tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218272436892492649.post509247881887490268..comments2010-05-17T09:59:26.131-07:00Comments on IDEAS AND FORMS: THE DESIGN STUDIO AS A MINI SCHOOL (2009)Edson Mahfuzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464799297681366669noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218272436892492649.post-33914951118640610172010-05-17T09:59:26.131-07:002010-05-17T09:59:26.131-07:00hi, jim.
first of all, thanks for posting a comme...hi, jim.<br /><br />first of all, thanks for posting a comment. you are the first visitor who speaks up!<br /><br />I agree with you on all counts. perhaps this distance between us and the users of architecture has to do with the fact that many architects consider themselves artists (for whom a client's needs are merely an opportunity to pursue their personal agenda). perhaps looking at architecture as a craft whose aim is to serve society would bring us near those who should benefit from it.<br /><br />best regards.Edson Mahfuzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17822656732670937731noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218272436892492649.post-43952566945679776822010-05-17T00:24:24.432-07:002010-05-17T00:24:24.432-07:00One important point that I think is worth making i...One important point that I think is worth making is that in many countries in the world (certainly in the UK) most buildings are not designed by architects. They are designed by engineers, technicians, or part-qualified designers who did not complete their architectural studies. In France and Italy, even when buildings are designed by architects, the detail or construction design is undertaken by engineers.<br /><br />In Italy building engineering is a specific discipline with some architectural training, but to the best of my knowledge, this is not the case in France.<br /><br />How does a professional approach the process of design when one knows that there is a certain element of having to demonstrate 'architecture' in the completed work? How do ordinary people (i.e. non architects) assess architecture as opposed to 'buildings'?<br /><br />Most people (and many professionals) cannot tell the difference. If this is the case, one ends up in a profession which is like an exclusive club which is incomprehensible to non-members. This is surely a disastrous situation. If this sounds absurd, think of how architects talk to other architects. We know other people don't think or view the world the same way that we do!<br /><br />The role of an architect has evolved in the last 50 years and I would suggest that the greatest challenge to the profession is to engage with the general public to show them what architecture is, and what value it has. We cannot appear arrogant and out of touch (accusations too frequently made against the profession) with contemporary attitudes if the discipline is to have any relevance in future. Without a broader appreciation of the subject, architecture will synonymous with conceptual 'building wallpaper', or functional sculpture.bigstickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08315945845777930168noreply@blogger.com