Memo
To: Kevin Brooks
From: Seann Ringwall
Date: September 8, 2009
Subject: Architectural trends
Through multiple classes and taken here at NDSU and lots of research in my spare time, I have brought together some comments on where architecture is now and how I’m going about getting in the field. I primarily dealt with topics that were mentioned in just about every architecture article, indicating there importance in the field as well as with me. These topics dealt with:
- A responsibility to design sustainably
- How technology is changing the way in which we design
- Finding jobs in this economy
Wanting to hear more on these topics, I found a recent graduate to interview as well as someone more established in the field. I interviewed Josh Stanz (2009), intern architect, and Mike Allmendinger (2009), landscape architect, to find out trends locally. I asked them questions that dealt with how they start projects, where technology fits in with their respective firms, and how they approach sustainable design.
Responsible Design
The most talked about and current trend within architecture is definitely the sustainable or “green” movement. In the interview with Josh Stanz (2009), he confirmed the popularity of going green with LEED certified buildings and the importance of architects to become LEED certified. I’ve been researching this topic throughout school, as well as in specific classes. In Environmental Control systems I utilize Lechner’s (2009) book, which focuses on ways to utilize the energy nature provides us. Several of the articles stemming from Architectural Record (2009) also show how products themselves can be sustainable and do more than one thing. These products also are a direct result from the furthering of technology.
Evolving Technology
As mention under the sustainability topic, technology is evolving the ways in which we design. In the Fortmeyer (2009) article, he talks about how glass has become more than just a single pane to look out of, but can now absorb and retain heat, insulate buildings, and reflect and collect solar rays. Not only does it show how sustainable glass has become but how technology is pushing it along. Josh again conveyed the importance of computer software with building information models that can be shared between contractors and contain all the details to construct a building. In the interview with Mike Allmendinger (2009), he also mentioned the importance of computer software like Revit, Skectchup, and AutoCAD, but made sure to note they start their projects with sketches to get the design right, and then put it in a computer. In Post’s (2009) article on San Francisco high rises, she demonstrates how far technology has carried us from simple line and ink drawings to now having performance based designs. The new high rise building is able to withstand seismic forces with greater predictability and the new design allows for structure to be placed and different points along the building. This allows the architect to utilize a more open floor plan system allowing for greater flexibility in use, and floor to ceiling windows allowing for great views out and maximizing day lighting, another key feature in sustainable design.
Career
Referring back to some points Josh Stanz (2009) brought up in the interview, he mentioned how he secured a job through his knowledge of CAD programs like Revit and Sketchup as well as how to put together presentations with the use of Adobe’s Creative Suite. He did mention the education he received from NDSU was more than adequate, which was good to hear. However he also stressed the importance of getting work experience in a firm to see how things get done on real world projects. In discussions with faculty here at NDSU, they mention the benefits of getting a construction job to get first hand skills and knowledge of how designed buildings get constructed.
I plan on continuing my research on these topics and trends in the field of architecture by taking classes here at NDSU dealing with use of technology and sustainable design. In doing research for the cover letter I came across a job opening at Perkins and Will in Seattle. The job opening was only for a graphic designer with the listed qualifications including Adobe Creative Suite skills, as well as general understanding of architecture and board layouts. I am fairly confident I could meet these qualifications, thanks to what I’ve been learning at NDSU.
References
Allmendinger, M. (2009, September 8). Architectural Trends. (S. Ringwall, Interviewer)
David Sokol, R. F. (n.d.). Learning to Live on Alternative Energy. Retrieved September 27, 2009, from http://construction.com/CE/articles/0803edit-1.asp
Fortmeyer, R. (n.d.). Transparency: Literal and Sustainable. Retrieved September 6, 2009, from http://continuingeducation.construction.com/article.php?L=5&C=578
Lechner, N. (2009). Heating, Cooling, Lighting Sustainable Design Methods for Architects. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Pelli-Clarke-Pelli Architects. (2009, September 08). Retrieved September 08, 2009, from www.pcparch.com
Post, N. (n.d.). A Sleek Skyscraper in San Francisco Raises the Profile of Performance-Based Design. Retrieved September 27, 2009, from http://continuingeducation.construction.com/article.php?L=5&C=415
Stanz, J. (2009, September 8). Architectural Trends. (S. Ringwall, Interviewer)
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