Comments on: Why We Need Architecture http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/why-we-need-architecture On Point is a live, two-hour morning news-analysis program, produced by WBUR 90.9 and NPR. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:27:45 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Podcast Picks: Friday 20 November 2009 GregorWeekly http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/why-we-need-architecture/comment-page-1#comment-34175 Podcast Picks: Friday 20 November 2009 GregorWeekly Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:02:48 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15540#comment-34175 [...] Why We Need Architecture: Paul Goldberger, WBUR On Point Radio. [...] [...] Why We Need Architecture: Paul Goldberger, WBUR On Point Radio. [...]

]]> By: Putney Swope http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/why-we-need-architecture/comment-page-1#comment-33413 Putney Swope Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:34:44 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15540#comment-33413 It seems that some of Frank Gehry's work has some problems. One that comes to mind is the Ray and Maria Stata Center he designed for MIT. They are suing him for a host of design flaws such as leaking roofs, and mold. Apparently there is no sound proofing in the building. In some rooms the lean of the walls cause vertigo. The main critique is that it is poorly designed for day-to-day use. It seems that some of Frank Gehry’s work has some problems. One that comes to mind is the Ray and Maria Stata Center he designed for MIT. They are suing him for a host of design flaws such as leaking roofs, and mold. Apparently there is no sound proofing in the building. In some rooms the lean of the walls cause vertigo. The main critique is that it is poorly designed for day-to-day use.

]]> By: Energy Code Works » Blog Archive » Why we need architecture http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/why-we-need-architecture/comment-page-1#comment-33378 Energy Code Works » Blog Archive » Why we need architecture Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:08:26 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15540#comment-33378 [...] Click here to listen [...] [...] Click here to listen [...]

]]> By: Fernando http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/why-we-need-architecture/comment-page-1#comment-33319 Fernando Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:26:24 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15540#comment-33319 Italo Calvino on his "Invisible Cities" speaks of the intangible dimension that Mr Goldberger mentioned on his interview. If you have not read it yet, put it on your to-read-list. Enjoy! Italo Calvino on his “Invisible Cities” speaks of the intangible dimension that Mr Goldberger mentioned on his interview. If you have not read it yet, put it on your to-read-list. Enjoy!

]]> By: Fernando http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/why-we-need-architecture/comment-page-1#comment-33318 Fernando Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:11:11 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15540#comment-33318 errare humanum est...oops, I spoke too soon yesterday... Invisible cities" is by Italo Calvino, not Paul Virilio! My apologies, error amended. errare humanum est…oops, I spoke too soon yesterday… Invisible cities” is by Italo Calvino, not Paul Virilio! My apologies, error amended.

]]> By: Bobbie Lawson http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/why-we-need-architecture/comment-page-1#comment-33313 Bobbie Lawson Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:26:41 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15540#comment-33313 As a former Art History prof and widow of an architect, I believe architecture is the finest of the art disciplines. The Greeks called it that because it was the "highest form of construction." My favorite styles are the Gothic and the Modern, both of which exemplify courage, technical expertise, and creativity. The Bauhaus and International Style architects such as Mies and Le Corbusier were idealists hoping to better the lives of people through their work. Postmodernism, on the other hand, is a sad chapter in architectural history. With its penchant for trivializing architecture by hackneyed copying of past styles and the use of a hodgepodge of materials,it trashes a noble profession. Frank Gehry, with his dramatic organic forms, is one of the rare exceptions. As a former Art History prof and widow of an architect, I believe architecture is the finest of the art disciplines. The Greeks called it that because it was the “highest form of construction.” My favorite styles are the Gothic and the Modern, both of which exemplify courage, technical expertise, and creativity. The Bauhaus and International Style architects such as Mies and Le Corbusier were idealists hoping to better the lives of people through their work. Postmodernism, on the other hand, is a sad chapter in architectural history. With its penchant for trivializing architecture by hackneyed copying of past styles and the use of a hodgepodge of materials,it trashes a noble profession. Frank Gehry, with his dramatic organic forms, is one of the rare exceptions.

