Latest news with #VeniceArchitectureBiennale
Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Gresham Global and Norwich University of the Arts Announce Strategic International Partnership
SMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 27: Gresham Global, the in-country representative for international higher education institutions, today officially announced a strategic partnership with Norwich University of the Arts, one of the leading arts universities. This collaboration marks Gresham's second partnership with a prominent art university, underscoring both parties' dedication to nurturing cross-border creative education and cultural exchange in India. Jasminder Khanna, Founder and CEO of Gresham Global, stated, "We are honoured to represent Norwich University of the Arts in India and to serve as the face of another world-class creative university. This partnership reflects our commitment to building pathways for talented students to access global education." Shared Vision for Global Creative Education With over 180 years of heritage and an elite triple-Gold Teaching Excellence rating, Norwich University of the Arts is recognised for its industry-facing, practice-based pedagogy and international engagement. The university hosts students from more than 40 countries and has featured work at prestigious events such as the Venice Architecture Biennale and the ELIA Biennial in Milan. Gresham Global's Role in India Gresham Global provides in-country representation and support through a comprehensive range of services, including market analysis, regulatory guidance, student recruitment, admissions compliance, strategic marketing, and operational support. As Norwich's official representative in India, Gresham will facilitate student outreach, manage regional operations, advise on compliance, and coordinate engagement activities such as education fairs. Partnership Pillars -Academic Partnerships: Gresham will lead mapping and matchmaking initiatives to develop academic alliances, guide regulatory compliance, and ensure quality assurance for transnational education collaborations. -Student Engagement: Guide prospective students through their educational journey, from initial inquiry to enrolment, offering advice and information on program offerings. -Brand Awareness & Outreach: Aligned marketing efforts will drive recruitment, including fair participation, digital campaigns, and other targeted activities. -Regulatory Oversight: Gresham will provide continuous counsel on local legal frameworks and credibility assurance. About Norwich University of the Arts Norwich University of the Arts is a leading specialist arts, design, and media university based in the creative heart of Norwich. With 180 years of heritage, the University is renowned for its practice-based approach to creative education and strong connections to the region's creative economy. Distinguished alumni include; Stuart Craig - Production designer of all eight Harry Potter films and Lewis Benfield - 3D artist behind Billie Eilish's immersive stage visuals. Recognition & Rankings: -Arts University of the Year - Daily Mail University Guide 2025 -Top 2 Creative Arts University in the UK - The Complete University Guide 2025 -Best Educational Institution - TIGA Games Awards 2023 -Top 30 Worldwide - The Rookies 2023 for Creative Media & Entertainment -Top 6 in 2D Animation -Top 7 in 3D Animation -Top 13 in VFX -Top 20 in Concept Art and Illustration -#27 Globally - WBDS Global Design Education Ranking 2024/25 About Gresham Global Gresham Global serves as the in-country partner for international universities in India, providing strategic support in recruitment, regulatory navigation, and institutional representation. The firm facilitates long-term international engagement through tailored, on-ground advisory services.
