Review: Women in Architecture

Alison Brooks Architects features in October’s Architectural Review among practices that have made a commitment to support and enable change through the Women in Architecture programme.

[more..]

Alison Brooks Architects features in October’s Architectural Review among practices that have made a commitment to support and enable change through the Women in Architecture programme.

“Alison Brooks Architects is delighted to sponsor the Women in Architecture programme as a partner. The programme has raised awareness of the often unrecognised contributions women have made to contemporary practice and historically; it has initiated a huge array of opportunities for women to meet and exchange ideas; and it has stimulated debate on workplace equality. All of this we hope will lead to industry change. The programme celebrates the achievements of women in the profession while reminding us that we can all change the status quo.

ABA has grown to a practice that’s 50 per cent female and more than 50 per cent international; we support all forms of diversity. We ensure women are equal in leading our project teams and encourage them to engage in events and discourse outside practice – to make their voices heard. We’re convinced that the practice of architecture must evolve and share the WIA programme’s broader aspiration to create an inclusive profession where there are no social or gender-based boundaries. This is an essential campaign not only for women’s equality, but the quality of the built environment and the future of architecture”

Source
Architectural Review
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The Smile makes Blueprint shortlist The Smile

The Smile has been selected in the Small Projects category, with winners announced at Bankside Vaults in London on 19 October.

[more..]

The Smile has been selected in the Small Projects category, with winners announced at Bankside Vaults in London on 19 October.

Designed for the London Design Festival 2016 through a collaboration between Alison Brooks Architects, Arup and The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the timber pavilion showcased the structural and spatial potential of cross-laminated American tulipwood.

Source
Blueprint Awards
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RIAI Annual Conference 2017: Challenge, Change, Collaboration

Fri, 10/6/17
RDS Main Hall, Dublin
RDS Main Hall, Dublin (map)

Alison Brooks will be a keynote speaker this year’s RIAI Annual Conference alongside award-winning Irish journalist Fintan O’Toole, discussing themes of Challenge, Change and Collaboration in architecture.

[more..]

Alison Brooks will be a keynote speaker this year’s RIAI Annual Conference alongside award-winning Irish journalist Fintan O’Toole, discussing themes of Challenge, Change and Collaboration in architecture.

The Conference will be Ireland’s ‘biggest architectural gathering of the year and an important forum to meet, debate and launch new ideas’. It will run in parallel with the Architecture and Building Expo.

Fri, 10.6.17
RDS Main Hall, Dublin
RDS Main Hall, Dublin
When
Where
RDS Main Hall, Dublin (map)
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Cohen Quad: Oxford Open Doors Exeter College Cohen Quad

Exeter College Cohen Quad welcomed the public as part of the Oxford Preservation Trust’s Open Doors event. The weekend began with a talk by Alison Brooks on ‘Future Heritage: Collegiate Architecture for the 21st Century’, where she shared the design approach behind the newest building to emerge on the city skyline.

[more..]

Exeter College Cohen Quad welcomed the public as part of the Oxford Preservation Trust’s Open Doors event. The weekend began with a talk by Alison Brooks on ‘Future Heritage: Collegiate Architecture for the 21st Century’, where she shared the design approach behind the newest building to emerge on the city skyline.

The College has described the Cohen Quad as ‘a reinterpretation of the traditional collegiate quadrangle, with a hub for social learning at its heart. Drawing on the history of Exeter College, Ruskin College and the needs of 21st century scholars, ABA have delivered a building that is stunning, uplifting, and inspiring.”

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Architects’ Data File: The Smile The Smile

The Smile forms the front cover of the September issue of the Architects’ Data File, in recognition of its nomination for the IStructE Structural Awards 2017.

[more..]

The Smile forms the front cover of the September issue of the Architects’ Data File, in recognition of its nomination for the IStructE Structural Awards 2017.

The timber pavilion has been shortlisted in the category for ‘Small Projects (of under £1million)’. ABA collaborated with The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) and Arup, whose Special Structures team in London described the project as ‘the most complex piece of CLT engineering in the world’.

The IStructE awards celebrate the role of structural engineers as innovative, creative design professionals and to showcase the world’s cutting edge engineering projects. Winners will be announced at a ceremony held on Friday, 17 November 2017 at The Brewery in London.

 

Source
Architects' Data File
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The Smile shortlisted for IStructE Award The Smile

The Smile has been selected in the category for ‘Small Projects (of under £1million)’. ABA collaborated with The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) and Arup, whose Special Structures team in London described the project as ‘the most complex piece of CLT engineering in the world’.

[more..]

The Smile has been selected in the category for ‘Small Projects (of under £1million)’. ABA collaborated with The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) and Arup, whose Special Structures team in London described the project as ‘the most complex piece of CLT engineering in the world’.

The IStructE awards celebrate the role of structural engineers as innovative, creative design professionals and to showcase the world’s cutting edge engineering projects.

“The Smile represents the first use of large Tulipwood hardwood cross laminated timber (CLT) panels and has received worldwide acclaim for its effortless combination of structure and architecture. It was described as the happy face of the timber construction revolution and the centrepiece of the 2016 London Design Festival.

The Smile is 34m long, incorporating two 12m cantilevers – each designed to carry up to 60 people. In terms of structural demand, the Smile is similar to the cantilevering core stabilising a 4-storey building, and it resists torsional distortion effects in the same manner as a box girder bridge.”

Source
2017 IStructE Awards
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The Smile shortlisted for 2017 Wood Awards The Smile

The Smile has been selected in the ‘Small Project’ category, among 34 projects that ‘represent the best of British architecture and product design in the world’s only naturally sustainable material’.[more..]

The Smile has been selected in the ‘Small Project’ category, among 34 projects that ‘represent the best of British architecture and product design in the world’s only naturally sustainable material’.

The Awards aim to recognise, encourage and promote outstanding design, craftsmanship and installation using wood.

Conceived as a habitable arc, The Smile was a 3.5m high, 4.5m wide and 34m long curved cross-laminated tulipwood tube that cantilevered 12m in two directions with viewing platforms at both ends. ABA collaborated with The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), Arup and the London Design Festival 2016 to present the structure at the Chelsea College of Art Rootstein Hopkins Parade Ground.

The shortlist will be on display at the London Design Fair, 21-24 September at the Old Truman Brewery.

Source
2017 Wood Awards
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US Modernist Radio #31 – Alison Brooks

Alison Brooks was interviewed by US Modernist Radio’s George Smart on her career development, her achievements and also on the development of housing in Britain.

[more..]

Alison Brooks was interviewed by US Modernist Radio’s George Smart on her career development, her achievements and also on the development of housing in Britain.

US Modernist Radio talk and laugh with people who enjoy, own, create, dream about, preserve, love, and hate Modernist architecture, the most exciting and controversial buildings in the world.

The podcast is free to download from iTunes.

Source
US Modernist Radio Podcast
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Casabella: Ely Court feature Ely Court

Ely Court features in this month’s edition of Italian magazine, Casabella. The mixed tenure scheme within the South Kilburn Estate Regeneration masterplan was recently a finalist for the 2017 Mies van der Rohe Award, the biennial European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture.

[more..]

Ely Court features in this month’s edition of Italian magazine, Casabella. The mixed tenure scheme within the South Kilburn Estate Regeneration masterplan was recently a finalist for the 2017 Mies van der Rohe Award, the biennial European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture.

“The arrangement of the new volumes reveals an almost surgical interest in mending the context through actions that alter the nature of the block itself… Simple elements like walls and enclosures are ennobled by the use of brick and connected to the building with the aim of constructing a single architectural element capable of designing and containing public space. These details reflect a clear intention to put the new architecture at the service of the neighbourhood, and to use it to reconfigure the identity of the context.”

Source
Casabella
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London Festival of Architecture: City(e)State City (e) State

Thank you to all those who joined us for our City(e)State exhibition at our studio! This event was part of the 2017 London Festival of Architecture.

Thank you to all those who joined us for our City(e)State exhibition at our studio! This event was part of the 2017 London Festival of Architecture.

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Alison Brooks honoured with AJ100 Contribution to the Profession Award

Voted for by employees of the UK’s top architectural practices, Alison Brooks was awarded with this year’s AJ100 Contribution to the Profession Award at a gala ceremony at Tower of London.[more..]

Voted for by employees of the UK’s top architectural practices, Alison Brooks was awarded with this year’s AJ100 Contribution to the Profession Award at a gala ceremony at Tower of London.

The award was a particular privilege, with previous recipients including Zaha Hadid, Richard Rogers and David Chipperfield. Click here to read the full article by Ruth Slavid in The Architects’ Journal.

“I represent a generation that operated in the transition between the high Modernism of the 20th Century through Post-modernism and Post-postmodernism and all the isms until finally everybody ran out of isms. We realised that we can have diversity and influences from history without being historicist. We can be sensitive and responsive to existing cultures. I feel fortunate to have been part of taking architecture out of its straitjacket.” – Alison Brooks.

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The Cohen Quadrangle: Collegiate Architecture as Future Heritage – LFA 2017 Exeter College Cohen Quad

Thu, 06/22/17 , 14.00
Embankment Galleries, Somerset House
Embankment Galleries, Somerset House (map)

In a rare public talk and Q&A session as part of the London Festival of Architecture 2017, Alison Brooks will be sharing the ideals and design approach behind the newest building to emerge on the Oxford city skyline; the Exeter College Cohen Quad.[more..]

In a rare public talk and Q&A session as part of the London Festival of Architecture 2017, Alison Brooks will be sharing the ideals and design approach behind the newest building to emerge on the Oxford city skyline; the Exeter College Cohen Quad.

ABA’s campus is due for completion later this year, making it the first complete College commissioned by the University of Oxford since Powell & Moya’s 1974 Wolfson College.

The Cohen Quad is a 21st century reinvention of the collegiate quadrangle, the basis of Oxford’s academic and urban fabric. Weaving together themes of collective memory, spatial experimentation, and the contemporary narrative of the city, the talk also addresses the architect’s role in creating generous and humane platforms for social exchange.

The design of the new quad is based on three key concepts: the journey, places of gathering and sense of home. These concepts are embedded in the formal layout of the building, the variety of its spaces, and its shimmering, curved stainless steel roof. The 6,000mCohen Quad offers a new institutional model for education and creativity. At its heart is the Learning Commons; its multi-layered spaces speak of a future where socialising, eating, drinking, studying and teaching will merge and evolve in a multitude of ways.

The Exeter College Cohen Quad talk will take place on the 22 June at 2pm in the Embankment Gallery of Somerset House. Entry is on a ‘first come, first served’ basis; please arrive promptly to secure a place.

The London Festival of Architecture is Europe’s biggest annual architecture festival, and returns to the capital from 1-30 June 2017 with hundreds of events exploring ‘memory’. It celebrates London as a global architectural hub, provokes questions about the life of the city, and promotes positive change to its public realm. For more information on the festival, visit www.londonfestivalofarchitecture.org.

 

Thu, 06.22.17 , 14.00
Embankment Galleries, Somerset House
Embankment Galleries, Somerset House
When
Where
Embankment Galleries, Somerset House (map)
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Financial Times: Timber advocates reach for the skies The Smile

The Smile features as an exemplar of innovative use of CLT in the Financial Times’ article on the cutting edge of a new timber architecture.[more..]

The Smile features as an exemplar of innovative use of CLT in the Financial Times’ article on the cutting edge of a new timber architecture.

‘After more than three centuries, a wooden architecture is once more taking shape in the city, which is leading the world in large-scale urban timber construction… However, temporary and experimental buildings are starting to nurture that experience. Last year Alison Brooks Architects built the world’s largest CLT tubular structure at site. The Smile… was a single, simple curve erected for the London Design Festival… London may no longer be surrounded by the forests of the Elizabethan era, but it is at least at the cutting edge of a new timber architecture’.

Click here to read the full article.

Source
Financial Times
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Robert Elms in conversation with Alison Brooks

Sun, 05/21/17 , 13:25
Urban Village Fete
Urban Village Fete (map)

Alison Brooks will join BBC Radio’s Robert Elms this Sunday at Greenwich Peninsula Urban Village Fete as part of his series Living for the City.

[more..]

Alison Brooks will join BBC Radio’s Robert Elms this Sunday at Greenwich Peninsula Urban Village Fete as part of his series Living for the City.

This year Robert will be in conversation with five influential female role models in aspirational industries, discussing their importance in shaping the landscape and celebrating their achievements.

Curated by Hemingway Design, the Urban Village Fete is a contemporary twist on the traditional village fair that celebrates the best in design, music, art, innovative events and modern craftmanship.

The Fete runs from 12pm until 7pm on Sunday 21 May and is free to attend. For more information, click here. 

Sun, 05.21.17 , 13:25
Urban Village Fete
Urban Village Fete
When
Where
Urban Village Fete (map)
Website
weareurbanvillage.co.uk
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Green light for ABA’s third project in South Kilburn Unity Place

Durham & Gloucester Court is a step closer to construction as Brent Council announces a Development and Sale Agreement with Telford Homes.[more..]

Durham & Gloucester Court is a step closer to construction as Brent Council announces a Development and Sale Agreement with Telford Homes.

Alison Brooks Architects have designed 84 of the 236 units in this mixed-tenure residential development which forms part of the South Kilburn Estate Regeneration Masterplan for the London Borough of Brent. Phase 3 of the Masterplan is led by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios with Alison Brooks Architects and Gort Scott, with landscape by Grant Associates. The scheme has received detailed planning consent and Telford Homes intend to start on site by September 2017, with completion due in 2021.

Amar Dave, Strategic Director Regeneration and Environment, Brent Council said: “We’re serious about making this borough an amazing place to live and are working hard to build the homes that people need. The partnership with Telford Homes brings us one step closer to delivering our target of 2,400 new homes in South Kilburn.”

Jon Di-Stefano, Chief Executive of Telford Homes, commented: “We are delighted to have been selected as the preferred partner of the London Borough of Brent for the redevelopment of Gloucester House and Durham Court. South Kilburn is undergoing major regeneration and our involvement represents the start of an exciting new relationship with Brent and our first development in the Borough. We look forward to exchanging contracts in the near future and commencing work on site later this year.”

For more about Durham & Gloucester Court, click here. 

Source
Brent Council
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Conscious Cities Conference No. 2 Ely Court

Wed, 05/3/17 , 09.00
One Sekforde Street, London
One Sekforde Street, London (map)

Alison Brooks will be speaking on the subject of conscious design and behavioural insight at the Conscious Cities Conference No. 2: Bridging Neuroscience, Architecture and Technology, a full day event taking place in London’s Urban Innovation Centre.[more..]

Alison Brooks will be speaking on the subject of conscious design and behavioural insight at the Conscious Cities Conference No. 2: Bridging Neuroscience, Architecture and Technology, a full day event taking place in London’s Urban Innovation Centre.

Building upon the topics and findings from its first conference examining the relationship between neuroscience and architecture, Conscious Cities’ second conference will disseminate and unify the industries and elements needed to create and build a ‘Conscious City’ that is responsive to human activity and needs.

This conference is divided into four segments:

  1. What Does Neuroscience Teach Us About The Built Environment?
  2. How Can We Use High Technology In The Built Environment?
  3. Creating Conscious Design: How Does Behavioural Insight Affect Architecture And Planning?
  4. What Do We Want Life To Look Like In A Conscious City? Ethics In The Built Environment.

