Color Power Study II

...and we look a little deeper into Color Theory 101

The Power of Color

Here's a helpful tool to share:

Courtesy of NowSourcing, Inc

FOCUS: Climactic Modification to an Historic Structure

The addition of a stained glass window influenced by 2012 Wimbledon Tennis Tournament graphics and an Entry Trellis provide a new "Marquee" to a rear apartment at a 1925 era "catalogue home" in Roanoke's historic "old Southwest District.

The Tenth Installment: Completion of Exterior Façade Restoration and Modification

In the previous post, we concluded with an incomplete easternmost façade of the East wing. During this installment, we’ll conclude our second review of the building perimeter.

The East wing will be converted to an entry foyer and stairwell with a living room on the first level and master bedroom on the second level. The existing basement area will serve as a common area for utilities and laundry area for both duplexes. The stairwell will be day-lighted by fixed 15 light sashes.

The basement level entry will be protected by a “craftsman style” shed roof after removal of the exposed exterior stair. Exterior siding on the East Wing will match the existing “faux” cedar shingles previously approved by the ARB.

The Northernmost façade of the building will remain relatively unchanged with the exception of removal of the existing enclosure of mechanical passageways at the intersection of the East Wing and the Main structure.

All sashes on the primary structure will be fully restored to match their original configuration.

Finally, on the Western façade facing on 2nd Street, SW, we proposed to add operable shutters on second level windows on the West facade, representative of the “craftsman style” and finished with colors representative of the period. Other proposed color changes will be reserved following approval by the Roanoke City ARB for architectural exterior modifications.

Important elements of this proposed renovation including color changes and landscaping will be discussed following approval by the Roanoke City Architectural Review Board. These very important design elements are not within the ARB’s purview of authority and will be reserved to a date following their approval.

Our formal scheduled review with the ARB is Thursday, June 14, 2012. To this date the ARB members, based upon the advice of counsel have chosen not to participate in a public dialogue regarding this proposed project until their formally scheduled public hearing.

Important additional submissions to the ARB will include exterior modification details including:
Specific window replacement and addition details;
Proposed exterior carpentry modifications and details, including exterior door and window replacements.

These items will be presented following Roanoke City ARB approval.

The Ninth Installment: Creating Secondary Entrances with Historic Sensitivity and Dignity

The challenge we as architects and developers face in the 21st century is to recognize value in the existing built environment and utilize that value as a framework for responding to contemporary living requirements. With this concept in mind, “curb appeal” or street identity, becomes an extremely important element of focus while pursuing an adaptive re-use of an existing building structure, historically-significant or not.

In the previous post, we proposed revisions to the existing primary entrance to the building that would complement the historic architectural significance of the building with functionally useful accoutrements in the form of a covered entry and raised bed landscaping to overcome architecturally offensive railings.

We also introduced a proposal to define more “street prominence” to a secondary access way to the rear of the property. An attached pergola provides weather protection for mail retrieval while pronouncing entry in the form of a garden gateway.

THE BACK DOOR
As we traverse a confined access way to the rear of the property,we find an opportunity to liberate space by eliminating an obsolete service entrance.

Upon arriving at the Southeast corner of the existing main structure, we are exposed again to a more open and inviting space, an opportunity to create a sense of arrival.

In this space, at the confluence of the East wing with the main structure, a secondary, yet inviting entrance becomes an important opportunity.
The easternmost façade of the East wing will be further modified in the next post! Stay tuned

The Eighth Installment: In a Historic District, the Most Important Facade

This marks another significant point in our online journey toward seeking an acceptable and beneficial use for the structure located at 1314 2nd St. SW in Roanoke’s “Old Southwest Historic District.” In this post, we will present proposed architectural modifications to the existing structure related to the most publicly dominate facade. past years, we know that it served as a single-family residence and most recently, as a governmentally subsidized “half-way house” for at-risk citizens. Public safety concerns (egress) and contemporary needs (cooling) have inflicted architecturally destructive requirements on the original structure.

The existing entrance from Second St. has been modified in past years to accommodate convenient access by handicapped persons. Historically, as a society, we have focused more attention to physical access needs in the last 30 years. The currently existing solution, while admirable in its functional accommodation, inflicts an awkward, “institutional –looking” element on the curbside entrance. Further, since the old carriage house in the rear has served as a quaint, private residential apartment, the mailbox location for that residence located adjacent the primary entrance to the building imposes inferior value to the public access through the dark, alley-like walkway corridor to the carriage house.

