Inside Out

I happened to stumble upon this incredibly insightful article that draws attention to an increasing issue I have with design in general.  This doesn't necessarily just apply to architects, but can correlate to a number of professions and most anyone personally for that matter.  Something beautiful, interesting, or maybe just exciting can be created to draw crowds or attention, but what is happening on the inside is just as important.  In this article, the author makes a most certainly calculated point about their life inside of a showy and eye-catching work of architecture.  Cleverly entitled "My Cubicle in the Starchitect's Building", the author draws on personal experience to support the idea that architecture is ever increasingly deficient of form and creating great space to more of just making something interesting and people will like it.  (or maybe not even like it, but they will spend $ to come see it!) You do have to make your client happy, but at what cost...and is there a way to do both in a profoundly successful way?  Are we just creating something to look at or something where people enjoy themselves, learn, grow, and are happy?  

Empire State of Mind

Inspiration from my most recent trip to NYC

Retrospect

I recently had the opportunity to volunteer for an event entitled 'Retrospect' sponsored by the American Institute of Architects - Dallas Chapter.  The event held at North Park Center in the heart of Dallas, runs for two weeks once a year.  This exhibition is used to showcase architectural endeavors by local firms and to educate the public on the benefits of design in the public realm.

Opening Night Gala

Image Courtesy of BOKA Powell

Creating Space

Awesome idea for a 'GREEN' room divider.  Use it outdoors or indoors to create various spaces, provide some privacy, or add some color.  These guys know how to do furniture!

Ideas

Concept, Design, and Details - Seascape Resort Xiangshan Banbianshan, Ningbo, China

'Arts South': another piece of the puzzle

Check out the latest press release on 'Arts South'.....the project I used to refer to as  'The Spire Tract' when working on the original concept plan (see rendering below) 2 years ago.  This could (notice how I said "could") finally help complete the new Dallas Arts District with the much needed density that it would bring to the area.  Combine this redevelopment with the addition of The Park over Woodall Rodgers Freeway and we may be looking at a whole different downtown Dallas in a few years.... 

Rave Reviews!

Luxury Spot: Hotel Crave of the Day

"...top pick of hotels worth seeing in Mexico for 2011."

:-)

What is a Park?

http://archinect.com/features/article.php?id=105051_0_23_0_M

"From a singular tool to multivalent toolkit. It is important in such discussion to think of the less immediate impact. Of social design, the design of relationships. Such a platform-as toolkit-may result from more efficient, and stack(ed) programming. Thus maximizing urban spaces, suburban spaces, available spaces, that are under-performing. In essence, we should think about the best ways to maximize our various infrastructural corridors: utility, transportation, waterways et al."

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I was lucky enough to recently experience the High Line Park in NYC which is a great example of this theory.  I'm very interested to see the city of Dallas' ambitious infrastructure green space project officially dubbed "The Park" (currently being built over Woodall Rodgers Freeway) and the effects it will have on the city!

PR - A Day In The Park

http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Day-in-the-Park/122835641097684?ref=ts

XTreme LA: Austin, TX

I got the opportunity of participating in this great event held in Austin, TX this past Fall.  The design charette was an awesome experience to interact with some very creative and passionate young designers from around the country.  The wealth of knowledge provided by all the different personalities and the connections that were created, truly made it a great experience!

http://www.landscapeforms.com/en-us/LFIBrochures/LF_Xtreme_Austin_Report.pdf

DEDON: Marketing

http://www.dedon.de/en/blogazine.html

Project Photography - Park 17