I envision the building as a nexus for inter-disciplinary study, juxtaposed with the attributes of nature. As such, the structures are both open and closed – both one “with” and one “without” the metaphoric landscape beyond. The boundaries are blurred giving the impression of uncertainty, and leaving the inhabitants a virtual and symbolic void to be filled – the building becomes … Read More
Approaching the Architect
. With the Holidays upon us, many of us gather together, drinks in hands, and celebrate together. Except the architects. We tend to be the sullen looking ones at the party, clustered together, over in the corner. Granted, architects aren’t the easiest group to approach, but it is possible, IF you know a few simple conversation starters: So you’ve seen … Read More
The building doesn’t matter
The building doesn’t matter. It’s easy to forget. You can get tied up in the creation, in the assembly, the structuring, and alignments. The worst of us are distracted by the process of it; the selections, the connections, the tools, the creation of instructions. It’s an easy distraction. You make. You craft. You spin forms out of thoughts. You layer meaning. … Read More
The price of coffee
It’s 1901 and coffee is a commodity. Great Granddad was a farmer. Somewhere down in Central America. Pulling coffee beans off the pod that grows on the stalky thing with the green flappy leafs and the cocoa blossoms … fine, I have no idea where coffee beans come from. But I’m sure the days were long, the sun was hot … Read More
The most interesting man in the room
I’m an Architect. I’m the most interesting man in the room. I’m wearing all black. I’m near sighted, but have compensated with extremely attractive and/or expensive eyewear. I have radical mood swings. But, only on the inside. You’d probably never know what I’m thinking. And, I’m sure I wouldn’t tell you. I have excellent taste in …. almost everything. Just ask me. … Read More
ARC-HAIKU 2
That’s right, It’s time for more Architecture Haikus!. In a continuing effort to alienate readers (all three of them), I’ve decided to continue this. So, let’s write some Haikus, inspired by great quantities of wine works of Architecture. What could possibly go wrong? Here’s today’s entries… Diller Scofidio + Renfro – Blur Building at Expo.02 in Yverdon – Photo via wikipedia … Read More
I may only have a few months to live
I may only have a few months left to live. (I should just let that line sit there for a while and see how long it takes for my phone to start ringing…. nope…, it’s not ringing) I was talking to a friend of mine yesterday. She’s been running her own firm for over 20 years, long enough to see her … Read More
Sometimes its better to say nothing
I’ve got nothing to say really. And, I may be in the minority on that. My profession (Architecture) has become thick with opinions. Our buildings generally require the user to “understand” them. We’ve strived to follow our star-chitect leaders into deeper and deeper webs of metaphor and symbolism and intellectual structural feats of fancy. We’ve tried to reflect the complexity of society … Read More
New York, I love you, but you’re freaking me out
Ever since the amazing team from Brizo invited me to New York for 2 days worth of “fashion week”, I’ve been wondering what to write about. Sure, it was a short visit, but there’s a lot to see in the city. It was a once in a lifetime experience, and I’m sure it will lead to quite a few posts. But, … Read More
Ugly goes all the way to the bone
Of course I’m going to Fashion Week this week. When you think of fashion, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? (Ok, don’t answer that) Nevertheless, The fine people at Brizo have offered to fly me and a ragtag entourage of designy-blogger types to New York for a part of Fashion Week. We’ll be attending various glamorous-type fashion things: … Read More
Passing myself on a bridge in Prague
I was young and cold as I walked towards the Charles Bridge. I’d spent the day walking around Prague. I was tired and, with the cold, had lost most of the feeling in my hands and toes. As I came closer I started to hear a mournful tone that I eventually recognized as music. I saw that a grey trench-coated man had set up a folding table … Read More
Success equals sleeping at night
Sometimes I forget what I’m trying to do here. I get wrapped up in whatever “hot button” issue my client is all worked up about today (It’s usually something related to how hard that’s going to be to waterproof) Then, I shift into “trying to please everyone” mode & work myself into a frenzy. I’m pretty good at this, … Read More