Housing and Community Development

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: CRAN Custom Residential Architects Network and Residential Knowledge Community .
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I have been following the comments on this forum regarding the recent copy of Architectural Record, Record Houses issue. We seem to have a general sense of agreement on some of the issues, but as I continue to ponder it, I posted my thoughts on my blog. I think there needs to be a balance to consider here. http://thinkarchitect.wordpress.com/2011/04/17/house-poor-or-poor-house/

Perhaps this is another way to get the discussion out to a larger audience besides the AIA. Comment if interested and cross reference for all to join in the conversation. Let's not complain to one another, but fashion an articulate argument to the magazine(s) and to the public.

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Lee Calisti AIA
Principal
lee CALISTI architecture+design
Greensburg PA
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Ok, I am still toying with this concept. The comments on the AR website (http://bit.ly/e8PUBN) are fascinating. The emotion and strong opinions are varied. With many visits to my blog posting about it, I followed it up with more thoughts. http://bit.ly/eXDT7u.

Can we liken AR Record Houses to SI Swimsuit Issue? Is AR the Vogue of the architectural world? What is the relevance and appropriateness of only publishing these types of houses? What does this do to our value in the public's perception and does this truly advance the profession?


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Lee Calisti AIA
Principal
lee CALISTI architecture+design
Greensburg PA
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August Caringi AIA
Clinton Township MI
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I like the "SI Swimsuit Issue" analogy. AR Record has always published the "pin-up" of the month and I have to confess they had a great positive effect on me when I was learning about Architecture in college. However it didn't take long for me to discover that most of the world viewed these exceptional architectural creations as interesting but not something they would want to own or reside in. I still remember one of my educator's words of caution " beware of the new, novel and nifty".
I guess there is a place for the AR Record houses because, as an Architect, their selections are great to look at but they are not very useful as practical examples of residential design.
August.



Original Message:
Sent: 04-20-2011 07:48
From: Lee Calisti
Subject: Architectural Record Houses 2011

Ok, I am still toying with this concept. The comments on the AR website (http://bit.ly/e8PUBN) are fascinating. The emotion and strong opinions are varied. With many visits to my blog posting about it, I followed it up with more thoughts. http://bit.ly/eXDT7u.

Can we liken AR Record Houses to SI Swimsuit Issue? Is AR the Vogue of the architectural world? What is the relevance and appropriateness of only publishing these types of houses? What does this do to our value in the public's perception and does this truly advance the profession?


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Lee Calisti AIA
Principal
lee CALISTI architecture+design
Greensburg PA
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I think it's more akin to architectural porn.
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David Clarke AIA, Senior Architect
Williams Design Group, Inc.
President-Elect, AIA New Mexico Southern Chapter.
Las Cruces NM
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-20-2011 07:48
From: Lee Calisti
Subject: Architectural Record Houses 2011

Ok, I am still toying with this concept. The comments on the AR website (http://bit.ly/e8PUBN) are fascinating. The emotion and strong opinions are varied. With many visits to my blog posting about it, I followed it up with more thoughts. http://bit.ly/eXDT7u.

Can we liken AR Record Houses to SI Swimsuit Issue? Is AR the Vogue of the architectural world? What is the relevance and appropriateness of only publishing these types of houses? What does this do to our value in the public's perception and does this truly advance the profession?


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Lee Calisti AIA
Principal
lee CALISTI architecture+design
Greensburg PA
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Interesting point, however the porn industry seems to be flourishing, so what are we doing wrong?