Week of August 28, 2009

Joe C – Replying to your comments from Thursday it would be beneficial if you could explain your concerns in more detail. Now you also mentioned that the majority of the layouts would not work, possibly you could highlight any positives of those that might work as well.

As John Brown emphasized in today’s address all of us appreciate and benefit from critical feedback both positive, and not so positive.

I find by the time the week is over through the projects and reviews I’ve gained a new appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of my own dwelling. As I develop plans and ideas to improve the workings of my home I thank all of those that have contributed to the Slow Home project.

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I forgot to post this design yesterday – this attempted to build on what John proposed by enclosing part of the kitchen so that the remaining segment becomes analogous to the dining room sideboard…food for thought anyway.

I also would like to hear Joe C explain his position. I think many of the designs posted yesterday, including my own, would inevitably prove unworkable whether for cost, structural, plumbing or aesthetic reasons. That is really missing the point. The idea is to explore options, be creative and have some fun. You never know what you might discover when you step out of the box.

Brad,
You make an important point about the site. The goal of a studio exercise is to practice an activity that you are learning about. It is also an opportunity to try out new ideas.

Joe,
The point of design exercises like the ones we have on this site is to provide a place that is not to be restricted by so many external “reality” factors that the learning opportunity is lost. I tell my architecture students that it is like learning to play a musical instrument. When you start the results are pretty rough but that doesn’t matter because it is only with practice that we get anywhere. Even accomplished musicians can sound rough when they try something new. They also understand that that is the only way to learn.

At the same time, some of the design concepts presented for these exercises are entirely plausible, feasible, affordable, and appropriate. They present another kind of learning opportunity.