uw-headlines

In 2005 the University of Washington started an exhibit titled “Headlines: Architecture on the Boards”.  Since then the UW has continued to host the exhibit each year and it’s become a staple of the architectural scene here in Seattle.  “The exhibit highlights emerging architectural projects designed by Washington practitioners. This preview of ideas and as yet un-built work, gives the public a rare glimpse into the studio process. An overview of the design innovation and influence of local practitioners both large and small, Headlines offers an exciting preview of future projects to be built regionally, nationally and globally.”

BUILD has participated each year in the Headlines show and we think it’s a great program because it allows a sneak peak into the future of architecture in Washington, it allows the exchange of ideas between academics and the profession, and it allows us to rub elbows with our colleagues.

Over the last couple of years we’ve noticed a disappointing trend though.  Fewer and fewer of the regions small firms are representing themselves, and their spots are being monopolized by the large corporate firms who submit multiple projects.  While we enjoy seeing what everyone is up to we fear that the show will soon become the <fill in the blank large corporate firm> show.  And to tell you the truth, we’re not so interested in seeing how many reflective glass office towers Seattle’s corporate firms are designing in Shanghai.  We’re not saying this work doesn’t belong in the show – it just shouldn’t dominate it.  The northwest is one of the most interesting regions in the country to be practicing architecture (in our opinion) and the Headlines exhibit should reflect the depth and diversity of the design ability here.  So this is a call to action for Washington’s smaller firms.  This show needs you. With so few opportunities to exhibit our work together as a profession the Headlines show is really quite significant.  It is a gauge of what we, as an architectural society, are up to.  It’s also one of the first glimpses that students get into the profession of architecture.

The deadlines for the show are as follows:

Friday April 10th, 2009 Entry deadline
Tuesday May 5th, 2009 Project delivery: 12:00 — 5:00 p.m.
Friday May 8th, 2009 Exhibit opens
Friday May 8th, 2009 Reception: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday May 24th, 2009 Exhibit closes

You can download the entry form here and past entries can be seen here, here and here.