Simon Richards on A New Humanism: Part 18

I believe Scott was neglected by the high modernists and their successors because the ‘ethical fallacy’ that he pinned retrospectively on Pugin was/is equally applicable to most everyone who came later as well. His critique is perennially valid and devastating. Easier to pretend he never existed. (Edit: BTW my first comment should read ‘this head’ not ‘his head’ – haha!)

Thayer-D on A New Humanism: Part 18

I love that you’ve brought Geoffery Scott into public view. His ideas are very much in need today with the preponderance of theory which has reduced most architectural discourse to an ephemeral dreamworld. As for his predilection for classicism over other styles, that seems to be part of his personal reaction to the English Romanticism where classicism was unfairly discredited for its non-romantic associations. Personally, I’ve never understood how building with ancient Roman or Renaissance classicism wasn’t romantic on some level. Either way, you’ve done a marvelous job of resuscitating his ideas, to say nothing of the pleasure it’s given me. What I find puzzling is your confusion as to why his writing is “neglected.” How can you be so mystified by what is so clear? Modernism is why Mr. Scott and others have been neglected. The fact that ideologues created an environment which forbids the study of...

Ann Yuen on SOM and CASE Invent a New Interface

Click on CASE in the text, in green

Ed Hamm on Design vs Art

Art and design were the same until the Enlightenment and the revolutions that followed it. The aristocrats were the tastemakers and painters to furniture designers found favor and styles were made. The artist and the designers jobs were to glorify the ruling class and the church. With the Enlightenment, and the subsequent fall of monarchies and church, and the very soon after the Industrial Revolution the middle class (bourgeois) became the tastemakers and the Victorian Area of machine made bad taste was ushered in. We still live in that world. A revolt of those associated with academia, (not aristocracy or the bourgeois) and now freed to think and say what they felt ushered in two groups of tastemakers: The designers, who worked for the class they aspired to and the artists who did as well until the rebellion of the Impressionists who were academics against the academy. The artists become those who stripped away the formal cultural overlay in an attempt...

Simon Richards on A New Humanism: Part 18

Always pleased to read an endorsement for the perennially-neglected Geoffrey Scott. Shame, though, that his personal rivalries appeared to lead him to dismiss some other (i.e., non-classical) types of architecture? Discussion of boundaries and territoriality (both physical and psychological) was very interesting. I think Georg Simmel remains one of the most insightful commentators on his head, as long as one reads a little beyond the famous ‘Metropolis and Mental Life’ essay. Some early Richard Sennett is also interesting (’Uses of Disorder’ – a little dated with it’s achingly right-on politics…) on the psychological dangers of entrenched boundaries, and provides a powerful early warning against the gated community.

Josh on Q&A: Curtis B. Wayne

Awesome, I’ve been looking for a useful and interesting radio show catered towards Architecture. “If I can’t understand what’s being written then I don’t see how anybody else in the profession or interested lay people, who we would like to be educating about architectural issues, could possibly get any value.” This quote is a prime explanation for many of my frustrations within the Architectural realm. I’ll read them, taking away bits and pieces, but at the end of the day, the central argument is summarized by the “subject line” and not the bullet points within the context. Being an intern with a degree, I can only obtain so much information in a given work day from co-workers (who are more than happy to fill in any gaps) but typically do not have the time to bring me up to speed with design objectives that are over my pay grade. My best asset is internet radio (podcasts) as I can listen to the conversation while...

Graham McKay on Q&A: Curtis B. Wayne

Curtis, Whilst I’ve been listening to back episodes of Burning Down The House and trying to get on the same er… page as quickly as possible, this discussion has been going on without me! But yesterday, I became aware that if I stopped listening to a podcast on one device and restarted again on a different device, playback began from where I left off, “bookmarked” across devices as it were. I probably shouldn’t have been that amazed, but I was. It met some need I didn’t even know I had. It worked, even though it didn’t have a shape. I remember reading long ago an article by Mario Bellini – the guy who used to design calculators for Olivetti. (It must have been the 1970s. DOMUS?) He was bemoaning yet accepting of the fact that a calculator could now be made the size of a credit card, saying it was no longer an object with a shape that could be designed. It was just buttons and a surface. In 2013, my podcast app doesn’t even have those. All it...

