text:
Latino voters a force this election
Turnout solid and impact felt across ballot
The percentage of Latino voter participation reached double digits across the country this week, ensuring that President Barack Obama remains in the White House and making a significant impact on statewide and local races.
Election experts said the strong showing sets a milestone for how the Latino vote can clearly affect the outcomes of political contests — and proves the constituency should not be ignored.
Latino clout at the polls also placed a spotlight on the issues they care about most, from the economy to education to immigration. Political analysts said those voters will seek major movement on such matters.
"Latino voters are a permanent part of the political equation," said Clarissa Martinez De Castro, a director with the National Council of La Raza in Washington, D.C., which worked to mobilize that community.
"We expect action and leadership on comprehensive immigration reform in 2013," said Eliseo Medina, international secretary-treasurer of the Service Employees International Union. "To both sides we say: no more excuses, no more obstruction, no more gridlock."
According to exit-poll results from various sources, Latinos accounted for 10 percent of Americans who cast ballots in this election, an increase from about 7 percent in 2008. In California, Latinos made up an estimated 22 percent of the voters in this election cycle.
Polls by media organizations such as CNN, Fox News and ABC reported that more than 70 percent of Latinos voted for Obama and roughly 27 percent supported Mitt Romney.
ImpreMedia-Latino Decisions, which focused exclusively on Latino voters, found that 75 percent backed Obama while 23 percent chose Romney.
Experts said the Republican Party's stance on immigration, taxes and the economy generally came across as hostile toward Latinos, while the Obama administration's new initiative to give certain young unauthorized immigrants a two-year reprieve from deportation helped narrow the gap with Latino voters.
Gary Segura, a political science professor at Stanford University and cofounder of Latino Decisions, said if Romney had garnered as much support from Latinos as John McCain or George W. Bush did in past elections, he might have won the presidency. McCain captured more than 30 percent of the Latino vote, while Bush garnered about more than 40 percent in his re-election bid in 2004.
Similar estimates are not available in San Diego County, although campaign activists widely agree that Latinos were a key constituency in this election.
Countywide, about 18 percent of registered voters are Latino, said Carmen Lopez, outreach director for the San Diego County Registrar of Voters. The office is expected to soon release precinct-by-precinct voting data, which experts can use to analyze how different groups — age, race, ethnicity and income — might have voted.
The county's Latino electorate had grown throughout the year, with nearly 40,000 new registrations since January. That accounted for about 40 percent of all new registrants this year, the registrar's office said.
October saw the largest surge in new Latino voters, with more than 19,000 registering.
Factors contributing to that trend included a sizable number of newly naturalized citizens and the use of voter-registration drives in certain areas of the county, including the "Our Vote, Our Future" campaign that targeted 40 precincts in North County.
In this region and nationwide, advocacy groups said they also worked hard to make sure Latinos not only registered to vote but actually went to the polls.
This election's formidable Latino turnout will help shape how campaigns are conducted in the future, said Fernando Guerra, a political science professor at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.
In the past, campaigns rarely bothered to court all potential Latino voters, including those with spotty voting records.


text:
theSuburbs.org.uk - the original Ben Folds website
Sheet Music
Message Board
Email Andy
Change Forum Width
. Please
Did you miss your
activation email?
June 01, 2016, 12:17:59 AM
Ben Folds Message Board - thesuburbs.org.uk
General Board
General Sing-Off discussion
« previous
next »
Topic: General Sing-Off discussion (Read 17172 times)
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Sr. Member
Posts: 367
A little blurry, but his face is worth it!
Re: General Sing-Off discussion
Reply #45 on:
November 10, 2011, 03:42:44 PM »
Quote from: zinefiend on November 09, 2011, 08:48:21 PM
I'm still rooting for Afro Blue. I'd love to hear any album of theirs, whether it'd be jazz standards or modern songs. I dug American Girl because it made me like a Tom Petty song, which is a pretty huge feat.
The thing is, it's like Ben said, their version of American Girl was damn near the same as Petty's, except when they thought it would be cute to put the national anthem in. It doesn't even kind of fit there, aside from the word American.
I guess what I'm saying is that if you liked that song, maybe you should listen to more Tom Petty. Wildflowers is one of my all time favorite albums.
Quote from: Ben_Folds_Fan on November 10, 2011, 07:38:22 AM
Quote from: Allison on November 09, 2011, 11:59:48 AM
David - will they do an elimination on the 21st? I wonder. Cause if the 28th is the live finale? Last year the finale had four groups, didn't it?
TVGuide.com says that the episode on the 21st is titled "America Votes" and describes the top four groups as competing.
Not entirely helpful, so I went to the craptastic NBC website that not only takes forever to load but then has conflicts with settings where I try to click on a link to win tickets to the Live Finale. Thinking of course that might mention WHEN said finale was to take place. NOPE. No such luck.
Maybe Allison should tweet Ben and ask him.
I'm confused, then. Didn't they say, this week, that the finale is in 3 weeks? And we've got 5 groups left...
"Wait, he said 'good things come to those who wait,' but you didn't wait too long" "Keep listening" Kristen, on me and "Bruised"
Full Member
Posts: 246
Re: General Sing-Off discussion
Reply #46 on:
November 11, 2011, 09:15:11 PM »
Hm. Maybe at the end of the second-to-last episode, the voting is open.... and then a week later the finale is more of a celebration thing of sorts, with a bunch of performances from the finalists and previous contestants, etc. with the total results revealed at the end. That's my guess if the TVguide is to be believed.
YaBB God
Posts: 8163
Re: General Sing-Off discussion
Reply #47 on:
November 12, 2011, 02:07:24 AM »
Quote from: meecrofilm on November 11, 2011, 09:15:11 PM
Hm. Maybe at the end of the second-to-last episode, the voting is open.... and then a week later the finale is more of a celebration thing of sorts, with a bunch of performances from the finalists and previous contestants, etc. with the total results revealed at the end. That's my guess if the TVguide is to be believed.
That's how it's been in years past. Each of the last three groups gets a judge to perform with, historically speaking. It'll be interesting to see how they pair that up. Last year Sara was the guest for The Backbeats as the fourth judge in a way. I should have seen that as foreshadowing. HAHA
And I thought, David, that Nick said that the finale is on the 28th. So we eliminate down from five to four on the 14th. And from four to three on the 21st and we as america vote until the 28th for the finale, the finale is the only show that is live.
I did enter to win tickets. AHAHA. I hope I'm off of work that day.... even if it's just to watch it on my TV.
As for Alexis and Alex hating on Pentatonix.... I have no words. I got buckled in the bandwagon after Love Lockdown. That Avi and Kevin are phenomenal, I just don't understand not liking them. Then again I didn't like Voices of Lee two years ago and they went all the way to the finale if memory serves.
I cannot imagine who the top three are going to be at this point. I kept picking top four, but yes as someone said earlier and reminded me last year they faked us out and kept all four and didn't do an elimination one night. At this point I am ready for America to vote between all five remaining groups. I am way too attached to these groups.
ALSO. Any one see the preview for next week?! I am worried about the Aires given the way they cut the ad! Then again, I would not reaaaaaallly be surprised, despite being heartbroken, if they went home this week. Micheal and Brendon are who sell that group. They have issues keeping the pace. They have issues with their low end, etc... More issues than say oh, Vocal Point? Or, say, Pentatonix.
I also think Afro Blue, despite loving them as well, have to play carefully. As does Urban Method. We'll have to see how they do R&B week.
Is there only one performance this week? It seems weird with only five groups left to only have one performance a piece.... Unless this week also has judge's choice? Unless that's next-next week? I hope they didn't get rid of that category. Down on the Corner by SCS last year was per.fect.ion.
mel (1:10:14 AM): love ben folds or burn!
Posts: 36
Re: General Sing-Off discussion
Reply #48 on:
November 13, 2011, 10:51:31 PM »
I will have to watch the finale on hulu I work second shift
Anyway I too love Pentatonix. I really liked their Video Killed the Radio Star. I agree with Allison, Love Lockdown sealed it for me. Admittedly I didn't like them at first but now they are my favorite this season. I really liked their Born to be Wild and Stuck like Glue. I can't remember who said it but it showed they can strip down a song and be beautiful.
I like Vocal Point and I feel they have been spot on the entire season. They are the only one I've liked since the premiere. They are certainly entertaining. I feel similarly about the Aires. I feel both of the groups energy may be a downfall as it was to On the Rocks last year. But overall I think the Aires have better lead singers but I like Vocal Point as a whole better. I think part of it has to do with I think there are 15 or so Aires and 9 in Vocal Point. In other words its a little too much going on with the Aires.
I have never liked Urban Method and was actually disappointed at their success on the country and rock songs. I was anticipating their failure. I want them to go home but they will probably do well with an R&B song.
I really thought Afro-Blue should have went home this week their American Girl was atrocious and they continue to do what they are told to stay away from, they are so good but they just are stubborn. I liked Delilah's performances this week. I think Afro-Blue will go home this week if they do their trademark over composing. But again they may succeed with an R&B song.
I think its too close to call who will get cut this week my guess is one of the college groups or Afro-Blue. I really think Pentatonix has a real shot at the finals if not winning the whole thing.
Full Member
Posts: 246
Re: General Sing-Off discussion
Reply #49 on:
November 14, 2011, 09:36:29 PM »
Ok so. Sad to see Vocal Point go. I really am. They're technically superior to Urban Method and the Aires (the latter which, let's be honest, even though it was Afro-Blue in the bottom two as well, it was between the two all-male groups). However they haven't displayed an emotional connection to the song often enough, which is indeed important. They should've had Mckay sing that second song. Ben has a great voice, but it didn't fit the song, so I don't know why they chose that song/chose him to sing it. Shame. The only thing that kinda bugs me is that the judges never really hinted at the lack of connection to the song all that much throughout the season I felt, in terms of getting them in trouble that is -- then they get booted for it. It didn't feel like they had enough advance warning (Aside from 'you really got me now') but oh well. You could tell by the looks on their faces after the 2nd song that those comments were coming out of left field to them. It was all positive and then BAM, one "slip up" and they were gone. I still think they got the raw end of the deal. That first song of theirs was siiiick, and showed why they deserved to be in the final four IMO. "Vegas" can have heart too if done right, and they did it right. It's not like they were robots on the stage or something. Anyways, first judging decision I disagree with (and I guess the last, since no one else is getting eliminated haha).
And I don't know what the haters are seeing, but if Pentatonix doesn't win it would be a travesty. They've consistently been good to great (mostly great) the whole season, and are a step above the remaining groups in both arrangement and execution. They know when to spruce it up and when to keep it simple. 'Merica (or the producers -- conspiracy!!) got it right the past seasons with Nota and Committed, so let's hope that continues. Fingers crossed.
