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Monthly Archives

October 2015

UrbanWorks is Shortlisted in ChiDesign Competition

By 2015 Chicago Architecture Biennial, Architecture Foundation, Awards, Exhibits

The UrbanWorks concept ICE CADE is shortlisted in the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) design competition ChiDesign – an international ideas competition. The concept includes the new headquarters, visitor center and exhibition spaces of the CAF; a new headquarters for the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH); a design and allied arts high school; and flexible learning spaces for out-of-school-time youth programs. The ICE CADE building is an homage to an ice sculpture rising from an urban street. All ChiDesign entries are on display at the CAF Atrium Gallery. Read More

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Patricia Saldaña Natke Joins Two New Business Clubs

By Professional Development, Staff Happenings

We are thrilled to share that Patricia Saldaña Natke joins two new business clubs: the Chicago Network and the Economic Club of Chicago. The Chicago Network is an organization of Chicago’s most distinguished professional women. Patricia joins roughly 400 members of leading women of Chicago’s business, professional, cultural, nonprofit and educational communities. The Economic Club of Chicago fosters connections among Chicago leaders to encourage dialogue on important economic and social issues.

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AIA Detroit Award Jury Participation

By Awards, Staff Happenings

Patricia Saldaña Natke was honored to serve as a juror for AIA Detroit’s Architectural Honor Awards in Building, Interiors, Urban Design, Unbuilt and Small Projects. Attended by Patricia and Robert Natke, the 11 winning projects were honored September 24th at the AIA awards ceremony at Detroit’s Eastern Market. Photo by James Wallace

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Chicago Architecture Biennial – What Will Be Our Legacy?

By 2015 Chicago Architecture Biennial

Hosting America’s first Architecture Biennial is a great honor for all of us practicing architecture in this global city. At the same time, it implies an enormous responsibility. It comes with the pressure of living up to Chicago’s reputation of being the birthplace of the skyscraper and one of the cradles of modern architecture. In many ways, it is today’s version of the 1893 World’s Fair, which provided a platform for design dialogue, criticism, innovation and, most importantly, exposure. Exposing and engaging the public in the discourse surrounding architecture and the public realm, raising awareness – and expectations – of the built environment is a powerful proposition. Beyond that, empowering the public with the understanding that everyone is responsible and capable of shaping our world, has the potential for a limitless positive rippling effect. What is most immediately exciting about the Chicago Architecture Biennial is the potential for a democratic exposure of world class art and architecture to all of our city’s residents – the possibility of a diverse, multi-cultural, multi-generational melting pot of creativity, ideas and critical involvement. Our firm’s mission statement is rooted in the desire to bring good architecture to every neighborhood we serve, and we have experienced first-hand the powerful influence that uplifting spaces can have in a community’s self-perception. The educational component of the Biennial, via field trips, classes and instructive programs for teachers and students, is expected to expose thousands of Chicago-area youth to art, design and architecture – for many, this will be their first experience with the most fundamental character of our city. The repercussions of such exposure are unpredictable and immeasurable, but will absolutely influence the city’s next generation of creative thinkers and doers. What is most critically necessary and opportune is the exploration of solutions to the myriad environmental issues we face today and in our immediate future. It is our responsibility as space makers and problem solvers to find effective, inspiring and forward thinking solutions to the environmental crises we face. A comprehensive assessment of The State of the Art of Architecture cannot be complete if this challenge is not addressed for all Chicago residents and all citizens of the globe. Intelligent, outspoken, innovative, outlandish ideas need to be discussed during this forum, resulting in new inspired solutions that can be tailored and implemented the world over to repair our environmental infrastructure. A new manifesto combining social and environmental healing can be our legacy – a united, optimistic voice that embraces diversity, focuses on empowering the public, and proposes that a vibrant, healthy planet is not only possible, it is also our highest responsibility as shapers of the built environment. The world is watching – let’s respond to the call. -By Maria Pellot, Associate Principal at UrbanWorks

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