«Spezifisch» 40 Projekte von 28 Landschaftsarchitekturbüros
Dienstag 25/03/08 18:30, Kornhausforum Bern, Stadtsaal
Vernissage «Blicke auf die Landschaftsarchitektur»

Referenten: Regula Rytz Gemeinderätin Bern, Claudia Moll Landschaftsarchitektin Mitkuratorin Zürich, Pierre Feddersen Architekt und Städtebauer Zürich

pe lang + zimoun «untitled sound objects» live performance

In Zusammenarbeit mit dem BSLA

Mittwoch 26/03/08 bis Sonntag 20/04/08
Kornhausforum, Galerie Ausstellung

Landschaftsarchitektur ist die Beschäftigung mit Wachstum, Zeit, Veränderung; die Inszenierung von Sinnlichkeit; der Umgang mit den Elementen Wasser, Erde, Luft. Die Ausstellung wagt die These: Es ist die Eigenheit und das Potential der schweizerischen Landschaftsarchitektur, dass sie das Besondere, das Spezifische herausarbeitet. Dass sie konkret am Ort und in der Zeit verwurzelt ist; dass sie Projektansätze entwickelt, die nicht übertragbar sind.

Geoffrey Bawa, Architekt Sri Lanka – zwischen Urwuchs und Manipulation
Dienstag 01/04/08 18:30, Kornhausforum, Mediensaal

Referent: Maurus Schifferli Landschaftsarchitekt BSLA Bern
Einführung: Fritz Schär Jurypräsident Reisestipendium Kunst- und Architektur des Kantons Bern
Programmation: Hänggi Basler Landschaftsarchitektur Bern

www.architekturforum-bern.ch

About the book:
At the turn of the twenty-first century, the world is faced with an unprecedented challenge. It must address a fundamental shift in the world's population towards the cities, and away from mankind's rural roots. Today, for the first time in history, more than half of the global population resides in urban areas - a number likely to reach a staggering 75 per cent by 2050.

The Endless City: The Urban Age Project by the London School of Economics and Deutsche Bank’s Alfred Herrhausen Society is an unparalleled investigation into the world’s urban future.  Taking six major world cities as its focal point, the book examines the key social, structural and economic factors that are critical to creating a thriving modern city.

Authoritatively edited by Ricky Burdett and Deyan Sudjic, with essays by internationally renowned contributors from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds, The Endless City presents a pioneering initiative on the future of cities.

Interesting discussions are currently going on in the UK raised by the uncertain future of Robin Hood Gardens estate in London (built by the Smithsons).
One of the more interesting quotes is from Stephen Bayley in the Observer in his rather good piece on "brutal architecture", titled "You want the brutal truth? Concrete can be beautiful" :

"...Worse, the unintelligent housing policies of Tower Hamlets populated Robin Hood Gardens with the tenants least likely to be able to make sensible use of the accommodation. We have to whisper it, but the Unité d'Habitation works because it is populated by teachers, psychologists, doctors, graphic designers, not by single mothers struggling with buggies."

Bayley is somewhat harsh on the tennents there, and I doubt he's been speaking to them. Yet I think there may be some truth in his statement.
Dan Hill has a good and thorough post on the issue, highlighting different aspects and oppinions on city of sound: "Robin Hood Gardens is not the same as a digital model of Robin Hood Gardens..." read on.

Picture by John Levett