Came across this rather nice article about a french guy, Jean-François Perouse, working for the Institut Francais d'Etudes Anatoliennes in Istanbul - something they call the Observatoire Urbain d'Istanbul

"The cement folly of the Esenler bus station, the Üskudar heights on the Asian side, Samatya and Edikule, are regular haunts for Perouse, who “reads” the city in the key of urban geography and social anthropology."

"Perouse is currently working an a project for Paris publishing house Kallimages based on a series of anonymous photos from the 1900s. “It is as though the photographer had just stepped off the tourist boat, with no knowledge of mosques and churches. Literally, the anti-Orientalist,” says Perouse, who has added a fictional narrative to the images."

How is that for thinking City Index! Could he be a guy to pull in for a lecture this summer? It's a suggestion.

Here's a little essay he's written: Deconstructing the Gecekondu

... and while I'm at it - I bloody found it in the google newsreel I keep on my very own blog - full of Architecture and Urbanism.

Architecture and Dissent (And from talking to action...)

The Berlage Institute (an architectural laboratory) have organised a series of Springtime public lectures on the theme of Architecture and Dissent.

This program of dialogues addresses the relations between architecture, power, and political dissent. By debating the cultural currents transforming contemporary daily life and, subsequently, shared spatial practices, this series of events promotes an open dialogue reflecting on today’s architectural condition.

Can architecture politically engage a global market-driven power structure? Is it possible to find alternative means of operating architecturally within this dominant system? How should architecture and urbanism address economic development, popular culture, and a design-driven consumerism? Does architecture—as both an intellectual discipline and a professional practice—contribute to stabilizing the inherent social inequalities of the contemporary city?

The talks can be viewed by live braodcast, heres the program

Tuesday 13 March Instant City: The Rise of Dubai

Tuesday 27 March Gated Communities in the Age of Extreme Individualism

Tuesday 17 April The Cult of Celebrity: Superstars Architect in the Academy

Tuesday 8 May Signs, Symbols, Spectacles: The Architecture of Global Corporations

Tuesday 15 May Living Outside: Uneven Metropolitan Development

Tuesday 12 June Beyond Degenerate Utopias?

Tuesday 19 June The Power of Sprawl

Previous mention here on EASA of Berlage Institute was when an attempt was made to widen the discussion in offering further answers to their 6 questions. (109 Provisional Attempts to Address Six Simple and Hard Questions About What Architects Do Today and Where Their Profession Might Go Tomorrow )

NCs that do not send anything concerning extra places between the dates [17-21.5] we announced you last week, will be considered NOT REQUIRING ANY...

OR CONFIRM THE EXTRA PLACES YOU SENT IN THE PAST [WITH NAMES LIST]

so please enter your inboxes people, and read the mails we send you... we cannot delay our deadlines , cause one thing leads to another!!

Hi all I am going to Ankara soon and I wanted to ask if anybody knows any cheap places to stay there.And also some links for train or bus from Istanbul to Ankara. Thanks a lot cheers tina

Team Ireland I'm visiting your fair isle for a few days this weekend. I was wondering... a) if you have any suggestions of things to see off the guiness tour? b) if any of you guys fancy meeting up let me know if you're about? c) Neal are you busy friday night? Cheers Carla

yes the EUROVISION is back!! cringefest supreme, congratulations helsinki!

I'm shouting for georgia!

Just thought I would show some of the projects that we are currently showing at Krabbesholm Design College, where I teach at the moment. I curated a exhibion about the prospects of a new Kunsthal (temporary exhibition space) in Copenhagen. Check out our site and see projects by:

Atelier Bow-Wow, Japan MAD Office, China AGG 3 + SCHILLER, Argentina COBE, Denmark FOS, Denmark John Kørner, Denmark.

www.krabbesholm.dk

Love from Denmark,

Fredrik Gyllenhoff