Architect's view...?

[FreshAir]

A few weekends ago my son-law (Cal, Berkeley and Yale grad, Master in Architecture) and I were returning from an errand and driving down my long (gravel) driveway. Parked perpendicular to and at the foot of the driveway is our shiny '66 Tradewind. Matt, my son-in-law suddenly blurted, "Boy, that Airstream sure classes up this place!" I laughed.....but now a few weeks have passed and I now wonder wha..............?

Neil.

[uwe]

Originally Posted by anholman

wha..............?

Neil.

Neil, don't wonder, just enjoy!

[Bob Thompson]

I think you have to understand how architects are trained and how they see things. Architects are trained to see a site or location as an integrated series of elements which come together to create a total composition. Everything from the drive to the entry to the planting to living or activity spaces combine to create a total composition. When the design is very well done, the result will be life enhancing and a true joy to behold and be a part of.

Unless the Airstream can blend in and contribute to the composition, an Architect will see it as something which detracts which in the purest sense, it likely does. It doesn't mean you can't or don't enjoy the Airstream, only that it detracts from the beauty of the site and the planned and built environment.

Of course there is the aesthetic philosophy which sees items which are more utilitarian and serviceable as being inherently beautiful. That's likely the feeling most of us have for our Airstreams.

[Safari Tim]

"Boy, that Airstream sure classes up this place!"

Reminds me of an old SNL skit where they were running a nuclear reactor. The head scientist was leaving for vacation. Just before he left he said "Remember, you can never put too much water in the reactor."

Of course the joke was they did not know if they should only use a little water or keep putting water in. At the end of the skit the scientist was at the beach and the reactor blew up in the background

[Jim Clark]

Originally Posted by Bob Thompson

I think you have to understand how architects are trained and how they see things.

Of course he meant the addition of the Airstream tied all the elements of your property into one gorgeous canvas which no passer by could resist passing a complementary comment about.

[K E Stabler]

I agree with Mr. Thompson, although not in such eloquent prose. I can only wonder just how many of we architects own Aluminum Palaces.

KES
B-Arch, 1960, Carnegie Tech

[JimGolden]

It's all about the sight lines!

[InsideOut]

Count us in...

Originally Posted by K E Stabler

I can only wonder just how many of we architects own Aluminum Palaces.

Mr.InsideOut is an Architect & I am an Interior Designer.

Shari

[cameront120]

I'm an Architect and happen to think that the 24' tradewind in my back yard, complete with it's own patio and landscaping, is beautiful! Sadly, some Architects can be a little opinionated and aren't afraid to voice their aesthitic preferences

[Minnie's Mate]

Originally Posted by K E Stabler

I agree with Mr. Thompson, although not in such eloquent prose. I can only wonder just how many of we architects own Aluminum Palaces.

KES
B-Arch, 1960, Carnegie Tech

I also own one!
B-Arch, Auburn University, Class of '85

[Jim Clark]

Originally Posted by JimGolden

It's all about the sight lines!

This works for me.


Jim

[Bob Thompson]

Count me as one of the architects who's glad most architects are opinionated! For me, it's the very nature of design to express opinions in form and substance. I can't even imagine being an architect without expressing an opinion from the most basic thought like how wide to make the driveway to how to shape an entry to what colors to use. Architecture is the mother of all art and when it is done well, it brings a magic to life, a joy and exuberance which is nearly universal in the human experience. An example is Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesan West. Also, I can still remember the impact Arthur Erickson had on my appreciation of design. What delightful places he created!

When designers are afraid to express their opinion, then our world becomes mundane. And I haven't even touched on the subject of quality. If we fail to express an opinion on quality, then poor craftsmanship and shoddy construction become the norm.

The young architect from Yale is to be admired. Just getting thru architecture school is a major accomplishment. The drop out rate is incredibly high, and only the most dedicated make it. Given a chance, he might bring great new creations for all of us to enjoy and appreciate. Attempt to see the world as he envisions it and you might enrich your own life more than you know.

