VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

The Architecture Center Houston Foundation presents the exhibition Policy, an exhibition by Mary Ellen Carroll, the recipient of the 2010 AIA Artist of the Year. With Daniel Anguilu,Alberto Govela, Samuel Jacobson, Matt Stilt and Seanna Walsh. Opening May 27,2010 5:30 pm to 8 pm.  The exhibition will run through July 9,2010.

The exhibition; Policy, is the result of ten years of research by Mary Ellen Carroll for prototype 180 and the innovation territory. prototype 180 is a national model and laboratory for the development and application of innovative building and communication technologies, energy efficiency systems, public policy, work force development and cultural programming. Its goal is to make architecture and building systems in aging subdivisions perform as a dynamic process. prototype 180 is within the community based revitalization program of an innovation territory. 

Houston selected itself as the site for prototype 180 and the innovation territory because of its lack of a formal land use policy. The site for prototype 180 is 6513 Sharpview, Houston, Texas. Located in the heart of Sharpstown’s Section One, it is a “typical” postwar suburban property consisting of an unoccupied 1,304 sq ft “Ranch Style” home built in 1960. The home sits on a 15,340 sq ft lot flanked on each side by similar occupied residences.

The catalytic moment will be the physical 180 degree rotation of this single family home and its surrounding property on October 8, 2010. This gesture will result in the site becoming a permanent cultural and architectural emblem that not only represents the consideration of how and why things are done, but fundamentally, what constitutes change and innovation.

Following the permanent rotation, the retrofitting and renovation of the structure will begin as a laboratory for that which is necessary and sustainable. prototype 180 and the innovation territory are community aligned projects with the Rice University Building Institute.

Inviting an exterior practice onto the interior of the Architecture Center’s walls (policy), a timeline will show the pivotal moments contributing to the realization of prototype 180 and the innovation territory. The information will be executed in the street style known as e2e (end to end). Characters comprising THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE sign will be reconfigured in neon to read: IN OTHERS COUNT.

Architecture Center Houston(ArCH), 315 Capitol Street, Suite 120, which is across the street from the north side of the Hobby Center.On street parking is available. ArCH hours are Mon.-Thurs. 9 to 5. And Fri.9 to 3. For further information call 713.520.5134 or www.aiahouston.org.

Support from Don Julio Tequila, The Houston Chronicle, Hudson & Hudson Neon, Neon Electric Corporation and New Living.