3/26/2014
During the first few weeks of class we were told that we would be asked to do things we’d never done before—tasks we weren’t prepared for; some level of failure was inevitable. Hardware and finish selection (while very different independently) can make or break a project of any size. The issue is particularly relevant to us, we have little to no experience creating assemblies that actually work and now must rapidly make choices on crucial joints in all of our projects. Architecture theory and practice find common ground in the expression of the joint... (more)
3/25/2014
Everyone understands the appeal of architectural renderings, especially when an idea is beingsold to a client. On the other hand, many people experience the difficulties of visualizing projectsfrom two dimensional construction documents. Yet, most clients are unaware that theconstruction document phase consumes the highest percentage of the fees on a project attypically thirty-five to forty-five percent according to the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada.Many clients do not understand the importance of these documents. It can be hard to visualize... (more)
3/6/2014
Each Fall semester a fresh crop of fourth-year architecture students file into a crowded lecture hall to discuss Architectural Programming. The course strives to define what exactly programming can be and where it fits into the design process. As expert Robert Hershberger states, “definitions of programming in the design professions are as diverse as the people involved in its practice.” We recognize that with different approaches to design, there are different approaches to programming. For example, if design is ___, then programming is ___... (more)
3/3/2014
Previous Posts
Professionals don’t work in a vacuum. They (the good ones, at least) work in a rich, symbiotic web of other professionals, organizations, causes, mentors, and clients. The idea that students (especially those studying to become Architectural professionals) would be educated in a vacuum is therefore absurd. The college experience is often flouted as a major and required step toward entrance into the “real world”. But upon arrival, we are greeted with a protective bubble of grade school rituals, lists of dos and don’ts, and projects that often result in the development of a god-complex in ambitious 20-somethings. Inevitably there must be a beginning; a foundation of usable tools has to be laid—but educators and students alike should be wary of prolonging the facade of independence... (more)
3/2/2014
In March of 2013, a group of highly talented and motivated Architects and professionals from different disciplines nationwide assembled with aspirations to change the urban fabric of northwest Kansas City. As a collaborative, this newly formed organization has taken to coat tailing the work of initial pioneers in the area, NEAT(Northeast Alliance Together) and Mattie Rhodes Center, striving to generate a genuine advance in revitalizing this blighted region of Kansas City. As an initial step in this grand effort, el dorado inc was brought in to lead a massive planning study, recognized as Invest Northeast... (more)