Q. What is the role of ornament in our world of modern architecture?
A. Ornament is the voice of architecture that speaks of the natural creative expression of a people. By stripping architecture of ornament, our buildings are robbed of that which enriches visually and culturally. Only when modern practice is reconciled with these two elements of tradition and ornament will we be able to continue our long journey of creating a living classicism for all peoples.
Q. How do see the role of tradition in architecture today?
A. Tradition and ornament need not be seen as a threat to be avoided. Rather, they are a continuation of a culture’s heart and soul. Architecture without these two foundational members becomes anti-cultural, void of collective memory, and transient in nature.
Q. Is western style architecture the answer for the world’s
building needs?
A. No one culture can claim architectural perfection as its
own. This is a conceit whose time
has come to an end. All cultures can
achieve an architectural excellence unique to their time and place and many do.
Q. Who is responsible for helping a culture achieve
architecture of excellence?
A. Those who practice the art of architecture and the craft
of building are the custodians of the physical fabric of our nation, our
cities, and our neighborhoods. It
is no easy task, and therefore, governments, universities, and businesses
should take the lead to encourage high standards for design and building
construction. In this way, our
architecture will more ably weather the test of time. By making such a commitment, each culture’s built
environment will stand as a lasting testimony of their aspirations for their
future.
Q. What should architecture have as its ultimate goal?
A. This is the ultimate goal for any architectural style - to mature; to stand the test of time; to be perfected as it is repeated by multiple generations. When architecture achieves this lofty goal, then it speaks with a voice that transcends its originating culture and can be admired and appreciated by other world cultures.
Q. Is it really possible for any society to achieve architectural excellence?
A. Every culture, regardless of its size, wealth, or natural resources can create their own architecture of excellence. And through deliberate and thoughtful effort, each should be encouraged to do so.
Q. What do you see as architecture’s role in a society?
A. Architecture has a pivotal role in how a society views itself and its place in the world. A society’s buildings should express a hope and commitment to the future.
Q. What is the role of “green” architecture in your view?
A. Building only for the short run, and as cheaply as possible, seldom results in a noble built environment. Such construction is a poor use of the world’s natural resources because buildings of this sort often reach the end of their life expectancy within a decade or so of their construction. These buildings represent the worse case scenario because their demise cries out to their lack of true aesthetic value, the impermanence of materials used, or their failure as a plan to provide usefulness over a long period of time. Furthermore, it is in everyone’s interests to build as energy efficiently as is economically viable to conserve resources. Architects should necessarily make use of the best technology and materials available to provide safe, healthy, and efficient buildings. The Green Movement is a natural progression in society’s conscious effort to be good stewards of our planet’s resources.