Wildly Appropriate

The Architect's Manifesto

Jan 19, 09:04 AM

Ever since I was a little kid I've admired the practice of architecture. Maybe it was because Mr. Brady made it seem like such a laid back and tastefully decorated way to live? In any case, I relish the experience of preparing and delivering my perennial lecture on "regular old" architecture and how some librarians co-opted and then became the owners of the orthodoxy and practice of Information Architecture. It's become a kind of penance for me... insisting on one class period that's devoted to regular-old architecture before we go nuts in an LISssy frenzy of Polar Bear IA.

ANYHOW...

So today there's a brilliant addition to Hugh McLeod's ongoing reader-submitted manifestos series from architect/entrepreneur Joshua Horne. Here's some cherries from his architect's manifesto, titled How to be creative in architecture. I think this is more proof that we bespectacled LISssy IAs can benefit hugely from our brothers who do regular-old architecture:

• Don't be afraid to change. The world is changing, are you? When it comes down to the come down, what will stay with you throughout your career is how you help other people, and how many people trust you.


• Evangelize the profession. Do not bitch and moan about architecture and how terrible the pay is. You decide what you get paid, as stated above. It makes architecture look bad. Do something that is good for the profession, and you will be heralded.


• This is not your grandfather's architecture. It's not 1890. We need to move forward. Do something about it. Think about your heroes...did they regurgitate the same old stuff? The guys at the top of this field in 25 years will not be thinking about the "new" same old skyscraper. Are you capable of being somebody's hero?


• Realize that any creative endeavor will be subject to scrutiny. Do it for yourself. Nobody will care about you until you are OK with what you are doing.

Good stuff...