News, Information and Networks

AIBORG Architecture Intelligence

http://www.aiborg.net/



AIBORG describes itself as "a network of young architects working worldwide", though it seems primarily a showcase for the work of two Italian architects, Valentina Sabatelli and Marco Pastore. Available in Italian and English, the site features projects and advanced design research, plus details of events and publications, all slickly presented using Flash. The work presented is undoubtedly interesting, and the site is rich in images, animations and graphic effects; however, the limited text can make it difficult to understand what's going on. [GAS, 28 Aug 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-110304-05
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Italy
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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Arc! - arkitektur i bybildet

http://www.artemisia.no/arc/



Arc! is a Norwegian site - in Norwegian - covering traditional architecture and art nouveau architecture, and is profusely illustrated throughout. Features include biographies on Norwegian architects, as well as selected architects from France, Sweden and Belgium; a presentation of Bordeaux architecture; special features on wooden architecture and churches; and a number of articles and links. While the lack of an English translation obviously limits the site's audience, it is nonetheless an engaging and interesting resource. [GAS, 1 Oct 2005].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-110304-07
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Norway
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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Archibot.com

http://www.archibot.com/



Archibot.com is based around architecture news and discussion, and claims to be "More about design than code; more about Ando than ADA!" - whatever all that means. There is access to the latest architecture news stories (normally updated regularly, but rather out of date when Sapling visited), plus some interesting forums, a useful list of links to architecture resources and magazines, and a bookshop offering architecture-related titles. HotOrNot is an enjoyable feature where users can award ratings to specific projects and architects. [GAS, 28 Aug 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-221000-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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ArchiQuotes.info - Gallery of Architectural Quotations

http://www.archiquotes.info/



ArchiQuotes.info does exactly what it says on the tin, seeking to "bring you inspiring quotations of architects or philosophers right to your desktop", together with other enjoyable features such as architectural caricatures. Recently redesigned and restructured, I can't help feeling that the site has lost some of its previous charm; though the amount of content seems to have increased, navigation around the site is complex and confusing - in short, the new layout of the site seems just too clever for its own good. [GAS, 1 Jun 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-140205-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Australia
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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Archiseek

http://www.archiseek.com



Archiseek is an Irish-based architecture resource website, featuring an extensively used forum, up-to-date architecture news and newsletters, practice profiles, and guides to the architecture of various cities, with particularly extensive coverage of Ireland, the UK and Canada. The site's blue interface is arguably a little cold, but there's no disputing that Archiseek is a valuable resource for anyone interested in architecture and development. [GAS, 30 Jan 2008].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-300108-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Ireland
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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Architectural Green Solar Network

http://www.agsn.de/



The Architectural Green Solar Network is described as "a network for solar and ecological architecture" and aims to be an international forum with the the goal of promoting sustainable development leading to improvements in quality of life. The site contains lots of information, with sections covering news, design, projects, materials, energy, plants and learning. There is also a helpful classifieds directory. The site originates from Germany, which is the focus of much of its coverage; however, most of the site's content is also available in English. [GAS, 8 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: sus-221000-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Germany
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Sustainability » Resources
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Architecture.com

http://www.architecture.com/




Ever modest, Architecture.com describes itself as "one of the world's most extensive built environment portals". It is certainly true - this well-organised site, run by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), claims to have 250,000 pages of useful information about architecture, architects, and RIBA itself, including news, competitions, events, jobs, and many other useful features. One of the flagship services is the RIBA library catalogue - a free, regularly updated index to 175,000 articles from 300 journals in 20 languages, 35,000 books, and over 1 million items in the special collections. Elsewhere, a helpful RIBA Links Library covers over 1000 architecture-related websites - including Sapling of course. Some might find the grey interface a little bleak, but that barely detracts from what is probably the definitive architecture resource - excellent. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 6 Nov 2005].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-050101-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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Architexturez

http://www.architexturez.net/



Architexturez describes itself as "a researching system, and a web-based aggregator of ideas and propositions concerning physical space and the related disciplines... an inter-network with focus on South Asia, a web-based infrastructure that stands between institutions, organisations and individuals - a set of self energising processes, mediated by computing and networking technologies, describing the contexts inhabited by the South Asian architect, and communicating within them". The navigation and layout of the site is slightly hard to follow, but its main sections cover 'Research Abstracts and Texts', 'Enaction and the Profession', 'Imprints and Media' and 'Competitions and Opportunity'. [GAS, 5 Aug 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-050101-04
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: India
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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Archpedia - Architecture Encyclopedia

