Coffee with an Architect: The Latest Architecture and News

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It didn’t start out this way for me.

When I was younger, I had an idea of what “Architecture” is – Architecture with a capital A. I held that idea in front of me throughout my career to serve as a guide, as I worked on my craft. To me, Great Architects were those that refined their concepts and details and forms with each new project. Occasionally, jumping forward with an innovation, but, usually building a career one client at a time, one building at a time. In school I spent hours in the library flipping through a 25 volume photographic archive of everything left in Le Corbusier’s flat files after he passed away. The volumes contained: every sketch, every construction detail, and every project. His whole life was there in light awkward drawings in pencil on translucent paper; all his failures, his incomplete thoughts, his grand gestures, his moments of pure clarity. I was amazed at the craft developed throughout a career; the gentle arc of a man’s life.

I can’t believe I’ve written this blog for over a year and never bothered to define Architecture. A glaring ommission to be sure. Perhaps I could get some help on this one? What’s a good definition of “Architecture” ?

Quality may be as much about perception as it is about reality. It could be that the idea behind the design is less important than the public’s opinion of the design. If you’re trying to appeal to a wide market; if you’re trying to reach an affluent demographic; If you want your work to catch-on; to scale; to go viral? Well, It’s all about how you pitch the idea, right? It’s not just about the elegance of the work, it’s about the strength of the perception. And, it all starts with a good slogan. Architect’s still need a good slogan.

*lights dim and powerpoint presentation begins*

K

Keystone: (noun) – Key-shaped stone at the top of the arch used to open a secluded vault in Egypt containing the secret to all Architectural success. The vault may be empty, and booby trapped.

L

Light: (noun) – The illumination at the end of the tunnel which has been turned off due to lack of financing.

Linear: (noun) – The shortest distance between your ideals and your client’s pocketbook.

Lintel: (noun) – A bean-soup used to span window openings.

Loggia: (noun) – A gallery or corridor on the façade of a building, open to interpretation on one side.

{ more definitions after the break }

1. Architects broke it

It’s probably our fault to begin with. I don’t really know the exact numbers, but Buildings use more fossil fuels than cars, construction debris makes up the highest percentage of our landfills, building roofs and parking lots account for the majority of storm water run-out issues, and Market driven greed for greater and greater return on investment fueled a decade of speculative office and housing developments at a scale never seen before. And, now entire communities sit vacant and waiting for a recovery that may never happen. Can Architects be trusted to come up with solutions for problems we played a major role in causing in the first place?

More reasons after the break:

An Architect’s Dress code (Revised 9-12-11)

Employees contribute to the culture and reputation of the SVEHN JØSSANG ATELJE in the way they present themselves. An Architectural appearance is essential to a favorable impression with clients, and company shareholders (ie. Svehn). Good grooming and appropriate dress should reflect an employee’s confidence in his/her aesthetic convictions and inspire others to realize that they are dressed unimaginatively. An Architect’s attire should be minimal yet condescending at the same time.

Maybe these could be my new Twitter bio. Or, we could just think of it as an elevator speech…

for the lonely.