Great Architecture Speaks to Us
And sometimes it doesn't take itself so seriously. If structure ever met vocal — and had a sense of humor — these might be the results
Jody Brown
March 20, 2012
I received my architectural degree from the University of Tennessee in 1992 and have spent the last 28 years working on a variety of different projects ranging from small house additions to high-rise mixed-use developments. I have a strong background in historic preservation, urban design, and sustainable design, as well as an extensive portfolio of multi-family and single-family residential design. In 2009, I started my own firm. I pride myself on my ability to successfully communicate with clients using clear ideas, easy to understand graphics, straight-forward language, and a sense of humor.
Let’s grab a coffee!
Twitter - @JodyBrownArch
My company website is - www.jodybrownarchitecture.com
I received my architectural degree from the University of Tennessee in 1992 and have... More
Great architecture has meaning. And when designed well, buildings can speak to us. But what are they trying to say?
Let's find out, shall we?
Let's find out, shall we?
I'm not sure why Frank Lloyd Wright made his entrances so indirect. It's like some kind of modernist exercise program. You see your destination up there somewhere. Ah, but first, let's just walk down the block a bit and enjoy the view on the way. I bet Frank was very fit.
Let's just put the house on top of the stream. What could go wrong?
The Fountainhead must have been based on Frank Lloyd Wright, right? I mean, have you ever seen him and Gregory Peck in the same place at the same time? Exactly. I rest my case.
Hugo Alvar Henrik Aalto's work was a direct response to his environment. His was a vernacular expression of his own unique culture and heritage. Unfortunately, he lived in Finland.
I'm pretty sure this is what Le Corbusier meant in his five points of architecture:
- Lift the building off the ground.
- Put a garden on the roof.
- Use a free-form open plan (duh).
- Use ribbon windows to maximize the views.
- Use hand sanitizer before shaking Le Corbusier's hand.
You should imagine this being spoken in a thick German accent. I visited here a few years ago, and they do make you take your shoes off before you enter the house. Plus, they provide you with a wicker basket full of neatly folded socks to choose from. These socks are available only in white or black. When you leave the house, you put the used socks into a stainless steel hamper that is labeled "dirty socks." The font on the label is Helvetica. Mies would be very proud.
Vanderbilt was so gangsta.
Apparently, this is Jacobean-style architecture, which I just learned by Googling "Downton Abbey." I assume these estates have both an upstairs and a downstairs. High tea with Maggie Smith will take place in the study promptly at 4:00. You should wear something formal.
Sadly, Thomas, all houses are not created equal.
Greek temples inspired Roman bathhouses inspired Palladian villas inspired neoclassical cathedrals inspired Jeffersonian campuses inspired "drive-thru" branch banks inspired suburban McMansions everywhere.
Sometimes evolution is cruel.
More by Coffee with an Architect:
Find Your Architectural Style
Flash Cards for Architectural Terms
Sometimes evolution is cruel.
More by Coffee with an Architect:
Find Your Architectural Style
Flash Cards for Architectural Terms
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Hilarious! I toured the FLR Allen-Lambe house in Wichita, KS with my daughter for an interior design course she was taking & the ceilings were extremely low! lol It was a great house & very inventive!