Apparently, I need to get into designing restrooms, because there's been some pretty awesome design in that building type recently:
(Hat Tip: ArchDaily)
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Parametric design...done well!
I love the simple execution of a great concept on this project from BKSK Architects. Most of the time, architects using modern design and fabrication technologies go too far with the geometric freedom that these technologies allow. This project uses a simple parametric design concept, a gradual transition in the facade from more opaque to more transparent, to make an elegant and dynamic design, without being overwhelming.
(Hat Tip: ArchDaily)
Monday, September 30, 2013
Habitat for Humanity AIARE Build Day
Here is the announcement for a community service event I am organizing:
When: Sat. Nov 2, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m
“The frightening thought that what you draw may become a building makes for reasoned lines.” – Saul Steinberg
When: Sat. Nov 2, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m
Where: Woodland Hills, Cotati
The AIA Redwood Empire is once again partering with Leadership Santa Rosa and Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County (HFHSC) for a Build Day on Saturday, November 2nd.
The latest home build project by HFHSC is Woodland Hills, a series of 5 new single-family homes in Cotati, and construction is about to begin. Our group will be framing and raising walls on our Build Day, the most exciting part of the building process in my humble opinion. However, our group size is limited, so you need to get signed up as soon as possible, or you might miss out on this fun, inspiring, community building experience. If you’ve got high schoolers in your family, this is a great way for them to get some of those community service hours they need for graduation. If you’re tired of sitting in the office and you want to get your hands a little dirty for a day, this is your chance!
The latest home build project by HFHSC is Woodland Hills, a series of 5 new single-family homes in Cotati, and construction is about to begin. Our group will be framing and raising walls on our Build Day, the most exciting part of the building process in my humble opinion. However, our group size is limited, so you need to get signed up as soon as possible, or you might miss out on this fun, inspiring, community building experience. If you’ve got high schoolers in your family, this is a great way for them to get some of those community service hours they need for graduation. If you’re tired of sitting in the office and you want to get your hands a little dirty for a day, this is your chance!
To sign up, or to get more information, contact Carl Servais at 703-9439 or at carl.servais@tlcd.com.
“The frightening thought that what you draw may become a building makes for reasoned lines.” – Saul Steinberg
Sunday, September 29, 2013
There's hope...
Architecture just might survive as a profession after all. By applying some of the creativity and ambition students develop in architecture school to their careers, architects and architecture can evolve to explore different avenues for building and dwelling. Witness Hank, the Master of Architecture graduate from the University of Minnesota. He bought a bus, and turned it into this:
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Why Should I Join the AIA?
My AIA Redwood Empire Spring 2013 Newsletter article:
Why Should I Join the AIA?
That's the question every architect has to ask him or herself at some point. Well, there are plenty of compelling reasons to be an AIA member. Pragmatically, membership in the AIA gives you access to a plethora of programs and continuing education events, often times at a reduced cost. I'm a numbers guy, so here's an example. AIA members can save $300 on registration for this year's AIA National Convention and Design Exposition in Denver, and new members can attend for free, a $775 value. Locally, your AIA Redwood Empire chapter organizes membership lunches, CRAN home tours, wine and learns, and lectures, many of which are reduced cost or free for AIA members. All that, and you get a subscription to Architect Magazine too! But seriously, there is not typically going to be enough payback in savings to cover the cost of annual AIA membership fees. However, there are important reasons to be an AIA member that don't have a payback you can calculate. What is the value of the AIA's government advocacy that pursues policies that will stimulate work for architects? What is the value of being part of a network of professionals where you can find support and advice from colleagues who are united in a common purpose? What is the value of AIA Redwood Empire's mission to advance design and the built environment through education, public awareness, collaboration, and by empowering its members? As an AIA member, how do you measure the credibility gained when you're looking for a job at a firm, or when you're looking for clients? How do you calculate the benefit to the profession of the AIA's support for students, associate members, and emerging professionals? I may be a numbers guy, but I find these immeasurable benefits more compelling than the more pragmatic benefits. In the end, if you ask me why I am a member of the AIA, the answer is simple: Because I am an Architect.
Why Should I Join the AIA?
That's the question every architect has to ask him or herself at some point. Well, there are plenty of compelling reasons to be an AIA member. Pragmatically, membership in the AIA gives you access to a plethora of programs and continuing education events, often times at a reduced cost. I'm a numbers guy, so here's an example. AIA members can save $300 on registration for this year's AIA National Convention and Design Exposition in Denver, and new members can attend for free, a $775 value. Locally, your AIA Redwood Empire chapter organizes membership lunches, CRAN home tours, wine and learns, and lectures, many of which are reduced cost or free for AIA members. All that, and you get a subscription to Architect Magazine too! But seriously, there is not typically going to be enough payback in savings to cover the cost of annual AIA membership fees. However, there are important reasons to be an AIA member that don't have a payback you can calculate. What is the value of the AIA's government advocacy that pursues policies that will stimulate work for architects? What is the value of being part of a network of professionals where you can find support and advice from colleagues who are united in a common purpose? What is the value of AIA Redwood Empire's mission to advance design and the built environment through education, public awareness, collaboration, and by empowering its members? As an AIA member, how do you measure the credibility gained when you're looking for a job at a firm, or when you're looking for clients? How do you calculate the benefit to the profession of the AIA's support for students, associate members, and emerging professionals? I may be a numbers guy, but I find these immeasurable benefits more compelling than the more pragmatic benefits. In the end, if you ask me why I am a member of the AIA, the answer is simple: Because I am an Architect.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Kinetic Art
A pair of recent posts over at the Dish really amazed me. The videos are incredible, but I would LOVE to see these art installations in person. They combine kinetic sculpture with projection/video technology to create beautiful, dynamic visions. Check it out:
(Hat tip: Andrew Sullivan)
(Hat tip: Andrew Sullivan)
(Hat tip: Andrew Sullivan)
(Hat tip: Andrew Sullivan)
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Todd Helton deserves to be in the Hall of Fame
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| Helton bats in Petco Park |
Todd Helton of the Colorado Rockies has announced that he will retire from Major League Baseball at the end of this season. Helton will finish his career having played 17 seasons, all with the Rockies, and having amassed some very impressive career numbers in many offensive and defensive statistical categories. He deserves to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but I predict he will not make the cut because he played at Coors Field for half his games, and he never won the World Series.