Featured Stories
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Fashion Matters In Tough Times, Says Top Designer
11 November 2011 4:59 PM | No Commentsby NPR STAFF
If you pay attention to the Emmys and Academy Awards, then you’ve probably seen those glamorous, haute couture gowns made by Kevan Hall. He’s known for dressing A-listers like Vanessa Williams, Salma Hayek, Celine Dion — even first lady Michelle Obama.
His work has earned him multiple awards. After studying fashion design at Cass Technical High School in Detroit, he won a scholarship sponsored by the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. After graduating, he won the Peacock Award for Outstanding Fashion Design. In 1989, the NAACP named him the Great American Designer, and in 2005, Life & Style Magazine named him Stylemaker of the Year.
Among the handful of top African-American designers in the country, Hall centers his work in Los Angeles. He’ll be showing off his 2012 bridal and ready-to-wear collections Friday at the Washington Club in the nation’s capital.
More here.
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African designers steal the show
11 November 2011 4:50 PM | No CommentsBy WANGUI MAINAWalking tall at 1.78 metres, Kenyan model Ajuma Nasenyana,, walked to the front to be crowned Model of the Year at this year’s Africa Fashion Week held in Johannesburg, South Africa two weeks ago.
An international model, Ajuma was one of the models who took to the catwalk to showcase some of the continents leading talent. In its eighth year, Africa Fashion week brought together 30 designers, based on the continent and beyond, to showcase their designs at the Sandton Convention Centre for three days last month.
More here.
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Assistant Professor, Graphic Design at California College of the Arts (CCA)
12 October 2011 8:03 PM | No CommentsASSISTANT PROFESSOR, GRAPHIC DESIGN, SAN FRANCISCO CAMPUS, FULL-TIME, TENURE-TRACK, EXEMPT, JOB # 2069
October 2011
Founded in 1907, California College of the Arts (CCA) is an independent art college with undergraduate programs in architecture, design, fine arts, visual studies, and writing. The college also has graduate programs in architecture, curatorial practice, design, design strategy, fine arts, visual and critical studies and writing. Through these programs, the college has created a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment. Diverse cultural perspectives enrich the CCA community and the college believes that continuing to expand the horizons of the students and faculty is essential to achieving its educational objectives. With campuses in Oakland and San Francisco, CCA currently enrolls 1,930 full-time students.
DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
The Graphic Design Program at CCA offers a fully accredited four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design. The program is dedicated to conceptual and skill-based problem-solving grounded in practical knowledge, critical awareness, and social and cultural engagement. Guided by an active and accomplished faculty, students are exposed to diverse design perspectives and practices and encouraged to develop a culturally competent and personally committed point of view. CCA’s Interaction Design Program takes a studio-based, collaborative, and playful approach to training future interaction designers, equipping them with a unique mix of skills to shape their field. The Graduate Program in Design prepares its graduates for careers in innovative design practice, including design direction, strategy, and leadership. Situated at the heart of the Bay’s Area’s vibrant design culture, these programs benefit from a rich community of practitioners and a compelling context for projects.
POSITION SUMMARY:
CCA seeks candidates for a full-time, tenure-track position of assistant professor of graphic design, beginning fall 2012. This position has been created to support the development of the program’s 4D curriculum. The successful candidate will demonstrate an active interest in the evolving relationship between graphic design and screen-based media and a capacity to steer curricular and pedagogical change in this area.
