A tribute to Hans Scharoun’s 1963 Berlin Philharmonie, Jean Nouvel’s Copenhagen Concert Hall was reviewed in today’s New York Times. Given both recent interest in the city and in Nouvel on the site, it seemed prudent to mention the building which opened doors this past Sunday. In the words of Nicolai Ouroussoff “It’s a powerful example of how to mine historical memory without stifling the creative imagination.”

Interior views of the concert hall follow.

Following the first in the series, Spacecraft 2 details further projects that attempt to navigate changing spatial needs and standing definitions of architecture. Included are temporary structures – like pavilions and exhibition spaces – and mobile buildings. The volume is co-edited by R. Klanten and L. Feirelss. Due out from Gestalten in February and available for pre-order on Amazon.

Page views from Spacecraft 2 after the jump.

Growing up as a competitive swimmer, I entered my fair share of long in the tooth pools and aquatic centers. Something like Les Bains des Docks by Jean Nouvel would have certainly shaved seconds off my time. Nouvel’s design for an aquatic center is part of the Port 2000 development in Le Havre, France. The center itself consists of a staggering 12 pools and all the other stuff you’d want for a fun day in the water. Dezeen has a write up from Nouvel himself on the space.

More images of Nouvel’s creation after the jump.

I love a (good) museum expansion project. Over the past few years, Renzo Piano envisioned my absolute favorite, the expansion at the Morgan Library, and begun work on an expansion to the Art Institute of Chicago. The new building creates space for the contemporary art collection, temporary exhibitions and all important educational facilities. May is proposed for the opening.

Choose images from Wallpaper*’s coverage after the jump.

No matter who you are, you’ve interacted with some form of Palladian architecture. A grand retrospective of Andrea Palladio opens at the Royal Academy of Art at months end, and to start the “hype” the Guardian has a fabulous little slide show. Andrea Palladio: His Life and Legacy gets the blood flowing. Spend a few minutes getting acquainted (or reacquainted) with a legend.

A few favorites from the slide show follow.

Swiss firm HHF are among a group of international architects adding facilities for pilgrims walking the Ruta del Peregrino. Located just outside of Guadalajara, the route is traversed by some 2 million people during holy week, enough to prompt the municipalities involved to give a little back. HHF’s Look Out Point operates on a spiral, anticipating movement through the built space. For a full report, head over to Dezeen.

Further images of the HHF designed Look Out Point follow.

Paul Goldberger, of The New Yorker, has posted his top 10 buildings of 2008. Included are Gehry’s Art Gallery of Ontario, the New Museum on the Bowery and (seen above) the China’s Olympic Stadium by Herzog and de Meuron. A few surprise selections, but for the most part those structures listed are those that really captivated. (Via DB).

View the remaining buildings listed (by us) after the jump.

Friedensreich Hundertwasser: born Friedrich Stowasser, he lived and died as Friedensreich (meaning “realm of peace”) Hundertwasser – a name he chose for himself. Architect, ecologist, painter, designer, writer, innovator … his list of talents goes on and on. Hundertwasser reinvented the art of living as an artist 24 hours a day.

The lifework of this prolific creator is brought together for the first time in this limited edition of 10,000 copies. Hundertwasser began to number and catalogue his work in 1954 and had completed the task for his entire oeuvre, including short histories to accompany each work, before his untimely death in February 2000. He worked closely with TASCHEN on this project, designing the layout and the book itself: with rounded edges and a cover with colored velvet on black linen, the Catalogue Raisonné is an exquisite work of art.

The publication is limited to a run of 10,000 copies world wide and includes two volumes contained in a custom slip cover designed by Hundertwasser.

Page views of Friedensreich Hundertwasser, 1928 – 2000 follow.

When I was a student in the upper Midwest, none of my accommodation reached anything that might be considered high design. In Paris, the story (come 2010) will be a little different. Slovenian firm Ofis Architekti has won the commission to design new student units on the Stade de Ladoumegue. Dezeen has a full report on the designs, worth checking out.

Further view of the plans after the jump.

The Art Gallery of Ontario has been hailed as “Gehry’s Somber Masterpiece.” A departure from his highly sculptural works with metal, the building’s focus is on light. A great complement to art, the city of Toronto gains a nice landmark from its most famous native architect. (Via Newser).

More views of the Art Gallery of Ontario after the jump.