Robert:
I want to add to what you said.
I have previously supported Mr. Hosack's right to publish his thoughts. I hope that it will facilitate a discussion about the substance, not necessarily the style. That being said, as a profession we too often lapse into things we get stereotyped about. I've posted on this in response to presentations made by members of the AIA's Culture Collaborative.
I would suggest that it is better for us, as a profession, to start talking in a language that mere mortals can understand, especially prospective clients. Jargonism makes it very hard for anyone, including fellow architects, to relate to what the heck we're saying.
Second, let's stop navel gazing and realize that, for a large number of us, we depend on others to earn a living. Let's start relating to them. The market is changing, and we need to anticipate what clients are willing to pay for. To do that, I believe we need to understand and use the language they speak, rather than Architectese.
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Walter Hainsfurther FAIA
Kurtz Associates Architects
Des Plaines IL
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-04-2015 11:10
From: Robert Smith
Subject: Goals
Bang. Mr. Ely just hit the nail squarely on the head.
Since my original question, many have replied privately that they are also strongly in "the Emperor has no clothes" camp and have learned to simply hit 'delete' when they notice the author's name. Some suggested that I do the same. One mentioned that they experience a response similar to witnessing a massive pile-up on the freeway - they have a strong desire to slow down and search the tangled mess for any sign of intelligent life - only to be disappointed prior to moving on. I think the latter more accurately describes my previous reactions.
My original underlying concern was based on a fear that this forum might foolishly give credence to such gibberish and similar wording or statements might somehow creep into AIA published position papers. I believe such jargon only serves to convince lay-people that the AIA is out of touch with reality and can not effectively communicate or work with common clients in solving real world problems. As such, I believe it was an appropriate post for the "Goals" topic.
While I totally agree with the comments that the forum should be open to any and all comments, our ultimate goal should always be to communicate clearly to the general public and others.
Now, I will take my own advice and move on.
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Robert Smith AIA
Okemos MI
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-02-2015 17:58
From: Eugene Ely
Subject: Goals
I've posted privately on this topic both to Mr. Hosack and to his supporters and detractors. As a member of the latter category I have to say that the only things we are learning from Mr Hosack is that he has a compulsion bordering on obsession to use arcane jargon that seems to be entirely his own and no one else's. What seems to be an effort to demonstrate intellectual superiority with this jargon, serves only to obfuscate and suggest the exact opposite.
Having said this I cannot argue with those supporting Mr Hosack's right to share his views in this forum. I don't hope that he will continue to do so, but I have learned my lesson. Just say no.
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Eugene Ely AIA, LEED AP
San Jose, CA
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