#197: BOOK RELEASE: INFLUENCERS | ARCHITECTURE

Of his recent 464-page publication, author Oscar Asensio explains, “At Influencers | Architecture we show the professional careers of the most relevant and influential architects in the world. They offer us their experiences, ideas, knowledge and thoughts . . .”

Am I an influencer? This new book believes I have some influence that might impact behaviors and attitudes. Published internationally by Linea Editorial in English and Spanish, the author curates and presents groundbreaking architects from around the world: Austria, China, England, Finland, Germany, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Switzerland, and others. Below are edited excerpts from my contributions to this book simply entitled, Influencers | Architecture.

“It all began with some crayons and cardboard. I was probably five years old. Then, I liked to make things, to dream up a world for my toy soldiers, for my spaceships to race, or where stuffed animals could have thoughtful discussions. Whether paper and scissors, or clay and a knife, whether Lego or wooden blocks, I made cars, planes, rockets, and of course buildings—buildings upon buildings and cities within cities. I imagined civilizations where everyone would be able to be who they are destined to be. As I grew up, I realized there was a station in life, a job for me to pursue such ambitions. Though I must admit, I also wanted to be a musician since childhood. I made my final decision when applying for graduate school: Julliard vs. Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. I chose the latter. Today, I am an architect and fortunately still have space in my life to make music. I could not have done it the other way around, be a concert pianist and run an architecture company.

“An idea can come from anywhere and everywhere, from no one place in particular nor one kind of process. An architectural concept can arrive through a piece of music or work of poetry, perhaps from a conversation with a colleague or the view out of a hotel. I can try brainstorming for days, drawing ideas, and jotting notes endlessly in my sketchbook. Sometimes, a design concept appears, and other times, the obsessive process results in nothing of worth. Or maybe an idea will arrive in my head while driving to a meeting. The point is simply this: Inspiration is elusive, but always there. One just needs to be ready to grab it when it passes by.

“The currency of social networks is both potent and immeasurable. The art of architecture relies on influences and inspiration, sometimes examined through any number of social media outlets, media/press, and online articles and treatises. The business of architecture relies on exposure, as well clients, consultants, and a community of colleagues—typically powered through social media and networks. The evolution of architecture relies on communication, on the sharing of ideas, testing of concepts, and critical discourse. The success for all of the above are the current venues (not even in existence last decade) created through technology, apps, social media, digital forums, and crowdsourcing—and having a very powerful compact computer in the palm of our hands.

“Consider architecture as storytelling. Every project should have content—a narrative of concepts that drive the process and its final product. Also, because architecture is communication, know your audience.

“I think it was concert pianist, Rubenstein, who suggested that one should not practice piano too much: Limit your practice time, enjoy your life, and you will have much to express when playing piano. Same thinking applies to architecture.

“Be original. Be remembered. If you do the same thing over and over again, you will always get the same results, of which, most have already been done, or might be boring and forgettable.”