Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

More than five-hundred undergraduate and graduate students draped in festive attire filled the Calderwood Courtyard to mark the student opening of the Harvard Art Museums Thursday.

The lucky recipients of the tickets, which sold out within a few hours, were greeted by numerous members of the administration including Dean of the College Rakesh Khurana, amid exclamations of wonder at the sight of the renovated space.

The director of the Harvard Art Museums, Thomas W. Lentz, discussed the novelty of the new building. This is brand new museum, he said. We have taken everything apart about the old museum and put it back together again.

Designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, the new features of the 240,000 square-foot building include an expansion of gallery space to 43,000 square feet, six levels of all-purpose public space, a glass roof, a 300-person lecture hall, rooms for teaching, exhibition, and research, and a cafe.

The Harvard Art Museums will open to the public on Nov. 16 after six years and $250 million worth of renovations. Throughout the six years, construction workers have worked more than one million labor hours and the muesums collections have been moved twice. The renovation combined the Fogg Museum, the Busch-Reisinger Museum, and the Arthur M. Sackler Museum into a single complex, with the staff of all three museums working together for the first time to fill the 50 galleries.

Students who had attended the University in 2008, when the Fogg first closed for remodeling, marvelled at its transformation. Having been an undergrad when the museum first shut its doors for renovation, I can attest to the incredible transformation of this museum and this courtyard, said Victoria D. Sung 10, a member of the student board of the Harvard Art Museums.

The museum will keep its property in Somerville, where the entire collection was stored prior to the reopening, as a storage space. The remodeled museums basement storage space does not have the capacity to store all 250,000 pieces in the museums collection.

Addressing attendees, Dean of the College, Rakesh Khurana said that the museum fulfilled the goals of the College. Welcome to this transformative museum, he said. We hope it will play a critical reflective role in the lives of our students. As Tom [Lentz] said, this is yours.

Students in attendance expressed their excitement regarding the space, as well as the prospect of access to a huge collection of art within such a close proximity.

My impression is that a lot of harvard students are here to come check it out and celebrate it, said Gabriel L. Guimaraes 17. The paintings are all amazing and I wasnt aware that Harvard had such an awesome collection.

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Pomp Marks Student Opening of Renovated Harvard Art Museums

Grupo RIOFRIO architects
In this video you will discover the work carried out by Grupo RIOFRIO and his professionals. If you want to see more about us, link here: http://www.gruporiofrio.com Have you think yet who...

By: Grupo RIOFRIO arquitectos

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Grupo RIOFRIO architects - Video

This week, I was on a panel about solitary confinement at the "Architecture for Social Justice"national conference. The conference was for Academy of Architecture for Justice, the subgroup of the American Institute of Architects that designs courthouses, jails, prisons, police headquarters, etc. The focus was not on technical design specifications, but on "restorative justice models and their positive outcomes in court, mental health care, social services, law enforcement and corrections practices and the buildings designed to reflect these practices." That's from the introduction by the conference chairs.

On my panel, "Towards Guidelines for Segregated Housing," I was the social activist, describing Missouri administrative segregation, which is not really solitary confinement and which I've blogged about here. An architect and the director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction also spoke. The last panelist, Brian Nelson, spent 12 years in solitary confinement at Tamms Correctional Center, a maximum-security prison in Illinois, for refusing to be a "stool pigeon." His description of the space he lived in and the experience of total isolation chilled us all.

The panel convener, Raphael Sperry, wants the American Institute of Architects to say that building solitary confinement units is unethical. And he is not alone. The architects who sat at our lunch table all design structures for corrections, law enforcement and the courts, and they want their product used to enhance restorative justice.

It made me recall my moral theology studies, where I memorized retributive justice (punishment), distributive justice (sharing the benefits and losses), and restorative justice (the harm done is addressed and efforts are made to put things right).

Other conference sessions included "Stakeholder Engagement in the Creation of Humane and Restorative Correctional Spaces," "Safe Public Spaces: Encouraging Positive Social Behaviors Through Design," and "Mental Health Delivery within a Secure Environment." These practical applications of the principles of restorative justice demonstrate the grounding one would hope for from a group of architects -- but it never occurred to me they were doing work like this.

I came home deeply moved by serious commitment of these architects to building a better world. They understand the power of their role, and they stand committed to restorative justice.

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How a group of architects is working toward restorative justice

High Plains Food Bank Turkey Drop High Plains Food Bank Turkey Drop

Updated: Friday, November 7 2014 12:00 PM EST2014-11-07 17:00:48 GMT

Amarillo, TX - The High Plains Food Bank is hosting The Great Turkey Drop on November 7th from 11 am-7 pm at the Market Street United on Georgia and Soncy.

