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Properties › Re: Any Architects In The House? by larez(m): 2:28pm On Jul 16, 2009

topup:
It wasn't stated, but it was heavily implied.

And you sure took it out of context because it was indeed in reference to Western Architecture. Tell your knucklehead friend that. By the way, were you the one who deleted my previous post?

Properties › Re: Why Is It Only On Nairaland That People Say "a Land"? by larez(op): 1:16pm On Jul 16, 2009

[quote author=omega. link=topic=296752.msg4197045#msg4197045 date=1247743629]Thank you professor larez . As a token of the appreciation to you, for sharing your expertise in English Language with us, i d like to offer you the opportunity in GNS dept at oxford university, and network with others who share you panache in gramma,thanx you baba oyinbo oni gramma[/quote]You are very welcome my Brethren and thanks for the offer. Respectfully and unfortunately, I would however have to decline your kind offer. My philosophy towards life precludes the need for self authentication as in regards to higher institutional credit. An Efficianado hardly needs qualifications to confirm his purism. Thus is the life of a Connoisseur. Thank you once again for your kindest offer.

Properties › Re: Any Architects In The House? by larez(m): 12:16pm On Jul 16, 2009

Previous post appeared

Properties › Re: Any Architects In The House? by larez(m): 12:07pm On Jul 16, 2009

yoruba:
To show you how much Americans are lagging behind in Architecture, notice this is just a simple example.
The first Stadium is for the University of Minnesotta, 70 000 capacity.
The Second stadium is for Valencia fc, 60 000 capacity.
You probably thinking why should I compare a university stadium and a football club, you will notice that the university stadium is alot expensive than the Valencia stadium(The stadium cost for this stadium is cheaper than expected). I could have shown you other stadiums and buildings done in America(even recent) and compare it with the rest of the world but this is just an example.(Even South Africa 2010 football stadiums look alot better than Americas newly built stadiums).

Considering that you are merely a student at this time who is hardly wet behind the ears in design, you are an arrogant lil fkuc. I bet you that you would not last 2 years in Architecture after graduation if you do graduate.

You posted 2 pictures and decided yourself which one is more beautiful. As you would say in your words, "more stylish". You clearly lack the decorum or manners to even be considered in a dignified occupation in Architecture. You are obviously lacking in culture and therefore prone to be lacking in taste. Another student posts an opinion that is grounded on a statement that may be misconstrued at best, and you come back jumping as if you have achieved something. Since this is the last post that I will make directed to you, it is my intention to attempt to better educate your clueless self. One of the first rules of Architecture is to realize that there are different tastes for different folks.

In the first Stadium, I see what is clearly a Georgian style successfully done on a large scale project. The design itself probably fits the theme of the buildings around it and helps it to blend into it's neighborhood easily. Your clueless self bring a picture of the Stadium out of it's context, and decide that "It is not stylish to be technologically efficient". Your statements and attitudes stink badly of the 'La Riche Nouveau', who is probably a product of looted public funds. The object of education is study. I can bet that you have not taken the moment to check on the facts about that building and the probable efficiency gems embedded in it. Just from my experience and knowing that it is a structure in an academic institution will make me assume that there are products of research used in it's construction.

Architecture is about class and not plasticity. Good Architects are continuous students of society and her general behavioral patterns. They are aware of thr numerous gray areas of life and are not prone to jumping into conclusions without the benefits of good research. You have failed woefully as a mere student who is supposed to be learning, to close up your mind from understanding while you show how pompous you are. You remain clueless on a conceptual level to even grasp the contents of my previous posts. Guys like you back in the days would have dismissed the Porsche Carerra and called it ugly while being oblivious to the clear aerodynamic qualities that it possessed. The smoothness of it's engines as the cams over it's pistons sequence with each other gracefully, like a stage production of the most elegant ballet dancers of the world. The Driver becomes one in unison with the superb product as he is firmly settled in the embrace of it's bucket seats. You won't understand this lifestyle just as you will never get to see the greens of any exclusive golf club outside of Nigeria. There are still some places in the world where "La Riche Nouveau cannot buy there way into with stolen country wealth.

