I'm relying on my articles to get my message across but I now sense the importance of the posts along with the portfolios in how they may convey my site theme. My portfolio series are meant to compliment my writings but without reading the articles the portfolios may be confusing. So the very astute among us (or the very sensible) will wisely note, "why not change the format of your blog so people can easily navigate to your pages AND portfolios? Why not make this blog more cohesive"? Good point, I would like to. However, this process for me is one of learning as I have never blogged before. It is evolving and I need to consider these changes carefully-in other words I have no quick fixes. Any advanced blogger's out there who want to comment with a suggestion are welcome to! So back to explaining my Improving Suburbia Portfolio series and the alternative architecture I dedicated my site to. Although I write about sprawl and how to fix it I won't photograph it, I prefer not to (Bartleby, the Scrivener Good Story) You also won't find the following types of architecture or planning in my portfolios:
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| I Prefer not to... |
Sprawl architecture-any type of mass produced house or building which is not built in an identifiable architectural language or makes an attempt at some form of architectural style but is dominated by its mass produced cost saving, low maintenance qualities that often lack the correct detailing and quality of a modern or traditional style. This low grade architecture gets built by the hundreds creating instant soulless neighborhoods known as sub-divisions (aka cookie cutter neighborhoods) on clear cut properties which leads to what we know as sprawl. I also include the strip mall, parking lots and busy streets as classic elements of sprawl. I don't think I need to explain or describe these awful characteristics that seem to litter most of America; we are all more than familiar with the associated hassle of this bad planning. Now, I'm not trying to offend the people that live, work and depend on this kind of development, on the contrary I'm trying to make their lives better by educating those responsible for building and buying this type of planning.
Traditional architecture. I love and admire. However why would you visit this site to learn about traditional architecture when there are so many sites, books, TV shows and countless other avenues covering it? So I won't include it here because it's typically not alternative although in some places, believe it or not, it is. Let me offer a contradictory side note to what I just wrote: Often we mistreat these architectural gems of the past that in many cases need loving care and lots of money to bring back to their former glory. Instead of saving these beautiful homes we simply knock them down for our quick and easy sprawl stuff. Fortunately in the Hampton's these older homes are prized and restored and cared for. In fact they are the most sought after type of architecture and loved by many who are proud to say they own such a rare one of a kind home rich in history. However I still won't cover it... sorry.
Celebrity architecture. I do not cover famous architecture by famous architects found on Long Island (the area that I am sticking to in my portfolio coverage) Why? They are doing pretty well in my opinion and in no need of my help or critique. I'm also staying away from "the local hero architects" that are not nationally known but are known by the locals or at least their peers. However I will break all my rules and photograph something I deem incredible which is in keeping with this site regardless of who the architect is. So you may find me eating my words here and there, that's OK you can call me on it. I'm also not going to cover landmarks, memorials, roadside attractions simply because that is not the purpose of this site. Also no vanity architecture either like a house deigned as a castle or a shoe...well maybe I'll make some exceptions!
The McMansion. Truly an anathema to the green moment and those who believe in a sensible architecture. This is a heatedly debated topic here on Long Island where these houses are sprouting up like mushrooms especially in the Hampton's. I won't photograph them since it's not alternative and as the saying goes: when you have seen one, you have seen them all! Other than this architecture being balloon sized and often wasteful, at least it's designed to be aesthetically pleasing including the gardens and the scenic landscape these houses are placed in. My main criticism of McMansions would be to build better not bigger. In any event we all know the McMansions and other than being pretty there is not much more to cover.
What's left! That's what I have been asking myself. So this blog is just as much about exploring as it is about learning, for the both of us. To answer the question more directly, what's left, I can only say creativity; that is the alternate architecture I am searching for; it's tough to find on Long Island but I will keep looking for you and me. I will keep you updated as I progress with my search, stay tuned, visit often and thanks for caring. AD
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