Not Everything Is “Architecture”
01.26.2021
Engaging with politics doesn’t always require filtering it through obtuse design theory.
Engaging with politics doesn’t always require filtering it through obtuse design theory.
Endless “Sustainable” Growth is an Oxymoron
01.25.2021
Don’t fall for the Triple Bottom Lie!
Don’t fall for the Triple Bottom Lie!
Teaching the Subtle and Difficult Art of Adaptive Reuse
01.21.2021
The resistance to educating future architects on this important art must end.
The resistance to educating future architects on this important art must end.
Blair Kamin Ends His Run as Architecture Critic of the Chicago Tribune
01.19.2021
An exit interview with the Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist.
An exit interview with the Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist.
Classicism Has Been Shaken Off Its Foundation
01.18.2021
Modernism is crumbling beside it. Where does that leave architecture?
Modernism is crumbling beside it. Where does that leave architecture?
Assault on a Sacred Place
01.13.2021
The response to the Capitol attack demonstrates that even civic buildings can inhabit the realm of sacred architecture.
The response to the Capitol attack demonstrates that even civic buildings can inhabit the realm of sacred architecture.
How Do You Teach Kids About Urban Planning? Let Them Play.
01.12.2021
For K–5 students, understanding how cities are put together starts by making urban space a personal experience.
For K–5 students, understanding how cities are put together starts by making urban space a personal experience.
What Does the Storming of the Capitol Tell Us About Classical Architecture?
01.11.2021
The past associations with authoritarianism are clearly misplaced.
The past associations with authoritarianism are clearly misplaced.
Reaffirming the Essential Role of Drawing in Design
01.06.2021
A new book on how architects visualize and design asserts the critical importance of working by hand.
A new book on how architects visualize and design asserts the critical importance of working by hand.
Paige Rense, Architectural Digest, and the End of 20th Century Architecture
01.05.2021
Her passing marks the end of an era already passed.
Her passing marks the end of an era already passed.
Should Architects Continue to Design Airports in the Age of Climate Change?
01.04.2021
Reconciling climate challenges with the demand for new work.
Reconciling climate challenges with the demand for new work.
Why This Classical Architect Opposes Trump’s Executive Order
12.29.2020
It will backfire spectacularly and only reinforces the incorrect notion that classical architecture is authoritarian.
It will backfire spectacularly and only reinforces the incorrect notion that classical architecture is authoritarian.
Why the AIA Finally Decided to Alter Its Code of Ethics on Prison Design
12.28.2020
A talk with Raphael Sperry, who helped lead the effort.
A talk with Raphael Sperry, who helped lead the effort.
Justin Shubow’s Insane Push for a State Sanctioned Architectural Style
12.23.2020
Jeff Speck’s response to the recently signed executive order mandating traditional architecture for federal buildings.
Jeff Speck’s response to the recently signed executive order mandating traditional architecture for federal buildings.
Maquettes in Architecture: The Forgotten Joys of Model-Making
12.22.2020
It provides a primal joy that no screen can ever capture.
It provides a primal joy that no screen can ever capture.
Presenting Architecture as Progressive, but Practicing Through Exclusion
12.21.2020
The profession has a problem with diversity and inclusion.
The profession has a problem with diversity and inclusion.
Why Do We Keep Building Waiting Rooms?
12.16.2020
Architects and interior designers should replace these dreary spaces with mobile technology.
Architects and interior designers should replace these dreary spaces with mobile technology.
Mother Nature Knows Best
12.15.2020
What nature understands about color that designers don’t.
What nature understands about color that designers don’t.
Christopher Hawthorne on Low-Rise: Housing Ideas for Los Angeles
12.10.2020
The newest effort organized by the city’s chief design officer.
The newest effort organized by the city’s chief design officer.
Curb Your Enthusiasm: In Praise of Constraints
12.02.2020
The compelling challenge of adaptive reuse.
The compelling challenge of adaptive reuse.
My 15-Minute City: South End, Boston
11.30.2020
Discovering the hometown I never really knew before.
Discovering the hometown I never really knew before.
Water Towers: Iconic Infrastructure, Underutilized Opportunity
11.23.2020
Can these giants of suburban and rural areas do more for the public realm?
Can these giants of suburban and rural areas do more for the public realm?
Architecture Misses Charles Moore
11.18.2020
Everywhere the architect went, he exuded creative energy and joy.
Everywhere the architect went, he exuded creative energy and joy.
The Chicano Moratorium and the Making of Latino Urbanism
11.16.2020
How a seminal event in Los Angeles shaped the thinking of an urban designer.
