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The Committee on Design (COD) was founded to promote design excellence among members of the AIA, the broader design community, and the public at large, both nationally and internationally.

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Residential Architecture for the Middle Class?

  • 1.  Residential Architecture for the Middle Class?

    Posted 06-26-2017 04:02 PM

    I have spent a good portion of my career designing homes for the Middle Class, that is, "production housing".  I have also been a member of the AIA since 2003.  These two sectors of the world of architecture have never really met.  In fact, AIA members have informally shared with me that production housing is considered a kind of "evil" in architecture, that is, that it isn't actually architecture, and that it's just another widget for people to consume and throw away in 20 years or less.  I spent most of my childhood living in badly maintained apartments in an inflated housing market in the San Francisco Bay Area, where, although my family was considered part of the Middle Class, could not afford a house near my parents' jobs.  We finally found a home, built by the famous homebuilder Kaufman & Broad, aka KB Home, about 50 miles from where we were living.  As a child, I had already become enamored with architecture: sweeping skyscrapers, bridges, and beautiful things.  But to me, nothing was more beautiful than a place to call Home.  Through KB's brochure home plans, I learned about architecture - the correct placement of doors and windows, architectural styles, privacy for bedrooms and publicly allocating family and kitchen spaces.  I decided that I wanted to design and build homes for people like me: those who weren't rich, and didn't want to live poor.

    My question to you is this: how do we as architects reconcile the market-driven architectural style seen in production housing (and elsewhere) with what we consider to be "true" architecture?  How do we engage our communities to see things the way we "see" them?  Are there other ways in which architects are detached from the community, or reality, for that matter?

    A penny for your thoughts! 



    ------------------------------
    Yolanda Lettieri AIA
    Principal
    YSL Architecture
    Hawthorne CA
    ------------------------------
    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 2.  RE: Residential Architecture for the Middle Class?

    Posted 06-27-2017 05:54 PM
    Don't let them get inside your head, Yolanda.  What constitutes architecture is very subjective, and when someone is looking down their nose at you, it is usually because they themselves have loads of shortcomings that they are hoping you won't notice.  If you are providing professional expertise for your clients, if you are able to meet their goals, whatever their goals may be, if you are working within the realities of construction and the practicalities of staying within tight budgets, then you are doing far better than the so-called heroic architects who had nearly unlimited budgets and a clean slate to work with.  I have found that architecture is really just expertise and professional service to the client.  The rest is just what happens as part of this process.

    ------------------------------
    Robert Aho AIA
    Kirkaus, LLC
    Duluth MN
    ------------------------------

    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 3.  RE: Residential Architecture for the Middle Class?

    Posted 06-27-2017 06:15 PM

    Take a look at this article, if not helpful at least it could give you hope.

     

    http://www.latimes.com/home/la-me-krisel-obit-20170606-story.html

     

    Guillermo Monter, AIA, LEED AP BD+C,  NCARB

     

    image001

     

    Klawiter and Associates, Inc.

    626 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 555

    Los Angeles, California 90017

    213.225.1843 direct

    310.993.6644 mobile

    gmonter@klawiter.com

    www.klawiter.com

    [View this post online to see image]  [View this post online to see image]

     

    [View this post online to see image] Please consider the environment before printing this email.

     




    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 4.  RE: Residential Architecture for the Middle Class?

    Posted 06-27-2017 08:22 PM

    Great questions Yolanda – I've long been puzzled by these same dichotomies. 

     

    I've heard feelings expressed on this general topic that seem to get close to the line 'between good and evil'.  I've personally always felt the distinctions were more about 'ordinary' versus 'refined' versis 'extraordinary'.  Taste has always been an obvious part of the mix in my mind; but I've heard arguments that Architecture with a 'Big A' transcends taste, style, and even opinion and in theory moves into some more surreal turf.  Hmmm ...

     

    I live in a neighborhood developed in the 1930s in various romantic interpretations of style that I know are admired by many – perhaps most based on surveys of what the public admires.  In working in that context I've always tried to have major expansions and alterations fit in so well that they become 'invisible' – indistinguishable from their comfortable neighbors that have not been so altered.  That's true even for my own home, which I about doubled in size decades ago.  Newer neighbors have no idea. 

