Tata Technologies eMO EV Design Chief to Moderate Global Micro-Cars Interior Panel at Wards Auto Interiors Conference


Detroit, MI (PRWEB) May 17, 2012

Tata Technologies, a leading global provider of engineering services and product development IT, announced that Peter Davis, Chief Designer Vehicle Design will moderate a panel discussion titled Global Micro-Cars Interiors at the 2012 Wards Auto Interiors Conference on May 17, in Dearborn, Mich. Davis is the Chief Designer on the Tata Technologies electric MObility (eMO) engineering study EV, which made its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, and which was again on display at the SAE 2012 World Congress in Detroit last month.

Davis panel will take a detailed look at the challenges and possibilities of the micro-cars that are changing the world. Small is in, according to global automotive design trends; and panelists will share the latest ideas on where interior development is heading in these crucial vehicles. Davis will bring his personal insights from the eMO EV study to the discussion.

Designing micro-car interiors is a creative challenge, and demands a holistic from the interior-out mind-set, especially in North America, Davis says. What you dont do, is simply shrink a big car down. You have to preserve the interior space and find clever ways of making it even larger and easier to use. You need to push the green house architecture, and minimize the interior furniture, like we did on the eMO EV study.

We met that challenge, preserving a comfortable package for four adults, yet reducing the exterior size to a minimum. A high seating position, great visibility, a sensation of generous space, and easy ingress and egress were integrated into the vehicle architecture. Todays customers are used to great materials and finishes, and will expect richer interiors in these micro-cars. Micro doesnt mean cheap anymore, he added.

Panelists scheduled to participate on the Global Micro-Cars Interiors panel include Jay Hutchins, Director of Marketing and Product Planning Faurecia Interior Systems; Katherine Sirvio, Senior Design Manager Global Chevrolet Color and Trim, Chevy Spark; and Tim Yerdon, Global Director Innovation and Design Visteon.

The Wards Auto Interiors Conference is an annual gathering of leaders in the automotive industry, focusing upon automotive interiors engineering and design. The conference includes the Wards 10 Best Interiors awards; and scholarship awards to students from Detroits College for Creative Studies. Throughout the day, panel sessions will be presented providing the latest from industry experts on topics including environmentally friendly materials, connectivity, consumer needs, auto interiors and safety. http://www.wardsauto.com/interiors.com

As a ground-up EV study, eMO also incorporates design advantages over an internal combustion engine vehicle like smoother aerodynamic surfaces and shorter overhangs. eMO benefits from a low carbon footprint and a recyclability strategy. The eMO business case sets the MSRP at the disruptive price point of $ 20,000, before federal tax incentives or rebates. To learn more about eMO and Tata Technologies visit http://www.tatatechnologies.com/global/vpd/emo

About Tata Technologies

Tata Technologies, founded in 1989, is a global leader in Engineering Services Outsourcing and Product Development IT services to the global manufacturing industry; enabling ambitious manufacturing companies to design and build better products.

Tata Technologies is a company of innovators, specialists in the design engineering space, who apply cutting-edge technology to provide a competitive advantage to customers in the manufacturing sector. The company is a strategic partner for developing complete vehicles (VPD group), engineering subsystems and components (E&D), managing the NPI process and collaborative engineering (PLM), and tying together information created and used throughout the extended manufacturing enterprise (ESG).

Tata Technologies is headquartered in Singapore, with regional headquarters offices in the United States (Novi, Michigan), India (Pune) and the UK (Coventry). The company has a combined global work force of more than 5,600 employees serving clients worldwide from facilities in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. http://www.tatatechnologies.com

Tata Technologies Contacts:

Kevin Fisher President,

Vehicle Programs and Development

P: +1.248.760.3394

kevin.fisher(at)tatatechnologies(dot)com







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Global Engineering Services Industry Market Research Report Now Available from IBISWorld


Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) June 22, 2012

The global market for engineering services consists of the work performed by consultant engineering firms along with the in-house services undertaken by construction contractors, manufacturers, government agencies and utility owners. According to IBISWorld industry analyst Anthony Kelly, the industry’s performance is principally driven by the trends into construction, manufacturing and mining developments (particularly in the large industrial economies) and increasingly from work in the fields of technological development and the sustainable environment. Over the past decade the industry has expanded its operations by broadening across a wider range of multidisciplinary services, by the trend towards globalization and through the outsourcing of services by public authorities and major corporations.

