by Abram Goodrich
Studios Architecture
The AIA has commissioned Studios Architecture—the firm for which I work—to fulfill a task: Take a Modernist office building from 1973, turn it into a paragon of green architecture and workplace design while also positioning it for Landmark status. I love this project. At its core is this question: How does one simultaneously transform and preserve?
Clearly, this project will be a showcase for the AIA on the topic of preserving Modernism. What do you think the AIA should say with this project?
To prime the pump, let me try to provoke AIA-member response by sharing some personal thoughts (all in evolution) about preservation:
- Architecture is storytelling. In this case, the protagonist is the AIA.
- Interventions, inevitably, “speak” not only through that which is created anew but by the way they editorialize.
- We can imagine that the headquarters offers a narrative composed by many authors and edited by every generation with the common goal, ultimately, of ensuring a vital story.
- Vitality is paramount. Won’t our protagonist be more three-dimensional, more vital if we can see both where you came from and where you are going?
What is your vision?
Comments (2)
Archiblog IS a failure!
Have you failed to notice that you are not provoking any comment here?
What is missing here is any reason for any person to make any comment at all!
Why ask questions related to articles on the pretense of seeking comment where week after week there is nothing provocative to speak to?
Posted by Terry L. Walker, AIA | April 11, 2008 4:00 PM
Posted on April 11, 2008 16:00
Having been involved with the TAC design and construction of the AIA HQ for four years, from inception to ribbon-cutting, including a year on-site during construction, I am very interested in what may become of the highest profile project of my career.
I will be pleased to respond with my recollections of the project if those working on this update have need of my input.
In addition to the email address, I can be contacted at 305-372-9918 or by mail at 1000 Venetian Way #1901, Miami, FL 33139.
Posted by James Armstrong | March 22, 2008 4:25 PM
Posted on March 22, 2008 16:25