Alison’s talk will focus on the transformative social and psychological role that architecture can play, using ABA’s EU Mies Award 2017 finalist Ely Court as an example.

For more information on the event and to book tickets, click here.

Wed, 05.3.17 , 09.00
One Sekforde Street, London
One Sekforde Street, London
When
Where
One Sekforde Street, London (map)
Source
Conscious Cities
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EU Mies Award Talks Ely Court

Mon, 05/1/17 , 09.00
Academie van Bouwkunst of Amsterdam
Academie van Bouwkunst of Amsterdam (map)

Alison Brooks and project architect Nelson Carvalho will present EU Mies van der Rohe Award Finalist Ely Court as part of a public lecture series featuring the five finalists in four cities over three days.

[more..]

Alison Brooks and project architect Nelson Carvalho will present EU Mies van der Rohe Award Finalist Ely Court as part of a public lecture series featuring the five finalists in four cities over three days.

Alison and Nelson will speak on the 1st May at the Academie van Bouwkunst of Amsterdam. For more information on the event, click here.

Following the lecture series, the jury will visit the finalist works and will collect first-hand information from the people who use the buildings, the clients and the architects to aid in their judgement process. Following deliberations, The Prize Winner and the Emerging Architect Winner will be announced in Brussels on 16th May. The process will culminate with the Awards Ceremony on 26th May at the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion, marking several days of Open Doors throughout Europe during which sites of the shortlisted works will be open for visits by the general public.

The European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture Mies van der Rohe Award is awarded biennially to works completed within the previous two years. The principal objectives are to achieve a thorough understanding of the transformation of Europe’s built environment; to recognize and commend excellence and innovation in the field of architecture and to draw attention to the important contribution of European professionals in the development of new ideas, the clients who support them and the citizens that enjoy them.

Mon, 05.1.17 , 09.00
Academie van Bouwkunst of Amsterdam
Academie van Bouwkunst of Amsterdam
When
Where
Academie van Bouwkunst of Amsterdam (map)
Source
Fundació Mies van der Rohe Barcelona
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NLA – Toronto:London

Wed, 04/19/17 , 13.30
Canada House
Canada House (map)

Alison Brooks will open Toronto:London, NLA’s International Dialogue event examining and comparing the growth of the two global cities.

[more..]

Alison Brooks will open Toronto:London, NLA’s International Dialogue event examining and comparing the growth of the two global cities.

This international event, being held simultaneously in both Toronto and London, will bring together experts from both cities for an exchange of ideas and approaches and discovering how both cities can learn from each other.

Alison will focus on key the opportunities for civic, cultural and economic value offered by waterside regeneration and will describe the ways London can learn from Toronto. She will join a panel discussion at the end of the session.

Key speakers include:
Jennifer Keesmaat, Chief Planner, City of Toronto
John Campbell, President & CEO, Renovo Advisory Services Ltd, former President & CEO, Waterfront Toronto
Donald Schmitt, Partner, Diamond Schmitt Architects
Professor Will Alsop, Director, All Design
Peter Murray, Chairman, New London Architecture

Toronto:London is a New London Architecture member-only event. For more information click here.

Wed, 04.19.17 , 13.30
Canada House
Canada House
When
Where
Canada House (map)
Source
New London Architecture
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The Smile wins Architizer A+Award The Smile

A Winning Smile! We’ve won the Jury’s Award for the Cultural-Pavilions category in the Architizer A+Awards 2017, announced 11th April.  The Smile was also shortlisted in the Pop-Ups, Temporary and Wood categories.[more..]

A Winning Smile! We’ve won the Jury’s Award for the Cultural-Pavilions category in the Architizer A+Awards 2017, announced 11th April.  The Smile was also shortlisted in the Pop-Ups, Temporary and Wood categories.

The highlight of the 2016 London Design Festival, The Smile was an experimental public pavilion designed by Alison Brooks Architects and engineered by Arup. Conceived as a habitable arc poised on the horizon, The Smile offered an immersive sensory environment integrating structure, surface, space and light. Using only cross laminated timber, the 34-metre-long dynamically curved space was an installed in the Chelsea College of Art (UAL) Parade Ground opposite Tate Britain. It was open to the public for 4 weeks attracting 30,000 visitors. With 290m online views and thousands of Instagram photos, the Smile sparked a global audience with its spectacular scale, pure form, and advanced timber engineering.

Each end of the Smile focused on a particular view of the locality – at one end a tree crown, at the other end the Edwardian façade of Chelsea College. Small perforations along the length of the tube expressed the forces acting on the CLT, translating the forces into light patterns for the Smile’s interior. Unique to tulipwood as a structural material is its beautiful grain and fine finish. Along with its unique curved floor, natural timber scent and unusual acoustic qualities, the Smile was ‘the most complex structure ever built in CLT’.

The project brief was to create a magnet for public engagement with architecture and design, while demonstrating the extraordinary properties of tulipwood, a North American hardwood tree species that is twice as strong and half as heavy as softwood. The Smile’s 12m long x 4m wide x 3m high CLT cantilevers were engineered to support 60-100 people at one end with only a 1m deep timber footing. The Smile one of the most important developments in a decade of research into structural timber innovation by The American Hardwood Council and Arup.

The Architizer A+Awards is the largest awards program focused on promoting and celebrating the year’s best architecture and products. Its mission is to nurture the appreciation of meaningful architecture in the world and champion its potential for a positive impact on everyday life. The shortlist of five finalists per category was nominated by an international jury of industry leaders from architecture, technology, art, fashion and design fields. The awards culminate in a red carpet gala celebration in New York in May.

 

Source
The Architizer A+Awards
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Christie’s International Real Estate: Meet the Architects Lens House

Alison Brooks advises Christie’s International Real Estate Magazine’s readers on how best to work with architects to design and build their dream home in The Architecture Issue.

[more..]

Alison Brooks advises Christie’s International Real Estate Magazine’s readers on how best to work with architects to design and build their dream home in The Architecture Issue.

In this feature, the potential of both new builds and renovations – in the form of ABA’s Lens House in London – are explored:

‘A home is such a high-performance piece of architecture… People experience their home every single day, and it is tested at all times; it has to live up to this scrutiny. An architect’s skill is to be able to make domestic space, form, and materials work as art, and in ways you would not have thought of yourself, such as inventive approaches to working with light, capturing unexpected views, and creating new relationships – it’s about connecting spaces and people more joyfully.’

To read the full article, click here.

Source
Christie's International Real Estate Magazine
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Housing Innovation: New methods of construction and delivery Ely Court City (e) State Kilburn Quarter Unity Place

Alison Brooks will give a presentation and join a panel discussion at Housing Innovation: New methods of construction and delivery, New London Architecture’s half day conference.

[more..]

Alison Brooks will give a presentation and join a panel discussion at Housing Innovation: New methods of construction and delivery, New London Architecture’s half day conference.

The NLA Housing Innovation conference aims to examine the barriers we must overcome and assess how we can be innovative in our approach to affordability and construction within the new parameters set out in the supplementary Planning Guidance and the Housing White Paper.

Alison will give a short presentation during the second session on new approaches to estate regeneration referencing examples of ABA’s work including our EU Mies van der Rohe Award 2017 shortlisted Ely Court in South Kilburn. She will then join a panel discussion on new approaches to delivery. Other panellists include Ben Derbyshire – partner at HTA and president-elect at RIBA, Russ Edwards – head of design at Pocket and Kieran White – Vision Modular Systems – Tide Construction.

For more information on the conference and speakers, click here.

When
Where
NLA (map)
Website
www.newlondonarchitecture.org
Source
NLA
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Dezeen: Ely Court Feature Ely Court

‘Balconies with bronze frames break up the brick exterior of these three housing blocks in northwest London by Alison Brooks Architects – a finalist for this year’s Mies van der Rohe Award’.

[more..]

‘Balconies with bronze frames break up the brick exterior of these three housing blocks in northwest London by Alison Brooks Architects – a finalist for this year’s Mies van der Rohe Award’.

‘Brooks’ London firm designed Ely Court to create 44 new homes as part of the South Kilburn Estate Regeneration Masterplan – one of the largest regeneration schemes in London.

The 6,509-square-metre complex is made up of three residential blocks named Terrace, Link block and the Flatiron arranged around a garden square’.

To read the full piece, click here.

Source
Dezeen
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Greenwich Peninsula towers receive planning

Planning permission has been granted for our ambitious new residential scheme designed for Knight Dragon’s Greenwich Peninsula development.

[more..]

Planning permission has been granted for our ambitious new residential scheme designed for Knight Dragon’s Greenwich Peninsula development.

The design comprises 400 residential units within a cluster of 4 residential towers of varying heights, with co-work and leisure space at ground floor and podium level. A colonnaded plinth connects all these elements, forming a generous communal garden. The scheme sits in a prominent location along the eastern edge of the site’s Central Park, which will itself be a focal point for the community in the great tradition of London garden squares.

Appearing as if carved from a single block, the four buildings radiate in plan, responding to the curve of the park edge opposite, while maximising views of the area and river. The metal lattice expression of the towers and their tapering forms were inspired by the industrial heritage of the local area; the gas holders and cast iron clad chimneys of Greenwich Power Station.

The two towers – 28 and 17 storeys – on the south west of the site, face directly onto Central Park. Two lower buildings of 12 and 5 storeys are located to the north east of the site. Collectively, the towers will provide high quality and fully accessible homes with a variety of types and tenures. Each building has 360 degree views, colonnades, roof gardens and co-working spaces.

Alison Brooks commented, “We’re delighted to be working with Knight Dragon and that our designs received unanimous consent from the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Our intention was to create a robust, adaptable urban block with generous  proportions that reinforces the Peninsula’s cosmopolitan identity.”

Greenwich Peninsula is one of the largest regeneration projects in London. Situated in east London, in the Royal Borough of Greenwich and across the River Thames from Canary Wharf, it consists of seven new neighbourhoods masterplanned by Allies and Morrison.

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The Smile shortlisted for three Architizer Awards The Smile

The Smile has been shortlisted as one of only five finalists in each of the Commercial Pop-Ups and Temporary, Pavilions and Architecture +Wood categories at the Architizer A+ Awards 2017.

[more..]

The Smile has been shortlisted as one of only five finalists in each of the Commercial Pop-Ups and Temporary, Pavilions and Architecture +Wood categories at the Architizer A+ Awards 2017.

Called ‘The Smile’ due to its upward curving arc shape, the pavilion was a hugely successful landmark project for the 2016 London Design Festival. ABA collaborated with The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) and Arup to present the 136 m² tubular structure constructed entirely with cross–laminated American tulipwood. Arup’s Special Structures team in London described the project as ‘the most complex piece of CLT engineering in the world’.

The Architizer A+Awards is the largest awards program focused on promoting and celebrating the year’s best architecture and products. Its mission is to nurture the appreciation of meaningful architecture in the world and champion its potential for a positive impact on everyday life. The shortlist of five finalists per category has been nominated by an international jury of industry leaders from architecture, technology, art, fashion and design fields. The winners will be chosen by a public vote, opening today, March 14, and will be announced April 11. The awards culminate in a red carpet gala celebration in New York in May.

To vote in the Pop-Ups & Temporary category, click here.

To vote in the Pavilions category, click here.

To vote in the Architecture +Wood category, click here.

Source
The Architizer A+Awards
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Azure: 30 Must-Know Women Architects Ely Court

Alison Brooks features among prominent UK and Irish architects on Azure Magazine’s international must-know list of women architects.

[more..]

Alison Brooks features among prominent UK and Irish architects on Azure Magazine’s international must-know list of women architects.

Azure states: ‘In honour of International Women’s Day, we present this list of 30 women architects from across the globe whose names (and works) everyone should know’.

‘Born in Ontario but based in London, England, Brooks has become one of the U.K.’s most acclaimed architects and the only one to have ever won the U.K.’s most prestigious prizes: the Stephen Lawrence Prize, the Manser Medal and the 2008 RIBA Stirling Prize.

Why you should know her: Brook’s Ely Court, a residential development in northwest London, is one of five finalists vying for the prestigious Mies van der Rohe Award this year’.

For the full list, click here.

Source
Azure
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Architects’ Journal: Ely Court only UK finalist for EU Mies Award 2017 Ely Court

‘Alison Brooks Architects’ RIBA Award-winning Ely Court in north west London is the only UK finalist chosen for the 2017 Mies van der Rohe Award.

‘Alison Brooks Architects’ RIBA Award-winning Ely Court in north west London is the only UK finalist chosen for the 2017 Mies van der Rohe Award.

The 43-home scheme in South Kilburn made the five-strong shorlist alongside a museum in Poland by BBGK Architekci; a house in Denmark by Lundgaard & Tranberg Architects; a museum in France by Rudy Ricciotti and a block of flats in the Netherlands by NL Architects and XVW architectuur.

In December it was revealed that 19 schemes from the UK had made it on to a 356-strong longlist for the prestigious pan-European award. These included FAT’s A House for Essex; MUMA’s Whitworth Gallery in Manchester; Caruso St John’s Newport Street Gallery in London;  DRDH’s Stormen concert hall and library in Bodø in Norway, and AL_A’s MAAT cultural centre in Lisbon.

The Mies van der Rohe Award, the biennial European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture, is widely recognised as the highest accolade in European architecture and features a €60,000 (£51,000) top prize.’

Read more in The Architects’ Journal article here.

Source
Architects' Journal
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Ely Court selected as EU Mies Award 2017 finalist Ely Court

ABA’s Ely Court has been selected as one of just five finalists from a shortlist of 40 for the prestigious 2017 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award. [more..]

ABA’s Ely Court has been selected as one of just five finalists from a shortlist of 40 for the prestigious 2017 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award. Ely Court is a 43-dwelling mixed-tenure scheme for London’s South Kilburn Estate Regeneration Masterplan for Brent Council.

The European Commission and the Fundació Mies van der Rohe announced the five finalists at a press conference on 15th February at the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion.

Stephen Bates, architect and Chairman of the Jury said: “Our instincts could be summed up by the words of Peter Smithson: ‘things need to be ordinary and heroic at the same time’. We were looking for an ordinariness whose understated lyricism is full of potential”. 

Malgorzata Omilanowska, art historian, former Minister of Culture in Poland and member of the Jury, said: “social housing, memory and the problem of context and new constructions in the old city centres have proven to be important to us as a Jury. The finalist works show the problematic of our time; what has happened in the last year reveals the really deep problem of populism and the lack of memory. These 5 projects show the problem that we face as citizens, not only as architecture specialists, but as members of today’s society.” 

Anna Ramos, Director of the Fundació Mies van der Rohe, said: “The Jury’s selection consolidates the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture—Mies van der Rohe Award as a strategic element by which to promote research into, debate on and dissemination of contemporary architecture in Europe. Issues such as collective housing, the complexity of the European city—both contemporary and historical—and the ability of architecture to create symbolic spaces provide us with the opportunity to extend the debate on the finalist works beyond architectural circuits, because they respond to the concerns of today’s European society.”

The Prize is awarded biennially to works completed within the previous two years. The principal objectives are to achieve a thorough understanding of the transformation of Europe’s built environment; to recognize and commend excellence and innovation in the field of architecture and to draw attention to the important contribution of European professionals in the development of new ideas, the clients who support them and the citizens that enjoy them. The Jury will visit the five works in April and the Prize Winner and the Emerging Architect Winner will be announced in Brussels on 16th May. The process will culminate with the Awards Ceremony on 26th May at the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion, marking several days of Open Doors throughout Europe during which sites of the shortlisted works will be open for visits by the general public.