The Global Engineering Services industry is one of the largest professional service industries, generating revenue of about $ 530 billion in 2012 (up 3.0% on the previous year), and employing 2.9 million people. Industry value added currently totals $ 318 billion, or 0.6% of the world’s GDP, two-thirds of which represents payments to employees and the balance the industry’s operating profit. The industry’s performance deteriorated during the late 2000s with the onset of recession in several of the largest developed economies and the subsequent decline in construction and industrial production. Despite the current improvement, industry revenue is estimated to average subdued growth by 0.5% per annum over the five years through 2012.

International trade represents a significant share of industry activity (10.6% of revenue in 2012) and is mainly confined to relatively few large-scale consulting engineering firms that are capable of operating outside national boundaries, said Kelly. A feature of the industry that has accompanied globalization has been the amalgamation of the larger players to achieve scale economies, broaden the market and strengthen the human and financial resources (consistent with the trend evident in other knowledge-based industries such as accounting, law, advertising and architecture).

The Global Engineering Services industry has a low concentration of ownership, with the four largest companies accounting for about 6.0% of annual industry revenue. The largest players in the global market for engineering services include URS Corporation, SNC-Lavalin Group, Bechtel Group, Jacobs Engineering Group, Fluor Corporation, AECOM Technology Corporation, CH2M HILL Companies, WS Atkins plc, and Altran Technologies. Despite this low concentration, there has been a trend over the past decade for the consolidation of the operations of many of the world’s leading consulting engineering firms, through mergers or strategic alliances. These large-scale, multidisciplined, multinational companies are well placed to win contracts in most markets. For more information, visit IBISWorlds Global Engineering Services in the US industry report page.

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IBISWorld industry Report Key Topics

The industry comprises establishments engaged in applying physical laws and principles of engineering in the design, development and use of machines, materials, instruments, structures, processes and systems. The assignments may involve the provision of advice, preparation of feasibility studies, preparation of preliminary and final plans and designs, the provision of technical services on construction and project evaluation.

Industry Performance

Executive Summary

Key External Drivers

Current Performance

Industry Outlook

Industry Life Cycle

Products & Markets

Supply Chain

Products & Services

Major Markets

Globalization & Trade

Business Locations

Competitive Landscape

Market Share Concentration

Key Success Factors

Cost Structure Benchmarks

Barriers to Entry

Major Companies

Operating Conditions

Capital Intensity

Key Statistics

Industry Data

Annual Change

Key Ratios

About IBISWorld Inc.

Recognized as the nations most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every US industry. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and government organizations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com or call 1-800-330-3772.







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Santa Fe University of Art and Design Hosts ArtFest12, a Global Celebration of Art


Santa Fe, NM (PRWEB) June 06, 2012

Santa Fe University of Art and Design(SFUAD) will host its inaugural ArtFest12, a festival that brings together students and faculty members from around the world for three weeks of academic and artistic workshops, as well as cultural activities focused on graphic design, film, photography, creative writing, fine art, concept art, animation, music, dance, and architecture.

The festival, which runs from July 16 through August 3, is open to domestic and international students 18 years and older, high school art teachers and counselors, and residents of New Mexico. Participants will be immersed and inspired by the unique environment of Santa Fe, which The Atlantic ranks as the most artistic city in the country.

ArtFest12 is a perfect opportunity for current students to experience art and design in a whole new way, said Larry Hinz, president of SFUAD. Bringing students and emerging artists from various countries and disciplines together within a classroom setting gives participants the chance to learn different techniques and be exposed to new cultural influences.