Amarillo, TX - The High Plains Food Bank is hosting The Great Turkey Drop on November 7th from 11 am-7 pm at the Market Street United on Georgia and Soncy.

A public meeting held on Thursday focused on the Downtown Development Project, specifically focusing on the proposed hotel and parking garage.

A public meeting held on Thursday focused on the Downtown Development Project, specifically focusing on the proposed hotel and parking garage.

Tucumcari, NM - A several week long investigation by the New Mexico state police linked a series of fires in the city to former officer Dustin Lopez.

Tucumcari, NM - A several week long investigation by the New Mexico state police linked a series of fires in the city to former officer Dustin Lopez.

Amarillo, TX - The U.S. Senate is considering legislation that could help feed millions of hungry people and the High Plains Food Bank is joining the call for action.

Amarillo, TX - The U.S. Senate is considering legislation that could help feed millions of hungry people and the High Plains Food Bank is joining the call for action.

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Downtown Development Project coming close to beginning construction

Dallas, Texas (PRWEB) November 07, 2014

Intended to touch every exterior edge of the mixed-use development, Crescent Property Services LLC today announced plans to spend more than $30 million to upgrade The Crescent with an emphasis on opening the iconic office towers and adjacent hotel, retail and entertainment amenities as a gathering space for the vibrant Uptown neighborhood. The first major renovation since its 1986 completion, the $30 million investment follows nearly $15 million spent during the past three years enhancing Dallas premier office address, increasing energy reliability and efficiency, and improving customer mobility throughout the project.

Designed by John Burgee and Pritzker Prize-winning architect Philip Johnson, The Crescent opened as a self-contained, mixed-use project with full-service amenities for workers and guests. As Uptown Dallas evolved as an energetic, urban hotspot in recent years with condos and apartments, retail and top restaurants, a flourishing Dallas Arts District and the popular Klyde Warren Park nearby auto and pedestrian traffic in Uptown has risen dramatically. Recognizing that positive progression, The Crescent will focus on creating greater street presence to attract Uptowns ever-growing crowds to its dining and retail outlets.

The Crescent is Dallas most prestigious address in the regions most vibrant market Uptown, said John Zogg, managing director for Crescent Real Estate Equities, LLC. We have three of the best designed office towers with adjacent upscale shopping and premier hotels and restaurants on 11 acres in the heart of Uptown. We are opening our arms to the neighborhood embracing our great neighbors and welcoming them to work, shop and dine with us.

Historically, the nearly 11-acre self-contained complex appeared isolated from the neighborhood. Thick stone walls and iron grillwork gates projected an exclusive and internally focused business. The upgrades will signal an open and inclusive office space and fashionable retail atrium that will encourage residents and visitors to drop by for a bite to eat, to grab a coffee, meet with friends or do some shopping. Changes will include outdoor courtyards with open gardens and terraces serving as gathering spaces and facilitating community access.

Renovation plans to the 28-year-old complex call for a new storefront for retail outlet, Stanley Korshak, plus larger, more enticing window displays with revolving, eye-catching merchandise showcased against white-box backdrops. Palomino restaurant will get a street entrance and more outdoor seating. The revamp and greening of the motor court located between the office buildings, the Rosewood Crescent Hotel and entertainment spaces will involve the removal of curbs and the Stonehenge-like structure that dominates the center. Pavers and stained concrete will be installed; high rise live oak and river birch trees will be planted to create a piazza-like, tree-lined drive and pedestrian walkway; and new signage will be installed throughout the entire project.

Knowing that Dallasites are eager for parks and green space, The Crescent has recruited The Office of James Burnett, who crafted the award-winning Klyde Warren Park, to create the landscape design, which includes turning unused areas of the complex into intimate spots for relaxation and fun. At the corner of Pearl Street, an old bank drive-through will be removed, and visitors will find new landscaping, benches, moveable furniture, an event deck and even an activity lawn with game equipment to play bocce ball. The Office of James Burnett also handled the landscape design for two neighboring Crescent properties spread over 20 acres in the heart of Uptown The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, and McKinney & Olive (which opens in 2016).

We are very excited to be a part of the transformation of The Crescent, it will be another notable, active, greenspace for Uptown Dallas, said Burnett.

Other improvements include elegant, ground-level lighting of the iconic buildings. The lobbies in the office towers are also getting a makeover with new furniture and rugs, art and a wall of TVs. The lobbies will become user-friendly hubs where workers can hold a quick meeting or catch up on work.