The four other finalists are:

  • deFlatKleiburg, Amsterdam, by NL Architects and XVW architectuur, Amsterdam
  • Kannikegården, Ribe, by Lundgaard &Tranberg Architects, Copenhagen
  • Katyn Museum, Warsaw, by BBGK Architekci, Warsaw
  • Rivesaltes Memorial Museum, Rivesaltes/Ribesaltes, by Rudy Ricciotti, Bandol

 

Source
EU Mies Award
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The Guardian: To solve the housing crisis we need new ideas, not garden cities Newhall Be

In her article in The Guardian, Frances Holliss uses ABA’s Newhall Be as an exemplar of design for home-based work.

[more..]

In her article in The Guardian, Frances Holliss uses ABA’s Newhall Be as an exemplar of design for home-based work.

‘Few contemporary home-based workers live and work in conditions that suit them. But they could. Instead of building miserable cookie-cutter housing, the home and the workplace could be combined in all sorts of ways to make “workhomes”. These could be built with street-facing workspace, like Alison Brooks Architects’ prize-winning Newhall Be scheme outside Harlow…’

Source
The Guardian
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Ely Court shortlisted for EU Mies Award 2017 Ely Court

ABA is proud to announce that Ely Court has been shortlisted for the 2017 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award. [more..]

ABA is proud to announce that Ely Court has been shortlisted for the 2017 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award. Ely Court is a 43-dwelling mixed-tenure scheme for London’s South Kilburn Estate Regeneration Masterplan for Brent Council. The scheme is one of just four UK works shortlisted by the European Commission and the Fundació Mies van der Rohe for this prestigious prize.

The Prize is awarded biennially to works completed within the previous two years. The principal objectives are to achieve a thorough understanding of the transformation of Europe’s built environment; to recognize and commend excellence and innovation in the field of architecture and to draw attention to the important contribution of European professionals in the development of new ideas, the clients who support them and the citizens that enjoy them. The Jury members have shortlisted 40 projects and will select the 5 finalist works which they will visit in April. The process will culminate with the Award Ceremony on May 26 at the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion, marking several days of Open Doors throughout Europe during which sites of the shortlisted works will be open for visit to the general public.

Source
EU Mies Award
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Exeter College Cohen Quad update Exeter College Cohen Quad

We are pleased to announce that Alison Brooks Architects’ first major civic and educational commission, Exeter College Cohen Quad, University of Oxford, is nearing completion as the cloisters, cafe and junior common room are now in use.

[more..]

We are pleased to announce that Alison Brooks Architects’ first major civic and educational commission, Exeter College Cohen Quad, University of Oxford, is nearing completion as the cloisters, cafe and junior common room are now in use.

Collegiate quadrangles form the basis of Oxford’s academic and urban fabric, providing learning, study and social spaces for academic communities. The Cohen Quad offers the first fully accessible, purpose designed social learning space in the history of the university. Ahead of the Quad’s full completion later this spring, the students have already started to enjoy the cloisters, cafe and junior common room. In particular, the ellipsoidal, cross-laminated timber arches of the cloisters are proving to be a popular gathering spot for the college community and fellows.

Click here to discover how we are creating a contemporary social heart for Oxford University’s fourth oldest college.

“It really is a superb building… the light and the quality of materials provide a stunning environment for living and working.”Exeter College

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The Times: Is this the cleverest new town in Britain? Knight’s Park

Cambridge University’s exceptionally ambitious North West Cambridge Development, including ABA’s Veteran Oak Quarter, has been featured in The Sunday Times’ property section.

[more..]

Cambridge University’s exceptionally ambitious North West Cambridge Development, including ABA’s Veteran Oak Quarter, has been featured in The Sunday Times’ property section.

“Is this the cleverest new town in Britain? A development on the edge of Cambridge will offer affordable housing for academics, as well as student digs and open-market homes.

“’We want this to be an exemplar development,’ says Heather Topel, acting project director for the North West Cambridge development… The residents won’t have to deal with the messiness of a weekly bin day. Instead, the 700 rental apartments will be served by underground bins, with an electronic monitoring system sending a message to a control centre whenever one is full. The university has commissioned a special lorry to do the emptying.

“A series of artificial lakes is being created on the edge of the development to contain excess rainwater runoff, which will then be recycled back into the system and used for washing machines and toilets, as well as to irrigate green spaces. Gravel dug out of the first lake has been piled up to create a grassy hill and block out traffic noise from the nearby M11. Once complete, the lakes will be a refuge for wildlife, walkers and runners, with public art installations designed to function like modern-day follies.

“A dedicated energy centre will provide hot water and central heating, doing away with the need for boilers in every property. In addition, the roofs will have solar panels and 20% of all the energy consumed will be produced on site.

“Cars will be parked underground, and running right through the development will be a “green superhighway” for pedestrians and cyclists. Residents will be able to cycle to the city centre or Cambridge North station (due to open in May) within 10 minutes.

“And because the development will be home to bookish types from around the world, each flat will have extra storage space for reading matter and suitcases, as well as a designated study area. Vents covered in noise-limiting material will allow fresh air to circulate without the need to open windows, which might distract hard-working researchers. All of the flats will have generous ceiling heights — reminiscent of older Cambridge buildings.”

“Rob Hall, deputy managing director of Hill Residential, the developer responsible for the homes for sale, sees the university’s project as being akin to Bournville, the village near Birmingham established by the Cadbury family in the late 19th century to accommodate workers at its chocolate factory. “It’s an employer trying to look after its staff,” he says. “Frankly, there is not enough accommodation in the city. The university is to be applauded for identifying and acting on this huge need.”

Source
The Sunday Times
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Alison Brooks featured in The Spear’s 500

Alison Brooks has been featured in the architecture category of the 2017 edition of The Spear’s 500. Launched by Spear’s in 2014, the directory is the world’s first comprehensive guide to the top private client advisers, wealth managers and HNW service providers.

[more..]

Alison Brooks has been featured in the architecture category of the 2017 edition of The Spear’s 500. Launched by Spear’s in 2014, the directory is the world’s first comprehensive guide to the top private client advisers, wealth managers and HNW service providers.

“‘I try to avoid styles and focus on ideas. The greatest work is always the result of a concept or an ideal that leads the design into uncharted territory’. So says the formidable Brooks, who, since founding her practice in 1996, has become one of the world’s most sought-after architects; she was recently named as one of Britain’s 500 Most Influential people by The Sunday Times.

Her London-based studio has a portfolio ranging from one-off houses to education buildings, high-end residential developments and masterplans. ‘Each of our projects is unique in its concept and detail: our designs respond in a very specific way to each client, place and brief,’ she says.

Brooks has won numerous awards, including Architect of the Year and Housing Architect of the Year 2012 and is the only UK practice to have won the RIBA’s three most prestigious awards for architecture; but the greatest achievement of her practice so far, she says, was winning the commission for the Cohen Quadrangle for Exeter College at Oxford University which is due to be completed in early 2017.”

Source
The Spear's 500
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Margate Arts Creativity and Heritage Conference (MACH) Quarterhouse

Wed, 02/1/17 , 13.30
Turner Contemporary
Turner Contemporary (map)

Alison Brooks will give a keynote speech at the Margate Arts Creativity and Heritage Conference (MACH) on the 1st February at the Turner Contemporary, Margate.

[more..]

Alison Brooks will give a keynote speech at the Margate Arts Creativity and Heritage Conference (MACH) on the 1st February at the Turner Contemporary, Margate.

The event brings together government and cultural agencies, creative businesses and practitioners to celebrate learning from almost 10 years of culture-led placemaking in Margate, with a focus on the legacy of the innovative Margate Arts Creativity Heritage partnership programme, and with a view to the future of economic and cultural development across Thanet.

Alison’s speech – Big Ideas for Culture-led Placemaking and Regeneration – will focus on The Folkestone Quarterhouse as an example of ABA’s approach to arts and education-led regeneration.

The RIBA award-winning Folkestone Quarterhouse Performing Arts Centre is a key element of the arts-led regeneration of Folkestone. It was conceived as both a beacon announcing a new cultural hub for Folkestone, and as an urban building bookending the curved east facade of late Georgian buildings that form Tontine Street.

For more information on the event and to book tickets, click here.

Wed, 02.1.17 , 13.30
Turner Contemporary
Turner Contemporary
When
Where
Turner Contemporary (map)
Website
www.eventbrite.co.uk
Source
Margate Arts Creativity and Heritage Conference
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The Smile wins esteemed award at the 2016 Wood Design & Building Awards The Smile

The Smile has won an Honor Award at the 2016 Wood Design & Building Awards.[more..]

The Smile has won an Honor Award at the 2016 Wood Design & Building Awards.It was selected from approximately 200 submissions to receive this esteemed award.

ABA collaborated with The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), Arup and the London Design Festival 2016 to present a cross-laminated tulipwood structure, ‘The Smile’ at the Chelsea College of Art Rootstein Hopkins Parade Ground.

The Wood Design & Building Awards celebrate international and North American projects that embody the essence of innovative wood design. Winning projects are hand selected by a prestigious architectural jury, consisting this year of Peter Bohlin- principal at Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, Patricia Patkau- principal at Patkau Architects and Brian Court- partner at The Miller Hull Partnership. Special awards were granted by the Canadian Wood Council as well as this year’s sponsors, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Western Red Cedar, and Sansin.

“For architecture to truly be successful, it must transcend buildings and fulfil the structural, functional and aesthetic needs of a community.” explained Etienne Lalonde, Vice-President of Market Development for the Canadian Wood Council. “The Wood Design Awards program is an opportunity for design teams to showcase applications of wood/wood products that ultimately lead to safe, strong and sophisticated buildings and that inspire others to use wood in construction.”

Source
2016 Wood Design & Building Awards
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Structure as Finish: The Smile features in this month’s Frame The Smile

Frame magazine has featured The Smile in its latest issue, No 114 Jan – Feb 2017.

[more..]

Frame magazine has featured The Smile in its latest issue, No 114 Jan – Feb 2017.

“You can build a friendly house out of flooring. For the American Hardwood Export Council and the London Design Festival, Alison Brooks Architects worked with Arup to realize, in cross-laminated tulipwood, the Smile: a 34-m-long rectangular dwelling. The hollow ‘tube’ illustrates the structural and aesthetic potential of an engineered timber harvested from fast-growing trees and suitable for building walls, floors and ceilings. Said to be stronger than concrete and machinable to super-high tolerances, the material can reduce construction time by up to 30% when used for prefabrication.” 

Source
Frame
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The Sunday Times: Six buildings making an impact this year Exeter College Cohen Quad

The Exeter College Cohen Quad was chosen by Jeremy Melvin of The Sunday Times as one of six buildings that will make an impact this year.

[more..]

The Exeter College Cohen Quad was chosen by Jeremy Melvin of The Sunday Times as one of six buildings that will make an impact this year.

“What makes this project notable among the crop of new buildings in Oxford and Cambridge is how it transforms the traditional spatial configurations of Oxbridge colleges. It manages to look to the future, using new technologies, while still catering to the traditional needs for accommodation and secure storage for special collections.

The central conceptual idea and physical space is the Learning Commons, a large volume offering levels of differing size and degrees of intimacy. Studious scholars can hide themselves away and study intently; others might spot people and exchange ideas.

This is not Oxford’s most flamboyant new building — Zaha Hadid’s work in 2015 on St Antony’s College, and Herzog & de Meuron’s Blavatnik School of Government, debuted last year, outdo it on that score — and it had to fit a lot of accommodation into a tight planning envelope. But it is perhaps the most far-reaching in showing how congenial spaces and new technologies might support academic life, just as the quad, the library and the printed book did 500 years ago.”

Source
The Sunday Times
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Ely Court - EU Mies Award 2017

Ely Court nominated for EU Mies Award 2017 Ely Court

The European Commission and the Fundació Mies van der Rohe has announced the list of works competing for the 2017 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award. ABA is proud to announce that Ely Court has been nominated for this prestigious prize. Ely Court is a 43-dwelling mixed-tenure scheme for London’s South Kilburn Estate Regeneration masterplan for Brent Council.

[more..]

The European Commission and the Fundació Mies van der Rohe has announced the list of works competing for the 2017 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award. ABA is proud to announce that Ely Court has been nominated for this prestigious prize. Ely Court is a 43-dwelling mixed-tenure scheme for London’s South Kilburn Estate Regeneration masterplan for Brent Council.

The Prize is awarded biennially to works completed within the previous two years. The principal objectives are to achieve a thorough understanding of the transformation of Europe’s built environment; to recognize and commend excellence and innovation in the field of architecture (in conceptual and construction terms) and to draw attention to the important contribution of European professionals in the development of new ideas, the clients who support them and the citizens that enjoy them.The Jury members will shortlist 40 projects and select the 5 finalist works which they will visit in April. The process will culminate with the Award Ceremony on May 26 at the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion, marking several days of Open Doors throughout Europe during which sites of the shortlisted works will be open for visit to the general public.

Source
EU Mies Award
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Alison Brooks receives Honorary Doctorate at University of Waterloo

Saturday 18th June 2016 Alison Brooks received an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering from the University of Waterloo, Canada after giving the convocation speech to over 5,400 graduating students during the ceremony.

Saturday 18th June 2016 Alison Brooks received an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering from the University of Waterloo, Canada after giving the convocation speech to over 5,400 graduating students during the ceremony.

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Talk: Urbanistas – Women Innovators in Architecture Urban Design

Tue, 10/13/15 , 18:00
Northern Architecture Centre, Newcastle
Northern Architecture Centre, Newcastle (map)

Our cities aren’t just designed, they are systematised, planned, lived in, modified and in order to be resilient, need to be responsive.

[more..]

Our cities aren’t just designed, they are systematised, planned, lived in, modified and in order to be resilient, need to be responsive.

Alison Brooks spoke  alongside Alessandra Cianchetta, Irena Bauman, Johanna Gibbons, Liza Fior and Katherine Clarke in association with the Urbanistas exhibition, commissioned by Roca Gallery London, curated by Lucy Bullivant, and brought to Newcastle by Igloo Regeneration.

Tue, 10.13.15 , 18:00
Northern Architecture Centre, Newcastle
Northern Architecture Centre, Newcastle
When
Where
Northern Architecture Centre, Newcastle (map)
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Bath Western Riverside nears completion Albert Crescent

The first residents are moving into the Western Terrace of ABA’s 27 unit Bath Western Riverside scheme.

[more..]

The first residents are moving into the Western Terrace of ABA’s 27 unit Bath Western Riverside scheme.

ABA worked on this Crest Nicholson Regeneration project as part of a transformational plan to develop 44 acres of former industrial site into a new residential quarter for the city of Bath. Once completed Bath Riverside will comprise over 2000 modern new homes, a new school, 650 student rooms, 60,000sq.ft of commercial space and over 19 acres of public open space including a large riverside park.

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Architizer: A+ Awards 2015 Lens House

This collection of winners from the 2015 Architizer A+ Awards includes ABA’s Lens House, which won in the Large Private House category.

[more..]

This collection of winners from the 2015 Architizer A+ Awards includes ABA’s Lens House, which won in the Large Private House category.