How a seminal event in Los Angeles shaped the thinking of an urban designer.
Why the Design of a Firm’s Practice is Its Most Important Project
11.11.2020
Considerations for a Relational Basis of Design.
Considerations for a Relational Basis of Design.
The Boundless Banality of Beige: A Rant
11.05.2020
Architect and interior designer Gloria Jaroff is not neutral on neutrals.
Architect and interior designer Gloria Jaroff is not neutral on neutrals.
Household Dame: The Visionary Modernism of Eileen Gray
11.02.2020
A recent show highlights the career of a remarkable designer nearly lost to the mists of history.
A recent show highlights the career of a remarkable designer nearly lost to the mists of history.
The Nature of Design Firms From a Five-Decade Veteran
10.29.2020
Aphorisms on leadership and collaboration.
Aphorisms on leadership and collaboration.
The Death and Life of the Resilient City Movement
10.27.2020
Rising from the ashes: a new, more nimble organization that is applying lessons learned.
Rising from the ashes: a new, more nimble organization that is applying lessons learned.
Public Protests and the Urban Legacies of Colonialism and Military Dictatorship in Nigeria
10.25.2020
The recent anti-SARS protests underscored the utter lack of public open spaces.
The recent anti-SARS protests underscored the utter lack of public open spaces.
Considering Climate Migration
10.21.2020
A strategic narrative of immigration planning for the 21st century.
A strategic narrative of immigration planning for the 21st century.
Hallmark Urbanism and the Future of Small Town America
10.19.2020
Coastal migration due to climate change might well spur a repopulation of small towns and cities.
Coastal migration due to climate change might well spur a repopulation of small towns and cities.
Educating Architects in a Post-Pandemic World
10.14.2020
What opportunities does the “loss of the stable state” offer the future of education?
What opportunities does the “loss of the stable state” offer the future of education?
Frances Anderton on Leaving KCRW, DnA, and What Comes Next
10.12.2020
A talk with the voice of Los Angeles architecture and design.
A talk with the voice of Los Angeles architecture and design.
Does Architecture Have a “Fake News” Problem?
10.07.2020
The issue isn’t about what is presented, but what’s not.
The issue isn’t about what is presented, but what’s not.
Hidden Figures: The Historic Contributions of Black Architects
10.05.2020
Black Built explores the impact of the work of Black architects on communities of color.
Black Built explores the impact of the work of Black architects on communities of color.
Urban Design in a Time of “Anti-Space”
09.30.2020
The thoughtful city-making prescriptions of Steven Peterson and Barbara Littenberg.
The thoughtful city-making prescriptions of Steven Peterson and Barbara Littenberg.
Los Angeles’ Least Cool Councilmember Kills Its Coolest Street
09.28.2020
Introducing the “perennially out of touch” Paul Koretz.
Introducing the “perennially out of touch” Paul Koretz.
Do Buildings Really Shape Human Behavior?
09.25.2020
The debate continues…
The debate continues…
Reflecting on the African American Experience at the Harvard GSD
09.23.2020
A conversation with two students about “Notes on Credibility” and their time at the university.
A conversation with two students about “Notes on Credibility” and their time at the university.
How Buildings Shape Us
09.21.2020
A response to critics who doubt the power of architecture.
A response to critics who doubt the power of architecture.
The Golden Rules of Covid-19: How to Create Safe, Socially-Distanced Schools
09.15.2020
There are multiple design strategies to deploy.
There are multiple design strategies to deploy.
Why Don’t We Teach Chinese Architecture?
09.14.2020
The staggering quality of work spans centuries, with lessons for today’s designers.
The staggering quality of work spans centuries, with lessons for today’s designers.
Covid-19 Has Raised the Question: Why Do We Design Buildings?
09.02.2020
The value of meaning and purpose.
The value of meaning and purpose.
Why We’ll Need More Flexible Buildings in the Post-Covid Era
08.30.2020
An advocate for the Open Building approach.
An advocate for the Open Building approach.
Laurel Canyon: The Classic California Urban Ecosystem
08.27.2020
The power of people and place can often defy formal design and planning.
The power of people and place can often defy formal design and planning.
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney on Confederate Monuments, Pseudo-History, and Racial Reconciliation
08.25.2020
A talk with the mayor about his decision to remove the statues, and what comes next.
A talk with the mayor about his decision to remove the statues, and what comes next.
Caltech-Trained Researcher Links Sunlight Exposure as Key to Combating Covid-19
08.24.2020
A new study underscores the importance of sunlight to fighting the pandemic.
