The earth is in trouble. Our environments are changing due to the rampant development of our civilizations. Much has been contended about it, including controversial discussions over global climate change, pollution, resource depletion and economic warfare as well as issues generated by power deregulation, suburban sprawl and information technology. However, what cannot be disputed is that this change is occurring at a more rapid pace than at any other time in our history.
The price of fuel in the European Union has been almost three times higher than in the United States. This reality has forced the implementation of European concepts of sustainability much earlier than the recent explosion of American sustainable practice. How well do the ideals for "going green" work when confronted with the situations of real clients, real sites and real buildings? In principle and in fact, we can learn much from the lessons of great innovators and practitioners who have been thinking and building green for over thirty years.
Ian Ritchie, UKbased architect, artist, environmentalist and an innovator in engineering, construction and materials, will present a lecture on his pioneering work and issues of sustainability. The lecture will be followed by a discussion moderated by Frances Anderton, host of DnA: Design and Architecture on KCRW.
Ritchie is the director of Ian Ritchie Architects Ltd, which he founded in 1981. He also cofounded the engineering firm Rice Francis Ritchie with Peter Rice and Martin Francis in Paris in 1981. The practices of Ian Ritchie have realized and contributed to major new works throughout Europe, including the Reina Sofia Museum of Modern Art in Madrid, the Leipzig Glass Hall, the Louvre Sculpture Courts and Pyramids and La Villette Cité des Sciences in Paris, the Jubilee Line Extension and International Regatta Centre in London and the Spire in Dublin.
Ian Ritchie Architects Ltd has received many national and international awards, including the Iritecna Prize for Europe, Eric Lyons Memorial Award for European Housing, Commonwealth Association of Architects Award for Innovation and the Advancement of Architecture, IABSE (International Association of Bridge and Structural Engineers) Millennium Outstanding Structure Award and UK Millennium Product Awards, the Academie d'Architecture's Silver Medal for Innovation, UK Millennium Product Awards for Pylons in France for the EdF, the Crystal Palace Concert Platform and many RIBA and Civic Trust Awards. The practice's work has been extensively exhibited, including the ICA, Tate Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts and RIBA in the UK, as well as internationally in Tokyo, New York, Sao Paulo, Moscow, Vienna, Frankfurt, Berlin, Copenhagen and at the Paris and Venice Biennales.
Frances Anderton is the host of DnA: Design and Architecture, monthly on KCRW and KCRW.com. She is also a producer of KCRWs national and local current affairs shows, To the Point and Which Way, L.A.?, both hosted by Warren Olney. In addition, Ms. Anderton is the L.A. editor for Dwell Magazine and a regular contributor to many other publications on West Coast design and architecture. She speaks widely on design and the media and has been awarded by the LA/AIA Chapter for her work in highlighting the L.A. design and architecture scene.
Organized by Mina Chow and Thomas Spiegelhalter from the School of Architecture.
This lecture is made possible by the Visions and Voices: The USC Arts and Humanities Initiative and co-sponsored by the British Consulate, Virgin Atlantic, the USC Architectural Guild, COE Architecture International and AIA Los Angeles.
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27:28 LOST ME. Ian Ritchie ASSUMES money/economy is REQUIRED MUCH later, he described a "Service Based Economy" which is a nightmare. NO MENTION of "Resource Based Economy". I presume his financial incentives have firmly put him into a position he rather likes versus ecology concerns.
59:54 I'm not sure he know why we picked Tesla (AC) versus Thomas Edison (DC) ... I'm not sure whether he is looking at the conversion issues backwards or just missing some integrated solutions we ALREADY HAVE.
waterspindle 7 months ago
22:19 - 23:46 (US Robert Kennedy) "The American Environment"
24:10 competition vs altruism
25:58 debt, economies, natural resources, mitigation, what to-do
29:00 to 51:00 Roger McGough and Ian Ritchie structures
51:02 Back to green :: 55:55 greenwashing
56:40 Walter R. Stahel "Cradle to Cradle" circa 1972
59:29 The electric (energy) dilemna
waterspindle 7 months ago
Wonderful Ian Ritchie! Please take a look at the VOID - a radical pedestrian propaganda flick 4-part video project as a response to the sustainablity reality. Thank you
wailinburnin 2 years ago