From the 1st post, we can't tell if the Airstream enhanced the site like a sparkling jewel, maybe like a beautifully restored Packard would if it were setting in the driveway. Or if it detracted from the site, perhaps it needs an RV-port!

[AYRSTRM2]

Originally Posted by Safari Tim

Reminds me of an old SNL skit where they were running a nuclear reactor. The head scientist was leaving for vacation. Just before he left he said "Remember, you can never put too much water in the reactor."

Of course the joke was they did not know if they should only use a little water or keep putting water in. At the end of the skit the scientist was at the beach and the reactor blew up in the background

Ah, one of my favorite skits! Was this also the one where Garret Morris was dressed up as the cleaning lady and he made out with Dan Akroyd done up as Jimmy Carter? Woot.

[markdoane]

I think all of you are missing the real issue. It has very little to do with being an architect, and lots to do with being a son-in-law.

Neil, I think you are right to wonder if the young man who married your daughter was complimenting your airstream, or denigrating the condition of the rest of the property. Ask him for suggestions about how to "class up" the rest of the place.

I have 3 sons-in-law. You need to put a stop to the insubordination.

[MarkR]

When I'm elected President there'll be 2 Airstreams in every yard . . . whoops, wrong thread . . .

For now I have to settle on being an Architect (who loves airstreams - I think it's the end caps, whether it's 13, 7, 5, 3 . . . paneled, airstream always seams to get the geometry just right).

B-Arch, U of Oregon

[Davydd]

Dang! I had a long gravel driveway and a 1971 vintage Airstream parked perpendicular at the base, but I paved the driveway and sold the Airstream, yet I am an architect.

B-Arch 1968 University of Cincinnati and an architect in IN, IL, MI, KY, MN, OK, LA, TX, WY, MT and AZ.

[SmokelessJoe]

Bob Thompson’s words reminded me of the year ago morning when I was looking for breakfast in downtown Mason City, Iowa and came across Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1920’s PARK INN being restored.

I was stunned to realize that this 80 year old building looked like it had been designed yesterday.

That’s what the best of good design achieves I think, TIMELESSNESS.

Airstream and its early aluminum competitors, Frank Lloyd Wright’s magnificent buildings, all of these have the quality of enduring beauty.

I have a Knoll chair designed by Erno Saarinen in 1946 (that I bought new in the 1970’s) that still looks like it could have been designed last month.

All these examples show us that we don’t need to be architects or designers to be effected by their best work.

Sergei

[safari57]

My interpretation of the SIL's comment is that he was being subtle about volunteering to spruce up the rest of the place. I think the only honourable thing to do would be to invite him back out and put him to work. He'll be very appreciative of your ability to pick up on his hint, and probably enjoy coming back out often to work on the place for you. Or, he may just stop making suggestions. Either way you win!
Barry

[FreshAir]

Originally Posted by safari57

My interpretation of the SIL's comment is that he was being subtle about volunteering to spruce up the rest of the place. I think the only honourable thing to do would be to invite him back out and put him to work. He'll be very appreciative of your ability to pick up on his hint, and probably enjoy coming back out often to work on the place for you. Or, he may just stop making suggestions. Either way you win!
Barry

My wife and I couldn't ask for a better son-in-law. Our daughter done good. They live 2 1/2 hours drive away so we see them often. His father lives a few minutes from us and he has done some project drawings for him. I have only asked him to help with occassional handyman projects to which he helps exceedingly well. He IS very impressed with the Airstream. I suppose we should invite him, daughter, grandson and the new one on the way for a camping outting. Do ya think? I will pass the thread and all your replies on to him as I know he will appreciate them.
Neil.

[Davydd]

Originally Posted by anholman

My wife and I couldn't ask for a better son-in-law.
Neil.

But of course, he is an architect.