A new study underscores the importance of sunlight to fighting the pandemic.
The Chernobyl Paradox: The Intense Connection Between Health and Living Structure
08.19.2020
A remarkable film, The Babushkas of Chernobyl, raises important questions about health and the power of place.
A remarkable film, The Babushkas of Chernobyl, raises important questions about health and the power of place.
Whack-a-Mole Urban Planning in Los Angeles Is Not Working
08.17.2020
Solving one problem adds troubles somewhere else. The region needs to think holistically.
Solving one problem adds troubles somewhere else. The region needs to think holistically.
Covid-19 and the Renewed Meaning of Public Space
08.13.2020
An early morning stroll in an Olmsted-designed park.
An early morning stroll in an Olmsted-designed park.
Designers and Planners Take Note: People’s Fondest Memories Rarely Involve Technology
08.11.2020
A crucial lesson with great implications for planning and engagement.
A crucial lesson with great implications for planning and engagement.
Boris Johnson’s Wake-Up Call to Housing Advocates in California
08.10.2020
His attempt to end local control of housing development echoes attempts in the Golden State.
His attempt to end local control of housing development echoes attempts in the Golden State.
Letter From Nigeria: Covid and the African City
08.06.2020
The pandemic and its aftermath highlight longstanding problems, but also present opportunity.
The pandemic and its aftermath highlight longstanding problems, but also present opportunity.
Changi Airport’s Jewel: For Every Traveler, a Garden
08.04.2020
It’s an astounding experience for both travelers and Singapore locals.
It’s an astounding experience for both travelers and Singapore locals.
When It Comes to Covid-19, Density Doesn’t Kill—Sprawl Does
08.03.2020
A new, landmark study challenges assumptions about urban design and pandemics.
A new, landmark study challenges assumptions about urban design and pandemics.
Modern Architects Stink at Lying. Luckily, That’s Fixable.
07.29.2020
Why learning to tell tall tales might help the profession.
Why learning to tell tall tales might help the profession.
Solving the Urban Riddle That is Los Angeles
07.29.2020
An excerpt from The Urban Mystique: Notes on California, Los Angeles and Beyond.
An excerpt from The Urban Mystique: Notes on California, Los Angeles and Beyond.
Edward Mazria With Some Good News About Combating Climate Change
07.27.2020
The founder of Architecture2030 on the need for a green energy grid and a Zero carbon code.
The founder of Architecture2030 on the need for a green energy grid and a Zero carbon code.
Is Architectural Licensing Necessary?
07.22.2020
In the efforts toward broader inclusion, reform is long overdue.
In the efforts toward broader inclusion, reform is long overdue.
Is Virtual Architecture Inherently Disingenuous?
07.21.2020
The blurred line between the real and the rendered.
The blurred line between the real and the rendered.
Dr. Strangelove’s Strange Environmental Lesson for Architects
07.20.2020
The scary pitfalls of rigid professionalism.
The scary pitfalls of rigid professionalism.
Former Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley on the International African American Museum
07.15.2020
The Dean of America’s Mayors talks about this seminal project, 20 years in the making.
The Dean of America’s Mayors talks about this seminal project, 20 years in the making.
The Education—and Miseducation—of an Urban Planner
07.14.2020
He spent the better part of his career reconciling his formal training with his lived experience as a Gay Chicano.
He spent the better part of his career reconciling his formal training with his lived experience as a Gay Chicano.
Executive Order on Constructing and Preserving Monuments to True and False American Heroes
07.10.2020
A presidential parody with a prediction.
A presidential parody with a prediction.
Status, Statues, and Statutes: The Issue With Monuments to Flawed Men
07.07.2020
Debates about the nature of memorials and monuments are a good thing—when a healthy civic society exists with a common understanding of history and democratic values.
Debates about the nature of memorials and monuments are a good thing—when a healthy civic society exists with a common understanding of history and democratic values.
The Underappreciated Legacy of James Marston Fitch
07.07.2020
A designer and critic who saw both the environmental and economic benefits of historic preservation.
A designer and critic who saw both the environmental and economic benefits of historic preservation.
Letter From Berkeley: Campus Planning in an Increasingly Virtual World
07.06.2020
How do we plan for communities in flux?
How do we plan for communities in flux?
Empathy in Design: Measuring How Faces Make Places
07.01.2020
Science tells us we’re attracted to buildings that are connected to our bodies.
Science tells us we’re attracted to buildings that are connected to our bodies.
A Tribute to the Great Milton Glaser
06.30.2020
In more or less, his own wise words.
In more or less, his own wise words.
