A Conceit of Architects

  What do we call a gathering of Architects? When animals gather in groups, we refer to them by an array of elegant terms: a Flock of Birds, a Herd of Sheep, a Swarm of Bees, a Smack of Jellyfish, an Array of Hedgehogs, a Pack of Elephants, a Clan of Bears, a Troop of Chimpanzees, an Exultation of Lark, … Read More

Architecture Sounds Dirty

  So I just asked a simple question. “Are there any Architecture terms or phrases that sound unintentionally ….. ummm… dirty?” Yep, 12 hours later I had 150 responses. The internet is awesome. And, you guys are disgusting. So, here goes, I’ll list the terms I have so far. In fact, I’ll even include a pdf you can print and post … Read More

Alternative names for Architecture

Alternatives names for Architecture: Buildobfuscation Preconstruction musings Evilinear Spontaneous Justifications of Form Drawing Awesomptions Lessismoring Building permit application forms Turtleneckage Computer-Aided-Anguish Rectilinearsneers Repetitive dichotomy disorder Miessing Whiteboxing Corbursting Unmarketing Simplicomplication Lonlinesting Cantstruction Roofleakage Aaltoration Angstification Under-penning Financialignments Structuralonely Foundationalizations Grandgesticulates Ennui-lization Eyesorage Formalimitations Hierarchitecting Symmetryfallsinthewoods Trance-formation Louis Kahn The Artist formally known as Architecture . Feel free to add your … Read More

An Architectural Pocket Dictionary (K-Z)

. K Keystone: (noun) – Key-shaped stone at the top of the arch used to open a secluded vault in Egypt containing the secret to all Architectural success. The vault may be empty, and booby trapped. L Light: (noun) – The illumination at the end of the tunnel which has been turned off due to lack of financing. Linear: (noun) … Read More

An Architectural Pocket Dictionary (A-J)

. A Adaptive Re-use: (noun) – Removing soiled linens and empty colt 45 bottles prior to leasing a building to creative professionals. Agora: (noun) – The fear of Architecture in public places. Amphitheatre: (noun) – Large crowds in seating organized by their dislike of classical music. Arcade: (noun) – Corridors lined with repetitive video games. Architect: (noun) – An effete bon … Read More

CTRL+ANGST+DEL

New Autocad Command Shortcuts: . . Please download and print the enclosed pdf and keep by your desk for reference: —-> ( CTRL-ANGST-DEL-shortcuts ) .  

Great Works of Architecture taken out of context

The English respond to the French with a desert – The Trifle tower Because Napoleon liked the Black-eyed Peas – The Arch de she-humps If moved to Portugal – The leaning tower of Siza When designed by nerds – The hanging gardens of Babylon 5 If Egypt smack-talked – “Great pyramids of Giza”, or is it “the Greatest pyramids of … Read More

10 Things to keep in mind when designing for Hipsters

irony = iron + y cardboard tubes Bon Iver is not French they sell wine at Walmart cabins are less than 200 s.f. rust it’s not too much wool chickens everything comes easy to you, doesn’t it? nevermind . . photos are from banlon1964’s photostream on flickr (used under creative commons license) .  

Definition of Architecture

I can’t believe I’ve written this blog for over a year and never bothered to define Architecture. A glaring omission to be sure. Perhaps I could get some help on this one? What’s a good definition of “Architecture” ? . . Architecture (noun): the act of artfully placing complex forms in remote locations to be photographed for magazine covers. . Architecture (noun): … Read More

Architectural Terminology – The Urban Design Vocabulary

I’ll admit it, I throw around Architectural terminology with the best of them. Especially when it comes to “Urban Design”. I can’t order a coffee without commenting on the vernacular nature of the locally roasted beans and the sense of place established by the “take a penny leave a penny” bowl next to the cash register. “Take a penny, leave … Read More