The second stadium is a very beautiful futuristic style building. It articulates negative space nicely. It is clearly 'modernistic architecture'. The problem I have with this approach is how it will be seen in 20-30 years. How will it age? Gracefully or bad deterioration? What is the annual rainfall statistics for the area, and how will the continuous flow from the top which lacks any water collection/shedding qualities be maintained? Is it cost effective maintenance wise? I look at it again, and I begin to see the form of a broken egg shell spaced out. But do you notice that by seeing that it is the natural instinct of human nature to try to identify the unknown with something familiar?

What you are looking at and calling Modernistic/Futuristic I hate to burst your bubble may be considered old by some. Aero Saarinen who is basically the best known Architect for fluidity of forms had been doing projects like this since the sixties. I will suggest that you get familiar with some of this Guy's work, especially the TWA Terminal, since you like 'modern, innovative etc'. Le Corbusier also has a product called Ronchamps (Chapel de Notre Dame du Haut). There is a saying that 'the more you learn, the more that you will realize that you know nothing'. This wisdom will then begin to change the perspective of a wise man regarding absolutes. Looking back in History help to avoid pitfalls in the future, and I can bet you that the second stadium will be imploded sooner than the first of your pictures.

Regardless of your rantings, I see both buildings as being beautiful. Each one within it's own style. Objectivity requires stepping out of personal preferences to judge within context. It will be advisable that you attempt to see more, open your ears more to listen, and refrain from attempting to impose absolutes. Architecture is focused on people, which remains a very gray area for absolutes.

Properties › Re: Any Architects In The House? by larez(m): 10:49am On Jul 16, 2009

topup:
[color=#008855][font=arial]

Larez - Beautiful homes but they contradict your post where you stated the importance of architecture relevant to our history and country.

And where did I state this? Please direct me to the statement.

Nairaland General › Re: would u marry a girl that used to be a prostitute by larez(m): 3:51am On Jul 16, 2009

Nairaland General › Re: would u marry a girl that used to be a prostitute by larez(m): 3:49am On Jul 16, 2009

Nairaland General › Re: would u marry a girl that used to be a prostitute by larez(m): 3:47am On Jul 16, 2009

I don't believe you guys are being honest. A woman who is used to giving herself away for money will probably be servicing all your friends for free after you give her a comfortable roof over her head. The fact of the matter that these women don't realize is that they initially begin thinking they will do it for money and then stop when they choose, but they become nymphomaniacs in the process.

It is the proverbial saying of selling your soul to the Devil, who will later collect. Once they begin, the bug bites fast, and soon enough, they will not be able to exist a day without feeling the need or desire for various men. Let's keep it real on Nairaland.

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 1:04am On Jul 16, 2009

There is a saying that 'when you point a finger at people, always be aware that there are 3 fingers pointing back at you'. I am amazed that Coolface will soil herself and be dragged into what is clearly now a public mess. It is obvious that Admin2000 has a personal vendetta in this issue while pointing fingers. As Coolface has revealed, admin2000 is actually a woman who is here masking herself as a man. Isn't this classic fraud?

There is wisdom in life, and then there is also Internet wisdom. The first internet wisdom that comes to my mind is that there are certain Internet users who are bent on bringing the worst out of people. At this point, I will blame Coolface for bringing her personal business out here to be ridiculed and devalued of 'class'. Lapson and I had intervened at different points to prevent the parties from publicly humiliating themselves as we have now seen. So I hold Coolface personally responsible in her failure to listen to well grounded advise. You have lost cool points and allowed yourself to dance to the tune of your puppeteers.

1 Like

Properties › Re: Any Architects In The House? by larez(m): 12:43am On Jul 16, 2009

Fredique:
@ Larez.

I may not agree with everything you say, but I think I like your arguments and reasoning. I'm kinda learning alot from you.

Yes Fredique, we are not required to always be in agreement, but how we communicate our views counts very much. The funny thing here is that most people reading my posts will assume that I am a traditionalist in approach to Architecture which will be untrue. I can remember in College having all kinds of dreams of inventing my own wheel, and coming up with designs never before seen while exploring shapes of form.

