The Royal Institute of British Architects or RIBA launched an architecture based research wiki today specializing in Journals, Online databases, Awards for architectural research, Funding, Conferences, Projects and Reading lists.
They call it RIBApedia
While the internet is a useful research tool the democratization of of public information banks, such as through Wikipedia, and the plethora of personal subjective websites (such as this one) make culling reliable information from the internet somewhat tricky. Not that print media is inherently more reliable, however there seems to be a more thorough vetting process for information as well as a more permanent record of topics that are discussed and opinions that are stated.
Now that RIBA is moving forward into the realm of information archiving and dissemination through a public "wiki" platform I hope that the RIBApedia can become a reliable and researched centralized location for gathering data. While this may eventually require quite a bit of work on RIBA's part as more and more "articles" are created, there is some level of responsibility assumed when one makes the claim that they hope to "become the online bible on study guidance, funding guidance on research and worldwide scholarships, and links to journals and professional societies." The Architect's Journal
Which is a good thing. A professional body taking the step to create a usable public domain of knowledge about the profession. I am very excited to witness RIBApedia grow and evolve into a reliable and usable reference material.
For you students though, don't forget your school's architecture/design library. There is a tremendous source right at your fingertips, usually full of materials that your professors have personally selected as being pertinent to the projects that you will be undertaking while in your specific curriculum.
Books! Check em out!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Breaking into the market should leave you better off then breaking even.
An article on Treehugger.com grabbed my eye tonight as I saw a post entitled How Much Should Design Cost?.
The article itself was in reference to two separate views regarding the pricing of residential stock plans for sale. One approach was presented by David Wax of FreeGreen which offers "free" or "low cost" plans that can be modified (for an additional cost). However purchasing a set of documents for construction seems (overall) cheaper then having a house custom designed through the traditional method of hiring a designer up front.
The contrasting argument is made by Greg La Vardera who muses that the added cost of good design more than pays for itself and that by creating an available library (at a decent price point) that the general public will become better educated about the role of good design and realize its inherent value.
While both arguments begin with the idea of a stockplan however the differentiation of various models supposedly creates the standout argument that "you get what you pay for" which was my take from the whole discussion (even as a preconception).
ou don't have to read my over-generalized take on the topic, feel free to read/watch the interviews yourself and come to your own conclusion.
Personally this is a very interesting argument. My past experience leads me to agree that residential design is a valuable way for young, unestablished designers to build their portfolio and create their own language and technique. The interaction with a client and the various legislative/regulatory bodies give reason and purpose to various configurations. Once these houses are undergoing being designed in a vacuum to pander to either expected market value or a specific price point it becomes too easy to make them tentative and boring. In fact, it almost becomes necessary as the argument that would have been used to justify a non-standard idea would never have been created in the first place.
The severe lack of site specificity also is troublesome. Architects tend to forget about the site for some reason. I don't quite understand how some got through school not grasping that their structure is sitting somewhere, upon something. Once this disconnect has been created I worry what the success of the structure would be in/for a viable neighborhood. Unless these plans are for greenfield construction in the suburbs where contextual interaction is negated.
I suppose this is my argument against pre-fabricated design as well. It is this commodification of "design" which isn't architectural design or even industrial design (because ID usually takes into account the human scale, orientation and context). Pre-fab and StockPlans could be called Product Design. Chosen online, plucked from a white shelf, shipped in a truck and dropped off at (where) your front door (will be) without any concern to its surroundings (which makes me wonder about the "green-ness" of a generic system). The sense of scale and placement is to be chosen by one without the training (the client) who only has their own exposure (for better or worse) to base their decisions upon with limited guidance.
The argument that these prefab/stock plans are cheaper and therefore better is ludicrous when one considers that most of the population live in too much house, way more then they need and are saddled with the upkeep and maintenance costs. One may initially pay more to live in a well designed space but it is, after all, a well designed space. There is a reason people will pay a bit more for a better product. It lasts longer, functions better and is more fulfilling to experience.
Isn't that what we should be "selling" anyway?
The article itself was in reference to two separate views regarding the pricing of residential stock plans for sale. One approach was presented by David Wax of FreeGreen which offers "free" or "low cost" plans that can be modified (for an additional cost). However purchasing a set of documents for construction seems (overall) cheaper then having a house custom designed through the traditional method of hiring a designer up front.
