When the AIA switched from Architectural Record to Architect as its offical publication, Record had to have been concerned that it would become completely irrelevant. I think the editors revealed this concern in the editorial "Domestic Seduction" - stirring the soup a little in hopes spurring controversy. Well, the level of discussion on this issue should put their worries to rest. I am dismayed by the number of comments by individuals who supposedly don't care about the editorial judgements of Architectural Record, but can describe in great detail the houses they find offensive. Personally I look forward to this issue every year. Some years are better than others, but there is usually one or two houses that I find insprational in one way or another. This year is no different. Like Susan Haviland, I find Kengo Kuma and Assoicates' addition to John Black Lee's residence to be remarkable. Both the Studio MK27's Bahia House and Koji Tsutsui's Inbetween House are beautiful studies in materiality (and seem to have all the requisite, code-compliant handrails to make them "real architecture"). The cover house is not my cup of tea, but, oh well, they didn't bat 1000. In my view, they never do. All in all, I think the selections this year are typically inspirational. I am already looking forward to next year's issue. I bet a great number of people who "cancelled their subscription" or "threw Record Houses 2011 in the trash" will be looking at that issue as well.
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Paul Mankins FAIA, LEED AP
Substance Architecture Interior Design
Des Moines IA
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