     

    One of my 'new facades' which altered a 1950's intrusion was selected as an example of a 1930's façade design in one of the Arcadia history books on my neighborhood.  This I took as a great compliment; but suspect that many in our profession would suggest, as you note, that this is not 'architecture'.  While I don't agree with that assessment, I also don't believe that it's important that as design professionals we all agree on such things.  I do appreciate it when we have these kinds of conversations though - as in the end it seems to me we generally do find common ground at some level and through some lens.  This common ground is a great place at which to engage the public as a 'profession'.  When we engage through a narrow lens, it's a much greater leap to get to mutual understanding.

     

    My 2 cents for a Tuesday afternoon.

     

    Michael F. Malinowski FAIA

    President, Applied Architecture Inc

     

    President Streamline Institute Inc

    Contributing Editor California Buildings News

    2016 AIA California President

    2012-2014 AIA National Director

    2008 President AIA Central Valley

    2007 Chair Sacramento Development Oversight Commission

    Sacramento CA

     




    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 5.  RE: Residential Architecture for the Middle Class?

    Posted 06-27-2017 08:27 PM
    Yolanda. middle class housing architecture in America has advanced over the years as probably the envy of the world.  I enjoy these modern styles, comforts and amenities. Having lived overseas may have caused me appreciate them even more.

    ------------------------------
    Bruce Pitts
    A&E HVAC Mechanical Engineering
    self
    Aiken SC
    ------------------------------

    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 6.  RE: Residential Architecture for the Middle Class?

    Posted 06-27-2017 08:50 PM
    Yolanda,

    Don't be dismayed by what "some" architects say about residential design.  It is still considered "Architecture" we as Architects should strive to do the best we can in anything we work on...to include housing for the masses...Your designs have probably had much more impact on the lives of the people living in them as any other building type.  After all that is where our inspiration and love for this profession started in our own homes growing up.  

    Some of the best Architecture ever built are homes...IE: The Glass House (Philip Johnson), The Walker guest House (Paul Rudolph)..Etc..

    Art Castellanos, AIA NCARB

    ------------------------------
    Art Castellanos AIA
    Architect
    Art Castellanos, Architect
    Fort Myers FL
    ------------------------------

    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 7.  RE: Residential Architecture for the Middle Class?

    Posted 06-28-2017 08:21 AM
    Yolanda Lettieri’s post outlines a very significant issue for architecture, architects and society. Given the generally high price of modernism in single family housing today, and the high status we accord such works (almost invariably with costs “withheld” in publications), it’s hard to conclude that much of the middle class is simply clueless about our design wisdom. In the profession as witnessed by its publications, the pendulum has swung in the direction of a minimalist modernism, with a troubling onset of flamboyant expressionism. The fact that warmth and notable human values are often lacking among these trends seems partially at fault for the long-term capture of the single family market by the development community, and its adoption of historicist signifiers of texture and permanence.

    Kenneth M. Moffett, AIA


    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 8.  RE: Residential Architecture for the Middle Class?

    Posted 06-28-2017 02:41 PM
    These are all really great comments, thank you for sharing your thoughts.

    Although I agree that modernism has found a trendy comeback in modular and production housing, I don't expect Modernism per se to actually resolve the divide that exists between architects and the built environment in our neighborhoods.  Modernism can be architects' "eye candy", but I have heard homeowners opine that modernist architecture is "cold", "heartless", not "family-oriented", among other comments.  Hence the bigger question of architect engagement with their communities.

    I just returned from a trip to Puerto Rico to visit family.  My mom collects newspaper clippings for me to read when I visit, mostly on topics of architecture, science, and art.  Each week, architects on the island write columns in the local paper discussing various subjects, from greening your home to recently published books by local architect authors.  Architects command a great level of respect and notoriety in Puerto Rico not seen here in the United States.

    Can we as architects do more to engage our community?  Advocacy is simply one arm of engagement.  What about telling our stories to the public, showing up to random events where there are no other architects like ourselves in the group, and getting out of our protective AEC community?