The contrasting argument is made by Greg La Vardera who muses that the added cost of good design more than pays for itself and that by creating an available library (at a decent price point) that the general public will become better educated about the role of good design and realize its inherent value.
While both arguments begin with the idea of a stockplan however the differentiation of various models supposedly creates the standout argument that "you get what you pay for" which was my take from the whole discussion (even as a preconception).
ou don't have to read my over-generalized take on the topic, feel free to read/watch the interviews yourself and come to your own conclusion.
Personally this is a very interesting argument. My past experience leads me to agree that residential design is a valuable way for young, unestablished designers to build their portfolio and create their own language and technique. The interaction with a client and the various legislative/regulatory bodies give reason and purpose to various configurations. Once these houses are undergoing being designed in a vacuum to pander to either expected market value or a specific price point it becomes too easy to make them tentative and boring. In fact, it almost becomes necessary as the argument that would have been used to justify a non-standard idea would never have been created in the first place.
The severe lack of site specificity also is troublesome. Architects tend to forget about the site for some reason. I don't quite understand how some got through school not grasping that their structure is sitting somewhere, upon something. Once this disconnect has been created I worry what the success of the structure would be in/for a viable neighborhood. Unless these plans are for greenfield construction in the suburbs where contextual interaction is negated.
I suppose this is my argument against pre-fabricated design as well. It is this commodification of "design" which isn't architectural design or even industrial design (because ID usually takes into account the human scale, orientation and context). Pre-fab and StockPlans could be called Product Design. Chosen online, plucked from a white shelf, shipped in a truck and dropped off at (where) your front door (will be) without any concern to its surroundings (which makes me wonder about the "green-ness" of a generic system). The sense of scale and placement is to be chosen by one without the training (the client) who only has their own exposure (for better or worse) to base their decisions upon with limited guidance.
The argument that these prefab/stock plans are cheaper and therefore better is ludicrous when one considers that most of the population live in too much house, way more then they need and are saddled with the upkeep and maintenance costs. One may initially pay more to live in a well designed space but it is, after all, a well designed space. There is a reason people will pay a bit more for a better product. It lasts longer, functions better and is more fulfilling to experience.
Isn't that what we should be "selling" anyway?
Monday, August 11, 2008
The bottom line - pedestrian active streets increase storefront retail
It seems to be common sense. Increase the safety and comfort for street level pedestrian speed traffic and people will congregate, activating storefront retail, increasing community self policing and possibly raising home values. A new report from Transportation Alternatives attempts to quantify the value of smart street design and the creation of "livable streets".
The report states:
The report states:
- Quiet streets with no thru-traffic can boost property values up to 9%.
- Pedestrian zones can boost foot traffic by 20% and retail sales by 10%.
- Every decibel decrease in noise level raises property values .4%.
- Nearby community gardens increase the value of apartments by up to 7%.
- Traffic-calming can raise the value of homes by one-third.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The burden of being online
I received criticism today for not being as up to date on the many activities and hoopla going on around the town. I have no problem with being asked to post information about a certain event or to comment on a specific subject. Point of fact, when asked to I usually oblige if only because I then do not have to scrounge up a topic by myself.
Most of the posts and topics that I mention or comment upon are events or happenings that I have to verify with the many local organizations themselves to find out the particulars. Due to time constraints (there goes that darn "life" getting in the way) I don't have time to check with every single organization in this city constantly. Therefore, if I don't get a heads up or it is an event I usually don't go to, it will slip through the cracks.
I would like to apologize for that.
However, let me point out the variety of ways in which I attempt to utilize technology so that if you find mention of something you are interested in, you can get more information yourself;
-I like to link to the topic of discussion if there is a pertinent website. This particular example (the Murray Hill Artwalk) has taken down their website which makes it hard to keep track of when their next event is, hence my comments on the subject becoming increasingly lacking and eventually nonexistent.
-The existence of the internet itself. Chances are you found this website itself by utilizing search engines or external links from other websites. Keep on truckin' with that exciting technology! Chances are you can find what you are looking for if you put only half the tenacity you utilize for name calling into actually looking things up.