Urban Method's first song didn't really do it for me (again) but I enjoyed the second performance. They're at their best when they're freaking out (reminded me of Dance to the Music, which was a good one). When they're on they're great, but they're too inconsistent.
And I'm not sure what to think of Afro-Blue at this point. They never really regained the momentum they had from earlier in the season. I think all the mixed signals from the judges (or failure to communicate what they wanted, etc.) has kinda zapped their confidence, which in turn has taken away from their identity in the performance and arrangement. And now at the end of this episode they all of a sudden say "bring more 'Afro-Blue' into the performance"? Yikes. A little late for that, right? With one episode and change left, I'd be kinda pissed if I were them. Like I said before (this is to -you- Allison, hahah), I got what the judges were saying that one time in over-thinking the arrangement, but I think on the whole their message hasn't been clear enough and it has hurt more than it has helped. I understand they have a hard job, but still. I feel like maybe they were "over-thinking" the critiques a bit (irony! hah).
And what else to say about the Aires. Although they might as well be renamed "Michael and the Aires: (from Dartmouth)!" He alone has taken them to the top 4, which is quite the accomplishment. Not that they're not good (they are), but his willingness to tap into the song is what has vaulted them past (who should now be a slightly confused) Vocal Point to the final four. I never got the feeling they could win, and still don't (they're just not solid enough as a group) but they've been -just- good enough to squeak on through, and hopefully they give us some more good performances to show that they deserved it.
Full Member
Posts: 246
Re: General Sing-Off discussion
Reply #50 on:
November 14, 2011, 09:39:36 PM »
I might as well make the most of this double post....
If Ben performs for the finale (and I think he will) what are the bets on the song with the group? I'm going with
YDKM with Pentatonix (this makes the most sense to me)
Army with the Aires. Would be sick to get the crowd involved with it.
YaBB God
Posts: 8163
Re: General Sing-Off discussion
Reply #51 on:
November 16, 2011, 12:04:49 PM »
I agree with you on everything.
I was also surprised to see Vocal Point go. When I sat down to watch the show (this afternoon. just finished) I was expecting to be devastated losing Micheal and the Aires (from Dartmouth!). It was what I was expecting, previous to watching.
Having watched it....
I agree. Urban Method's first song? Meh. Especially to be named top 2. Anyway.... second song was better.
Pentatonix. There IS nothing to be said. I completely expect them to win.
Aires, Micheal is what saves them. I am glad they have learned to always feature him (at least it seemed so this week.) They said in earlier episodes that they always have try-outs for the lead.... This isn't a college performance anymore, guys. PICK your Man. I'm so glad he is thinking about music as a career, cause godd*mn it. He is a young Ben Vereen. Which. SHIT. I cannot express anything more.
Afro-Blue, I was surprised by their performances this week. While watching I was expecting them to leave. Sad to say cause they do bring something different to the table (which is what ultimately probably saved them) but their second song had nothing to it outside of Danielle. Christie's lead on the first song left more to be desired as well. GRANTED it's a Whitney Houston song... and well. It's a hard song/big range.... honestly surprised that the leads weren't opposite.
Vocal Point. Their first number was phenomenal. AND YES. McKay SHOULD SHOULD SHOULD SHOULD SHOULD have sang the lead. Ben's got a great voice. BUT McKay's got that versatile sound. That grit that the judges (and I) were looking forward. That was a silly mistake. Honestly they probably would have been in the top 4 if they'd made that simple switch. It seems silly to say, but the only time they ever ran into trouble earlier in the season was Ben's lead on I'll Be Missing You. It's not time to try out a new lead. Especially with how solid that group is THE WAY IT WAS.
Then on potential winners. I expect Pentatonix to win. However, provided Micheal and the Aires complete this week I think they're a bigger force to be reckoned with. They've got the only competition to Pentatonix. THAT and they've got way more families to call up. Hahaha. They have never been in the bottom two.... Also I think it could have helped them to BE in the bottom two. Honestly if I was a judge last night I would have cried. I don't know what they could have done. And at this point when it comes to the record deal.... the four groups with the most potential to SELL records are left. It seems crazy, but Vocal Point probably had the least
features. They're great musically. Don't get me wrong at all.... and I was surprised that it was Afro-Blue's name read off as the safe group..
But I get why the judges did what they did. Even if it sucks.
SPEAKING Of Aires and Folds.
mel (1:10:14 AM): love ben folds or burn!
Full Member
Posts: 246
Re: General Sing-Off discussion
Reply #52 on:
November 18, 2011, 11:23:16 AM »
Oh man. I had no idea that video existed. OK I retract my previous statement -- THAT makes the most sense now, haha. Pretty good arrangment too, love what they did with the solo section. Though I imagine if they do end up doing that song they'll re-arrange it a bit, mostly 'cause that one is from 2008, and I'm sure they have almost all new members by now.
And one last rumination on all things Vocal Point. I feel bad for Ben. The two songs he sang lead on were the most criticized, but neither were his fault. He just shouldn't have sang on Ain't Too Proud, and IMO he had a great lead on I'll Be Missing You, and most of the issues were with background harmonies if I recall correctly. And the criticism for that one bugged me, as the judges mentioned the tuning issues as a result of *gasp* emotionally tapping into the song. THEN their next performance was a fun, slick a cappella clinic, and Ben (Folds this time!) said "You're back," Which to me, reallllly sent a mixed message when you consider why they were eliminated. It seemed that other groups got more a free pass for problems from tapping into the song than VP when they did theirs.
And I have to bring this up too, haha. Shawn Stockman posted this on his accesshollywood blog. And I don't like it.
***"Case in "point", Vocal Point is an amazing group of guys from Provo, Utah that nailed predominantly EVERY performance! They were creative, fun to watch and the girls loved them. My only issue -- if you even want to call it that -- is their "front man" spot.
You really didn't have a stand out one or two guys who would have been the "face" of the group. Their cohesiveness was their gift and their curse, because to me there wasn't a person that distinctive from the unit! With all that being said, I still feel they have a shot at being amazing recording artists and performers. But if you compare them to the other groups in the competition, I think you will understand what it is I mean"***
First off, I don't even think that's true. McKay and Jake are both fantastic leads with great (and distinct!) voices, and nailed everything they did. Secondly, it shows more confusing ambiguity from the judges, as it seemed half the time they wanted groups to show "depth on the benches" and now apparently they boot a group for having too much depth, despite the fact they have stand-out leads? Do not like. For what it's worth, they are my second most-downloaded group, and their stage energy absolutely translates to the audio experience.
And on the subject of comparing them to other groups on the show for reference, as Shawn says, who are Urban Method's stand-out leads? Myke is their "frontman" and he's not even a singer. And I know you feel despite everything that Urban are among the top 4 in terms of selling records, but I have to disagree, only if not for the facts that the internet produces, haha: They have the least amount of followers on twitter among the top groups and groups that have been eliminated before them and least amount of youtube views. And more importantly, their songs are among the least downloaded on itunes, again even compared to groups already eliminated. That just doesn't scream "popularity" to me, though I guess if they were marketed correctly it could work.
But seriously, how is Urban Method still on? Again, hip-hop week showed other groups can do what they do just as well, but they (Urban) have never shown the opposite, which is pretty damn important for this type of show. I feel like they are getting a free pass as far as harmonies and singing arrangements go (coincidence that maybe their two best songs both feature next to no chord progressions in their original melodies? I think not). I was shocked Ben was the only one to even mention harmony issues in their first song this past week. Why is this? I thought the pitch issues were very evident and that was while watching the TV broadcast after the mix has been spruced up a bit. They looked uncomfortable just to be, well... singing. I'm starting to go crazy and am maybe wondering that the fact that their founder (I forget which one he is. Tony?) is close friends with a main producer of the show and they sang in an a cappella group together way back is why they're still around (though I don't realllly think that). But I'm at a loss, and now have this (irrational?) fear of them winning it all.
Oh and it kinda seemed in my last post I wanted VP over MatA (fD!), but really, UM, is who I thought should've been gone. Or even A-B, who are coasting off previous performances, and pedigree rather than execution. I really hope they have a good showing next week. It's long overdue.
And sorry for another long-ass, long-winded post, haha.
YaBB God
Posts: 8163
Re: General Sing-Off discussion
Reply #53 on:
November 21, 2011, 12:52:27 PM »
Someone on FB made a comment that I think rings true. This season is Pentatonix's to lose. Show ended last week, they would have won. Show ended the week before that, they would have won. I'd say since Video Killed the Radio Star they've been the forerunners. Similar to Committed last year and Apologize. They are the ones that need to watch their backs - cause they've got the target.
And I agree about Urban Method. They show that they do their style really well. And Katie did do a decent job on country night. But much of everything else they have struggled with. Or just turned it into a hip hop song.
However I think you're over-reading Shawn's post. Or at least I think I know what he means. Look at the other groups vs Vocal Point at this moment. Everyone has one, or two MAIN people. VP keeps trying to spread it along. I mean really we've given the Aires a nickname cause of Micheal. Sure Brendon (Branden? I don't remember) sings leads from time to time, and other people have beginnings of songs and ends of songs and middle parts and whatever, but if you were not watching it and you hear it you KNOW it's the Aires. VP is the one that the only time I really ever got that they were VP (and not just a gifted men's a cappella group) is when McKay was singing. It was great to hear Jake and Tanner and Ben and whoever ELSE they threw up there, but they didn't have McKay sing a song in how long?? Really on your two song nights at this point in the record selling game you gotta start having your distinguishable IMAGE.
Because don't get me wrong Vocal Point is brilliantly talented. And that's what has carried them to this point. They are so good at what they do, but we all know in the business it's about talent and image. And the judges are there to help us get to the three most marketable groups. Unfortunately I do think it's going to come down to Urban Method, Afro Blue and Pentatonix tonight. Despite the fact that I love love love the Aires and Micheal. Or Micheal and the Aires (from Dartmouth!). That being said the last four are the most marketable. It really matters who f*cks up the most tonight.
I watched the behind the scenes video on nbc, and it sounds like everyone's gunning for Pentatonix and the Aires, so perhaps I'm wrong a bit. I hope so. Afro Blue and I have fallen a bit out of love since American Girl, and I've never been a huge Urban Method fan....
mel (1:10:14 AM): love ben folds or burn!
Sr. Member
Posts: 367
A little blurry, but his face is worth it!
Re: General Sing-Off discussion
Reply #54 on:
November 24, 2011, 12:00:16 PM »
I'm really confused by the love for Vocal Point. They're possibly the most boring, bland group I've seen on the show. Unless I'm misremembering Vocal Point being the Mormons.
"Wait, he said 'good things come to those who wait,' but you didn't wait too long" "Keep listening" Kristen, on me and "Bruised"
Sr. Member
Posts: 362
Re: General Sing-Off discussion
Reply #55 on:
November 24, 2011, 03:52:11 PM »
I really liked vocal point.
