Towards an Architecture of Responsibility

My work is a belief in individuality and self-reliance. This architecture is an internalized place defined by the harmony of our existence with nature. In this sense, architecture becomes timeless. The work transcends the physical realm to become part of us, holistic and eternal. It is systemically connected to the environment through ecologically sustainable technology and infrastructure, self-sustaining and independent. This is an architecture of responsibility and respect for our environment and ourselves. 

The works presented in this book reflect an optimistic vision of the future. The buildings present themselves in a humble and respectful manor through their systemic integration of environment. Honest in their use of material and construction, each project deploys sustainable strategies such as locally sourced woods, earth brick construction, water harvesting, passive design, native landscaping and renewable energy production. Unique in narrative, context, history and location they all share one common theme, self-awareness.  

We must start taking responsibility for ourselves by respecting ourselves. This comes to us by defining our virtues and living by principle. The stoics of ancient Greece would argue that the world outside is not in our control but only how we choose to see and respond to it. Asking the hard question of ourselves, embracing resistance, defining the right problems to have for ourselves and comparing our actions to the day before in an effort to be better. We have a moral imperative to define meaning in our lives by what we create for the future.

Each project begins with uncertainty, the goal is to embrace this uncertainty and learn from it. The challenge is not to answer the questions the project presents but to redefine the problems in an enlightened and purposeful way. This is an act of humiliation that focuses the design on a path toward honesty with itself and its environment. The works presented are not answers but only better questions.

Nietzsche stated, “Those who have a why can bear any how.” Why does a neighborhood need to be built more sustainably? Why activate a community with space? Why does energy need to come from fossil fuels? These are questions we ask ourselves when engaged in the process of design but more importantly understanding that the why must come from our character. In order to discover this truth we must challenge ourselves and learn from experimentation. No such thing as failure, only discovery and betterment as long as we stay open to learning. Let us have the courage to ask the hard questions, to embrace risk and be the process for ourselves and our children’s future.

“Thinking is more interesting than knowing.” – Goethe