The A+Awards celebrate the diversity of the world’s architecture. The entrants, from over 100 countries, run the gamut of architectural typology and form, ranging from the tallest towers to the tiniest apartments and everything in between. From a sinuous elevated bike path to a “human-sized birdhouse,” the winners represent the full spectrum of architectural endeavor: There is a next-generation prefab construction method, a pop-up tower “grown” from mushrooms, conscientious renovations in China, and even a radical revitalization of the NYC waterfront.

ISBN
9780714870540
Publisher
Phaidon
Buy
href="http://uk.phaidon.com/store/architecture/architizer-a-awards-2015-9780714870540/?utm_source=architizer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=aplus0705&utm_source=architizer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=aplus0705" target="_blank">Purchase
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Talk: Brick Works!

Tue, 06/16/15 , 10:30
The Building Centre, London, UK
The Building Centre, London, UK (map)

ABA’s Nelson Carvalho spoke at The Brick Development Association’s inaugural Design Day Brick Works at the Building Centre, London.

[more..]

ABA’s Nelson Carvalho spoke at The Brick Development Association’s inaugural Design Day Brick Works at the Building Centre, London.

Design Day Brick Works is a meeting of contemporary architecture, specialist contracting and artistic interpretation: all focused on brick.  It is a high-profile event conceived by the BDA as the champion for current and future use of brick products.

The central focus will be an exploration of the creative potential for brick in contemporary architecture.  Designers as diverse as Jo Morris of Duggan Morris, Alfred Munkenbeck from Munkenback and Partners and Stirling prize winner Alison Brooks will consider their own interpretations of the material amongst a host of other architectural speakers while leading contractors discuss the practical challenges faced in turning the designs into reality on site.

Speakers:

  • Alison Brooks, Alison Brooks Architects
  • Jo Morris, Duggan Morris
  • Alfred Munkenbeck, Munkenback and Partners
  • Adam Brown, Landolt + Brown
  • Alexis Harrison, ARUP
  • Jonathan Dawes, Cottrell and Vermeulen architects
  • Pete Croney, Swift Brickwork
  • Paul Dewick, Boxmoor Construction
  • Dennis Ansell, Ancon

Artists:

  • Alex Chinneck
  • Fernando Casasempere
  • Iain Howlett
  • Damelza Watts
  • Maki Suzuki
Tue, 06.16.15 , 10:30
The Building Centre, London, UK
The Building Centre, London, UK
When
Where
The Building Centre, London, UK (map)
Website
www.buildingcentre.co.uk
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South Kilburn Estate Regeneration: Phase 2A demolition video Kilburn Quarter

This time-lapse footage from the demolition of Bronte and Fielding House in South Kilburn, September 2014, shows the future site of ABA’s scheme for South Kilburn Estate Regeneration: Phase 2A, which is now under construction.

This time-lapse footage from the demolition of Bronte and Fielding House in South Kilburn, September 2014, shows the future site of ABA’s scheme for South Kilburn Estate Regeneration: Phase 2A, which is now under construction.

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South Kilburn top out

Construction has reached roof level at the South Block of South Kilburn Estate Regeneration Phase 2A.

[more..]

Construction has reached roof level at the South Block of South Kilburn Estate Regeneration Phase 2A.

ABA’s South Block, within a 229 unit scheme designed by Alison Brooks Architects and Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands, is being delivered by Network Housing Group and United House as part of the London Borough of Brent’s South Kilburn Regeneration Programme.

With diamond shaped columns and 100% double aspect flats, ABA’s distinctively shaped point block to the south of the site is currently emerging out of the ground. More updates to follow as construction progresses.

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Completion near at South Kilburn Ely Court

Phase 1A of the South Kilburn Estate Regeneration project is nearing completion on site.

[more..]

Phase 1A of the South Kilburn Estate Regeneration project is nearing completion on site.

ABA’s scheme for Phase 1A is a collection of three building typologies of up to four storeys: apartment terrace, flatiron building and mews houses knitted between existing eleven storey apartment blocks. Street frontages are animated with front porches, recessed balconies and roof gardens create a layering of landscape and highly articulated, rhythmic facades.

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South Kilburn on site

Pace is gathering on site as all four building frames are now under construction at South Kilburn Estate Regeneration: Phase 2A for London Borough of Brent.

[more..]

Pace is gathering on site as all four building frames are now under construction at South Kilburn Estate Regeneration: Phase 2A for London Borough of Brent.

The scheme creates a new residential quarter of mansion terraces and point blocks framing private communal gardens, with a new civic square and pedestrian boulevard at Kilburn Park Road to help strengthen the neighbourhood’s connections to the wider community.

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Exeter College on site

Following selective demolition of existing buildings, construction has begun at Exeter College: Cohen Quad, Oxford.

[more..]

Following selective demolition of existing buildings, construction has begun at Exeter College: Cohen Quad, Oxford.

The project will form Exeter College’s Third Quadrangle in the heart of Oxford. The new building will combine undergraduate and graduate living accommodation for 100 students, a lecture hall, teaching rooms, social learning spaces and study facilities.

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Lens House wins Architizer Award

Lens House has been awarded Jury’s Winner in the Large Private House category of Architizer’s A+ Awards.

[more..]

Lens House has been awarded Jury’s Winner in the Large Private House category of Architizer’s A+ Awards.

The jury for this global award included Ben van Berkel, Bjarke Ingels, Winy Maas, Jeanne Gang, Liz Diller and Steven Holl.

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Debate: Ecobuild – ‘Quality Housing Fit for the 21st Century’

Thu, 03/5/15 , 13:40
ExCeL, London, UK
ExCeL, London, UK (map)

Alison Brooks participated in a panel discussion at Ecobuild 2015.

[more..]

Alison Brooks participated in a panel discussion at Ecobuild 2015.

The imbalance between housing demand and supply means housebuilders aren’t under pressure to invest in high quality design to gain market share. This results in mediocre identikit housing and poor public realm which is unappealing for residents. Little thought is given to promoting more sustainable lifestyles including walking and cycling rather than driving and activities including growing food. Can anything be done to improve the quality of housing design which will ensure long-term appeal and therefore greater longevity for schemes?

BD article

Thu, 03.5.15 , 13:40
ExCeL, London, UK
ExCeL, London, UK
When
Where
ExCeL, London, UK (map)
Website
registration.n200.com
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Exhibition: Urbanistas – Women in Urban Design

Fri, 03/6/15
Roca London gallery, London, UK
Roca London gallery, London, UK (map)

Alison Brooks Architects are participated in the Urbanistas Exhibition at Roca London Gallery. Showcasing sustainable, liveable examples of architecture, urban and landscape design, Urbanistas highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness needed to tackle modern city living with models, drawings, video interviews and more.

[more..]

Alison Brooks Architects are participated in the Urbanistas Exhibition at Roca London Gallery. Showcasing sustainable, liveable examples of architecture, urban and landscape design, Urbanistas highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness needed to tackle modern city living with models, drawings, video interviews and more.

The exhibition is curated by Lucy Bullivant (Hon FRIBA) and designed by Julia Feix (Feix & Merlin Architects). It also features projects by muf architecture/art, Bauman Lyons Architects and J&L Gibbons.

Press
GuardianBDEvening Standard

Fri, 03.6.15
Roca London gallery, London, UK
Roca London gallery, London, UK
When
Where
Roca London gallery, London, UK (map)
Website
urbanistas.roca-exhibitions.co.uk
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Debate: Royal Academy – ‘Counting the Costs of the Housing Crisis’

Mon, 01/26/15 , 18:30
The Geological Society, London, UK
The Geological Society, London, UK (map)

Alison Brooks debated ‘The Costs of the Housing Crisis’ with Campbell Robb, Chief Executive of Shelter, Polly Toynbee of The Guardian, Tony Travers of LSE, and Sarah Gaventa, Interim Director of the Architecture Foundation.

[more..]

Alison Brooks debated ‘The Costs of the Housing Crisis’ with Campbell Robb, Chief Executive of Shelter, Polly Toynbee of The Guardian, Tony Travers of LSE, and Sarah Gaventa, Interim Director of the Architecture Foundation.

The idea behind this event was to offer a fresh view on precisely what we mean by ‘housing crisis’, its extent and importantly its detrimental effects for individuals and society. We want to assess the nature and implications of these effects – whether social, economic, psychological or environmental – and also on the role of the architect.

Mon, 01.26.15 , 18:30
The Geological Society, London, UK
The Geological Society, London, UK
When
Where
The Geological Society, London, UK (map)
Website
www.royalacademy.org.uk
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Alison Brooks receives Alumni Achievement Medal from University of Waterloo

Alison Brooks is the recipient of the 2014 Medal for Professional Achievement.

[more..]

Alison Brooks is the recipient of the 2014 Medal for Professional Achievement.

The Faculty of Engineering Alumni Achievement Medal program was established to recognize the accomplishments of Waterloo Engineering alumni on the world stage.

This prestigious award, created in 1994, was established to provide tangible recognition of alumni who have distinguished themselves through their professional achievements, community service or academic excellence.

More info

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ABA on Olympicopolis shortlist

Alison Brooks Architects was named on one of six teams shortlisted to design a new culture and education quarter at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.

[more..]

Alison Brooks Architects was named on one of six teams shortlisted to design a new culture and education quarter at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.

The development is set to include new campuses for The Victoria & Albert Museum, Sadler’s Wells, University of the Arts London and UCL.

Led by AECOM and Stanton Williams, ABA’s team also includes AKT II, Asif Khan, Carmody Groarke, Charcoalblue, Haworth Tompkins and Vogt Landscape Architects.

More info:

BDArchitects JournalArchDailyThe Guardian

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Future Wimbledon Ideas Competition 2014

Alison Brooks was on the judging panel of the 2014 Future Wimbledon Ideas Competition, whose winners were announced on 8th October.

[more..]

Alison Brooks was on the judging panel of the 2014 Future Wimbledon Ideas Competition, whose winners were announced on 8th October.

In 2015 Merton Council will commission a masterplan to guide investment and manage growth for the next 15 years, considering the potential of Crossrail 2 as a catalyst for growth. This competition is a pre-cursor to that masterplan.

Challenging ideas are often overlooked in the process of formal masterplanning. Rising stars often do not get a look-in and the community can sometimes feel side-tracked by the formality of the planning process. This competition is an opportunity to share ideas for Wimbledon that will inform future plans. It is an opportunity to showcase emerging talent and for the community to share aspirations at the earliest stage.

More info

BD Arcticle

 

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The Wish List Project at the V&A Kitchen Stool

Alison Brooks is one of ten architects who have commissioned ten emerging designers to create “the object they have always wanted but have never been able to find.”

[more..]

Alison Brooks is one of ten architects who have commissioned ten emerging designers to create “the object they have always wanted but have never been able to find.”

Initiated by Sir Terence Conran, the product of their collaborations is being exhibited at the V&A Museum as part of the London Design Festival.  Brooks and De Pass’s  kitchen stool design in solid American Cherry is intended to offer a visual lightness, simplicity and ease of use for any context. ‘The Wish List’ project celebrates sustainable design and the power of craftsmanship, brought together by the American Hardwood Export Council and Benchmark Furniture for London Design Festival 2014

13th September – 24th October 2014

Press: DisegnoDezeenLondon Design FestivalAmerican Hardwood Export Council 

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Talk: Silent Majority

Tue, 09/2/14 , 18:00
House of Commons, London, UK
House of Commons, London, UK (map)

Alison Brooks chaired a conversation on the future of social housing at the House of Commons.

[more..]

Alison Brooks chaired a conversation on the future of social housing at the House of Commons.

That Britain needs new homes is something all political parties can agree on. But there remains a political queasiness when it comes to building more social housing. At this event, Emma Reynolds MP, Brian Ham and Robert Tinker discussed the conclusions drawn from the Fabian Society’s report, Silent Majority.

 

Tue, 09.2.14 , 18:00
House of Commons, London, UK
House of Commons, London, UK
When
Where
House of Commons, London, UK (map)
Website
www.fabians.org.uk
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Talk: Building Waterloo Region Festival

Wed, 07/30/14 , 19:30
Perimeter Institute, Waterloo, Canada
Perimeter Institute, Waterloo, Canada (map)

Alison Brooks spoke at the Perimeter Institute of Theoretical Physics, University of Waterloo.

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Alison Brooks spoke at the Perimeter Institute of Theoretical Physics, University of Waterloo.

Her talk was part of the Architecture Festival ‘Building Waterloo Region’ marking the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the Waterloo School of Architecture and Design in the former Riverside Silk Mills in Cambridge, Ontario.

Wed, 07.30.14 , 19:30
Perimeter Institute, Waterloo, Canada
Perimeter Institute, Waterloo, Canada
When
Where
Perimeter Institute, Waterloo, Canada (map)
Website
www.perimeterinstitute.ca
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Talk: More Homes Better Homes Conference

Thu, 07/10/14
Royal College of Physicians, London, UK
Royal College of Physicians, London, UK (map)

Alison Brooks spoke at this year’s More homes better Homes conference about Innovating housing design.

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Alison Brooks spoke at this year’s More homes better Homes conference about Innovating housing design.

Among those speaking were Chris Brown of Igloo Regeneration, Martyn Evans of Cathedral Group, architect Tony Fretton, Alison Brooks of Stirling Prize-winning practice Alison Brooks Architects, Gerard Maccreanor, founder of Maccreanor Lavington Architects, and former construction minister Nick Raynsford.

Thu, 07.10.14
Royal College of Physicians, London, UK
Royal College of Physicians, London, UK
When
Where
Royal College of Physicians, London, UK (map)
Website
www.architectsjournal.co.uk
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ABA’s Bath Western Riverside receives a Housing Design Award Albert Crescent

ABA’s Bath Western Riverside B1/2 scheme for Crest Nicholson has received a project award at the 2014 Housing Design Awards Ceremony.

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ABA’s Bath Western Riverside B1/2 scheme for Crest Nicholson has received a project award at the 2014 Housing Design Awards Ceremony.

The 27 unit mixed use scheme forms Phase 3 of a 2000 home residential development transforming a former industrial site derelict for over 25 years. On the site of the famous Stothert & Pitt Works, the 44-acre development has been described as being the most important project the world heritage city has seen for more than 100 years.

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Winner: London Evening Standard – Best Regeneration Project Acton Gardens

ABA’s South Acton Estate Regeneration masterplan and Phase 2 Liberty Quarter has been awarded the ‘Best Regeneration Project’ category at this years ES New Homes awards.

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ABA’s South Acton Estate Regeneration masterplan and Phase 2 Liberty Quarter has been awarded the ‘Best Regeneration Project’ category at this years ES New Homes awards.


To see more about South Acton Estate, click here

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Lens House wins RIBA London Award Lens House

ABA’s Lens House has awarded a RIBA London Award, alongside other iconic 2013 buildings such as Renzo Piano’s Shard, and Zaha Hadid’s Aquatics Centre.

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ABA’s Lens House has awarded a RIBA London Award, alongside other iconic 2013 buildings such as Renzo Piano’s Shard, and Zaha Hadid’s Aquatics Centre.

AJ Article

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German Design Award nomination for Newhall Be Newhall Be

Newhall Be, which was short listed for the RIBA Stirling Prize, is gaining international recognition: This award nomination from the German Design Awards is in recognition of Newhall’s “pioneering contribution to the German and international design scene“.

Newhall Be, which was short listed for the RIBA Stirling Prize, is gaining international recognition: This award nomination from the German Design Awards is in recognition of Newhall’s “pioneering contribution to the German and international design scene“.

