Author Archives: Bruce Carpenter

Live

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College World Series, TD Ameritrade Park. Photo copyright HDR.

College World Series, TD Ameritrade Park. Photo copyright HDR.

Live

Full of life; at the moment of its happening

Architecture creates space for people to interact.

Even as we move to a virtual society, one thing that will never be replaced is the “live” experience. A unique connection occurs between people when they interact in real life; it gives rise to an energy that is life, that cannot be replicated.

A live performance is special because it fosters a shared energy and connection between the performer(s) and the patrons, also between the patrons themselves. Architecture shapes the experience by making it more intimate or more engaging. Whether the performance is music, theater, or a sporting event, the design can enhance the experience. Continue reading →

Historic Architecture – which side are you on?

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Joslyn MuseumArchitecture plays a significant role in defining our culture.  From the first known buildings on earth over 5000 years ago and in the US over 1200 years ago, we have a sense of cultures lived in the past. 

Architecture designed today, in the current culture we live, will become the historical fabric of the future.  Today we are building the history of tomorrow.

It is the understanding of the past and creativity of the present that allows us to move ideas forward, to advance our culture.  People tend to be more comfortable with a familiar environment, detail or material.  It is human nature, literally.  Our first experience of shelter existed within the natural elements, which is why even today most people resonate with stone, wood and daylight. 

We are at an exciting point in design.  Innovation and creativity are experiencing a new age with an increased rate of interactions and technologies which simplify complexities in structures.  At the same time, the built environment is becoming more and more significant considering the move of the population to urban spaces. The opportunity exists today to create spaces that touch our spirit, just as they have in the significant structures completed hundreds of years ago.

As a culture, we should both embrace our historic structures of the past and appreciate the concept that design ideas conceived for the built environment today will become the historic structures of the future.