Azarkian Architecture P.C.’s Post

This is a worthy read, but I am afraid it wrongly frames the subject. Modern architecture can be amazing, if done right. This is rarely the case in $$ minded US, but internationally, modern buildings are still inspiring. And contrary to here in the US, common people like them! This is true in Europe and Asia, and from what I see in magazines, also in Latin America. Where the modern vs. traditional difference really matters is urbanism. Modern urbanism as in 'everything for the car' is just universally hated by almost everybody but loved by investors, and so everything that is associated with modern cities gets a bad name. About 40 years ago, Europe turned away from modern urbanism and again embraced traditional walkable cities, albeit with cutting edge modern buildings. And the world followed, except for the Anglosphere, lead by the US. Investor lead development is strongest in the Anglo countries, and there the conflict between traditional city and modern city rages the most. England for instance has great old cities but also modern attempts with skyscrapers, and although their buildings there are better than what we are usually building in the US, those areas are not held in high regard by the general population. The problem is the modern city, not modern architecture! https://lnkd.in/gsJC4YnH

Something for the weekend: Having just messaged a friend who missed out on her shortlisted bid to design the next Australian architecture pavilion at Venice, I’m reminded of the shortlisted bid I made with Graham Bizley for the 2014 British Pavilion - that was ultimately won by those tasteful dudes - Sam Jacob, Sean Griffiths and Charles Holland with A Clockwork Jerusalem. As Graham had already made the move from hectic Hackney to his own rural idyll in Somerton he very much led our bid, and it’s interesting to re-read via the tab below his recollections and some of the questions we set out to address at Venice: – How has the identify of the British landscape changed between 1914-2014? – What is the appeal of functional buildings? – Why are traditional features in the rural landscape more valued than modern equivalents, and - Does a conflict exist between those seeking to protect their notion of a rural idyll and those embracing modernity? Ten years on, as Tash and I tentatively dip our city toes into the beautiful waters of 1920s Bossington, while it is clear that the cosy and decorative rooms we are recreating are vastly different to the starkly modern and unadorned spaces we inhabit in Bristol - (https://lnkd.in/ee5KX-pZ that may simply be a down to my aging taste?) - what is most profound is just how different life actually feels between the two places. I’ll enjoyed pondering this difference for the next decade, but for now I’ll just state the obvious by highlighting the impact that spaces and places have on our soul - and vise versa. Read Graham’s blog here: https://lnkd.in/eSNTYE7u

What Does It Mean If A Building Is Listed? In the heart of Cambridge, history and architectural heritage intertwine, shaping the essence of our nation. From majestic palaces to charming cottages, Cambridgeshire boasts a diverse array of historic buildings steeped in centuries of stories. But what exactly does it mean when a building is listed? Redmayne Arnold & Harris's latest blog explores "What Does It Mean If A Building Is Listed?" This insightful piece unravels the intricacies of building listing, shedding light on the stringent criteria that earn these structures their special designation. Discover the profound significance of listed buildings in and around Cambridge as guardians of our past. With a focus on the historical background, evolution of listing criteria, and the cultural importance of these architectural treasures, the blog aims to deepen your appreciation for the invaluable pieces of history standing tall around us. It really is a very interesting and insightful read: https://lnkd.in/ek3EBETh Blues Property Tel: 01223 211020 https://lnkd.in/e3UpVjHC Email: info@bluesproperty.com #BluesProperty #propertydeveloper #property #propertydevelopment #cambridge #cambridgeshire #cambridgeuk #visitcambridge #architect #architecture #ForSale

