Architectural Patterns: 9/16/12

Inspiration

Inspiration

Throughout this blog I've highlighted and created links to exceptional individuals and organizations who design thoughtful homes, environmentally responsible communities and historically based building products. Some of them are local to me, while others I've yet to meet. They are exceptional because at some point in their careers, be it a moment in time or countless hours spent around a conference room table, they decided to do what was right...even though their wallets might be fatter if they just followed the crowd. Their hard work and dedication to their chosen craft is now paying dividends in the form of homes and communities that will age gracefully and be admired for generations to come...and maybe even be an inspiration to others, like they were to me.

Thomas J. Ryan, Jr. - Architect

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Find the Genuine Architectural Patterns...3

Most garages in this neighborhood are detached and accessible from a shared alley. I wouldn't normally endorse front load garages, but this one seems to fit in better than most...and it's detached! Note the careful attention to detail including proper scale, matching materials and a beautiful single door. It even looks like their may be a living space under the roof framing...well done!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Places - Serenbe

New Urbanist Towns are often knocked by critics (mostly McMansion builders) as unrealistic pipe dreams of those pining for the good old days...people looking backwards instead of toward the future.

I couldn't disagree more. These places have to be seen as models for the future...a real way (in so many ways) to someday reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and all of the negative things that come along for the ride.

It is true, for now, that most New Urbanist Towns are playgrounds for the rich, but great concepts often take time to really catch on with the majority.