Housing and Community Development

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/11/2012-aia-housing-awards_n_1587506.html 

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has selected the 10 recipients of the 2012 Housing Awards. The AIA's Housing Awards Program, now in its 12th year, was established to recognize the best in housing design and promote the importance of good housing as a necessity of life, a sanctuary for the human spirit and a valuable national resource.

CLICK through the slideshow below to view the 2012 recipients:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/11/2012-aia-housing-awards_n_1587506.html 


-------------------------------------------
Ann Harris
The American Institute of Architects
Washington DC
-------------------------------------------

Soapbox rant......

It is no surprise to me that the awards continue to go to the homes that 5% (maybe) of Americans can afford.  We continue to see the disconnect with the general public and housing as architects.  
It is also no surprise that the Huffington Post is the media outlet choice to air such awards.  

I was in the webinar yesterday hosted by the AIA 'myth busting' for the ADA.  One of the myths they claim to try and debunk is that it results in higher costs.  The same can be said and holds true to Green building.  When are we going to be honest with ourselves and admit that it does in fact affect the project costs to do these things.  Ironically all of the homes published as of late 'withhold' the costs of the project.  I also found it humorous that the term 'exterior maintenance free materials' was used for the Luminous Bodies Residence in Indiana.  Not sure which climate a 14-18' high glass wall would be maintenance free, not to mention the energy conundrum it places on the building.  Do we really still believe that a full glass wall can outperform an insulated wall?  

When we look at the green buildings push, how does using double stud wall and super insulation reduce the carbon footprint when we are doubling our consumption of raw materials, and using twice the embodied energy?  

I hate to say it, but these awards and the overall approach and attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of the public is why Architects have the perception we have in the eyes of the middle class.  


-------------------------------------------
Bruce Mohns Jr AIA
WI
-------------------------------------------

We need to look at our current place in time as an opportunity. Energy efficiency/ sustainability is an undeniable problem with our generation. We see the traditionalists using bad forms like the gable roof that can't possibly protect windows from heat gain and single hung windows with the operator at the bottom 1/3 of the wall, which isn't exactly the best ventilator. Then we point these tall windows at the neighbor's house only to cover them up. We see the Modernist Glass Box folks using one of the worst insulators for walls and roof systems, not to mention a terrible solution for controlling solar heat gain, also providing forms not conducive to energy efficiency. So now we spend even more money on green gadgets to counterbalance envelopes that are horrible examples for sustainability. Glass boxes are already VERY expensive in and of themselves, so now we add to that cost and cover them with VERY expensive sunshades and we think we're fooling the public? No one can afford this, especially when the bank's appraiser is comparing you to Joe Schmo's builder box when determining your loan amount. I don't know if anyone has been paying attention, but appraisers have been undervaluing our houses (beyond the foreclosure crash) over the last year or two, labor cost have gone up, and the cost of materials has gone up. Where does this leave the average homeowner? Browsing online PLAN BOOKS instead of hiring Architects, that's where. I hear regular every day people laugh as we try to pass these forms off as energy efficient. It makes us look like snake oil salesmen when trying to sell Sustainability at a time like this. They know they can't obtain these "looks" and they're seeing 80% aesthetic, 20% Sustainability effort, which = $$$$$. We look like we don't know what we're doing when we celebrate this kind of stuff as Green.

Why can't we make beautiful envelopes that "look" like they "work". You know, Form Following Function? Let's face it, we're still stuck on the aesthetics of the past whether it be the ghost of Modern Past or Traditionalist Past. People like things that are familiar when the current choices are $ unobtainable $ or just not resonating. There's a reason our current "modernism" isn't catching on. We can do a better job pleasing the people instead of ourselves! This is an opportunity to create the next generation of aesthetics. The American Arts & Crafts Movement brought us the first two design styles completely indigenous to the American continent that bucked the old traditions of Greek columns and Old European design. First there was the Prairie Style and shortly on the heels, the Craftsman Style. Modernism as we know it in America wouldn't have been possible had Neutra and Schindler not come to America to work for Wright. Something lost it's resonance with the public as the styles evolved, yet Craftsman still sticks. There is something about the warmth and coziness that our spaces have lost that make people feel like they're at home. It's like we're asking people to live in Banks, Libraries, or Offices, not houses. We need a new movement for our generation/ challenges that bucks the worn out stylistic-ness we've become slaves to.

By the way (yes, I actually typed the words), I do love the way these award winning projects look and I'm sure they are wonderful spaces for people like us, but did you read the responses after the article? Can we say "OUT OF TOUCH WITH THE GENERAL PUBLIC"? We need to do something about this and not just ignore it or we will destroy our profession. Yes, these bloggers are probably going to complain about everything they read or see, but I think there is some hard truth in those words and unfortunately we're living in a world of isolation and denial.

-------------------------------------------
Eric Rawlings AIA
Owner
Rawlings Design, Inc.
Decatur GA
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 06-14-2012 10:41
From: Bruce Mohns
Subject: AIA Housing Awards in the Huffington Post!