The event features workshops on a variety of topics, including micro cinema, flash animation, African drumming and digital photography. So far, more than 100 students and faculty members from Italy, Spain, Ecuador, Brazil, Panama, Chile, Honduras, Mexico, New Zealand and Germany have registered to participate in ArtFest12.

International students have the opportunity to participate in Santa Fes tremendous art and culture scene, Hinz added. Its our goal to open their eyes to the possibilities of art in New Mexico so they come back to visit or take more classes at the university in the future.

Several cultural and social activities are also part of the festival, including Shakespeare on the Quad and a screening of Hide Away, the latest film directed by Chris Eyre, chair of the Moving Image Arts Department. Many of these events are also open to the public.

Members of the Santa Fe and New Mexico community are also invited to participate in the three-week ArtFest12 workshops for $ 300, which includes tuition, course materials and on-campus ArtFest12 activities. Registration is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and to sign up for a workshop, visit the ArtFest12 website.

About Santa Fe University of Art and Design

Santa Fe University of Art and Design is an accredited institution located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, one of the worlds leading centers for art and design. The university offers degrees in arts management, contemporary music, creative writing, digital arts, graphic design, moving image arts (filmmaking and video production), performing arts, photography and studio art. Faculty members are practicing artists who teach students in small groups, following a unique interdisciplinary curriculum that combines hands-on experience with core theory and prepares graduates to become well-rounded, creative, problem-solving professionals. As a Laureate International Universities Center of Excellence in Art, Architecture and Design, the university boasts an international student body and opportunities to study abroad, encouraging students to develop a global perspective on the arts. Santa Fe University of Art and Design (formerly the College of Santa Fe) is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, http://www.ncahlc.org.

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NewSchool of Architecture and Design Announces New Global Design Education Opportunities Through Collaborations With Domus Academy in Italy and Media Design School in New Zealand


San Diego, CA (PRWEB) November 14, 2012

NewSchool of Architecture and Design(NSAD) is pleased to announce new global design education offerings being developed in collaboration with two internationally recognized leaders in design: Domus Academy in Italy and Media Design School(MDS) in New Zealand. NSAD, Domus and MDS are all members of the Laureate International Universities network. The new offerings, starting in the 20132014 academic year, include an interior design bachelors degree program with an emphasis on global design, offered through the newly created Domus Academy School of Design at NSAD, and an opportunity for students enrolled in NSADs digital media arts program to obtain a certificate of study from MDS.

The new global design offerings build on NSADs strong tradition in architecture programming and complement the schools newer programs in digital media arts and construction management. They are part of an ongoing effort by NSAD to enhance its current offerings through global study opportunities in design-related fields such as interior design, graphic design and product design.

This is an opportunity for San Diego to become a center of global design education and innovation in design-related fields through our membership in the Laureate International Universities network and collaborations with members of the local design community, said NSAD President Steve Altman. We are excited about the prospect of enhancing our current program offerings by providing preparation in fields that are closely aligned with strong job-market demand. We are also committed to meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse and global society, whether that means working for companies in San Diego or around the world.

To reinforce its commitment to existing and new programs, NSAD is planning to establish three schools within its academic structure: The School of Architecture, which will teach the core curricula of architecture and construction management; The School of Digital Arts, the first program of which is a revitalized Bachelor of Digital Media Arts with certificate options through MDS; and Domus Academy School of Design at NSAD, which will house the additional global design education programs NSAD plans to develop, starting with the interior design program.

The Domus Academy School of Design at NSAD brings the quality and innovation of Italian design education leader Domus Academy in Milan, Italy, to the United States. Domus Academy in Italy, one of the top-ranked design schools in the world, has been recognized for its emphasis on advanced design methodologies capable of anticipating needs and trends in a continuously evolving society.

The NSAD bachelors degree program in interior design, being offered through the Domus Academy School of Design at NSAD, will prepare students to work in a global design environment. To mark the start of this collaboration, a visiting professor from Domus Academy in Italy, Paolo Giachi, is currently teaching a topics studio at NSAD on retail design with an emphasis on interiors. Giachi is a distinguished designer with more than 16 years of experience in designing luxury retail stores for fashion brands such as Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Jimmy Choo in locations around the world.

