LAUNCHES AND DISCUSSIONS AT VAN ALEN BOOKS

At Van Alen Institute, we’re starting off the new year with a number of exciting programs at Van Alen Books, where we’ll be bringing together designers and urban thinkers from across the disciplinary spectrum. From ecological landscape design to activist practices in architecture and studies of urbanism in East Asia, we’re looking forward to an incisive dialogue about how architecture and design intersects with the cultural, political, and environmental forces shaping the public realm. We hope you’ll join us for these upcoming events.

Tomorrow, January 17, editors and authors of Beyond Zuccotti Park join us in conversation about the privatization of public space. The book—which includes essays from social scientists, planners, civil liberties experts, and more—explores the role of the built environment in relation to issues of freedom of expression and civic engagement. We look forward to hearing from city planner and urbanist Moses Gates, DSGN AGNC founder Quilian Riano, New York Civil Liberties Union legal director Arthur Eisenberg, and moderator Lynne Elizabeth, publisher at New Village Press and editor of Beyond Zuccotti Park.

On Thursday, January 31, architect and writer Mark Rakatansky will discuss his new book Tectonic Acts of Desire and Doubt, the latest in the Architectural Association’s Architecture Words series. In this publication, Rakatansky proposes an innovative framework to rethink the performative capabilities of architecture. Exploring performative principles through a range of discursive and artistic practices—from film, art, critical theory, and music—Rakatansky investigates architectural episodes in which spatial and tectonic actors enact their cultural circumstances in myriad ways. Join Rakatansky, in dialogue with Michael Bell, Galia Solomonoff, and Mabel Wilson, to discuss the publication and celebrate this new release.

Next, on Wednesday, February 6, we explore the role landscape architecture can play in addressing environmental challenges and providing ecosystem services. In the face of increasingly unpredictable and catastrophic weather events, designers are turning to a deeper understanding of ecology to create resilient, high-performance landscapes. Join author Travis Beck of the New York Botanical Garden to celebrate the launch of his new book, Principles of Ecological Landscape Design.

And Wednesday, February 13, authors Adam Frampton, Jonathan D. Solomon, and Grahame Shane will share their work on Cities Without Ground, a guidebook that navigates Hong Kong’s dense, elevated pedestrian networks—connecting shopping malls, train stations, parks, and private lobbies—that redefine the relationship of public and private in the city.

We’ll continue to add programs to our calendar, so please visit www.vanalenbooks.org for the latest information. And be sure to keep up with us on Facebook and Twitter for photos and videos of all our events!

EVENTS AROUND TOWN: WATERPROOFING NEW YORK

On Saturday, February 9, the Landscape Architecture Program of the City College of New York’s Spitzer School of Architecture, with support from the Municipal Art Society, American Society of Landscape Architects New York Chapter, and the Institute for Urban Design, hosts Waterproofing New York, a daylong conference of municipal leaders, scientists, engineers, and designers. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the conference explores the impact of past and future storms on New York City’s infrastructural systems: Waste/Water, Power/Data, Circulation/Fuel, Parks/Recreation, and Shelter. Find more information and updates on CCNY Landscape Architecture’s Facebook page.

AWARDS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR DESIGNERS

The Arnold W. Brunner Grant supports advanced study in any area of architectural investigation which will effectively contribute to the knowledge, teaching or practice of the art and science of architecture. Apply by February 1.

The Green Line Ideas Competition is an international ideas competition inviting architects, designers, planners, landscape architects, and artists to submit design proposals for the public use of an overhead transmission line corridor in Toronto. Submissions due February 11.

The City of New York welcomes submissions for Reinvent Payphones, a public design challenge to imagine how the city’s over 11,000 payphone kiosks could be reinvented to create a safer, healthier, more sustainable, accessible, and informed city. Submit by February 18.

The Metropolis Next Generation Design Competition, intended to promote environmental activism, social involvement, and entrepreneurship among young designers, seeks design solutions to empower, advance, and include groups often overlooked in the design process. Winners are awarded a $10,000 prize. Enter by February 18.

The Wheelwright Prize from the Harvard Graduate School of Design supports professional development through field research with a $100,000 traveling fellowship for early-career architects. Apply by February 28.

KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH VAN ALEN MEMBERSHIP

Now is a great time to show your support for Van Alen Institute, as we head into a new year of public programs, design competitions, and exhibitions investigating the role of architecture and design in civic life. As you join us for our bookstore events this season, don’t forget that members receive a 10% discount at Van Alen Books, as well as invitations to special events and other benefits. Our ongoing work is possible in large part due to the active participation of Van Alen members in all our programs and events, and we thank you for your generous contributions. Find out more about our membership opportunities and how you can join us here.