Reality however is a different thing as whatever we design remains conceptual unless they get built. The region that I was in hence dictated my direction since my focus was in Residential. This is a point many people miss out. Your location itself, and society WILL influence your Architecture unless you have unlimited funds and can wait years while sitting on Real estate to be sold. I have realized a long time ago that markets of Metropolitan areas are more conservative generally than the markets of Cosmopolitan areas. I guess this is why certain cities keep their character, which attracts visitors to come just for the experience.

A typical Atlanta home will stick out like a sore-thumb if you try to build it in New Orleans downtown area for example, or along the Charleston Battery. But if you go a few miles from the Battery and create a private sub-division that is fenced off, you may be able to get away with the Atlanta style homes within the specified thematic enclosure. Part of Architecture is therefore a study of the movements within it (Architecture). A discerning Architect will realize what could be in-place and out of place.

For those Architects who wish to explore studies of form and create unique pieces that do not correlate with known styles will have better chances doing that in places like Los Angeles and San Francisco. These places are Cosmopolitan with a mix of various cultures, and hence a natural orientation to acceptance of the unknown. Abuja for example is another city that will fit this bill. It is a city yet to define itself by a unique form of Architecture.

To sum this up and back to my initial point, location is another aspect of influences in Architecture, which is different from the famous cliche of 'Form and Function'. Architecture remains conceptual unless it gets built. The chances of designs getting built could rely on various factors such as political, societal, cultural and economic influences. The desire of an Architect to create unique forms could be hampered by economic factors unless he is individually wealthy and could impose new ideas in an otherwise conservative market. If he has made a name for himself already and arouses curiosity, then he could also have a freer hand at influencing acceptable Architecture in his society. Names such as Ian Pei, and John Portman comes to mind when I think about this. Louis Kahn is another name that comes to mind.

Personally, I have many futuristic sketches that I would have loved to explore in Architecture, but the reality of getting them built may still be some way off. Meanwhile, I have found a personal satisfaction in studying and learning Traditional Architecture of European origins. While I am aware of Architects like Aero Saarinen, I have not put much effort into studying their works to begin to have my personal interpretations of them. But regardless of what style it is, I still have a lot of appreciation for Architecture in general. An example is the work that Mahal did which I very much admire. He has obviously studied works by Frank Lord Wright to be able to come up with beautiful forms that bring out his legacy/style. His success of doing this is what I refer to as adapted purism. This is clearly because of the recognition of the historical aspect of the form, despite the contemporary nature of the design itself.

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 5:43pm On Jul 15, 2009

Now what would I look like wallowing in mud with a person (people) who should have been best left alone in the village where they crawled out from under a rock? Geeze, what calibre of people are there on Nairaland that automatically expect their infantile and guttural shamelessness to be reflected on others?

Properties › Re: Any Architects In The House? by larez(m): 4:30pm On Jul 15, 2009

@Mahal

Commercial design is more of an engineering feat in the sense that you are basically designing a shell structure with fenestration. Internal spaces are usually generic and much is left for the leasee to complete by themselves. Religious buildings and and Institutional buildings may be somewhat in-between the 2, because they somewhat focus on group activities rather than separate ones typical in commercial Architecture. The successful Commercial Architect focuses more on fenestration and thematic ties rather than the more intricate details of personal lifestyles and deciphering/interpreting the residential client.

The fact is that a home remains a box, and the rest becomes interpretation of lifestyles and the client's tastes. This is where the challenges of residential begins. The social aspect of being able to deal with extreme ends in your clientele and still being able to satisfy the desires of these opposites in tastes and values is very challenging. It is more of a social quest which brings some sort of intimacy into the picture.

A Residential Architect has to be capable of getting into the mind of the client to read their thinking. This has to then be interpreted and turned into a desirable design regardless of personal preferences of the Architect. The key here which is the challenging part is being capable of getting the general ideas of the client and molding into a form of Art. The next client my have the opposite taste and desires as the previous one. Man (and Woman) is still the most difficult of everything on earth to understand. Now imagine the added burden of when the Wife has extremely opposite tastes as the Husband. I have always felt an extra form of achievement when my design resolved these issues. Many people have been known to end up in divorce over the issue of getting their homes designed and built.

