Hey there, folks. Its
#ArchitectureWeek, and its Friday, so I wanted to share some of my recent thoughts
on architecture. It is spring, and flowers are out, trees are blooming,
and cranes are moving. What better reasons to Look Up?
Now, The US Architects
who are reading this are probably aware that the AIA started a new campaign
recently, called #ILookUp. For those not familiar with it, The American
Institute of Architects (AIA) has begun a three year campaign to promote
architects, architecture, and the process of design. The website is www.ilookup.org, if you’d like to check it
out.
I tend to like the
phrase featured there, too: “Before beginning to design, architects look up.
They look up to see what isn’t there and to envision the potential for what
could be. Architecture surrounds us in our daily lives. Look up and be
inspired.”
At first, I started the
blog today this way:
"My name is Sean, and I
am an Architect, I am a member of the AIA, and #ILookUp.” There was a lot of hullabaloo in print and online
media when the campaign started, and it felt like I needed to be in a group session introducing myself to
subscribe to the AIA’s campaign. In
fact, I was disappointed, and downright surly at times, that many
columnists took to writing articles insinuating or even declaring the
campaign a failure, or a stylistic error, and that architecture
is failing, on the brink of collapse, etc. after the FIRST ad in a
three year effort was launched.
It made me wonder, after
my initial surge of emotion, why are these people so against this
campaign? What a wonderful invitation to everyone - look up! What do you
see?
Here is what I see:
When #ILookUp, I
see trees blooming, birds migrating, hawks gliding, clouds passing. I
see the seasons at work in the reflections off of buildings. I marvel at the
cranes on construction sites, and the effect that weather has had on
construction. I look up to see wonderful marvels - fireworks, airplanes,
etc.
Professionally, #ILookUp
to see the context around me. Architecture and urbanism are not
professions that live in the moment. These are long range professions. I design
homes and buildings that I hope will outlast me. That will give families
shelter for decades at least. I have no control over what else gets built, and
I hope that it will not be homogenous. I hope to see a range of styles, eras
represented; I hope for renovation, preservation, and rehabilitation around our
communities. #ILookUp to see how those interactions have been dealt with by
others, to learn (whether to emulate, imitate, or avoid), and I gather
inspiration.
To me, this campaign is
NOT just about architecture, or design inspiration, or the connection between
architecture and nature. #ILookUp to see
what is going on around me. I look away from my screen. I look away from my
phone. I look away from the newspapers. And I focus on what is around me
instead. What do I see in my community?
As I walk around my
neighborhood, I see people growing more food in their front yards. I see people
walking more than ever. I see neighbors interacting. I see festivals, farmers markets, and people looking
to help each other.
Behaviorally, #ILookUp
so that I don't get stuck in a rut, doing the same things every day.
#ILookUp for hope. And
for inspiration. And to remind myself that the world is a great place. Yes, we
all face challenges, and there are problems around us all. Architects
tend to be problem solvers, though. And we work well in teams, and in
communities. So when #ILookUp, I don't just see what IS there, I also
think about what COULD be there.
Call it idealism,
optimism, naivete, hope, or inspiration. Call what you will.
THAT is why
#ILookUp.
What about you? What do YOU see when YOU look up?
