TSA?

Thousands Standing Around.  That what many people say about our vaunted Transportation Security Administration.  What would they say about what's happening at the World Trade Center?

I hadn't been there for a few years, and had some visiting relatives who wanted to see progress.  The scope of the project is impressive - but why are so many people on site just shuffling around?.

Mid-afternoon on a Tuesday, we had to dodge hard-hatted workers on the surrounding sidewalks, all gabbing, or smoking or grabbing a bite to eat.  They weren't dashing during break time - it lasted quite a while.  Inside the fence, it was not uncommon to see many people merely watching as other worked; and these weren't inspectors, unless inspectors have become indistinguishable from tradespeople at the WTC.

I was quite surprised, to say the least.  Should I also be angry?  There are tax dollars at work here.  Should you be angry too?

Truly Extraordinary

EMPAC, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center, was the host site for a recent Society of College and University Planning one day conference.  What an overwhelming experience!

Some think it looks like a greenhouse that tried to swallow a boat (most don't), but that's not the lasting impression.  RPI describes the building in matter-of-fact manner:

EMPAC’s 220,000 square-foot center is a signature work of architecture that brings together four main venues as well as many smaller studios and lab spaces under one roof. All can be used independently and simultaneously, allowing EMPAC to present events, host student gatherings, and dedicate space to research and residencies – all at one time. EMPAC includes many firsts and exceptional attributes in the fields of acoustics, structural integrity, theatrical presentation, and digital media. High-bandwidth computer, audio and video networks create a technical infrastructure unlike any other performing arts centers. And, when linked to Rensselaer’s CCNI supercomputer, EMPAC’s superb venues provide opportunities for research that surpass those of most other media research centers.

The description doesn't begin to convey its wonder.  Make it a destination.  Soon.

Mastering Plans

Master Planning is daunting; and perhaps because it is, there is a risk that essential elements may get overlooked in an effort which concentrates on the visuals.  What might be neglected?

For answers to this question, the latest No Left Turn newsletter, also called Notes From The Road, may provide some perspective.  There, you can consider my opinion about the work typically performed by Architects and Landscape Architects.

This longer version of 'Notes' is available by subscription, or simply can be viewed on our website www.noleftturn.biz.  Enjoy.

A Rose By Another Name

Jonathan Rose Companies is a real estate policy, planning, development, owner's representative and investment firm; but hardly like most others.
Nearly 1/2 of their latest 24 page newsletter Developing Times reads reads like a college essay.  For example, population growth, energy demands, climate change, and biodiversity loss are discussed as factors driving and mitigating international development.  Hardly the stuff of the average capitalist.

Is this just PR hype to impress clientele?  Is there a true focus to what seems like meandering thoughts?  And do they really conform to their stated ambitions?  You'd have to be more inside their business than I to have a sound opinion.

What I do have an opinion about is that Jonathan Rose has gone beyond the traditional stereotypes of our business.  I wish them well.  We could all benefit from the attitude adjustments they prescribe.

Would you like an Architect with that?

The Information Technology field has co-opted the title 'Architect'.  How did this happen?

In the state of Connecticut, for example, in order to call yourself an Architect you have to be registered by the Architectural Licensing Board, which is part of the Department of Consumer Protection.  The State proclaims in its General Statutes and Regulations that "...no person shall practice architecture in this state, except as provided in this chapter, or use the title "architect", or display or use any words, letters, figures, title, sign, seal, advertisement or other device to indicate that such person practices or offers to practice architecture, unless such person has obtained a license..."

So how is it that in a recent search for Architect positions near my Zip Code only three of the 102 job offerings were for someone with an actual background in the legal practice of Architecture?  This has not gone unnoticed.  Earlier this summer, Architect magazine ran an article on the subject: I'm an Architect.  The author has resigned himself to the apparent acquiescence by the American Institute of Architects (our lofty Professional Society) in the matter.

I'm less sanguine on the subject, I guess.  This can't be right.  Now, if only I could find a way to make the buggers pay for what they've done.  They can credit my PayPal account. OK?

Blinded by the Light

The October 15th issue of the Chronicle of Higher Education has a cover story about the pending renovation of the Aronoff Center at the University of Cincinnati, designed by well-known architect Peter Eisenman: "At Just 14, Iconic Building Raises Preservation Issues."

The article describes the sad saga of yet another building technology failure of a 'Starchitect's' monument.  Also mentioned for their alleged misdeeds on other campuses are Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry.

Having been involved in a system failure myself, I know that mitigating circumstances may have been outside the architect's control.  Nevertheless, the appearances are far from good.  What's going on here?

• In their zeal to patronize the 'Arts' and build enduring edifices, are owners losing sight of the liabilities inherent in their 'experiments'?
• Have the 'Starchitects' become so enamored of their sculptural design statements that they have neglected incorporation of sound technology into their practices?
• Because of design factors driving up construction costs, are compromises in construction being rationalized in attempts to restrain runaway budgets?

I suspect all the participants should be chided into doing better.