Soapbox rant......

It is no surprise to me that the awards continue to go to the homes that 5% (maybe) of Americans can afford.  We continue to see the disconnect with the general public and housing as architects.  
It is also no surprise that the Huffington Post is the media outlet choice to air such awards.  

I was in the webinar yesterday hosted by the AIA 'myth busting' for the ADA.  One of the myths they claim to try and debunk is that it results in higher costs.  The same can be said and holds true to Green building.  When are we going to be honest with ourselves and admit that it does in fact affect the project costs to do these things.  Ironically all of the homes published as of late 'withhold' the costs of the project.  I also found it humorous that the term 'exterior maintenance free materials' was used for the Luminous Bodies Residence in Indiana.  Not sure which climate a 14-18' high glass wall would be maintenance free, not to mention the energy conundrum it places on the building.  Do we really still believe that a full glass wall can outperform an insulated wall?  

When we look at the green buildings push, how does using double stud wall and super insulation reduce the carbon footprint when we are doubling our consumption of raw materials, and using twice the embodied energy?  

I hate to say it, but these awards and the overall approach and attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of the public is why Architects have the perception we have in the eyes of the middle class.  


-------------------------------------------
Bruce Mohns Jr AIA
WI
-------------------------------------------

Hello HKC Architects,
Eric is correct and I agree.  I too, appreciate the modern white glass boxes winning awards, because I used to design them as well.  Very spiffy.  However, as Mr. Rawlings so aptly pointed out, they should hardly be held up as Sustainable or as great examples of Green or Energy Efficiency.  They are what we would call "nice Space Boxes" in graduate school, so long ago.  My suggestion is that the AIA (Ann Harris: are you reading this...) select their award juries from us architects out here in the trenches struggling to earn a living in this challenging economy.  Then you would start to see homes winning awards with deep overhangs to protect all that glass, thicker and better insulation used in a value-engineered manner, materials that do last longer and with lower maintenance, roofs that are designed and detailed not to leak (and while we are on the subject: does anyone but me actually provide plenty of details showing how to properly use flashings and flashing tape (of the proper type) to correctly seal window and door rough openings from the face of the framing into and through the interior face: sill, jambs & head and Not depend on the windows to never leak?), but perhaps those real-world issues are too mundane to excite much interest.  At any rate, I would think that we would see a basic shift from the Modernist School (at least in award issues of magazines) to a Real World Environment were we humble guys & gals to become the jurors of our peers' efforts.  Here's the question: to whom do we address this suggestion at the AIA?  That is, if others of you in this HKC agree.  If so, please indicate that here, and maybe someone in the AIA hierarchy will take notice.  And would you agree to serve as a juror?  I would deem it an honor.  Let's see if we can take this HKC from Rant status to one of implementing change for the better, if possible.  For lack of a better term, let's temporarily call this suggestion: HOUSING AWARD JURIES TO BE CHOSEN FROM THE RANK & FILE OF AIA MEMBERS ON THE HKC.

-------------------------------------------
Rand Soellner AIA
Architect/Owner/Principal
Rand Soellner Architect
Cashiers NC
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 06-15-2012 08:53
From: Eric Rawlings
Subject: AIA Housing Awards in the Huffington Post!

We need to look at our current place in time as an opportunity. Energy efficiency/ sustainability is an undeniable problem with our generation. We see the traditionalists using bad forms like the gable roof that can't possibly protect windows from heat gain and single hung windows with the operator at the bottom 1/3 of the wall, which isn't exactly the best ventilator. Then we point these tall windows at the neighbor's house only to cover them up. We see the Modernist Glass Box folks using one of the worst insulators for walls and roof systems, not to mention a terrible solution for controlling solar heat gain, also providing forms not conducive to energy efficiency. So now we spend even more money on green gadgets to counterbalance envelopes that are horrible examples for sustainability. Glass boxes are already VERY expensive in and of themselves, so now we add to that cost and cover them with VERY expensive sunshades and we think we're fooling the public? No one can afford this, especially when the bank's appraiser is comparing you to Joe Schmo's builder box when determining your loan amount. I don't know if anyone has been paying attention, but appraisers have been undervaluing our houses (beyond the foreclosure crash) over the last year or two, labor cost have gone up, and the cost of materials has gone up. Where does this leave the average homeowner? Browsing online PLAN BOOKS instead of hiring Architects, that's where. I hear regular every day people laugh as we try to pass these forms off as energy efficient. It makes us look like snake oil salesmen when trying to sell Sustainability at a time like this. They know they can't obtain these "looks" and they're seeing 80% aesthetic, 20% Sustainability effort, which = $$$$$. We look like we don't know what we're doing when we celebrate this kind of stuff as Green.