http://www.archpedia.com/




Archpedia - short for architecture encyclopedia - describes itself as "a comprehensive guide to world famous architects and their architecture... looking at the best architecture of yesterday, today and tomorrow". While not really an 'encyclopedia' in the traditional sense of the word, it is nonetheless an impressive, well-maintained and attractively designed resource. Among its many features are a number of interesting articles; an architectural glossary; a firms directory; architectural portfolios; and details of exhibitions and competitions. Other highlights include an excellent 'Style Directory', tracing the evolution of architectural styles from Neolithic to Deconstructivism, and useful links to architectural magazines in print and on the Internet. With so much rich content, it is possible to explore Archpedia for hours without getting bored. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 1 Feb 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-110304-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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ArkitektUrbo

http://www.arkitekturbo.arq.br/



Based in Brazil, ArkitektUrbo features an eclectic mix of articles, links, books and other features relating to architecture and urban planning. Sections cover specific areas of interest, including history, restoration, heritage, urban planning, landscape and construction. The site is reasonably straightforward to navigate, and is available in both English and Portuguese versions. [GAS, 8 Nov 2005].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-230803-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Brazil
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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ArtandArchitecture.org

http://www.artandarchitecture.org/



Art & Architecture describes itself as "a practitioner led alliance promoting interaction between artists and architects". Arguing that "art and architecture take time to learn, time to execute and time to appreciate", the site claims that by "combining the sensibility with a commitment to sustainability energy efficiency, we give you the recipe for a great house". It certain has some interesting and attractively illustrated content, under such evocative headings as "a welcoming abode", "bright accents" and "artistic inspiration", and including links to some interesting articles and related sites. However, a year after Sapling's previous review the news section and discussion forum remain empty, so there seems little prospect of these being developed in the near future. [GAS, 28 Aug 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: cul-200805-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: India
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Culture » Resources
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Bricks and Brass - The Period House Web Site

http://www.bricksandbrass.co.uk/




Bricks and Brass aims to provide comprehensive information on the architecture, design, and history of houses in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Sections cover architectural styles (Classical, Gothic, Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau etc.), external and internal features (walls, roof, windows, rooms, etc), and period house maintenance and remodelling, while the site's directory lists companies offering relevant products and services across the UK. Meanwhile, a helpful resources section features books, events, places to visit, links, and a searchable glossary. Overall, Bricks and Brass is a valuable source of information, complemented by a neat and easy-to-use design. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 1 Jun 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: her-150903-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Heritage » Resources
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Design for Homes

http://www.designforhomes.org/




Design for Homes describes itself as "the UK knowledge centre for home design", and offers a number of useful features. These include an excellent gallery of built and planned housing projects, a list of UK courses related to residential design, a series of films to watch, and a worthwhile page of housing and architecture related links. The site also acts as a gateway to Architect Search, a fantastic resource (listed in Sapling separately), provided by Design for Homes at www.archsearch.co.uk. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 21 Oct 2008].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-100303-03
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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Design Igloo

http://www.designigloo.com/



Design Igloo calls itself "a news channel for professionals in architecture, graphic design, interaction design and product design". It covers many disciplines, it claims, "because a broad perspective will contribute to cross-fertilisation of disciplines. The term design on this website is not limited to a specific field. More and more designers are crossing the boundaries of their own expertise. And globalisation is pushing this development forward". Unfortunately, the site has spent the last year "currently being redeveloped", so its content is limited to a links section - hopefully additional features will return soon. [GAS, 8 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-130803-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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Dexigner Design Portal

http://www.dexigner.com/



Dexigner is set-up as a large portal for the design industry, featuring databases, news, events, designers, design companies and feeds, and including design topics from 3D to floral to lighting to transport. At the moment some section are sparse, but Dexigner could develop into a comprehensive design resource. The website is fairly well designed though navigation is a little complex; however, like any large website it will take time to become familiar with the layout. [RB, 7 Nov 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: cul-071106-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Culture » Resources
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E-Architect

http://www.e-architect.com/



e-Architect is a US-based network for architects and the architectural profession, featuring news, job vacancies and resumés and project leads. A useful community section features numerous themed forums, unfortunately full of spam postings at the time of review. [GAS, 2 Mar 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-170302-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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Edifier

