alternative architecture

Architecture Meets Business Development

2011-06-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

It's been much too long since posting, but the time was well spent expanding the opportunity to practice architecture. For some time I have worked to develop an income property that has required persistence and fortitude in the ongoing recession. With this project, though, doing nothing was a worse prospect than moving forward in an uncertain economy (see ecoNewBedford) . As an under-employed architect, I found myself increasing my skills and putting away a lot of sweat equity. With so much going on, there was truly no time to be discouraged by limited work. Now I experience bit by bit I am filling in this financial hole.
The final effort has been opening a cafe to activate an empty storefront, and every design skill, and life skill, I ever learned has been put to use to make this neighborhood hot spot flourish. This is turn benefits the property (ie me the architect), which in turn benefits the neighborhood, and a little economic "solar panel" just keeps producing energy. See www.center-cafe.com
So now as an architect I build business too, and it seems so logical since isn't that the point of so much of what we do?

How Much Does Your Building Have to Say?

2010-05-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

It is remarkable to have a place to refer again to Buckminister Fuller. In the spirit of his question "how much does you building weigh?", I am asking "how much does you building have to say?" Being efficient and making statements requires quiet commitment.

alternative architecture is industrious

2010-03-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

There's a thread between all the ways to be industrious and the alternative architecture that is created. Design is practiced to get as much as possible out of as little as possible. The effect is intended to have a broad reach while remaining accessible. Its optimistic rather than sentimental. It's inventive, crafty and technical. More along these lines can be viewed at:

www.econewbedford.blogspot.com

Framework for Populism (BAC Architectural Thesis)

off the effortlessdesign website

Art of Construction

2010-02-21T06:38:00.000-08:00

Since January instead of saying "Architecture for the New Economy", I have been using "The Art of Construction for the New Economy." I feel this better represents what I practice; how are we going to make this and how are we going to make it happen? I have just been reading Milton Glaser, a renowned graphic artist, who writes about making things as the alternative to controlling things. For me alternative architecture is spontaneous making. Glaser also writes "The deepest role of art is creating an alternative reality, something the world needs desperately at this time." Glaser reminds me of a Buckminster Fuller statement about "the encouragement of human beings in the world of design give to others." and I wonder if they had ever met.

I don't think that spontaneous or alternative is frivolous in fact for me it is probably pretty serious. But it also becomes joyful. (see slideshow)

Despite this recession there's still plenty of money around. It would be exciting if people thought of using their money for making investments that create jobs. In the built environment there is so much work to be done to keep what's built from costing us money (or worse). Architects need to use their experience to cross-mentor with builders of various skills. Upgrades and repairs are needed, and making things that relies on trained local labor, recycled, or efficient materials presents marvelous opportunities for a new reality focused on the improvements and benefits made. (see more on the new economy)

Architect Sketch

2010-01-08T06:48:00.000-08:00

There's nothing like a little architecture humor in these challenging times. The link to this UTube video came from a IT blog posting. I get these IT alerts because the organization of computer code is also referred to as architecture. I always delete these, but this one got my attention.

Here's the full blog posting, but I found the following conclusions insightful:

"... before building your design you need to know what your mission requirements are. And you need a good relationship with your customers and how they serve the mission.

If there was ever any doubt of that, I’d like to point out a great example highlighted by Monty Python in a skit named… “Architect Sketch.” In it John Cleese plays an architect who seems to have created his design without an approved business architecture. The result is a design that does not meet the intended mission needs. (In the same sketch, Eric Idle, seems to have a design that reflects mission needs, but shows signs that it might not be executable).

The sketch is a great way to drive home many lessons in IT architecture, don’t you think? Here are a few that come to mind:

IT customers should very clearly spell out the requirements that need solving (by the way, most are are not very good at this)
IT architects must ensure they are designing to mission needs
Sometimes poor technical designs are picked because they are the only thing that comes close to meeting the mission
Sometimes designs are picked because of relationships

... another point this skit humorously highlights. In the end, the customer choose the poor technical design over the good one because it was closer to meeting the mission, and because the architect had a relationship with the customer, as evidenced by the well executed masonic secret handshake.

Lesson overall: Good enterprise IT is always about people and the mission. When enterprise IT is designed without a good understanding of the mission, disaster can result."

Direction for 2010

2010-01-01T20:05:00.000-08:00

In recent months my work has centered around energy retrofits, and I have been able to discuss alternative approaches with an energy efficiency team while working on proposals for a Sustainability Training Center in New Bedford. I also imagine testing these different approaches at the Center.

The overwhelming experience in 2009 was the ultimate comfort of a well insulated space in the New Bedford townhouses. I never believed it was possible to feel completely warm when its well below freezing outside. In the past I have specified foamed in place insulation in two attics, but never got to experience the space during a deep freeze.