In other global design offerings, a collaboration with Media Design School in New Zealand is focused on revitalizing the NSAD digital media arts program. The first phase of this effort provides students in NSADs program the chance to obtain certificates through MDS in the specialties of either graphic design or interactive design (Web and mobile design). These offerings are scheduled to start in 2013-2014, along with opportunities for NSAD students to study at MDS. Additional new program possibilities are being explored in collaboration with MDS with the goal of providing students with in-demand skills in digital-related specialties such as game art, game programming and animation.

Domus Academy and MDS have received global recognition for their design and digital arts programming. In 1994, Domus Academy received the prestigious Compasso dOro award for the quality of its academic and research approaches, and in 2009, the academy was nominated for the third time by Businessweek magazine as one of the best design schools in the world. MDS is New Zealands most-honored higher-education institute for its digital and creative technology qualifications and recognized around the world for its high-quality digital arts programs, particularly in the areas of animation, interactive media, game development and design.

NSADs collaborations with Domus Academy and MDS are facilitated through the educational access and resources offered by the LIU network which includes more than 60 accredited campus-based and online institutions of higher education serving more than 740,000 students around the world.

About NewSchool of Architecture and Design

NewSchool of Architecture and Design (NSAD), founded in 1980, is located in San Diego, California. NSAD is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). ACICS is listed as a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. NSADs Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture and Executive Master of Architecture programs are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). NSAD also offers a pre-professional Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media Arts, a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, a Master of Construction Management and a Master of Science in Architecture. NSAD was ranked among the top 10 undergraduate architecture schools in the western United States, according to the DesignIntelligence report Americas Best Architecture & Design Schools 2012. For more information, visit http://www.NewSchoolArch.edu.







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Global Renewables Industry at Tipping Point as it Seeks to Reduce Reliance on Subsidies

New York, NY (PRWEB) November 29, 2012

The renewable energy industry is at a tipping point as the developed markets start to close the door on generous subsidy programs and emerging markets develop cost strategies to compete with fossil fuels according to Ernst & Youngs latest quarterly global Renewable energy country attractiveness indices report released today.

Gil Forer, Ernst & Youngs Global Cleantech Leader, comments: Current global macroeconomic drivers are reinforcing the role of emerging markets in the future global energy mix. As renewable energy technologies become more cost-competitive, the importance of government subsidies is set to decrease to create a sustainable growth platform for both developed and emerging markets, as well as manufacturers.

The indices provide scores in 40 countries for national renewable energy markets, renewable energy infrastructures and their suitability for individual technologies. During Q3 2012, China remained at the top of the All Renewables Index (ARI), but dropped a point as its solar sector continued the consolidation process in an effort to boost domestic installation and rationalize government support, which could slow growth in the more immediate term. In recent months China has also seen a large outflow of Chinese investment in favor of markets such as Africa and South America.

The quarter also saw the US drop 1.5 points in the ARI, resulting in Germany moving up into second place ahead of the US. While the German government has recently increased the countrys renewable energy target for electricity to 40% by 2020 and is proactively implementing policy measures to create sustainable growth, the downgraded score reflects the more immediate changes around possible subsidy caps for solar, wind and biomass.

Within the US, the uncertainty about long term US energy policy combined with concerns over the extension of key renewable energy incentives and the availability of low-priced natural gas are likely to continue slowing the growth in the sector in the short to medium term, particularly in the wind sector.

However when looking towards the long-term, Forer comments: Now that the US elections are behind us, we can likely expect new long-term momentum behind cleantech related regulations, such as EPA greenhouse gas regulations as well as Department of Energy and Department of Defense energy efficiency initiatives.

Clean energy investment hit by uncertainty

Globally, total clean energy investment fell 5% in Q3, to US$ 56.6b, with investor enthusiasm dampened by skepticism over policymakers renewable energy commitments and the continued decrease in solar and wind technology costs impacting on total investment values.