Residential design

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 4:10pm On Jul 15, 2009

Although I try to stay out of controversies and make a habit of minding my own business, I have however had reason to delve further into this matter about the car, since I am about to embark on doing business with Coolface. Without having any previous information about the issue, i had guessed that there was more to the story correctly. I can sincerely say that there is no question about her integrity relative to this issue, and as you can see the original instigator has not had anything to add.

In my personal opinion after getting a glimpse into the issue, I honestly feel like she was taken advantage of, and if I had been the one, I would have sold the car and sent the money back. Guys we need not to quickly hang people and sometimes, we should be patient and let things run their paths before we begin to make Judgments. I personally think she has been somewhat victimized, and there are stalkers waiting for situations that they can use to demean her. I have advised her to ignore any further comments as long as the original person who made allegations has nothing more to say.

Properties › Re: Why Is It Only On Nairaland That People Say "a Land"? by larez(op): 3:51pm On Jul 15, 2009

lapson:
I would say:

Thank you professor. As a token of the appreciation to you, for sharing your expertise in English Language with me, i d like to offer you the opportunity to network with others who share you panache in grammar: www.spogg.org

adupeee eseeee

Lapson, Thanks a lot for making me laugh. You have really just made my day. i am still laughing while I checkout the link. Cheers, and have a great day.

Properties › Re: Any Architects In The House? by larez(m): 3:12pm On Jul 15, 2009

yoruba:
and I am sure you would understand(give me a break)I have studied History and Appreciation of Architecture(Just so that I should let you know and I know it is tuscan is Mediterranean), with regards to tuscan in South Africa, my point is tuscan doesnt fit into the South African climate conditions(creating alot of waterproofing problems regardless of waterproofing technology being placed) so tuscan is not a good solution for SA. You highly doent understand what is the difference between Architectural theory and Architectural history. Do you understand Architectural theory(i.e site analysis, use of materials, designing contemporary architecture to suit the clients every day needs and so on)Architecture is forever evolving, let me say it again evolving none of your buildings are energy efficient(Green Architecture is now the in-thing)What talent are you showing when you do redundant buildings like yours?Hmmm please I'd like you to show me.

Contemporary Architecture that is practised in South Africa is called Southern African Architecture(Not venacular, contemporary , based on good site analysis, choice of materials, good understanding of clients needs and reflective to its surroundings also highly stylish.

reading through your posts confirms how clueless you are. Nothing you can ever come up with can be as thermally efficient as any of my designs. If you had any idea, you will realize that purity of design rarely has anything to do with recent technological applications. The R-ratings of the walls in every building I design are still high up there with the applications of today's technology. The windows are double insulated with some of them including trapped argon gas.

Ceilings are insulated to meet a minimum of R-30 while, we also use rigid insulation in foundations as well some times. Solar considerations can also be applied with strategically placed thromb walls. All that you talk about is stylish, but how do you define stylish? You still have a lot to learn.

Properties › Re: Any Architects In The House? by larez(m): 2:56pm On Jul 15, 2009

yoruba:
For some reason, I knew I was gonna bump into people like larez, old Architects who are non-innovative designers, I could go on the whole day but probably you wouldnt understand because you were taught historic architecture as a principle of design and they dont know the meaning of contemporary

This where you are wrong son, I have more innovation on the tip of my little finger than you can muster in a lifetime. Innovation does not equate to marketability. maybe you should learn the difference. A successful design is relative to the existing target market.

Properties › Re: Any Architects In The House? by larez(m): 2:53pm On Jul 15, 2009

Fredique:
The relativist premise of post modernism would not accept traditional traits as universal. Based on relativism, what will seem to be in the right scale to you may not be in the right scale to me, and the same goes for balance. There is nothing wrong with holding unto traditional values, but it will be hard to convince me that a style that does not retain a link to tradition is not good architecture. When it comes to architecture, I am inclined towards relativism, If it feels right for the context, do it. To hell with tradition!