In keeping with the college’s commitment to diversity, community engagement, and social justice, we seek candidates who will cultivate an equitable studio environment and a diverse curriculum. In addition to teaching (a full-time load is five lines per year) and participating in the undergraduate Graphic Design program, the position requires a readiness to teach in the Interaction Design, Graduate Design, and First Year Programs, mentor students in the major, and serve on college-wide committees. It also entails a commitment to continued professional work.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A BFA degree in Graphic Design (or equivalent professional degree and/or experience) with a minimum of one year of teaching experience at the college level or two years of professional experience in the field. Applicants should present evidence of leadership ability and the potential to make significant contributions in their field of practice. They should have a strong commitment to design education and a keen interest in design-related technologies. Specifically, CCA seeks candidates who demonstrate conceptual agility and practical aptitude with respect to the dynamics linking graphic design and screen-based media. Please submit at least five projects that provide evidence of front- and/or back-end skills and practice in one or more of the following areas: interface, interaction, video, motion graphics, or mobile/other platforms. Professional and/or educational experience in collaborative interdisciplinary contexts, project-based community engagement, and design writing and research are also desirable.
SALARY: Commensurate with experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Postmark deadline for applications is January 20, 2012.
NOTE: If you wish to be notified of the status of your application for this position, please provide a current email address on your resume or cover letter.
application instructions:
Interested candidates should submit the following in .pdf format:
- A formal letter of application
- A brief statement of teaching philosophy highlighting areas of pedagogic concentration
- A curriculum vitae
- A portfolio of professional work
- Course syllabi and student work
- Student evaluations of recent courses taught at the college level.
- Three names of reference, including contact information
Note: A self-addressed, stamped envelope is required for return of submission materials.
California College of the Arts
Human Resources (Job # 2069)
5212 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94618-1487
Fax (510) 594-3681
employment@cca.edu
We recommend compressing/zipping your files into a zip format file. Documents larger than 10MB, should be submitted on CD and forwarded to CCA as indicated above.
CCA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals who will contribute to its diversity.
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Position: Chair, Industrial Design at California College of the Arts (CCA)
12 October 2011 7:47 PM | No CommentsCHAIR, INDUSTRIAL DESIGN, SAN FRANCISCO CAMPUS, FULL-TIME, EXEMPT, JOB # 1968
October 2011
The CCA Industrial Design program
The Industrial Design program at CCA offers a fully accredited four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Industrial Design. Industrial Design is among the fastest growing programs at CCA and reflects the dynamic nature of the field. Specific areas of interest include sustainability, urban mobility, design research, community engagement, and cultural analysis. For more information about the program mission, visithttp://www.cca.edu/academics/industrial-designCalifornia College of the Arts (CCA) invites applications and nominations for the position of Chair of the Industrial Design Program.
The profession of industrial design is expanding to more areas of influence than ever before. Designers have the opportunity to impact social, environmental and political outcomes. Consequently, the way we educate designers matters now more than ever. Merging visionary leadership, curriculum development, and professional and community connections, the Industrial Design Chair plays an essential role in shaping the next generation of industrial designers, who will tackle some of the most pressing concerns of our time.
The Chair of Industrial Design is a key player in the CCA and surrounding communities with access to the Bay Area’s most notable practitioners. The successful candidate will approach the development of a practical and critical design curriculum as a creative and intellectual opportunity and demonstrate a capacity to incorporate diverse cultural and practical perspectives in shaping curriculum, directing pedagogy, and building community.
The chair position is a full-time position throughout the 9.5-month academic year. A program manager provides administrative and organizational support, and faculty coordinators assist with specific aspects of the program, including internships, student reviews, technology support, sustainability and semantics. The director and assistant director of Design provide guidance and oversight for curriculum development, faculty selection, scheduling and accreditation reviews.
Specific Responsibilities of the Chair of Industrial Design
- Lead the program in attracting and retaining the most promising Industrial Design students.
- Design a curriculum that combines skills acquisition, design research, conceptual thinking, and professional preparation.
- Encourage collaboration between Industrial Design and other CCA programs.
- Establish external relationships with the professional design community, including sponsored studio partnerships.
- Promote the visibility of the Industrial Design program locally, nationally and globally.
- Hire and mentor faculty to reflect a wide range of experiences and perspectives.
- Organize subject-specific student workshops throughout the academic year.
- Teach at least one class per semester.