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Debate: Churchill Revisited

Thu, 05/1/14 , 18:00
St John's Square, London, UK
St John's Square, London, UK (map)

Alison Brooks alongside Claudia and Patrick Lynch, Tom Emmerson and Elain Harwood of English Heritage presented the original schemes to a panel of architects and critics chaired by Paul Finch of the Architects Journal.

Alison Brooks alongside Claudia and Patrick Lynch, Tom Emmerson and Elain Harwood of English Heritage presented the original schemes to a panel of architects and critics chaired by Paul Finch of the Architects Journal.

Thu, 05.1.14 , 18:00
St John's Square, London, UK
St John's Square, London, UK
When
Where
St John's Square, London, UK (map)
Website
www.chu.cam.ac.uk
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Design Museum: Newhall Be to Round 2 Newhall Be

Newhall Be progresses to Round 2 of the Design Museum social vote after an 8% lead saw out competition ‘La Tallera Siqueiros Museum’.

Newhall Be progresses to Round 2 of the Design Museum social vote after an 8% lead saw out competition ‘La Tallera Siqueiros Museum’.

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Talk: Future Visions: Investing In Architectural Capital

Mon, 06/16/14 , 20:00
Design Museum, London, UK
Design Museum, London, UK (map)

In celebration of the London Architecture Festival, Design Museum Director Deyan Sudjic asked what the future of architecture holds with Designs of the Year nominees Kunlé Adeyemi, founder of NLE, Alison Brooks of ABA, and Noamí Blager, acting Director of the Architecture Foundation.

In celebration of the London Architecture Festival, Design Museum Director Deyan Sudjic asked what the future of architecture holds with Designs of the Year nominees Kunlé Adeyemi, founder of NLE, Alison Brooks of ABA, and Noamí Blager, acting Director of the Architecture Foundation.

Mon, 06.16.14 , 20:00
Design Museum, London, UK
Design Museum, London, UK
When
Where
Design Museum, London, UK (map)
Website
ing-media.co.uk
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Debate: RIBA Roundtable: “Improving Housing Quality: Unlocking the Market”

Tue, 04/15/14 , 15:30
Royal Institute of British Architects, London, UK
Royal Institute of British Architects, London, UK (map)

Alison Brooks took part in a senior level roundtable discussion with Sir Michael Lyons, recently appointed by the Labour Party to lead a review of housing policy.The discussion brought together leading experts from the housing sector, academics and representatives from local government.

Alison Brooks took part in a senior level roundtable discussion with Sir Michael Lyons, recently appointed by the Labour Party to lead a review of housing policy.The discussion brought together leading experts from the housing sector, academics and representatives from local government.

Tue, 04.15.14 , 15:30
Royal Institute of British Architects, London, UK
Royal Institute of British Architects, London, UK
When
Where
Royal Institute of British Architects, London, UK (map)
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Talk: AJ – Future of UK Housing?

Alison Brooks spoke at an event run by the Architects Journal on the ‘Future of UK Housing’

“Innovating housing design: what we would like our future homes to look and feel like?”

Alison Brooks spoke at an event run by the Architects Journal on the ‘Future of UK Housing’

“Innovating housing design: what we would like our future homes to look and feel like?”

When
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Debate: Can Bristol Build the Best Homes in the UK?

Wed, 03/26/14 , 18:30
Paintworks Event Space, Bristol, UK
Paintworks Event Space, Bristol, UK (map)

Chaired by RIBA Chief Executive Harry Rich, speakers outlined their vision for creating healthy and sustainable homes for the people of Bristol over the next ten years, followed by a debate on the challenges faced in realising this goal.

Chaired by RIBA Chief Executive Harry Rich, speakers outlined their vision for creating healthy and sustainable homes for the people of Bristol over the next ten years, followed by a debate on the challenges faced in realising this goal.

Wed, 03.26.14 , 18:30
Paintworks Event Space, Bristol, UK
Paintworks Event Space, Bristol, UK
When
Where
Paintworks Event Space, Bristol, UK (map)
Website
www.architecturecentre.co.uk
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Talk: Ecobuild 2014 – What is the value of good design?

Wed, 03/5/14 , 15:00
ExCeL, London, UK
ExCeL, London, UK (map)

Alison Brooks and Sunand Prasad discussed the difficult topics of ‘value’ and ‘good design’ at this years EcoBuild

Alison Brooks and Sunand Prasad discussed the difficult topics of ‘value’ and ‘good design’ at this years EcoBuild

Wed, 03.5.14 , 15:00
ExCeL, London, UK
ExCeL, London, UK
When
Where
ExCeL, London, UK (map)
Website
reactiveinteriors.co.uk
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NLA roundtable discussion on the densification of London’s suburbs.

Alison Brooks takes part in the NLA roundtable discussion, co-hosted by HTA Design LLP, that will bring together a select group of developers, architects, housing experts, planners and Local Authorities to examine the capacity of suburban London for solving this problem.

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Alison Brooks takes part in the NLA roundtable discussion, co-hosted by HTA Design LLP, that will bring together a select group of developers, architects, housing experts, planners and Local Authorities to examine the capacity of suburban London for solving this problem.

“Despite £56bn of public subsidy directed at housing since 2008 the supply of housing in London falls far short of requirements. As a result 80% of what is on offer in the capital is affordable to only 20% of the population. Could the densification of the suburbs form part of the solution to London’s housing crisis?”

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Design Museum: Designs of the Year Newhall Be Accordia Sky Villas

Newhall Be, the scheme that challenges the assumption of housebuilders that the public wants very traditional looking houses, was nominated.

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Newhall Be, the scheme that challenges the assumption of housebuilders that the public wants very traditional looking houses, was nominated.

2014’s nominees include international design stars such as Zaha Hadid, John Pawson, Stephen Jones, David Chipperfield and Miuccia Prada, alongside crowd-funded start ups and student projects. All of the nominated designs go on display at the Design Museum, in an exhibition open from 26 March to 25 August 2014. A distinguished panel of experts chose a winner from each category and one overall winner, to be announced later in the year.

 

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Talk: Michael Woodford on Compact Living

Fri, 02/7/14 , 9:00
Arkitektenes Hus, Oslo, Norway
Arkitektenes Hus, Oslo, Norway (map)

Michael Woodford, Director, spoke on the topic of “Compact living: the future space-efficient homes” to an audience in Oslo, Norway. The event was arranged by the National Association of Norwegian Architects (NAL).

Michael Woodford, Director, spoke on the topic of “Compact living: the future space-efficient homes” to an audience in Oslo, Norway. The event was arranged by the National Association of Norwegian Architects (NAL).

Fri, 02.7.14 , 9:00
Arkitektenes Hus, Oslo, Norway
Arkitektenes Hus, Oslo, Norway
When
Where
Arkitektenes Hus, Oslo, Norway (map)
Website
www.arkitektur.no
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Talk: CABE Design Council “Estate of the Nation” 

Alison Brooks, founder of ABA, was invited by Design Council CABE to talk about “the future of council housing based on past and current design, planning and development trends.” The series of talks was aimed to highlight the subject of council housing and it’s importance in 2014.

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Alison Brooks, founder of ABA, was invited by Design Council CABE to talk about “the future of council housing based on past and current design, planning and development trends.” The series of talks was aimed to highlight the subject of council housing and it’s importance in 2014.

Design Council CABE last year posted an article on the ‘Estate of the Nation’, an essay which informs those on the foundations of the event:

“Council estates are out of fashion and under threat of demolition. With the exception of the Barbican and the refurbished Brunswick Centre, none are particularly loved. Regeneration, demolition and rebuilding seem to be the only solution, accepting the destruction of local communities and the loss of much needed affordable council housing and striking architecture…Does this have to happen?”

Alison was among a number of high-profile figures in the Housing world who spoke to a mixed group of local authorities, developers, architect property consultants and businesses, academicians, built environment students and the general public – each with an interest in this extremely relevant topic.

Other speakers included:

Clare Devine, Director of the Built Environment, Cabe

Paul Finch, Deputy Chair of the Design Council and Editorial Director of the Architects’ Journal

Dickon Robinson, Former Development Director, Peabody Trust

Alan Powers, Lecturer at NYU London, former Chairman,      Twentieth Century Society

Mark Mitchener, Managing Director, Rydon Construction     Board

Stephen Fisher, Director, Pollard Thomas Edwards Architects

When
Website
www.slideshare.net
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The Sunday Times/Debrett’s: Britain’s 500 Most Influential Newhall Be

Alison Brooks has been named amongst Britain’s 500 most influential people of 2014 in The Sunday Times list of individuals who are deemed to “demonstrate outstanding influence, achievement and the capacity to inspire.””  The jury citation states, “Brooks is a powerful force in British architecture with her drive to produce handsome housing for ordinary people.

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Alison Brooks has been named amongst Britain’s 500 most influential people of 2014 in The Sunday Times list of individuals who are deemed to “demonstrate outstanding influence, achievement and the capacity to inspire.””  The jury citation states, “Brooks is a powerful force in British architecture with her drive to produce handsome housing for ordinary people.

In the Architecture category, Alison Brooks appears alongside notable figures including Dame Zaha Hadid, Lord Richard Rogers and Sir Terry Farrell, and thinkers such as Charles Jencks, the force behind Maggie’s cancer-support centres and Victoria Thornton, the founder of Open-City.

The list includes household names such as Lord Hall, BBC director-general; Sir David Attenborough; Sir Ridley Scott; Sir Kenneth Branagh; JK Rowling; Philip Pullman; Stella McCartney; Mark Carney, Bank of England Governor; Boris Johnson; Sir James Dyson; Jamie Oliver; Steve McQueen; Lord Coe and Sir Tim Berners-Lee – the inventor of the World Wide Web.

Debrett’s

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Alison Brooks draws for Article 25

10×10 is a project which divides an area of London into a 10 x 10 grid, with the resulting squares being allocated to 100 prominent architects, designers and artists, who come together in the summer to create 100 pieces of work, giving 100 perspectives of London.

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10×10 is a project which divides an area of London into a 10 x 10 grid, with the resulting squares being allocated to 100 prominent architects, designers and artists, who come together in the summer to create 100 pieces of work, giving 100 perspectives of London.

Hoxton Triptych – The Geffrye

“This tripartite piece presents a very traditional form of architectural representation, the hand sketch, as a counterpoint two digitally manipulated photographs taken on the same visit to the Geffrye Museum garden square, Hoxton. The images explore the nature of signs and symbols found in east London’s historic architecture and in the context of contemporary urban life” Alison Brooks

10×10 creates a unique snapshot of London and raises money for Article 25, the UK’s leading architectural and construction aid charity.

 

To find out more, visit the 10×10 website here.

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Talk: ‘Cultural Infrastructure: The Synthetic Ideal’

Wed, 12/11/13 , 18:00
Architectural Association Lecture Hall, London, UK
Architectural Association Lecture Hall, London, UK (map)

Alison Brooks gave a lecture at the AA entitled Cultural Infrastructure: The Synthetic Ideal

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Alison Brooks gave a lecture at the AA entitled Cultural Infrastructure: The Synthetic Ideal

“Alison Brooks Architects is positioned at the vanguard of a new generation of contemporary British architects committed to housing as a social project, as a source of programme-rich urban design and as a field for architectural experimentation. We see housing as a form of simultaneous architecture. Each project must operate as background infrastructure (urban, social, economic) and as cultural artefact specific to place, ways of life and local culture. We fight for the idiosyncratic: combining pragmatism, artistic intent and spatial subterfuge to unlock the potential of typologies to become new prototypes. AND not OR. City AND suburb.”

Wed, 12.11.13 , 18:00
Architectural Association Lecture Hall, London, UK
Architectural Association Lecture Hall, London, UK
When
Where
Architectural Association Lecture Hall, London, UK (map)
Website
www.aaschool.ac.uk
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Talk: YEM Housing Conference 2013

Thu, 11/21/13
YEM Building Information Centre, Istanbul, Turkey
YEM Building Information Centre, Istanbul, Turkey (map)

Alison Brooks, Director, gave a lecture at the YEM Building Information Centre in Istanbul to the Annual Housing Conference 2013

[more..]

Alison Brooks, Director, gave a lecture at the YEM Building Information Centre in Istanbul to the Annual Housing Conference 2013

“Turkey needs over 500,000 housing units to be built per year. This makes “housing” a vital topic not only for the construction sector, but for Turkeys economy as a whole. It would not be wrong to say that for the last two decades the Turkish economy is highly dependent upon this industry.

Today, as building slowly begins to increase, the competitive pressure in the market often relies upon the success of projects demonstrating a unique position through branding. This years Housing Conference has more than four hundred decision-makers; investors, developers, contractors, architects, civil engineers, interior designers, designers, building-material manufacturers, academics and press members – all discussing the important issue of housing.”

 

 

Thu, 11.21.13
YEM Building Information Centre, Istanbul, Turkey
YEM Building Information Centre, Istanbul, Turkey
When
Where
YEM Building Information Centre, Istanbul, Turkey (map)
Website
tasarimvakfi.org
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Newhall ‘Be’ Featured on BBC News Newhall Be

Wanted: A new city for somewhere in the UK.

A major competition is asking for a design for a new “garden city” for the UK. But what might it look like and where could it go?

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Wanted: A new city for somewhere in the UK.

A major competition is asking for a design for a new “garden city” for the UK. But what might it look like and where could it go?

Newhall Be, one of this years projects to be short-listed for the RIBA Stirling Prize is featured in the article discussing the exciting new possibilities for UK housing.

To read more, visit the BBC website here.

 

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Talk: The Green Rethink

Tue, 11/26/13 , 8:30
Royal College of Physicians, London, UK
Royal College of Physicians, London, UK (map)

Alison Brooks, Director, spoke at the AJ annual conference at the Royal College of Physicians, London, which aimed to radically redefine sustainability and predict the future of sustainable building design.

[more..]

Alison Brooks, Director, spoke at the AJ annual conference at the Royal College of Physicians, London, which aimed to radically redefine sustainability and predict the future of sustainable building design.

The day included a series of TED-style talks with top-flight thinkers sharing their predictions on the direction sustainable design will take over the coming years, as well as insight into which way the wind is blowing for policy-makers and government.

A special series of case study presentations by architects included an inspirational line-up of new green buildings, including O’Donnell and Tuomey’s new LSE building, Hopkins Architects’ WWF project and Enric Ruiz-Geli’s work for El Bulli Foundation

There were also specialist sessions on housing design and building tall, what to do with listed and heritage assets in the context of sustainability, materplanning, and specifying green, alongside plain-spoken technical briefings on changes to Part L, Soft Landings and post-occupancy evaluation.

The conference was designed to enable architects to skill up their businesses to meet the future demand for buildings that are sustainable from a social and economic, as well as ecological perspective.

Tue, 11.26.13 , 8:30
Royal College of Physicians, London, UK
Royal College of Physicians, London, UK
When
Where
Royal College of Physicians, London, UK (map)
Website
www.architectsjournal.co.uk
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Talk: RSAW Annual Conference 2013

Fri, 11/15/13 , 9:30
Sherman Cymru, Cardiff, Wales
Sherman Cymru, Cardiff, Wales (map)

Michael Woodford, Director, gave a lecture to the RSAW Annual Conference on Friday 15th November.

[more..]

Michael Woodford, Director, gave a lecture to the RSAW Annual Conference on Friday 15th November.

