Custom Residential Architects Network

OK, if we can agree that this architecture is good on paper, can context, site, and cultural symbolism be ignored totally.   Or is this a residence based on the arhitype of the newer commerial buildings of Yokohama City?

Or is this sterilization of vernacular and cultural identity the future and am I the dinosaur?

http://www.selectism.com/2013/01/07/the-eana-rectangular-house-hiyoshi-yokohama-city/


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David Andreozzi AIA
Owner
Andreozzi Architects
Barrington RI
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I could not disagree more with the stance you are taking here.

Implicit with your statement is that "Ignoring" context is an invalid, incorrect, or inferior design response. This just seems like a remarkably closed-minded, regressive, and conservative stance.

I don't understand why an occasional minimalist house would touch off such sentiments. A few unconventional houses sprinkled around the context will hardly "sterilize" the vernacular. And if there really are so many contemporary houses going in to existing context I have to wonder why, outside of significant historic structures and districts, why anybody would campaign to suppress that? Who exactly is out to sterilize our cultural identity here?

What is your interest in this? You design traditional houses? So you campaign against modern design? Yet the vast vast majority of all new houses are traditional, but you still feel a need to question why any would be modern?

I design modern houses. Shall I post an alarm here every time I see a traditional house being celebrated? 


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Gregory La Vardera
Architect
Gregory La Vardera Architect
Merchantville NJ
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I am posting the article for discussion. I simply stated that can context, site, and cultural symbolism be ignored totally. You responded by sprinkling a good argument back at me! ;^)

Further I am recognizing that i could be the one in the wrong.

I design mostly traditionally based architecture, but I love all architectural archetypes, when I think they relate to the context and vernacular upon which they sit.

Peace

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David Andreozzi AIA
Owner
Andreozzi Architects
Barrington RI
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-08-2013 09:40
From: Gregory La Vardera
Subject: The EANA Rectangular House - Hiyoshi - Yokohama City

I could not disagree more with the stance you are taking here.

Implicit with your statement is that "Ignoring" context is an invalid, incorrect, or inferior design response. This just seems like a remarkably closed-minded, regressive, and conservative stance.

I don't understand why an occasional minimalist house would touch off such sentiments. A few unconventional houses sprinkled around the context will hardly "sterilize" the vernacular. And if there really are so many contemporary houses going in to existing context I have to wonder why, outside of significant historic structures and districts, why anybody would campaign to suppress that? Who exactly is out to sterilize our cultural identity here?

What is your interest in this? You design traditional houses? So you campaign against modern design? Yet the vast vast majority of all new houses are traditional, but you still feel a need to question why any would be modern?

I design modern houses. Shall I post an alarm here every time I see a traditional house being celebrated? 


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Gregory La Vardera
Architect
Gregory La Vardera Architect
Merchantville NJ
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Actually, both of you guys are right.
I remember Gwathmey Siegel and other contemporary design Architects establishing massing heights sympathetic to surrounding historic structures in their designs.  Even though I now mainly design homes of a particular style, I do remember my modernistic roots and being sympathetic to context architecturally can be accomplished by both historic & contemporary architectural styles.  Good design is good design, regardless of the "clothing" the building wears.   Context is more than precise reiteration of exact details and matching materials.  As Architects, we have at our disposal a considerable amount of colors, textures, heights, widths, materials, structure, positive and negative space with which to be harmonious with adjacent facilities.  Both of you gentlemen are highly accomplished Architects that create noteworthy designs. Creating good design does not necessarily mean that you have to be confined to any particular style, even though some of us (including me) may choose to do that.  I wish you both a great weekend.
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Rand Soellner AIA
Architect/Owner/Principal
Home Architects
Cashiers NC
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-10-2013 14:36
From: David Andreozzi
Subject: The EANA Rectangular House - Hiyoshi - Yokohama City


I am posting the article for discussion. I simply stated that can context, site, and cultural symbolism be ignored totally. You responded by sprinkling a good argument back at me! ;^)

Further I am recognizing that i could be the one in the wrong.

I design mostly traditionally based architecture, but I love all architectural archetypes, when I think they relate to the context and vernacular upon which they sit.

Peace

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David Andreozzi AIA
Owner
Andreozzi Architects
Barrington RI
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