- Direct the academic and administrative operations of the program.
- Oversee ongoing program assessment and prepare for accreditation reviews.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Professional experience in the field of industrial design and its related practices: research, prototyping, manufacturing, materials, sustainability, human factors, interaction, design history and criticism, etc. Experience in design education, including teaching and a demonstrated capacity for curricular and extracurricular program development. Proven management experience in an academic or professional setting.
The ideal candidate will articulate a vision for the future of the program and the field that merges creativity, curiosity and craft. He/she will demonstrate the ability to lead faculty, students and staff, and address diverse design practices that combine professional development, cultural awareness, and community engagement.
SALARY: Salary is commensurate with experience and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Review of applications will begin January 17th, 2012. Recommended document file formats are Word or PDF. If there are multiple attachments, we recommend compressing/zipping your files into a zip format file. NOTE: If you wish to be notified of the status of your application for this position, please provide a current email address on your resume or cover letter.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Applicants are invited to submit their CV and a letter of interest that addresses their vision for the future of Industrial Design, in both education and the profession, as well as their philosophy of leadership and pedagogy. Applicants should also submit the names and contact information of three professional and academic references. Submit materials to:
California College of the Arts
Human Resources (Job # 1968)
5212 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94618-1487
Fax (510) 594-3681
Recommended document file formats are Word or PDF. If there are multiple attachments, we recommend compressing/zipping your files into a zip format file. Documents larger than 10MB, should be submitted on CD and forwarded to CCA as indicated above.
CCA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals who will contribute to its diversity.
Founded in 1907, California College of the Arts (CCA) is an independent art college with undergraduate programs in architecture, design, fine arts, visual studies, and writing. The college also has graduate programs in architecture, curatorial practice, design, design strategy, fine arts, visual and critical studies and writing. Through these programs, the college has created a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment. Diverse cultural perspectives enrich the CCA community and the college believes that continuing to expand the horizons of the students and faculty is essential to achieving its educational objectives. With campuses in Oakland and San Francisco, CCA currently enrolls 1,930 full-time students.
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Job Postings on this site with BDNN
12 October 2011 7:36 PM | No CommentsBeginning November 1, BDNN will charge for all job postings on website.
- Please inquire by email at atim@blackdesignnews.com
Until September 30, 2011, all postings at BDNN are free. We have a right to select what we post.
Read More
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Fashion Matters In Tough Times, Says Top Designer
Architect Archive
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February 25: Mervyn Awon, Barbados Architect on Modernism and Cultural Ethos
Posted on February 27, 2011 | No Commentsby Atim Annette Oton
Mervyn Awon is a Barbados architect, who first worked in the UK before returning to establish a firm in the late 70′s. He is an architect whose work is a mix of Modernism, Cultural Ethos and Tropical architecture.
BDNN selects Mervyn Awon, Barbados Architect on Modernism, and Cultural Ethos working on Tropical Architecture
Webtrails:
http://www.moma.org/explore/multimedia/audios/56/1091
http://www.madmuseum.org/INFO/PressRoom/Press%20Releases/global%20africa.aspx
http://www.artandculturemaven.com/2010/11/global-africa-project-opens-at-mad.html
http://www.caribbeanonlineyellowpages.com/listings_5/5_category_A_3585.html
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February 12: Sanford Garner, Innovative Designer and Architect
Posted on February 12, 2011 | 1 Commentby Atim Annette Oton
As founding partner at A2SO4, Sanford Garner has focused on historic preservation, master planning, project assessment, and urban design. His experiences and interests in these areas were developed through his architectural studies at Howard University, in Washington DC, Helsinki, Finland and at University of California, Los Angeles, and through his work with DC Preservation League and HABS/HAER (Historic American Building Survey/Historic American Engineering Survey). His work has received such notable recognitions as “Best in American Living for Best Smart Growth Community” by the National Association of Home Builders and Professional Builders Magazine, “Awards for Excellence” from the Urban Land Institute, and the American Planning Association’s “Implementing Smart Growth” Award, as well as numerous awards and citations for community development and design. In addition to his professional practice, Sanford has maintained a strong commitment to community service and development through his involvement with local and regional advisory councils and boards.