    ------------------------------
    Yolanda Lettieri AIA
    Principal
    YSL Architecture
    Hawthorne CA
    ------------------------------

    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 9.  RE: Residential Architecture for the Middle Class?

    Posted 06-28-2017 02:53 PM
    Yolanda
    It looks like you are doing a great job of keeping things going on the COD discussion site.  Way to go!
    Mike Mense



    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 10.  RE: Residential Architecture for the Middle Class?

    Posted 06-30-2017 03:35 PM
    Too often many architects seems to think that modern must be cold, heartless etc. and if you want something warm and family-orientated you must revert to some other historic style. Most of my clients want modern. It is my job to make a modern residence that has a heart, is warm and family-orientated. Modern has evolved, it does not need to be void of contextualism or simply a realized theory. In my opinion, no style can better address the needs of a modern lifestyle, or our ever expanding knowledge of  the environment, materials, means and methods and technology.  
    I do not consider any historic style inferior or inappropriate in the right setting, and, I also understand modern to be historic. My main point is, we as architects can create modern architecture that addresses the emotional as well as aesthetic needs of our clients and our communities. We just need to drop the divide that says either/or, as well as, work to eliminate that perception in our communities. Let the building be what it needs to be, If that is modern that is warm, contextual, family-orientated and with a heart - design it - and promote it as such.   

    Victor Prebor AIA




    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 11.  RE: Residential Architecture for the Middle Class?

    Posted 07-03-2017 08:41 PM
    Speaking of the perception in my community, it's also that modernism tends to be cold and heartless, which is why most of my clients want traditional.  With additions, almost all would like them to harmonize with the original style/feel of the house, be it modern or traditional.  I've found that almost none of them are congizant of the fact that architects are taught that modernism is the only appropriate style, denying the emotional/aesthetic function traditional style play for many people.  It's heartening to hear our profession finally address this issue that hobbles many a young architect who comes out ill prepared to do a harmonious addition to our predominantly traditional housing stock.  Now if we can only change our academic culture that continues to belittle this perspective for strictly ideological reasons.

    Daniel Morales AIA



    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 12.  RE: Residential Architecture for the Middle Class?

    Posted 07-04-2017 05:30 PM
    we  used to look forward  in this  country. the  future was  bright and  full of possibility. now we  cower in the  comfort  of the  past afraid to take  risks.  nothing  ventured, nothing  gained.



    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 13.  RE: Residential Architecture for the Middle Class?

    Posted 07-05-2017 05:39 PM
    Looking forward shouldn't be defined by an original exterior look or employing the latest technology, unless it solves real problems.  In my opinion it should be about realigning ourselves with those things which best serve mankind and the environment we depend.  To that end. looking forward would entail understanding the latest science has to tell us about human nature and our ecology, not simply what the next ism might be.  That being said, as long as there's real diversity of opinion in our schooling, not one defined by strict ideological parameters, I think it will all work it self out.  Right now, that is not the case.



    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 14.  RE: Residential Architecture for the Middle Class?

    Posted 07-04-2017 06:33 PM
    I was taught that modernism was NOT a style, as it was the only correct response that reflects our current culture! I was taught that style was not a word that should be in an architect's vocabulary! I was taught that historic styles were immitative and architects who resorted to them were inferior!

    Quoting Bob Dylan, "I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now".

    Modernism is almost 100 years old. If modernism was going to sweep the world, it would have happened after WWII! Today, what we see is mostly Neo Modernism imitating Modernism!

    There are all kinds of music genres. People connect to whatever inspires them. Music schools appreciate this and teach jazz, classical, folk, and avany garde. Architecture schools, with few exceptions teach only avant garde, and send their graduates out into a world, that, in large part, does not share their appreciation. The AIA's promotional efforts and the arcotectural media further foster the disconnect! As such, people are more comfortable with builders than architects.

    If this profession is going to survive, things will need to change!





    ------------------------------
    Edward Shannon AIA
    Des Moines IA
    ------------------------------

    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 15.  RE: Residential Architecture for the Middle Class?

    Posted 07-04-2017 06:34 PM
    I was taught that modernism was NOT a style, as it was the only correct response that reflects our current culture! I was taught that style was not a word that should be in an architect's vocabulary! I was taught that historic styles were immitative and architects who resorted to them were inferior!