"I'd like to say f*ck you in the nose, but i'm too evolved for that kind of thing now."-Ben Folds
Full Member
Posts: 246
Re: General Sing-Off discussion
Reply #56 on:
November 28, 2011, 07:48:35 AM »
Quote from: Allison on November 21, 2011, 12:52:27 PM
Yeah. Don't get me wrong, I understand why they eliminated VP, but that doesn't mean that I agree with it on a personal level, haha. But enough about that...
Color me surprised (whatever color that is anyway) they went with a Final 3. I figured with more groups this season and the overall quality being better they woulda just made the 4-thing official. Oh well. Speaking of those finalists...
The Aires' mastermix is exactly why I'm surprised they're in the finals. There was really nothing bad about it, but there really wasn't anything good about it either, and that's the feeling I get from the majority of their arrangements. Of course they owned the judges choice song (what a generous choice from them haha), even though I think Michael may have actually played it up a bit too much at some points. That being said, I'm looking forward to Army (presumably).
Urban Method I thought actually did a good job with their mastermix. It was one of their best arrangements of the season IMO. But their judges choice song? Completely underwhelming. To me they're actually kinda boring when they're doing a hip-hop song -- it's much more interesting when they add that spin to, say, a White Snake song. I know Ben thinks Myke is a star, but if I close my eyes I can't distinguish him from any of the numerous rappers out there. And I know Katie has a good voice, but her rap-singing or whatever it was on that song was kind of annoying. I can't believe Ben said that was his favorite performance of theirs for the whole season.
And by all accounts Pentatnox is far and away the most popular group on internet land, so if they don't win, the fix is in haha.
OH and I'm glad though that Sara mentioned the judges jerking Afro Blue around, and that Ben mentioned it in his blog: **"In short, I think the judges unwittingly asked them to dumb things down, and as a result, Afro-Blue became unfocused in the middle of the season and didn't always scan on TV quite as well as some of the others. But we knew what they were capable of and tried our best to navigate the integrity of the show, the entertainment value and our personal artistic tastes."**
Unwittingly describes it best, as there was clearly a lack of communication between the judges and the group, which is too bad, becuase A-B seemed to lose their mojo after it began. Some of that needs to fall on Afro-Blue, but I still think the judges should've just let them do their thing and if they crashed and burned, then fine. Too much of an emphassis was put on "connecting to the lyric" IMO, and I don't think it's something A-B even needed to do in order to survive (unlike D-A). American Boy didn't really connect to the lyric -- it was just a kick-ass arrangement and performance. Case in point: their swan song was another killer arrangement that had that "pop" and jazz-swagger that their post 'lyric-connecting' songs were lacking. Ah well. Glad to hear that Ben may be inviting them to his studio to record at some point. I hope that happens and they just let loose.
YaBB God
Posts: 3436
I went because you said you'd be there
Re: General Sing-Off discussion
Reply #57 on:
November 28, 2011, 07:56:51 AM »
NBC told New Media Solutions to tell me to tell you to not forget that it's the Sing Off Finale tonight.
Don't forget.
They also sent a video:
I don't know if it's any good because it doesn't work in the UK. At least I assume it doesn't. I didn't try.
So smooth you can hear the beard.
YaBB God
Posts: 3436
I went because you said you'd be there
Re: General Sing-Off discussion
Reply #58 on:
November 28, 2011, 08:02:23 AM »
Correction: I did try and it and it does work.
Good heavens! Is this what y'all are watching?
So smooth you can hear the beard.
Jr. Member
Posts: 76
Re: General Sing-Off discussion
Reply #59 on:
November 28, 2011, 06:03:07 PM »
« previous
next »
Jump to:
Please select a destination:
=> News
=> General Board
=> Album Board
=> Tour Board
=> Ben's Old Five
=> Transcription
===> Musical discovery
===> Tickets For Sale/Wanted
===> Completed Transcriptions
Powered by SMF 1.1.21
SMF © 2015, Simple Machines
This site is in no way affiliated with Ben Folds, his management, record label, or Sony Music.
All original content copyright 2001-2007 Andy Smith. All other content copyright their respective owners.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Wayne County
Burning Springs Collieries
On January 18, 1842, the Virginia General Assembly created Wayne County from part of Cabell County.
Learn more:
Establishment of Wayne County
Wayne County History Sources
Wayne County News Articles
A Brief History of Wayne Community
On January 18, 1951, eleven coal miners were killed in an explosion at the Burning Springs Collieries Company in Kermit, Mingo County.
Learn more:
"Kermit Mine Explosion Takes Lives Of 11; Two More Injured, One Critically, In Blast"
"Report of Gas Ignition: Burning Springs Collieries Company"
"Investigation of the Gas Ignition of Burning Springs Collieries Mine, Which Happened Thursday, January 18, 1951, About Noon"
On This Day in West Virginia History: January


text:
Previous Look
Call us from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm UK Time
Please contact us by following the link below Send e-mail
Our Client Advisors are currently not available.
Our Client Advisors are currently available.
Ask your question
Read our most frequently asked questions for more information Read our faq


text: Just a one-tank trip from many Midwest cities; make northwest Illinois your destination this season. Choose from a wide range of lodging options, including resorts, vacation rental homes and quaint bed-and-breakfasts. Visit historic sites and savor locally-grown award-winning wines, brews and spirits, or shop for one-of-a-kind gifts. Pack your clubs for one of the 10 scenic golf courses, soothe your body at one of the spas and fly the horizon at dawn or dusk from a hot air balloon.


text:
Feeling unmotivated, stuck when it comes to makings changes? Learn why making changes is so difficult and how to get "unstuck," relax into change and move forward toward your goals. Whether it's stress in your life, your health, body weight, relationships or work, you will leave feeling more empowered and inspired to make a change.
Please Call


text:
(SportsNetwork.com) - The Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers will
complete a home-and-home series on Saturday night as the action shifts to
Quicken Loans Arena.
On Friday, the Sixers buried the Cavs, 94-79 in Philadelphia. Evan Turner led
the way with 22 points, 10 rebounds and five assists and Tony Wroten came off
the bench to score a career-best 18 points.
"It's a great feeling," explained Wroten. "All the hard work paid off. Just
being able to get the opportunity here, being able to play a lot. It's a
The Sixers trailed by 14 after the first quarter, but dominated the next two
to the tune of 63-33. The lead was as many as 19 in the fourth quarter and
Philly cruised to victory.
Thaddeus Young chipped in 16 points, followed by 11 each from James Anderson
and Michael Carter-Williams. Spencer Hawes was in foul trouble most of the
night, but still managed 10 points.
The biggest storyline of the night was Andrew Bynum's return to Philadelphia.
Bynum sat out the entire 2012-13 season with knee problems after joining the
Sixers in a four-team swap. The 7-footer rehabbed and signed a two-year deal
with Cleveland this past offseason.
Bynum was booed lustily when he took the floor pregame, then when he checked
in and pretty much every time he touched the ball. He finished with four
points in 18 minutes.
"It was just another game for me," said Bynum. "I thought it was a little
weak. Honestly, I thought it was going to be much worse."
Bynum laughed off most of the jibes, but head coach Mike Brown was in no
joking mood following the loss. The Cavs only shot 33.3 percent from the field
and allowed the Sixers to shoot 47.6 percent.
"We need some grittiness and some toughness to surface, especially on the
road," said Brown. "Right now it's not happening, and I don't know if it's
because we don't have the home crowd giving us a little extra energy or what
it is."
Dion Waiters paced the Cavs with 18 points. Tristan Thompson, Jarrett Jack and
C.J. Miles each scored 13 points and Kyrie Irving only managed 10 points on 4-
for-17 shooting.
The Sixers have won three straight over Cleveland and nine of their last 10
over the Cavs. Philly has also taken four of five on the road in this series.
The Sports Network


text:
Mayors Against Illegal Guns Uses New York City Resources
The official website of gun control advocacy group Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG) is hosted by the City of New York, according to publicly available web hosting records. This revelation, first reported by conservative blogger John Ekdahl on June 20, is the latest evidence of coordination between government officials and MAIG using public resources. Founded by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, MAIG is registered under | Read More »


text:
1967-1972 Chevy Trucks - Air Conditioning Installation - My First A/C InstallWritten by on April 1, 2009 Classic Auto Air's Perfect Fit A/C For '67-72 Chevys
There have been countless air-conditioning installation stories in just about every automotive magazine over the years, and for good reason--we all want to drive our old vehicles in comfort. But how easy is it for the average Joe to install an aftermarket air-conditioning system? After all, it's a pretty serious endeavor. Well, I was about to find out. In all my years of building cars and trucks in shops, I had never installed an A/C system.
Sure, I've read articles about it, seen it done from afar, and have even had to write articles on the subject, but never actually put one in. And while I consider myself fairly skilled in many areas, I don't know much about A/C systems except they blow cold air and seem somewhat complex. In my quest to distance my '72 C-10 from the "beater" moniker, it was time to install air conditioning in the heat-only-equipped truck. I called Classic Auto Air and discussed my needs, and they suggested the Perfect Fit system for '67-72 heat-only Chevy trucks. Their kit would retain the use of the heater controls to operate the A/C and is available in two vent configurations: in- or under-dash. I'm not one to have a lot of stuff hanging under the dash, so I opted for the in-dash vents even though it would mean having to cut the holes, which may not be for everyone. After telling Classic Auto Air what engine I had and where I wanted the compressor, they shipped their Perfect Fit kit--now I just had to install it.
The install is actually pretty straightforward, but there is quite a bit of ground to cover, and much of it was new to me. Classic Auto Air did a good job of putting together a comprehensive kit, which comes with over 20 pages of instructions that seem a bit daunting at first, but reading through them a few times to get familiar with what's ahead is always smart.
What I am going to do with this article is amend the instructions from Classic Auto Air and touch on the areas I had trouble with as well as outlining the basics. Obviously, if they have over 20 pages of instructions, we can't cover it all in six, but hopefully between the two you'll be set. A big part of the install is actually removing the old heater parts from the truck. Do yourself a favor when it comes time to remove this from the engine side of the firewall by loosening either the inner wheelwell hardware or the passenger-side hood hinge to get the box out. It's a tight fit and you'll fight it otherwise.
The Perfect Fit kit comes with a wiring harness that is pretty easy to hook up, but make sure you ground it well. Classic Auto Air says this is probably the biggest problem people have when they try to run the system. If you choose an in-dash vent setup, obviously the better you measure your cuts and the more careful you are making them will net the best results. You'll need a 2 1?4- and 1 3?8-inch hole saw for the vents and for a tube that passes through the core support. In the end, you'll also need to have an A/C shop crimp the ends of the two hoses that hook to the compressor. Don't forget to clock the hose and the fitting after you cut it because once they are crimped they're not going anywhere. When you're done with the install, you'll need possibly the same shop to evacuate and charge the system for the first time. This is a big investment; don't skimp out on the end!