Why can't we make beautiful envelopes that "look" like they "work". You know, Form Following Function? Let's face it, we're still stuck on the aesthetics of the past whether it be the ghost of Modern Past or Traditionalist Past. People like things that are familiar when the current choices are $ unobtainable $ or just not resonating. There's a reason our current "modernism" isn't catching on. We can do a better job pleasing the people instead of ourselves! This is an opportunity to create the next generation of aesthetics. The American Arts & Crafts Movement brought us the first two design styles completely indigenous to the American continent that bucked the old traditions of Greek columns and Old European design. First there was the Prairie Style and shortly on the heels, the Craftsman Style. Modernism as we know it in America wouldn't have been possible had Neutra and Schindler not come to America to work for Wright. Something lost it's resonance with the public as the styles evolved, yet Craftsman still sticks. There is something about the warmth and coziness that our spaces have lost that make people feel like they're at home. It's like we're asking people to live in Banks, Libraries, or Offices, not houses. We need a new movement for our generation/ challenges that bucks the worn out stylistic-ness we've become slaves to.

By the way (yes, I actually typed the words), I do love the way these award winning projects look and I'm sure they are wonderful spaces for people like us, but did you read the responses after the article? Can we say "OUT OF TOUCH WITH THE GENERAL PUBLIC"? We need to do something about this and not just ignore it or we will destroy our profession. Yes, these bloggers are probably going to complain about everything they read or see, but I think there is some hard truth in those words and unfortunately we're living in a world of isolation and denial.

-------------------------------------------
Eric Rawlings AIA
Owner
Rawlings Design, Inc.
Decatur GA
-------------------------------------------

Ouch, consider the messenger shot :(

The Huffington Post article was shared as an FYI, proof of the publicity efforts of our great AIA Media Relations staff. I'm a new AIA staffer on the Knowledge Communities team. I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with the ins & outs of jury selection and have no say in the awards process.

If you send an email to the Housing KC Advisory Group, perhaps you can volunteer yourself for the next jury selection or at least inquire into the process? That email address is Housing@aia.org.

I'm sorry I can't be more helpful. Let me know if there's anything else I can do.

Best,
Ann H.

-------------------------------------------
Ann Harris
Specialist, Knowledge Outreach
The American Institute of Architects
Washington DC
-------------------------------------------

Ann, thank you for your service.  Not trying to shoot any messenger here; just trying to get to the right party to try to initiate constructive change.  Welcome to the AIA and Thank You very much for the e-mail address.  You know, it might be helpful to see more of these e-mail addresses of the parties affiliated with our HKC, so those of us not in the Washington AIA know who to contact to try to bring about improvements in things we notice. 

In that regard, this is the e-mail I just sent to the e-mail address you provided:
---------------------------------------------------------

6-19-2012

Re: Juries for AIA Housing Awards
Hello AIA Housing KC,

 If you've been reading the entries in the HKC lately, you will notice a dissatisfaction with the type of housing receiving AIA design awards these days.  The suggestion has been made that perhaps if the judges for the AIA housing yearly design awards were to come from the rank and file of actual AIA architects out in the trenches, trying to earn a living, trying to make their homes more energy efficient and working with real world clients (not just for mega millionaires, although we certainly appreciate those) that the results of the awards might be more reflective of the direction those of us in the HKC would like to see AIA public recognition programs take. 

 There has been a noticeable backlash against pristine white box, flat roof, nearly all-glass International Style Modernist houses, which are hardly responsive to the new Green/ Sustainable initiatives that the AIA promotes.  Nor do these white boxes respond to low maintenance, which all of my clients certainly have requested.  Our point is that if the judges for these yearly programs were to come from real world architects slugging it out daily, working for real clients (not just the top 1% of the Country), that the award results might more accurately reflect a direction in housing design that is more aligned with the reality of most residential architect's practice.

 Those of us out here in the real world (not in some ivory tower), have to deal with real issues for real people, while trying to elevate the state of the art in architecture in the residential context.  We do not believe that what is receiving awards (while quite nice in a Modernist context) is representative of what is really happening for most residential architects across America.  We feel that what is being presented ends up framing AIA members as dilettantes, designing for a privileged few, in pretty glass boxes that are so out of touch with the realities of most homeowners as to place us out of reach and not even in the ballpark, when they consider whether or not to use an architect to design their homes.  That does not help the majority of residential architects in the AIA.  In fact, it hurts us.  Because we do not normally create white, flat roofed boxes and the public doesn't know this; they just hear "AIA" and "architect" and think "White Box," which most of them do not want, and we are dead. 

 We really need to alter the perception of housing architects in the USA.  Our livelihoods depend on it.  Making awards more in line with reality could help.  People might say: "Oh!  Here's an AIA award for a house that actually looks like a house!  I'd like to live in something like that!"  That is the reaction for which we hope.

 

 Rand Soellner, AIA/NCARB

-------------------------------------------
Rand Soellner AIA
Architect/Owner/Principal
Rand Soellner Architect
Cashiers NC
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 06-18-2012 13:02
From: Ann Harris
Subject: AIA Housing Awards in the Huffington Post!

