sloArch

Tag: architects

  • Architectural Disasters

    I had the opportunity of driving across the westbound side of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge last week.  The westbound side was completed in 1950 and has been solid as a rock for almost 60 years.  As I traversed this now famous span, I couldn’t help but think of it’s infamous and ill fated predecessor.

    This short drive and the recent building collapse of the residential block in China made me reflect again on the very serious nature of the Architecture and building professions.  As Architects, engineers, contractors, designers, and draftsmen, the decisions and the work that we do have very serious real world consequences.

    Not all problems result in loss of life, but sometimes the costs can be unimaginable.  Over the years I have seen many, many bad designs and construction mistakes, as has anyone who has worked in the profession for any amount of time.  I’ve seen structures sliding down hills, doors that don’t open, and shoddy and dangerous construction in abundance.  In order to protect the innocent I won’t be posting any of those problems here, but I’ll more than gladly share other people’s mistakes.

    Below I have compiled some serious and not so serious building errors for your reflection.

    Tacoma Narrows Bidge June 27, 2009
    Tacoma Narrows Bridge,  June 27, 2009

    The Tacoma  Narrows Bridge collapsed on Nov. 7th, 1940 only four months after completion.  The only casualty was a dog stuck in a car on the bridge when it collapsed.

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  • Prince Toohey: Charles’ Long War on Modern Architecture

    The AFP ran a story yesterday about Prince Charles and his latest clash with architects over his traditionalist views on architecture.  (Prince Charles faces new architecture row)  This isn’t the first time the prince has angered British Architects.  25 years ago he described the proposed National Gallery Extension as “a monstrous carbuncle on the face of a much-loved and elegant friend”, much to the outrage of the British architectural establishment.

     

    The Gherkin
    The Gherkin, old vs. new

    Yesterday’s British press was rife with stories about the Prince and his architecture views, it was as if he had committed a great sin against humanity just by threatening to again express his views on architecture.  Yet, for Architects, the Prince really has committed an unforgivable crime.  In 1984, he was invited to present the Royal Gold Medal for Architecture to the Indian architect Charles Correa, instead of giving a simple toast and presenting Correa with his medal he lambasted the state of current British architecture.  All of this occurred at the 150th anniversary of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).  So, now with the news that the prince was again to speak at the RIBA, and the release to the media of portions of his speech, he has reignited the flames.  What the prince doesn’t realize is that Architects more than anything hate to be critiqued, especially by those not in the profession.  In Architecture “everyone is an expert”, and that’s one thing Architects can’t stand.

     

    Is Prince Charles really a living Ellsworth Toohey? (more…)

  • The Architect: Part I

    I have been struggling with the California Architect’s Board (CAB) for the last 6 months or so to have my work experience recorded correctly so that I can take the California Supplemental Exam (CSE) as my final step in getting my Architects licence.  It has been a very frustrating process dealing with the Sacramento bureaucracy, but finally, with the help of Mike who handles the CSE applications, I have applied to take this final test in a long line of tests.

    The road to becoming a licensed Architect is a long one.  The requirements vary from state to state, but generally they require an intership, a certain number of years of education, completing a series of nine NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) exams (is now reduced to seven), and in California, passing an oral examination in front of a panel of three licensed Architects.

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