Yasmin Ali

...Progress?

In synchrony with the timeous release of the iPhone 5, along came the update of OS6, also available for fellow iPhone 4 users. What it neglected to mention before the download was that this would replace the pre-loaded Google Maps app with a, sadly, much less well-executed Apple's own brand of Maps, which sees shadows obscure landmarks and whole areas shrouded under cloud, not to mention misnamed-and misplaced- towns. It is enough to make the average technocrat want to go back to paper, as this image from the London Underground aptly shows.

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Last week I received a lovely little surprise through the door. From Another Studio, the makers of 'Postcarden', the growable postcard garden, comes 'Matchcarden'. The follow-up product to the bestselling postcard format is a -yes, you've guessed it- a matchbox-sized grow-kit.

Images showing the matchcarden 'My city' range, courtesy of Another Studio

Small, but perfectly formed, each comes complete with a make-your-own facade kit with three possible townhouse styles. The seeds are cress (mustard seed); a fast-growing hardy herb that will give you a mini jungle in no time.

Designed and produced by Another Studio For Design, a London-based company enthusiastic about creating unique gifts for thoughtful givers.  Matchcarden is made in the UK, printed with vegetable based inks on FSC approved paperboard and using locally sourced seeds.

// With Thanks to Aimee Furnival of Another Studio

Last month planning professionals and stakeholders from across Scotland met for a one-day intensive conference, to discuss the effects and potential effects,of the Planning Reform Act in Scotland (2006).

The day was split into four sessions, as chaired by journalist and broadcaster Keith Aitken, and opened with an address from Aileen Campbell MSP.

The morning sessions comprised of talks centering on a brief retrospective of the effects of the reform to date, followed by -an interactive panel debate questioning 'Is the new system working?'.The first session, entitled 'So Far So Good ', reflected on the successes - and shortcomings- of the new planning reform system in Scotland.

Session 1: 'So Far So Good?'

Glasgow City Council's Head of Planning Alastair MacDonald began with an informative, illustrated talk which summarised the effects of the 2006 Act, from a local government perspective, as observed by Glasgow. Generally, the new system is seen in a positive light, and appreciated as having cut down on red tape considerably, increased efficiency and reduced the number of complaints from Neighbour Notifications.

Read on for more on the sessions.

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Main Plenary Session  - Friday 13th May 2011

This year, RIAS met in Glasgow to discuss an architect's education at the fore of its agenda. This was debated, framed as a enquiry into 'Practice and Pedagogy'.

The main session was held on 13th May at Glasgow's iMAX theatre, and comprised a series of talks from academics from across Scotland in the morning speeches. These were complemented by perspectives from practioners from home and abroad. Highlights included eminent urbanist Jan Gehl's lively presentation on the value of people-led urban design and French academic and architect, Professor Nathalie Kagan, also a RIAS 2011 Award Winner.

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The Urbanism Awards 2012 Shortlist announced

Voting for the nominees closed earlier this month. At the Annual Congress Dinner, held at The Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow last Thursday, the following contenders for The Academy of Urbanism Annual Awards were announced as having made the shortlist for Great Places 2012:

The European City of The Year:

Gothenburg, Sweden

Lisbon, Portugal

Oslo, Norway

The Great Town Award:

Burt St Edmunds, England

Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Totnes, England

The Great Neighbourhood Award:

Accordia, Cambridge

Borough/Bankside, London

Old Town/Harbour, Margate

The Great Street Award:

Byres Rd, Glasgow

Cockburn St, Edinburgh

Steep Hill, Lincoln

The Great Place Award:

Gillett Square, London

Queen Square, Bristol

Victoria Quarter, Leeds

Read on for more details on judging and nominations.

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