BDNN selects Sanford Garner as Innovative Designer and Architect, and NOMA president promoting the forward thinking idea: MECCA (Mentorship / Education / Community / Collaboration / Authority). Remembering our past, embracing the present and guiding our future.
Website:
Website Trails:
- http://www.noma.net/noma/president.aspx
- http://www.planning.org/divisions/blackcommunity/pdf/garyindinana.pdf
- http://www.universitybusiness.com/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=1716&p=2
- http://www.ibj.com/secretary-of-state-candidate-leaves-architectural-firm/PARAMS/article/21430
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February 7: Abimbola Asojo, Architect – Leading an Innovative Interior Design Program
Posted on February 7, 2011 | No Commentsby Atim Annette Oton
Abimbola O. Asojo, director and associate professor of interior design at the College of Architecture has been honored among Design Intelligence’s Most Admired Educators of 2010. Asojo was announced as one of 25 individuals from the United States to be selected for this recognition.
BDNN selects Abimbola O. Asojo as a Design Leader for Leading an Innovative Interior Design Program
Web Trails:
- http://coa.ou.edu/asojofeature.php
- http://abimbolaasojo1.cgpublisher.com/
- http://www.scribd.com/doc/6707431/Exploring-Alogirthms-as-Form-Determinants-in-Design
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hybAZxxy3_4
- http://iaste.berkeley.edu/pdfs/10.2e-Spr99leigh-asojo-sml.pdf
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Rivington Gallery: A Must See in London
Posted on November 4, 2010 | 1 Commentby Michele Washington
Need of a diverse cultural surge in London? Rivington Place is a must see. Located in the Shoreditch section of East London, this exhilarating cultural center is one of the first newly built gallery artist spaces in London since the Hayward Gallery in 1968. It is a public two-story space housing two cultural organizations, Autograph ABP and INVIA (Institute of International Visual Arts). Autograph ABP curates photography exhibits with a focus on cultural identity and human rights while INVIA, provides much needed diverse global educational programs, and research in the visual arts.
Rivington Place is booming with a multitude of dynamic programming from film screenings, lectures, plus the Stuart Hall Library, named after Jamaica born intellect and one of Britain’s leading cultural theorist of the 20th century. The library is a repository of unique holding of cultural and visual materials from British artist of diverse backgrounds to contemporary art from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, along with its expansive collection of monographs, exhibitions catalogs, and various art periodicals. It includes work by such prominent visual artist as filmmaker Isaac Julien, Hew Locke and Chris Ofili whose collaged Madonna piece imbued with dung created a hoopla at the Brooklyn Museum in 1999.
Just as fascinating is the building’s sculptural form designed by Tanzanian born international architect, David Adajye in 2007, with offices in London, Berlin and New York City. Situated on the corner of Rivington Street and Rivington Place, the stoned structure seems much taller than its two stories. Adajye’s exterior facade was inspired by Sowei mask from Sierra Leone; the exterior structure is configured in symmetrical a lattice pattern of gray stone and glass allowing natural light to flow into the interior space. The Facades earthy gray tones are reflected in the lobby, and swanky cafe located in the back on the first floor that offers visitors tasty snacks.
On view in the galleries through 27 November, 2010 at Rivington Place are two magnificent photography exhibits” Ever Young: James Barnor and The Paris Albums 1900 W.E.B Du Bois both curated by Autograph ABP. James Barnor, a prominent Ghanaian photographer began his career in Jamestown, Accra in 1949. In the 1950s, Barnor operated Ever Young studio in Accra, and photographed for the top African lifestyle DRUM magazine.
James Barnor’s showing of a series of lively over-scaled black and white or color photographs depicts everyday life of men; women and children, marks him as a highly skilled portraiture photographer. Barnor knows how to capture the essence of his subjects by placing them in a variety of staged studio settings or campy street scenes. His images span the spectrum from hyper-stylized street fashion photography of a woman in a mini dress standing in sea of pigeons in Trafalgar Square in London. To a hilarious parody by a group of African comedians switching up vaudevilles derogatory blackface to mocking whiteface.
Untitled #8, 1972 captures a woman sporting an Afro hairstyle, as a perfect example of transferences borrowing from the 1960s Black Arts Movement in the United States. In another photograph a striking pose of preteen-girl leaning on an upright white wooden pedestal, creates a compelling visual narrative by the contrasting placement of a tattered ceramic mascot of a young white girl, originally designed for the family run umbrella shop James and Sons. Does this image imply the black girls achievement of power?
Barnor’s body of work offer the viewer a unique chance to visually experience the transatlantic transferences of everyday life through portraitures of Ghanaians after they migrated to London during the 1960s and 1970s.
The Paris Albums 1900: WEB DuBois featuring a unique historical collection of photography was previously shown at the 1900 Paris Exposition. DuBois showed his entire 363 photographs in the American Negro Exhibit section; this has only 200 photos of Negroe types from Georgia and they represent a visual construction of the New African American identity. They show an insight into the conditions of black culture at the end of the 19th century, just 35 years after the abolition of slavery.
None of the sitters are identified. Simply posed, the sitters are stylishly dressed, the women in high collared laced Victorian dresses, and the men in dapper suits with crisp white buttoned collared shirts and thin bow ties. Look for the sitters’ Eurocentric facial traits with characteristically thinner noses and lips, and wavy or naturally straight hair texture; and the sequential arrangement of the photos mimicking the repetitive flow of filmstrip projected on a wall. While the images are impressive, it is the quotations aligning the outer walls above the photos that provide a context of the cultural significance of the Negroes lifestyle and DuBois’ political theory.
Both shows run until 27 November 2010 at Rivington Place, located at Rivington Pace, in London.
Rivington Place, London EC2A 3BA, Tel: +44 (0)20 7749 1240, info@rivingtonplace.org, web: http://www.rivingtonplace.org/
Autograph ABP: +44 (0)20 7729 9200, www.autograph-abp.co.uk, info@autograph-abp.co.uk
Iniva: +44 (0)20 7729 9616; www.iniva.org; iniva@iniva.org
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Phil Freelon FAIA is coming to town. Atlanta …that is
Posted on September 27, 2010 | No CommentsNOMAtlanta is proud to be part of this year’s Atlanta Design Week being held October 23-31st , 2010.
As part of the Design Week activities NOMAtlanta has invited award winning Architect, Philip Freelon, FAIA, the architect for the new Atlanta Center for Civil and Human Rights to speak about Museum Design.