While the carriage house may be sacrificed as a viable residential space, the establishment of an important entrance with “curb-appeal” and presence on Second Street is important to accomplish a successful adaptive re-use of the existing building with a second duplex unit created in the rear half of the primary structure.

In the above proposal we eliminate the steel pipe railing, extend the existing pediment detailing to produce a protective porch entry to the primary entrance and install raised planting beds along the existing concrete ramp. A second “Garden-gate” like entry is introduced on the right side of the building to accommodate one or two mailboxes at a Defined entry to the rear. The architectural detailing carefully reflects the character of the existing side service entry.

COLOR SCHEME

The color scheme is an EXTREMELY important element related to accurate historical reflection upon the architectural character of buildings. While Classical Greek and Roman Architecture have been portrayed as being monochromatic, recent archaeological studies have revealed a dramatic use of color in our historical icons.

As the above photo shows, as recently as 2008, the ARB approved color changes that accepted further deviation from the historical design intent. The second story shingle siding, which appears to have been replaced with a synthetic representation of the original, imposes a dramatic deviation on the original architectural intent. The same is true of the colors of the entry door and the painted stucco on the first level.

Parts of shutter hardware hinges reveal that the widows in the second level full dormer originally included fully functional shutters. The style and colors of these shutters offer a strong historic reflection of the original design of the building.

As a teaser, we might consider how this building might appear with a more earthy color scheme that would include natural colors for stucco, dark-stained colors for shingle siding and moldings, with intense saturated colors for accent details.

While a greatly revised color scheme from what is observed in the 2008 photo, as well as the current scheme, is most desirable; we will reserve a proposal for color scheme changes for later in this project.

The Seventh Installment

This marks a significant point in our online journey toward seeking an acceptable and beneficial use for the structure located at 1314 2nd St. SW in Roanoke’s “Old Southwest Historic District.” In past years, we know that it served as a single-family residence and most recently, as a government subsidized “half-way house” for at-risk citizens. Public safety concerns (egress) and contemporary needs (cooling) have inflicted architecturally destructive requirements on the original structure.

As we proceed through architectural considerations of the building’s interior we will observe criticisms of the original design. Such criticisms are not intended to give free license to destruction of historically significant architectural features. The criticisms are intended to serve as observations of functional applicability to serve beneficially for the proposed use within a framework of aesthetically historic sensibility.

Based upon permitted uses according to the City of Roanoke Zoning Ordinance, I have assumed the ARB concurs with the proposal to create two duplex dwelling units within the main structure with the caveat that the current use of the “carriage house” be abandoned. Neither my client, nor myself, as his professional advisor, believe that the abandonment of the “carriage house” as a dwelling unit is desirable or appropriate. Such use is limited by a  property area requirement in the Roanoke City Zoning Ordinance. We continue to seek solutions that will economically permit preservation and restoration of the “carriage house” structure.

As my architectural obligation relates to the important arena of historic preservation, it is my charge to identify the unique examples of historic significance and offer judgment on my client’s behalf regarding the elements that should be restored or preserved and those which might be improved or altered, under H-2 Historic District, Architectural Guidelines: Old Southwest as provided by the City of Roanoke.

A. The front entry location should be preserved and the entry door will be replaced with a door that is more representative of the architectural style and period. A later detail will follow. An opportunity exists to address a shortcoming of the original design: realizing this facade faces almost due west, the entry door suffers extreme temperature fluctuations causing rapid material degradation of the front door. Further, the front entry lacks protection from rain and therefore renders it less hospitable from weather conditions in addition to exposing the door to weather extremes. A later design proposal of details will be provided to eliminate the “industrial” railing in addition to responding to the deficiencies noted above.

B. The original living room contains architectural detailing akin to the Dutch Colonial styling including stair detailing, a bay window, and ceiling treatment with simulated beams. The owner intends to restore and preserve these elements.

C. The bay window in the living room space provides desirable day-lighting as well as “openness” to the stair to the upper level. However, its location is awkward aesthetically in context with the balance of the room’s interior. Its proximity to the adjacent masonry structure of the fireplace makes the “minimized” sash lighted panel s on the right side of the bay difficult to maintain. This presents a very unique condition which was originally addressed in a way that encourages preservation as a truly “unique” historic element. It appears that these side sashes were carefully modified to reduce the width of glass within the panes of the sash from a normal of 7 to 8 inches down to nearly 1 inch!!! Perhaps, an unjustifiable modification functionally, but extraordinarily interesting! The owner wishes to preserve this element of the original building.