Ouch, consider the messenger shot :(

The Huffington Post article was shared as an FYI, proof of the publicity efforts of our great AIA Media Relations staff. I'm a new AIA staffer on the Knowledge Communities team. I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with the ins & outs of jury selection and have no say in the awards process.

If you send an email to the Housing KC Advisory Group, perhaps you can volunteer yourself for the next jury selection or at least inquire into the process? That email address is Housing@aia.org.

I'm sorry I can't be more helpful. Let me know if there's anything else I can do.

Best,
Ann H.

-------------------------------------------
Ann Harris
Specialist, Knowledge Outreach
The American Institute of Architects
Washington DC
-------------------------------------------

I think the messenger should be commended!

-------------------------------------------
Eric Rawlings AIA
Owner
Rawlings Design, Inc.
Decatur GA
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 06-18-2012 13:02
From: Ann Harris
Subject: AIA Housing Awards in the Huffington Post!

Ouch, consider the messenger shot :(

The Huffington Post article was shared as an FYI, proof of the publicity efforts of our great AIA Media Relations staff. I'm a new AIA staffer on the Knowledge Communities team. I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with the ins & outs of jury selection and have no say in the awards process.

If you send an email to the Housing KC Advisory Group, perhaps you can volunteer yourself for the next jury selection or at least inquire into the process? That email address is Housing@aia.org.

I'm sorry I can't be more helpful. Let me know if there's anything else I can do.

Best,
Ann H.

-------------------------------------------
Ann Harris
Specialist, Knowledge Outreach
The American Institute of Architects
Washington DC
-------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------
Perry Cofield AIA
Design Ways & Means Architects
Arlington VA
-------------------------------------------
Rand is right-on.  It is about whether architects working in period styles (other than modern), or a synthesis therof, will be recognized- we all know the public likes this work.  I would also make a statement of energy expenditure a requirement.   This is not to eliminate all the glass houses- just the environmentally irresponsible ones.  As I have commented on another occasions, the cutting edge visuals are cutting our throat- let's get to the meat of the coconut!






Original Message:
Sent: 06-18-2012 09:34
From: Rand Soellner
Subject: AIA Housing Awards in the Huffington Post!

Hello HKC Architects,
Eric is correct and I agree.  I too, appreciate the modern white glass boxes winning awards, because I used to design them as well.  Very spiffy.  However, as Mr. Rawlings so aptly pointed out, they should hardly be held up as Sustainable or as great examples of Green or Energy Efficiency.  They are what we would call "nice Space Boxes" in graduate school, so long ago.  My suggestion is that the AIA (Ann Harris: are you reading this...) select their award juries from us architects out here in the trenches struggling to earn a living in this challenging economy.  Then you would start to see homes winning awards with deep overhangs to protect all that glass, thicker and better insulation used in a value-engineered manner, materials that do last longer and with lower maintenance, roofs that are designed and detailed not to leak (and while we are on the subject: does anyone but me actually provide plenty of details showing how to properly use flashings and flashing tape (of the proper type) to correctly seal window and door rough openings from the face of the framing into and through the interior face: sill, jambs & head and Not depend on the windows to never leak?), but perhaps those real-world issues are too mundane to excite much interest.  At any rate, I would think that we would see a basic shift from the Modernist School (at least in award issues of magazines) to a Real World Environment were we humble guys & gals to become the jurors of our peers' efforts.  Here's the question: to whom do we address this suggestion at the AIA?  That is, if others of you in this HKC agree.  If so, please indicate that here, and maybe someone in the AIA hierarchy will take notice.  And would you agree to serve as a juror?  I would deem it an honor.  Let's see if we can take this HKC from Rant status to one of implementing change for the better, if possible.  For lack of a better term, let's temporarily call this suggestion: HOUSING AWARD JURIES TO BE CHOSEN FROM THE RANK & FILE OF AIA MEMBERS ON THE HKC.

-------------------------------------------
Rand Soellner AIA
Architect/Owner/Principal
Rand Soellner Architect
Cashiers NC
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 06-15-2012 08:53
From: Eric Rawlings
Subject: AIA Housing Awards in the Huffington Post!

