Only 10% of the world's population has access to designers and architects. Rather than continuing to cater to the world’s wealthiest 10%, a reorientation is occurring in our profession to serve the needs of the other 90. The global population is anticipated to increase to about 9 billion by 2050 and the United Nations estimates 2 billion of them will be living in slums. With such ominous predictions, issues of shelter, infrastructure, and the environment will soon be at the center of public concern. Designers and builders have the power to holistically address some of humanity’s most critical issues but...
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One of my goals since graduating with my MA in Intercultural studies has been to find a way I can add my research back into the world, further contributing to the body of knowledge that has taught me so much. This month that goal was achieved as a summary of my capstone was published in the Association of Interdisciplinary Studies quarterly journal! Since the electronic journal is password protected, the following is a copy of the article. There is only one image included in the actual article (the four principles of integration) but the others have been added for your...
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My journey to becoming an architect started before I even knew how to spell it. I’ll never forget the day I was invited into the world of design as my father handed me a pile of leftover architecture magazines from his construction office. My fingers thumbed through the glossy pages of buildings as I perused the images and studied what would later learn were floor plans. Pulling out my graph paper, I drew and redrew designs with an uncanny intuition. As I slid walls, extended rooms, and articulated space as the act of creation connected to something deep within me....
Read Morei visited the Cathedral of Christ the Light (click on photos in the gallery on the left of the page) a few weeks back to hear the architect from SOM tell about the project. it's the first time i've gone to a lecture about a building in the building and it really got me thinking about what a different experience that was. rather than show photos of the 4 stories of wooden slats, he just pointed to them. when he spoke of the white light panels at the entrance and the ceiling, we turned around to see them. and when...
Read Morecross it off of my list of things to do in life. been there, done that; i’ve seen the taj mahal. what did i think? you may ask. overrated. i would reply. i know that sounds arrogant, it’s one of the world’s seven wonders. yes, it’s beautiful. it’s a brilliant white marble tomb. the finest example of mughal architecture, combining elements of persian, turkish, indian, and islamic architctural styles. it’s carefully crafted details, standing majestically in front of the blue sky. but still overrated. one of the earth’s modern wonders? come on now. maybe i was tainted by the city of agra… 45% of the city involved in tourism. money can corrupt a...
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