26262625 Architects/Professors/Students/Collaborators CHI-PHX-IND-LAX, U.S. Link: www.26262625.com Submission: "Arbor" “I’m building an arbor in my backyard. I work on it every day,” writes the architect. He tells us that his project reminds him of how just living can be a great challenge to most of the people on this planet, and that his arbor, built with no-cost materials, helps him come to terms with preconceptions of what it means to make buildings and what architectural knowledge actually is. A galvanized steel frame supports found objects, from cut saplings to steel mesh skin, vines, moonflowers, a hammock, and lights. The jury pronounced this project “Wonderful, personal, and poetic.” They were intrigued by the temporary nature of the project as well as its exemplification of the healing quality of environments and their “ability to keep life sane." From “AIA Indianapolis Presents Its Top Ten for 2003,” January 2004,   aiarchitect website Jurors for the 2003 AIA Indianapolis Excellence in Architecture Awards were: Merrill Elam, Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects, Atlanta; W. Jude LeBlanc, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta; Thomas Ventulett, TVS International, Atlanta.
Bio: 26262625 is a collection of architects working together since 1998.  Jerome Daksiewicz (Phoenix), Adam Janusz (Chicago), Wes Janz (Indianapolis), and Devin McConkey (Los Angeles) collaborate on architectural works that examine and challenge society's fascination with capitalism and consumerism. With built works in Argentina, England, Sri Lanka, and the U.S., 26262625 promotes local knowledge, potential in scavenged materials, and design spontaneity. Related pages: > about author "10-30% of U.S. waste from demolition or construction" “Running the Numbers,” Architecture 92, no. 4 (April 2003): 19.