About

"Because we live in such a mind dominated culture, most modern art, architecture. music, and literature are devoid of beauty, of inner essence, with very few exceptions. The reason is that the people who create those things cannot-even for a moment-free themselves from their mind. So they are never in touch with that place within where true creativity and beauty arise. The mind left to itself creates monstrosities, and not only in art galleries. Look at our urban landscapes and industrial wastelands. No civilization has ever produced so much ugliness."   Eckhart Tolle, The Power of NOW

"A wise man once told me that mystery is the most essential ingredient of life, for the following reason: mystery creates wonder, which leads to curiosity, which in turn provides  the ground for our desire to understand who and what we truly are" Unknown Author



FAQ
Q. Why is your blog titled "Architect Denied"?
A. It's basically in response to architects being denied the opportunity to produce quality architecture. I have found if given the chance most architects will do good work-very few architects purposely sell out - but I have seen those too...

Q. What is your Blog about? 
A. It's all about education and awareness in the endeavor to stop suburban sprawl and the proliferation of low grade architecture around the world. Although I am a practicing architect, this Blog is not to show case my professional work. The three portfolios found in this blog are to document "off the beaten path" architecture and scenic beauty  found primarily in Suffolk County, Long Island NY. I divided them up into three categories: Alternative Architecture, Improving Suburbia and The Hampton's. Please see the right side of this blog for a list and description of the portfolios.

Q. Who should use this blog?
A. Everyone is welcome, from the practicing architect to the person who knows nothing about architecture.

Q. Who should read your articles? 
A. I hope anyone who likes to be entertained! If you have ever read any books, articles or other blogs on architecture you deserve a gold medal, they can be pretty stale and boring. In my writings I'm trying to give architecture the interest that it deserves. Be warned, it is a bit different!

Q. Do you earn any money with this blog?
A. No. On the contrary I have spent much of my own time and money creating what you see in this blog.

Q. Do you have any contributors to this blog?
A. Unfortunately, no. It's all me. So please excuse the grammatical errors found in the articles, I have no proof readers.

Q. Are you a professional photographer?
A. No, I'm an amateur just trying to capture the moment ...hopefully I get lucky sometimes

Q. How often and when do you add material to your blog?
A. Unfortunately it's pretty random. Because this a part time affair for me and my schedule is usually pretty busy I only do this when I have something of real value to share.

Q. Why is your blog so hard to navigate? 
A. Although I try to improve the use and quality of this site, I am completely self trained and have received no assistance in making this site the best that it can be. Please forgive and bear with me.

Q. What is your background?
A. I am a practicing architect in NY. I have worked for more than 20 years on the East End of Long Island, more popularly known as the "Hamptons" .  I am also the author of the book, The Intuitive Architect, Drawing the Mental Line.

Q. Could I copy or share your work, writings and photos?
A. All of my work writings and photos I hold copyright to.  When it comes to sharing my work for non-commercial purposes,  I ask that you give me proper credit  for my work. Please attribute to me, Lewis G. Portal, which serves to acknowledge me but does not endorse in the purposes it is being used for. I do not give permission to use my work for commercial purposes of any sort, please contact me to discuss. 

Q. Do you read comments left by users? 
A. I try to. When I do see them I always respond, so go ahead leave a comment!

Q. Do you use copyrighted material found on the Internet in your blog?
A. No. If by chance or accident I happen to post something that is copyrighted I will immediately take it down once I am aware of it. 

"Older cultures seem to have always understood the practicality of beauty-that that which is designed without beauty quickly  deteriorates. An architecturally ugly neighborhood  becomes part of a feedback loop of blight and violence ; the sleazy, dehumanized housing projects of urban ghettos manifest their weak power patterns in squalor and crime." David R. Hawkins POWER vs FORCE.

I'd like to add the "feedback loop" of subdivision, automobile dominant, suburban sprawl, cookie cutter homes, marginalizing nature and human connectivity. Confined to the perimeter of our property, we stay indoors and most tragic are the fate of our kids: Their childhood must be sacrificed so sprawl builders may increase their profits. I suppose in a just world societies would force developers to provide sidewalks and parks in exchange for the right to bulldoze nature...

Copyright;  Lewis Portal