If at any point you have questions or get stumped, call Classic Auto Air and they'll be happy to help--I think I called them three or four times myself. So, even though it may be winter time where you are, get ready for summer now and give Classic Auto Air a ring. If I can do it, so can you!
More Photos From This Article View Slideshow
After disconnecting the battery and draining the cooling system, start by removing the heater control unit, or control head, as Classic Auto Air refers to it. There are two screws holding it under the dash. After it is out, disconnect the cables from the levers in the back.Also disconnect the cables at the heater box inside the cab and then remove the box itself. There are a few nuts on the other side of the firewall that need to be removed first. The stereo, glovebox door, and glovebox liner also need to come out.Getting the heater box off the firewall is easier said than done. It is a close fit between the blower motor, inner fender, and hood hinge. Removing the assembly requires loosening either the hood hinge or inner fender to give access to the bolts. Once out, trim this vertical piece from the firewall.With things cleaned up, the block-off plates from Classic Auto Air could be installed. The big plate has five holes in it for the new A/C fittings and wiring. The round plate gets snugged down with provided self-tapping screws.Now, with the A/C unit (aka Power Pack) on the bench, grab its wiring harness and start hooking it up to the micro switches on the Power Pack according to the wiring diagram in the instructions. The blue wires hook to the micro switches in series. There are a couple that go to the new blower motor as well as the thermostat.Once wired up, it's time to install the Power Pack under the dash. It can really only fit in one way once the tubes are inserted through the holes in the block-off plate in the firewall. Also check for clearance around the right side, and when everything looks good, secure it with the provided self-tapping screws. It's good to have a helper/spotter during this step.The defrost ducts can now be run. Classic Auto Air includes these hose adapters to connect 2-inch hose to the stock defrost outlets that snap into the dash. The oval-shaped one is for the passenger side. If you need new dash outlets, now is a good time to replace them. Also, the instructions say to cut a long piece of hose for this, but my kit came with the pieces already cut.With the heater control head on the bench, install the triangle-shaped blower switch bracket followed by the switch. There is a small wire connector to go between the switch and the middle lever that will control the fan speed. Little push nuts will go on the posts to hold the cables to the levers.Carefully route the other two cables to the control head under the dash. With a small angle bracket, secure them to the original cable mounts and their wires to the levers. Next, connect the plug from the wiring harness to the blower switch. The truck's original brown power wire will need to be cut and have a male spade crimped on the end that will attach to the red-and white-striped wire from the A/C harness.
Since I chose the in-dash vent option, I'll be installing an original-style reproduction center dash vent. Use the provided template to locate the hole that needs to be cut to accommodate the vent. Be very careful doing this, especially if your dash is nicely painted!The chrome vent will be held to the new hole in the dash by the hose adapter from behind like this. Unlike the other 2-inch hoses, the center outlet uses a 2 1?2-inch hose. If you prefer, the Classic Auto Air kit can be ordered with underdash vents.To install the side ball louver vents, 2 1?4-inch holes need to be cut. Locate them as per the instructions; they are 1 5?8 inches from the bottom of the dash and 1 3?4 inches from the door jamb. Again, be very careful using the hole saw!The ball louver vents unscrew from themselves and the front part screws into the new hole in the dash, while the other part keeps the vent snugged into the dash from behind. Make sure to deburr and file the hole first. Next, attach the hoses to the vents and then to the Power Pack.Back under the hood, remove the hood latch and upper radiator mounts and set aside. Also, remove the battery completely, which was already disconnected.Get started attaching the mounting brackets to the condenser as per the instructions. Take care to not bend the delicate fins of the condenser.From here on out, it is very important to apply the provided mineral oil to all O-rings in the fittings of the A/C hoses. Without it, they'll rip and you'll have leaks!Next, attach the dryer to the condenser using its mounting bracket followed by the pre-bent liquid tube, O-rings, and mineral oil. The dryer could go on many ways, but the liquid tube will only attach to the smaller of the two fittings on the condenser. I use an AN wrench on aluminum fittings like this.After holding the condenser in place, I figured out where the upper fitting was in relation to the core support and then drilled a 1 3?8-inch hole for the discharge tube to pass through. Deburr the hole for the wires that pass through. When it came time to drill holes to mount the condenser to the core support, I actually found little dimples where maybe the factory would have put it that lines up perfectly with the new mounts, so I drilled those out.
The other part of the pre-bent liquid tube now goes to the other side of the dryer and through a factory hole in the core support using a bulkhead. The big provided washers help accomplish this. Don't forget to add O-rings and mineral oil to each fitting.This is the engine side of the bulkhead that comes in under the battery tray. Try not to tighten this too tight since the aluminum tubing can begin to twist and kink.The pre-bent 90-degree discharge tube can now be attached to the condenser and pass through the hole and between the radiator and battery tray.Now is a good time to install the A/C compressor on your engine. When ordering your Classic Auto Air Perfect Fit kit, you have mounting options; most often you'll want the compressor on the passenger side for simplicity of routing hoses, so don't let alternator placement dictate your decision.Continuing with the rubber hoses, attach the fittings to the compressor and run the hoses to them. Leave enough slack in the hoses so the compressor can swing through its adjustment on the bracket; the hoses should route nicely in the engine bay. Unless you have the specialized and expensive A/C fitting crimping dies, you'll have to mark and trim your hoses and have an A/C shop crimp them for you. You need to also make marks where to "clock" the fitting on the hose since they won't swivel afterward.Hopefully yours will start to look something like this. Again, take your hoses to a professional to have them crimped properly. These are high pressure and also need to be tightly sealed to keep contaminants out--also be certain to have the right R-134 crimp, not R-12.Next, the heater hoses can be run. Pick up some new 5?8-inch heater hose, but double-check the fittings on your engine, as you may have to change one from 3?4-inch. The water valve needs to be plumbed in-line here and the temperature control cable hooked up to it.Hopefully yours will start to look something like this. Again, take your hoses to a professional to have them crimped properly. These are high pressure and also need to be tightly sealed to keep contaminants out--also be certain to have the right R-134 crimp, not R-12.One wire will connect to the compressor using a bullet connector and the other to the blue wire coming through the fire from the Power Pack with a spade connector. These can be neatly routed along the A/C hoses. Don't forget to attach the black ground wire from the Power Pack to a good ground on the body.


text:
Wilburton Hill Park
Address: 12400 Main Street Contact: Field Scheduling: 425-452-6914 Picnic reservations: 425-452-6914
Bellevue Botanical GardenPark Rental Information
Hours: Dawn to dusk Amenities: Picnic area, play area, 2 baseball fields, 1 soccer field, restroom, 105.49 acres. Wilburton Hill Park is the largest upland park in the city encompassing a wide variety of active and passive recreational opportunities. The park's trail is a major link in the Lake to Lake Trail and Greenway System. Active play enthusiasts can take advantage of the soccer and ballfields, and children's play area. Directions: From I-405, take the NE 8th Street exit going east. Turn right onto 124th Avenue NE. The park is on the left at the intersection of 124th and Main Street.
Parks & Community Services
450 110th Ave. NE
P.O. Box 90012
Bellevue, WA 98009
Phone: 425-452-6885
Fax: 425-452-7221
Join Bellevue Botanical Garden on
Bellevue Botanical Garden Society
Bellevue Botanical Garden Plant Database


text:
Alain is Senior Lecturer in Urban Design at the University's School of Geography and Planning. His research interests are in spatial and urban design in relation to economics, social and environmental outcomes using spatial network design analysis to understand substantive and projective design properties of the activity locations systems of large conurbations in the USA, UK, France and China.
Within the School he leads the conceptual development of spatial design network analysis software and directing the testing (sDNA, www.cardiff.ac.uk./sdna/). He teaches MA Urban Design: Urban Design Foundation, Urban Design Autumn Studio, Development Management, and the Research based Urban Design Project.
Before joining the School in 2010, he was an Executive and Board Director at the global consultancy Space Syntax Ltd. where he directed large scale projects concerning spatial policy analysis and evidence-based spatial design and policy formulation in major cities including Paris and London. Clients included Greater London Authority and the London Boroughs. He has advised leading international urban design practices such as ARUP Associates, Atelier Jean Nouvel, Farrell & Partners, Foster + Partners, Gehry Partners, Herzog and de Meuron, Hopkins, Martha Schwarz & Partners, and Make. He continues his consultancy work in the UK, France, and China.
At Space Syntax, while serving as Operational Research Director (2005-09) he developed and led innovative services and operational research projects. The latter was mainly funded by the Higher Education Innovation Fund, and involved development of methodologies and new software capacity for Space Syntax Ltd. He was Senior Research Fellow at University College London (2000-09). His work has been widely published in international professional journals. In the UK he has been member of various research project panels (EPSRC, Successful suburban town centre, Design for London, London Development Agency, Greater London Authority, Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation). He is a founding director of the international CHORA Urban Institute, and an advisor to national research institutions in Europe, North America and Asia.
Current position, appointment and membership
Lecturer in urban design at Cardiff University School of Geography and Planning; expert to the French National Research Agency (ANR). External Examiner ENSA Toulouse, France. Member of the Academy of Urbanism.
- G Certificate (08-09) Birkbeck College, Department of Economics, Mathematics and Statistics. University of London, With Distinction.
- G. Diploma (93-94) Architectural Association, School of Architecture, Graduate School History and theory.
- Diploma (80-86) Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture, Marseille, France.
- Baccalauréat S (1979) Lycée Jean Perrin, Marseille (mathematics, physics & chemistry, French, philosophy, English, engineering sciences) 7 A level equivalent.
Academic Appointments
- Visiting Lecturer (2012–) Tongji University, CAUP.
- Lecturer in Urban Design (2011–) Cardiff University, School of Geography and Planning.
- Professional Tutor (2010–11) Cardiff University, Welsh School of Architecture.
- Research associate (2010–11) Cardiff University, School of Geography and Planning.
- Fellow (2008–09) London School of Economics and Political Science, Cities Programme.
- Adjunct Professor (2006–08) Syracuse University, Architecture, London Programme.
- Associate Professor (1996–99) Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture, Grenoble, France.
- Senior Lecturer (1999–00) University of the Arts, Chelsea School of Art and Design.
- Visiting Senior Lecturer (1997–) University of Westminster, School of Architecture and the Built Environment.
- Lecturer (1996–99) University of the Arts, Chelsea School of Art and Design.
- Lecturer (1995–98) Greenwich University, School of Architecture and Landscape.
- Lecturer (1995–96) Kingston University, School of Architecture.
- Lecturer (1993–95) College of Brunel University, Brunel University.
