October 2021: Physical Bases, Performative Practices, Ted Lasso, and...Wine Simple
To our readers,
Now that we’re truly in the swing of things in fall, the acceleration of activity is palpable. The subways are more crowded, performing arts and large events are back, and bigger and bigger groups seem to be getting together.
For me, this brings the question: after a collective break, how do we reintroduce various elements into our lives in a way that is better for us than before? How do we make sure these elements are returning with authentic intention and purpose, as opposed to returning for returning’s sake? Read below for my thoughts:
Billie Eilish during her Governor's Ball performance.
What I’m Seeing - ie. What’s Current
Lasso’s Lessons - Ted Lasso swept the Emmys for the second year in a row, and I’m certain this is because the show has connected so well with the moment. The series is based around teamwork, kindness, and empathy, at a time when office culture and team rebuilding are on everyone’s mind. “Culture eats strategy for lunch,” Iva Kravitz once said to me, and I think this is the secret behind Ted Lasso’s (the character’s) success. With the “Great Resignation,” firms are placing a focus on culture like never before, and I could not recommend this show more for its team building inspiration and tactics, to leaders and managers everywhere.
Bases in New Cities - Over the last few months, I’ve learned that many are establishing physical bases in new cities - I am seeing new presences in Atlanta, in New York, even in Washington. A physical presence is still a key element for its own reasons; just like a wine’s terroir - the soil, climate, and terrain in which the grapes are grown - distinguishes it from other wines and gives it a “sense of place”, having a physical foundation in a city allows one to absorb its culture and community that cannot be learned digitally, as well as accelerate team building, to my point above. This also hints at investment back in cities - the roaring 20s are slow to start, but they are certainly on their way.
Performing Arts and Multimedia - Throughout the pandemic, we saw various indoor multimedia experiences, like SuperReal, Immersive Van Gogh, and ARTECHOUSE NYC. Now with performing arts coming back to the city, coupled with the success of these immersive digital installations, I’m wondering how the two could be combined, and whether or not they should be combined, and with a larger crowd in mind. The return of Governors Ball really put this top of mind for me - the sets were incredible, but I missed the possibility of interaction. Is there perhaps a post-covid digital installation version of something like Sleep No More? If you come across it, please send it my way.
Me in Atlanta earlier this year, after Trahan Architects brought on ATL-based Lesley Braxton. Photo taken though by MA's very own ATL-based editor, Amy Stone!
What I’m Hearing - ie. What’s Coming
The Practice Approach to Aspire to - Something I’ve heard from some of our new #ExpandingtheConversation series is that architects and firm owners are realizing the needed evolutions of their aesthetic practices into social ones. I was surprised to still hear of the emphasis on an aesthetic practice; in my training at Cornell AAP, performance was prioritized over everything. An architectural move was never a great move unless it was made for at least two reasons and affected multiple performative priorities. How does a practice, and a building, perform well for its community, on an environmental, social, and emotional level? Considering these factors is what we as architects, patrons, and leaders, should be striving for.
Affordable Housing - Anytime I ask what folks want to work on and what might be the next typology for them, affordable housing is the answer I hear most often. For many, this was the ambition before the pandemic, but seeing what was happening in our urban environments made it all the more clear that housing and mental health care are priorities for humankind everywhere. I especially admire Central Collective’s Seattle DADU proposal, that Juliette Dubroca talks about in her interview with us, as well as St. Francis Friends of the Poor, a permanent housing program with supportive services to homeless men and women with histories of chronic mental illness. I look forward to seeing all of the ideas for low-cost housing for our post-pandemic cities...maybe Madame Architect should put out a call ourselves.
Supply Chain Attention - Supply chains are top of mind now in multiple industries, given the increased wait times for shipping and construction costs rising. The fashion and beauty industries have been focusing on more sustainable supply chain operations for years now, but somehow that momentum hasn’t yet translated to construction. The Design for Freedom movement from Grace Farms, which aims to eradicate slavery and forced labor from the materials supply process, is one instance where we’re starting to catch up, but the topic certainly warrants an accelerated focus. This could not be a better time though, to focus on all things supply chain - as we reintroduce things back into our lives, we might as well reintroduce them back well and better.
75K DADU, image courtesy of Noa Younse of pixelpatchcreative.
What I’m Reading:
Women and the Making of the Modern House by Alice T. Friedman - I’ve been thinking more and more of how clients, and those who commission architecture, are just as pertinent to transforming the industry as designers are, reminding me of my absolute favorite book on architecture (of which I learned in my first ever architecture history class from professor Medina Lasansky). Friedman investigates how specifically women patrons of architecture were essential catalysts for innovation, through the projects they commissioned, designed, and lived in.
Think Like a Breadwinner by Jennifer Barrett - Financial expert Jennifer Barrett dismantles the narrative that women don't -- and shouldn't --take full financial responsibility to create the lives they want. This is a new kind of manifesto for the working woman, with tips on building wealth and finding balance, as well as inspiration for harnessing the freedom and power that comes from a breadwinning mindset.
Just Start: Take Action, Embrace Uncertainty, Create the Future by Leonard A. Schlesinger, Charles F. Kiefer, Paul B. Brown - That change is the only constant was a lesson reinforced again and again these past two years, and rapid change at that. With this in mind, how does one work to achieve their goals and go about creating something new? The first step, say the authors of this book, is this: "Just start." In other words, take action now and learn as you go and with all of the shifting forces in our lives.
Tusk Candles perspective, courtesy of UMÉ
Final Picks:
To enjoy: UMÉ - Carefully crafted products for both your internal and external days. As we return to the office, and yearn for a feeling of home there, I could not recommend UMÉ more. I personally have Henge and Tenon on my desk at the Trahan NYC offices. For home on the other hand, the Tusk Candle will continue to keep you cozy.
To read: Wine Simple by Aldo Sohm - As the weather gets colder, I’ve been snuggling up with this book at home (and enjoying subsequent mini-wine tastings as I read its chapters). The illustrations and design alone make for an evening well-spent, not to mention all the information. A big thanks to advisory board member Ashley Mendelsohn for introducing me to it.
To watch: RÜFÜS DU SOL: Live from Joshua Tree - Released just before the pandemic in March 2020, Live From Joshua Tree is exactly in the category of an experience I’d want to be a part of in a post-COVID world...where multi-media and site specificity meet (and hopefully an audience is allowed).
And with that, I'd love to hear what you've been thinking and talking about lately, and your recommendations for what to keep my eye on next! Reach out on Instagram or email hello@madamearchitect.org.
Yours,
Julia Gamolina