Why Architecture Matters

Here's an interesting and infomative interview (by NPR's On Point host Tom Ashbrook) of New York Times architecture critic Paul Goldberger on his latest book - Why Architecture Matters. Great American Architect Richard Meier joins in as well.

Goldberger talks about how architecture expresses our cultural identity and laments (as I do) the absence of beauty and artfulness in "ordinary buildings" constructed in America today. (Just look at utilitarian buildings constructed a hundred years ago like barns, modest homes, downtown storefronts, even power and waterworks facilities, and you'll notice a distinct attention to craft along with a respectful public face.) Seems that the social contract that once existed between builders and the public - that every building project, no matter how ordinary, takes on the responsibility of promoting the public good - has vanished as developers go for "quick and cheap."

Goldberger and Meier explain how buildings can and should express three qualities that Roman architect and engineer Vitruvius assigned architecture over two thousand years ago - firmitas (strength), utilitas (usefulness), and venustas (beauty).

Consider purchasing Paul Goldberger's book from your independent, neighborhood bookseller. Find one near you in this handy Indy Directory.

For Sale: Frank Lloyd Wright's Ennis House

Images: Ennis House Foundation


You can own this home. Don't have fifteen million to shell out? You can purchase this groovy Ennis House print by artist Josh Agle, better known as "Shag"offered by the Ennis House Foundation.

Link to a National Public Radio piece by Karen Grigsby Bates on the impending sale here.

Electricity in America

National Public Radio is running a collection of reports entitled Re-Envisioning Electricity in the US. Where are we now? What does a green energy future look like? How do we get there?

Click here to listen to the entire series.