This presentation will be held October 27, 2010, 7:00PM at the Savannah College of Art and Design Auditorium located at 1600 Peachtree Street North West,Atlanta GA 30309. We were lucky to get sponsors such as SCAD, Center for Civil & Human Rights Partnership, Gude Management Group, Cousins Properties inc, Gallagher & Associates, Sykes Consulting, Inc, and HOK. So please join us and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us. Thank you. Please RSVP via jerome.martin@nomaatlanta.org
2010 NOMA Atlanta Chapter Members: Free
All Students and Faculty: Free
Non-Members:$10
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BDNN produces Post-Earthquake Haiti: Disaster + Design in the Diaspora at 2010 NOMA Conference
Posted on August 4, 2010 | No Comments
Post-Earthquake Haiti : Disaster + Design in the Diaspora
SPONSOR: AIA Diversity & Inclusion
Event Location:
Boston Marriott Copley Place, 110 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02116
Room: Fairfield
Fees to attend: Haiti Day long Event: Yes, details to follow soon.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2010
9am: Black Design News Network (BDNN) The Launch
Exposing the World to Designers of the Diaspora: A Digital Expose
Atim Annette Oton Disaster in the Diaspora – Overview of the Last Six Months of Initiatives
Renee Kemp-Rotan Overview of the Panel System/Overview of the Code
9:10am – 10:10am
PANEL 1- Post-Earthquake Haiti as a Physical System: Rebuilding the Country: The Full Monty Update
Renee Kemp-Rotan, Co-Founder, Black Design News Network/Moderator
- Ambassador Leslie Voltaire, U.N. Special Envoy/Government of Haiti
- Jean Emile Simon, President Society of Haitian Architects
Above: Ambassador Leslie Voltaire, U.N. Special Envoy/Government of Haiti
Description: This Panel focuses on what is being done in Haiti since the devastating earthquake of 2010. Through PowerPoint presentations, a Haitian Envoy and government dignitary and Haitian architect who participated in the Haitian Summit sponsored by AIA/Puerto Rico in April 2010 will update the entire NOMA membership and others on proposals and plans for Haiti’s redevelopment. Maps, Images, plans will be shown.
10:20am – 10:30am – Break -
10:30am – 11:30am
PANEL 2: Post-Earthquake Haiti as a Social System: Rebuilding the Family: Women and Children at Risk
Atim Annette Oton Co-Founder, Black Design News Network/Moderator
Diane Jones, Assistant Professor, Landscape Architecture, Morgan State University; Dowoti Desir, Founder, Durban Declaration Programme of Action Watch Group, (DDPA Watch Group); and Ella Ayiti Turenne, Assistant Dean for Civic Engagement, Occidental College
Description: This Panel focuses on what issues are facing women in Haiti since the devastating earthquake of 2010. Presentations will update the entire NOMA membership and others on how women will be involved in Haiti’s redevelopment.
11:30am – 12:30pm
PANEL 3 Post-Earthquake Haiti as a Cultural System: Rebuilding Identity: The Haiti Culture Code- Architecture, Disaster + Cultural Identity
Renee Kemp-Rotan, Co-Founder, BDNN/Presenter/Moderator
Jean Emile Simon, President Society of Haitian Architects, Benjamin Vargas, FAIA, Architect and 2010 Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award Winner, Bettina Byrd Giles, Interculturalist, The Birds Nest, LLC, Erica Rioux-Gees, Architect, AIA National Board Member and Disaster Expert, Anthony Whitfield, Associate Dean, Parsons The New School for Design; Mabel Wilson, Associate Professor of Architecture, Columbia University, Architect Rodney Leon, Rodney Leon Architects, Jenna McKnight, Architecture Record, Dale Joachim, MIT Media Lab, Haiti and Social Media, Max Beauvoir, President of International Brotherhood of Voodoo Priests,Michel DeGraffe, MIT, Linguistics Expert on Kreoyl and Atim Annette Oton/BDNN.
Description: This panel focuses on a review of the Culture Code by Haitian Architects, African American Architects, Disaster Experts and Interculturalists. It will look at the rebuilding of post-earthquake Haiti as an opportunity to create Haiti as the new utopia for the African Diaspora. The Culture Code is a fully documented design and development kit being constructed by Renee Kemp-Rotan who will outline the Culture Code as a comprehensive framework of 100 cultural considerations advanced across the socio-economic geography of pre-colonial, colonial, post-colonial and post-earthquake Haiti, in a way that informs all future design, development and resettlement. Panel and audience participation will review the usefulness of such a code during times of resettlement and rebuilding of post-disaster environments.
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Lunch (not provided)
1:40 pm –
2:40 pmPANEL 4 - Post-Earthquake Haiti as an Economic System: Rebuilding the Economy: Getting Work in Haiti
Atim Annette Oton, Co-Founder, BDNN/Moderator
Jim Paul, Director, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, Mauricio Vera, Director, OSDBU, USAID and Renee Kemp-Rotan/BDNN.
