Madness March

It's that time of year again.

I seem incapable of watching tournament basketball without thinking back to the 2004 Olympics.  Wikipedia refers to the US men's team of that year as "The Nightmare Team".  Why?  Because they lost in the semi-finals to Argentina of all countries.  This, in spite of some real hot shots (at least in their own mind) on the roster.

I can't shake the memory of the interview of Argentina's captain, when he made the simple observation that "Basketball is a team sport".  Something our collection of prima donnas apparently failed to grasp.

In my No Left Turn newsletter of January 2010, I made the same observation about how this notion bears repeating to Design/Build team members.  Teamwork, I think, improves virtually any endeavor.  Will the men's and women's final four contenders demonstrate this capacity?

I'm glued to the TV.

How Many Bars?

Is it possible there has been a turn in our dismal economy?

In the last three months I have seen more RFP's and RFQ's than in the previous 18.

One posting service for jobs that I see every day shows 327 openings with the filter "Facilities".  There were times at the beginning of 2010 this same service had less than 50.  The latest unemployment rate is under 9% for the first time in eons.

Is money for construction becoming available?

In short, have we passed the nadir?  What's the signal strength in you cell zone?  We'd all like to know.  It's sure a more appealing thought than shoveling water.  I'm tired of that.

Shoveling Water

Patience is a virtue, right?

Then why is it that we are compelled (sometimes by law) to shovel snow from our sidewalks within 24 hours of a storm, when all you have to do is wait long enough and it will literally melt before our eyes?

I sometimes can't decide if I'm invigorated by the diversion of the activity and the karma of it all, or annoyed by the imposed pressure to get it done before it becomes a block of ice.

I guess there  are consolations.  It is pretty (if only for a while).  There is a sense of accomplishment once it's done.  And my wife can take record photos to show friends wintering in Mexico.

I'm reminded of the enthusiasm of the guy cleaning up after the elephants in the circus.  He'd never give up show business.  Me neither. 

PS, If you look closely, you might be able to appreciate why the business is called No Left Turn.

Balls Out!

Which do you like?

Personally, I'm partial to the old one.

Following on the theme of 'Tradition', I wonder how others feel about the new incarnation of the venerable Times Square New Year's Eve Ball.

When you honor a ceremony that's more than 100 years old, are you doing it justice when you add expensive crystal, computer controlled colorizers, and flashing strobes?  Maybe that's what it takes for the image to register on your cell phone.

Four middle aged men with their ropes and pulleys did pretty well for decades.  After all, if you're fortunate, at the critical second you might be kissing someone.

Tradition

People, organizations, cultures, entire continents -- we all have traditions.  If you want to deny it, then maybe that's your tradition.  They're inescapable.

In our house, we have a tradition.  We erect a tree (You can call it what suits you: holiday, pagan, even Christmas), and we throw a party.  The only request of our guests is that they come with an ornament of their own making.  For 25 years now, we have been collecting the gifts -- to the point that, except for the new LED lights, only handmade unique decorations adorn our tree.  We keep it up (the tree, that is) for many weeks, until the needle drop seems too intense.

How does this relate to the theme of this blog?  Have no fear.

An appreciation for the influence and value of tradition is essential to the design, construction and maintenance of quality architecture.  Traditions are both pervasive and invasive, effecting virtually every element of a building.  The functionality of the spaces, the supportive characteristics of the building systems, the presence (or absence) of appropriate lighting and color.  Comfort is where one is at ease with your surroundings - traditions are perpetuated.

So it is in our house.  For example, over time the location of our decorated tree has moved; and the basement had to be reorganized to make room for seasonal ornament storage.

Our issues are comical in their insignificance.  A good friend is working on the master-planning of Mecca.  What would you do if you had to welcome three million visitors, pretty much all together!

Even modern contemporary buildings can support centuries-old traditions.  New traditions can materialize in the most unlikely ways.  No matter how or when, it's just plain smart to be aware.

Celebrate!

Vision? You Decide!

If you're a movie buff or involved in the building industry, you may know about Peter Greenaway.  Why?  Well, he wrote and directed the movie The Belly of an Architect.  Not an ordinary movie.  He also did The Pillow Book, Prospero's Books, The Draughtsman's Contract; not to mention The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover.

Until January 6th, you can see one of his latest projects at the Park Avenue Armory in New York: Leonardo's Last Supper: A Vision by Peter Greenaway.

If you're a fan, you'll not be disappointed.  The immense multi-screen presentation is visually impressive, completely surrounding you with sound and moving imagery inspired by familiar Renaissance artwork.

After an initial immersion in the first presentation, the centerpiece of the show is the manipulation and illumination of a detailed replica of Da Vinci's Last Supper.  The base image is printed full-size from computer scans of the original, now fading, artwork; but that's just the beginning.  The wall is then drenched in computer controlled lighting, which does all sorts of unexpected things.  Apparent 3D, rear lighting, penetrating sunlight, even neon outlining.

The third piece, a more scholarly presentation of Veronese's Wedding at Cana, was more conventional, albeit enormous and enveloping.  For this part, the show was narrated.

Artistic purists can be offended.  Those less pure (like myself) were fascinated.

The work is done by a Milanese organization, Change Performing Arts; and the extent of Greenaway's contribtion is unclear.  But make no mistake, his stamp is obvious.  Critics call his work ponderous and annoying.  Virtually everyone sees the oueve as visually stunning.  This show, in my opinion, far surpasses his moves (as you might imagine it should).

I was glad for the experience.  See for yourself - and then be prepared to quibble with your friends.  Great fun!