RIVER CITY: LEARNING FROM THE CHEONGGYECHEON

Thanks to everyone who’s joined us for our River City exhibition and program series investigating the civic potential of urban waterways. Last Thursday, we gathered in our pop-up exhibition space to discuss Convergent Flux: Contemporary Architecture and Urbanism in Korea, exploring the architectural context of the Cheonggyecheon River’s reinvention with authors Jinhee Park and John Hong, in dialogue with architect Mark Rakatansky. The conversation considered the country’s unique responses to surging density and pressures of globalization, while developing new material strategies and engaging the nation’s special topography to suggest a distinctively Korean architecture culture.

Please join us for our second Deconstruction/Construction event on Thursday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m., when Peter G. Rowe, the Raymond Garbe Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, draws insights from his publication A City and Its Stream: The Cheonggyecheon Restoration Project, and discusses his research on the interrelated historical factors, planning concerns, environmental effects, and impacts on property development that the restoration has catalyzed. Jinhee Park and John Hong of SsD Architecture will join us again to continue this conversation on Seoul’s dramatic urban transformation.

And mark your calendar for a special conversation on urban river restoration on Tuesday, May 21 at 6:30 p.m., featuring panelists including Mikyoung Kim of Mikyoung Kim Design and William Kuhl of Saratoga Associates. Check our River City website for more information and updates on our program series.

Deconstruction/Construction is on view through June 1, 2013. If you haven’t stopped by, come visit our pop-up exhibition space on the Institute’s ground floor, accessible through Van Alen Books.

PORTUGUESE PASTRIES AND SUBURBAN FUTURES

Don’t miss two upcoming events at Van Alen Books: On Friday, May 10, we celebrate Fabrico Próprio—translating roughly as “made on the premises”—an encyclopedic volume dedicated to Portuguese confectionery and its relation to design. Critic Akiko Busch will lead a conversation with authors Rita João, Pedro Ferreira, and Frederico Duarte, as well as designer and food blogger Naz Sahin. And don’t forget—Portuguese pastries will be available for your critical enjoyment!

Then on Thursday, May 16, we explore the suburbs with June Williamson, whose new book Designing Suburban Futures: New Models from Build a Better Burb offers concrete but visionary strategies to take the sprawl out of suburbia and create a vibrant, new suburban form. She will be joined in conversation by Jocelyn Wenk, Kazys Varnelis, and Rob Lane.

And don't forget to join us on Saturday, May 4 at the IDEAS CITY StreetFest! We're featuring new titles that explore the role of architecture publications in framing the future of the built environment from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Stanton Street between Chrystie and Bowery, where we hope you'll join in the conversation. See you there!

VAN ALEN MEMBERS’ EVENT: HARD-HAT TOUR OF GOVERNORS ISLAND

We’re heading out for a sneak peek of the new Governors Island! Members are invited to join us on Tuesday, June 11 at 6:15 p.m. for an exclusive, behind-the-fence tour of the construction site soon to open as the heart of Governors Island’s new park and public space.

With the project’s first phase nearing completion, this extraordinary site in New York Harbor has been transformed into a visionary public landscape with 30 new acres of park, key visitor amenities, and 21st-century infrastructure. Led by representatives of the Trust for Governors Island and the West 8 design team, this after-hours tour will explore the new park space and provide insight into the collaborative design and construction process. We have just 30 spots available for this members-only event, so RSVP now to rsvp@vanalen.org!

Not a member yet? Visit our website to join us today, and grab a spot on this exclusive tour.

Opportunity Detroit launches Redesigning Detroit: A New Vision for an Iconic Site, seeking innovative, creative, and inspired designs for a new building that will sit on the historic Hudson’s site, one of the most beloved locations in downtown Detroit. Register by May 15.

Superfront’s Public Summer 2013 Design Charrette is a design competition offering winners the opportunity to produce a temporary installation for dynamic community programming in the First Street Green Cultural Park on Manhattan’s Houston Street. Register by May 17.

FAR ROC is a two-phase competition that will explore innovative strategies for the planning, design, and construction of a resilient and sustainable development at Arverne East, an 80+ acre site on the Rockaway Peninsula. Submit by June 14.

Building Trust International announces Playscapes, a design competition asking citizens to suggest ways to make their cities more fun. Propose your innovative ideas for parts of the city that are underused, undervalued, or by-passed everyday because they are neglected or rundown. Register by July 1.

DC Water has launched the Green Infrastructure Challenge, seeking innovative green practices to absorb rainwater before it can enter the combined sewer system. More than $1 million will be awarded for the design and construction of Green Infrastructure projects in the District of Columbia. Submit by October 1.

YOUR MEMBERSHIP MATTERS AT VAN ALEN

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 invite you to join us today in support of public architecture. Now is a great time to join Van Alen Institute, as we launch new public programs, design competitions, and exhibitions investigating the role of architecture and design in civic life. And 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. Find out more about our membership opportunities and how you can join us here.