]]> By: Lon C Ponschock http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/why-we-need-architecture/comment-page-1#comment-33299 Lon C Ponschock Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:28:10 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15540#comment-33299 Architectural Record, the monthly magazine of the AIA gives a view on the day to day progress of the profession. I enjoy reading the publicly available copy at the library each month. It is a big topic and one by which people feel intimidated. To stand up and say something is rubbish even though AutoCAd can spit out a design that won't fall down (think Frank Gehry here) would be the equivalent of saying the emperor had no clothes. Civic buildings are one of the few venues where the public can engage in how their community looks. It's important. More people should take such interest. Finally there's this: http://www.architecture5cents.com/ "No project is too small for big ideas." Architectural Record, the monthly magazine of the AIA gives a view on the day to day progress of the profession. I enjoy reading the publicly available copy at the library each month. It is a big topic and one by which people feel intimidated.

To stand up and say something is rubbish even though AutoCAd can spit out a design that won’t fall down (think Frank Gehry here) would be the equivalent of saying the emperor had no clothes.

Civic buildings are one of the few venues where the public can engage in how their community looks. It’s important. More people should take such interest.

Finally there’s this:

http://www.architecture5cents.com/

“No project is too small for big ideas.”

]]> By: Alan Shulman http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/why-we-need-architecture/comment-page-1#comment-33297 Alan Shulman Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:53:26 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15540#comment-33297 a few brief comments... For Patricia who hates the Vietnam memorial in Washington, I'd mention that the associations of black with bad and white with good are entirely arbitrary; bones are white, ghosts are often depicted as white, the pallor of illness is white, many parasitic and destructive organisms are white; and if the Vietnam memorial's decent into the ground parallels the decent of our nation into a catastrophic war which still can't be explained appropriately, then so much the better for it and for us. I agree in general with Mr. Weatherall's comments that architects emerge from their education largely unfamiliar with actual construction. A notable exception are the programs which emphasize work-study, periods when apprenticing architects must work in their field and experience the actual construction process. My son, now an architect, was in such a program, and as a result understands this process quite well. I would add though that such understanding does not guarantee a comprehension of the varying effects of differing spaces, colors, textures and proportions on humans. a few brief comments…
For Patricia who hates the Vietnam memorial in Washington, I’d mention that the associations of black with bad and white with good are entirely arbitrary; bones are white, ghosts are often depicted as white, the pallor of illness is white, many parasitic and destructive organisms are white; and if the Vietnam memorial’s decent into the ground parallels the decent of our nation into a catastrophic war which still can’t be explained appropriately, then so much the better for it and for us.
I agree in general with Mr. Weatherall’s comments that architects emerge from their education largely unfamiliar with actual construction. A notable exception are the programs which emphasize work-study, periods when apprenticing architects must work in their field and experience the actual construction process. My son, now an architect, was in such a program, and as a result understands this process quite well. I would add though that such understanding does not guarantee a comprehension of the varying effects of differing spaces, colors, textures and proportions on humans.

]]> By: Robert Weatherall http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/why-we-need-architecture/comment-page-1#comment-33294 Robert Weatherall Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:17:24 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15540#comment-33294 In my view, one big reason for the low quality and heartlessness of the majority of new housing is that it is built by speculative builders. The wonderful old houses we love were built by way of a contract between a builder and an owner; people who knew one another, and were part of a community. Before, building was done with an eye to future generations. Now, it is done more with an eye for the terms of the mortgage, construction loan, or quarterly report. Richard Meier is wrong that it is the absence of an architect's involvement. In fact, the contemporary architects' lack of familiarity with the building process, and lack of actual experience with methods and materials, has a lot to do with many poorly made, short lived buildings. For thousands of years, architects rose up from the ranks and experience of the building crafts; these days, very much less so. In my view, one big reason for the low quality and heartlessness of the majority of new housing is that it is built by speculative builders. The wonderful old houses we love were built by way of a contract between a builder and an owner; people who knew one another, and were part of a community. Before, building was done with an eye to future generations. Now, it is done more with an eye for the terms of the mortgage, construction loan, or quarterly report.
Richard Meier is wrong that it is the absence of an architect’s involvement. In fact, the contemporary architects’ lack of familiarity with the building process, and lack of actual experience with methods and materials, has a lot to do with many poorly made, short lived buildings.
For thousands of years, architects rose up from the ranks and experience of the building crafts; these days, very much less so.