By the way, I hope you understand that my perspectives relate to residential and not commercial. A case example is in an upper-scale area of Atlanta known as Buckhead, which is considered the most expensive part of Atlanta. In the 70's during he time of the exploration of ~~L'Art Nouveau~~ Modern Contemporary, a few homes followed this trend. Many of them have since been torn down and replaced with classic style homes. The others meanwhile, stick out like sore thumbs and are never resold unless at huge losses. When they are sold, it is usually for the value of the Land, and they are promptly demolished.

There are however homes from the early 1900's in Buckhead that I have designed renovations for, keeping the old and trying to adapt the additions to the original styles. This is the preferred choice of lifestyle and considered to be everlasting. I have also designed homes from scratch that look like they were built 100 years ago until you enter them and discover that they are very contemporary inside. This is the difference between the Bourgeois and the classic lifestyles.Classic seems to be winning over bourgeois at least within Southern United States. Here is a picture of one of these houses that I describe that was built in the early 90s.

Properties › Re: Any Architects In The House? by larez(m): 2:28pm On Jul 15, 2009

Fredique:
The relativist premise of post modernism would not accept traditional traits as universal. Based on relativism, what will seem to be in the right scale to you may not be in the right scale to me, and the same goes for balance. There is nothing wrong with holding unto traditional values, but it will be hard to convince me that a style that does not retain a link to tradition is not good architecture. When it comes to architecture, I am inclined towards relativism, If it feels right for the context, do it. To hell with tradition!

Would be nice if you posted some pictures of what you consider relativism. We may debate better if we have omse visuals to pin-point, despite our differing school of thoughts.

Properties › Re: 3 Bedroom Flat,partly Furnished For 2m P.a At Ikoyi by larez(m): 2:23pm On Jul 15, 2009

What's the location of this?

Properties › Re: Any Architects In The House? by larez(m): 2:08pm On Jul 15, 2009

To add to my last post,

Regardless of what school of thoughts and Architecture that anyone subscribes to, there are still good and bad methods of application. Transitions of forms and how they connect are still basics in Architecture. Orientation and considerations of Negative space exploration of forms are still basics of Architecture. The fact still remains that Architecture is an Art, and while schooling and awareness may help, there is still a requirement of talent in execution. Talent is mostly showcased in Residential design than in commercial properties which have a range of scopes for consideration.

The Bottomline here is anyone can claim, but very few have the finesse. My Clientele and Multiple awards (always first place) of my designs in competitions in America bear me witness and not just talking Architectural jargon.

Properties › Re: Any Architects In The House? by larez(m): 1:57pm On Jul 15, 2009

yoruba:
@Larez
I think your buildings are all crap(just a personal opinion) and shows typical american residential homes.
You take a pre-designed style(i.e English Todor / French Manor style, Early American, Classical French Country etc) and you build from there(Its like you havent designed anything kinda like copy n paste) those are the sort of buildings that makes architecture all boring(because they have been done before i.e templates).
What happened to doing a proper site analysis, use of materials, designing contemporary architecture to suit the clients every day needs. Designers all across the world know that most Americans do not understand style. Good examples of contemporary residential architecture is Australian Sandcastles, Japanese, Swiss, European architecture which they have left post-modern architecture(like yours) a long time ago.
Im currently in South Africa, where there is alot of tuscan houses being built, but the few architects designing contemporary buildings that suits there needs(clients) are very successful and making alot of money.
Architects like you make the environment look crap because of the redundancy in the buildings and I have no respect for buildings. (sorry thats how I feel)
Nowadays Architecture is moving away from your style and I think you will be left behind.

I won't be surprised about the crass of your response. It's about a lifestyle that you would obviously never understand. This is typical of you guys. You speak about Japanese, Swiss and and New European without an idea of how the forms are indeed derivative of their historical styles. The Japanese have History, which they respect in their new derivative forms. You speak about Tuscan with no idea that it evolved from a Mediterranean style popular in historical Tuscany which is a place that exists until today, and has a historical column proportional sytem from the classics.

Reading through your post again, I can see that you are indeed unenlightened, and would rather throw out cliches rather than focus on study. Why don't you post some of your interpretations of these styles that you throw around without the knowledge behind them? By the way, Architects are supposedly custodians of popular culture of their times, and I just wonder if your approach and manner reflects your societal values which you interpret in your Architecture.