- Assistant (1989–96) Architectural Association, School of Architecture.
- Assistant (1994–95) University of the Arts, Chelsea School of Art and Design.
Professional Appointments
- Director (2009–) design Economics partnership Limited, London.
- Board Director (2005–09) Space Syntax Limited, London.
- Executive Director (2005–09) Space Syntax Limited, London.
- Associate Director (2004–05) Space Syntax Limited, London.
- Consultant (2003–04) Space Syntax Limited, London.
- Research Consultant (2000–03) Space Syntax Limited, London.
- Founding Trustee, Director (1993–) CHORA, Charity, London.
- Project Architect (1986–90) Tetra, Marseille, France.
- Expert evaluator (2013–) Hong Kong Research Grant Council.
- Expert evaluator (2008–) National Research Agency, ANR, Sustainable City Research Programme, France.
- Honorary Senior Research Fellow (2000–10) University College London, University of London.
- Scientific advisor (2006–07) EPAD, La Défense, France.
- Panel member (2007–09) EPSRC, Successful suburban town centre, UCL Space Group.
- Panel member (2008) Design for London, London Development Agency, Greater London Authority, Valuing Urban Realm, MVA.
- Panel member (2006) Commission for the Built Environment (CABE), Values in the built environment, Young Foundation.
- Panel member (2005–07) London Borough of Southwark, Design Panel.
- Panel member (2005) Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Public domain, people make places, Demos.
Student Awards/Prizes/Exhibitions/Publications
- Design studio invited exhibition. Architektur Forum, Gallery d'architecture, Zurich. Diploma, Architectural Association, School of Architecture.
- Design studio invited exhibition. Aedes, Gallerie d'architecture, Berlin. Diploma Unit 2, Architectural Association, School of Architecture.
- Design studio invited exhibition. Rietveld Academy Exhibition, Amsterdam. Diploma Unit 2, Architectural Association, School of Architecture.
- Publication. Tomas Boga Publisher, Zurich. Diploma Unit 2, Architectural Association, School of Architecture.
- Publication. Japan Architects, Tokyo. Diploma Unit 2, Architectural Association, School of Architecture.
- Publication. B, Copenhagen. Diploma Unit 2, Architectural Association, School of Architecture.
- Publication, SD, Tokyo. Diploma, Architectural Association, School of Architecture.
- 1st Prize architecture. Royal Academy of Arts. Part 1, Greenwich University, School of Architecture & Landscape.
- 1st Prize architecture. Royal Institute of British Architects. Part 1, Greenwich University, School of Architecture & Landscape.
- Commended project. Cim Béton Competition, Architectural Project. Diploma, School of Architecture, Grenoble.
- 1st prize, INPD Laboratory Competition, Architectural Project. Diploma, School of Architecture, Grenoble.
- 1st Prize, Pole Européen Competition, Event Project. Diploma, School of Architecture, Grenoble.
- Design Studio invited exhibition. Exhibition 'Multiprises ' Maison de l'Architecture de l'Isère.
- Event Project & Urban strategy. Diploma, School of Architecture, Grenoble.
- 1st, 2nd and Special Prize. OTUA - Station téléphérique, 2 phases competition, Architectural Project. Diploma, School of Architecture, Grenoble.
- Special Prize. Accessibilité à la culture. 2 phases competition. Architectural Project. Diploma, School of Architecture, Grenoble.
- Design studio invited exhibition. Maison de l'Architecture de l'Isère. Exhibition 'Le mois de l'architecture' Event Project, School of Architecture, Grenoble.
External Activities
Visiting critic
- Architectural Association, School of Architecture, London (1989).
- Cambridge University, School of Architecture, Cambridge; Diploma (1994).
- Rhodes Island School of Design, School of Architecture, Providence; Diploma (1994).
- Cambridge University, School of Architecture, Cambridge; Diploma (1995).
- Oxford Brookes University, School of Architecture, Oxford; Diploma (1995).
- Graduate School of Design, School of Architecture, Harvard; Master (1995).
- Rhodes Island School of Design, School of Architecture, Providence; Diploma (1995).
- Rhodes Island School of Design, Providence; Diploma (1996).
- Royal College of Art, Architecture, Londres; Master (00-09).
- University of East London, School of Architecture, Londres; Diploma (04-07)
- University College, London University, Bartlett School of Architecture, London; Diploma and MArch Arch Design and MArch Urban Design (2002-).
- Metropolitan University, School of Architecture, Londres; Diploma (2003-).
- Technical University of Munich, Spatial and Territorial Development, 28th June (2012).
Relation with professional body
- School of Geography and Planning, Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors coordinator. Coordinate communication and yearly accreditation monitoring (2012).
External examiner
- External examiner, DNSEP, design, National School of Fine Art; Diploma (1993).
- Head external examiner, DNSEP, design, National School of Fine Art, Lyon; Diploma (1998).
- External examiner, Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Toulouse; Diploma (2010-).
Planning advisor to a third sector association
- Better Archway Forum, London (2006-).
- Better Archway Forum, London. Analysis of the Local Development Framework evidence base retail needs technical reports and retail strategy (2009).
Current Research Project
ESRC 'Transforming' Social Science
WHealth modelling: an individual-based methodology for measuring the Health and Wealth of cities
PI: Professor Chris Webster, Cardiff University
Co-I: Scott Orford, Chinmoy Sarkar, Alain Chiaradia, Cardiff University
We propose to test a fundamentally new approach to generating knowledge for evidence-based place-making and city-shaping, based on epidemiologic research models in which the individual is the fundamental unit of analysis. This approach directly addresses methodological problems that inhibit the accumulation of verifiable knowledge in urban planning arising from the use of aggregate data. Urban governance interventions in the future, we envisage, will be transformed by the existence of well-founded large panel studies that permit probabilistic statements about the impacts of policies and changes to urban configuration and design, on individual agents (individuals, households, firms). We test this approach by adding innovative measures describing the built environment around the homes of approximately 500,000 members of the UK Biobank (UKB) cohort study. We use these to calibrate models capable of detecting the individual health effects of alternative urban configurations and designs (density, land-use mix, green infrastructure, street network connectivity, slope and so on). We also test the impact of these urban planning variables on individual wealth, indicated by property price; and explore health-wealth associations. Ethics approval for medical data use is covered under the UKB's own ethics authorisation. The study as a whole is approved under Cardiff University's ethics procedures.
Peer Reviewed Competitive Research Grants
- 'Soul's Cycle' (PI: R. Bunschoten, Co-PI: David Racz, Alain Chiaradia)
Funded by the Stiching Fonds voor de Beeldende Kunsten, NL
Amount funded: £ 30,000
Purpose: design and construction of the "Soul's Cycle" for the exhibition Architecture and Imagination.
- 'The Skin of the Earth' (PI: R. Bunschoten, Co-PI: Alain Chiaradia)
Funded by the EEC Cultural Action
Amount funded: £ 9,000
Purpose: design and construction of the "Skin of the earth" for the exhibition Architecture and Imagination.
- 'The Skin of the Earth' (PI: R. Bunschoten, Co-PI: Alain Chiaradia)
Funded by the British Council
Amount funded: £ 5,000
Purpose: design and construction of the 'Skin of the earth'.
- 'The Skin of the Earth' (PI: R. Bunschoten, Co-PI: Alain Chiaradia)
Funded by the Stiching Fonds voor de Beeldende Kunsten, NL
Amount funded: £ 90,000
Purpose: design and construction of the 'Skin of the earth'.
- 'The Skin of the Earth' (PI: R. Bunschoten, Co-PI: Alain Chiaradia, Regin Shwaen
Funded by the Prins Berhnard Fund, NL
Amount funded: £ 7,000
Purpose: Publication Grant 'The Skin of the Earth'.
- 'Urban Floatsam' (PI: R. Bunschoten. Co-PI: Alain Chiaradia, Tak Hoschino)
Funded by the Stiching Fonds voor de Beeldende Kunsten, NL
Amount funded: £ 15,000
Purpose: to research and prepare materials for book publication.
- 'Linz Studies' (PI: R. Bunschoten, Co-PI: Alain Chiaradia, Marianne Mueller)
Funded by the Stiching Fonds voor de Beeldende Kunsten, NL
Amount funded: £ 66,250
Purpose: To research and propose new and original method in urban planning.
- 'Spatial Configuration and urban social mix' (PI: Prof. Bill Hillier. CoPI: Alain Chiaradia)
Funded by the Ministère de l'Equipement, des Transport et du Logement, Ministère de la Culture, France. Plan Urbanisme Construction Architecture, Paris, France
Amount funded: € 45,000
Purpose: aimed to transfer an urban analysis software tool set developed in the UK and to validate it in France.
1/ making accessible in French the core literature of the space syntax research program; theories and techniques and mains research results,
2/ pilot studies of the Nantes and Grenoble conurbations.
- i-VALUL 'The intangible VALues of Urban Layout' (PI: Alain Chiaradia and Christian Schwander
CoPI: Prof. Bill Hillier (UCL), M. Weddenburn (CBuchanan and partners), Yolande Barnes (Savills Research ); UrbanBuzz programme, University College London lead partner and University of East London main partner.
Funded by theHigher Education Funding Council for England, the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (now Department for Business Innovation & Skills) under the auspice of Higher Education Innovation Fund-round 3.
Amount funded: £ 382,803; CIK: £ 840,991; Total: £ 1,223,794
Purpose: aimed to bring together agents involved in urban spatial layout planning, design and delivery value chain to discuss barriers to good layout planning and design involving a large partnership from public, private and third sector organisations (local, regional and national); to lower the barriers to spatial layout evaluation by making tangible the social, economic and environmental values of urban layout. The project has done so by:
1/ valuating layout in relationship to town centre vitality, residential property price and the cost of crime against property and person,
2/ developing methodology and software capability to process and create the spatial value map of the Greater South East of England,
3/ transferring expert knowledge to third sector organisations, private sector and Local Planning Authorities.
- VIBAT 'Visioning and Backcasting for Transport Policy in London'. Lead organisation Halcrow Group (transport) (PI: Robin Hickman, CoPI: Prof. David Bannister; objective 3 lead Alain Chiaradia with Jorge Gil)
Funded by HEFCE UrbanBuzz programme (see i-VALUL)
Amount funded: £ 202,091; Space Syntax Limited £ 50,000; CIK £ 120,000; Total £ 170,000
Purpose: aimed to quantify the carbon efficiency of the current Transport for London strategy to reach a 60% to 80% reduction by 2025-2050.
1/ developing a 'backcasting' approach to transport planning in London,
2/ providing a mean of successfully communicating future lifestyle and behavioural choices to stakeholders and the public,
3/ creating an interactive scenario-testing tool that would allow stakeholders and the public to 'road test' the impact of policy packages.