Description: This panel focuses on ways to get work on Haiti for design professionals from the Haitian government, the US government and non-profits working in Haiti
2:50 pm -3:50 pm
BDNN Final Comments: Rebuilding International Relationships
For more details, please contact Atim Annette Oton at atim@blackdesignnews.com
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Architecture professor and activist Kenneth Simmons dies at 77
Posted on August 3, 2010 | 1 CommentKenneth Simmons (Sara Ishikawa photo)
Kenneth Harlan Simmons, a professor emeritus of architecture at the University of California, Berkeley, died of cancer in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 6 at the age of 77. He was known for his work in equal rights, urban planning and community development from San Francisco to Detroit, Harlem and South Africa.
http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2010/08/02_kennethsimmons.shtml
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The Haiti Culture Code: An International Call for Papers
Posted on June 30, 2010 | 1 CommentTOWARDS A POST-EARTHQUAKE DEVELOPMENT MANUAL
by Renee Kemp-Rotan, author of the code
A Culture Code for Haiti: The Rebuilding of National Identity through Architecture (NIA) assumes that culturally informed architecture can help to fulfill new national ideals, through rebuilding Haiti as a utopian civilization with NIA/purpose.
First, The Culture Code will outline a comprehensive framework of 100 cultural considerations advanced across the socio-economic geography of pre-colonial, colonial, post-colonial and post-earthquake Haiti, in a way that informs all future design and development.
Second, The Culture Code is an international call for papers to address 100 topics on Haitian culture, politics and space for:
- cultural anthropologists
- geographers
- policy planners
- urban designers
- architects
- developers
- economists
- historians
- disaster experts
Third, The Culture Code will meld ‘form and content’ data collected above to propose a series of design principles structured to influence all future and permanent master plan efforts in the rebuilding of post-earthquake Haiti. Thus both quantitative and qualitative design decsions can be made.
Fourth, The Culture Code will develop specific ‘pilot prototypes’ that lead to a system of development contracts that follow best practices for town planning/settlement building/housing designs (macro and micro) that are culturally significant, replicable, yet influenced by population capacity, location, geography, transportation, communication and resources.
The code is authored and edited by Renee Kemp-Rotan, co-Founder of Black Design News Network.
More details, visit http://www.haiticulturecode.com
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Disaster SOS: Haiti, a BDNN panel discussion at NEOCON in Chicago, June 15
Posted on June 10, 2010 | 1 CommentDISASTER SOS: HAITI
Date: Tuesday, June 15 Time: 2-4 p.m.
Presented by: The Black Design News NetworkLocation: IIDA Learning Center, 567 Merchandise Mart
Fee: $15 at the door CEU: 0.2A thought provoking forum on Haitii with some experts from the fields of design, planning, international development and cultural anthropology. The forum will involve critical thinkingabout shelter and disaster with a focus on planning, cause and effect, and risk management after a disaster.
This session will be followed by an interactive discussion and networking hour for potential collaborations and partnerships from 4–5 p.m. Sponsored by IIDA, FocusOnDesign, Designers for the 21st Century (D421), Project Osmosis, and The Black Design News Network
Speakers:
- Kerl LaJeune, architect, Founder and Principal at Atelier Azara,
- Renee Kemp-Rotan - urban designer and co-founder, Black Design News Network;
- Atim Annette Oton, architectural designer and co-founder, Black Design News Network;
- Bryan Hudson, Architect, principal at SOMA Design Consultants Inc.;
- Lee Bey, African American writer/architectural critic.
RSVP or register contact Atim Oton, co-Founder of the Black Design News Network atimoton@yahoo.com. Registration also accepted at the door.ALSO SEE THESE PARTNER EVENTS:
Design Interchange: An Avant-Garde Approach to Success [AF8]
Date: Monday, June 14
Time: 4 – 5p.m.
