Common Edge

Every day they pass thousands of houses, hospitals, churches, and schools, so it’s no wonder many of them have strong opinions about the kinds of buildings they like. They may be one of the built environment’s most authentic focus groups.

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Every day they pass thousands of houses, hospitals, churches, and schools, so it’s no wonder many of them have strong opinions about the kinds of buildings they like. They may be one of the built environment’s most authentic focus groups.

Who Designs Public Space?

02.17.2016

By Dennis Pieprz

What does an urban designer do on his day off, when he’s halfway around the world? If he’s in Rabat, Morocco—as Dennis Pieprz was two years ago—he does what he’s hardwired to do: walk the city. The experience is exhilarating and humbling.

Rabat_DP_1

What does an urban designer do on his day off, when he’s halfway around the world? If he’s in Rabat, Morocco—as Dennis Pieprz was two years ago—he does what he’s hardwired to do: walk the city. The experience is exhilarating and humbling.

Architecture Has Become a Lifestyle Choice

02.15.2016

By Duo Dickinson

Architecture is in state of deep and troubling transition. But the schools are not responding to these changes. Instead, they’re enabling the decline of the profession of architecture as a building art.

Bay Bridge hotel project

Architecture is in state of deep and troubling transition. But the schools are not responding to these changes. Instead, they’re enabling the decline of the profession of architecture as a building art.

Design Patient’s Bill of Rights: A What-If

02.10.2016

By Eva Hagberg

We have a Patient’s Bill of Rights. So, what if we had a Design Patient’s Bill of Rights and Responsibilities? Let’s imagine…

design patient bill of right image

We have a Patient’s Bill of Rights. So, what if we had a Design Patient’s Bill of Rights and Responsibilities? Let’s imagine…

Blair Kamin on the Chicago Biennial, George Lucas, and the magic of Jeanne Gang

01.27.2016

By Martin C. Pedersen

This past year the Windy City was abuzz with architecture and design news: everything from the Obama presidential library to a Star Wars invasion. The Pulitzer Prize winning critic talks about Chicago’s unique architectural heritage and the culture shift brewing in the profession.

Chicago-Architecture

This past year the Windy City was abuzz with architecture and design news: everything from the Obama presidential library to a Star Wars invasion. The Pulitzer Prize winning critic talks about Chicago’s unique architectural heritage and the culture shift brewing in the profession.

Lewis MacAdams on the LA River, Frank Gehry, and the Return of the Red Legged Frog

01.27.2016

By Martin C. Pedersen

When word trickled out that Gehry would take over master planning for the river, it caught some locals by surprise. No one was more startled, and more critical, than this poet, politician, community activist, and citizen planner.

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When word trickled out that Gehry would take over master planning for the river, it caught some locals by surprise. No one was more startled, and more critical, than this poet, politician, community activist, and citizen planner.

George Lucas and the Lake Michigan Waterfront: A Match Made in Chicago

12.16.2015

By Martin C. Pedersen

John King’s tale of two cities is the story of two distinct public processes: San Francisco’s famously fractious culture, vs. Chicago’s ruthless top-down model of Mayor-as-last-and-final-word.

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

John King’s tale of two cities is the story of two distinct public processes: San Francisco’s famously fractious culture, vs. Chicago’s ruthless top-down model of Mayor-as-last-and-final-word.

Who Saved New Orleans?

11.19.2015

By Steven Bingler

When official planning efforts floundered in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the people of New Orleans took it upon themselves to rethink and reimagine their city.

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When official planning efforts floundered in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the people of New Orleans took it upon themselves to rethink and reimagine their city.

The Trouble with Architecture

11.18.2015

By Martin C. Pedersen, Steven Bingler

The profession is chronically disconnected from the public it’s supposed to serve. It’s time to rediscover some lost design tools and learn the value of authentic engagement.

Doha skyline in the morning, courtesy Francisco Anzola

The profession is chronically disconnected from the public it’s supposed to serve. It’s time to rediscover some lost design tools and learn the value of authentic engagement.

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