Monthly archives: November 2011

Campaigners petition to save design
and technology in UK schools


Dezeen Wire:
 the Design and Technology Association is urging people to complete an online petition to retain design and technology as a compulsory part of the UK's National Curriculum.

Design and technology is one of the subjects that could become optional in schools following the government's announcement in January that it intends to slim down the curriculum. The petition is supported by key members of the creative and manufacturing industries, who believe the subject to be vital to the UK's economic development.

Anyone wishing to support the campaign should visit the the Design and Technology Campaign website to sign the online petition or contact their local MP.

Plastic bottles filled with sand used
to build houses in Nigeria


Dezeen Wire:
discarded bottles sourced from hotels, restaurants, homes and foreign embassies are being filled with sand and used as bricks to create curved-walled houses in a Nigerian village - BBC

The bottles are bound together with mud resulting in durable walls that are sustainable, cost-effective and provide insulation from the sun's heat. The resulting buildings are also bullet-proof – a useful benefit in an area plagued by violence. An estate of 25 houses is currently being built with plans for a school to follow.

See our previous story on a house made from sand bags in South Africa.

"David Chipperfield to curate 2012
Venice Biennale"- The Guardian


Dezeen Wire:
David Chipperfield is to curate the 2012 Venice Architecture Biennale, becoming the first British architect to take on the role - The Guardian

The official announcement has been delayed because of Chipperfield's reservations over working with Giulio Malgara, who was expected to become the director of the biennale and is a friend of Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. Following Berlusconi's decision to stand down it is expected that current director Paolo Baratta will retain the role as biennale director.

See more stories about David Chipperfield on Dezeen.