Last week I held open office hours so folks could ask me questions. Here’s a sample of the ensuing conversations:
QUESTION – No?
ANSWER – Your lack of interest in architecture does not negate the importance of architecture.
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QUESTION – Why?
ANSWER – architecture is not to wonder why
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QUESTION – What does the sum of the parts equal the whole mean?
ANSWER – Architecture can be viewed as a distillation of various forces pulling the design towards a greater whole. A whole that few wanted.
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QUESTION – A statement like that opens begs the question, what are you searching for?
ANSWER – Architecture is about searching, and often begging.
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QUESTION – Your favorite architectural style or era?
ANSWER – Great architecture does not conform to any style or era. Great architecture transcends era and style. It also includes a lot of glass.
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QUESTION – Where is the defining line between political architecture and architecture for the sake of the environment?
ANSWER – Architecture should dissolve the line between politics and the environment. Preferably using an accordion door.
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QUESTION – What is the meaning ?
ANSWER – Architecture is for solving problems. White rich people problems, mostly
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QUESTION – How is architecture?
ANSWER – Architecture is strong, resilient, holding it’s place and defining it’s epoch. It is also now perforated.
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QUESTION – Are you really good at math?
ANSWER – Architecture is not just good at math. Architecture IS math
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QUESTION – If you have an apportunity to complete the master degree in architecture ..which topic you will chose to study ?
ANSWER – Architecture, always architecture
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QUESTION – Do you design for function or the experience of using the space?
ANSWER – Architecture is the experience of space in built form. Function is the doorknob you clutch to gain access to the experience.
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QUESTION – Do we admit mistakes?
ANSWER – There are no mistakes in architecture. Only opportunities for additional design.
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QUESTION – How much glass is too much?
ANSWER – Architecture is the vessel through which the ideals of society must pass. The vessel must be transparent to allow the transfer. In other words, USE ALL THE GLASS.
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QUESTION – Is it absolutely necessary for the building to have a BASE?
ANSWER – Architecture should be lifted off the ground on pilotis, replacing the covered earth with a verdant roof garden. Admire the view, but, do not go outside.
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QUESTION – Who cares about that ?
ANSWER – Architecture is not concerned with your concerns alone. Architecture is concerned with the concerns of the society. While being alone.
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QUESTION – Is architecture intellectual or down to earth?
ANSWER – Architecture will create vernacular inspired designs at $500/s.f. It will be down to earth, for those who can afford it.
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QUESTION – Was Architecture worth it?
ANSWER – My fees reflect the architecture I desire, not the architecture you can afford.
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QUESTION – tell me something about public space
ANSWER – Public space is the realm in which architecture takes place. Creating forms that continue the dialogue between the past, present, and future city. It’s also where we keep our homeless.
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QUESTION – Where has architecture gone?
ANSWER – Architecture has not gone anywhere. It has become more transparent. Perhaps you just can’t see it.
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QUESTION – I know the answer is 42 but what was the question?
ANSWER – Please refer to the specifications
QUESTION – What section?
ANSWER – 42
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QUESTION – Which one do you start with ‘form’ or ‘function’ ?
ANSWER – Obviously, form follows function. Like the blind leading the blind.
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QUESTION- Do we need a permit?
ANSWER- Permits are for regulating mediocrity. Architecture does not need your permission. Plus the code requirements for stairs are too restrictive.
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QUESTION- If an architect falls in the forest and there’s nobody there to hear it does it make a sound?
ANSWER- The house will be sited along the cleared ground caused by the fallen architect. The house will be clad in dark siding. The porch will open to the views of the surrounding forest.
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Feel free to ask me more questions in the comment section. I promise to answer.