New Archtecture

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Author Message Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 1228 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Wednesday, January 05, 2011 - 03:06 pm:    110105 HOW DO WE GET TO THE “NEW ARCHITECTURE” ? by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT Cincinnati, OH Design drives architecture because it sets the parameters, expression, flavor and style of the project. BUT how do we successfully get from there to a truly realistic, sustainable and “correctly” constructed project? We will need new data and new techniques [from where] for construction? for specifications/, etc. and not merely “cutesy”. Flash-bang-done new software programming and presentation displays that serve a lot of glitz but little substance. Are we getting better at solving construction problems and solutions? THAT, friends, is our primary question! That and the question of whether we or anyone else really cares! What’s going on; to me, is a continual process of barely “adequate” design prowess festooned with some of the latest colors, motifs, design inspirations, fads and the newest of materials. Has light wood framing for homes, REALLY changed, for the better, with less cost and commensurate benefits? Are we doing things differently to benefit our work, our projects, and the overall construction community? Does sustainable and LEED have enough “kick” behind it to make a true factor and contribution? Is it value, overall, and beneficial to better construction, in a more timely manner and at lower costs? Is there a correlation between increased value and better construction, or do we do things the same way and just use a “recently developed cladding finish? Just seems we are doing so much-- e.g., BIM, LEED, sustainable construction, new chemical solutions from slick finishes to tight joint sealants. But do they really impact the design and provide for bright new direction or adjournments on the “ol way”? Of course, some projects are just “so wonderful” just because a small group of certain architects are involved [the “starchitects”]. So we come out with glitzy and odd concoctions of strange shapes in solutions that defy nature and really present no collections of styles of motifs. A little confusing! Since the primary goal of the academic, professional education seems to be to ignore all but the visual appearance and not anything with longevity, wearing or building life! So, are we all on the same line? Are we all seeking the same levels and goals of excellence, but via very different paths? Are all construction workers [inc. professionals] trained and educated to the same or similar standards [i.e., how not to build to the same standards, etc., but not creating an on-going situation with lots of paper devoted to rules, guidelines, directions, instructions, etc., but no truly coordinated effort to educate all personnel to the same technical standard for each job level. It may be that we simply have given up and subconsciously decided to go forth and not solve basic problems. Not one wants to claims responsibility for the gaps; no one wants, or knows, hw to really solve by bringing good heads together-- include :don’t care” hare, too. Odd that an important profession is allowed to continue as is and with recognition that beneficial fundamentals are not taught, instilled and emphasized early on in a discipline manner-- we all want to be different. Just don’t understand the lack of will to even talk about this, and to take some minimal action the rectify it.