LIFE & URBANISM » Architecture

Rafael Manzano Martos Receives 2010 Driehaus Prize in Classical Architecture

Russell — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:21:27 +0000

Rafael Manzano Martos, a Spanish architect known for his distinctive use of the Mudéjar style, will receive the 2010 Richard H. Driehaus Prize for Classical Architecture at a ceremony March 27th in Chicago. The $200,000 Driehaus Prize, presented annually to a distinguished classical architect, represents the largest recognition of classicism in the contemporary built environment. In conjunction with the Driehaus Prize, legendary Yale professor and preservationist Vincent J. Scully will receive the $50,000 Henry Hope Reed Award.

Leon Krier Lecturing in Providence

Russell — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:06:49 +0000

Save the Date! Leon Krier, one of the most influential architects and urbanists of modern time, will be lecturing in Providence on December 3rd at the De Ciccio Family Auditorium on Brown University’s Main Green, 5:30 to 7:30 PM. For years, I have enjoyed coming back to Mr. Krier’s books for inspiration and clarification. His cartoons are some of the most memorable diagrams I have ever scene. They so elegantly capture the direction we should be taking the development of our built environment. Having recently lectured in a building of his design, I can attest that he is master of light and space. It will be a true honor having him spend a few hours in Providence with us.

For more information on the lecture click here.

Vote for the Urban Sprawl Repair Kit

Russell — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:58:10 +0000

Vote here today! Now that the sprawl development is over, have you ever wondered what will happen to all the strip centers, gas station and fast food buildings that fill the suburban landscape? Galina Tahchieva, a friend and colleague, at DPZ as some ideas for these outdated building types. Help these ideas win the ReBurbia competition being held by Dwell & Inhabit. Voting close on Monday.

Neighborhood Grocery Opens in Downtown Providence

Russell — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:00:51 +0000

A project I have been working on for the past two years opened in Downtown Providence yesterday. Gourmet Heaven is the first grocery store in the neighborhood in decades. I will post some photos from the grand opening soon. We received some good press coverage on the project here, here and here.

Mashpee’s New Library

Russell — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 20:30:43 +0000

We (Randall & Us) have been working on a new Library with the Town of Mashpee for several years. It is finally starting to take shape as you can see from the photo. If you are interested in images of the finished structure they can be found here.

Providence’s Superman Building

Russell — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:15:49 +0000

Downtown Market Construction Update

Russell — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:15:20 +0000

The completion of Providence’s first downtown neighborhood market is within sight. The storefront windows began going in as the team from Site Specific worked through the holiday weekend.

Design Tip: Explore Existing Conditions

Russell — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:19:02 +0000

If there is any unknown areas in a renovation project it is better to do some exploratory demolition then to make assumptions. Unknowns that are found later in the project can cost more then a small amount of demo.

Idea for Providence’s New Bridge

Russell — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 22:02:43 +0000

There was much discussion over the new pedestrian bridge, taking the place of the existing I-195 highway, during the charrette. I did a sketch inspired by the Weeks Bridge in Cambridge. This is a great chance for a city to create a timeless piece of civic architecture.

Successful Concentric

Russell — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:30:56 +0000

Last night’s concentric showed off Providence’s first net-zero energy building. The interest in this unique project brought folks from all sectors and industries together. With our goal for Concentric being to break down silos and encouraging collaborative innovation, this event was clearly a success. We are looking to hold another Concentric at the Black Rep later this winter. Stay tuned for more details.

“Formerly a jewelry factory built in 1890 which became an electronics supply warehouse in 1941, the building has undergone a complete transformation at Jacobson’s hand, to become the first and only commercial building in the state to be fully self-sustainable, powering its total energy needs from its own energy sources.”