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Gresham Global and Norwich University of the Arts Announce Strategic International Partnership
SMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 27: Gresham Global, the in-country representative for international higher education institutions, today officially announced a strategic partnership with Norwich University of the Arts, one of the leading arts universities. This collaboration marks Gresham's second partnership with a prominent art university, underscoring both parties' dedication to nurturing cross-border creative education and cultural exchange in India. Jasminder Khanna, Founder and CEO of Gresham Global, stated, 'We are honoured to represent Norwich University of the Arts in India and to serve as the face of another world-class creative university. This partnership reflects our commitment to building pathways for talented students to access global education.' Shared Vision for Global Creative Education With over 180 years of heritage and an elite triple-Gold Teaching Excellence rating, Norwich University of the Arts is recognised for its industry-facing, practice-based pedagogy and international engagement. The university hosts students from more than 40 countries and has featured work at prestigious events such as the Venice Architecture Biennale and the ELIA Biennial in Milan. Gresham Global's Role in India Gresham Global provides in-country representation and support through a comprehensive range of services, including market analysis, regulatory guidance, student recruitment, admissions compliance, strategic marketing, and operational support. As Norwich's official representative in India, Gresham will facilitate student outreach, manage regional operations, advise on compliance, and coordinate engagement activities such as education fairs. Partnership Pillars -Academic Partnerships: Gresham will lead mapping and matchmaking initiatives to develop academic alliances, guide regulatory compliance, and ensure quality assurance for transnational education collaborations. -Student Engagement: Guide prospective students through their educational journey, from initial inquiry to enrolment, offering advice and information on program offerings. -Brand Awareness & Outreach: Aligned marketing efforts will drive recruitment, including fair participation, digital campaigns, and other targeted activities. -Regulatory Oversight: Gresham will provide continuous counsel on local legal frameworks and credibility assurance. About Norwich University of the Arts Norwich University of the Arts is a leading specialist arts, design, and media university based in the creative heart of Norwich. With 180 years of heritage, the University is renowned for its practice-based approach to creative education and strong connections to the region's creative economy. Distinguished alumni include; Stuart Craig - Production designer of all eight Harry Potter films and Lewis Benfield - 3D artist behind Billie Eilish's immersive stage visuals. Recognition & Rankings: -Arts University of the Year - Daily Mail University Guide 2025 -Top 2 Creative Arts University in the UK - The Complete University Guide 2025 -Best Educational Institution - TIGA Games Awards 2023 -Top 30 Worldwide - The Rookies 2023 for Creative Media & Entertainment -Top 6 in 2D Animation -Top 7 in 3D Animation -Top 13 in VFX -Top 20 in Concept Art and Illustration -#27 Globally - WBDS Global Design Education Ranking 2024/25 About Gresham Global Gresham Global serves as the in-country partner for international universities in India, providing strategic support in recruitment, regulatory navigation, and institutional representation. The firm facilitates long-term international engagement through tailored, on-ground advisory services. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NDTV
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Meet Bijoy Jain, Celebrated Architect And The Man Behind Louis Vuitton Show In Paris
Louis Vuitton's Men's Creative Director and singer, Pharell Williams posted on his Instagram handle ahead of the luxury design label's spring-summer 2026 showcase to promote the show at the Paris Fashion Week. The coveted sartorial showcase brought India to the runway, but the Happy singer opened doors into the behind-the-scenes of the show explaining how it was conceived by architect Bijoy Jain of Studio Mumbai. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Louis Vuitton (@louisvuitton) Based on Bijoy Jain's conceptualised work of art, a life-sized game of snakes and ladders transformed Place Georges Pompidou into a veritable playground that immersed the audience as players in the metaphorical construct of possibility. This stepping into global popularity and recognition for his work has made us wonder who is Bijoy Jain, after all? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Louis Vuitton (@louisvuitton) Bijoy Jain is an architect and Norman R. Foster visiting professor at Yale University. He grew up in Mumbai and studied architecture at Washington University in until the year 1990. Following this he worked at the Richard Meier office at Los Angeles and London between 1989 and 1995. The same year marked his return to Mumbai and following which he founded his own architectural firm, Studio Mumbai in 2005. He was invited by Alejandro Aravena to the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2016 and to the ETH Zurich as a guesr critic by Raphael Zuber in 2018. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Louis Vuitton (@louisvuitton) Bijoy Jain's body of work mirrors aspects of Indian and Western cultures that sets Studio Mumbai apart in a brilliant combination of tradition and modernity. Some of the notable architectural creations across India includes Amaya in Kasauli, a number of housing projects located in India that have gained international recognition. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐀 𝐏𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐎𝐇 (@pharrell) Bijoy's global projects include the 'Work-Place' at the 2010 Venice Architecture Biennale and the 'In between Architecture' at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The furniture work of Bijoy is also part of the collections of Pompidou in Paris SFMoMa, San Francisco; Lacma, Los Angeles and MAAS, Sydney. Studio Mumbai is currently working on projects in Jaipur, Nice, Zurich and Florence. The master architect, Bijoy Jain defines his passion for his architectural craft on the Studio Mumbai website saying, "My interest lies primarily in doing what I do, with care. As an architect, the way you imagine opening a door, developing a chair, designing the texture of a wall or a floor, is very important. It's about quality, about the consideration you apply to the making of something. And it's about being attentive to the environment, the materials, and the inhabitants. It has to be inclusive."