Does COVID-19 Pose a Greater Threat to New Orleans Culture Than Hurricane Katrina?
06.24.2020
A talk with author Jed Horne about his recent article in Vanity Fair.
A talk with author Jed Horne about his recent article in Vanity Fair.
The Utter Folly of Certainty in Uncertain Times
06.22.2020
It’s hard to foretell the future of a rapidly changing world.
It’s hard to foretell the future of a rapidly changing world.
Bryan C. Lee on Design Justice and Architecture’s Role in Systemic Racism
06.18.2020
A talk with the New Orleans-based architect and political activist.
A talk with the New Orleans-based architect and political activist.
Toward a Green Folkhem: Climate Change as if Social Justice Matters
06.15.2020
An economic and political blueprint for a more just and sustainable future.
An economic and political blueprint for a more just and sustainable future.
Designer Nicolas-Patience Basabose on Contemporary African Architecture and Urbanism
06.11.2020
A talk with the curator of the debut edition of the Congo Biennale.
A talk with the curator of the debut edition of the Congo Biennale.
12 Ways to Reform Architectural Education
06.09.2020
An excerpt from a new book that reaffirms the importance of drawing.
An excerpt from a new book that reaffirms the importance of drawing.
Architecture and the Illusion of Control
06.04.2020
The only way to have meaning in a radically changing world is to help meet essential human needs.
The only way to have meaning in a radically changing world is to help meet essential human needs.
Paul Goldberger on Architecture, Cities, and New York’s Long Road Back
06.03.2020
A talk with the Pulitzer Prize winning critic and urbanist.
A talk with the Pulitzer Prize winning critic and urbanist.
The Flipping of Our Public and Private Worlds
06.01.2020
The implications for design are immense and still unknown.
The implications for design are immense and still unknown.
Perikles and the Parthenon Paradox
05.29.2020
An interactive architectural fiction.
An interactive architectural fiction.
Edgar Jerins: Photographing the Locked-Down City
05.28.2020
The eerie beauty of an empty New York City.
The eerie beauty of an empty New York City.
Untapped Opportunity: Don’t Just Repair Water Infrastructure, Reimagine It
05.27.2020
Climate change will demand that we act.
Climate change will demand that we act.
The Future of Being Social
05.26.2020
The human desire to mingle will not disappear, but we will adapt.
The human desire to mingle will not disappear, but we will adapt.
A Conversation With St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman: Reopening the City
05.20.2020
He talks about his city’s approach to reopening and recovery.
He talks about his city’s approach to reopening and recovery.
Climate Change and the Arrival of the Baseless House
05.19.2020
How rising seas and new FEMA regulations have impacted the American house.
How rising seas and new FEMA regulations have impacted the American house.
Ernesto Pujol on the Opportunity Presented to Us During a Time of Collective Confinement
05.12.2020
“We need to hold on to this moment of clarity.”
“We need to hold on to this moment of clarity.”
Ernesto Pujol Looks Inward, Again
05.11.2020
The performance artist and self-described “urban monk” on what this time of solitude and reflection can provide us.
The performance artist and self-described “urban monk” on what this time of solitude and reflection can provide us.
How Might the COVID-19 Change Architecture and Urban Design?
05.07.2020
Researcher Ashraf Salama on possible outcomes in a post-coronavirus world.
Researcher Ashraf Salama on possible outcomes in a post-coronavirus world.
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve: Burning Man “Changed Me Forever”
05.06.2020
She talks about the city-making lessons learned from the annual gathering in the desert.
She talks about the city-making lessons learned from the annual gathering in the desert.
While Defining “Beauty” is a Dead End, Studying Its Properties Definitely is Not
05.04.2020
Looking for the universal attributes that elicit aesthetic pleasure.
Looking for the universal attributes that elicit aesthetic pleasure.
Alone, Together: What It Means Now to Inhabit The Lonely City
04.30.2020
Revisiting Olivia Laing’s ode to urban isolation in a time of social distancing.
Revisiting Olivia Laing’s ode to urban isolation in a time of social distancing.
Mr. Menking and His Little Paper
04.28.2020
A tribute to the co-founder of The Architect’s Newspaper.
A tribute to the co-founder of The Architect’s Newspaper.
Did Latino Immigrants Save America’s Cities?
04.25.2020
A.K. Sandoval-Strausz chronicles a quiet, persistent urban revival in Barrio America.
A.K. Sandoval-Strausz chronicles a quiet, persistent urban revival in Barrio America.