New investment levels have varied globally with investment in Europe, Middle East and Africa rising 7% to US$ 21bn in Q3 mainly driven by solar thermal and wind project financings in Morocco. However, in the same period, investment in the Americas and Asia-Pacific slipped by 25% and 3%, to US$ 10.4b and US$ 25.2b respectively.

Ben Warren, Ernst & Young Energy and Environmental Finance Leader comments: Political and regulatory uncertainty, working in tandem with constrained capital markets, continue to put the brakes on investment and deal volumes. Looking forward, market restructuring and the emerging secondary infrastructure financing market are likely to provide the momentum for future investment.

Emerging markets get back to basics

Having taken note of the lessons learnt across markets in Europe and the US, where high levels of subsidization have been the key driver of growth in the sector, governments in emerging markets are driving business models that work without direct subsidies or grants that could potentially compete head-on with conventional fossil fuel sources.

The latest indices include Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the first time, reflecting the growing presence of the Middle East within the clean energy market, with the UAE ranked 35th in the index, two places above Saudi Arabia. The roll-out of solar initiatives places the UAE over Saudi Arabia in the Solar Index, while the reverse is true in the Wind Index based on natural resource.

When looking at the global outlook for the clean energy industry, Forer summarizes: While the reliance on government subsidies is decreasing, it should not be forgotten that until grid parity is reached in more regions, financing will still depend on the timing and nature of individual countries incentives and support regimes, a commitment to invest in grid infrastructure and connectivity, and the ability of projects to seek multiple partnerships and investors.

To download issue 35 of the Renewable energy CAI and previous issues, visit http://www.ey.com/CAI

About the CAI

The Country Attractiveness Indices publication has been running since the beginning of 2003 and is distributed to over 4,000 people each quarter. It provides scores for national renewable energy markets, renewable energy infrastructures and their suitability for individual technologies.

The Indices monitors 40 entries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, UK and the US.

How Ernst & Young’s Global Cleantech Center can help your business

From start-ups to large corporations and national governments, organizations worldwide are embracing cleantech as a means of growth, efficiency, sustainability and competitive advantage. As cleantech enables a variety of sectors, old and new, to transform and participate in a more resource-efficient and low-carbon economy, we see innovation in technology, business models, financing mechanisms, cross-sector partnerships and corporate adoption. Ernst & Young’s Global Cleantech Center offers you a worldwide team of professionals in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services who understand the business dynamics of cleantech. We have the experience to help you make the most of opportunities in this marketplace, and address any challenges. Whichever sector or market youre in, we can provide the insights you need to realize the benefits of cleantech.

About Ernst & Youngs Energy and Environmental Finance Group

With a dedicated team of over 100 international advisors operating from our global team, Ernst & Youngs Environmental Finance Group helps private and public sector clients to increase value from renewable energy activity. The team covers established and emerging renewable technologies, providing advisory services from initial market entry strategies to commercial analysis, finance raising, and M&A transactions advice.

About Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 167,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit http://www.ey.com.

This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global Ernst & Young organization that also does not provide any services to clients.







Globetrotting Interior Designer Jonathan Rachman Private Collection of Global Artifacts is Now Available in Marin at Interior Furnishings Boutique, Revelation


Mill Valley, CA (PRWEB) October 08, 2012

San Francisco based globetrotting interior designer Jonathan Rachman of Jonathan Rachman Design announces his Marin debut of his private collection of global artifacts, available exclusively at Mill Valley interior furnishings boutique, Revelation. The Jonathan Rachman Collection highlights his love of collecting and re-purposing unique and patinaed curios from around the world. Antique silhouettes, vintage laboratory chemistry jars and brushed metal airplane wings are just a few of the items that create a fascinating blend through which one can peruse.