]]> By: Putney Swope http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/why-we-need-architecture/comment-page-1#comment-33293 Putney Swope Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:14:43 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15540#comment-33293 It's Veterans Day and we have wars going on on in Iraq and Afghanistan and this is the show? I like good architecture but on this day in this time is this the right show considering all that is going on? It’s Veterans Day and we have wars going on on in Iraq and Afghanistan and this is the show?

I like good architecture but on this day in this time is this the right show considering all that is going on?

]]> By: Donald Baxter, Iowa City http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/why-we-need-architecture/comment-page-1#comment-33291 Donald Baxter, Iowa City Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:59:35 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15540#comment-33291 Goldberger's comment about preserving the less than perfect buildings in the urban environment reminds me of what Jane Jacobs said about the buildings in cities, "new ideas require old buildings." Not everyone starting out a new business or enterprise can afford the best spaces--less desirable buildings must exist in even our most prized cities for the ideas of the future to be developed. Goldberger’s comment about preserving the less than perfect buildings in the urban environment reminds me of what Jane Jacobs said about the buildings in cities, “new ideas require old buildings.” Not everyone starting out a new business or enterprise can afford the best spaces–less desirable buildings must exist in even our most prized cities for the ideas of the future to be developed.

]]> By: Todd http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/why-we-need-architecture/comment-page-1#comment-33290 Todd Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:54:08 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15540#comment-33290 Computer-generated and designed architecture is sterile; and the more of it that is produced, the less architecture matters. Nothing that a computer can concoct will ever match the grandeur found in such structures such as the medieval European cathedrals. The more human architecture is, the more it will matter to humans. Computer-generated and designed architecture is sterile; and the more of it that is produced, the less architecture matters. Nothing that a computer can concoct will ever match the grandeur found in such structures such as the medieval European cathedrals. The more human architecture is, the more it will matter to humans.

]]> By: Jim H. http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/why-we-need-architecture/comment-page-1#comment-33289 Jim H. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:53:28 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15540#comment-33289 Question for either of the guests (do these comments get read live?). In a virtual age, can you comment about virtual architecture's effect on the architectural profession? People pay real money to buy virtual real estate, virtual space--space that they actually decorate, "move around in", and display to others. Is this an extension of traditional architecture? Will this affect how we view architecture? Thank you. Question for either of the guests (do these comments get read live?).
In a virtual age, can you comment about virtual architecture’s effect on the architectural profession? People pay real money to buy virtual real estate, virtual space–space that they actually decorate, “move around in”, and display to others. Is this an extension of traditional architecture? Will this affect how we view architecture? Thank you.

]]> By: Mark J http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/why-we-need-architecture/comment-page-1#comment-33288 Mark J Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:53:21 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15540#comment-33288 It's anything but green, but the new Yas Marina Grand Prix cicuit in the U.A.E. is spectacular to say the least. There's a stunning hotel that bridges the track, Ferrari World,... Also check out the Malaysian circuit in Saipang. Gorgeous! It’s anything but green, but the new Yas Marina Grand Prix cicuit in the U.A.E. is spectacular to say the least. There’s a stunning hotel that bridges the track, Ferrari World,…
Also check out the Malaysian circuit in Saipang. Gorgeous!

