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.
Essays
The Woman in the Room: Getting a F-ing Word in Edgewise
10.18.2016
Speaking up in the roomful of male architects is not easy.
Speaking up in the roomful of male architects is not easy.
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.
Contemplating the Unthinkable: A World Without Venice
09.26.2016
Salvatore Settis’ book is not about climate change, but it’s still hard not to think about it while reading it.
Salvatore Settis’ book is not about climate change, but it’s still hard not to think about it while reading it.
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.
The Lessons of Indigenous Cultures Can Help Us Adapt to Climate Change
09.12.2016
Planners will have to begin redefine their methods of community engagement for the challenges ahead.
Planners will have to begin redefine their methods of community engagement for the challenges ahead.
Confessions of a Young Architect, Upon Taking the Licensing Exam
09.06.2016
The terror that confronts every young newbie in the profession.
The terror that confronts every young newbie in the profession.
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.
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.
Post Katrina: Why New Orleanians Overwhelmingly Choose Traditional Architecture
08.04.2016
Tulane geographer Richard Campanella takes a deep look at post-storm architecture in the Crescent City.
Tulane geographer Richard Campanella takes a deep look at post-storm architecture in the Crescent City.
Intersections: Lessons in Street Life in Music and Dance
07.28.2016
In New Orleans, spontaneous eruptions of spectacle and joy are a form of public theater.
In New Orleans, spontaneous eruptions of spectacle and joy are a form of public theater.
A Young Architect’s First Meeting with Irate Citizens
07.25.2016
Community meetings: they’re the rite of passage every architect must endure.
Community meetings: they’re the rite of passage every architect must endure.
Modern Restoration and the Veneration of Its Hero Architects
07.20.2016
This is not renovation: it’s work of religious purification and fine arts conservation.
This is not renovation: it’s work of religious purification and fine arts conservation.
Hamburg Creates a Vibrant Neighborhood by Creating Spaces for People
07.14.2016
A lively mixed use district that when completed will be home to 12,000 residents and almost 40,000 office workers.
A lively mixed use district that when completed will be home to 12,000 residents and almost 40,000 office workers.
Mid-Century Modernism on $10 a Month
07.07.2016
On a recent trip to Cuba, I made a point to visit some mid century modern homes that were not designed by architects, but by the people who live in them.
On a recent trip to Cuba, I made a point to visit some mid century modern homes that were not designed by architects, but by the people who live in them.
Drawing Should Still Matter to Architects and Designers
06.23.2016
Despite its astounding efficiencies, the digital revolution has diminished what was once once an essential part of the creative process: the human hand.
Despite its astounding efficiencies, the digital revolution has diminished what was once once an essential part of the creative process: the human hand.
Why City Planners Love Portland
06.02.2016
The hipster capital of the world is a poster child for urban geeks everywhere–and for good reason. It’s an urban design success story.
The hipster capital of the world is a poster child for urban geeks everywhere–and for good reason. It’s an urban design success story.
Calling For An End to Architecture’s Style Wars
05.31.2016
“Architecture has a serious problem today in that people who are not alike don’t communicate,” Rem Koolhaas said, ‘I’m actually more interested in communicating with people I disagree with than people I agree with.”
“Architecture has a serious problem today in that people who are not alike don’t communicate,” Rem Koolhaas said, ‘I’m actually more interested in communicating with people I disagree with than people I agree with.”
The Oak Trees in New Orleans Are As Grand As Any House in the Garden District
05.19.2016
A series of Ansel Adams-inspired photos of one of the Crescent City’s great natural resources.
A series of Ansel Adams-inspired photos of one of the Crescent City’s great natural resources.
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