Jonathan Rachman burst onto the San Francisco Bay Area interior design scene with his Collectors Library at the 2012 San Francisco Decorator Showcase winning him much press attention and praise. Featuring an elegant European sensibility meets a touch of industrial design that was classic but current, timeless but also contemporary, his distinctive choice of objects evoked curiosity and conversation. Jonathan believes in preserving artifacts and found objects from the past for the enjoyment of the future generation. His design style is a harmonious collection of artifacts from Asia, Europe and America, be it antique, vintage or industrial. As Jonathan says, I believe in telling a story with every room I design.

A few examples of pieces available at Revelation include:

The Grower’s Box: Improved Global Logistics and the Procurement of Fresh Cut Flowers


Winston-Salem, NC (PRWEB) August 31, 2012

As summer fades to fall, brides planning for fall and winter weddings will be able to draw from a larger selection of once out of season wholesale flowers and wedding flowers thanks largely in part to improved world-wide logistics.

The transportation of delicate, time-sensitive and perishable wholesale flowers and wedding flowers has seen significant improvements over the course of the last year. Where refrigerated express services were once limited to shipments leaving Colombia and Ecuador for the United States, refrigerated shipments are now available from growing regions around the world including Holland, Israel, Africa and Chile on an almost daily basis.

The ability to draw from growing regions around the world allows brides-to-be to choose from an ever-increasing selection of wholesale flowers and wedding flowers which would traditionally be labeled out of season.

Online retailers of wholesale flowers and wedding flowers like The Growers Box offer an ever-expanding catalog flowers from growing regions around the world. Strategic partnerships between cargo agencies, airlines and overnight couriers have made it possible for The Growers Box to deliver fresh cut flowers from flower farms around the world directly to consumers in as little as 2 to 3 days!

Brides-to-be no longer need to limit their flower selection to what is growing in the backyard. Traditional spring flowers including Hydrangea, Tulips, Peonies, Ranunculus and Anemones are blooming beautifully and are available throughout the fall and winter months.

Founded in 2004, The Growers Box, LLC is one of the leading online retailers of wedding flowers, wholesale flowers, and rose petals on the World Wide Web. The company employs state of the art technology and the most efficient shipping solutions to deliver world-class fresh floral directly from the flower farms to customers. The inseparable combination of world class customer service and superior product quality are distinguishing factors which place The Growers Box far ahead of their competition.

For more information on eco-friendly wholesale flowers and wedding flowers, visit The Growers Box online at http://www.growersbox.com.







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London Sets the World Alight as Global Superstars Rihanna and JAY Z Join Coldplay to Close London 2012 Paralympic Games


(PRWEB) September 11, 2012

The London 2012 Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony saw Coldplay, one of Britains best selling music acts, joined by global superstars Rihanna and Jay-Z in a spectacular celebration of achievements of the Paralympic athletes and an amazing summer of sport.


Ceremony of fire takes audience through circle of seasons honouring the spirit of Festivals.

Flame extinguished on an amazing summer of sport and celebration.

The Ceremony, called Festival of the Flame started at 8.30pm on Sunday 9 September, paid tribute to the UK as a nation famous for hosting festivals and the exuberance of festivals which is felt the world over. Lead by Closing Ceremonies Artistic Director Kim Gavin, Music Director David Arnold and Designer Misty Buckley, the Ceremony was overseen by the same team of Executive Producers who have been in charge of all four Olympic and Paralympic Ceremonies including Oscar winning film director Stephen Daldry.

In a dramatic opening section a storm created by Wind Gremlins on motorbikes attempted to blow away the Agitos the symbol of the Paralympic Games whilst a motorcade made its way through London to the Olympic Stadium.

The Ceremony then honoured servicemen and women, particularly through the work of charity Help for Heroes, in a section that saw Captain Luke Sinnott, a double amputee, climb to the top of the flag pole to fly the Union flag to the accompaniment of the National Anthem performed by Lissa Hermans, who is blind and autistic. During a moving speech by Rory Mackenzie, who lost his leg on a patrol due to a roadside bomb, flags from the competing nations formed a heart shape on the field of play before the shape was burnt into the ground.