“Housing is firmly back on the political agenda. Home building has fallen to historically low levels while there is a pressing need to provide homes for a growing (and ageing) population. We must not repeat the mistakes of the past – numbers are not enough. People need high quality, warm, secure and energy smart homes. This conference will focus on the need for regeneration and strategic planning to recognise the importance of the complex and nuanced ideas of ‘home’ and ‘place’ in creating vibrant and viable communities.”

Fri, 11.15.13 , 9:30
Sherman Cymru, Cardiff, Wales
Sherman Cymru, Cardiff, Wales
When
Where
Sherman Cymru, Cardiff, Wales (map)
Website
www.cardiff.ac.uk
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Debate: ‘London and the city’

Thu, 10/31/13 , 18:30
David Chipperfield Architects, London, UK
David Chipperfield Architects, London, UK (map)

A panel discussion that included Alison Brooks, David Chipperfield and Peter St John, and chaired by Ricky Burdett.

A panel discussion that included Alison Brooks, David Chipperfield and Peter St John, and chaired by Ricky Burdett.

Thu, 10.31.13 , 18:30
David Chipperfield Architects, London, UK
David Chipperfield Architects, London, UK
When
Where
David Chipperfield Architects, London, UK (map)
Website
www.davidchipperfield.co.uk
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HDA Supreme Winner 2013: Newhall Be Newhall Be

Newhall Be has been awarded the Housing Design Awards 2013 Highest accolade of Supreme Winner.

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Newhall Be has been awarded the Housing Design Awards 2013 Highest accolade of Supreme Winner.

The radical scheme impressed the high profile judging panel who assessed the strong shortlist that included Sheppard Robsons’ Barking Riverside, Proctor and Matthew’s Hargood Close, David Mikhail’s Church Walk, Richard Partington’s Derwenthrope and OMI Architects’ Mastin Moor. The judges assessed the scheme’s relationship to the surrounding and neighbourhood, response to site constraints and opportunities, layout, grouping and landscaping, planning of roads and footpaths, handling of garages and car parking, attention to safety, security and accessibility, external appearance and internal planning and sustainability in construction.

For more information please click here

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ABA Wins RIBA East Building of The Year Newhall Be

Alison Brooks Architects have been awarded a Regional, National and RIBA East Building of the Year Award for their radical new housing scheme at Newhall. We are pleased to announce that the scheme will now be included on the mid-list for the RIBA Stirling Prize.

Alison Brooks Architects have been awarded a Regional, National and RIBA East Building of the Year Award for their radical new housing scheme at Newhall. We are pleased to announce that the scheme will now be included on the mid-list for the RIBA Stirling Prize.

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Architects’ Journal Newhall Be

“Newhall Be represents a departure from the design associated with house building. The 84-house scheme is an intelligent rethinking of suburban housing. The innovation of terraced patio houses enabled higher density on the site. The whole is an efficient mix of new and familiar house typologies united by a strong geometric and material consistency, inspired by the sculptural roof forms and simple materials of traditional Essex barns. On a tight budget this project delivers houses that are a joy to live in, designed with intelligence and imagination.”

[more..]

“Newhall Be represents a departure from the design associated with house building. The 84-house scheme is an intelligent rethinking of suburban housing. The innovation of terraced patio houses enabled higher density on the site. The whole is an efficient mix of new and familiar house typologies united by a strong geometric and material consistency, inspired by the sculptural roof forms and simple materials of traditional Essex barns. On a tight budget this project delivers houses that are a joy to live in, designed with intelligence and imagination.”

Publisher
Emap Publishing Ltd
Buy
href="http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/buildings/riba-awards-2013-housing/8649248.article" target="_blank">Purchase
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Dollis Valley Estate Regeneration Planning Success

In a major success for new housing in London, a regeneration masterplan for the Dollis Valley Estate Regeneration has achieved unanimous planning consent from London Borough of Barnet. The 631 dwelling masterplan was led by Alison Brooks Architects for client Countryside Properties in partnership with L&Q, with landscape design by HTA.

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In a major success for new housing in London, a regeneration masterplan for the Dollis Valley Estate Regeneration has achieved unanimous planning consent from London Borough of Barnet. The 631 dwelling masterplan was led by Alison Brooks Architects for client Countryside Properties in partnership with L&Q, with landscape design by HTA.

As part of a hybrid application, detailed consent was also granted for the 108 homes by both architects forming the project’s first phase.

The regeneration scheme will be built in five phases over seven years, with work starting on site in autumn 2013.

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Architectural Review Newhall Be

The public sector points to Newhall as an exemplar for future developments, yet really its success has been dependent on the long-term planning allowed by private patronage. Having completed its latest phase, architect Alison brooks is on a mission to champion the importance of design innovation in adding value to housing.” Isabel Allen

[more..]

The public sector points to Newhall as an exemplar for future developments, yet really its success has been dependent on the long-term planning allowed by private patronage. Having completed its latest phase, architect Alison brooks is on a mission to champion the importance of design innovation in adding value to housing.” Isabel Allen

This Issue sees the conclusion of The Big Rethink, the AR’s campaign to articulate a new vision of the potential of architecture and how it can re-engage more resonantly with wider social and human concerns. Underscoring the series has been the question ‘How do we want to live?’, and in this final chapter Peter Buchanan addresses this more explicitly in his proposal for a prototypical neighbourhood that encompasses and elaborates on many of the ideas discussed in the series.

 

Publisher
EMAP Publishing Limited
Buy
href="www.architectural-review.com" target="_blank">Purchase
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Talk: Royal Academy of Arts, Architecture Programme

Housing category winner, Alison Brooks, who also took the overall award for a compelling series of re-workings of familiar housing types, discusses what architects have to offer those attempting to address the acute problems in housing supply, from individual domestic projects to residential masterplans. Other speakers include Phil Coffey and Peter Barber. Chaired by Ellis Woodman.

Housing category winner, Alison Brooks, who also took the overall award for a compelling series of re-workings of familiar housing types, discusses what architects have to offer those attempting to address the acute problems in housing supply, from individual domestic projects to residential masterplans. Other speakers include Phil Coffey and Peter Barber. Chaired by Ellis Woodman.

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Alison Brooks Architects’ Bath Riverside Scheme Planning Consent Albert Crescent

Alison Brooks Architects is pleased to announce that planning consent has been granted for their mixed-use residential scheme in Bath on the banks of the River Avon for client Crest Nicholson Regeneration. The Site forms a prominent part of one of the largest brownfield regeneration projects in the south-west, the first phase of which is nearing completion.

[more..]

Alison Brooks Architects is pleased to announce that planning consent has been granted for their mixed-use residential scheme in Bath on the banks of the River Avon for client Crest Nicholson Regeneration. The Site forms a prominent part of one of the largest brownfield regeneration projects in the south-west, the first phase of which is nearing completion.

ABA’s scheme consists of three stone-clad terraces, each a variation on the Bath Crescent typology, comprising fourteen large family houses, six mews houses, six apartments, and a cafe. The three curved terraces define a shared public courtyard and a mews street, with the landscaping designed by Grant Associates. The site has a prominent elevated position above the floodplain landscaping of the riverfront walk, between the historic city and the new Bath Riverside masterplan. This unique topography led to a scheme conceived as a series of coherent, sculptural stone forms on a riverside ‘plinth’.  The proposals reference a Bath crescent characteristic of formal frontages overlooking the square, and more informal rear elevations that open toward the city.

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Alison Brooks to Advise on Farrell Review

Terry Farrell has been appointed to head up an independent review of architecture and the built environment the findings of which will ‘reach all four corners of Whitehall’

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Terry Farrell has been appointed to head up an independent review of architecture and the built environment the findings of which will ‘reach all four corners of Whitehall’

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey said Farrell’s findings ‘would provide a snapshot’ of the industry’ and ‘act as a rallying point for the profession.’ It will be delivered to a young energetic minister who will take it to all for corners of Whitehall and ensure the right elements of it are implimented,’ said Vaizey.

The review, which Farrell said was the most significant of its kind since Richard Rogers’ 1999 Urban Task Force, is being driven by Vaizey with a brief to help government ‘achieve ‘high quality design to better influence and shape policy…’.

The advisory panel also includes Thomas Heathwick, Alain de Botton, Hank Dittmar, Jim Eyre, Nigel Hugill, Lucy Musgrave, Robert Powell, Sunand Prasad, Victoria Thornton and Peter Bishop.

For more information please click here

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architektur. aktuell Lens House

Alison Brooks interpreted this classic small building task intelligently and charmingly. The extension of a historically protected residential building creates a baroque spatial experience which is modernist in its abstraction.

[more..]

Alison Brooks interpreted this classic small building task intelligently and charmingly. The extension of a historically protected residential building creates a baroque spatial experience which is modernist in its abstraction.

Publisher
Springer-Verlag GmbH
Buy
href="https://www.architektur-aktuell.at/hefte/architektur-aktuell-03-2013-splendid-isolation-7" target="_blank">Purchase
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Alison Brooks Awarded AJ Woman Architect of The Year 2013

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Luxure Lens House

‘The Lens House is remarkable for its extraordinary utilisation of Corian – a material usually used for kitchen countertops – and the transformation of an everyday extension into a truly visionary, sculptural work of art’

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‘The Lens House is remarkable for its extraordinary utilisation of Corian – a material usually used for kitchen countertops – and the transformation of an everyday extension into a truly visionary, sculptural work of art’

Publisher
Luxure Ltd
Buy
href="http://www.luxuremagazine.com/" target="_blank">Purchase
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The Observer Newhall Be

The most recent extension [at Newhall] consists of 84 houses in black timber and yellowish brick by Alison Brooks, an architect who not only talks more sense than most on the fraught subject of housing, but also puts it into practice… The assets of these houses are things that almost anyone would want – light, an intelligent use of space, good planning, a sense of connection.

[more..]

The most recent extension [at Newhall] consists of 84 houses in black timber and yellowish brick by Alison Brooks, an architect who not only talks more sense than most on the fraught subject of housing, but also puts it into practice… The assets of these houses are things that almost anyone would want – light, an intelligent use of space, good planning, a sense of connection.

Publisher
Guardian News and Media
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ABA Continues to Grow Highgate Studios

Alison Brooks Architects have completed the expansion and renovation of their existing office at Highgate Studios. The move sees the practice doubling the size.

Alison Brooks Architects have completed the expansion and renovation of their existing office at Highgate Studios. The move sees the practice doubling the size.

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Alison Brooks Architects win at Architect of the Year Awards

Alison Brooks Architects is the recipient of the Building Design 2012 Architect of the Year Award and the Schueco Gold Award. The Gold Award is presented annually to the practice that the Judges deem to have made the most significant contribution to British architecture of the past year. ABA was selected from the winners in all the Architect of the Year categories as “best of the best”.

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Alison Brooks Architects is the recipient of the Building Design 2012 Architect of the Year Award and the Schueco Gold Award. The Gold Award is presented annually to the practice that the Judges deem to have made the most significant contribution to British architecture of the past year. ABA was selected from the winners in all the Architect of the Year categories as “best of the best”.

The practice has already been widely recognised for the apartment buildings and villas that it contributed to the Stirling Prize winning Accordia scheme in Cambridge. In its Newhall development in Harlow, Essex, the practice has turned its attention to the much neglected problem of the affordable family house, developing highly inventive variations on the stand-alone dwelling and terraced house types. In a period  when the delivery of new houses has reached its lowest level since the 1920s, the judges felt it was particularly important to recognise the work of an architect making an inspiring contribution to the sector.

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The Best Of Grand Designs Salt House

Salt House at St Lawrence Bay, Essex, is one of a succession of elegant and startling one-off houses by architect Alison Brooks. This one is a beach house overlooking the Blackwater Estuary, an endstop to a row of Victorian cottages built by oyster fishermen. It is a rare instance of an experimental British beach house in the Modernist tradition; the house has neither front nor back, but reads as an irregular crystalline form.

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Salt House at St Lawrence Bay, Essex, is one of a succession of elegant and startling one-off houses by architect Alison Brooks. This one is a beach house overlooking the Blackwater Estuary, an endstop to a row of Victorian cottages built by oyster fishermen. It is a rare instance of an experimental British beach house in the Modernist tradition; the house has neither front nor back, but reads as an irregular crystalline form.

To celebrate fourteen years of film-making, 100 editions of Grand Designs Magazine, 100 separate programmes and ten years of hosting the Stirling Prize, Kevin McCloud now delves into the archives to highlight his favourite projects. The Best of Grand Designs charts where domestic architecture has come from, and is moving to, in the first decade or so of a new millennium. And it places people at the centre of the stories of these buildings.

ISBN
978-0007485628
Publisher
Collins
Buy
href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Best-Grand-Designs-Kevin-McCloud/dp/000748562X" target="_blank">Purchase
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Talk: AJ Small Projects Launch

Alison Brooks delivered a presentation and answered questions at the AJ Small Projects panel event in London, which will officially launch the AJ Small Projects awards 2013.

Alison Brooks delivered a presentation and answered questions at the AJ Small Projects panel event in London, which will officially launch the AJ Small Projects awards 2013.

When
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Talk: Open Lecture Series – Cardiff University

Thu, 10/25/12 , 18:30
Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK (map)

Alison Brooks was invited in 2012 to deliver an open lecture at the University of Cardiff as part of the School of Architecture’s open lecture series.

Alison Brooks was invited in 2012 to deliver an open lecture at the University of Cardiff as part of the School of Architecture’s open lecture series.

Thu, 10.25.12 , 18:30
Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
When
Where
Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK (map)
Website
www.cardiff.ac.uk
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Talk: Audi Urban Future Summit 2011

Tue, 09/13/11
The Squaire, Frankfurt, Germany
The Squaire, Frankfurt, Germany (map)

Alison spoke about social relations at the first Audi Urban Future Summit in Frankfurt am Main. Specialists from a great variety of disciplines discussed the future of urban mobility in The Squaire at Frankfurt Airport.

Alison spoke about social relations at the first Audi Urban Future Summit in Frankfurt am Main. Specialists from a great variety of disciplines discussed the future of urban mobility in The Squaire at Frankfurt Airport.

Tue, 09.13.11
The Squaire, Frankfurt, Germany
The Squaire, Frankfurt, Germany
When
Where
The Squaire, Frankfurt, Germany (map)
Website
audi-urban-future-initiative.com
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Architecture Foundation

Alison Brooks Architects were one of four practices invited to present their work at the Architecture Foundations 2011 Winter Nights lecture series held at the Building Design Partnership’s offices in London.

Alison Brooks Architects were one of four practices invited to present their work at the Architecture Foundations 2011 Winter Nights lecture series held at the Building Design Partnership’s offices in London.

When
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21st Century London, The New Architecture Wrap House VXO House

Striking, intelligent and completely original, [Wrap House] by Alison Brooks Architects is one of the most impressive residential extensions recently built in the capital.

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Striking, intelligent and completely original, [Wrap House] by Alison Brooks Architects is one of the most impressive residential extensions recently built in the capital.

This book presents a selection of the most exciting building projects in London since the year 2000. The first decade of the twenty-first century has marked out London as arguably the pre-eminent international city for innovative and ambitious architecture, with the design and construction of imaginative buildings of all types. It features ABA’s VXO House and Wrap House.

ISBN
978-1858945378
Publisher
Merrell Publishers Ltd
Buy
href="http://www.amazon.com/Architecture-Womans-Profession-Tanja-Kullack/dp/3868590862" target="_blank">Purchase
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The Best Houses (Die Besten Einfamilienhausen) Accordia Sky Villas

This book documents the winners of the 2011 German Hauser Awards, including ABA’s Accordia Sky Villas.

[more..]

This book documents the winners of the 2011 German Hauser Awards, including ABA’s Accordia Sky Villas.

ISBN
978-3766718723
Publisher
Callwey
Buy
href="http://www.amazon.de/besten-Einfamilienh%C3%A4user-Deutschland-%C3%96sterreich-Schweiz/dp/376671872X/ref=pd_sim_b_5/276-7601356-8247219" target="_blank">Purchase
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Exhibition: Faces of British Architecture

Thu, 01/12/12
The Building Centre, London, UK
The Building Centre, London, UK (map)

Britain has some of the world’s best architects and engineers. To celebrate this wealth of talent Icopal have commissioned a series of portraits by Timothy Soar, with commentary by Isabel Allen. This series of  images represents UK’s leading experts, innovators and visionaries in architecture and engineering, responsible for many iconic buildings and landmark developments. The exhibition, curated by Lorna Soar, can be seen at The Building Centre in January and February 2012.

Britain has some of the world’s best architects and engineers. To celebrate this wealth of talent Icopal have commissioned a series of portraits by Timothy Soar, with commentary by Isabel Allen. This series of  images represents UK’s leading experts, innovators and visionaries in architecture and engineering, responsible for many iconic buildings and landmark developments. The exhibition, curated by Lorna Soar, can be seen at The Building Centre in January and February 2012.

Thu, 01.12.12
The Building Centre, London, UK
The Building Centre, London, UK
When
Where
The Building Centre, London, UK (map)
Website
www.facesofbritisharchitecture.co.uk
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Architecture A Woman’s Profession

In this volume, well-known female architects from the United States and Europe discuss their academic and professional experiences, as well as their visions for the future.

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In this volume, well-known female architects from the United States and Europe discuss their academic and professional experiences, as well as their visions for the future.

In the western world, the number of women studying architecture now roughly equals that of men. As women increasingly come to the fore as practicing professionals, the question of how this shift will affect the profession and the teaching of the discipline is of greater and greater interest.

ISBN
978-3868590869
Publisher
Jovis
Buy
href="http://www.amazon.com/Architecture-Womans-Profession-Tanja-Kullack/dp/3868590862" target="_blank">Purchase
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Perspectives on Design London Fold House Wrap House

Perspectives on Design London showcases the creativity of locally based residential design professionals, featuring ABA projects, Fold House and Wrap House.

[more..]

Perspectives on Design London showcases the creativity of locally based residential design professionals, featuring ABA projects, Fold House and Wrap House.

This stylistically diverse collection includes the work of dozens of celebrated creative experts. Whether focused on the home’s design, structure, decoration, amenities, or outdoor living spaces, each professional featured in this large-format book offers insight into how bespoke residences come to fruition.

ISBN
978-0983239826
Publisher
Panache Partners
Buy
href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Perspectives-Design-London-Panache/dp/0983239827/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363973483&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Purchase
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Exhibition: Ideas City Festival

Sat, 05/7/11
Open House Fallery, New York, USA
Open House Fallery, New York, USA (map)

Downtown NYC has long been a hotbed for reinvention, and The Bowery has been at the molten center— making the transformation from halfway houses and grimy punk clubs to exclusive hotels and cutting edge art museums. Therefore it’s fitting that the city’s oldest thoroughfare will be home to Festival of Ideas for the New City, May 4-8.

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Downtown NYC has long been a hotbed for reinvention, and The Bowery has been at the molten center— making the transformation from halfway houses and grimy punk clubs to exclusive hotels and cutting edge art museums. Therefore it’s fitting that the city’s oldest thoroughfare will be home to Festival of Ideas for the New City, May 4-8.

The festival will bring together thought leaders in diverse fields, focused on cross-pollinating ideas and shaping the New York City of the future, and includes a 3-day conference, street festival, and independent projects dotting the Downtown geography.

Participants and contributors include Rem Koolhaas as a keynote speaker, The New Museum, Pecha Kucha, Kickstarter, StoryCorps, Brooklyn Flea, Cabinet Magazine, and dozens more. It’s an impressive undertaking, and exciting to see new public forums for ideas take shape as funding for stalwarts like NPR and PBS are threatened. Looking forward to getting swept up in winds of change.

Sat, 05.7.11
Open House Fallery, New York, USA
Open House Fallery, New York, USA
When
Where
Open House Fallery, New York, USA (map)
Website
www.stylepark.com
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Adventures In Regeneration Quarterhouse

It’s a stunning looking building, which has been brilliantly designed and equipped for live performances.”

Nick Ewbank, Art consultant, founding director of The Creative Foundation, and client for Quarterhouse Performing Arts & Buisness Centre

[more..]

It’s a stunning looking building, which has been brilliantly designed and equipped for live performances.”

Nick Ewbank, Art consultant, founding director of The Creative Foundation, and client for Quarterhouse Performing Arts & Buisness Centre

Nick Ewbank wrote Adventures in Regeneration, charting the town’s trajectory over the past decade, through the development of the Folkestone Creative Quarter in the Old Town, to the Folkestone Triennial, the Book Festival, the new University Centre and ABA’s Quarterhouse Performing Arts & Business Centre. It is part memoir, part archive, and part strong case study for culture-based regeneration.

ISBN
978-0956945303
Publisher
NEA Publishing
Buy
href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Adventures-Regeneration-Folkestones-New-Tide/dp/0956945309/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1364393576&sr=8-2" target="_blank">Purchase
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What Architects Desire (Die Walverwandschaften)

This book collects sketches produced for the German contribution to the 12th Architecture Biennial in Venice, including one by Alison Brooks.

[more..]

This book collects sketches produced for the German contribution to the 12th Architecture Biennial in Venice, including one by Alison Brooks.

The leitmotif, desire , is at the same time the topic of a survey among architects; answers are given through drawings. What are you longing for? The response drawings are highly individual, diversity becomes programme: both in picture language and in the presentation in terms of content, reactions are quite different.

But there is one thing they all have in common: the burning desire of something concrete. Sometimes it spreads lightning-like on the observer, sometimes time is required for a contemplative involvement with form and content. The architectural sketch, as it may seem, degenerated into a side product of architectural work within the last years, is back!

ISBN
978-3709103289
Publisher
Springer Vienna Architecture
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Encyclopedia Of Detail In Contemporary Residential Architecture Herringbone Houses

This book features detail drawings and photographs of the illusory patterned timber facade and monolithic timber staircase of ABA’s Herringbone Houses.

[more..]

This book features detail drawings and photographs of the illusory patterned timber facade and monolithic timber staircase of ABA’s Herringbone Houses.

This comprehensive reference work contains scale drawings of every type of detailing used in contemporary residential architecture.

 

ISBN
978-1856696920
Publisher
Laurence King
Buy
href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Encyclopedia-Detail-Contemporary-Residential-Architecture/dp/1856696928" target="_blank">Purchase
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The Audi Urban Future Initiative: The Summit Audi Urban Future Initiative

Summarising Audi’s urban research to date, this book features ABA’s City of Collaborative Consumption research and proposal.

[more..]

Summarising Audi’s urban research to date, this book features ABA’s City of Collaborative Consumption research and proposal.

The Audi Urban Future Initiative broadcasts a range of perspectives and explores innovative advancements, tracking and analyzing the trends of the day. To reimagine urban mobility—to seek sustainable, accessible, equitable, and enjoyable ways to move from one place to another—is to reimagine the city.

ISBN
978-3981413199
Publisher
Trademark Publishing
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Detail in Contemporary Timber Architecture Salt House

This book features the crisp timber detailing of ABA’s ipe-clad Salt House, with a combination of detail drawings and photographs.

[more..]

This book features the crisp timber detailing of ABA’s ipe-clad Salt House, with a combination of detail drawings and photographs.

Detail in Contemporary Timber Architecture provides analysis of both the technical and the aesthetic importance of details in modern timber architecture. Featuring the work of renowned architects from around the world, this book presents 50 of the most recently completed and influential timber designs for both residential and commercial architecture.

 

ISBN
978-1856696418
Publisher
Laurence King
Buy
href="http://www.laurenceking.com/en/detail-in-contemporary-timber-architecture/" target="_blank">Purchase
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Architecture 09: RIBA Buildings of the Year Newhall Be Quarterhouse

On Quarterhouse Performing Arts & Business Centre: “This is the centrepiece of a brave and exciting regeneration scheme that seeks slowly to claim Folkestone town centre for artists and performers.”

[more..]

On Quarterhouse Performing Arts & Business Centre: “This is the centrepiece of a brave and exciting regeneration scheme that seeks slowly to claim Folkestone town centre for artists and performers.”

Architecture 09 is the official guide to the work of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and all RIBA Awards presented in 2009. It features ABA projects Quarterhouse Performing Arts & Business Centre, which won a RIBA National Award and Newhall Be, which won a Housing Design Award.

ISBN
978-1858944906
Publisher
Merrell Publishers
Buy
href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Architecture-09-Buildings-Guide-Awards/dp/1858944902" target="_blank">Purchase
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Houses of Steel

This book features ABA’s proposal for low cost steel housing in Warsaw, Poland, which was a competition finalist.

[more..]

This book features ABA’s proposal for low cost steel housing in Warsaw, Poland, which was a competition finalist.

Living Steel is a worldwide, collaborative program designed to stimulate innovative and responsible housing design and construction. This book presents the winning and finalist schemes from the three competitions held to date. Each project is presented with a description, drawings, sketches, plans, and renderings of the submitted projects; and is an inspirational source of information about sustainable steel homes and low-cost housing. The projects presented are at the vanguard of international architectural design for a world suffering from a critical housing shortage.

ISBN
978-1864703665
Publisher
Images Publishing Group Pty Ltd
Buy
href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Houses-Steel-Georgina-Foley/dp/1864703660" target="_blank">Purchase
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Dwelling: Accordia Accordia Masterplan Accordia Sky Villas Accordia Brass Building

Dwelling describes the design and architecture of this new residential quarter in Cambridge, a multi-award winning green project. In 2008 Accordia became the first housing development ever to win the prestigious Stirling Prize, the highest accolade awarded to architecture in the UK.

[more..]

Dwelling describes the design and architecture of this new residential quarter in Cambridge, a multi-award winning green project. In 2008 Accordia became the first housing development ever to win the prestigious Stirling Prize, the highest accolade awarded to architecture in the UK.

Dwelling: Accordia is written by Paul Drew, an architect and resident of the scheme, and Ivor Richards, an architect and architectural historian—, both of whom provide a unique insight into what it is like to live in Accordia, as well as placing it in the context of contemporary UK, European and North American housing design.

ISBN
978-1906155902
Publisher
Black Dog Publishing
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MARK Quarterhouse

This issue of the journal features ABA’s Quarterhouse Performing Arts & Business Centre with the article, ‘Alison Brooks Provides a Seaside Town With a Theatre Curtain’.

[more..]

This issue of the journal features ABA’s Quarterhouse Performing Arts & Business Centre with the article, ‘Alison Brooks Provides a Seaside Town With a Theatre Curtain’.

Publisher
Laan der Hesperiden
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Phaidon Atlas of 21st Century World Architecture Accordia Masterplan Accordia Sky Villas Accordia Brass Building

This definitive compendium of worldwide contemporary architecture features Accordia.

[more..]

This definitive compendium of worldwide contemporary architecture features Accordia.

ISBN
978-0714848747
Publisher
Phaidon Press
Buy
href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Phaidon-Atlas-Century-World-Architecture/dp/0714848743/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1432728816" target="_blank">Purchase
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Architecture 08: The Guide to the RIBA Awards Accordia Masterplan Accordia Sky Villas Accordia Brass Building

“This is high density housing at its very best, demonstrating that volume housebuilders can deliver high-quality architecture and, as a result, improve their own bottom line.”

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“This is high density housing at its very best, demonstrating that volume housebuilders can deliver high-quality architecture and, as a result, improve their own bottom line.”

“The Stirling judges awarded the prize to Accordia as the scheme they felt could push things forward in a very ordinary way. It is an exhiliarating project that adheres to the tenets of  Modernism, reinstating values lost from housing in the latter part of the twentieth century to deliver light and fresh air at high density. Accordia, they felt, marks a paradigm shift in British housing. To an industry that has for too long been anti-design and to politicians who have regarded houses as targets to be achieved, it sends a message that good housing does matter: it is the place where people’s lives and attitudes to society are shaped. Like all the best architecture, Accordia creates its own context and is already a place that appears always been there. Its values are those British cities need: a subtly controlling masterplan, a collaborative approach, and an eye for both detail and the big picture.”

ISBN
978-1858944289
Publisher
Merrell Publishers Ltd
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London 2000+ Wrap House

Wrap House… unfolds in a series of angular movements that articulate its internal and exterior spaces and guide the eye from one zone to the next.

[more..]

Wrap House… unfolds in a series of angular movements that articulate its internal and exterior spaces and guide the eye from one zone to the next.

London 2000+ portrays twenty-eight projects completed since the millennium, representing a broad range of design styles and scales. Prominent structures such as Sir Norman Foster’s iconic ‘Gherkin’, the London Eye by Marks Barfield, Daniel Libeskind’s addition to the London Metropolitan University campus, and Herzog & de Meuron’s Laban Dance Center are featured alongside lesser-known buildings of merit by innovative, emerging designers to provide a superb representation of the many lively firms active in the city today.

ISBN
978-1580932080
Publisher
The Monacelli Press
Buy
href="http://www.amazon.com/London-2000-Architecture-Sam-Lubell/dp/1580932088" target="_blank">Purchase
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IW Herringbone Houses

“Given the automation of the process and simplicity of the traditional construction method this delicate and refined façade took no longer and cost no more than a standard horizontal weatherboard system. Yet the result is a distinctive facade with an optical ‘accordion’ effect and with the refinement of a piece of renaissance marquetry.”

[more..]

“Given the automation of the process and simplicity of the traditional construction method this delicate and refined façade took no longer and cost no more than a standard horizontal weatherboard system. Yet the result is a distinctive facade with an optical ‘accordion’ effect and with the refinement of a piece of renaissance marquetry.”

This issue of this Taiwanese publication, focussed on architectural details, featured ABA’s Herringbone Houses.

 

ISBN
977-1561390008
Publisher
IW Magazine
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Patterns 2: Design, Art and Architecture Herringbone Houses

The architect adopts the [herringbone] pattern for so many elements, such as fences, terraces and interior rooms, and in this way gives the buildings their overall comprehensive appearance.

[more..]

The architect adopts the [herringbone] pattern for so many elements, such as fences, terraces and interior rooms, and in this way gives the buildings their overall comprehensive appearance.

Since the first volume was published, the subject of patterns has continued to evolve: colourful patterned wallpapers have returned to private homes; patterns have become a determining factor in graphic design and architecture; and designers are asked to design an ever-increasing variety of new ornaments and pattern repeats. Patterns 2 provides the necessary inspiration. It describes current trends, presents contemporary experiments, and situates the development within the cultural-historical context.

ISBN
978-3764386443
Publisher
Birkhäuser GmbH
Buy
href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Patterns-2-Design-Art-Architecture/dp/3764386444" target="_blank">Purchase
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Des Res Herringbone Houses

With a view to showing how London’s housing challenge could be tackled, this publication from New London Architecture uses Herringbone Houses as an exemplar project.

[more..]