- SEDUC 'Socio-Environment Degradation and urban Configuration'. Lead organisation University of East London (PI: Prof. Allan Brimicombe. CoPI: Prof. Bill Hillier, Eva Friedrich, Alain Chiaradia)
Funded by the UrbanBuzz programme (see i-VALUL)
Amount funded: £192,908; Space Syntax £ 21,100, Total CIK £ 46,420; Total £ 67,520
Purpose: aimed to achieve a step-change in the response activities of Local Authorities to the challenge of ASB.
1/ bringing together local authority staff, police officers, designers, practitioners, planners and data analysts discuss the challenge faced by neighbourhoods experiencing ASB,
2/ understanding current design responses,
3/ using spatial design metrics to identify spatial design patterns.
- Collaborator on a £ 536,371 EPSRC grant awarded to Professor Alan Penn, UCL, to establish a network of experts to research and advise on the evolution of Chinese cities – City History and Multi-Scale Masterplanning, collaborating partner on behalf of Space Syntax Limited.
- Research commissioner and manager for the Princes of Wales' Foundation for the Built Environment. Verbier Green Pioneering Summit 2010 (Carbon benchmarking – MLDD, Sustainable mobility – EPFL, Collaborative design – PFBE & FDDM, Futures planning – The Futures Company).
Programme budget £ 70,000
International Expert Evaluator of Research Proposals
- Agence Nationale de la Recherche, France, Sustainable Cities, Project XX; Sustainable networks in Urban Systems (2008).
- Agence Nationale de la Recherche, France, Sustainable Cities, Project XX; Innovative numerical platforms of urban simulation for sustainable development (2009).
- Agence Nationale de la Recherche, France, Sustainable Cities (2010).
Project XX: Tools for Urban Sustainability.
Project XX: Sharing, use and modelisation of public data. Cycling and walking as case studies.
- Agence Nationale de la Recherche, France, Sustainable Cities, Projets XX (3) (2012).
Reviewer For Technical Journals
- 2005: Reviewer for the 5thInternational Symposium on Space Syntax, Delft, June.
- 2007: Reviewer for the 6th International Symposium on Space Syntax, London, June.
- 2009: Ad Hoc reviewer for Environment and Planning (B): Planning and Design.
- 2009: Reviewer for the 7th International Symposium on Space Syntax, Stockholm, June
Other Outputs - Software Development
1996-97: Developed the concept, the teaching methodology and materials for the use of a parametric generative 3D sketching/prototyping software plug-in for Autocad (eKora). Software scripting developed by John Prentice. The software was introduced by mean of workshops/formalised course to 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th year students in architecture, Kingston University, School of Architecture. Subsequently eKora was used by students at various universities. http://jadp.co.uk/ekora.htm
2004-07: Developed the concepts, methodologies, testing and services of spatial design measures to unpack space syntax synthetic indicators. These spatial design measures were embedded in the software Confeego. The aim was to use spatial design indicators that built up an intuitive understanding of space syntax indicators for urban designer and architects. These spatial measures are now core of the spatial analysis called "city scan". The software scripting was developed by Jorge Gil and Chris Stutz.
2007-09: Space Syntax spatial modelling: initiated and led the first large scale (Greater South East of England, 23m inhabitants) operational use of road centre line replacing the laborious axial map production. It involved various methodological and software developments including grid computing. The methodologies and software scripting were developed by Antonin Gosset and Eva Friedrich (Future Cities Laboratory Singapore-ETH Centre for Global Environmental Sustainability) in collaboration with Alasdair Turner, the initial developer of Depthmap; the "official" space syntax software.
2011-12: Spatial Design Network Analysis sDNA for ESRI ArcGIS 10.x and Autodesk Autocad 201x. Cardiff University, School of City and Regional Planning. Sustainable Place Research Institute. Software development leader with Cooper C. software developer. sDNA step evolves the space syntax spatial design analysis with original feature conceived by AC:
a. use of industry standard representation (OS ITN),
b. resolution of MAUP issues for spatial analysis on network,
c. new set control measures related to network design
d. new set of spatial analysis related to measuring spatial severance
sDNA is a simplified Land Use and Transport Interaction (LUTI) modelling environment. It is used at early urban planning and design stage to micro locate land use type and their intensity. Along with accounting for the relationship between land use and transport interaction through multi-scale accessibility analysis. sDNA enable designer to make design decision that despite a low level of data requirement are aligned with objectives. Beyond this early design stage traditional LUTI can be used and yet be informed by sDNA output. sDNA originality is two folds:
1/ to explicitly take into account of the geometry, the layout design of the urban environment whether existing or planned and impact on multi-modal route choice preferences,
2/ to account for pedestrian, cyclist (sustainable mode of transport) along with car driver behaviour and efficient surface public transport access points location in the same framework.
Non-Refereed Professional Journals
- Bunschoten R., Chiaradia A., (1991), 'Skin of the Earth', APXNTEKTYPA CCCP 6, Moscow.
- Bunschoten R., Chiaradia A., (1991), 'Skin of the Earth' Project report. Stichting Fonds, Amsterdam.
- Bunschoten R., Chiaradia A., (1991), 'Skin of the Earth' Project report. EEC Culture Dept Direction, Brussels.
- Bunschoten R., Chiaradia A., (1991), 'Skin of the Earth', AA Files, Londres, No 21, Spring, pp. 56-59 ISSN 0261 68 23 ISBN 1 870 890 44 2.
- Bunschoten R., Chiaradia A., (1992), 'Skin of the Earth', 'Machines d'Architecture' Exhibition Catalog, Fondation Cartier, Paris pp. 28-31 ISBN 2 86925 037 1.
- Bunschoten R., Chiaradia A., (1992), 'Skin of the Earth, Soul's Cycle', A+U, Tokyo, No. 263, pp. 52-108 ISSN 0389 91 60.
- Bunschoten R., Chiaradia A., (1992), 'Skin of the Earth, Soul's Cycle' B, Copenhagen No. 49, pp. 10-21 & pp. 32-53. ISSN 0105 78 20.
- Bunschoten R., Chiaradia A., (1993), 'Skin of the Earth, Planet Field' Forum, Amsterdam No. 36/1, pp. 27-29 & 56-61. ISSN 0015 83 72 ISBN 90 74315 02 X.
- Bunschoten R., Chiaradia A., (1994), Spreebogen Competition, Berlin, Capital Berlin. Bauwelt Birkhauser Verlag. Berlin.
- Sbrigglio J., Chiaradia A., (1994), 'Periphery's periphery', Domus, Milan.Dec.
- Bates D., Chiaradia A., (1994), 'Neighbours', AA Files, Londres, No 27. Exhibition review, pp. 27-28 ISSN 0261 46 44 ISBN 1 870 890 52 3.
- Chiaradia A., (1994), 'City, Model', Project review. AA Publications, pp. 135-14. ISSN 0265 46 44 ISBN 1 870 890 53 1.
- Chiaradia A., (1994), 'Sim City', AA Files, Londres, No. 28, pp. 86-89 ISSN 0261 68 23 ISBN 1 870 890 56 6.
- Boyarsky N&N., Chiaradia A., (1994), 'Glass Tombstone/GlassBox', AA Files, Londres, No 27, pp. 33-38 ISSN 0261 46 44 ISBN 1 870 890 52 3.
- Chiaradia A., (1995), 'Easter Theory', Architect Anonymous, Architectural Association Londres.
- Boyarsky N&N., Chiaradia A., (1995) A&E Boyarsky's tomb, The Architects' Journal.
- Chiaradia A., Yacoub P., (1996),' Autopsy of a floaded city',Techniques & Architecture, Paris Nov. 88-89. ISSN 0373 07 19.
- Chiaradia A., Yacoub P., (1996), 'Flooded City' Architectural Design. Londres. Games of Architecture. ISBN 1 85490 255 5.
- Chiaradia A., Yacoub P., (1996), 'Eden and Babylon' Femmes, Beirut, Winter.
- Chiaradia A., Miller S., (1996), 'Archive', AA, Londres News No. 1.
- Stonor T, Stutz C, Raford N, Chiaradia A, (2004). "Towards Evidence-Based Urban Design", Planning in London: the Journal of the London Planning and Development Forum, October.
- Raford N, Chiaradia A, Stutz C, (2005). "Network Analysis of Multimodal Transport Systems", White paper, 7th Annual TRICS Conference: Understanding Transport Development, Achieving Sustainable Development, London, England, November.
- Chiaradia A, Raford N.(2005). "Alternative Tools for Accessibility Planning", Guest editorial, Local Transport Today. London, England, March.
- Chiaradia A. (2009), 'Spatial Design Economies', Architectural Design, Vol 79, Issue 4, pp. 80-85. DOI 10.1002/ad.921.
- Chiaradia A, Koch A (2012), Urban design gold dust, Urban Design Group Journal, Issue 126, pp. 15-17.
Courses Taught
89-96: Architectural Association, School of Architecture.
Invited to tutor at the AA Diploma School (8-12 students/year). Alongside collaborating to define and organise coursework, visiting trip, review and marking, a AA tutor also organises visiting lectures, symposia, book launches, exhibitions and other events, participates in design competition, project design, publications and other endeavours promoting design excellence.
Now in its 163rd year, the AA School is not only the world's most influential and well-known school of architecture but also an incredibly fluid, dynamic and active learning environment. It is a challenging environment to create the conditions for new forms of teaching, working and above all thinking and learning that will ultimately transform architecture in ways not yet fully realised. This has long been the central ambition of the AA School, which has for decades been home to the world's leaders – and leading experimenters – in architecture.
95-96: Kingston University, School of Architecture.
BA (Hons) Architecture. Year 2 and 3 (26 students) Studio leader (lecture and tutorials). Proposed brief, site and studio agenda. Documentation of student work, end of the year exhibition and catalogue. Managed one tutor. Reporting to undergraduate course director.
Year 2. Elective Computer project, responsible for innovative curriculum, marking and moderation.
The Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture has a well-established and internationally renowned research culture that encourages and supports high quality, innovative research through practice, history and theory.
95-98: Greenwich University, School of Architecture and Landscape.
BA (Hons) Architecture, Year 3 (22-25 students/year). Studio leader (lectures and tutorials). Proposed brief, site and studio agenda. Documentation of student work, end of the year exhibition and catalogue. Managed one tutor. Reporting to undergraduate course director.
The School's research effort, is focused on making contributions to the solving of real-world problems or the advancement of issues that have a direct bearing on business, industry, regional, national and international communities and, ultimately, peoples' lives.
96-00: Chelsea College of Art and design.
BA (Hons) Interior and Spatial Design.
Year 2 and 3, studio leader, lectures and tutorials (12-15 students/year), responsible for curriculum organisation, marking, documentation of student work end of the year exhibition and catalog, active in research. Reporting to head of the school.
