thinking about
Last week a debate unfolded on the Huffington post when I suggested that in a time of economic upheaval perhaps we should look at the next steps in the future of the architectural profession. Is it more community focused? more sustainable? more fiscally responsible? more humane? or will is stay the same?
Francis Anderton’s response (which she also posted on KCRW)
What was most interesting is to see how personally a number of architects took this (see twitter/blogs). Rather than seeing this as an opportunity to debate the future of our profession they seem to want to protect the status quo.
Anyway my follow-up hopefully clarifies what I mean by an architecture of excess.
I've been delinquent in adding my huff post column to this blog. Here are the three most recent pieces. While the AIG and school modernization posts got the most attention I personally think the visit to Buckminster Fullers home in Carbondale, Il was the most interesting.
Dear Obama, Enact a 'Greed to Need' Tax This April.
Posted March 17, 2009 | 02:34 PM (EST)
Read Post
Bucky Done Gone: The dome home in decay.
Posted March 5, 2009 | 11:20 AM (EST)
Read Post
Senate to Schools: Drop Dead
Posted February 11, 2009 | 03:05 PM (EST)
Slashing $20B from school modernization is not a compromise
Read Post
Can you explain the difference between design and design for good?
Design is about creating spaces for people to enjoy and, of course, creating moments that elevate the spirit. But design for good is devising a program that involves creating better spaces, new jobs and industry and really raises the conversation about how we rebuild. The collaborative efforts in Biloxi, Mississippi—which was heavily affected by Hurricane Katrina—has touched the lives of hundreds of families. We have worked also in Bay St. Louis, Waveland and New Orleans. These communities have benefited profoundly from better, more thoughtful architecture.
Can you define your vision and what shapes it?
We believe that good design should be available for everybody. We all have the right to basic shelter, and architects and designers have the means to create better structures. Our vision is to create better surroundings for people to live, work and play.
What are the global implications of your work?