R.L.Hart on A New Humanism: Part 17

To Oyvind Holmstad — Once again thanks for the very interesting link — and the research that backs up my skepticism and yours about the divinity of the 1.618 “golden” ratio. My study of the perception of proportion and scale ( Part 20) has steered me more toward human body structure and capability than into mathematics. But I would like to understand how a hierarchy of scale based on euler and 2.7 has worked in practice in admired buildings or landscapes. Alexander doesn’t spell that out for his Eishen Campus. Are there other examples?

Renee M. Russell, AIA on A Great Tree Has Fallen

I completely identify with Mr. Bingler’s observations about Mr. Solari’s vision and dedication. I also remember having a tour of Cosanti and Arcosanti in 1975 as part of the first Solar Architecture conference that was held by the AIA in Tempe AZ. The innovative details and use of local materials is unmistakable. I am slightly reminded of Gaudi’s work. Ibelieve that people who have supported the vision of both of these designers says a lot about their ability to inspire generations. May Paulo Solari rest in peace.

Øyvind Holmstad on A New Humanism: Part 17

I think it’s closer to the truth that if there is a “divine proportion”, this is not 1.6 but closer to 2.7: http://meandering-through-mathematics.blogspot.no/2012/02/applications-of-golden-mean-to.html The golden ratio is, from my understanding of the article referred to above, more an expression of biological growth, while 2.7 refers to fractal ordering, and is hence more connected with beauty.

Bossi on Gordon Matta-Clark: Cutting through History

Great post, thanks for the info. Did you know, a few months ago, 2 new films about Gordon got released covering his European period the year before he died. “My summer 77 with Gordon Matta-Clark” and “A Jacob’s Ladder remembering Gordon Matta Clark”. Both films give a unique sight inside the artists mind & give you the chance to get closer to his work. You can find the trailers on youtube. Take care !

Jeez Louise on Cooper Union: Where’s the Money?

I’m noticing a trend where cultural institutions have (been lead?) to build huge additions they can’t afford, then lose them. And also making huge gambles on the stock market. Even so, they should sell the Morphosis building (which could find some other use) and save their soul and free tuition.

CB Wayne on Q&A: Curtis B. Wayne

Graham, and Mr Hart – Sirs: I note your skepticism, Graham, that the force of a culture – and ours is largely a shallow one, devoted to flash – will do what it will do. BUT there is hope, because our rising cohort of future architects – those will be making the hard decisions about form and function 35 or 40 years from now – are not buying into the wave of the present. So: what I say, I do so for them. They are my intended audience. I think you do likewise. Re-educating our “intuitions,” Bob – what a marvelous way to express the path to a *little* bit more enlightenment! I think that patience with the recent past – you know: when asked to explain his aesthetic proclivities, Gehry will honestly tell you that he’s obsessed with FISH. To me, it’s not *just* fish, it’s truite au bleu he’s got on his mind – and that, to my mind, is simply not.good.enough. His forms...

Ann Yuen on The Tower Formerly Known as Sears

The blog was written by Mason, the illustration was done by someone else. Credit line: Metropolismag.com

R.L.Hart on Q&A: Curtis B. Wayne

To Graham McKay — You, Curtis and I seem to share some points-of-view. And I’ve come to believe that the way forward is to first “enlarge” the way we think about design by learning more, much more, about the people and the land we’re designing for — and to do that by re-educating our “intuitions,” using today’s fast-moving ecological, evolutionary, and neuro-sciences. There’s plenty of information available that’s being exploited by the entertainment and marketing businesses — and we’re letting them create and recreate the culture that’s shaping architecture. If you’re interested, I’ve been exploring ways to apply current insights into human nature in day-to-day professional practice. They’re outlined in the series of posts [on this site] called “A New Humanism,” and I’d be interested to know what you think.

Graham McKay on Q&A: Curtis B. Wayne

Dear Curtis, There’s a lot here to agree with. Just to get it out of the way first, densely bad writing presented as advanced thinking is also a pet hate of mine. I’ve been blogging my thoughts on this as I grind through Schumacher’s “The Autopoiesis of Architecture.” He would say – and in fact does say – that such “communications” aren’t intended for the lay people who are the end users of buildings. Well, I’m halfway through his Vol.1 and still can’t see who his intended reader is supposed to be. All I know is that it’s not me. I also agree with you on the value of knowing history but, for me, it’s because it shows how little things change. People still need buildings. Rich clients still want to show how much money and land they have. Architects still need jobs. What I learned from history is that the general career trajectory for architects is to move away from the cheap stuff as fast as possible and to follow the money. This is a...