In order to foster feelings of goodwill I have even taken the time to use a search engine to find more information for the specific (anonymous) poster to find the information they are looking for: Little Italy Guide from Cleveland.com. You may need to pick up a phone and call someone to ask why their website is down or how they expect people to know about their un-posted events instead of resorting to aggressive and over-blown internet interaction which, while sometimes hilarious, is sort of rude.
In conclusion, to all you event planners out there let this go as a lesson to you. If you want someone to mention your event, let them know of it happening. Keep your event sites up to date and try to incorporate some sort of static resource of information so that the fine people of this city can come and visit you when you want us to.
Feel free to email me from the contacts link above to let me know of your events. If they are design/architecture/sustainable/beer-wine-food/bike/awesome related, chances are I will pass the information along.
Most of the posts and topics that I mention or comment upon are events or happenings that I have to verify with the many local organizations themselves to find out the particulars. Due to time constraints (there goes that darn "life" getting in the way) I don't have time to check with every single organization in this city constantly. Therefore, if I don't get a heads up or it is an event I usually don't go to, it will slip through the cracks.
I would like to apologize for that.
However, let me point out the variety of ways in which I attempt to utilize technology so that if you find mention of something you are interested in, you can get more information yourself;
-I like to link to the topic of discussion if there is a pertinent website. This particular example (the Murray Hill Artwalk) has taken down their website which makes it hard to keep track of when their next event is, hence my comments on the subject becoming increasingly lacking and eventually nonexistent.
-The existence of the internet itself. Chances are you found this website itself by utilizing search engines or external links from other websites. Keep on truckin' with that exciting technology! Chances are you can find what you are looking for if you put only half the tenacity you utilize for name calling into actually looking things up.
In order to foster feelings of goodwill I have even taken the time to use a search engine to find more information for the specific (anonymous) poster to find the information they are looking for: Little Italy Guide from Cleveland.com. You may need to pick up a phone and call someone to ask why their website is down or how they expect people to know about their un-posted events instead of resorting to aggressive and over-blown internet interaction which, while sometimes hilarious, is sort of rude.
In conclusion, to all you event planners out there let this go as a lesson to you. If you want someone to mention your event, let them know of it happening. Keep your event sites up to date and try to incorporate some sort of static resource of information so that the fine people of this city can come and visit you when you want us to.
Feel free to email me from the contacts link above to let me know of your events. If they are design/architecture/sustainable/beer-wine-food/bike/awesome related, chances are I will pass the information along.
Cleveland Competition II (about damn time)
For those of us who have been eagerly awaiting the second installment of the annual Cleveland Competition have finally received word that all rockets are go! and the entry brief is slated to be released August 22, 2008 ( a mere 11 days away).
The focus this year is entitled "Interplay" and pertains to the reactivation of residual urban spaces to foster cultural, economic and community interaction. The selected site is the northern terminus of West 65th of the Detroit Shoreway Neighborhood where there is also an access path to Edgewater Park and Wendy Park.
More information will be released on August 22nd but in the meantime get those pencils sharpened and grab something to doodle on. I hope Clevelanders can step it up this year. I know a lot of people talk about how they would like to be involved in their city and create opportunities to show their ideas and capabilities.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Burning River Fest 2008 - recap
It was a glorious day for Burning River Fest 2008. Not quite 80 degrees, sunny but with some clouds to offer a little relief and a steady breeze off the lake made it possible to bike down to the West Bank of the Flats and partake in some food and festivities.
Free bike valet and tune up were part of the impetus of not taking the train or bus and the only regret was the big hill getting up out of the flats. Other than that Cleveland can be pretty dang flat.
The exhibits were good, the food was amazing some of the discussions that I was able to visit made the whole thing worthwhile. All in all it was a pretty nice way to spend a Saturday.
We left a little early so chances are the end of the day may be rained out for those that stuck around until it closed, but I can think of far worse ways to spend a Saturday. I suppose if I were to suggest any sort of changes, it would be to involve the local design community (AIA Cleveland was there, but I mean other designers as well) for workshops and discussions so that visitors can see the process of smart design instead of just the end result. Sometimes understanding the process can make all the difference.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Burning River Fest 2008 REMINDER!
