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“Apocalypse Now”: an architect goes grossly over budget. Another architect is sent out to find him and value-engineer the project, in the jungle, during a war. “It’s a wonderful life”: An architect mishandles his finances. Jumps off a bridge. Is saved by his guardian angel / building inspector and shown what the world would be like without his architecture. “The ... Read More
a year ago

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More from Coffee with an Architect

Christmas Cards from the Architects 2024

It’s that time again. It is the time of year when the architects turn their attention from their Dec. 25th deadline to thoughts of Christmas. Here we are, sitting by the floor-to-ceiling glass storefronts in our offices, staring out at the rolling hills covered with snow, thinking of the innate hierarchy implied in the Santa/Elf relationship, and the pleasing use ... Read More

4 months ago 79 votes
A simple description

The structural exploration reflects the dichotomy of the diametrically opposed forces creating intrinsic tension within the interstitial forms which have been bifurcated and articulated throughout the design exploration phases resulting from the pedological rigor employed throughout the process and within the contextual visualizations of the urban fabric and the liminal spaces between which have been juxtaposed with while simultaneously creating ... Read More

a year ago 97 votes
Design explained using venn diagrams

Design is hard. If only the process could be explained using simple venn diagrams. Unfortunately, this isn’t that: More Design in charts – HERE, and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE

a year ago 96 votes
Design explained using pie charts again

Design is hard. If only the process could be explained using simple pie charts again. Unfortunately, this still isn’t that: More Design in charts – HERE, and HERE and HERE and HERE

a year ago 95 votes

More in architecture

Learning How to Talk About Architecture on Social Media

A few tips from the host of the popular YouTube channel "Stewart Hicks Takes on Buildings."

2 days ago 1 votes
😅⚖️

In 2021, a Canadian farmer named Chris Achter responded to a buyer’s grain contract with a simple 👍 emoji. What followed wasn’t just a misunderstanding—it was a legal showdown that captured global attention. Achter, based in Saskatchewan, had a long-standing business relationship with the buyer. They often finalized grain deals over text. That year, when

3 days ago 1 votes
‘Architecture Is About Survival’: Archinect Talks With 2025 Venice Biennale Curator Carlo Ratti

The Venice Architecture Biennale, arguably the most iconic event in the architectural calendar, opens its 2025 edition to the public this week on May 10th. As crowds begin to descend on the Italian city and organizers and participants finish their final preparations, Archinect's Niall Patrick Walsh spoke with the biennale's curator Carlo Ratti on what visitors can expect from the event. In our conversation, Ratti unpacks his vision for the biennale as a living laboratory from which ideas and research can emerge to guide the evolution of the built environment; all themed along the exhibition's pillars of Natural, Artificial, and Collective intelligence. In addition, Ratti offers his thoughts on the curatorial process, common topics explored by participants, the future of biennales, and some final advice for those making the trip to Venice to see the event in person. The conversation, edited lightly for length and clarity, is published below.

3 days ago 1 votes
Designs to Heal the Singed Heart of Los Angeles

Rather than court “exercises in reconstruction,” a competition sought “acts of memory, creativity and hope.”

3 days ago 1 votes
Can Tactical Design Make NYC Subways Feel Safe Again? WXY’s Claire Weisz Thinks So

Darkened corners, poorly-lit cars, vandalism, and other physical and psychological indicators that crime is present or can thrive still underpin its persistence on subways and in stations in New York City. This has led to a widespread perception of danger. And, in real terms, the neglect has spurred a 160% increase in arrests throughout the system over the last two years. With the number of felony assaults now on the rise and outnumbering robberies in the subway system 2-to-1, Claire Weisz, founding principal of Brooklyn-based WXY Architecture + Urban Design, whose related work on civic engagement will be on display inside the official United States Pavilion at this year’s Venice Architecture Biennale, spoke to Archinect about the new Vital City guidances and her personal connection as a New Yorker and the co-founder of Design Trust for Public Space.

4 days ago 1 votes