India.com
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Jeff Bezos-Lauren Sanchez wedding: I am ashamed, we will....; Venice Mayor makes shocking remarks
Jeff Bezos-Lauren Sanchez wedding: I am ashamed, we will....; Venice Mayor makes shocking remarks Love is in the air! Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is marrying Lauren Sánchez, a former TV journalist whom he got engaged to in 2023 and sent to space on his Blue Origin rocket for a brief moment, too. Sánchez and Bezos are planning an extravagant three-day wedding celebration from June 24 to 26, according to a spokesman of the mayor of Venice's office who spoke to CNN. This event is anticipated to create a star-studded roster of celebrities and powerful guests on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice. Earlier this year, in March, the city of Venice officially announced this wedding, and they estimated the guest list to be roughly 200 guests. It is unclear what the actual amount, but Mayor Luigi Brugnaro reassured people in the statement that 'we are mutually working and supporting the organizers, to ensure that the event will be absolutely respectful of the fragility and uniqueness of the city,' reported Vanityfair. The upcoming wedding in Venice of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez has divided opinions in the city, as many locals have protested the wedding while other locals, including city officials, have welcomed the wedding. The Mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, expressed his strong support for Bezos and Sanchez, saying, 'I want Jeff Bezos to be welcomed with open arms in Venice. Protesting against those who bring visibility and wealth to our territory is, in my opinion, a disgrace.' Speaking to reporters on Friday, Brugnaro added, 'We will have to apologize to Bezos. I am ashamed of those who behave like this. I hope that Bezos comes anyway. Not all Venetians think like these protesters,' he told protestors. At the Venice Architecture Biennale, many people agreed with what the city officials said. A visitor from Berlin, Görge Meyer, said to CNN, 'It seems ridiculous that a city that lives off tourism like Venice wouldn't want an event like this, which will employ hundreds of people from waiters to water taxi drivers. All the guests and journalists will be staying at hotels, eating at restaurants and spending money.' Both Bezos, 61, and Sánchez, 55, has been married previously. Jeff Bezos was married to MacKenzie Scott from 1993 until they divorced in 2019. They have four children together, their oldest son Preston Bezos, as well as two sons and a daughter, whose names and birth dates are not available publicly. Sánchez had been married to talent agent Patrick Whitesell for 2005 until they divorced in 2019. They have two children together – their daughter Ella and son Evan. Sánchez has a son named Nikko Gonzalez born in 2001 from a previous relationship with former NFL player Tony Gonzalez. According to Italian media, the wedding party has booked almost every luxury hotel in the area and also a considerable amount of water taxis, demonstrating the planned scale and extravagance of the wedding. 'Venice is being treated like a showcase, a stage,' Federica Toninelli, a 33-year-old Venetian activist affiliated with the No Space for Bezos protest group was quoted as saying by BBC. He added,'And this wedding is the symbol of the exploitation of the city by outsiders… Venice is now just an asset.' No Space for Bezos brings together activists from different Venetian collectives – from those hoping to get more housing for Venice's ever-dwindling population, to the anti-cruise ship group.