96-99: Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture - Grenoble.
Strategic Project Group (14-22 students/year) – Final year invited studio leader.
Responsible for curriculum definition, development, organisation, and marking. Invited visiting lecturer. Organised two international Seminars inviting practitioners and researchers to develop a network on urban territories and practices. Organised an exhibition. Liaising and communicating with 3 staffs. Attended school board.
The Grenoble School of Architecture has an international research standing. It holds two European Master Programmes; it initiated and leads the International Network on Architectural and Urban Ambiances and holds the UNESCO Chair on Earth Architecture.
97-: Westminster University, School of Architecture and the Built Environment.
MA Computer Imaging in Architecture (10-12 students/year) Theory and positioning Module. Director of study (tutorials and lectures). Responsible for curriculum development and organisation, marking, selection and invitation of visiting lecturers (e.g. Photoraphy: Helene Binet). Redefined the course content, liaising and coordinating with course director. Engaged with external examiner selection process, board of studies and department board for course changes.
The School is involved in a wide variety of research activities relating to all aspects of Architecture and the built environment. The School undertake research projects commissioned by the central and local government, government agencies, the private sector and charitable bodies, as well as overseas agencies. Much of the School engagement in research was rated of international standard in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise.
09-10: Cardiff University, School of Geography and Planning.
MA Urban Design (14 students) Morphometrics for urban designer – short pilot course development. Identified scope and content for the development GIS and space syntax analysis course for urban designer.
Responsible for curriculum organisation and delivery, liaising and communicating with course director, studio leaders and computer lab technician. Reporting to the Head of School.
The School plays a leading international role in its fields of expertise and its research has an agenda-setting influence in key debates in planning and human geography. Recent research has focused on the development, management and sustainability of cities, regions and rural spaces. The School has been consistently rated the top planning school in the UK in terms of its research environment and number of world-leading researchers. It also has a significant cluster of world-leading human geographers.
10-11: Cardiff University, Welsh School of Architecture.
MArch1 (63 students) Design in Practice Public Space Public Life Design Module – Studio Module leader (design project). Liaising and reporting to director and course chair. A distance teaching module combined with design in practice. Intensive use of Learning Central, electronic portfolio submission and feedback, course blog, email and three one week intensive contact with students. Participated to interim and final reviews, final marking and moderation with course chair. Organised and managed visit and interviews of senior practitioner in 15 different architectural and urban design practices from small to international.
The Welsh School of Architecture is recognised internationally for its research. It has the highest research rating of any School of Architecture in the UK.
10-11: Cardiff University, Welsh School of Architecture.
MA Urban Design (33 students) Urban Bloc and Public Spaces Design Module – Studio Module leader (lecture and tutorials). Liaising and reporting to course director. Managed two practitioners for tutorials and lectures and two software demonstrators for workshop. Organised and administered interim internal and final external reviews with eight external practitioners and several internal lecturers. Led in collaboration with course director new marking framework distinguishing project output from project outcomes. Redefined and updated module design brief to engage students in extended contemporary public space conditions. Development of course material used by course chair for lecture support in the MArch1 Design and Practice Module. Established module report.
2011: Centre for Education in the Built Environment, courseware embedding space syntax spatial design analysis in GIS for Large Scale Urban design.
11-12: Cardiff University, School of Geography and Planning.
MA Urban Design (28 students). Studio 1 new design module. High density High quality urban living in London – Module leader. 81% Student feedback summary 4.4/5. Positive external examiner report.
With invited tutors: Tim Gale, Head of Planning, Landscape & Urban Design at HOK, Senior Vice President at HOK International, Louie Sieh, Freelance built environment consultant, and Sherin Aminossehe, Head of Regional Strategy, Government Property Unit, Cabinet Office at UK Government.
Managed team of 5 tutors for tutorials, lectures and one software technician for workshop. Organised and administered interim internal and final external reviews with eight external practitioners and several internal lecturers.
Graduate Thesis
- MA Urban Design supervision. Cardiff University School of Geography and Planning & WSA.
- Diploma thesis advisor at the Architectural Association School of Architecture, London.
- Diploma thesis advisor at the Ecole Nationale Superieure d'Architecture, Grenoble.
- MSc Cities Design and Social Science, London Schools of Economics and Political Science.
- MA Architecture and Digital Media thesis advisor at University of Westminster, School of Architecture and the Built Environment, London.
Curriculum and Instructional Development, Teaching Innovations
Undergraduate thesis
Degree thesis advisor at the Architectural Association, School of Architecture, London
Curriculum Development
Core courses in the area of events design, Architecture, urban strategies. Ecole Nationale Superieure d'Architecture - Grenoble. I initiated and developed new design teaching methods with the aim to promote a better understanding of architecture, urban strategy, event design and how these elements need to effectively interact to achieve their full potential. Students' projects won several local, regional, and national awards and were invited at the Venice Biennale.
Curriculum Development, Experimental courses developed to initiate new areas of inquiry
1. Core course Syracuse University – spatial design analysis and design.
2. Optional course in parametric generative sketching. Kingston University.
Visiting Lecturer/Professorship
1990: Visiting Assistant Professor with Prof. Raoul Bunschoten, School of Architecture MARCHI, Moscow.
1992: Visiting Assistant Professor with Prof. Raoul Bunschoten, Academie von Bouwkunst, Hogesschool, Amsterdam. 'One Room City – Field in White Memory'.
1992: Workshop director, European Assembly of Student in Architecture, Kolomna. 'The City as endless table' Urban model, architecture.
1993: Visiting Assistant Professor with Prof. Jacques Sbrigglio, 5th International Seminar DOMUS, Post-Graduate Studio, Naples.
1995: Visiting Assistant Professor with Prof. Raoul Bunschoten, Berlage Institute of Architecture, Amsterdam Master. Edge city project.
1996: Visiting Professor, Institute of Technology, School of Architecture, Vaasa, Finland, 'Future Archaeology' Urban project, architecture.
1996: Visiting Professor, Harvard University, Graduate School of Design, Master. Urban project. Invited by Claire Robinson.
1996: Visiting Assistant Professor with Prof. Raoul Bunschoten, Städelschule, School of Architecture, Frankfurt, Germany, 'Morphology and social dynamic' Urban project.
1996: Visiting Professor, MESA Master in European Architectural Studies, London, Paris, Helsinki. Invited by Ron Kenley, programme director.
1997: Visiting Assistant Professor with Prof. Raoul Bunschoten, Columbia University, Graduate School of Architecture and Planning, Master. Urban project 'The City, scénarii'.
96-97: Visiting Professor, University of Art and Design (UIAH), Helsinki, Finland. 'Future Settlement' Urban project, Invited by Jan Vervijnen and Martin Relander, Master Architecture and environment.
96-98: Visiting Professor. Ecole Nationale des Beaux Arts, Lyon. ARC. Invited by Sonja Dicquemare.
2010: Visiting lecturer. Cardiff University, School of City and Regional Planning and the Welsh School of Architecture, MA in Urban Design, working with Marga Munar Bauza, module lead, we ran a short workshop pilot introducing GIS and Space Syntax analyses during the Design Studio Neighbourhood Design.
2013: Visiting lecturer. Tongji University, CAUP.
Invited Lecture, Workshop Without Proceedings
'Chance, Flow, Politics of Water'
1995: Architectural Association, School of Architecture, London. Lecture Series.
1995: Städelschule Architekturklasse, Frankfurt, Germany. Lecture Series.
1995: Berlage Institute of Architecture, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Lecture Series.
2012: Kingston University, School of Architecture, London. Lecture Series.
'Sketching myths and practices, 3D Sketching'
1998: 4th Design & Decision Support System, International Conference in Architecture & Urban Planning Eidhoven University of Technology, Maastrich, Netherlands.
1998: 1st International Seminar, Maison des Sciences de l'Homme, Grenoble, France. 'Action, research, teaching & IT'.
1998: International Annual Design History Society Conference. Huddersfield University. 'Design Innovation: conception to Consumption'.
1998: Metropolitan University, School of architecture, London. Summer School.
'SimCity fictions, Sim GIS, Urban Politics'
1995: Centre de Créations Contemporaine, Tours, France. International Exchange (1995).Royal Academy of Arts, London. 'Edge City' Symposium.
1996: MESA Master in Architectural Europena Studies – London, Paris, Helsinki. University of Art and Design (UIAH). Helsinki, Finland. Seminar, tutorial and Jury. Directed by Ron Kenley with Don Bates, Pascal Shoening and Jean Attali.
1996: 'The Creative City' International Conference on Urban Design and the Information Society. University of Art and Design (UIAH). Helsinki, Finland. 'Events Design for Delayed Architecture' with Geoff Mulgan, Peter Hall, Bert Mulder, Charles Landry.
1996: 'War Stricken Cities' Symposium, Aarhus School of Architecture. Aarhus, Denmark. 'Linz, long range effect of WWII'.
1997: Architectural Association, School of Architecture, London. 'Exes' 150th AA anniversary.
1997: Greek Ministry of Environment - French Cultural Institute, Athens, Greece. 'Para urbanism, decentralised design'.
1997: Lecture Series, Architectural Association, School of Architecture, London. 'Architecture what for?'.
1999: 2nd International Seminar, Maison des Sciences de l'Homme. Grenoble, France. 'Action, research, teaching & IT'.
1999: Architectural Association, School of Architecture, London. Intermediate School Lecture Series.
1999: Royal College of Art, London. MA architecture Lecture Series.
2000: Ecole Supérieure Nationale des Beaux Arts, Grenoble, France. 'Friche à l'œuvre'.
2006: Foncière Logement, Paris, Rénovation de Quartiers d'Habitat et Diversification, Expérience en France et à l'Etranger. January 4-6th.
2007: Tallinn University, Estonian Academy of Arts, Department of Architecture, MA in Urban Studies. Intensive course and workshop January 9-19 - Modelling Urban Space and Process with Prof. Panu Lehtovuori, Mauri Kaipainen, Ülar Mark, Anssi Joutsiniemi and Prof. Rein Ahas.
2007: The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, February 13th. Planning Safer Street. Syracuse University, London, January 31st.
2008: University of Tokyo, Center for Cooperative Research - Institute of Industrial Science. Professor Masao Kuwahara: spatial network design analyses.
2008: World Business District Summit for Sustainable development 14th-15th February. EPAD. La Défense Paris.
2008: Société Française des Urbanistes, Deutsche Akademie fur Stadtebau und Landesplanung. From the Leipzig Charter to a common European sustainability framework. Epamarne-Epafrance – Paris Marne la Vallée. 13th June. WS 2: Networking for sustainable European cities. What roles for planners?
2008: Tongji University, College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shanghai, China – Space matters.
2008: Zhejiang University, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China – Space matters.
2008: China Academy of Art, Hangzhou, China – Space matters.