D. The service entrance previously described on the Southern facade is an element of the original construction that will be considered for major modification to the original structure. When considering this location as the major entry to a duplex living unit, nearby access to a stair to the upper level is a primary circulation consideration. Ideally, if this were used as an entry the stair to the second level for the 2nd duplex unit would be located in this space. However, the use of this space for vertical access would greatly impact the functional use of other interior spaces regarding compatible spatial relationships as well as plumbing and utility needs. A major modification to the original structure will be later proposed in this area.

E. On half of a pair of high casement windows is currently blocked off from use by either the early addition or plan modification of the East wing. It is possible that the window was blocked off when a suspected exterior porch area in the East wing was enclosed. One of the casements still serves to provide light to a small toilet area. These windows may be removed, restored and relocated in our design proposal.

F. An apparently enclosed exterior porch area currently houses a service stairway to the second level. The space appears to have a high potential for adaptive re-use as a “scissor stair” and entry area for the 2nd duplex unit.

G. An awkward enclosure also noted in the Fifth Installment will be removed if possible.

H. The existing kitchen area will be completely remodeled in a style sympathetic with the historic character of the building.

I. The original dining room is one of the most attractive rooms in the building and will be restored.

J. The casements in the enclosed sun porch will be restored.



As we conclude this installment, I believe it is becoming increasingly clear that this is clearly another high quality “catalogue” home which seems to be so prevalent in the Roanoke area particularly during the period of time it was constructed. While some of the design elements reflect the craftsman-style such as plate rail high wainscots in the dining area, decorative exposed beam end cuts under the bay windows, shed roofed dormers on the second level and the use of stucco and cedar shingles as exterior finishing materials; moldings and detailing are more akin to “Dutch colonial” characteristics. It is my understanding that “catalogue” homes often drew from a variety of architectural styling and often were a kind of “mix and match” expressions of designers of the time. From this point forward I’ll leave categorization of historical styles to those more expert than myself.

For the educational benefit of all, I encourage everyone to offer opinions regarding the historically important architectural elements of this structure.

The Sixth Installment

Completing our examination of the perimeter of the primary structure, we consider a “study model” view of the West elevation in a search for an entrance opportunity to the proposed 2nd duplex unit.


You may have noticed that the study model utilizes both actual photographs and simulated textures to represent the existing structure. In the area including the existing front entrance, this is a portion of a photo of that area. The dark color to the lower left of the double hung window is part of existing shrubbery that obscures a clear view of the facade.

The use of 3d modeling provides the opportunity to get an unencumbered view of the existing structure which is particularly valuable in preservation projects. Notice that the model is placed on Google Earth.

Just above the “C” at ~ one o’clock you can detect the Mill Mountain star. This further illustrates an important aspect of this method of studying historic structures. It provides the designer with a much enhanced understanding of the building within its environment. Daylight can be manipulated to describe lighting conditions throughout the day and year. A couple of weeks ago, as I was placing the model on Google Earth, I had the “weather layer” switched on. It was raining heavily at the time and Google earth was reacting with simulated rain on the model as I was working!!!

A. The six casement windows on this elevation combined with four casements on the North elevation enclose what was originally planned as an exterior front sitting porch. The floor elevation in this area is slightly below the main floor level and the material appears to be embossed colored concrete under an indoor/outdoor carpet covering. The embossed concrete was a commonly used treatment during the time this home was built. The casements on the North side of the “Sun Room” have been boarded up on the interior and one was cut to accommodate a window air conditioning unit. The corner column is a classic over-sized column typical of the craftsman period. Although the modifications enclosing this space were not a part of the original design, it is an attractive feature, sympathetic to the period, and delightfully serviceable as a contemporary space. Restoration of this area is desirable.

B. Also typical of the Craftsman style is the full dormer on the second level. The gambrel roof was also used in the Craftsman style but not as frequently as the bungalow style gabled roof. I have looked for this home in Sears & Roebuck catalogues of homes from this period, as I suspect this may have been a “mail order” home, again reinforced by the presence of the house next door at 1316 2nd St. The original roofing material was probably a granular slate asphalt shingle common during that period which provides clues to original coloration.