The motorcade of weird and wonderful vehicles then stormed the Olympic Stadium, including a Clamposaurus, Hellcopter, Beast from the East, Bug, Time Machine and The Car that had to be Toad. The large tricks were built by a team led by Joe Rosh who specialise in taking old battered vehicles and turning them into amazing mechanical floats and machines, and the smaller vehicles were built by Mike Patterson and a team at Kinetika, an outdoor arts design company. The noisy, chaotic and vibrant possession burnt an intricate pattern of crop circles into the field of play before forming the centre stage.

Following the presentation of awards to Michael McKillop (Athletics, Ireland) and

Mary Zakayo (Athletics, Kenya) from Dr Whang Youn Dai for sporting excellence, recognition of six newly elected members of the IPCs Athletes Council, and recognition of the 70,000 Olympic and Paralympic Games Maker volunteers, Coldplay were revealed on the central Sundial Stage to lead the celebrations with Us Against The World.

The band then celebrated the seasonal cycle of ancient and modern festivals that take place throughout the year taking the audience on a journey of their most iconic songs set to cycle through Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer. In a story of fire and flame the band were accompanied by spectacular performances by Candoco Dance Company, disabled ariel performers trained at Circus Space thanks to funding from Arts Council England, and The British Paraorchestra founded by Charles Hazlewood as part of a 200 strong professional cast, 1,300 volunteers, 120 child volunteers from schools in the east London Host Boroughs.

Autumn continued with a performance of Yellow accompanied by Candoco and 12 flame dancers, Up In Flames accompanied by a display by ariel artists Denis Remnev and Lyndsay Care, then Paradise with 19 fireflies descending from the roof.

Coldplays performance of 42 signalled the start of Winter with snow-like confetti explain from cannons on the Stadium roof and was accompanied by a performance by crews on stilts, blue painted Iceni warriors and a Snow Queen played by Vikoria Modesta, a lower-leg amputee, model and singer/songwriter. Finally God Put A Smile On Your Face saw motorcycle aerialists Lyndsay Adams and Laszlo Simet ride to the top of the Stadium by motorbike to ignite a ball of energy to signify the beginning of Spring.

In Spring Coldplay performed Clocks whilst a giant laser spread across the Stadium, and Charlie Brown accompanied by 120 children, before Rihanna, who has sold more than 25 million albums and 60 million singles worldwide, was revealed on a Steamship truck travelling around the track for the performance of a Princess of China as a duet with Coldplay.

Summer opened with Strawberry Swing accompanied by the British Paraorchestra, before Rihanna performed We Found Love from a swing raised above the stage, and Coldplay finished the season with a performance of Viva La Vida, the song which was performed by musicians simultaneously around the UK earlier at 2.00pm as part of Bandstand Marathon the final event of the London 2012 Festival.

Then came the handover of the Paralympic Flag from the Mayor of London Boris Johnson to the President of the International Paralympic Committee Sir Philip Craven who entrusted it to Mayor of Rio de Janeiro Eduardo Paes. This was followed by a joyful and colourful artistic segment by Rio 2016 of musical performances by Brazilian pop stars and playful dance battles with wheelchair dancers and visually impaired ballerinas.

Speeches by Sir Philip Craven, IPC President, and Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee were followed by The Final Flame a section to mark the Closing of the Paralympic Games and the last night of London 2012.

Thomas Heatherwicks Cauldron opened and as the Flame began to fade Paralympic gold medallists Ellie Simmonds and Jonnie Peacock arrived to transfer the final flame to a London Paralympic Torch. They then proceeded to light hundreds of torches held by members of the cast throughout the field of play, whilst fourteen-time Grammy award winner JAY Z arrived on stage with Rihanna to perform Run This Town followed by a reprise of Paradise by Coldplay with JAY Z.

Coldplay then made an emotional performance of The Scientist as sporting highlights of the past 11 days played on the big screens in the Stadium, before being joined by all the cast to perform Every Teardrop is a Waterfall whilst the circular stages released fountains of water to finally extinguish the Paralympic Flame.

