Committee on Design

 View Only

  • 1.  Record Houses 2011

    Posted 04-13-2011 02:15 AM
    This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Residential Knowledge Community and Committee on Design .
    -------------------------------------------
    I just received my "last" copy of Architectural Record - Record Houses 2011.  I was not surprised to see the usual collection of beautifully crafted sculptural forms intended to inspire us as artists to consider new and alternate forms for living.  Then I looked again and thought again about the houses presented here.  None are actually livable, affordable, meet the UBC, support environmental concerns, or could ever get approved by a local US city's Planning Commission.  Then I thought, "What message is Architectural Record sending architects and the public about the meaning and value of architecture and architects?

    If we seriously want to begin the process of explaining to the public, the lenders, the appraisers and future home owners that architects make a difference, I suggest that we begin by asking, no demanding, that our media get real.  This is the biggest housing depression in the history of the profession, and we receive a slick magazine that is supposed to tout the best that architecture has offered for 2011.  There is not a single example that I could show a client (if I had any clients) and suggest that they consider a form, material or detail for their own project.

    I see holes in the ground (actually in a green roof) without safety railings, windowless rooms, glass-enclosed spaces that could never meet energy requirements, non-euclidian spaces that cost a fortune, questionable floor plans with no furnishings, excessive wasted circulation spaces, impractical finishes (what would a white, trimless roof look like after the first rain?), and unlimited budget items.  Anyone consider the LEED ratings for these "winners"?  Anyone consider the social impact of the businesses that earned the money that built these housing "sculptures"? 

    I suggest that each member of this forum take the time to look at Record Houses 2011, look past the usual presentation of beautiful photographs (always with no people in them? - strange) look at the message behind the presentation and write the editors of Architectural Record.  Tell them your reaction to their latest showpiece, and just exactly how it fits into the status of your own personal practice during hard times.  Then, if you'd like more, repeat this process for Architectural Digest and other over-hyped shelter magazines.  It's time that the editors rethink their visions and begin to reflect the reality of the times.    



    -------------------------------------------
    David Ludwig
    San Anselmo CA
    -------------------------------------------


  • 2.  RE:Record Houses 2011

    Posted 04-13-2011 03:35 PM
    We should also send those remarks to the AIA's new magazine, "Architect" in case editors there plan on presenting us an annual cream of the crop, as well.


    -------------------------------------------
    Volker Mueller Assoc. AIA
    Research Director
    Bentley Systems, Incorporated
    Chapel Hill NC
    -------------------------------------------








  • 3.  RE:Record Houses 2011

    Posted 04-14-2011 08:34 AM

    I remember as a student and after graduating from architecture school in the early 80's literately consuming the Record House Edition every April. I was surprised that the people that I worked with were somewhat indifferent to the issue. Now after more than 25 years in practice I find the Record House Issue irrelevant. I'll probably spend more time typing this response that  looking at the magazine.
    -------------------------------------------
    Robert Moore AIA
    Robert E. Moore Architect
    Monroe NC
    -------------------------------------------








  • 4.  RE:Record Houses 2011

    Posted 04-14-2011 10:29 AM
    So called "Record Houses" have basically looked the same for 30 years. Pick up an issue from the 1980s and you'll see houses that pretty much look the same. Notice how they're not called "homes"? Which magazines do my clients pick up when searching for inspiration to paste into their idea book? Sunset, Home and Garden, HomeStyle, Better Homes and Gardens, Home & Design, Home, Southern Living, etc. The reason they are so popular is because people--my clients--like what they see in them. I've heard many architects talk about how they would love to design a contemporary home for a client. Maybe most are secretly hoping it will show up on the pages of Architectural Record, but few actually get a real opportunity because real people who plan to conduct their everyday lives in their homes ever find these desireable.

    -------------------------------------------
    David Clarke AIA, Senior Architect
    Williams Design Group, Inc.
    President-Elect, AIA New Mexico Southern Chapter
    Las Cruces NM
    -------------------------------------------








  • 5.  RE:Record Houses 2011

    Posted 04-14-2011 07:19 PM
    I, too, am dismayed by the increbile absence of moral responsiblity touted by the editors of that magazine. Unfortunately, the housing issue just lastest of a long line of irresponsible publishing. I was upset when the rag acted as the spokespiece of the AIA, and these latest issues have done nothing to change my view.

    I attempted to send a letter to the editor via email, but his box was full.

    I am thankful that Record is no longer associated with the AIA, and I will NOT be giving Record any money for a subscription.



    -------------------------------------------
    Charles Graham AIA
    Architect
    O'Neal, Inc.
    Greenville SC
    -------------------------------------------