We need to look at our current place in time as an opportunity. Energy efficiency/ sustainability is an undeniable problem with our generation. We see the traditionalists using bad forms like the gable roof that can't possibly protect windows from heat gain and single hung windows with the operator at the bottom 1/3 of the wall, which isn't exactly the best ventilator. Then we point these tall windows at the neighbor's house only to cover them up. We see the Modernist Glass Box folks using one of the worst insulators for walls and roof systems, not to mention a terrible solution for controlling solar heat gain, also providing forms not conducive to energy efficiency. So now we spend even more money on green gadgets to counterbalance envelopes that are horrible examples for sustainability. Glass boxes are already VERY expensive in and of themselves, so now we add to that cost and cover them with VERY expensive sunshades and we think we're fooling the public? No one can afford this, especially when the bank's appraiser is comparing you to Joe Schmo's builder box when determining your loan amount. I don't know if anyone has been paying attention, but appraisers have been undervaluing our houses (beyond the foreclosure crash) over the last year or two, labor cost have gone up, and the cost of materials has gone up. Where does this leave the average homeowner? Browsing online PLAN BOOKS instead of hiring Architects, that's where. I hear regular every day people laugh as we try to pass these forms off as energy efficient. It makes us look like snake oil salesmen when trying to sell Sustainability at a time like this. They know they can't obtain these "looks" and they're seeing 80% aesthetic, 20% Sustainability effort, which = $$$$$. We look like we don't know what we're doing when we celebrate this kind of stuff as Green.

Why can't we make beautiful envelopes that "look" like they "work". You know, Form Following Function? Let's face it, we're still stuck on the aesthetics of the past whether it be the ghost of Modern Past or Traditionalist Past. People like things that are familiar when the current choices are $ unobtainable $ or just not resonating. There's a reason our current "modernism" isn't catching on. We can do a better job pleasing the people instead of ourselves! This is an opportunity to create the next generation of aesthetics. The American Arts & Crafts Movement brought us the first two design styles completely indigenous to the American continent that bucked the old traditions of Greek columns and Old European design. First there was the Prairie Style and shortly on the heels, the Craftsman Style. Modernism as we know it in America wouldn't have been possible had Neutra and Schindler not come to America to work for Wright. Something lost it's resonance with the public as the styles evolved, yet Craftsman still sticks. There is something about the warmth and coziness that our spaces have lost that make people feel like they're at home. It's like we're asking people to live in Banks, Libraries, or Offices, not houses. We need a new movement for our generation/ challenges that bucks the worn out stylistic-ness we've become slaves to.

By the way (yes, I actually typed the words), I do love the way these award winning projects look and I'm sure they are wonderful spaces for people like us, but did you read the responses after the article? Can we say "OUT OF TOUCH WITH THE GENERAL PUBLIC"? We need to do something about this and not just ignore it or we will destroy our profession. Yes, these bloggers are probably going to complain about everything they read or see, but I think there is some hard truth in those words and unfortunately we're living in a world of isolation and denial.

-------------------------------------------
Eric Rawlings AIA
Owner
Rawlings Design, Inc.
Decatur GA
-------------------------------------------

I agree! I feel like this is a call to arms in some sense. Would that this could actually change anything!
I understand that the AIA home awards wants eye candy to impress the casual observer from the profession, I presume this is their intended audience. But... we are the AIA, are we not?  Let's herald a cry for change. Let's dream that someone out there in the public realm might be interested in seeing those pictures and let's dream that they might actually be interested in reading how new ideas in residential architecture could actually be of benefit to them. If we believe this is possible then we have our work cut out for us.  I think Eric is absolutely right when he says that sustainability is the challenge of our generation and that we must embrace the opportunity.  In 1998 I designed and built a spec home in the Oakland Hills for $120/sq.ft.(not including my time). It has green roofs on 2 levels, radiant slab heating in lightweight concrete floors, post & beam framing w/ glu-lams, lots of glass w/ deep overhangs, cable lighting. In short, a very modern and very green (for it's time) house that was very easy, cheap & quick to build. It sold in two weeks but I couldn't get it published.
I would also be honored to be on the jury. Our clientele is screaming for creative solutions to a myriad of problems and I really don't think that aesthetic deprivation is one of them. 

-------------------------------------------
A. Atkinson
A. Gordon Atkinson, Architect
San Francisco CA
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 06-18-2012 09:34
From: Rand Soellner
Subject: AIA Housing Awards in the Huffington Post!

Hello HKC Architects,
Eric is correct and I agree.  I too, appreciate the modern white glass boxes winning awards, because I used to design them as well.  Very spiffy.  However, as Mr. Rawlings so aptly pointed out, they should hardly be held up as Sustainable or as great examples of Green or Energy Efficiency.  They are what we would call "nice Space Boxes" in graduate school, so long ago.  My suggestion is that the AIA (Ann Harris: are you reading this...) select their award juries from us architects out here in the trenches struggling to earn a living in this challenging economy.  Then you would start to see homes winning awards with deep overhangs to protect all that glass, thicker and better insulation used in a value-engineered manner, materials that do last longer and with lower maintenance, roofs that are designed and detailed not to leak (and while we are on the subject: does anyone but me actually provide plenty of details showing how to properly use flashings and flashing tape (of the proper type) to correctly seal window and door rough openings from the face of the framing into and through the interior face: sill, jambs & head and Not depend on the windows to never leak?), but perhaps those real-world issues are too mundane to excite much interest.  At any rate, I would think that we would see a basic shift from the Modernist School (at least in award issues of magazines) to a Real World Environment were we humble guys & gals to become the jurors of our peers' efforts.  Here's the question: to whom do we address this suggestion at the AIA?  That is, if others of you in this HKC agree.  If so, please indicate that here, and maybe someone in the AIA hierarchy will take notice.  And would you agree to serve as a juror?  I would deem it an honor.  Let's see if we can take this HKC from Rant status to one of implementing change for the better, if possible.  For lack of a better term, let's temporarily call this suggestion: HOUSING AWARD JURIES TO BE CHOSEN FROM THE RANK & FILE OF AIA MEMBERS ON THE HKC.

