news stories i’m sick of and ones i long for…

what would you like to hear about?

A question prompted by Plinky made me think of how I am tired of the same old architectural rhetoric in the news. A new $200M museum here, a new concert hall here, and the latest skyscraper that’s bigger than yours is really getting old. Why does every magazine (architectural or not) have to feature something that I don’t have, don’t need, in a city I’ll never live, in a house I’ll never afford, with someone I’ll never look like driving a car I’ll never own?

Where is the story about how the new rural school design is helping students have a better learning environment? What about the part where the design gives back to the teachers too?

Where is the story of the small business owners in the small town who invested in design to make their new storefront capture the brand of their new coffee shop or diner without spending their life savings?

Where is the news story of the small architectural firm whose pro bono work for the church camp or non-profit group has helped them realize their long-lost dream to expand?

Is there a story about a rebuilding urban community that worked with local architects to design houses that respect the tradition of the neighborhood rather than the out-of-towners who injected their narcissistic expressions on those grateful just to have a house?

Where is the story about smart, practical, and affordably sustainable design for the average person?

And where is the story where the local arts community hired a local architect and a local contractor to add onto their one hundred year old historic property with a respectable but exciting new addition that fit within their modest budget?

Where are the stories where we hear from the people who use our architecture rather than the architects for a change? We know what the architects are thinking about themselves. What do the people think about us and the architecture we make?

Yes, these stories appear…occasionally as features in the back. When will news ever be real more often? What do you think?

what defines you?

I don’t have answers. I am not putting forth a strong opinion. I am listening, so speak.

where everybody knows your name

Maybe I should have been born in Mayberry or somewhere like that. Maybe I should have been born twenty five years earlier.

great architecture

What is great architecture?

it is about listening

A meeting with a prospective client initiated this line of thought. As architects we need to listen to our clients; whether they’re right or wrong. Obvious right?