Properties › Re: Any Architects In The House? by larez(m): 1:42pm On Jul 15, 2009

mahal:
Thank You larez, "New English/Shingle Style" Havn't heard of it, but would like to learn and see if it's a style that can work here in Nigeria.
Location? Warri, Delta State Nigeria.

Cool, Forget the New England style for Naija. To orient you, the New England style includes the Cape Cod. I believe these may have influenced Frank Lord Wright in his early Architecture which he used to derive his Prairie style. I was trying to remember some other of his famous works and can only think of the Kaufman House, I used to like Le Corbusier and studied the Notre Dame du Haut. But his only well known influence after him might be the Sidney Opera house.

On Post modernist Architecture, an extrEme will be Gaudi, whose work I find amazing that the cities allowed him to build them. But then, he clearly influenced the concept of Gotham City for Batman. As you know the name Gaudi generated the saying "Gordy" which implies a tasteless design. Let me stop before I go on and on.

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 1:31pm On Jul 15, 2009

Admin, na wah oh. Let me guess, are you a High Court Judge or Magistrate? Do you feel like she tried to extort instead of asking to be compensated for her time? Yes, I followed the posts, and the aggrieved party has not been back to pursue issues. I find it interesting that you would want to push this further. Do you have a personal interest in this? This is not to criticize you about the need to expose scammers in Nairaland. It is indeed our obligation to do so. My perception here is that there may be some other issues such as a lack of compensation for her time. We should wait for the aggrieved party to come back raising hell before we try to bury her.

Properties › Re: Any Architects In The House? by larez(m): 1:16pm On Jul 15, 2009

Fredique:
@ Larez, What do you think about architecture in the age of relativism?

I think that is what post modernism is all about. Relativism is the popular culture that says that there is no moral obligation and usually defies tradition.

What in your opinion is the impact of technology on what you call 'purity of form'? In the days of Le Corbusier and even far back to the classical era, hybrid structures that have pushed the boundaries of form making was not possible.

There are other 21st century realities that have taken architecture beyond the imperial concerns of the classical times. For example, sustainability and eco concerns and the inclination to want to do more with less.

If you say good architecture retains traditional links, I would say that 'tradition' is precisely what post modernism revolts against. and that is where the world is right now.

Frederick, With the advent of concrete, a lot of restrictions in large scale structures were lifted, and this gave rise to post modernism etc, This is what I had clarified in the previous post as an evolution/revolution, which gave rise to a new form. Which I referred to as the Skyscraper style. Even with these, I have personally found that the ones considered Instant classics usually have some hidden classical aspects, such as classical proportions.

You know, when a person views some buildings, they see some as looking Nice and right, while some are considered awkward. What are the premises of these feelings? They are usually scale and balance which are traditional traits.

Properties › Re: Any Architects In The House? by larez(m): 1:09pm On Jul 15, 2009

mahal:
Larez, i have been wondering when you would come in, welcome,

Great Work Mahal, you have mastered the Prairie style. Ever tried the New England / Shingle styles? Will you design my house? lol. Thanks for the welcome. Next time you have a Nice size commercial or Mall, I'd like to be involved. Where are you located?

Properties › Re: Any Architects In The House? by larez(m): 1:05pm On Jul 15, 2009

Here is an English Tudor / French Manor style. As mentioned before, the key is to blend today's lifestyle with Historical Heritage. As I have mentioned in other threads. I have chosen not to take on clients in Nigeria except for close Friends and Associates. With my History of designing personal Homes for many Superstars in America, and being a purist, it will be very difficult to work with mostly unappreciative Nigerian Clients who see Architects as draftsmen.

I have been known to visit sites of some of my clients and stopping the work there, while calling the builder to come meet me at the site and make the corrections to inadequate work done by workers. This despite not being paid as Site Architect. It's about pride in work.

Properties › Re: Any Architects In The House? by larez(m): 12:47pm On Jul 15, 2009

Early American, Sears series style with a touch of Craftsman.

Properties › Re: Any Architects In The House? by larez(m): 12:46pm On Jul 15, 2009

Classical French Country with a Romanesque touch.

