Robert Venturi: A Benediction For Contradiction
09.27.2018
Remembering the messy, vibrant legacy of an architectural giant.
Remembering the messy, vibrant legacy of an architectural giant.
Essays
Robert Venturi and the Difficult Whole
09.26.2018
Some thoughts on the passing of an architectural legend.
Some thoughts on the passing of an architectural legend.
An African Modernist Reflects on the State of Nigeria’s Post-Colonial Classicism
09.20.2018
The schism between contemporary architects and traditionalists isn’t quite as fraught on this continent.
The schism between contemporary architects and traditionalists isn’t quite as fraught on this continent.
Contrary to Architecture’s Critical Establishment, Robert A.M. Stern’s Yale Colleges Are a Triumph of Placemaking
09.13.2018
The lavish, new dorms were not critical hits, but they will stand the ultimate test: time.
The lavish, new dorms were not critical hits, but they will stand the ultimate test: time.
Unplanned Gravity: Jersey City is the Site of 9/11’s Most Stirring Memorial
09.10.2018
Designed by architects Jessica Jamroz and Frederic Schwartz, “Empty Sky” has a power both planned and unplanned.
Designed by architects Jessica Jamroz and Frederic Schwartz, “Empty Sky” has a power both planned and unplanned.
Will Detroit Ever Fully Recover From John Portman’s Renaissance Center?
09.07.2018
In cities all over the country, his projects consistently failed to live up to their promise.
In cities all over the country, his projects consistently failed to live up to their promise.
Architectural Criticism That’s Not Just For Architects
08.30.2018
How a wave of new voices is changing the way we talk, think and write about buildings.
How a wave of new voices is changing the way we talk, think and write about buildings.
Don’t Label Them Climate Change Refugees, Says a Louisiana Planner, They’re Pioneers
08.23.2018
A state official on the plight of a disappearing coastal community.
A state official on the plight of a disappearing coastal community.
Vina del Mar: A Chilean Coastal Community’s Daily Ritual at Sunset
08.14.2018
Everyday the town wanders over to the sea.
Everyday the town wanders over to the sea.
In the Era of Artificial Intelligence, Will Architecture Become Artisanal?
07.23.2018
How the emphasis on all-things-digital will create a craving for authentic human engagement.
How the emphasis on all-things-digital will create a craving for authentic human engagement.
Three Foundational Errors in Architectural Thinking and How to Fix Them
07.16.2018
Ignoring our innate biological natures is a big mistake for designers.
Ignoring our innate biological natures is a big mistake for designers.
Loved a Building Lately? A Walking and Sketching Tour of New York City
07.11.2018
Sometimes the best way to understand architecture is to draw it.
Sometimes the best way to understand architecture is to draw it.
Urbanization, the African Child, and the Dying Culture of Play
07.08.2018
As the continent develops, places to play disappear.
As the continent develops, places to play disappear.
An Architect’s Determination and Devotion is Often a Project’s Make or Break Factor
06.27.2018
Staying with it can take years, but the rewards are ultimately worth it.
Staying with it can take years, but the rewards are ultimately worth it.
Lessons in Resilience Planning from the Tribal Chief of the Kalinago Indians
06.20.2018
Surviving 400 years of persecution, war and discrimination teaches people how to adapt and thrive.
Surviving 400 years of persecution, war and discrimination teaches people how to adapt and thrive.
Homage to an Outsider Artist
06.14.2018
The power of passion and humor often makes up for shortcomings in training and expertise.
The power of passion and humor often makes up for shortcomings in training and expertise.
STADIUM: the Venice Biennale’s Most Powerful Architectural Statement
06.13.2018
The Chilean pavilion cut through the pomp, pretense and excess of the event.
The Chilean pavilion cut through the pomp, pretense and excess of the event.
The Legacy of Christopher Alexander: Form Language, Pattern Language, and Complexity
06.04.2018
A short, visual primer on connecting buildings to nature.
A short, visual primer on connecting buildings to nature.
What Do International Preservation Standards Say About New Architecture in Historic Places?
05.23.2018
The interpretations of what’s right and proper seem to shift with time and place.
The interpretations of what’s right and proper seem to shift with time and place.
The Struggle For Fair Labor Practices in Architecture Will Start in the Classroom
05.15.2018
Long overdue changes in education can help transform the profession.
Long overdue changes in education can help transform the profession.
Donate to CommonEdge.org, a Not-For-Profit website dedicated to reconnecting architecture and design to the public.
Donate