Kuwait Times
14-06-2025
- General
- Kuwait Times
New generation of Kuwaiti architects reimagines memory, place, and identity
By Dena Alfadhli Kuwait is entering a new chapter in how it values and preserves its cultural heritage. Efforts led by institutions such as the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) are paving the way for UNESCO World Heritage status for sites like Failaka Island and Al-Zour. Restoration projects at landmarks such as Al-Qurain House and Kuwait's old souqs signal a shift toward honoring history amid rapid modernization. A new wave of architects — many of whom participated in this year's Venice Architecture Biennale — is embracing heritage not as a relic, but as a foundation. They're reviving it to inform contemporary design and reconnect communities with place, memory, and identity. Amid accelerating modernization and globalization, these architects are raising a vital question: What happens when a nation loses touch with its architectural roots? Kuwait's built environment is at a crossroads. Once grounded in preservation and harmony with the natural landscape, its architecture now leans on imported styles and resource-heavy methods in an attempt to meet global standards. According to Mohammad Kassem, one of the curators of the Kuwait pavilion, the result is 'a patchwork of borrowed aesthetics — disconnected from local history, culture and climate'. That's why for this year's 2025 Architecture Biennale, Kassem — alongside Naser Ashour and Rabab Raes Kazem — led a collective of Kuwaiti architects, artists and designers to reimagine a future shaped by memory. Through their work, they ask: How can a city grow without forgetting where it came from? And how can architecture help us reconnect — with the land, our past and each other? Since 2013, Kuwait has actively participated in the Venice Architecture Biennale — one of the world's most prestigious events in architectural discourse. This year, under the sponsorship of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) and the commission of NCCAL, Kuwait's contribution took shape in a pavilion titled Kaynuna, a word that refers to the essential nature of something — what makes it truly what it is. Alongside designing the pavilion itself, participants worked on group projects that reexamined Kuwait's past, present, and future in ways that transcend aesthetics. For Kassem, this 'essence' is about the values and history that shape us and form a lasting cultural identity. Drawing the souq back to life Among the contributors are Kuwaiti architects Qutaiba Buyabes, Alya Aly, Batool Ashour and Danah Alhasan, whose work explores how the future can be approached through memory — fragmented, emotional and imperfect. Their focus turned to Al-Ahmadi Souq, once the heart of a thriving oil town and part of Kuwait's original 'garden city' vision, now left in decay. Rather than restoring the mid-century market to its former state, they reimagined it through hand-drawn studies that blend memory with imagination. Here, drawing becomes a tool not for precision, but for storytelling — reviving elements like concrete arcades and fish-scale mashrabiyas as symbolic echoes. Their vision reclaims Ahmadi's spirit as a walkable, green, community-centered town — offering a poetic yet practical blueprint for how forgotten spaces might reconnect with both heritage and future needs. Reviving Kuwait's lost wall For generations, Kuwait's architecture quietly told a story of survival — homes built to breathe in desert heat, shaded courtyards that cooled the air, and walls made from coral stone and mud that stood resilient against scarcity. But as the city expanded, its protective wall was dismantled. Kuwaiti architects Ahmad Almutawa and Khaled Mohamed saw these walls as a vital part of the city's identity. With help from their research team, their project proposes reviving the wall — not as a fortress, but as a living pathway. It traces the original route through the city, particularly between two surviving gates: Al Jahra and Al Shamiya. Once points of defense, they are reimagined as gathering spaces and cultural markets — places to cross, pause, and reflect. Inspired by Shaheed Park, their design balances nature, heritage and contemporary urban design. The desert as archive Kuwaiti architects Khaled Alanjeri, Noor Abdulkhaleq, Nour Alkhader and their research team challenge the notion that the desert is barren or lifeless. Instead, they present it as a dynamic force that has shaped human settlement, building practices and cultural survival for generations. Their project revisits areas like Al-Adan and Shuaiba — once vibrant coastal communities that were erased to make way for oil refineries. These lost landscapes reveal the human and cultural cost of rapid industrialization. Rather than treating the desert as something to conquer or erase, their work proposes designing with it — honoring its ecological rhythms and cultural depth. The desert, they argue, is not just a backdrop, but a source of materials, a space of memory, and a witness to both fragility and resilience. From corner store to community anchor Another project focuses on the jameia — Kuwait's neighborhood cooperative society — not simply as a market, but as a legacy of community-driven development. Originating in the post-oil welfare era, jameiat reinvested profits into public life, anchoring new suburbs with parks, clinics and shared spaces. Architects explored how these planned neighborhoods still revolve around traditional institutions like mosques and diwaniyas, and imagined a future where jameiat evolve into cultural hubs — supporting artisans, reviving crafts and integrating heritage into daily life. Their vision demonstrates that modernization doesn't have to erase identity — it can reinforce it. Rather than shying away from uncertainty, these architects embrace it as a space for exploration and creativity. By bridging theory and practice, they challenge conventional thinking and propose alternative ways of seeing the world. As Rabab Raes Kazem puts it, 'Although these solutions fall under speculative situations, they engage the mind in ways that allow us to reclaim our history and build upon it a new future.' Arches of the souq reimagined. Bank windows Kaynuna Old souq Pavillion Salons The English Bookshop