Burning River Fest 2008
Saturday, August 9th, 2008
12pm - 11pm
$12 for day of event tickets
(kids under 8 are free - to attend - they aren't giving them away)
Nautica Entertainment Complex
A great way to have a good time and raise money for the Burning River Foundation, Inc.
Last time I was there I had some delicious ice cream from Mitchell's Ice Cream that was made with Great Lakes Brewing Company Beer. I can only hope there will be some at this fest.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
1/3 Movie Night - Helvetica
Thursday, August 7th, 2008
Helvetica
at the
Bela Dubby in Lakewood, Ohio
starting around 7.30ish
Have you tried the cake? Try the cake. Come for the cake. Also come to celebrate Ted finishing his Thesis which we plan to show on the 21st. So come to watch Helvetica, buy Ted (or Dru) a beer, have some chocolate cake and have a fantastic Thursday evening.
Tremont Art Hop
Tremont Art Hop
Friday, August 8th, 2008
Tremont Neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio
6pm - 10pm
Seriously, just go for the food options but stay for the art. You need dinner anyway, check out the local flavor. There is plenty to satisfy everyone's palette.
Friday, August 8th, 2008
Tremont Neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio
6pm - 10pm
Seriously, just go for the food options but stay for the art. You need dinner anyway, check out the local flavor. There is plenty to satisfy everyone's palette.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Architects talking about architecture: AIA Shaping of America Webisodes
The Shaping of America
The buildings that we live in and use are rich in history and significance — monuments to our communities‘ and nation‘s image and innovation. More than mere buildings, America‘s most recognizable structures and those not so well known in our communities, influence our lives and inspire us to dream. They are the Shape of America. To mark The American Institute of Architects 150th anniversary in 2007, Americans from coast to coast engaged in a conversation about these structures, voting for their favorite buildings, bridges, monuments and memorials. Now the AIA is continuing the national dialogue through a stimulating series of videos, in which AIA architects share their personal stories, opinions and insights about these works of architecture.
All in all the webisodes that I have seen offer a fine, quick glimpse at projects that may be considered as major examples of architectural design in American. At the very least a fun journey to broaden your horizons.
Best of all, its free.
The buildings that we live in and use are rich in history and significance — monuments to our communities‘ and nation‘s image and innovation. More than mere buildings, America‘s most recognizable structures and those not so well known in our communities, influence our lives and inspire us to dream. They are the Shape of America. To mark The American Institute of Architects 150th anniversary in 2007, Americans from coast to coast engaged in a conversation about these structures, voting for their favorite buildings, bridges, monuments and memorials. Now the AIA is continuing the national dialogue through a stimulating series of videos, in which AIA architects share their personal stories, opinions and insights about these works of architecture.
All in all the webisodes that I have seen offer a fine, quick glimpse at projects that may be considered as major examples of architectural design in American. At the very least a fun journey to broaden your horizons.
Best of all, its free.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Design Sponge City Guide - Don't forget about the Cleve.
What can I say? Despite the recent negative news about Cleveland corruption, etc. that I feel unnecessary to rehash here (you can find plenty of sources for that sort of stuff), it is nice to find that when some people think of Cleveland, they do so with a smile in their hearts.
Danielle Deboe of Room Service on Detroit Ave. recently wrote a city guide for Cleveland to be posted on the Design Sponge website.
Not a bad guide at all. If you are looking for something to do in your neighborhood this weekend (besides the Waterloo or Lakewood Arts Fest) I suggest you peruse this list.
In other surprisingly uplifting news the Plain Dealer recently wrote an article entitled Cleveland's best, as seen through the eyes of the rest of America.
So next time you are moaning and complaining, give one of these bits a read and perhaps grab some ideas on a way to change your view, for at least a little while.
(Thanks to the MarJ for the heads up)
Danielle Deboe of Room Service on Detroit Ave. recently wrote a city guide for Cleveland to be posted on the Design Sponge website.
Not a bad guide at all. If you are looking for something to do in your neighborhood this weekend (besides the Waterloo or Lakewood Arts Fest) I suggest you peruse this list.
In other surprisingly uplifting news the Plain Dealer recently wrote an article entitled Cleveland's best, as seen through the eyes of the rest of America.
So next time you are moaning and complaining, give one of these bits a read and perhaps grab some ideas on a way to change your view, for at least a little while.
