click here to view as a web page
summer 2014 We are pleased to present our summer 2014 issue of evolution, a seasonal journal. This issue offers our reflections on Charles Moore, followed by postings: a clipboard of recent engagements of our office. emerging
Below are some thoughts shared by Buzz Yudell and John Ruble: Buzz Yudell:
Charles swept in with an array of initiatives that were avatars of progressive thinking and values. He focused on planning and building for the less enfranchised with an interest in affordable housing and the establishment of the First Year Building Project. The latter involved designing collaboratively for non-profit groups who otherwise would not be able to afford design services, much less a building. During the summer, all first year students worked on site with real clients, real material and hands on construction. It has been a transformative experience for generations as well as the inspiration for other great programs such as the Rural Studio. Charles constantly talked about the importance of "making things" with your own hands. He was complemented in this with the inspiration of Kent Bloomer, a sculptor, writer and great teacher. He was an early supporter of environmentally based planning and design, an advocate of community involvement and had a healthy skepticism of the influence of those in power. He was ahead of his time in numerous ways including his advocacy of cross disciplinary work, his belief in team based projects, his interest in literally all the cultures of the world. His great knowledge of the history of the art and architecture of the world and his openness to "high" and "low" art, combined with his irreverence and wit; encouraging all to break taboos, to use "cheap" materials, to experiment, to be inclusive. This is partly responsible for the facile stereotype of Charles as a sometimes promiscuous Post-modernist. But for those who worked closely with Charles, we know him as a disciplined, rigorous designer, wrapped in a puckish irreverent personality. He had an extraordinary spatial imagination, encyclopedic knowledge, lightning fast comprehension and most importantly an unshakable belief in architecture as a celebration of the individual, the community and the place. He drew clients, friends, colleagues into a magic realm of collaboration, powered by a sense of wonder about the world and an unflagging optimism about the ways in which architecture can ennoble our lives. In short, his commitment to architecture as an inclusive and humanist art was profound and irresistible. It inspires us and reverberates every day. Charles’ writing about the experience of architecture and culture is an entire legacy in itself. My personal favorite among Charles' writings is The Poetics of Gardens, written with William Mitchell, with wonderful drawings by Bill Turnbull and lots of others. It brought together a large group of friends in its production, and takes the reader on a tour of great world landscapes, with an intimate education on how to see such places. Travelling, seeking out profound experiences of place and time, was and is an integral part of a Moore partnership. As many liked to remind us, Charles’ continuous flying here and there became a bit notorious as well: fly in, set the agenda, fly off, fly back in, change it all around, fly off again, return and repeat—so the story went. Sounds difficult for the partners who stay in the office, but what made it worthwhile is the virtue of perspective in that process. We began to do more of the flying ourselves, and the experience of the different places, sites, projects, and even clients tends to cross-inform, and enrich and liberate the thinking. Over the long term, it’s having that diversity of practice, experience, and expertise that distinguishes our firm and culture.
|
postings | celebrating |
2014 Green GOOD DESIGN Award |
|
2802 Pico Housing Honored for LABC & Westside Urban Forum Awards |
|
UMKC Henry W. Bloch Executive Hall For Entrepreneurship and Innovation |
|
Grangegorman: An Urban Quarter With An Open Future is Hot Off The Press
|
|
FineHomebuilding HOUSES Best Remodel Award
|
|
beginning |
|
The UVa Darden School of Business |
|
building |
|
UCLA Win-Gem Phase I |
|
Brown School Expansion, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis Construction continues on the new building for the top-ranked Brown School of Social Work. Consistent with the school's mission, the new building features a high level of environmental sustainability, enhanced universal accommodation and wellness. Full-size interior and exterior mock-ups help confirm design decisions before construction. Completion is expected in Spring of 2015. |
|
N’Djamena Construction Award |
|
The Hague Ground Breaking Ceremony |
|
ShanghaiTech University
|
|
opening |
|
Olin School of Business Knight Hall and Bauer Hall Dedication, Washington University in St. Louis, May 2, 2014 |
|
Helsinki Building Dedication Ceremony |
|
Santo Domingo Embassy Opening |
|
engaging |
|
Campus and Community: Accommodating Growth While Preserving Institutional Identity
|
|
Integrating New Retail Models and Co-Curricular Experience
|
|
Shanghai Theatre Academy—An Innovative Model for the Performing Arts Campus |
|
Dublin's Urban Quarter Development |