2x8: Groundworks (Student) Exhibit
A+D Museum
www.aplusd.org
8560 West Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood
February 21 - April 2
Opening Evening Reception on February 21

Sponsored by the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, 2x8 is an annual exhibition showcasing two student projects from each of eight architecture and design institutions located in Southern California. The criteria and process for selection is intentionally left to the discretion of each institution, and the installment of each selected project is carried out directly by its designer. Each project exemplifies the core values and vision of its host institution. In its entirety, the exhibition spotlights the unequalled diversity of pedagogical directions available to design students within the greater Los Angeles area, and honors the outstanding talent of those who will give form to our future.
Groundworks is the title and theme for the upcoming 2x8 event, to be held at the A+D Museum from February 21 through April 3 of 2004. While clearly referencing the pool of talented students currently laying the foundations for the future of design – breaking new ground, laying new ground, covering new ground– the phrase “groundworks” gives rise to a host of other ideas or imagery. It could describe a group of new (or reconstituted) physical or spatial topographies. It could describe work utilizing the natural landscape to inspire, mold, or dictate artificial and formal terrains. It could describe mapping or zoning strategies making way for new urban or suburban demographies. It could ask a question: how can new modes of representation, new technologies, and new construction means shape our future? In short, “groundworks” is an expansive term that may be translated to generate varied categories of responses. Each of the eight institutions may utilize, define, or manipulate the phrase as it wishes to. It has the capacity to encompass the wide variety of processes and pedagogies that the
schools as a whole have to offer.

NeoCon West
www.neocon.com/neoconwest
March 25 & 26

Santa Monica Design District
"Seating of Some Sort"

In an effort to promote creativity and to showcase young designers, the Santa Monica Design District is pleased to announce their Spring design competition. The challenge: "Seating of Some Sort". The SMDD is dedicated to bringing modern design to the home and workplace. The District is inviting entries from six Southern California universities -- Art Center, Otis, Sci-Arc, UCLA, USC, and Woodbury. Judging will be based on orignality and functionality. Additional points will be given for innovative use of materials and durability. Special prizes will be awarded for those with outstanding environmental consciousness, originality and the most successful blend of form and function. Selected work will be displayed in the SMDD showrooms March 19th through 27th with winners announced during the design walk and party on the 23rd. A peoples choice award will also be presented that night. International judges will include Don Chadwick, Piero Lissoni, Gregg Buchbinder, Greg Llynn, Maira Kalman, and Hella Jongerius. Members of the Santa Monica Design District include: Arcana, Boffi, Design Within Reach, Dolce Dormire, Eames Office Gallery, Functions, Hennessey + Ingalls, Highlights Lighting, In-Ex, Knoll, Neoporte, Shelter, Vitra.