AIArchitect

In his diversity article this month, Stephen Kliment, FAIA, discusses African identity in African-American design: Given the diversity of that continent, can it be? Should it be? And how about European-American, Asian-American, or Australian-American architectural identities?

As the homogenization of cultures, styles, and even languages worldwide continues to spread with increasing rapidity, though, perhaps an adherence to various subcategories is indeed a way to keep local or cultural identities alive.

What do you think?

by Jim W. Sealy, FAIA

Merriam-Webster Online defines human factors as “ergonomics,” and ergonomics as “an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that people and things interact most efficiently and safely—called also biotechnology, human engineering, human factors.”

If you are willing to accept that definition, the contents of this blog will be simple to understand. It is my opinion that the most plausible definition of human factors is simply “the profession of architecture.” It strikes me as funny that the art and profession of architecture is so misunderstood that an architect (like me!) has to write articles to defend what we have been educated and trained to do: to design complete buildings and their related facilities and accompaniments, such as fixtures and furnishings. In essence, the above definition of ergonomics is precisely what we do as architects: design and arrange things people use so that people and things interact most efficiently and safely.

There are two long, horizontal cracks in the Arlington National Cemetery Tomb of the Unknowns Monument. Cemetery administrators are considering repair or replacement.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, on their Web site, has taken the stance that repair is the only logical option, saying that fault lines are natural, the cracks are cosmetic, and ongoing repair and changes in cleaning techniques will suffice to maintain the 75-year-old monument.

The cemetery administration report, which stresses that the interment of the unknown soldiers will not be disturbed in any way, offers four options: do nothing, repair the tomb monument, repair the monument while procuring a replacement stone, or replace the monument. They will hand down their decision September 30.

What do you think?

Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), chairman of the House Energy Committee and the longest-serving member in the House has proposed a 50-cent gas tax, a carbon tax, and phasing out mortgage interest tax deduction for homes over 3,000 square feet. “This is going to cause pain” he says of the measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

To Dingell, who represents Detroit and has long resisted automobile fuel efficiency mandates, "the pain is shared in a way that is fair, proper, acceptable and accomplishes the basic purpose." That purpose would be to reduce greenhouse gases.

Considering that the housing market is already feeling pain, that the size of a house is not necessarily connected to its carbon footprint, and that automobiles probably create more carbon pollution than homes, is this a worthy piece of legislation?

What do you think?