Also coming to The Crescent are exciting new retail options, one of which was announced earlier this week. Ascension, the extremely popular coffee house and wine bar that originated in the Dallas Design District, will open its second location this spring. Described by Zagat as one of the hottest coffee shops in 15 U.S. cities, Ascension will occupy approximately 2,900 square feet adjacent to the Bank of America offices at the 200 Lobby fronting the motor court, making it 50 percent larger than the original location. Ascension founder Russell Hayward promises a similar menu (including full-service breakfast/brunch, lunch and dinner), the same coffees and possibly a larger wine list along with expanded operating hours.

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The Crescent Announces $30 Million Renovation to Transform Acclaimed Development into an Open, Inviting Gathering ...

The Landmark Trust has announced three major restoration projects to help showcase its 50th anniversary in 2015.

The first to open will be Belmont in Lyme Regis next summer. The Grade II-listed seaside villa was built by the 18th-century pioneer Eleanor Coade, the most important female architect of the time, according to Landmark Trust director Anna Keay. The property was later the home of author John Fowles who completed the French Lieutenants Woman there. Once complete it will sleep eight.

In the autumn St Edwards Presbytery in Ramsgate will open. It was the last project by the gothic-revival designer Augustus Pugin, who built it for his Catholic priest before he was incarcerated in the Bethlem Royal Hospital (Bedlam) at the age of 40. The property, which was almost derelict, is being restored as a self-catering holiday home for four.

In addition, the Landmark Trust is launching an appeal to rescue Llwyn Celyn, a 15th-century manor house in Monmouthshire, the most at risk inhabited building anywhere in Wales according to Keay and a window onto life in the Welsh mountains. The building will cost 4m to restore. Saving places like this isnt just an intellectual exercise, its about survival, said Keay.

The Landmark Trust was founded in 1965 by Conservative MP John Smith to preserve not just the derelict buildings but also moments in history, said Keay.

The openings form part of a year of celebrations that will also include a collaboration with artist Antony Gormley, who is installing life-size statues at five Landmark Trust properties in Suffolk, Dorset, Scotland, Warwickshire and Lundy Island. The project, called LAND, is launching on the weekend of 16-17 May and will be in place for a year. The same weekend has been designated a Golden Weekend with free public open days at 25 Landmark Trust properties.

Another initiative is 50 for free, a charitable scheme that invites charities to highlight individuals, including carers and challenged families, who deserve a holiday. Charities have until 4 January 2015 to apply for the breaks, which will be taken between 9 and 16 March.

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Major restoration projects to showcase Landmark Trusts 50th anniversary

Firefighters swooped down Thursday on another unregulated home operated by Keith Charles, issuing whats called an immediate threat to life order, for fire code violations that included someone sleeping in a basement without an exit.

Under the rare order, a security guard was immediately called to the duplex at 585 Clarke Rd. operated by Charless organization People Helping People and remained there while restoration workers and fire prevention officers fixed several fire code violations.

There wasnt enough smoke alarms in the building . . . there were holes in the walls, and a tenant living in a location where they shouldnt be, deputy fire chief Gary Bridge said.

Essentially, where (the basement tenant) was living was not a suitable place for anybody to be living.

In light of the circumstances that occurred on Monday we take this very seriously.

Charles, reached later that evening, said he was pleased firefighters took action and that he wanted his clients who suffer from addictions and mental health to be safe.

On high alert after a fatal blaze in what city officials are calling an illegal group home at 1451 Oxford St. East where as many as 30 people with addictions and mental illnesses are believed to have been living in a cockroach- and bedbug-infested three storey walk-up with 12 units fire inspectors have been visiting homes on their radar since Monday, Bridge said.

The Oxford St. building was known for repeated fire code violations, and London fire inspectors had visited it and ordered fixes at least 10 times in the past year for violations. City bylaw enforcers and public health officials had also dealt with numerous complaints at the building, including reports of cockroaches, bedbugs, sewage, heating cut-offs and people sleeping in the utility room.

When the blaze broke out, crews were en route to do a fifth inspection in as many days and had already decided to seek an order to close the building. An man whose identity hasnt been released died from injuries he suffered in the fire. A second person was injured. An investigation by police and fire continues.

On Wednesday, the fire department slapped an order to close against the property owner Dharma Meetun and Charles, restricting access to the building until all necessary fixes are complete.

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Another illegal group home operated by Keith Charles in trouble in London

New Delhi: With a Cabinet expansion likely on Sunday, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is likely to move to the capital soon. As reports of him taking charge as the Defence Minister come to the fore, Parrikar is likely to resign as Goa Chief Minister after meeting the state Cabinet on Friday evening.