http://www.edifier.com.mx/



Edifier describes itself as "a new construction and architecture related information site, constantly renewed with the colaboration of its users." The site is based in Mexico, and written in Spanish throughout. The home page features some good illustrated articles and book information, while the 'Dycusa' and 'Escala' sections provide an introduction to the companies of that name, Escala specialising in project management and Dycusa in construction. This makes Edifier feel more like a commercial site than the 'information site' it claims to be. Still, it is early days, and over time the site will no doubt grow as a resource. [GAS, 15 Aug 2005].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-120903-04
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Mexico
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Construction » Resources
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Inarchitecture.com

http://www.inarchitecture.com/



Launched on 4 October 2004 - World Architecture Day - inarchitecture is an initiative of the "foundation for architecture". According to the site, the current objective of inarchitecture is to feature interesting information in architecture in the form of links to news and reviews. The site is quite easy to use, with content organised into various themes - architecture projects, architects/architecture firms, awards/competitions, exhibitions/conferences/events, books/publications, software, and green building. The overall appearance of the site is attractive and professional, though it falls into predictable architectural pretention with its excessive use of lower case text. [GAS, 8 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-201004-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: India
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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Info4study - for Students of Architecture, Building Services and Construction

http://www.info4study.co.uk



Despite its generic name, info4study has a very specific focus - acting as an information web page for students of construction related subjects such as architecture and building services engineering. It is certainly a thoughtfully compiled resource; a bookshop features top architecture and building technology titles, while an excellent links section provides useful, annotated links to related sites. Elsewhere, users can download a free building services e-book, obtain useful information about undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the built environment, or link to key information resources on the web. Overall, info4study is a hidden gem of a site, which deserves wider recognition - perhaps renaming it info4architecture would give potential users a clearer idea of its content? [GAS, 23 Jan 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-050804-06
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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The Internet Resource for A/E Firm Managers

http://www.bizedge.biz/



The Business Edge is a US-based management consulting firm "that specialises in helping companies like yours get things done". While providing information about the company's services and experience, the site is primarily framed as a resource - "a valuable source of 'how-to-get-things-done' information and tools", with author Mel Lester's goal being "to create the best Internet resource for helping managers of architectural, engineering, and environmental consulting firms succeed, both corporately and personally". As the site itself suggests, this may be a little ambitious - nevertheless, it is a useful place to visit, with numerous articles, links and tools relating to a variety of management issues, including leadership, strategic planning, operations management, project delivery, client service, business development, human resources, and personal productivity. [GAS, 21 Aug 2005].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-210805-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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New Urbanism

http://www.newurbanism.org/




According to the site, "New Urbanism is the most important planning movement this century... It is an international movement to reform the design of the built environment, and is about raising our quality of life and standard of living by creating better places to live. New Urbanism is the revival of our lost art of place-making, and is essentially a re-ordering of the built environment into the form of complete cities, towns, villages, and neighbourhoods - the way communities have been built for centuries around the world. New Urbanism involves fixing and infilling cities, as well as the creation of compact new towns and villages". The site is a content rich resource dedicated to this theme of "creating livable sustainable communities". Sections cover news, conferences and events, books, and professional services in the 'Marketplace' directory. Other sections address key issues relating to New Urbanism, including sprawl, sustainability, transport and 'pedestrian cities'. On a slow connection the pages can take a little time to load, but this downside is balanced by the site being attractively designed, copiously illustrated and full of excellent content. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 24 Jun 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: urb-310803-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Urban Design » Resources
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Noticias Arquitectura

http://www.noticiasarquitectura.info/



Based in Argentina, Noticias Arquitectura is a Spanish-language site offering news about architecture, art and design. The site is well designed and illustrated, and includes a helpful archive of all its news stories from 2000 onwards. [GAS, 24 Aug 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-280803-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Argentina
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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SalvoWEB

http://www.salvoweb.com/




Salvo aims to "support dealers who hold stocks of architectural salvage and garden antiques, reclaimed building materials and demolition salvage, and lastly recycled materials in order to encourage trade, to increase appreciation and awareness of historical crafts skills and manufacture, and to help reduce the amount of salvageable materials from old buildings and gardens going to landfill". This site, SalvoWEB, is an impressive resource containing everything needed to support that aim, featuring contact lists, dealers and craftspeople, architectural antiques, garden antiques, reclaimed building materials, higher value stock for sale and wanted, theft alerts and other information. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 6 Jun 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: sus-060606-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Sustainability » Resources
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SpillSpillSpill

http://www.spillspillspill.com/



SpillSpillSpill is a UK-based architecture resource and weblog featuring news, reviews, events, and links to architecture jobs and related websites. It is an interesting and enjoyable site, well presented and regularly updated. [GAS, 8 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-270206-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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