    Quoting Bob Dylan, "I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now".

    Modernism is almost 100 years old. If modernism was going to sweep the world, it would have happened after WWII! Today, what we see is mostly Neo Modernism imitating Modernism!

    There are all kinds of music genres. People connect to whatever inspires them. Music schools appreciate this and teach jazz, classical, folk, and avany garde. Architecture schools, with few exceptions teach only avant garde, and send their graduates out into a world, that, in large part, does not share their appreciation. The AIA's promotional efforts and the arcotectural media further foster the disconnect! As such, people are more comfortable with builders than architects.

    If this profession is going to survive, things will need to change!





    ------------------------------
    Edward Shannon AIA
    Des Moines IA
    ------------------------------

    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 16.  RE: Residential Architecture for the Middle Class?

    Posted 07-10-2017 11:00 AM
    Dear Daniel,
     
    Your posting July 3rd echoes my own feelings on these design issues almost exactly.  I agree that we must seriously alter the academic culture that encourages the dreary state of architecture today.  I am heartened to see this discussion taking place in the AIA community.  It's about time!
     
    Good work, Daniel and others!
    More later,
    Alvin Holm AIA



    Alvin Holm AIA Architects
    2014 Sansom Street
    Philadelphia, PA 19103
    office: 215.963.0747
    fax: 215.963.9950
     



    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 17.  RE: Residential Architecture for the Middle Class?

    Posted 07-12-2017 08:17 AM
    Thanks Mr. Holm.  Your story is inspiring.  Thanks for all you've done to add a little beauty to our world.  The split between traditionalists and modernists is indeed unfortunate.  The zero sum game of ideologies might seem inevitable, looking at our national politics, but I firmly believe this doesn't have to be the case.  I've yet to find a client think along the lines we where taught in school.  An approach based on what we know about human nature and specifically human perception would offer a more pragmatic approach, while empowering young graduates to better take on the small projects that right now are handled by designing contractors.  I hope we can someday create the kinds of places we all know and love, regardless of style.

    Daniel Morales AIA. CNU. ICAA. 



    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 18.  RE: Residential Architecture for the Middle Class?

    Posted 06-28-2017 08:29 PM
    Thanks for sharing your thoughts Yolanda. I think every contribution to the profession counts whether its a production housing or modern
    high rise structure and there is no such term as "evil" in architecture. A good practice is to keep updated with the modern trends and create 
    a user friendly environment regardless of its scale or magnitude.

    ------------------------------
    Ghazala Miftah Assoc. AIA
    Founder, Dexign 3D
    Irvine, CA
    ------------------------------

    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 19.  RE: Residential Architecture for the Middle Class?

    Posted 07-24-2017 06:05 PM

    Hi Yolanda,

    I know I am late to this but recently read your post and the topic of single family home design I feel is important and certainly should demand our attention. 

     With some similarity to you, my initial interest in architecture started when as a 12 year old visiting Florida we looked at model houses and their marketing sheets with plans and elevations were fascinating to me.  Unlike you the vast majority of my career of over 30 years has been in educational and institutional projects.  I have recently considered what issues do I want to try to invest some energy towards and smart sensible single family homes is one of them.

     I am always amazed that architects have either ceded or just lost responsibility for design of single family homes and suburban communities, especially given that over 60% of Americans live in single family detached homes according to the census bureau.  

     To me there are two keys issues that need to happen;  1 - Educate the public to understand and appreciate the value of design, art, and the built environment.  This is a long term issue that really needs to be addressed in school curriculum, from primary to secondary education, no small task given that there has been more emphasis on STEM and not on STEAM and continual de-emphasis of the arts.  And 2 - Convey and convince builders and developers that better, responsive and responsible design is good business. 

     It is good to hear that you have focused your career on 'middle class housing'.  There has to be a way to improve home design for regular people and it should be an issue we as a community work on.



    ------------------------------
    John Fallon AIA
    Fallon + Pacheco Architects
    Bloomfield NJ
    ------------------------------

    2024 HRC Taliesin West