2008: Chongqing University, Architecture and Construction College, Shapingba, Chongqing – Space matters.
2008: Université Paris 1 Panthéon – Sorbonne, Institut de Géographie, Centre de Recherche sur les Réseaux, l'Industrie et l'Aménagement (CRIA), Professeur Gabriel Dupuy.
2008: Université Paris Est Marne la Vallée, Laboratoire Ville Mobilité Transport (ENPC, INRETS and LVMT) – spatial network design analyses and land use distribution.
2008: Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE, UK) – invited seminar UK planning system vs French planning system.
2009: The London School of Economics and political Science, Urban and Regional Economics Seminar, Centre for Economic Performance, February 13th.
2009: University of Tokyo, Centre for Spatial Information Science. Professor Yasushi Asami: Property price and spatial network design analyses.
2009: University of Tokyo, Center for Cooperative Research - Institute of Industrial Science,. Professor Masao Kuwahara: Traffic distribution and spatial network design.
2010: Train station 9th Annual UK Rail Stations Conference 2010 24 February 2010-03-09: urban form and station spatial integration, are train station the new urban centre?
2010: Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE, UK) – invited seminar: spatial design planning: centre in Greater London.
2012: Chongqing University, School of Architecture and Urban Planning. The 3rd International Symposium on Sustainable Development of Human Settlements in Mountainous Regions. 11th– 13th May. Is there anything to learn from flat western mega-city?
2012: Hefei University of Technology, School of Architecture and Urban Planning. High Density High Quality Living in London.
2012: "Urban Network Modelling Tools as a Basis for Interdisciplinary Teaching in Urban Design, Architecture and other Disciplines". Innovations in Built Environment Education. Conference Centre for Education in the Built Environment, School of the Built Environment, University of Salford. 22nd May 2012. Invited speaker. http://ibee-conference.com/
2013: Zhejiang University, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China – knowable and unknowable spaces.
2013: Tongji University CAUP, lecture series over 4 weeks: space syntax within and without.
Internship Programme
2004-09: Successfully initiated and implemented the internship programme at Space Syntax Limited.
2012-: Initiated an internship summer program at Cardiff University, School of Planning and Geography which attracted 10 participants from China, France and Italy within the first month.
Consultancy Projects (selection 2000-2009)
During 2005-2009 represented between £250,000 and £300,000 yearly professional fees.
Spatial Planning, Spatial Design and Planning Policy – regional, sub-regional
2007: London Public Realm Strategy – Greater London Authority – 8m inhabitants.
Executive advisor in the development of a Public Realm Strategy for Greater London using GIS socio-spatial analysis to prioritize improvements to the design and management of Greater London's streets and squares for the next 15 years. With Alan Baxter Associates for the Greater London Authority.
08-09: London Borough of Croydon (LBC) – Local development framework – Core strategy.
Spatial baseline: identifying spatial design patterns in relationship to existing land use, movement and socio-economic patterns. For the LBC.
08-09: London Borough of Tower Hamlets (LBTH) -Local development framework – Core strategy & Town centre spatial strategy - 250,000 inhabitants.
Spatial baseline and spatial scenarios: identifying spatial design patterns in relationship to existing and projected land use, movement and socio-economic changes. Providing spatial design policy advice based on study output. With Renaisi and Roger Tym & Partners. For the LBTH.
08-09: London Borough of Croydon (LBC) – Local Development Framework – Infrastructure Delivery Plan.
Housing, town centre development, education, health and Green Infrastructure - 360,000 inhabitants. For the LBC.
09-10: North London Value Planning and Regeneration Benchmarking Programme 09-11, For the London Borough of Haringey.
Across 7 boroughs in North London – 3,600,000 inhabitants, the North London Strategic Alliance (NLSA), Unitary Development Plan (UDP) and Local Development Framework (LDF) - Core Strategy policy analysis to quantify how similar/different UDP and LDF Core Strategy are and establish the business case for sharing Spatial Policy making resources and services.
2011: London Borough of Haringey and the North London Strategic Alliance. Aligning localism with delivery, budgeting and service delivery.
11-12: St Quentin en Yvelines, France, agglomeration wide (150,000 inhabitants) spatial design profiling and spatial development with values contours scenario appraisal.
Spatial Design and Planning Policy – Area Action Plan (AAP) for growth area and Supplementary Planning Guidance
Urban spatial design baseline: land use, movement patterns and urban spatial design analyses, leading to the generation and evaluation of spatial design development options for the emerging Town Centre Area Action Plan. Providing spatial design evaluation and planning policy advice based on study output and others inter-disciplinary studies.
2003: London, Stockwell, 220ha, 30,000 inhabitants. For the Stockwell Partnership.
02-05: London, Elephant & Castle, 70 ha – Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPD). With Foster & Partners, Make, Tibbalds Planning & Urban Design for the London Borough of Southwark.
2006: London, Ilford Town Metropolitan Centre, AAP. With Tibbalds Planning & Urban Design for the London Borough of Redbridge.
2007: London Borough of Croydon, Croydon Metropolitan Town Centre, AAP. For the London Borough of Croydon.
2007: London Borough of Ealing, Ealing Strategic Metropolitan Town Centre Development Framework. With Tibbalds Planning & Urban Design for the London Borough of Ealing.
2007: Oxford, Oxford West End, Oxpens Square, AAP. For Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council.
2007: London, Walthamstow Town Major Centre, AAP. With the Prince's Foundation for the London Borough of Waltham Forest.
Spatial Design and Planning - Town extension masterplan and framework
Strategic spatial design for growth and development option assessment.
Baseline study to evaluate existing spatial, land use and movement analyses across the entire town and preparation of strategic spatial redevelopment advice.
Participation to inquiry by design process with The Prince's Foundation.
2002: Gravesend Heritage Quarter, Kent. With the Kent Architecture Centre for Gravesham Borough Council and Kent County Council.
2006: Aldershot, Hampshire. For Hampshire County Council and Rushmoor Borough Council. Lincoln. With the Prince's Foundation for City of Lincoln Council.
2007: Ellon, Aberdeen – Award winning. With the Prince's Foundation for Aberdeenshire Council.
06-08: Romsey, Hampshire. With The Prince's Foundation. Private developer.
2009: Bordon, Hampshire. Selected Eco-town. For Hampshire County Council, East Hampshire District Council.
2012: Trowbridge, Wilshire, UK. Town Centre Masterplan and town extension design advice. For Arup.
Spatial Design Advice and Masterplan
Baseline study to evaluate current patterns of pedestrian usage (movement, crossing, static activity), including analysis of level of service, spatial layout, urban form, land use, and crime.
Creation of development strategy. Strategic spatial design analysis and advice for the development options. Signing strategic study. Communities engagements (Inquiry by Design).
2000: Millennium Quarter, Isle of Dogs, London. With MacCormac Jamieson Prichard Architects and Proctor Matthews Architects for the Ogden Group of Companies.
2001: Regent's Place, London. With Shepperd Robson Architects and Bovis Lend Lease, for the British Land Company PLC.
2001: Stratford City, East London. For Stanhope PLC and Chelsfield PLC.
2003: London, Borough Road and South Bank University. For the London Borough of Southwark.
2003: Public Space Public Life, spatial analysis of Copenhagen city centre. For Jan Gehl & Lars Gemzoe.
2006: London, Sydenham High Street. For the London Borough of Lewisham.
2008: London, Chinatown. With The Prince's Foundation for Chinatown Partnership and Westminster City Council.
2008: London, Lambeth Streatham High Street. With EDAW for the London Borough of Lambeth.
Spatial Design Advice and Masterplan - Cultural and knowledge campus
Analysis of the existing campus spatial design and development of a masterplan concept. Preparation of Public Realm chapter of the Environmental Impact Assessment.
Development of visitor circulation strategy and internal space planning design. Spatial design integration of existing building and new building.
2005: London, Tate Modern. With Herzog + de Meuron architects and URS for Tate Modern.
2004: Arizona, USA. Arizona State University. With Foster & Partners and Behnisch & Behnisch & Partners for Arizona State University.
2004: Beijing, China. National Museum. With Foster and Partners, for Beijing National Museum.
2004: London, British Museum. With Ian Ritchie Architects for the British Museum.
2004: Harvard, USA. Harvard University. With Foster & Partners for Boston University.
2003: Milan, Ex Fair Site. With Foster & Partners and Frank O. Gehry & Associates for Risanamento S.p.A., IPI S.p.A., Fiat engineering S.p.A., Astaldi S.p.A., Chelsfield PLC, and Langdale Consulting Llc.
Continuous Professional Development
2012: Modelling World Conference, Analysis and visualisation: empowering decision-making for transport, space and place. 11th– 12thJuly, London.
2011: Sustainable Transport Systems, influencing travel behaviour, 14thApril, Public Service, London.
2011: Redesigning Local Services, change for the better, 23rdMarch, Public Service, London.
2011: Modelling World Conference, 16th– 17thJune, London.
2010: Advances in Spatial Analysis & e-Social Science, 13th April, CASA, London.
2010: LDF Conversion Course, 03, 09, 16 March, Planning Advisory Service, London.
2010: Facing the future: Challenges for Planning and Local Government, 09 March, Planning Advisory Service Spring Regional Seminars, London.
2010: Modelling World Conference, 17th– 18thJune, London.
10-11: Auditor. Birkbeck College, Department of Economics, Mathematics and Statistics. University of London. Graduate Diploma in Econometrics (MSc. Economics Programme: Econometrics, Advanced Econometrics).
09-10: Auditor. Birkbeck College, Department of Economics, Mathematics and Statistics. University of London. Graduate Diploma in Economics Programme (Micro, Macro).
2009: Urban design and the Planning System, 23-24 November, Planning Advisory Service. London.
2008: Mini MBA - Birkbeck College (Corporate strategy, marketing, operation, human resource, finance and accounting).
98-99: Auditor MSc Advanced Architectural Studies, University College London, The Bartlett Graduate School of Architecture.
1997: Auditor. Introduction to Landscape GIS. University of Greenwich, School of Architecture and Landscape.
1997: 'Fast growth cities in South East China' AD seminar, Royal Academy of Art. Directed by R. Koolhass.
1996: 'Effective design studio teaching, studio role and values' Institute of Advanced Architectural Studies. York University.
1996: 'Design Studio and self-teaching' University of Greenwich, School of Architecture and Landscape.
1996: 'Architecture and Science' AD seminar, Royal Academy of Art. Directed by C. Jencks.
1995: 'Typological processes and project strategy theory' MIT, School of Architecture.
1995: 'Edge Cities' AD seminar, Royal Academy of Art.
1998: 'Architecture Intermundium' International Project Seminar, directed by D. Libeskind.
1986: 'Architecture and City' Domus, International Project Seminar, directed by Prof. K. Frampton.