This is Our Chance to Rethink Safe Streets and Public Spaces
04.23.2020
The coronavirus has created an opportunity to improve the pedestrian experience in our cities.
The coronavirus has created an opportunity to improve the pedestrian experience in our cities.
Architecture Does Not Lead: It Follows
04.20.2020
Cultural forces shape us; thereafter, we shape our buildings.
Cultural forces shape us; thereafter, we shape our buildings.
A Mayor Far-Too-Familiar With Crisis Management: Christine Hunschofsky
04.19.2020
A talk with the mayor of Parkland, Florida.
A talk with the mayor of Parkland, Florida.
The Reality of Design Fiction: How Storytelling Can Save the World
04.16.2020
Why extraordinary times require extraordinary thinking.
Why extraordinary times require extraordinary thinking.
During a Lockdown, What is “Essential?”
04.14.2020
Notes from the retail front in New York City.
Notes from the retail front in New York City.
Conducting City Government on Zoom: Mayor Manny Cid
04.12.2020
A conversation with the mayor of Miami Lakes, Florida.
A conversation with the mayor of Miami Lakes, Florida.
A Carbon-Neutral Energy Plan for the United Kingdom: Wave Power
04.09.2020
The means of achieving this goal is hydrokinetic energy.
The means of achieving this goal is hydrokinetic energy.
In Praise of Cemeteries
04.07.2020
In the age of social distancing, their charms are attracting a new audience.
In the age of social distancing, their charms are attracting a new audience.
Governing in the Time of COVID-19: A Conversation With Salisbury Mayor Jacob Day
04.05.2020
People “expect that the city will keep running, but they’re looking to me to console and reassure.”
People “expect that the city will keep running, but they’re looking to me to console and reassure.”
How Peter Paul Rubens Predicted Our Current Crisis
03.31.2020
Near the end of his life, the Baroque master painted an allegory that has resonance four centuries later.
Near the end of his life, the Baroque master painted an allegory that has resonance four centuries later.
How Architects and Designers Can Respond to COVID-19
03.31.2020
What are the opportunities and needs in your community, and how could your skill sets and connections be of benefit?
What are the opportunities and needs in your community, and how could your skill sets and connections be of benefit?
Michael Murphy on the Singular Voice of Michael Sorkin
03.30.2020
The executive director of MASS Design Group offers a tribute to an architectural sage.
The executive director of MASS Design Group offers a tribute to an architectural sage.
The Unique Pain of Architects: Letting Go
03.18.2020
The buildings we design have their own lives (and deaths), whether we like it or not.
The buildings we design have their own lives (and deaths), whether we like it or not.
On Tea and Density in Old Delhi
03.11.2020
How a street-corner vendor symbolizes the incredible, contradictory aspects of a centuries-old place where the concept of urban planning is all but impossible.
How a street-corner vendor symbolizes the incredible, contradictory aspects of a centuries-old place where the concept of urban planning is all but impossible.
How Mayors and Design Leaders View the Coming Decade
03.08.2020
The results of a new survey by the Mayors’ Institute on City Design.
The results of a new survey by the Mayors’ Institute on City Design.
Can Architecture Solve Our Crises?
03.01.2020
It might be helpful to define its capabilities and its limits first.
It might be helpful to define its capabilities and its limits first.
Thomas Jefferson: The Musical
02.26.2020
A play featuring Sally Hemings, Adolf Loos, Albert Speer, Walter Gropius and Frank Lloyd Wright.
A play featuring Sally Hemings, Adolf Loos, Albert Speer, Walter Gropius and Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Edge of Knowing: A Journey of the Americas
02.25.2020
Photographer Magda Biernat and writer Ian Webster on connecting to “something unfamiliar” and making the trip south to north.
Photographer Magda Biernat and writer Ian Webster on connecting to “something unfamiliar” and making the trip south to north.
If Plan A is to Mitigate Climate Change, What’s Plan B?
02.23.2020
It’s time for planners to begin replacing the R-word of the moment, resilience, with a now not-so-unthinkable one: retreat.
It’s time for planners to begin replacing the R-word of the moment, resilience, with a now not-so-unthinkable one: retreat.
The Urban Planning Lessons of Istanbul: A Photo Essay
02.12.2020
It’s a vital, diverse and extraordinarily pleasing city.
It’s a vital, diverse and extraordinarily pleasing city.
We Shape Buildings, But Do Buildings Really Shape Us?
04.13.2017
It’s an article of faith for most architects and designers, but the scientific evidence for this belief is sadly lacking.
It’s an article of faith for most architects and designers, but the scientific evidence for this belief is sadly lacking.
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