Let’s begin with a definition.

Architecture[1] [2]: noun: the art of designing buildings

In a brief search, I found several other off-point definitions that were more analytical, but this one struck a note with me, and I think it illustrates one of the two sides of architecture. The other follows naturally from the first.

{One} Architecture is a sum of the creative[3] processes that “build” a building

{Two} The resulting creation is architecture

Architecture is the act; the physical, mental, spiritual, creative process that produces a design and in some cases an actual building[4]. Based in two stages, the creative conception and the construction, the architect directs and the builder executes[5]. Everyone who has a hand in the design and construction of a building plays a role in the creation of architecture. The architects’ efforts deal with future possibilities and practicalities of the present while the builders deal almost exclusively in the present. The architectural role of these craftsmen is overlooked all too often, especially in the US[6], but they are the middlemen, bringing the ideas of the architect to reality.

This reality, the product itself, each building, is itself the second facet of architecture. Just as every object has properties, every building has architecture. There are so many ways to relate and describe architecture, be it visual, stylistic, conceptual, associative, or personal. The bulk of them deal with the building in its present state, or the history of its creation, the present and the past of the building. For all practical purposes, this is enough.

What else is there? You. People have a relationship with the architecture of their surroundings that spans their past, present and future. The building has reciprocal relationships with all of the people it shelters. How is your relationship with your home, your office, your surroundings?

[1] “architecture.” Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary. K Dictionaries Ltd. 19 Apr. 2007.

[2] In another language of your choice, just for fun:建筑学 建築學 architektura arkitektur architectuur arhitektuur arkkitehtuuri architecture Architektur αρχιτεκτονική építészet arkitektúr arsitektur architettura 建築学 arhitektūra architektūra arkitektur architektura arquitetura arquitectura arhitectură архитектура architektúra arhitektura arquitectura arkitektur mimarlık

[3] Creative here includes the obvious, the creative process of design, but it also includes the physical creation of the building

[4] I say building here, but one can easily make the point that architecture includes designing spaces, interiors, parks, landscapes, objects and lighting among other things. I tend to agree with a broad, inclusive definition of the word, but for this posting I’ll stick to buildings for simplicity’s sake.

[5] This statement “the architect directs and the builder executes” is so idealistic that it’s actually humorous. I hope to write a piece soon about the comedy of egos surrounding construction projects. It could be a play, but will likely end up as a simple posting.

[6] Cutting corners and shoddy workmanship is a symptom of the disrespect shown to the building trades. The pyramids, the temples of Asia, South and Central America, and the cathedrals of

Once widely regarded as the capital of the world, we can all see why New York is a special city. The buildings. The people, the land, the energy have all given collective birth to the city[1] as we know it. With all of the prestige and power that comes with immense wealth, New York’s immutable essence dominates, excites, mesmerizes.

Why here? New Amsterdam was once a small Dutch colony, but its location at the mouth of the Hudson meant more to its success that any other factor[2], basically making New York the middleman between Middle America and Europe. There is SO much history here that I can only recommend that you read a book or watch the History Channel or ask someone or just visit the city and develop your own ideas.

Have you ever played Sim City? Before becoming an urban planner one has the opportunity to shape the geography, and my favorite strategy was to create a costal island, and then make it the epicenter of my city. The meeting point of land and water is valuable, but what is it about an island that makes a great city? New York, Hong Kong, Paris, and so many others started on islands. The growth of these cities to the surrounding coasts and lands means that they are no longer just isolated isles, but epicenters of commerce and activity.

New York is definitely an epicenter of activity. Human, commercial, artistic, and cultural activity exemplifies the spirit of the city, but what is lacking? The design culture in the city is healthy, but beyond interior spaces, the city has not been revolutionizing its architecture like other modern cities.

As I continue I hope to show you some of the treasures of the city from the last century, some of its failures from this century, and so much more that should bear on a direction for the future.

[1] I love how New Yorkers refer to New York as “THE” city.

[2] Trade made New York rich. In the infancy of infrastructure, most goods or cargo that left Detroit or Chicago (or even the West Coast) ended up in Buffalo. This particular “pipeline” of goods between Buffalo, Albany and