-------------------------------------------
Rand Soellner AIA
Architect/Owner/Principal
Rand Soellner Architect
Cashiers NC
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 06-15-2012 08:53
From: Eric Rawlings
Subject: AIA Housing Awards in the Huffington Post!

We need to look at our current place in time as an opportunity. Energy efficiency/ sustainability is an undeniable problem with our generation. We see the traditionalists using bad forms like the gable roof that can't possibly protect windows from heat gain and single hung windows with the operator at the bottom 1/3 of the wall, which isn't exactly the best ventilator. Then we point these tall windows at the neighbor's house only to cover them up. We see the Modernist Glass Box folks using one of the worst insulators for walls and roof systems, not to mention a terrible solution for controlling solar heat gain, also providing forms not conducive to energy efficiency. So now we spend even more money on green gadgets to counterbalance envelopes that are horrible examples for sustainability. Glass boxes are already VERY expensive in and of themselves, so now we add to that cost and cover them with VERY expensive sunshades and we think we're fooling the public? No one can afford this, especially when the bank's appraiser is comparing you to Joe Schmo's builder box when determining your loan amount. I don't know if anyone has been paying attention, but appraisers have been undervaluing our houses (beyond the foreclosure crash) over the last year or two, labor cost have gone up, and the cost of materials has gone up. Where does this leave the average homeowner? Browsing online PLAN BOOKS instead of hiring Architects, that's where. I hear regular every day people laugh as we try to pass these forms off as energy efficient. It makes us look like snake oil salesmen when trying to sell Sustainability at a time like this. They know they can't obtain these "looks" and they're seeing 80% aesthetic, 20% Sustainability effort, which = $$$$$. We look like we don't know what we're doing when we celebrate this kind of stuff as Green.

Why can't we make beautiful envelopes that "look" like they "work". You know, Form Following Function? Let's face it, we're still stuck on the aesthetics of the past whether it be the ghost of Modern Past or Traditionalist Past. People like things that are familiar when the current choices are $ unobtainable $ or just not resonating. There's a reason our current "modernism" isn't catching on. We can do a better job pleasing the people instead of ourselves! This is an opportunity to create the next generation of aesthetics. The American Arts & Crafts Movement brought us the first two design styles completely indigenous to the American continent that bucked the old traditions of Greek columns and Old European design. First there was the Prairie Style and shortly on the heels, the Craftsman Style. Modernism as we know it in America wouldn't have been possible had Neutra and Schindler not come to America to work for Wright. Something lost it's resonance with the public as the styles evolved, yet Craftsman still sticks. There is something about the warmth and coziness that our spaces have lost that make people feel like they're at home. It's like we're asking people to live in Banks, Libraries, or Offices, not houses. We need a new movement for our generation/ challenges that bucks the worn out stylistic-ness we've become slaves to.

By the way (yes, I actually typed the words), I do love the way these award winning projects look and I'm sure they are wonderful spaces for people like us, but did you read the responses after the article? Can we say "OUT OF TOUCH WITH THE GENERAL PUBLIC"? We need to do something about this and not just ignore it or we will destroy our profession. Yes, these bloggers are probably going to complain about everything they read or see, but I think there is some hard truth in those words and unfortunately we're living in a world of isolation and denial.

-------------------------------------------
Eric Rawlings AIA
Owner
Rawlings Design, Inc.
Decatur GA
-------------------------------------------

Great comments, Eric. I would like to take a stab at adding my two cents to the question: "Why can't we make beautiful envelopes that 'look' like they 'work'. You know, Form Following Function?"

I believe that "we" (meaning: conscientious architects) can do that. However, "we" have two hurdles to jump. First, "we" tend to admire and emulate forms that are alien to the actual "functions" of a home, the most important of which for most homeowners may be to instill a sense of familiarity, respite and comfort. Despite what we read in the architectural press, most people are not interested in living in either a "green box" or a "moderne box". They are interested in projecting to others and having projected to them an image that carries the feeling of "home", of being sheltered emotionally as much as physically. Yes, a home is a machine for living in, but looking like a machine excludes the emotional part of "living". Second, because of "our" collective fixation on architectural fads (some of which are nearly a century old and still going), the only affordable alternative for a homeowner with a modest income is cookie-cutter production housing that at least pays lip service to their aspirations of respite, comfort and familiarity. So our competition for work is not other "green box/moderne box" architects, but the non-architects who can produce cheap, mediocre housing that at least feels like real people can live in it.

