10 Surprising Resolutions of a Modern Architect
Can a decided modernist embrace traditional elements and open up to color? Only 2013 will tell
Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City. I have Bachelor of Architecture and Master in Urban Planning degrees, and over ten years experience in architectural practice, split between Chicago and NYC. Currently I'm focused on writing and online pursuits. My daily blog can be found at http://archidose.blogspot.com
Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City.... More »
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Popular recurring New Year's resolutions tend to focus on reversing negative behaviors: Drink less alcohol, lose weight, manage stress, quit smoking. These resolutions, and the rest on a list offered by the U.S. government, are hardly surprises, but they do inspire me to define some resolutions that are more positive ... and attainable. I think goals like "lose weight" and "manage stress" are too broad and overwhelming, meaning they get ditched as quickly as they are made. But resolutions like "stop drinking soda" and "take a walk before work" (that helps me) are more specific and therefore more attainable; they also create positive habits that have long-term effects.
So this ideabook has some resolutions for what I'll be doing on Houzz this year. Much of what I write about is inspired by photos on Houzz, but this ideabook will help remind me that things that should be discussed sometimes get lost along the way. Hopefully that won't happen in 2013.
So this ideabook has some resolutions for what I'll be doing on Houzz this year. Much of what I write about is inspired by photos on Houzz, but this ideabook will help remind me that things that should be discussed sometimes get lost along the way. Hopefully that won't happen in 2013.
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| 1. Move inside. I'll be the first to admit that most of my articles focus on exterior architectural form. But space as a container of our daily lives is just as important, if not more so, than form. |
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| 2. Exploit the creative uses of small spaces. I'm a proponent of small houses. Opting for something small means taking advantage of every little bit of space. This office tucked under the stairs is one example. |
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| 3. Delve into the vernacular. Yes, I love modern and contemporary design, but more than that I love good design. While I'm not a fan of new design that mimics old styles, I can find beauty in traditional design, especially the vernacular. |
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| 4. Embrace the traditional. Some traditional design strikes my fancy, though I'm often at a loss as to why. Perhaps it's design that isn't self-conscious about being traditional. Whatever the case, the buildings that strike my fancy, whatever their style, will find a way into my ideabooks. |
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5. Mix old and new. Ultimately, my love of modern and the occasional bit of traditional architecture means that mixes of the two (be it in one building or in neighbors) are worth covering. Diversity in architectural form and creative juxtaposition of styles are healthy, in my mind.
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| 6. Get out of the city. Many of my ideabooks are focused on the urban realm, but a lot of people live outside cities and suburbs. Time to head out and take a look. |
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| 7. Visit New Zealand. Not literally (though I would love to go) but to focus on some of the great residential architecture happening in that country. Australia got an ideabook; now it's New Zealand's turn. |
8. Open up to color. Lots of modern architecture is fairly colorless, so it would be great to get over the stigma of color.
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9. Think about the children. As my daughter grows up, I can't help but think of spaces and objects beyond the nursery. It would be interesting to delve into design for children.
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| 10. Celebrate difference. An opening between two spaces often tends to get treated with a typical swinging door, meaning that a slider like this is a very special occurrence. Differences like this one — big and small — can make a house a unique and personal place. Tell us: Do you have any design resolutions for 2013? |
Ideabook published on Jan. 10, 2013.
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Re New Zealand, I really hope that some great architecture comes out of the rebuild after the earthquake in Christchurch. There are huge possibilities re edgy design combined with sustainability (and well-engineered for future disasters).
Also second image is great for the small space, I'm guessing the user would only hit their head once before learning the limits of a sloped ceiling space.
Thanks for a great post, it's very inspiring
Is this your full time job?
You are everywhere in this site!
Do sth...