One of those projects was done five years ago, and the top of the line insulation was not the most important part of the design-build. Instead the luxurious aspects of a master bedroom-bath suite got all of the focus. Those days are now long gone, and I've been thinking a lot about what may take its place. Let's face it our homes need upgrades, but at a smaller price tag and with a return on investment that improves our comfort and reduces fossil fuel consumption.

After feeling the comfort and knowing the energy savings of a deep energy retrofit, I can think of no reason why we don't gut the interior wall finish of exterior walls and get them fully sealed and insulated. True it may seem like a big mess, expense, and hassle, but it's nothing like the disruptive renovations of past years where added space and fine finishes were the priority and thermal performance was an after thought . Even the idea of freshly painting an outside wall that hasn't been properly sealed and fully insulated seems an incredible waste and a sentence to enduring cold winters. I truly believe now is the time to get over the sense of disruption or added expense (really for how long and for how much?? a couple days and a couple $K) to achieve well sealed and insulated outside walls.

It is exciting to think of design-build on a room by room basis for deep energy retrofits for a relatively small investment. Of course even more exciting is the project that includes a needed renovation while kept on a tight budget with performance and form as priorities over glamour and charm.

Passage from 2004 Shelter & Beyond Exhibit

2009-12-28T17:57:00.000-08:00

The 12th Annual Cascieri Lectureship in the Humanities addresses the broad topic of Shelter. The need for shelter can seem devastatingly impossible to meet. Yet the organizations and professionals working on the problem as represented in this exhibit equally understand human ingenuity is limitless. Instead of being overwhelmed these organizations challenge the barrier of conditioned notions of shelter and architectural practice.

Within the study of architecture, R Buckminster Fuller envisioned the possibility of design informed by innovation. Bucky Fuller was a frequent guest of Dean Cascieri, and in 1966, at the BAC's new facility here on Newbury Street, he spoke of "the encouragement of human beings in the world of design give to others." The projects included in this exhibit overflow with enthusiasm. Space is fused to the people who exercise their problem solving skills, competence, sensitivity, and resourcefulness in relevant artifact making.

The innovations on display separate into developments in Design, Process, and Service. As much as there is a need for increased units of affordable housing there is a need for a variety of solutions for improving or increasing stable housing. The organizations and work presented in this exhibit are an initial guide to an enormous base of imaginative and viable solutions for housing.

Human beings have a long history of sucess doing more with less. The direction Buckminster Fuller gave throughout his lifetime was "to exercise our option to make it." He believed we were overly constrained by tradition, even though human lives were being transformed by the technological age. Feeling that architects were best equipped to address the undeniable global need for shelter, Bucky simply asked "Are you spontaneously enthusiastic about everyone having everything you can have?"

A portion of the exhibit is now hanging at 468 Brock Avenue, New Bedford, MA (see econewbedford.blogspot.com)

Affordable Energy Retrofits

2009-12-12T08:27:00.000-08:00

Most of my alternative architecture is about learning. This energy retrofit began as a recycling effort for the econewbedford project. At the Theosophical Society in Boston leaks in the roof developed in the winter due to ice dams, and an effective way to deal with them is to create a "hot roof" (actually stays cold in the winter!) At the TS it was more practical and economical to insulate the attic rafter bays with a hybrid foam/rigid insulation. The house has neither ridge nor roof vents, and at least one half of the rigid insulation was donated.

Here the recycled pieces of rigid insulation were packed into the rafter cavities and sprayed over with handi-foam. On the end wall a similar technique, but joints filled in with Great Stuff (cheaper and worked just as great, but more time consuming)

In part of the attic where the rafter bays are not accessible, the ceiling was treated with reflective mylar bubble wrap. After you get used to the shiny surface, you notice you feel warm. The futuristic effect reminds me of the SOWA loft closet using Panelite (see middle of slideshow).

Architecture for the New Economy

2009-12-06T11:29:00.000-08:00

For almost a year now I have been managing the construction and finances of the Smart Growth Mixed-Use in New Bedford, MA. Originally conceived as a land use and economic development demonstration project, now, thanks to timing, it has become a lesson on Architecture in the New Economy.

Prior to the economic downturn we learned that our practice of craft relied on finding solutions that could reduce to an install. For instance building cabinets in our own workshop was not a sustainable use of our resources, but we have been successful working with manufacturers across the country. See examples.

Our decision to construct the townhouses in New Bedford with Structural Insulated Panels surely grew out of our experience working with manufacturers. Once we looked at SIPS it was clear how well sustainable construction was blending with our land use, affordable housing, and economic development values. Once we choose to construct with SIPs all remaining decisions for systems and materials had to align with the performance of the building envelope.

Once the economy tanked, sustainable construction has filled the resulting void - it now motivates everything we do with everyone we work with. By taking on new technologies and disciplined attention to detail, we can focus on the awakening future instead of the dismal present. Thankfully the project is relatively small so we could manage to keep going in these tough times. The investment in the building at Brock Avenue has now taken on long term proportions, and is guided by pride in place and in gaining new experience. Patience and humility are essential components, and making architecture compares to working in a vineyard.