PL on The Incidental Steward: Reflections on Citizen Science

Start you own citizen science project using the free online tools at WildlifeSightings.net . It’s never been easier to start up, manage, maintain and publish citizen science work.

RED-DOLPHIN on How Will Wearable Technology Disrupt Us?

Great post Maude. I believe like you in the future of Wearable Technology. My guess is that it can really start being enjoyable, fun and beneficial when it becomes truly a contributor to our every day life. We try and list most of the new devices and solutions via our Community dedicated to Wearable Technology at www.red-dolphin.com. Hope we can build some bridges together.

Patricia Rockwell on Language Matters

ODE TO MY HAMMOCK oh hammock even though i never lie in you you sit there ever patient reminding me that if i choose i could relax

Gersil N. Kay, IESNA, AIA/HRC on Toward Resilient Architectures 3: How Modernism Got Square

Wow! That’s telling them! Building Conservation Int’l (BCI, the technical non-profit educational organization that received the first President of the United States’ Historic Preservation Award for innovated research and training in dealing with pre-1940 structures) is helping to start the Academy of Building Conservation for high school youth, unemployed construction craftspeople, and retired military veterans, all seeking additional skills to enter the huge, untapped market in maintaining and energy-upgrading the millions of existing properties erected prior to 1940 and still usable. Here is a lifetime lucrative career for those knowledgeable in the empirical procedures developed over centuries of trial and error. Not old fashioned, as depicted by modernists, these traditional methods were the original “green,” and are still relevant today for both new and...

Glenn Weiss on Rudy Bruner Award Names 2013 Finalists

Great to see the blog. Bruner Awards are always an inspiration.

Morgan on The Ethical Challenge of Micro Apartments

Wow! I did not know that thousands of people Hong Kong live in such small spaces. Very eye opening.

Mary Robinette on A New Humanism: Part 16

All of what you spell out in such succinct depth is the human nature of human reaction which is as diverse as human personalities. I particularly relate to the “alerting the senses or stirring emotions” because of my own personality. However, architecture needn’t be “new” to surprise and warm me. The painstaking artistry of the cathedrals and churches as you mentioned can incite a spiritual response and deeper worship, as intended. I like to think the things I am most attracted to have to do with my “ancestral map.” Do you think I might be stirred by things my father loves?

Starre Vartan on The Ethical Challenge of Micro Apartments

Good points, PAS – building small does not equal minimalism, though I would say it does, at least, encourage it. And I think now that ’small space decor’ is becoming chic (and even covered in major home design mags and sites), we will all be better able to understand the challenges and rewards of living in smaller spaces. I know I’m not the only homeowner with thousands of square feet who is just dreaming of the day when I can live in a great small space that doesn’t require hours to clean! But it behooves us to remember that living with less isn’t automatic with smaller apartments.

Bradley B. on Language Matters

Ode to Paper Always something different than it was Martyr in its greatest form, serving a higher thought blankness never being a flaw

matt kolb on White Roofs Not Always Green

Unlike the commercial on television states, everything you read on the internet is not necessarily true. Mr. Ibrahim has in fact made some bold statements but none of them appear to reference peer reviewed scientific studies. In fact most of these statements can be considered opinion. Reflective roofs in fact are green whether they reflect the energy of the sun to reduce A/C usage or they only extend the life of the roof reducing the need for more frequent roof replacements, reducing the need for increased land fill usage. The science performed at ORNL LBNL by Dr’s Levinson, Desjarlais and Akbari is verifiable.

Kat Harrold on White Roofs Not Always Green

Bold move. Very nice article.

Adam Bernholz on Q&A: Robin Guenther on HPD

Susan: Great article. Thank you for bringing this issue of the relative health aspects of building products to the attention of your readers. Robin: I think you are spot on. As the market begins to vote with its feet, building product manufacturers certainly respond, as per your example. The design firms, particularly in the world of green building, are playing a much-heightened role in the selection of proprietary products for the buildings they design, namely because these are no longer commodity building materials, but are now highly-differentiated products selected on a number of attributes ranging from health, to sustainability, and of course, their performance attributes. I too feel these firms have a duty to both their customers (typically owners) and to society as a whole, to make the most responsible product sourcing decisions that they can, with the information that they have available. Disclaimer: I am CEO of GreenWizard, a...

sniper strike on Inside the Design Mind

I’m impressed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and engaging, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is an issue that too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy I came across this in my hunt for something concerning this.

