Talent contest - View

Architectural Review, The, Nov, 2002

Since 1977 the Arango Design Foundation, set up by Judith Arango, has devoted itself to design education. Since its inception it has organized events of various kinds to bring achievements in the fields of design and architecture to the attention of industry, government and the public. As well as holding exhibitions, lectures and other events in museums throughout north America and Canada, and more recently in Europe, the Foundation has this year inaugurated the Arango Design Award for emerging talent. As happened this year, the award will coincide with another of the Foundation's projects, the annual International Design and Architecture Day held this year on 29 September throughout the US.

Entries from young professionals in all fields of design are eligible for the award. This year, the prize was won by Adolfo Albaisa and Kristopher Musumano of the five year old practice, Albaisa and Musumano, Miami. Their entry consisted of a project for residential towers in precast concrete, designed as an alternative to 'formulaic, mass produced housing ... proliferating in many cities' and as a city landmark. Jurors, Lella and Massimo Vignelli, commended 'the volumetric play' of the towers, the 'serene public spaces' and the vibrant play of light and shadow on the facades.

This year's D A day (which has grown to include a whole month of activities) included a public symposium on urban planning held at the end of October in Bogota, Colombia. In spite of devastation caused by guerilla and drug wars, the city's quality of life is said to be improving. Participants included the former mayor, Enrique Penalosa.

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Design and Architecture Day: suria@zyscovich.com and www.designandarchitectureday.com