As a demonstration project, the Smart Growth Mixed-Use on Brock Ave is an example of value oriented Architecture for the New Economy. Many people in their heart are romantic builders, and in the past decades those ambitions grew to large proportions. Huge development projects and elaborate homes were commonplace. That scale of building has dropped off, but Architecture for the New Economy offers the romantic builder a financially less intensive development with significant rewards. Whereas the romantic builder may have once built a finely crafted vacation manor or speculated on the conversion of a waterfront mill building, that energy can now be channeled into a radical retrofit on an income producing property of modest proportions. I call these jewel boxes.

The Smart Growth Mixed-Use project has become a jewel box, which I have been privileged to work on. The project has made important impacts. The improved image has raised the economic prospects for the local retail business. The skill level of everyone, especially a former commercial sheet rocker, have been lifted. Materials are highly respected, pushed be fully used (eliminate waste) and selected to meet budget. Environmentally suitable systems are tested and deliver efficiency savings. These are really fun problems to solve and implement. If you like sports cars or extreme sports, possessing a high performance jewel-box building is equally thrilling, and a statement of common sense achievement for organizations and individuals. See www.econewbedford.blogspot.com

Connected By What We Do

2009-06-05T06:44:00.000-07:00

I recently caught my friend and co-creator Larry Haley on NECN talking about his current work with YouthBuild in Worcester. Larry and I have a long history of working together amidst geographical separation and individual demands. Almost ten years ago Larry put me to work doing construction so I could develop into the design/builder I needed to be, and we have worked on and off many times since then. Take a look at Larry's work and see the connection. www.haleydesignbuilding.com

Builder's Impulse

2009-06-03T19:02:00.000-07:00

I am intrigued by the prevalence of what I call a "builder's impulse" in so many people. Perhaps this gives us a tangible experience of the style we choose and our abilities to pull it all together. Often there's a history of building we are exposed to and seek to continue. As a designer one of my roles is to facilitate this impulse. If you have "builder's impulse", try to use and engage resources to make your project the best it can be. I've added a link to Suite 101 where a web-based course in remodeling floor plans is available to test out your ideas and create the space you imagine. See free lessons in remodeling floor plans.
Reaching your final goal will involve a variety of resources and collaborations. Leave your questions as a comment.

Speculation

2009-06-03T18:27:00.000-07:00

As time allows I meditate about artifacts of the future as solutions for the present. A recent google alert to a posting

Thrilling Wonder Stories: Speculative Futures for an Alternate Present allowed me to make an alternative statement about the future.

At this time of flux it is essential for some of us to truly imagine the future, but I am not sure how fantastic the form must be. Imagine what's produced when organic and authentic creative forces combine with technology and information. Our communities are not doing so well with designers playing to the top, and in effect relying on the status quo that isn't treating people so well. My hope is the winner take all mentality with an emphasis on star-chitecture has reached an end. There's something else to create drawing from within.

Framework for Populism

2009-06-03T17:37:00.000-07:00

Back in 2000-2001 I completed an architectural thesis that stressed ordinary and everyday architectural style combined with the local economy. In my work I continue to work out themes of the modern urban craft that supports an ordinary and everyday urban renaissance. AlterNative Architecture brings value to the process through a creative architectural practice supported by practical ideas.

Boston Architectural College Thesis

Show Your Work

2009-03-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

Using the slideshow capability of the blog is a excellent way to show projects. These are examples of work that did not make to our website www.effortlessdesign.com.

click for latest post

Virtual Workshop

2009-03-14T19:28:00.000-07:00

I am hoping this blog can be a showcase for the architecture projects we generate for ourselves. Small design firms especially know how to value the creativity and craft that can go into an everyday project. A fellow practitioner who puts himself into his projects is Mark Three Stars. His website is www.verdearc.com.

A virtual workshop includes sharing our construction ideas, experience, and success. We can catalog a list of:

alternative materials or techniques we have used
where to have pieces fabricated.
what were your essential tools
subcontractors you used

Here we can collaborate, and form teams for proposals or projects. Consider what projects are important right now, and how creative design adds spirit to even the most ordinary moment.

Cascieri Continues to Inspire

2009-03-14T05:53:00.000-07:00

Last night's Cascieri Lecture delivered by Steve Badanes of Jersey Devil workshop, provided the perfect impetus for this blog. At the reception and after the lecture, conversations with BAC friends centered around expanding the way to practice architecture that honors our whole being and confronts our perceived limitations. Since 2001 effortlessdesign has practiced an alter-native architecture. Like Steve said it hasn't been easy, and it is definitely slow.

There are lots of challenges of being fully employed to use our skills and further develop our capabilities. Yet on this road we have completed projects, and had tremendous fun building. Particularly at the community level, using the design-build workshop, effortlessdesign encourages designers to have a vision, be engaged, and practice. Staying connected, and sharing our work on the web will increase our opportunities.