PAS on The Ethical Challenge of Micro Apartments

Regarding “encouraging their inhabitants to buy less, use fewer resources, and live in a more streamlined, minimal way.” As the Hong Kong photos show, the size of the space is not necessarily causing such behaviors. Yes, there will always be willing and able to live in “too-small spaces” if the costs allow them to be in a location that they consider desirable. And yes, some design blogs will show them furnished and decorated in minimal style. But that is not real evidence of behavior modification. Just check out how some dorm students use their “too-small spaces” and you will see the whole spectrum.

Gerry Vartan on Design vs Art

Great to have something of substance written about and a real discussion on things that “bespeak the dignity of man (and women)”. Design and art are ‘real’; solid, dimensional and certainly a great deal more intelligent and nurturing than the smell of politics, money and war.

Herbert Werlin on Q&A: Daniel Brook

Read interesting article in today’s WP (04-13-13). Ignored, it seems to me, was the factor of public administration, as indicated in articles that I have done comparing Shanghai and Mumbai. They are available on the internet.

Anne Boyd on The Green Team Part 12: Dumpster Diving – Are Container Forests in Our Future?

I couldn’t readily find images online of either of these temporary plantings, so here are a few I took: Orange County Great Park “Preview Park” http://www.flickr.com/photos/thenitpicker/8644018004/ LACMA palms and cycads for Robert Irwin “Palm Garden” http://www.flickr.com/photos/thenitpicker/8644011496/

Anne Boyd on The Green Team Part 12: Dumpster Diving – Are Container Forests in Our Future?

I can think of two examples of ‘temporary’ gardens installed during construction here on the West Coast. At the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, while several new buildings were being constructed, the palms and cycads that were destined for the Robert Irwin-designed Palm Garden were arranged on-site as a temporary display in their tree boxes, complete with temporary drip irrigation to each box. Also, at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, there were a number of trees that occupied various parts of the original site (the El Toro Marine Base) that were to be preserved and relocated. Those trees were boxed and used around the “temporary park” (the first section of the park to open to the public) in various places, along with new trees being grown for the project. Interpretive signs were placed on the boxes here and there explaining why the boxed trees were...

Ramray Bhat on Toward Resilient Architectures 1: Biology Lessons

A very insightful article with valuable lessons for people all over the world. I have a suggestion though and I would love to guage the view of the authors on this: both the fifth and sixth (left) figures depict the spatial map of inter-connectedness across different scales. Being a biologist I have observed that although when the scales are arranged in an ascending order from top down as is shown here, the density of interconnectedness does not necessarily increase from top down in biology. This runs counter to probabilistic arguments since if the element number increases from top down the connection density should follow it. This does not happen -rather there is a lot of plasticity around a ‘percolation threshold’, which has been earlier discussed by Stuart Kauffmann and Stuart Newman in biology, and at least one of the coauthors of this essay in their works. Does this non-hierarchical plasticity in...

Rob Fleming on Q&A: Dr. Daniel Mahler

This is a great interview and underscores the amazing changes that are taking place in our society. Sustainability, once thought of as an impossible or expensive goal is moving more and more to the center of the equation for business success. Walmart should be given its due – its easy to demonize them, but when large companies make fundamental shifts, the impacts are dramatic. Of course they have a long way to go but overall its positive story.

Adam on The DNA of Collaboration

Excellent. As a theater artist, my work is entirely in the realm of the collaborative, and I frequently see the evidence that group mind is capable of far more than its component parts separately are. “Working collaboratively is not a substitute for exercising leadership; collaboration actually demands more from leaders who employ it.” Bravo. More leaders of this kind, please. BTW, I found Svigals’ “elegant little book” online: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/svigals

robert on The DNA of Collaboration

I’m intrigued by the notion of the lone genius that seems to prevail in western society. I wonder if in Asian societies it is significantly different and wether that makes it easier to collaborate there… This western notion of ownership of an idea, the IP, the ’see me being clever’ can certainly make teamwork more arduous, especially when innovating, however it also provides a drive, an energy to push forward that, for instance, lacked in the great communist experiment of the last century.

Rick on The DNA of Collaboration

What an excellent, interesting article about the history and contempory perspective of collaboration. Great read. I intend to post it to our twitter followers.

Gillis on The Life of a Former Design Student

I’d be curious about those who started as designers and ended up elsewhere…ie, those that took plan B for whatever reason.