C. The segmented arch pediment over the front door also was used extensively in “catalogue” style homes though the configuration of the brackets supporting the pediment cannot be considered “true” to the Craftsmen style. Some of the “mix and match” features start reinforcing the suspicion that this was a “catalogue home,” though that does not reduce its quality or historic value.

D. The existing metal clad entry door is clearly a much more contemporary replacement that is in poor condition and needs replacement.

E. The industrial-type pipe railings leading to the front door distract from the aesthetic appeal of the home.

The Fifth Installment

As I continue to explore how the blog format may serve as a “real-time” studio for educational purposes in the profession of architecture, I find that the approach of using one post with progressive installments for an entire project will soon become unwieldy. Therefore, from this point forward in the development of a design solution for a contemporary adaptive re-use of a 1925 craftsmen-style residential structure in the City of Roanoke’s “Old Southwest Historic District”, progressive posts on this blog will be dedicated solely to this project until completion.

The City of Roanoke has an Architectural Review Board (ARB) established to review all proposed EXTERIOR modifications on all buildings within its historic districts; the “Farmers’ Market Area” (H-1) and “Old Southwest” (H-2, including 3 others)  When I began posting the design progression of this project online, my intent was to explore a process that would benefit both Roanoke City and all future developers within our cherished historic districts. Very early on April 30, 2012, I was contacted by an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Roanoke, who very succinctly informed me that he had advised the ARB to refrain from all communication regarding this project or any other within their jurisdiction online. The attorney explained that his advice was to prevent any potential challenges of ARB decisions as being “arbitrary and capricious.”

In our excessively litigious society, his concern is not easily dismissed. On the other hand, in the interest of improving the traditionally stiff bureaucratic process of review of architectural design decisions, we can seek better ways to communicate the rationale behind those decisions.

In the spirit of progress, and National Preservation Month: http://www.preservationnation.org/take-action/preservation-month/proclamation.html, I hope the members of the ARB and who choose to follow this experiment will feel welcome to submit “anonymous” comments and/or questions. I also encourage all interested parties to feel welcome to participate as the project progresses.

As we continue our study of the historic structure this project is focused upon, our attention progresses to a view from the northeast.

A. The existing carriage house appears to have been built near the same time as the original structure. It is currently serving as a dwelling unit with an exterior egress stair to the loft level. The current zoning ordinance will not allow this use to continue if the main structure is allowed to contain two dwelling units. Therefore, current economic consideration requires the Owner to abandon this use in favor of creating two more desirable dwelling units in the primary structure. For that reason, at this stage, we will not focus attention on the preservation of that structure.

B. The east wing of the main structure appears to have been an early modification (or addition) to the original primary structure. This judgment is based upon observation of the existing adjacent structure at 1316 2nd St., SW which appears to have been constructed by the same contractor based upon the same basic plan.

C. A uniquely “awkward” enclosure of interior space on the second main floor level of the main structure appears to have been added to accommodate utility access in the area of an interior stair to the basement.

D. An architecturally important feature of the original structure is the bay window located in the apparent dining area of the original structure. The condition of the casement windows encourages historic restoration. The installation of “window air-conditioning units” has compromised the architectural integrity of one of the four casement window units comprising the bay.

E. An 8-light over 1-light double hung window providing day-lighting to the basement utility area appears to have been installed as an original “design-sensitive match” on the earliest addition to the original structure.

F. The same is true of this double-hung window noted above. Further noteworthy is the rustication of the stucco finish on the basement walls of the earliest addition.

G. The painted simulated cedar shingle siding that currently is on the second level of the original structure and used with apparent random application on the earliest east wing may or may not reflect the original application of this material. Regardless of that truth, it is doubtful that the original intended finish was a painted color.

Re-purposing/Restoration/Renovation Project

A post to express my joy through pursuing the "infill" concept with "Heritage" architecture, while introducing meaningful participation into the Design Process

Today, nearly 30 years later, the concept has proven itself as a valid architectural concept for the future. Instead of throwing away the our past, we can find joy and value in embracing it fully at then improving on the ideas to create even better solutions for our future.

Now let's watch how we can create 21st century living space in a duplex configuration while enjoying the products our past and implementing the lessons learned for our future.

