In a world of architectural iteration and imitation—where ideas are too prevalent through the influential forces of media—it is rare to find a project that is the exception to the rule. In Kyoto, Japan, the Garden of Fine Arts is a unique museum simply for one reason: It has no roof.
As a young architect, I didn’t find much mentorship, collaboration or community—nor much support, professionally or personally. Perhaps it was the roaring 80s and sluggish 90s, and the invasive competitive nature of our industry—the egos and ambition. Yes, even an architect of merely 25 years can carry an entitled, though misguided, bulk of arrogance.
Recently, I looked at my cohorts, and simply thought this: We are colleagues, not competitors. Based on this, I founded the Design Roundtable.
Context is discussed often in architecture. A project’s surroundings—whether a fabric of Cape Cod homes, a conglomerate of steel and glass high-rises, or the industrial vibe of a warehouse district—are a critical item on the design agenda. Should the architect mimic this context, use it as a point of departure, or ignore it and stand in protest?
Following up on Part 1 of our podcast entitled, “The Rhythm of Architecture,” here is more. Host Josh Cooperman starts with, “When you look at a Brutalist building’s exposed concrete, why can’t it last? If it’s taken care of, why can’t it last a thousand years?”
For my 200th essay (I congratulate myself for this achievement), I look inward: What does it mean to be accomplished, if one ever is?
J. Lo (as in Jennifer Lopez) is often called a “triple threat” or a more popular label, the “multi-hyphenate”—as in singer-dancer-actress, as in singer hyphen dancer hyphen actress. But I question her multi-use of hyphens.
This past November, I spent 10 days in Japan, my first time. Through a whirlwind of architectural sites, cultural discoveries and culinary adventures—I had the best of times, of which I present here twelve.
