NEW AWARENESS: Choices, Decisions and Direction

Thank you for the introduction to the Krier brothers, Michael. Nice presentation as well. The absence of cars is an obvious plus. Mobility has been an advantage that has led us to this point in history. Its problems have been compounded by population growth. Many sol
utions have been discussed but they don't begin with the obvious any more than the Black Plague was solved by observing visible symptoms of disease. It's time for an attitude readjustment and a new perspective.

Examining alternatives is one of our fundamental strengths. We are the only species that can consciously adjust our traits in a single lifetime with language. All others have either had their traits adapted over extended periods of time without their knowledge or become extinct. We are the chosen few given a choice, but the few have been fighting over who has been chosen to lead since they have had a voice. There is only one sustainable, symbiotic direction. The strategic decisions required will be symbolized by the tactical results that send a silent message to the future. Some of these strategic decisions will be expressed by the architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, city planning, engineering, and science created to shelter the many activities of an enlightened population. It will not be a Renaissance. It will represent New Awareness.

It’s always been about options, opinions, and choice. Decisions can't be avoided. The remainder is history in our hands with stewardship in the balance.

Architecture & the Language of Physical Design: Response to Raschid Majbour, MSc

 I couldn't agree more with your comments regarding the relationship of civil engineering to architecture. My only regret is that you relegate architecture to the appearance created. Appearance simply symbolizes the many questions that must be asked and decisions (hundreds if not thousands) that must be taken to lead from an inquiring client and a blank piece of paper.

I cannot blame the audience. Architecture has focused on style rather than the substance of improving knowledge contribution for a very long time. They have not had a language that would permit them to measure, evaluate, and forecast the implications of shelter capacity decisions. These are the decisions that can address sprawl and excessive physical intensity. The deficit symbolizes our inability to speak in an architectural language that can correlate what we sense, evaluate what we see, and convince those we address. 

PS: I have discussed the new quantitative language and forecast models of Shelter Capacity Evaluation on many occasions in my essays on Linked-In and my blog at www.wmhosack.blogspot.com. It applies to all physical design disciplines concerned with the design, development, and evaluation of shelter in the Built Domain - and to those who govern, invest in, sell, advocate, and judge the product.

RESPONSE TO OANA BOGDAN: “THE CRISIS OF THE ARCHITECTURAL PROFESSION (PART 5)”

Historically, architects were immediate advisors to kings, pharaohs, popes, and other political decision-makers because their advice had an influence on their patrons governing ability. This advice no longer seems to be a political priority. It has been significantly weakened by an emphasis on fine art that is an ambiguous symbol and not a solution.

Examine the structure and mission of architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, and city planning. Consider the knowledge it can accumulate and the correlation it can provide among all concerned with symbiotic survival on a planet that is no longer a world without end. It can lead to reorganization with a new emphasis on a governing hierarchy that benefits from its knowledge accumulation, evaluation of alternative decisions, and potential public contribution to a goal that can no longer be ignored. Talent scores points. Strategy wins games.

In other words, the language of Shelter Capacity Evaluation is needed to formulate concepts, measure conditions, evaluate options, express conclusions, build knowledge, and argue for physical, social, political, and economic leadership decisions in credible, convincing terms that can provide shelter for the activities of growing populations within geographic limits that will protect their quality and source of life.