The Architect's Newspaper brings this cautionary tale of architect's accepting ambitious work projects in China that are too good to be true.
Multiple firms in New York City had been contracted by a developer in China to build the same vast mixed use project. The project is apparently a scam.
"These designers were contacted by email or by phone, signed contracts, and bought tickets to fly to China, some even going so far as to visit the site, before discovering that they had been signing on for identical work. Yet mystery surrounds the stakes involved, as relatively little money was lost by any of the architects, apart from a few translation and lawyer fees, frequent-flier miles, some gifts and hotel expenses, and banquet costs not exceeding about $80. No one turned over any design work.
The scam began for most in March or April, upon receipt of an RFQ email signed by 'Peter (Project Assistant),' who appeared to be both point-man and translator."
Read the full story: China Confidential
U.S. Architecture Firms With the Most Revenue
Architectural Record has released its annual ranking of U.S. architecture firms by revenue.
Feds Propose New Lending Standards for Condo Developments
The Federal Housing Administration has proposed a rule that could remove one of the barriers to mixed-use developments. Questions still remain about whether the new rule goes far enough.
The Keys to Virginia's Urban Revitalization: Live/Work/Play
An op-ed makes the case for the benefits of mixed-use development in Virginia, namely the creation of 24/7 environments for living, working, and playing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan
Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.
Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment
Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.
Less housing, wasted money: study reveals impact of city parking mandates
The study found that 71% of carless households in the United States pay for a parking space they don’t use.
Minnesota seeks to replace fraud-ridden Housing Stabilization Services with new program
Federal prosecutors have charged over a dozen people in fraud cases involving at least $26 million.
A multi-billion dollar problem is brewing under Oakland’s streets
Oakland’s stormwater drainage systems are in desperate need of upgrades and repairs. The El Niño will only further strain the city’s infrastructure.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
One Hundred Miles
County of Mendocino
planning NEXT
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Montrose County
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority