Land Ethic my Arse

Ultimately, Land Ethic is the dealing of man's relation to the land, and to the animals and plants which reside on it. But as architects are we capable of having a land ethic? We strive to be caution with our footprints, with the damage we cause, with the materials we use, but in the end we build, and that building alters the landscape permanently. So as to not be a cynic, we (architects) need to acknowledge that we are damaging the land, and that what we need to do is enhance the natural environment around our built environment, and make sure that those who enter our buildings are paying just as much attention to nature as they are to our manufactured works.

Architecture : Architorture : and Cheese

I’m at the end of my twenties, a college student, living off of student loans and the meager earning I make at WB. I’ve accomplished a lot so far, and have had a myriad of experiences that I will never forget. However, one thing that I feel is lacking in my life is a passion, a passion that makes others happy. By this I mean something that invokes people, that allows them to gather, that brings cheer, and something that I can experience with them.

Over the years I have developed a passion for cooking. Yes, I enjoy the food myself, but what makes me the happiest is seeing other people’s faces and how happy my cooking has made them. I enjoy the “this is fabulous”, or the “OMG, you have to make this again”, it’s a super boost to my ego. There’s a part of me that doesn’t think that the profession of architecture will bring that type of response or happiness to people. And by people I’m not talking about an individual per say, but rather a community.

Architecture is a static massing that can be quite beautiful. We have established that architecture can be “artistic” and can bring joy to a community. But architecture is placed on people and on a community, it is not always something that is chosen, but rather is needed. I find beauty in buildings, I find the way the wood floors creak to be endearing, I love the pattern of bricks, I enjoy the glare off the polished surface of concrete, or the how the light penetrates through precisely placed apertures. These things are all fantastic and not everybody notices them. We walk past such crappy architecture every day that it has become an acceptable excuse for dwelling. As an architecture student, I’m not sure if I have to abilities or the passion to make people see architecture as I do, or to inspire them to find beauty, or to engage a community.

Then there is cheese, one of the best food groups. Perhaps the most pleasant of all foods,  Cheese, creamy goodness, smoky, flaky, moldy, stringy,  yellow, white, tan, incased in wax. People crave it, it goes on a lot of foods, we eat it off the brick, we stack it on sandwiches, we melt it, fry it, and devour it.

So the cheese, the cheese has made me think about how something so small, and so momentary, and by momentary I mean you buy it, eat it, and then it’s gone, can bring such happiness to people. Food is a way to communicate culture, and ultimately brings people together. So can cheese alone do this? I think so!

Ok so here’s the skinny…As much as I enjoy architecture and what I’m learning, there is a part of me that is wondering if this is really my calling. Not to be conceded, but I have been successful in my education thus far, I don’t want to throw it away by any means; however, I realistically can’t see myself being an “architect” . The amount of hours that goes into a project is absurd, and you can’t make everyone happy. You will always have to make sacrifices that will upset someone or that will go against your ethics. The politics and games of the industry are just something that I’m not into. So I’ve been thinking…what can I do that will make myself and others happy?...this is where the cheese comes in.

You see, I have this crazy idea, a Boutique Cheese Co. here in Tucson. I think it could work. Since moving to Tucson 3yrs ago, which I hated when I moved here, I’ve come to like the place. Recently I have been meeting a lot of entrepreneurs, many of which are not much older than me. And was thinking to myself, these people are doing what they want to do…it’s their calling, and of course they don’t mind putting in the hours because it’s their baby and it’s their passion. Not only that, but many of them are putting in efforts to revive communities and are succeeding. Although I can honestly tell you that I don’t remember one of their names, but the fact that there is this type of “scene” and a community based vibe, has inspired me to consider my options. Could I be the first Architect/Cheese Maker? Perhaps….

Aerial Silk Classes!!!

http://tucsoncircusarts.com/classes/aerial-silktissue

On Monday Nov. 8th I will be taking my first aerial silk class. I'm oh soooo excited for this. It might be the clown in me, but seriously about 3 years ago my father hired a silk performer for the fair. It was one of the most amazing and beautiful performances I had seen, and at the time I thought I would love to learn how to do that, but as usual I didn't have the time or the money.  So now, almost 30, I will be learning my first circus act! Wish me luck!