Credits: 0.2 CEU
Fee: $15, Register on site at the Merchandise MartDesign Interchange Networking Event
Date: Monday, June 14
Time: 5:30 – 7p.m.
Fee: $5 at the door (free to attendees of Design Interchange)
Presented By: The KOHLER Store
Location: The KOHLER Store, 100 Merchandise Mart
Sponsored By: Project Osmosis, FocusOnDesign, Designers for the 21st Century (D421) and The Black Design News NetworkFor more information go to focusondesign.org or designers421.org
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Green Tips for the Homeowner
Posted on April 18, 2010 | 1 CommentBy Roxanne Ryce-Paul
There are three basic areas where green strategies can have a tremendous impact on home efficiency. They range from the elemental, to the extensive involving the expertise of professionals.
1) Energy and Water efficiency
- Buy Green electricity/power from your utility, made from renewable energy sources like the sun, wind, water, and earth’s internal heat. This is one of the easiest ways to use renewable energy without investing in equipment or extra maintenance.
- If you have a fuel oil boiler (or car) fill your tank with Biodiesel made from waste cooking oil.
- Reuce or eliminate phantom electricity use, the wasted energy keeping your appliance on “Standby Mode”. Turn off computer, monitor, TV, DVD Player, gaming console; unplug the mobile phone once charged.
- Replace incandescent lights with LED (light emitting diodes use 10% the power of incandescent) lights/tubes, or Compact Fluorescent lights (CFLs use 30% the power of incandescent).
- When replacing water delivery fixtures, look for low flow and flush fixtures.
- If replacing your hot-water heater, consider a tank-less hot-water heater to save energy and water.
- Consider walking, biking, or using public transport before driving.
Solar Water Heater
2) Architecture and technology
Before adopting new technology, examine carefully to see what are your energy gains, in the short and long term. Have a home inspection and an energy audit conducted by a Building Performance Institute (BPI) certified analyst to evaluate the energy efficiency of your home and opportunities for energy improvements.
- When replacing appliances, electronics or making home improvements preference products with ENERGY STAR certification, especially if seeking tax credits.
- Insulate your building envelope and ventilate to expel moisture and for fresh air.
- Generate a portion of your electricity at home, by installing solar panels/photovoltaics.
- Solar Thermal hot-water systems eliminate the use of electricity, oil or gas to generate hot water.
- Bring natural light into your home through skylights, light tubes light shelves.
- Create shade with architectural devices like shutters.
- Renovate a home according to Passive House principles.
NYC Residential Incentives:
Personal Tax Credits, Property Tax Exemption and Abatements are available for many energy conservation improvements: Equipment Insulation, Water Heaters, Furnaces, Boilers, Heat pumps, Air conditioners, Programmable Thermostats, Energy Mgmt. Systems/Building Controls, Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Photovoltaics, Caulking/Weather-stripping, Duct/Air sealing, Building Insulation, Windows, Doors, Biodoiesel purchases for residential space heating or hot water production. Federal, NY State and City Tax benefits are available only when the work is done by a certified contractor. Consult with a BPI certified contractor to work with you through the process to take advantage of these incentives.
3) Behaviour /Lifestyle
For most African Americans, African or Afro-Caribbeans, the sustainable lifestyle comes naturally. We learned from grandparents, parents, neighbours and siblings the principles and practice of compost, reuse, recycling, salvage, swapping, regifting- call it what ever you may it was the practice of not wasting, of conserving, preserving, sharing. These concepts are the basis of sustainability and from where all green tips sprout.
At the end of the day, being aware of the energy consumption of our homes; understanding the difference between necessary energy use and waste, and reining in the waste of energy has the greatest impact on energy and environmental costs.
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Roxanne Ryce-Paul, Architect, LEED AP holds a BArch from the Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art; a MS in Urban Planning and a MS in Historic Preservation from Columbia University, Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. She has worked at the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission and in the private sector in the US and internationally.