Is it dishonest or disingenuous to create a "traditional-looking" structure in the 21st century for a family that feels comforted and sheltered by such an aesthetic? Not really; most of our most current, common, affordable construction technologies haven't changed since the time when those "traditional" styles were new, making them emotionally true to the inhabitants and technologically true to the construction methods.

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Sean Catherall, AIA
Herriman UT
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-15-2012 08:53
From: Eric Rawlings
Subject: AIA Housing Awards in the Huffington Post!

We need to look at our current place in time as an opportunity. Energy efficiency/ sustainability is an undeniable problem with our generation. We see the traditionalists using bad forms like the gable roof that can't possibly protect windows from heat gain and single hung windows with the operator at the bottom 1/3 of the wall, which isn't exactly the best ventilator. Then we point these tall windows at the neighbor's house only to cover them up. We see the Modernist Glass Box folks using one of the worst insulators for walls and roof systems, not to mention a terrible solution for controlling solar heat gain, also providing forms not conducive to energy efficiency. So now we spend even more money on green gadgets to counterbalance envelopes that are horrible examples for sustainability. Glass boxes are already VERY expensive in and of themselves, so now we add to that cost and cover them with VERY expensive sunshades and we think we're fooling the public? No one can afford this, especially when the bank's appraiser is comparing you to Joe Schmo's builder box when determining your loan amount. I don't know if anyone has been paying attention, but appraisers have been undervaluing our houses (beyond the foreclosure crash) over the last year or two, labor cost have gone up, and the cost of materials has gone up. Where does this leave the average homeowner? Browsing online PLAN BOOKS instead of hiring Architects, that's where. I hear regular every day people laugh as we try to pass these forms off as energy efficient. It makes us look like snake oil salesmen when trying to sell Sustainability at a time like this. They know they can't obtain these "looks" and they're seeing 80% aesthetic, 20% Sustainability effort, which = $$$$$. We look like we don't know what we're doing when we celebrate this kind of stuff as Green.

Why can't we make beautiful envelopes that "look" like they "work". You know, Form Following Function? Let's face it, we're still stuck on the aesthetics of the past whether it be the ghost of Modern Past or Traditionalist Past. People like things that are familiar when the current choices are $ unobtainable $ or just not resonating. There's a reason our current "modernism" isn't catching on. We can do a better job pleasing the people instead of ourselves! This is an opportunity to create the next generation of aesthetics. The American Arts & Crafts Movement brought us the first two design styles completely indigenous to the American continent that bucked the old traditions of Greek columns and Old European design. First there was the Prairie Style and shortly on the heels, the Craftsman Style. Modernism as we know it in America wouldn't have been possible had Neutra and Schindler not come to America to work for Wright. Something lost it's resonance with the public as the styles evolved, yet Craftsman still sticks. There is something about the warmth and coziness that our spaces have lost that make people feel like they're at home. It's like we're asking people to live in Banks, Libraries, or Offices, not houses. We need a new movement for our generation/ challenges that bucks the worn out stylistic-ness we've become slaves to.

By the way (yes, I actually typed the words), I do love the way these award winning projects look and I'm sure they are wonderful spaces for people like us, but did you read the responses after the article? Can we say "OUT OF TOUCH WITH THE GENERAL PUBLIC"? We need to do something about this and not just ignore it or we will destroy our profession. Yes, these bloggers are probably going to complain about everything they read or see, but I think there is some hard truth in those words and unfortunately we're living in a world of isolation and denial.

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Eric Rawlings AIA
Owner
Rawlings Design, Inc.
Decatur GA
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Just another example of the issues we are facing that support my arguments:
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/06/14/california-new-energy-efficiency-standards-include-costly-initial-price-tag/?test=latestnews 

I just finished my own basement.  When ready to install my outlets, a great new NEC code requires all outlets in basically every room to be 'tamper proof' as well as Arc fault protected at the Panel.  So my budget for recepts just went up 900%!  Rather than a $0.19 outlet, now I get to spend $2.00 per outlet, and $35.00 for a 20 amp breaker in lieu of $2.95.  As a result, I now have a about 10 dozen plastic outlet plug covers burning a hole in the ozone so my 1 and 3 year olds don't stick their toys in there. Next thing I am sure we will see coming from the legislation, is we will need to install child gates per plan at every stair location.  Rather than teach parenting, we just pay to have our kids protected. It all reminds me off the country song: '19 Somethin'" by Mark Wills.

All of the regulation that has come upon us, has now made it more costly and prohibitive to build. Rather than do it legally, many owners are going rogue and moonlighting their projects, which is why we as Architects are not involved in the projects.  (the owners are afraid we will 'blow the whistle' on them.)

What needs to happen is that the strings of the puppets need to be cut and we need to be able to leave it to the free market to 'regulate' us.  Let the insurance companies tell me if they prefer me to sprinkle my residence.  And let me teach my children not to stick stuff in the electrical socket.  We all seem to be doing okay and didn't have 'tamper proof' stamped across the house plans we grew up in......


