The complexity of the organic architecture was certainly a challenge to conceive and execute. Isn’t it beautiful? Several commentators noted that the Chinese tradesmen didn’t handle the details too well, noting unequal gaps, broken edges and cracks. Though I don’t consider that a damning criticism, since a project of this complexity must have areas where everything didn’t quite work. I’d love to see it myself to evaluate the construction quality. These four photos only give a brief sense of the opera house. Lots of sour graping and whining going on. MORE >>

This fall, I’ll be writing my second book:  The Frugal Construction Marketer:  How to build and promote your architectural, engineering and construction business for less than $5,000 a year. The book will show that you don’t need to spend huge amounts of money to be successful with your marketing if you are creative, understand the basics of relationship and brand-building and (most importantly) are willing to do some key things yourself (or sub the work out inexpensively — I’ll explain how.). Branding Publications MORE >>

Launched in 2009 by Eco-Libris, this campaign is aiming to promote “green&# books by reviewing 200 books printed on recycled paper or FSC-certified paper. By turning a spotlight on books printed using environmental paper, we want to raise the awareness of book buyers to this issue and encourage them to take it into consideration when purchasing books. am still a hold out on books preferring the tangible feel of hard or soft cover vs the e-book variety but however you choose to read just read! The book I selected was Green Lighting. MORE >>

Brown will share highlights of his book “Branding Best Practices&# including naming strategy, logo and identity, sub-branding and results of an industry survey on branding. Brown was a brand manager at electrical products marketing powerhouse IDEAL Industries, and later CMO of an architectural metals manufacturer. In 2009, he published the book, Branding Best Practices:  A Guide to Effective Product and Business Naming. Click Here to Register. The free webcast for members and non-members is scheduled for Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at 1 pm CST. Brown. ABOUT CMA. Neil M. MORE >>

That’s right, if Arakawa and Gins had their way with architecture – and ultimately its influence on mankind – you and I wouldn’t have to die. Interior, Bioscleave House, Arakawa & Gins Arakawa and Gins have built a body of work – books, buildings , paintings, and poetry – on the conviction that it is “illogical (and arguably unethical) for an ethical system that values life not to see mortality as fundamentally unethical.&# But, what about our cities, our buildings, the places we live, work, play, and rest? MORE >>