We don't really benefit by throwing away old ideas. Unless we evaluate and re-evaluate we are just making our job harder. There is no greater joy than making the old ideas better!!!

2nd Installment - April 14, 2012

So, here we have a beautiful example of a craftsmen style home built in 1925. This one is not a contemporary reflection of the craftsmen homes of that era. It was, indeed constructed carefully by craftsmen who created a structure that shows extraordinary pride in the art of construction. The wood framing, still visible in the attic spaces, reveals straight, carefully cured, knot free lumber of full thickness. The rough framing was so well done that today we would gratefully accept the unfinished attic as a finished room!

The concrete foundation walls were painstaking stucco-ed with careful embossing to provide the appearance of cut limestone. Casement windows and hardware provide the ambiance of highly crafted furniture.

And now nearly 100 years later, the structure and foundations are as stable as the day it was built.

Subsequent owners have not been kind to the building, however. It has suffered years of hard use as a halfway house, with destructive remodeling to accommodate insensitive egress requirements of contemporary building codes. Three unfinished, under protected, poorly maintained wooden stair clutter the rear of the house.

A south facing, two-story exterior porch was insensitively enclosed, removing and boarding up windows to create a second interior egress stair. That stair was deemed “non-compliant”, so another exterior stair was added. Poor planning caused two more stairs to be required for egress.

The current zoning ordinance will permit the building to be re-adapted to create two 2-story duplex apartments. Under this adaptation the existing deteriorating stairs can be removed. This configuration will then open up the opportunity to re-purpose the entire rear of the property as a ”protected” garden like courtyard entry while permitting restoration of the rear of the building.

3rd Installment - April 17, 2012

Following an intensive study of the interior spaces through the creation of a three-dimensional model, locating existing and previously modified elements including windows, architectural detailing, mechanical and electrical systems, and interior stairs; a decision was made to approach the project with a duplex configuration with two-story living units located at the front and rear of the building (Scheme A). The other duplex arrangements considered were two 2-story units on the right and left sides (Scheme B), and one unit utilizing the entire first floor and one unit on the second floor (Scheme C).

The Street facade is in need of minor maintenance and restoration. The entry door is an embossed metal clad "6 panel door" that needs replacement and not in keeping with the craftsman style. The sloped concrete walkway provides convenient accessible access but the railings appear 'industrial' and distract from the aesthetic appeal of the entry approach.

Scheme B was discarded because the existing street facade as well as many original interior architectural elements would be lost. Scheme C was discarded because a second unit entry accompanied by an adjacent interior vertical access stair would eliminate many elements of interior architectural detailing in the existing living room space on the first floor; and also because upper and lower units are less attractive to tenants due to noise and fire separation requirements.

The next challenge, following the basic configuration decision was to determine the best entry location for the rear duplex unit.

 
A paved walkway on the right side (South exposure) leads to an existing stoop and rear entry. The roof over the rear stoop appears to be original, reflecting craftsmen styling, while the steel columns supporting the roof are not typical of the period and are probably replacements.

Inside the door, the room appears to have originally been a pantry/utility space and or kitchen, based upon the window configuration on the East wall and interior original built-in shelving. That use however was abandoned long ago and reused for other functions.

4th Installment - April 22, 2012

I apologize to those who are following this real-time experiment for a delay in the progression of this blog post. Practicing architects, too, are distracted by other unexpected professional obligations as has been my experience over the past few days.

Currently, it is my hope that all members of the Roanoke City Architectural Review Board are following this progression of installments in the design process for this proposed project in the Old Southwest Historic District of the City of Roanoke. It is also my hope that the board members will feel free to make comments, including asking questions, as we proceed. My intent is to initiate a process that will permit more efficiency in the architectural review process by utilizing current technology which can enhance the end product of our efforts.

Although I encourage comments and questions from anyone, I must be able to differentiate between those from the Architectural Review Board and others. Therefore, Roanoke City ARB members must identify themselves rather than remaining anonymous so that I have the opportunity on behalf of my client to respond appropriately. (I will also respond to private email comments from ARB members, if preferred.)

It would be helpful to know if my client and I will be honored with the full participation of the Roanoke City Architectural Review Board through this process.

A view from the Southeast of a model of the existing property reveals much about the original construction as well as the many adaptations that have been made over the years. The simplified model of the original carriage house is shown on the right. While the existing main structure is currently vacant, the carriage house is occupied today as an apartment.