]]> By: Alan Wu http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/why-we-need-architecture/comment-page-1#comment-33287 Alan Wu Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:51:51 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15540#comment-33287 Regarding underground architecture, the Australian Houses of Parliament are convened in a building under an artificial hill in Canberra. Large slots in the crown of the hill allow daylight into the legislative chambers, and allow ordinary Aussies to literally look down on their lawmakers. The hill is covered in native grasses, and casual passers by might not even notice the huge building concealed beneath. Regarding underground architecture, the Australian Houses of Parliament are convened in a building under an artificial hill in Canberra. Large slots in the crown of the hill allow daylight into the legislative chambers, and allow ordinary Aussies to literally look down on their lawmakers. The hill is covered in native grasses, and casual passers by might not even notice the huge building concealed beneath.

]]> By: Nana Kennedy http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/why-we-need-architecture/comment-page-1#comment-33285 Nana Kennedy Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:46:39 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15540#comment-33285 Mr. Goldberger touched upon the dichotomy that architects face: they intuitively wish to design a great, or good, structure, but they must also be business people, responding to clients and communities, and also responsible for a business and employees. Very few architects in the world have the celebrity to get away with truly artistic or cutting-edge design. I'm wondering whether you could address what design qualities a regular architect should strive for, and also, what clients and communities can do to encourage better and timeless designs in cities and towns across the U.S.? Mr. Goldberger touched upon the dichotomy that architects face: they intuitively wish to design a great, or good, structure, but they must also be business people, responding to clients and communities, and also responsible for a business and employees. Very few architects in the world have the celebrity to get away with truly artistic or cutting-edge design. I’m wondering whether you could address what design qualities a regular architect should strive for, and also, what clients and communities can do to encourage better and timeless designs in cities and towns across the U.S.?

]]> By: david Kohn http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/why-we-need-architecture/comment-page-1#comment-33284 david Kohn Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:46:03 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15540#comment-33284 Blend the earth with buildings? Check out Hundertwasser. Blend the earth with buildings? Check out Hundertwasser.

]]> By: Joe DiPasquale http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/why-we-need-architecture/comment-page-1#comment-33283 Joe DiPasquale Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:44:06 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15540#comment-33283 I live in Buffalo NY. We are known for our architecture. There was recently a large museum project. Gwathney-Seagal designed a very large musuem, The Burchfield Penny, on a landscape desigened by Olmsted with a large phychiatric institution designed by Richardson. Olmsted and Richardson collaborated on this project. Why wasn't there any critisism from the national/international architecture community about this? I live in Buffalo NY. We are known for our architecture. There was recently a large museum project. Gwathney-Seagal designed a very large musuem, The Burchfield Penny, on a landscape desigened by Olmsted with a large phychiatric institution designed by Richardson. Olmsted and Richardson collaborated on this project. Why wasn’t there any critisism from the national/international architecture community about this?

]]> By: chris http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/why-we-need-architecture/comment-page-1#comment-33282 chris Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:43:46 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15540#comment-33282 Regarding underground architecture. The mansueto library at Uchicago is a planned underground extension using a sweeping glass dome. http://mansueto.lib.uchicago.edu/ Regarding underground architecture. The mansueto library at Uchicago is a planned underground extension using a sweeping glass dome. http://mansueto.lib.uchicago.edu/

]]> By: Doug Bowker http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/why-we-need-architecture/comment-page-1#comment-33280 Doug Bowker Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:29:55 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15540#comment-33280 I live in New EnglNd and it's sure not for the weather- it's largely for the architecture of living here! The homes have good bones, real character, history and certain respect for craft and for those who live in them. My home is 150 years old and I expect will be for another 150- and not week goes by that I don't appreciate the original designer and builders who made it. I live in New EnglNd and it’s sure not for the weather- it’s largely for the architecture of living here! The homes have good bones, real character, history and certain respect for craft and for those who live in them. My home is 150 years old and I expect will be for another 150- and not week goes by that I don’t appreciate the original designer and builders who made it.

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