🔍🏘️ Exploring Texas' Architectural Diversity: A Professional Odyssey 🔍🏘️ As professionals in urban planning, architecture, and historical preservation, we often celebrate grandiose projects in metropolitan centers. However, Texas holds a secret in the form of ten towns that reflect the state's rich history through their remarkable architecture. These towns, including Fredericksburg, Columbus, and Waxahachie, offer a labyrinth of styles from Victorian to American Craftsman, with historical narratives embedded in their design. For instance, Jefferson's annual Pilgrimage underscores over 60 years of architectural celebration, showcasing Italianate to Greek Revival styles in its majestic homes. The adaptive reuse of Border Brick in Brownsville and the French Renaissance-inspired structures in Lockhart are testimonies to the diverse cultural influences that shaped the Lone Star State. Meanwhile, Georgetown’s Victorian storefronts remind us of the versatility and enduring nature of architectural innovation. Professionals seeking inspiration or those with a penchant for historical narratives will find these towns rich with study and storytelling potential. Planning a visit may not only nourish your aesthetic senses but could also foster deeper appreciation for Texas's regional architectural ethos. As we continue to design and preserve, let’s acknowledge and draw lessons from these historical townscapes. The architectural legacy they have protected is a priceless resource that informs our contemporary practice. https://lnkd.in/gyBsTqPN

🍁 When developers care, they look to distinguish their projects from the ones around them, spending on architects and architecture what it takes to set the building apart. In this image by #UTForum contributor DavidCapizzano, the red brick, Edwardian commercial, 1906-built Queen Richmond Centre is marked by a degree of detail that we do not see in today's architecture. The building is what we refer to now as human scale, and while not ornate in comparison to Baroque architecture, its design gestures are meant to be appreciated from the street. Behind it several blocks to the south along the waterfront, stands the paired towers of Sugar Wharf Condominiums Phase 1, which at many times the size, can be seen from much further away. Their major gesture — balcony guards designed to look like passing clouds — are meant to be read on a city-wide scale. On the right side of the image are the Modern, mid-completion buildings of 88 Queen and Elm — Ledbury, which meld the two approaches, applying street-level detail to the podium levels, whether through fins or brick, but simplifying their use through broader strokes, reflecting the large scale of the buildings. It all makes for a compellingly framed vignette of the central city. https://lnkd.in/gy73RSjA #Toronto #architecture #development

Colonial might just be America’s most iconic architectural style. American colonial architecture emerged in the US when Northern European settlers established colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries. “They adapt[ed] their architectural styles to local conditions, materials, and cultural influences,” says Alan Clark of Alan Clark Architects in Atlanta. Learn more about this iconic style in this recent AD article: #architecture #dmvcustomhomes

the whole is an architectural #promenade in harmony and continuity with #nature, where different environments coexist and intersect, each enhancing the other.

Cantifix have worked on our fair share of historic buildings over the years, either to extend or expand their floor space or to make critical changes to make the building better suited to their current purpose. But one argument that comes up time and again with homes and locations of a heritage nature (especially if they are listed buildings) is: Are we preserving or conserving what came before? And is that more important than the building's modern day use? We explore this rather philosophical question over in our latest blog post: https://lnkd.in/e3UwRDNw #listedbuilding #Heritage #Architecture

Preserving architectural landmarks ignites debates as iconic structures risk demolition, prompting urgent discussions on balancing historical significance with modern progress. https://bit.ly/3wHMhHz #chicago #architecture #construction

PUBLICATION: Our recently completed London Solar House was featured in this past weekend's edition in The New York Times, in the column written by Julie Lasky: "The architect Winka Dubbeldam renovation of a nondescript 800-square-foot building resulted in a minimalist house with a maximalist sense of drama." Archi-Tectonics' NYC, LLC London Solar House is a recent transformation of a century-old brick townhouse in the heart of London’s Primrose Hill landmark neighborhood into an extended home for a family of four. Rather than approaching it as a mere problem to solve, the strategy involved leveraging the distinct character and challenges posed by the building—its compactness, numerous attachments to neighboring structures, and its connection to the surrounding vegetation. The main objective was to establish a prototype for future urban living that is sustainable, highly densified, and has maximum richness and complexity. You can read the full article in the link below: #architectonics #thenewyorktimes #livingsmall #winka #primrosehill #residentialarchitecture #design #urbanliving #archdaily #architizer #elledecor #designmilk #dezeen #archilovers #homedesign #compactbydesign #archimania #architecture #architect #architecturelovers #londonarchitecture #sustainablearchitecture #publication #innovation #london https://lnkd.in/g8bYDvFj