In search of a new entry on this side of the building, we take the following into consideration:

A. A set of three original casement windows, with a sill height of approximately 4’-6” above the finished floor on the interior, in combination with the exterior access door around the building corner, suggests that the stoop and the door served as a service entrance to a pantry/utility room in the original home. The high sill height permitted space for work counters and shelving below.

B. The single original casement visible on the exterior is one of a pair of original casements that still exist with one being concealed by early remodeling. A bathroom occupies the existing space on the interior.

C. This 15 light fixed sash does not match the detailing of the original windows and therefore was probably installed as an enclosure element on a second floor “sleeping porch” in a later remodeling.

D. A 3’-0” x 6’-8” commercial grade flush exterior door, which is clearly not original was more recently installed as an emergency egress exit from the second floor level during the building’s use as a halfway house. An existing stair inside the old sleeping porch area could not have been used as emergency egress because it is not code compliant, therefore, requiring installation of the adjacent, deteriorating open treated pine stair on the exterior.

E. A 6-light over 1-light double hung window appears to have been installed at the time of the enclosure of the sleeping porch, like C. above. A bathroom occupies the space inside. This bath room was installed one step above the adjacent room that it serves and two steps above the old sleeping porch floor. There has been water damage in this area and the floor structure adjacent has sagged lower.

F. This is an original sleeping porch column that has been left exposed through several remodels of the building. The siding on the second level, and parts of the first level rear wing, appears to be a contemporary fiber reinforced cementitious material with a pattern and texture mimicking cedar shingles that may have been installed on the original structure.

G. A 3’-0” x 6’-8” 6-panel metal clad exterior door, which is clearly not original was more recently installed as an emergency egress exit from the first floor level during the building’s use as a halfway house. Another open treated pine stair was installed on the exterior.

H. A 3’-8” x 3’-8” aluminum framed sliding glass window (early 1970’s vintage) surrounded aluminum “clapboard” siding encloses an existing interior stairway.

I. An existing 8-light over 8-light double hung window, clearly original, provides day-lighting and ventilation for the basement space below. An adjacent 4-panel wood door in excellent condition also appears to be original.

J. A 2’-8” x 6’-8” commercial grade hollow metal flush exterior door, which is clearly not original was more recently installed as an emergency egress exit from the first floor level during the building’s use as a halfway house. A third open treated pine stair was installed on the exterior.

K. Another single original casement visible on the exterior is one of a pair of original casements that still exist with one being concealed by early remodeling. A bathroom occupies the existing space on the interior.

Some of the original windows in their current locations may be considered for removal, restoration and re-use in alternative locations during the execution of this project.

All three of the dilapidated open treated pine stairs and railings will be removed.

Creative Thinking is Not Linear

Why I Must Revise "The Infill Evolution" Post

"Physiologically, critical thinking happens on the left lobe of the brain and creative thinking on the right. Critical thinking involves linear logic, like math. It is a way of getting from point A to point B. There is only one right answer to each starting point. Creative thinking is not linear. It flies around, like a bird, and eventually lands on a solution. There is no one right answer but many solutions to the same problem. Creative thinking can not be rushed. In fact, while you sleep, your brain still thinks creatively and you can often wake up with a solution to a problem without ever really trying. Critical thinking, though, requires focus and deliberate effort, and does not work during sleep.

Although creative thinking can't be rushed, it can be prompted by various techniques or strategies. One is to use randomness to create a new way of viewing the problem."
Wiki Answers

So-o-o!!! I am separating the concept of infill from a Re-purposing/Restoration/Renovation Project, although in a larger sense, a relationship applies. Instead of abandoning or demolishing /rebuilding our urban core, we should give strong consideration and indeed favoritism toward re-purposing and "infilling" our heritage buildings within our outdated urban centers. Indeed, it is a more conservative approach that can be deeply rewarding.

The Infill Evolution

A post to express my joy through pursuing the "infill" concept with dated architecture.


Distant from the Main Campus, Warren Kark, University Architect, mentored a young architectural firm to design a "passive energy infill project" defined in orange above. This served as a prototype project for decades of future development on the Virginia Tech campus.

 The concept of  "Infill" is focused upon a much larger scale than isolated building complexes. It applies to campuses, as was the case at Virginia Tech, and to urban cores in our towns and cities. Infill is about the judicious use of our natural environment and resources.

