Nothing to quibble with here, of course we all must be more cognisant and tender to both site and people, designing for the best of this world. The perennial issue is how does this scale up to the massive amount of housing needed at this present time.
We can disparage wood frame housing as disposable, but I live in a capacious wood frame house built in 1939, designed by a local builder who filled this neighbourhood with dozens of the same basic model throughout the 1940 and early 50s, all still standing with minimal additions over the years. It seems the model that might be useful isn't about form, or style, or even materials, but about investing in longevity and all that implies. The construction industry has a lot to answer for given its often quick in-and-out for maximum profit and minimal attention to such things as individuality, identity, place. This is perhaps where our architectural intelligence and focus might directly collaborate.
Mandating that every construction company hire a young architect might be a good start. After all, isn't this why we teach architecture? so that students will bring ideals to their workplace, whatever it turns out to be.
Thank you for this thoughtful reflection — longevity, care, and a sense of place can indeed outlast any trend in form or materials. The real challenge, as you say, is scaling these principles in today’s urgent housing context. And yes, bringing architectural intelligence directly into the construction process — starting with young architects — feels like a concrete step toward building with greater intention and responsibility.
Nothing to quibble with here, of course we all must be more cognisant and tender to both site and people, designing for the best of this world. The perennial issue is how does this scale up to the massive amount of housing needed at this present time.
We can disparage wood frame housing as disposable, but I live in a capacious wood frame house built in 1939, designed by a local builder who filled this neighbourhood with dozens of the same basic model throughout the 1940 and early 50s, all still standing with minimal additions over the years. It seems the model that might be useful isn't about form, or style, or even materials, but about investing in longevity and all that implies. The construction industry has a lot to answer for given its often quick in-and-out for maximum profit and minimal attention to such things as individuality, identity, place. This is perhaps where our architectural intelligence and focus might directly collaborate.
Mandating that every construction company hire a young architect might be a good start. After all, isn't this why we teach architecture? so that students will bring ideals to their workplace, whatever it turns out to be.
Thank you for this thoughtful reflection — longevity, care, and a sense of place can indeed outlast any trend in form or materials. The real challenge, as you say, is scaling these principles in today’s urgent housing context. And yes, bringing architectural intelligence directly into the construction process — starting with young architects — feels like a concrete step toward building with greater intention and responsibility.
ARIANNA
thank you for your Storie. They are so interesting!
Minuk's architecture is new to me!