(Thanks to the MarJ for the heads up)
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
RTA Services/Circulators on the Chopping Block
In order to cut almost $20 million dollars GCRTA is proposing cutting some services including local Circulators. A petition asking RTA to reconsider its decision will be available for signatures and through its Web Site.
In this time of transportation crisis due to a combination of rising fuel costs, crashing housing market and infrastructure failures the import of public transportation can only increase. Without enough funding the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority is discovering the effects that these market forces are having on its bottom line and therefore its ability to serve the public. Changes do have to be made in order for GCRTA to serve the region, the question is, do you want to take the stand to argue the case against changes that affect your livelihood.
If only the options were available to increase RTA's budget while the system retools and the funding can be found. In the meantime perhaps we have to look towards alternatives to the alternates such bicycling, carpooling, or maybe walking.
Public meetings are scheduled for:
In this time of transportation crisis due to a combination of rising fuel costs, crashing housing market and infrastructure failures the import of public transportation can only increase. Without enough funding the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority is discovering the effects that these market forces are having on its bottom line and therefore its ability to serve the public. Changes do have to be made in order for GCRTA to serve the region, the question is, do you want to take the stand to argue the case against changes that affect your livelihood.
If only the options were available to increase RTA's budget while the system retools and the funding can be found. In the meantime perhaps we have to look towards alternatives to the alternates such bicycling, carpooling, or maybe walking.
Public meetings are scheduled for:
Monday, Aug. 4, 2008
6:00 pm, Don Umerley Civic Center Memorial Hall, 21016 Hilliard Road, Rocky River
Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008
Noon, Cleveland Public Library Auditorium, 325 Superior Ave. NE
6:00 pm, Cleveland City Hall Room 220, 601 E Lakeside Ave
Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008
6:00 pm, Cleveland Heights Community Center, One Monticello Blvd. at Mayfield Road
Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008Service Reductions and Fare Hikes
6:00 pm, Brooklyn Senior Community Center, 7727 Memphis Ave.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Waterloo Arts Fest - Sneak a Peek
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Preview begins at Arts Collinwood
15605 Waterloo Road
Cleveland, OH 44110
6pm
Preview art exhibits for this year's Waterloo Arts Fest!
$30 per person, $50 per couple:
Proceeds benefit Arts Collinwood
Advance ticket purchase recommended
Sneak Peek Locations:
- Arts Collinwood Gallery: Annual Members' Show
- MUSIC SAVES: HOTSHOT! Works on Paper by Diana Behl
- Shoparooni: Artwork by Phoebe Marie
- Waterloo 7 Gallery: A Baker's Dozen
- Sculpture Garden: Sculptures of Jerry and Tyler Schmidt
- Vision Art Gallery: Coup on Waterloo: The Ghetto Intelligentsia
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Ingenuity Fest 2008
I came for the Pecka Kucha Night and stayed because the city seemed alive. It isn't very often that the city manages to celebrate the spaces and niches it creates in the corners. Most often the street festivals block off the street, push people to the sides to become spectators and remove the sense of exploration, wonder and control that allow for urban discoveries to be made.
The alleys, the corners, the empty storefronts became spaces, used and celebrated. Full of life and color, all around the citizens mulled, watching and waiting. A sensible hum of white noise, a cacophony of sound and images and the slow shuffle of a herd wanting to take it all in, knowing that in a few short days the experience will be gone and these spaces will again be lost to see, to witness, to touch and claim as our proper heritage.
When a city is alive, when it is truly for the people to experience, then these spaces are used and thought of. They are given a purpose and a meaning and a chance to be related to. How much of our city is hidden behind boarded up windows and locked doors? How much seems dark and unsafe and dirty? Was it really that difficult to make those places programmed? To give them life?
As we stumble with the notion that we can celebrate our population withdrawal perhaps this is our opportunity to take over the niches and pockets to give them personality, to celebrate their shortcuts, their hiddeness, their access to grand spaces and cloisters which becomes more realistic as denizens become more accountable and take ownership of their area.
I don't believe we have to wait though. If anything, Ingenuity showed us that there is a creative culture here, one willing to take control with a firm hand and shake loose the ugliness of the city, or, if the intent so makes it, celebrate the ugliness.
Cleveland felt alive last night and made me a little proud to be part of it.
It was nice to see.
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