This now leads to my next post which combines the "Infill" concept with a "Participatory Process" of re-vamping our architectural heritage within the urban core. The new post will be entitled, "Re-purposing/Restoration/Renovation Project."

Today, nearly 30 years later, the concept has proven itself as a valid architectural concept for the future. Instead of throwing away the our past, we can find joy and value in embracing it fully at then improving on the ideas to create even better solutions for our future.

Please now refer to "Re-purposing/Restoration/Renovation Project"

Replacement of a Failing Controversy

A "criminal" replacement for a "not so successful" attempt by an aesthetic genius.

The following link provides a more in-depth report on the story:

http://subtilitas.tumblr.com/post/19223933745/paul-rudolphs-orange-county-goverment-center-in

Notes On Architecture

ARCHINEERING?

This beautiful graphic illustration by Architect Doug Patt describes
a wealth of abilities and sensibilities that architects strive to master
throughout their careers.

Recently, I made the acquaintance of a German architect now residing in Trinidad. On his company website, he uses the term "archineering." It immediately caught my attention because it more fully describes in today's terms the role of an Architect. Historically, the architect's role has been described as "master builder."
Great architects continue to master a long list of skills in order to create cherished symphonies of building construction. The industrial revolution, beginning in the late 19th century led to mass production and specialization of skills that have altered the shape of our built environment to accommodate a larger and larger world population. While leading to greater heights of personal affluence, this has also led to greater chaos in the symphony.

In response to specialization our schools of architecture have gradually moved further and further from a balance of thought between the left and right hemispheres of  the brain to the right, (or aesthetic) side. As various disciplines of engineering have proliferated, architecture students have become more specialized in the aesthetic arena. Adding to the paradigm shift, The role of the Architect as conductor of the symphony has become relegated to a less efficient role, often perceived as superfluous expense.

Without a comprehensive ability to master engineering concepts including strength of materials, fluid dynamics, energy distribution, public safety, etc., Architects do not serve the public well. In fact, their aesthetic expertise is compromised. How can an Architect be effective if he can't determine the size of a beam of any material across a given span without first consulting with someone else. Still, today, in the interest of public safety, he is granted authority to make such decisions, often at even greater cost to his clients.

This occurs while engineers focus on narrow applications of their expertise. So who today conducts the symphony? Administrators? Masters of Business Administration? Politicians? General Contractors?

In my opinion, we desperately need to revisit the requirements and expectations of Architects, because we are drifting further and further from environmental efficiency.

Think Like an Architect

A Yoga-like Exercise in Dimensional Thinking

Can you graphically describe how this intriguing card was created by Kelli Anderson?

It was created with one sheet of 8 1/2" x 11" piece of paper printed on a Deskjet printer.

Please post your solution as a comment.

Here's a link to Kelli's site:

http://www.kellianderson.com

This exercise assist us in thinking in the 3rd dimension. Developing this skill is an imperative element in designing compatible buildings that are compatible with environmental terrain.

A Project Always in Progress

Our Mountain Home & Studio

The continuation of my learning lab.

Contact me for help on your project.

With current technology and communication, locale is no longer an impediment to architectural opportunities. One in person site visit is most often all that is necessary. Google Earth, Global Mapper and a host of other tools often provide Architects & engineers us a far better sense of the surrounding environment than we have been able to achieve in the past. 

My Studio Library

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Pattern_Language

Many books have helped me accomplish my current perspective on our built environment. Here's one published in 1977 that has achieved near "bible status" for inspiration in my library.


I'm eager to join with new clients to explore efficient and inspirational 21st century approaches to creating our physical and spiritual environments. Please contact me and join with me to share your dreams.

So Much to Learn: We have thousands of years of teaching

VAASTU

The Vastu Purusha Mandala may be more easily understood when re-oriented as shown at the left when considering the following excerpt from Wikipedia:

Accordingly—with due respect to ecological friendliness with the subtle forces of the spirit—those spaces (quarters) are assigned as follows: northeast for the home shrine, southeast for the kitchen, southwest for the master bedroom and northwest for the storage of grains. The spaces lying between the corner zones, measuring 4x5=20 squares (5 on each side), are those of the north, east, south and west. They are meant for multi purposes.

Multiple authors (Editors of Hinduism Today). 2007. What is Hinduism? Himalayan Academy. ISBN 978-1-934145-00-5






http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vastu_shastra

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