Properties › Re: Any Architects In The House? by larez(m): 12:41pm On Jul 15, 2009

French Country Style

Properties › Re: Any Architects In The House? by larez(m): 12:39pm On Jul 15, 2009

Here are some of my designs in 3D with their defined influences. This one is an eclectic Early American with Craftsman influence.

Properties › Re: Any Architects In The House? by larez(m): 12:25pm On Jul 15, 2009

mahal:
archicad+Artlantis Studio

Mahal, that is an excellent interpretation of Prairie Architecure, which was the style Frank Lord Wright was known for. Would you have any Mies Van Der Rhoe or Le Corbusier interpretation? The Last 2 buildings that you posted are clearly Early American influenced Prairie styles done rather well. Who is the Architect?

Properties › Re: Any Architects In The House? by larez(m): 12:16pm On Jul 15, 2009

I've been trying to avoid posting a comment on this thread, but I feel like I should say something. First, it will be nice to get some definitions of Architecture in the opinion of some people here. As a guideline, I will suggest that you first consider that there is a difference between Shelter and Architecture.

There are many Engineers with Architecture degrees who are not Architects. Having a degree should not be misconstrued as being an Architect. True Architecture is a continuous study of form. It is a successful interlude between space, function and culture. You could design a "beautiful home" that lacks history and hence ingratiating. I have found that many Nigerian Architects indeed lack Historical knowledge of Architecture. They are not cultured in styles and heritable precedence.

True Architecture demands purity of form. It could be an evolved style with Historical precedence. I hear Nigerian Architects trying to talk about indigenous Architecture, while making claims to it. If this is the case, then their focus should become about issues of Compounds and how the structures in the compounds interact together. Our precedence will therefore be Islamic or Persian Architecture. My translation of this will therefore be an arrangement of round and square mud huts surrounding a principal structure. These will be fenced off with walls and a sculptural entrance.

It is therefore hypocritical in my opinion to try to quantify otherwise unhistorical pieces jumbled up together as Indigenous Architecture. This is clearly a result of lack of knowledge and History of Architecture. No matter what we say or claim, Architecture origins remain Greek, and the focus was on Temples. Man in his arrogance after acquiring wealth then decided to become a temple of himself. This is how Architecture began in ancient Greece. It might be worthwhile for the Indigenous claiming Nigerian Architects to therefore go back to the concept of basic shelter, and then begin to design a style of their own, while locking out the influences of external forces. Will this be possible?

Fact remains that the most successful Architecture retain Historical concepts. On the advent of industrialization, the Initial Architecture remained influenced by historical concepts, styles and classical orders. This quickly evolved to a new form when the advent of Sky scrapers came into the scene. But even the Latest Skyscrapers today that are considered beautiful instead or a marvel, have roots of Classical styles.

I must mention after designing homes for many Multi-millionaires that the concept of "New Money v/s Old Money" remains very much alive. The Rich of the Western World pride themselves with Architecture based on historical styles. At least in external appearance. On the insides of these homes however, we can explore technology and new ideas. But these are usually zones into areas within the structure. Informal areas such as the main family recreation spaces could explore L'Art Nouveau, but I have found a preference of the Formal Living areas for receiving guests to remain "Formal". As you can see, the word "Formal" itself indicates from a heritage background.

Whenever, my client was an African American Athlete, or Music Star, I would always begin by Lecturing them about these concepts. I steered them away from plasticity and the Nouveau-Rich styles. Ostentatious homes are usually found laughable by "Old money" and these guys used to be laughed at. Usually, when they went in that direction and got broke, the discovered that their houses were difficult to sell because the designs lacked style and precedence. It would usually take a "New Money" guy to buy the home at a much reduced rate.

In the United States, there are some Estate homes that could have been originally built 100 years ago and still held their grandeur and status. These are the homes usually admired and many choose to replicate. The key to successful Western Architecture I personally would see as a skilled redefining of the familiar, while interjecting the lifestyles of today into them. Retro-Architecture has consistently been a winner, as we see old styles being revisited. This, I will continue to keep as my anchor and approach to residential Architecture.

Very soon

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