He is scheduled to meet Goa MLAs on Friday to decide his replacement in the state. RSS backed BJP leaders - Health Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Speaker of Legislative Assembly Rajendra Arlekar are being seen as front runners for the top post.

Parrikar is likely to take charge of the Defence Ministry which is currently held by Arun Jaitley as an additional charge along with the Finance Ministry portfolio.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached out to TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu on who should be inducted into the Cabinet from his party. Naidu reportedly, has proposed the name of party MP in Rajya Sabha YS Chowdhury for inclusion in the Union Council of ministers.

Other probables in the Cabinet are Haziribagh MP and son of veteran BJP leader Yaswant Sinha, Jayant Sinha. A BJP leader from Rajasthan and a Jat leader from Haryana could also be inducted. BJP leader Hansraj Ahir who exposed the coal block allocation scam could also find a seat when the expansion takes place.

The BJP-led NDA government is also keen to make Shiv Sena leader Suresh Prabhu a minister at the Centre but Shiv Sena has conveyed that the leader cannot be sent to to Parliament till 2016 and has put forward Anil Desai's candidature for Rajya Sabha.

The Union Cabinet is likely to be expanded on Sunday and the swearing-in ceremony of the new ministers in likely to take place on Sunday evening.

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Parrikar may resign as Goa CM today, discussions on his replacement underway

Panaji, Goa: Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has said he will resign on Saturday and a new chief minister will take oath the same day. He is headed to Delhi and is tipped to become Defence Minister in an expansion of the Narendra Modi cabinet likely on Sunday.

Mr Parrikar said this morning that he will brief Goa's 21 BJP legislators about the fast-paced developments of the last few days at a meeting now on. The process of electing his successor and his swearing in would happen after 12 pm on Saturday, he said.

The top contenders to replace Mr Parrikar are Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza, the state's Health Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and the state's Speaker Rajendra Arlekar. The party's central leaders BS Yeddyurappa and Rajiv Pratap Rudy will be in Goa tomorrow as observers at the meeting to elect the new Chief Minister.

Manohar Parrikar, 58, is expected to take over in Delhi from Arun Jaitley, who has held dual charge of two critical portfolios Finance and Defence, for the five months since the Narendra Modi cabinet took oath in May this year.

To be a central minister he has to be a member of Parliament. A Goa minister said today that the party could nominate Mr Parrikar to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh.

"I give you a guarantee that if I do get the Defence Ministry, I will be clean, transparent and open. On November 9, I will complete 20 years in politics, without a single stain or allegation against me," Mr Parrikar told NDTV on Thursday evening.

He said he had not been officially informed what ministry he would be allotted. However, he did confirm that he got a call from BJP president Amit Shah. "He told me to be ready as there was a possibility that I could move to the Centre," said Mr Parrikar, adding that he has never been too interested in national politics but had agreed as a disciplined party worker.

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Manohar Parrikar, Headed to Delhi, to Resign Today as Goa Chief Minister

Panaji, Goa: Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has said he will resign on Saturday and a new chief minister will take oath the same day. He is headed to Delhi and is tipped to become Defence Minister in an expansion of the Narendra Modi cabinet likely on Sunday.

Mr Parrikar said this morning that he will brief Goa's 21 BJP legislators about the fast-paced developments of the last few days at a meeting now on. The process of electing his successor and his swearing in would happen after 12 pm on Saturday, he said.

The top contenders to replace Mr Parrikar are Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza, the state's Health Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and the state's Speaker Rajendra Arlekar. The party's central leaders BS Yeddyurappa and Rajiv Pratap Rudy will be in Goa tomorrow as observers at the meeting to elect the new Chief Minister.

Manohar Parrikar, 58, is expected to take over in Delhi from Arun Jaitley, who has held dual charge of two critical portfolios Finance and Defence, for the five months since the Narendra Modi cabinet took oath in May this year.

To be a central minister he has to be a member of Parliament. A Goa minister said today that the party could nominate Mr Parrikar to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh.

"I give you a guarantee that if I do get the Defence Ministry, I will be clean, transparent and open. On November 9, I will complete 20 years in politics, without a single stain or allegation against me," Mr Parrikar told NDTV on Thursday evening.

He said he had not been officially informed what ministry he would be allotted. However, he did confirm that he got a call from BJP president Amit Shah. "He told me to be ready as there was a possibility that I could move to the Centre," said Mr Parrikar, adding that he has never been too interested in national politics but had agreed as a disciplined party worker.

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Manohar Parrikar, Headed to Delhi, Likely to Resign Today as Goa Chief Minister