When Did “Context” Become a Dirty Word in Architecture?
01.09.2017
Playing well with your architectural neighbors was once an honorable tradition.
Playing well with your architectural neighbors was once an honorable tradition.
Design
Is Architecture as Fractured as Our Politics?
01.05.2017
Despite signs of an emerging pluralism, there is still a clearly defined separation between the Blue Academic Elite and Red Building Architects.
Despite signs of an emerging pluralism, there is still a clearly defined separation between the Blue Academic Elite and Red Building Architects.
Never Built New York: Grand Architectural Visions, Dashed Dreams, and Good, Old-Fashioned Hubris
01.04.2017
A new book looks at some of Gotham’s most daring and, in some cases, insane unbuilt projects.
A new book looks at some of Gotham’s most daring and, in some cases, insane unbuilt projects.
NYC’s Former Chief Urban Designer Sets Up Shop in Red Hook, Brooklyn
01.03.2017
In an effort to promote design equity, Alexandros Washburn invites the public to share their ideas about the future of the community.
In an effort to promote design equity, Alexandros Washburn invites the public to share their ideas about the future of the community.
Is Cost Architecture’s Weakest Link To Reality?
12.11.2016
Unless budgets become an integral part of architectural education and criticism, design will continue to live in an aesthetic bubble and fall easy prey to bean counters.
Unless budgets become an integral part of architectural education and criticism, design will continue to live in an aesthetic bubble and fall easy prey to bean counters.
Learning from Stockholm’s Eco-City of the Future
11.29.2016
It’s a model for both sustainable development and urbane living.
It’s a model for both sustainable development and urbane living.
Whatever Happened to “The Architects’ Architect”?
11.23.2016
The definition of this once-revered term has shifted to something a lot less about buildings.
The definition of this once-revered term has shifted to something a lot less about buildings.
The AIA’s Tone-Deaf Response to the Election of Donald Trump
11.15.2016
The mistake of treating it as a business-as-usual event when it was nothing of the kind.
The mistake of treating it as a business-as-usual event when it was nothing of the kind.
How an Architect “Reads” a Building (Non-Architects Edition)
10.26.2016
A how-to for people who want to talk and look at buildings like architects.
A how-to for people who want to talk and look at buildings like architects.
The Ethics of Rendering: Permissible Lies When Anything is Possible
10.17.2016
As architectural images become more real, their content becomes more fictional.
As architectural images become more real, their content becomes more fictional.
The Ford Foundation’s Darren Walker on Renovating a Landmark
10.11.2016
A lively conversation with the president on the foundation’s plans for its architectural gem.
A lively conversation with the president on the foundation’s plans for its architectural gem.
What Architecture Has in Common with Organized Religion
10.05.2016
Faith in both architects and clerics is rapidly waning.
Faith in both architects and clerics is rapidly waning.
Swimming in the Driving Lane: Sao Paulo Takes Over an Urban Highway
09.19.2016
At night and on Sundays and holidays, this Brazilian city turns a roaring overpass into a people’s park.
At night and on Sundays and holidays, this Brazilian city turns a roaring overpass into a people’s park.
What Do Architects and Commerical Fishermen Have in Common?
09.16.2016
As it turns out, high rates of suicide. But blaming the design studio “culture” for it seems short sided and lacking in evidence.
As it turns out, high rates of suicide. But blaming the design studio “culture” for it seems short sided and lacking in evidence.
In Architects We Trust? 10 Trusts Worth Busting
09.01.2016
How the profession sabotages its value and relevance.
How the profession sabotages its value and relevance.
How Designing With All of Our Senses Creates a More Inclusive World
08.30.2016
Visually obsessed architects and designers need to include the full range of human sensibilities.
Visually obsessed architects and designers need to include the full range of human sensibilities.
More Thoughts on Jane Jacobs from One of Her Closest Collaborators
08.25.2016
Author Roberta Brandes Gratz clears up some misperceptions about the legendary urbanist.
Author Roberta Brandes Gratz clears up some misperceptions about the legendary urbanist.
Notes on New York, My Old Neighborhood, and the G-Word
08.23.2016
Some observations about returning to Yorkville after five years away.
Some observations about returning to Yorkville after five years away.
Unspoken Communications: A How-To for Young Architects
08.16.2016
Some career advice on the fine art of communicating with clients.
Some career advice on the fine art of communicating with clients.
10 Lessons Learned by Rereading Jane Jacobs
08.08.2016
Last week I was in the middle of packing and came across a well thumbed copy of The Death and Life of Great American Cities.
Last week I was in the middle of packing and came across a well thumbed copy of The Death and Life of Great American Cities.
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