This is the result of an "Inflection Point."

At the recommendation of a trusted advisor, I read "Howard's Gift," by Eric Sinoway. The book reflects on the relationship between Mr. Sinoway and his lifelong friend and mentor, Howard H. Stevenson, a Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School. Mr. Stevenson coined the definition of "Entrepreneurship," at Harvard Business School, as "...the pursuit of opportunity without regard to resources currently controlled."

In "Howard's Gift," Mr. Sinoway explains that Stevenson, stressed that we should grasp those few "Inflection Points" that present themselves to change our lives - if  we recognize the opportunity. As Stevenson puts it, "Inflection Points  change the way we think about things. They present an opportunity that only occurs periodically. And they possess a kind of latent motivational energy, which, when recognized and harnessed, can unleash potential that one wouldn't seize otherwise."

This is the result of an "Inflection Point," that my "trusted advisor" noticed before I did. Thanks to him and subsequent, considered, deliberation; I realized this was a direction I had often considered, but was reticent to follow. At this point in my career, I felt more than well prepared, although not as well funded, to "take the plunge." Like the first dive into the pool in late spring, when the water is still a bit chilly, I took a deep breath, braced for the cold...AND jumped.

The majority of what is  published in architectural magazines is meant to be provocative and cutting edge. Unfortunately, much like fashion magazines, others quickly seek to emulate.

I often find myself trying to "look around the corner" of the images. What's next door? What did they crop out and why? It may be beautiful sculpture, but is it livable...maintainable...sustainable? What happens when the weather is tempestuous and not the picture perfect season it is photographed in? Where are the accoutrements of work and life that inevitable appear and have to be accessible?

At one end of the current trend spectrum are folded metal and glass plates with a multitude of special shapes. At the other are pre-built modular units and shipping containers. Are Architects providing creative solutions or simply striving to be different? It brings to mind the notion, "Just because we can, doesn't mean we should."

Regardless of its intended use; Architectural design of an environment should embody the creative use of space that is enhanced by light, color, materials, texture, views, and even sounds and smells. This doesn't and shouldn't require architectural and structural gymnastics to achieve.

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Ruminations of an Architect