Architecture Always Reflects the Values of Its Current Culture
08.08.2023
What we build is who we are.
What we build is who we are.
Essays
The Uneven—but Important—Legacy of Prince Charles, Architecture Critic
07.19.2023
While his design prescriptions were too narrow, his critique of modern planning principles still holds resonance.
While his design prescriptions were too narrow, his critique of modern planning principles still holds resonance.
Encounters With Damian: Columbia University’s Homeless Neighbor
07.17.2023
Near and around campus, the juxtaposition between privilege and poverty is glaring.
Near and around campus, the juxtaposition between privilege and poverty is glaring.
Architecture and the God Problem
07.10.2023
Defining divinity and higher powers, in the context of design, is often fraught.
Defining divinity and higher powers, in the context of design, is often fraught.
From Venice to Detroit: Laboratories of the Future, Reconsidered
06.18.2023
Optimism and action trump didactic scolding every time.
Optimism and action trump didactic scolding every time.
What Los Angeles Transit Could Learn From Charlotte
06.12.2023
On accidentally discovering the Queen City’s wonderful light rail system.
On accidentally discovering the Queen City’s wonderful light rail system.
Is AI Really the Next Big Thing in Architecture?
06.01.2023
There are good reasons to be skeptical about its ultimate utility.
There are good reasons to be skeptical about its ultimate utility.
Consider the 15 mph City
05.16.2023
It’s time to expand our vision to include slower, more human-scaled speeds of transportation.
It’s time to expand our vision to include slower, more human-scaled speeds of transportation.
Condocide: Death of a Building Type
05.15.2023
The building collapse in Miami may not have been an aberration. The condition of aging condos nationwide is dire.
The building collapse in Miami may not have been an aberration. The condition of aging condos nationwide is dire.
Buildings, Communities, Cities: Things Fall Apart
05.11.2023
If the detached house is “The American Dream,” do we need a new dream?
If the detached house is “The American Dream,” do we need a new dream?
Away From Old Architecture: What Corbu Really Meant
05.03.2023
Rethinking the meaning of Le Corbusier’s groundbreaking manifesto.
Rethinking the meaning of Le Corbusier’s groundbreaking manifesto.
Let’s Stop Using the Terms ‘Traditional’ and ‘Modern’
05.02.2023
By now, the terms are arbitrary and confusing.
By now, the terms are arbitrary and confusing.
Making the Case for Sustainable Housing: It’s Time for a New Argument
05.01.2023
How to undo the tension between affordability and sustainability.
How to undo the tension between affordability and sustainability.
Everything Is (Not) Architecture: Environmental Design and Architecture’s Slippery Slope
04.26.2023
Does it exist, distinct from buildings and bodies?
Does it exist, distinct from buildings and bodies?
Who Is Using Who? The Architect-Patron Fame Game
04.24.2023
The co-mingling of famous client and famous designer has a long history.
The co-mingling of famous client and famous designer has a long history.
“Boston Is A Red City”
04.18.2023
Construction rooted in local materials is what has provided cities with distinctive identities—and colors.
Construction rooted in local materials is what has provided cities with distinctive identities—and colors.
Letter from Tennessee: License for Civility in Uncivil Times
04.17.2023
Not all civil portent is writ as large. It sometimes comes in small places, hidden in plain sight.
Not all civil portent is writ as large. It sometimes comes in small places, hidden in plain sight.
Braids by Jade: L.A. Street Art Through Two Lenses
04.12.2023
Artist Lauren Halsey’s visual chronicles of her changing neighborhood.
Artist Lauren Halsey’s visual chronicles of her changing neighborhood.
Does Spirituality Have a Role in Educating Architects?
04.11.2023
What might appear to some as an “off-limits” realm might actually be at its heart.
What might appear to some as an “off-limits” realm might actually be at its heart.
What Would Jane Jacobs Do? Toward a New Model for Houses of Worship
04.10.2023
Cities need to prepare for a wave of declining churches.
Cities need to prepare for a wave of declining churches.
Donate to CommonEdge.org, a Not-For-Profit website dedicated to reconnecting architecture and design to the public.
Donate