With a view to showing how London’s housing challenge could be tackled, this publication from New London Architecture uses Herringbone Houses as an exemplar project.

London’s population is growing faster than any other major European city, with an estimated increase of 700,000 people over the next 15 years. We are building – or have plans to build – a lot of new housing in London. But is it good enough, is it the right sort of housing and is it in the right place? What are the best projects that are being built? And will we be build enough of them to meet the needs of London’s expanding number of households?

ISBN
978-1858945378
Publisher
New London Architecture
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Making It

This book showcases the success stories of celebrity entrepreneurs behind 11 great businesses, including Alison Brooks Architects.

[more..]

This book showcases the success stories of celebrity entrepreneurs behind 11 great businesses, including Alison Brooks Architects.

Each profile follows the story from becoming a successful brand to coping with success and enjoying the trappings once the brand is well and truly established in the public eye.

 

ISBN
978-1854584434
Publisher
Crimson Publishing
Buy
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100 Great Extensions and Renovations Fold House

This collection of extensions and renovations features ABA’s Fold House.

[more..]

This collection of extensions and renovations features ABA’s Fold House.

As demonstrated in this timely publication, an architect must possess significant skill to create such extraordinary extensions and renovations to suit an existing structure. From simple room additions to complete demolition and rebuild jobs, this book explores some of the infinite ways in which architects have reinvented original homes.

 

ISBN
978-1920744519
Publisher
Images Publishing Group Pty Ltd
Buy
href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Great-Extensions-Renovations-Philip-Jodidio/dp/1920744517" target="_blank">Purchase
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Canadian Architect Salt House

ABA’s Salt House is a hybrid of a North American beach house and a 1th-century English oyster cottage: the design reinterprets the Modern tradition while providing a new analysis of the local vernacular.

[more..]

ABA’s Salt House is a hybrid of a North American beach house and a 1th-century English oyster cottage: the design reinterprets the Modern tradition while providing a new analysis of the local vernacular.

Alison Brooks is one of three Canadian architects practicing in the UK, profiled in this article, entitled ‘The New English House’.

 

Publisher
BIG Magazines LP
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href="http://www.canadianarchitect.com/" target="_blank">Purchase
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Scratching the Surface: New London Façades by London Architects Herringbone Houses

“The wrapping of spaces generates an apparent lightness to the houses which are conceived as an assembly of planar elements as opposed to ‘punched’ masonry.”

[more..]

“The wrapping of spaces generates an apparent lightness to the houses which are conceived as an assembly of planar elements as opposed to ‘punched’ masonry.”

New architecture in London presents a richly faceted range of contemporary urban designs, including ABA’s Herringbone Houses. Social and political forces require more than just cosmetic packaging for new buildings. The façade as a public face plays a complex role here. While facades used to perform a static, representative guide, the requirements today focus on communication and interactivity. “Scratching the Surface” surveys the current state of affairs and documents today’s technical possibilities.

The book –which can be used as a guide due to its handy format shows state-of-the-art façade construction. Its detailed technical renderings are meant to appeal to architects, planners and architecture students as well as civil engineers interested in architecture.

ISBN
978-3211715383
Publisher
Springer
Buy
href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Scratching-Surface-London-Facades-Architects/dp/321171538X" target="_blank">Purchase
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New London Architecture 2 Wrap House

“Throughout the project the traditional has inspired a dramatically modern result.”

[more..]

“Throughout the project the traditional has inspired a dramatically modern result.”

Following the tremendous success of Merrell’s New London Architecture, this book presents an entirely new selection of the most exciting building projects of the twenty-first century in London, including ABA’s Wrap House. The architectural renaissance of Britain’s capital continues in the new millennium with the design and construction of ever more striking and imaginative buildings of all types to serve the needs of the city’s population. Projects range in size and budget from such landmark structures as Wembley Stadium and the forthcoming ‘Shard of Glass’ (London Bridge Tower) to such cultural projects as the Young Vic theatre and Britain’s first architecture gallery, near Tate Modern; from offices, schools and hospitals to shops, hotels and private houses. With stunning photographs, drawings and renderings accompanying critical texts, this book offers a compelling portrait of a city eager to embrace the best of the new.

ISBN
978-1858943602
Publisher
Merrell Publishers Ltd
Buy
href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/New-London-Architecture-Kenneth-Powell/dp/1858943604/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363973656&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Purchase
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Houses Now 2 Salt House

This collection of contemporary houses features ABA’s Salt House.

[more..]

This collection of contemporary houses features ABA’s Salt House.

Beyond the fundamental notion of shelter, what defines a house? The broad-ranging selection of extraordinary dwellings in the Architecture Now: Houses series shows the concept to be infinitely malleable: one house seems to hover above the ground, another is embedded in it; some have stark minimal lines, others have tropical gardens; some are palatial, others monastic—all of them displaying remarkable structural and aesthetic mastery.

ISBN
978-3-8365-1973-1
Publisher
Links International
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href="http://www.taschen.com/pages/en/catalogue/architecture/all/04444/facts.architecture_now_houses_2.htm" target="_blank">Purchase
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Architecture 06: The Guide to the RIBA Awards Wrap House

“An exemplary adaptation: the judges were immediately taken with its passion and joy. Its subtle geometry creates a series of high-quality spaces, using well-chosen materials, that is a tribute to the design team’s skill and flair.”

[more..]

“An exemplary adaptation: the judges were immediately taken with its passion and joy. Its subtle geometry creates a series of high-quality spaces, using well-chosen materials, that is a tribute to the design team’s skill and flair.”

“The RIBA Awards judges said: ‘A humble commission for a domestic rear extension has become a thing of wonder and delight… Confidence is apparent in the quality of the detailing, and the  in the implementation. The design is exquisite and inspiring, creating complexity out of a simple proposition, something ethereal and outstanding. The modest brief and small budget further emphasise the skill of the architect in delivering a beautiful little building.'”

This book is the official annual guide to the awards presented by the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2006.

ISBN
978-1858943428
Publisher
Merrell Publishers Ltd
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href="http://www.ribabookshops.com/item/architecture-06-the-guide-to-the-riba-awards-architecture-the-guide-to-the-riba-awards/58674/" target="_blank">Purchase
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Talk: UB School of Architecture and Planning

Wed, 04/5/06 , 17:30
University at Buffalo, New York, USA
University at Buffalo, New York, USA (map)

Wed, 04.5.06 , 17:30
University at Buffalo, New York, USA
University at Buffalo, New York, USA
When
Where
University at Buffalo, New York, USA (map)
Website
buffalorising.com
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The Plan: Architecture & Technologies in Detail Wrap House Salt House Fold House

Canadian-born, London-based architect Alison Brooks is a reinventor of housing design typologies… In the eight years Alison Brooks Architects (ABA) has been in existence the practice has maintained its commitment to experimental work in urban design, housing, interiors and landscape, dominated by a string of highly acclaimed new housing schemes that have given her fame.

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Canadian-born, London-based architect Alison Brooks is a reinventor of housing design typologies… In the eight years Alison Brooks Architects (ABA) has been in existence the practice has maintained its commitment to experimental work in urban design, housing, interiors and landscape, dominated by a string of highly acclaimed new housing schemes that have given her fame.

In its profile of Alison Brooks Architects, issue 013 of The Plan features the projects Wrap House, Fold House and Salt House.

The Plan is among the most widely distributed and read magazines in Italy and worldwide, with an important readership of professionals from the sectors of architecture, design, building and real estate as well as universities faculties.

Publisher
The Plan
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href="http://www.theplan.it/J/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=59&Itemid=104&lang=en#" target="_blank">Purchase
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Icon Wrap House

The Wrap House is a hovering timber extension designed by Alison Brooks Architects for an Edwardian house in west London.

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The Wrap House is a hovering timber extension designed by Alison Brooks Architects for an Edwardian house in west London.

Icon is a leading design and architecture magazine. Every edition has the latest news, cutting-edge projects and exclusive interviews with the world’s most influential designers and architects. Icon explores a central theme in each issue that underpins the culture of the industry. The magazine features the highest quality editorial, design and photography. For global brand awareness, Icon is essential. Beautifully presented and accessible, rigorous and insightful, Icon shows you exactly what’s happening in architecture and design today, and what it means for the future.

ISBN
977-1479945017
Publisher
Media Ten Ltd
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href="http://www.iconeye.com/read-previous-issues/icon-029-|-november-2005" target="_blank">Purchase
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Anglo Files: UK Architecture’s Rising Generation Salt House Fold House VXO House Atoll Spa Hotel Accordia Masterplan

Alison Brooks loves the complexity in architecture that can emerge from a simple approach…. Brooks’ emerging body of work strongly demonstrates her interest in transforming architecture out of its customary context.

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Alison Brooks loves the complexity in architecture that can emerge from a simple approach…. Brooks’ emerging body of work strongly demonstrates her interest in transforming architecture out of its customary context.

Featuring a cross-section of ABA’s work, this book demonstrates the work of some of Britain’s foremost emerging talents.

ISBN
978-0500342121
Publisher
Thames and Hudson Ltd
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href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Anglo-Files-Architectures-Rising-Generation/dp/0500342121" target="_blank">Purchase
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Architectural Research Quarterly Accordia Masterplan Accordia Sky Villas Accordia Brass Building

“Any doubts that the practice of architecture can also be the practice of research, should be dispelled by this scheme. Its wealth of ideas will make it a living research tool.”

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“Any doubts that the practice of architecture can also be the practice of research, should be dispelled by this scheme. Its wealth of ideas will make it a living research tool.”

This issue of the Cambridge University Press journal features a 9-spread article about Accordia, entitled Brooklands Avenue Housing: a green carpet in Cambridge.

 

ISBN
978-0521537674
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Buy
href="http://www.cambridge.org/asia/catalogue/catalogue.asp?isbn=9780521537674" target="_blank">Purchase
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Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture

Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture

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New Architecture in Britain

Architects increasingly operate on a global scene, and just as numerous British architects have proved highly successful at winning projects abroad, so architects from Europe, the United States and the Far East are making their mark in Britain. One thinks, for example, of Daniel Libeskind’s Imperial War Museum and Tadao Ando’s new square and pavilion project, both in Manchester, or of Frank Gehry’s Cancer Care Centre in Dundee. Well-known British practices such as Future Systems, Alsop Architects and Nicholas Grimshaw & Partners also inevitably feature prominently in the exciting international story of the country’s recent architectural renaissance, but so too do newer, smaller practices, including many based outside the capital.

This book engagingly describes and illustrates over 100 outstanding projects, both large and small, floor around Britain–none completed earlier than 2001, and some still under construction or at planning stage. Covering every conceivable building type, from houses, offices and department stores to theatres, heritage sites and museums, this book makes a forceful contribution to the continuing debate about the role of architecture in forging a new environment and underpinning the growth of a healthy society.

Publisher: Merrell Publishers Ltd (27 Jan 2006)
ISBN: 978-1858943244

Purchase this book here.

 

Architects increasingly operate on a global scene, and just as numerous British architects have proved highly successful at winning projects abroad, so architects from Europe, the United States and the Far East are making their mark in Britain. One thinks, for example, of Daniel Libeskind’s Imperial War Museum and Tadao Ando’s new square and pavilion project, both in Manchester, or of Frank Gehry’s Cancer Care Centre in Dundee. Well-known British practices such as Future Systems, Alsop Architects and Nicholas Grimshaw & Partners also inevitably feature prominently in the exciting international story of the country’s recent architectural renaissance, but so too do newer, smaller practices, including many based outside the capital.

This book engagingly describes and illustrates over 100 outstanding projects, both large and small, floor around Britain–none completed earlier than 2001, and some still under construction or at planning stage. Covering every conceivable building type, from houses, offices and department stores to theatres, heritage sites and museums, this book makes a forceful contribution to the continuing debate about the role of architecture in forging a new environment and underpinning the growth of a healthy society.

Publisher: Merrell Publishers Ltd (27 Jan 2006)
ISBN: 978-1858943244

Purchase this book here.

 

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New Architecture in Britain VXO House

Alison Brooks’s VXO House… a remarkable residential complex in which wit and lightness of touch are the distinguishing themes.

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Alison Brooks’s VXO House… a remarkable residential complex in which wit and lightness of touch are the distinguishing themes.

ISBN
978-1858943244
Publisher
Merrell Publishers Ltd
Buy
href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Architecture-Britain-Kenneth-Powell/dp/1858943248/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1432722548&sr=1-1&keywords=new+architecture+in+britain" target="_blank">Purchase
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Metropolis VXO House

Documenting the 5th São Paulo Biennial for Architecture and Design, this book features ABA’s VXO House in its survey of London’s contemporary architectural scene.

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Documenting the 5th São Paulo Biennial for Architecture and Design, this book features ABA’s VXO House in its survey of London’s contemporary architectural scene.

ISBN
85-85298-19-7
Publisher
Fundação Bienal de São Paulo
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Furniture + Architecture

“The late 20th century was characterised by a cultural divide between furniture design and architecture. Alison Brooks speculates what benefits might come with the blurring and convergence of the two previously distinct disciplines.”

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“The late 20th century was characterised by a cultural divide between furniture design and architecture. Alison Brooks speculates what benefits might come with the blurring and convergence of the two previously distinct disciplines.”

Alison Brooks’ 10-page article The Cultural Divide is featured in this book takes a unique look at the relationship between architects and furniture design.

The book includes comprehensive articles and images of popular modernist architects such as Erno Goldfinger, Arne Jacobsen and Eero Saarinen It also features interviews with architects Alvaro Siza, David Adjaye and Selfridges director Vittore Radice Lavishly illustrated with many full–colour images Contains a directory of specialist retailers selling architect-–designed furniture.

 

ISBN
978-0470845684
Publisher
John Wiley & Sons
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href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Furniture-Architecture-Architectural-Design-Heathcote/dp/0470845686" target="_blank">Purchase
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New Architects 2: A guide to Britain’s best young architectural practices VXO House Fold House Atoll Spa Hotel

New Architects 2, the second in a series complied by The Architecture Foundation, features ABA projects VXO House, Atoll Spa Hotel, and Fold House in a profile of the practice.

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New Architects 2, the second in a series complied by The Architecture Foundation, features ABA projects VXO House, Atoll Spa Hotel, and Fold House in a profile of the practice.

It offers a unique survey of new architectural talent in Britain today, providing details of nearly 100 of the best emerging practices. It is illustrated with their most recent work, and includes factual information for those interested in contemporary architecture, and for those who wish to commission new and innovative designs.

Supported by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, New Architects 2 is a directory of new British practices.

ISBN
978-1858941387
Publisher
Merrell Publishers Ltd
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href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Architects-Architectural-Architecture-Foundation/dp/1858941385" target="_blank">Purchase
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The Architect: Women in Contemporary Architecture

Alison Brooks is one of 33 female architects profiled in this book, which also features Elizabeth Diller, Zaha Hadid and Kazuyo Sejima.

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Alison Brooks is one of 33 female architects profiled in this book, which also features Elizabeth Diller, Zaha Hadid and Kazuyo Sejima.

This book has the urgency of alerting people to the great contributions made by women architects to contemporary architecture, architects whose exceptional vision and design expertise have provided landmark expressions of modern culture. Underlying this celebration of their achievements is the ongoing struggle of these women to achieve professional parity with men in a field long dominated by males.

ISBN
978-0823016525
Publisher
Watson-Guptill
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href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Architect-Women-Contemporary-Architecture/dp/0823016528" target="_blank">Purchase
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