The Ceremony ended with a spectacular firework display over the Olympic Stadium and Park, as the worldwide broadcast left the Olympic Park to showcase a firework display along the River Thames as part of the Mayors Thames Festival, a stunning display lighting up the Paralympic logo, the Agitos, on Tower Bridge and finally a projection on the Houses of Parliament of the words Thank you London, thank you UK.

Seb Coe, LOCOG Chair, said: ‘The Paralympic Games has set new records every day, sporting records, records for crowds for television audiences, for unbridled spirit. In this country we will never think of sport the same way and we will never think of disability the same way. The Paralympians have lifted the cloud of limitation.

In the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games I said that we would ignite a flame that would ignite the world. I am proud tonight to say we have done this.

There are some famous words you can find stamped on the bottom of a product. Words, that when you read them, you know mean high quality, mean skill, mean creativity. We have stamped those words on the Olympic and Paralympic Games of London 2012: London 2012. Made in Britain..

Kim Gavin, Closing Ceremonies Artistic Director, said: ‘What better way to demonstrate our respect and commitment to these athletes than by celebrating with Britains most internationally renowned band, two global superstars and a fantastic cast of professionals and volunteers.

Coldplays Chris Martin said; ‘Being asked to play at the closing celebrations for the Paralympic athl

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Renowned Industry Experts to Judge Workplace of the Future Global Student Competition


(PRWEB) July 10, 2012

Fentress Architects is thrilled to announce the esteemed members of the Final Jury for the 2012 Fentress Global Challenge, an international competition for architecture and interior design students to present their vision for the Workplace of the Future.

The Fentress Global Challenge is an annual international idea competition created to engage students worldwide in the exploration of future design possibilities in public architecture. For the second annual competition, the studio invites architecture and interior design students to share innovative ideas about the future of workplace architecture, considering:

RMC Destination Management Receives Global Recognition from Special Events Magazine as Top 25 Destination Management Company


Aspen, Colo. (PRWEB) August 14, 2012

RMC, a longstanding destination management and special events company with seven operations in California, Colorado, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming, was recently recognized among global leaders in destination management. With $ 15 million in annual revenues, RMC earned a spot in the Top 25 Destination Management Companies (DMCs) distinction, an annual ranking running eight years now in Special Events magazine that is awarded on the criterion of top revenues in the industry.

“It is gratifying beyond words to be recognized alongside the top DMCs in the world,” says Nathan Boyd, president of RMC. “Our focus and discipline over the past two and a half decades has been to deliver exceptional guest service and creative execution of luxury high-end meetings and events, in premier resort destinations in the West. It’s a formula that has worked well, and we’re thrilled to be acknowledged for it in this competitive industry.”

RMC has offices in Aspen, Colorado Springs, Denver and Vail, Colo.; Jackson Hole, Wyo.; Park City, Utah; and Lake Tahoe, Calif./Nev. It is the preferred in-house destination management provider for The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Montage, Westin and Four Seasons properties in the destinations where they do business. Other DMCs in the top 25 ranking by Special Events magazine included global consortiums based in international cities such as Singapore, Beijing and Zurich. Domestic DMCs were represented in major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, Orlando and Dallas.

“RMC is well-positioned to continue to excel on a national and global level with our top-notch staff in place in our seven business locations,” says Shawn Thomson-Palermo, owner of RMC. “With strong bench strength and hundreds of strategic provider partnerships, we have the know-how to continue to serve our longstanding clients with the level of service and detail they have come to expect.” RMC manages 300 to 350 events per year, and a partial list of clients includes AT&T, Citigroup, Citibank, ESPN, Ford Motor Company, HBO, Honda, Lexus, Mercedes, Merrill Lynch, Pfizer, Time Warner and the Walt Disney Company.

In addition to its recognition from Special Events magazine in July 2012, RMC was awarded a 2012 Best of State Medal for destination management in the hospitality, travel and tourism category in Utah’s statewide awards in May. Other awards and accolades of note, from a long list, include: