Thankfully most architecture does not happen in a vacuum. For centuries, architects have engaged in research to enhance their own understanding of buildings and the materials used to create them. But this "research" can take many forms. Often this architectural research is limited to gaining very project-focused knowledge. This could range from checking out a new building technique to analyzing architectural precedents to the often dreaded "code research". While this type of research is extremely necessary in day to day practice, it misses the intent of larger, further reaching research that can be conducted and applied not just to one project, but to the manner in which entire firms practice architecture or universities prepare future architects. So, why don't architects regularly engage in more scientific or theoretical research? Is that the role of the university? Is the time and money required by this type of research too great? This is a tentative time for architects and the future of our industry and practices. How can we afford not to make this investment in advancing our field?

Social Responsibility

Topic: “The role of authentic corporate value systems in attracting talent, raising the value of the Architect in building viable communities and the link between long term profitability and leadership.”

Public perception is that corporations are logos not people:

Research, Practice, & Beyond

For the most recent presentation for the Vision class we were asked to consider the connection between research and architectural practice.  In researching for this presentation I came across the AIA Upjohn Research Initiative.  This program is currently calling for submissions for 2013, basically your research has to qualify under one of the (6) offered categories that include Social, Environmental, Cultural, Organizational, Educational, & Technological topics.  The AIA awards up to four grants between $15,000 - $30,000, and the grants much be hard-dollar matched.  More info on the program can be found here:  http://www.aia.org/practicing/research/

 

In my presentation I tried to take an 'aspirational' approach to invigorate some thinking into the potential future of Architectural design that examined some case study projects including MVRDV's VRPO building, Sou Fujimoto's NA House, and Reiser + Umemoto's Vector Wall.  The presentation also looked at some scientific advancements currently happening that when applied to architecture holds some amazing opportunities.  These topics included Smart Thermobimetal self ventilating skin, Piezoelectrics, and Adaptive Systems such as Thigmo Morphogenesis. 

 

Automotive technology always seems to be one step ahead of Architectural technology.  One project I did not present yet holds some promise of future technology for Architecture is the BMW 'GINA' concept.  GINA being an acronym for "Geometry and functions in 'N' Adaptations".  The concept involves a fabric skinned car that allows it to shapeshift and adapt to driving conditions.   Check out this very awesome short video that shows the concept in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTYiEkQYhWY

 

~Chris

Advancement

I stumbled upon this interesting article about advancement in Architecture. The article is written by Brinn Miracle, Associate AIA who has several blogs and other sites of self publication which are worth checking out.

What struck me about this article is the challenge to think about advancement not as a ladder to climb,  but as a net to expand. She suggests that successful advancement is not really about completing tasks in a logical or incremental way, but rather to find something more intrinsic in your own values and skills that can be leveraged within the social environment of work in which you live. You can become a trusted adviser only if you are willing to engage others, to ask for help, and to give help in return. This type of practice becomes deeper, more connected, and quite honestly less intimidating. All of your future work (and perhaps even social relationships) are not things to be conquered or achieved, they simply need to be nurtured and allowed room to grow.

Becoming a Valued Architect is Something That Must be Earned

An Architect can be truly valued by two types of people:

1. People who understand what we do.
2. People who trust that we know what we are doing.

People capable of recognizing our talents are often familiar with design and construction because they are either in the business or immediate family.  They have a first hand understanding of our technical knowledge.  They can recant our perpetual efforts.  They have witnessed our genuine concern for the end product and user experience.  For most of us, Architecture is a selfless act to create spaces for the users that gets egoistically implemented because we know your needs and interpret your wants.

Earning people's trust allows them to appreciate us and value what we bring to the table without inhibitions.  Without this trust, we face an uphill battle for the duration of the project.

The person that doesn't fall into either of these categories is someone who thinks they understand the process and the Architect's expertise.  They have the potential for the least amount of appreciation for an Architect.  They can often make generalizations, assumptions, and think that all an Architect does is draw manipulate some computer software to print drawings.  Look at the deliverable that we give an Owner.  We give them a roll of drawings that can almost be discarded when the project is complete.  A contractor delivers something with resale value.  Our contribution to the project are the intangible such as organized ideas, project coordination, and quality control.  How do you put a price on that?

Vision and Skill

The value of an architect is their vision and skill.

Their vision of the past can bring ruins to life, their vision of of present can describe behaviors and environments that affect how we live today, and their vision of the future can imagine worlds that are yet to be realized.

Their skill allows these visions to become reality, to be described in technical detail, and to create economical and elegant solutions. In the end, the value of an architect is their ability to envision desire and to create space for those desires to live.

One of my favorite local projects that demonstrates this is the first stage of the renovations at the Cincinnati Art Museum where the creative vision of Jim Cheng at emersonDESIGN has helped bring new life to an old building. The project is just recently completed. This photo was taken several months ago during construction.

architects offer a fresh perspective

photo courtesy: backfirecptn via flickr

I love the concept of the “elevator pitch” and I am thankful to have been reminded in our last meeting of its importance. In January, we were asked to write an elevator pitch essentially about how an architect brings value to society. For me 30 seconds equals 75 words, so here it goes:

When you begin to craft a solution to your issue or problem, you will find solutions based on repetitive patterns from the past, others via linear thinking, and still others realized through innovation and creativity. While an architect may not always be the first person on your mind to ask for advice, I guarantee you that the solutions generated by an architect will offer you a fresh, creative perspective – and perhaps that is precisely what you need.

I love the idea of talking to people on an elevator. These “mighty wonders of the world” have allowed our society to become so much more sustainable and efficient. They have molded some or all of our great cities. When I think about the years I lived in New York City, I most certainly associate my time spent in that great city with elevators.