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Bruce Mohns Jr 
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-14-2012 10:41
From: Bruce Mohns
Subject: AIA Housing Awards in the Huffington Post!

Soapbox rant......

It is no surprise to me that the awards continue to go to the homes that 5% (maybe) of Americans can afford.  We continue to see the disconnect with the general public and housing as architects.  
It is also no surprise that the Huffington Post is the media outlet choice to air such awards.  

I was in the webinar yesterday hosted by the AIA 'myth busting' for the ADA.  One of the myths they claim to try and debunk is that it results in higher costs.  The same can be said and holds true to Green building.  When are we going to be honest with ourselves and admit that it does in fact affect the project costs to do these things.  Ironically all of the homes published as of late 'withhold' the costs of the project.  I also found it humorous that the term 'exterior maintenance free materials' was used for the Luminous Bodies Residence in Indiana.  Not sure which climate a 14-18' high glass wall would be maintenance free, not to mention the energy conundrum it places on the building.  Do we really still believe that a full glass wall can outperform an insulated wall?  

When we look at the green buildings push, how does using double stud wall and super insulation reduce the carbon footprint when we are doubling our consumption of raw materials, and using twice the embodied energy?  

I hate to say it, but these awards and the overall approach and attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of the public is why Architects have the perception we have in the eyes of the middle class.  


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Bruce Mohns Jr AIA
WI
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If you go to the Huffington article and read the public comments about these award winning houses, they tend to run about ten to one negative. Of course there's the occasional snooty comment that derides the ignorant masses for wanting "romantic" style homes.

And we wonder why we're not even part of the picture in housing?


Jeff Messick
President
HMA Architects
Lawrence KS



Original Message:
Sent: 06-14-2012 10:41
From: Bruce Mohns
Subject: AIA Housing Awards in the Huffington Post!

Soapbox rant......

It is no surprise to me that the awards continue to go to the homes that 5% (maybe) of Americans can afford.  We continue to see the disconnect with the general public and housing as architects.  
It is also no surprise that the Huffington Post is the media outlet choice to air such awards.  

I was in the webinar yesterday hosted by the AIA 'myth busting' for the ADA.  One of the myths they claim to try and debunk is that it results in higher costs.  The same can be said and holds true to Green building.  When are we going to be honest with ourselves and admit that it does in fact affect the project costs to do these things.  Ironically all of the homes published as of late 'withhold' the costs of the project.  I also found it humorous that the term 'exterior maintenance free materials' was used for the Luminous Bodies Residence in Indiana.  Not sure which climate a 14-18' high glass wall would be maintenance free, not to mention the energy conundrum it places on the building.  Do we really still believe that a full glass wall can outperform an insulated wall?  

When we look at the green buildings push, how does using double stud wall and super insulation reduce the carbon footprint when we are doubling our consumption of raw materials, and using twice the embodied energy?  

I hate to say it, but these awards and the overall approach and attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of the public is why Architects have the perception we have in the eyes of the middle class.  


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Bruce Mohns Jr AIA
WI
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I have been reading the discussions regarding the AIA Housing Awards with great interest as it was on my watch as AIA Housing Committee chair that the awards program was introduced. It was at the time a collaboration with then Architectural Record editor Robert Ivy who now heads the organization. The main reason for establishing this award program was to give residential architects who's primary focus was merchant built housing, that is, the housing stock which the other 95% of the folks live in, a venue to have their day in the sun. At the time the Record Houses issue of Architectural Record did a fine job recognizing the one of a kind modern works of art that all of you are correct in noticing the awards program consistently features as of late. This was not the intent. Not taking anything away from the award winners, the work is outstanding in deed, but yet it is not what the awards were meant to do.

Production housing in the US has been long considered a stepchild within the AIA community and with good reason. Most national production builders are less concerned with the aesthetic and more focused on cost and function. This is the main reason we wanted to create a program that would celebrate the projects that within the framework of the developer mentality, were able to rise above the ordinary and exemplify what a great residential practitioner can do with a realistic budget, standard detailing and materials, and a lot of creativity. Unfortunately, when architects get together as judges and review each year's submissions the above guideline is forgotten and they connect to their own design sensibilities and award the projects that all the complaining seems to focus on. The blame is not with the judges, but with the direction and guidance they are given. Hopefully as a result of all the backlash we can get back to the main goals of the program. In order for architects to be relevant to the clients who employ us, we need to showcase good examples of what regular homeowners want their homes to be. There will always be a place for the one of a kind artwork houses, and there is no shortage of venues to celebrate those. The AIA Housing awards was intended to celebrate great design for merchant built housing. That was my objective when I fought for the program initially, and it seems that there is still a need for it.
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Mike Rosen AIA LEED AP ND
The Martin Architectural Group, PC
Philadelphia PA
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