We did not hear who the guest was being interviewed and I could not find the program on line several days later to figure things out, and the subject was how the ARTS and Entertainment affect/effect change in cultures and societies.   The speaker was a well-respected and highly documented individual who was knowledge about this subject matter.

The discussion just turned up the contemplation volume of my thinking.

As we began listening, the guest was just summing up a discussion on how music and specific songs were very representative of the feelings of despair and hope that is a part of this specific crisis period in the USA.  The hopeful music has been recently emerging from an untraditionally long spell of despair and angst music.

Then the guest said something which just perked up my whole listening systems he said, (paraphrased)  …this period of time….marks one of the most vicious attacks/ lack of trust/ projected upon artists, designers and architects I have ever found evidence….   The artists of culture and community, the folks who bring creativity to necessary change and move us forward are hiding out from these attacks.  And why not, there is only a 30% approval rating for artist, architects, and designers right now?

I have been thinking about this comment for the past two weeks and all that the guest continued on to say for about 3 more minutes.

I think it is because we have such a huge mass media experience and the loudest voices are working FEAR to the max.  The fear of change is heightened and people want to control what they do not understand or return to when they felt safe.

In all the great periods of evolution and change it is the artists who lead the way and it is the designers who contribute hope and creativity to the community.

It is a housing crisis too brought on by greed, so why would one trust those architects who brought us this problem?   Lots of miss information rolling around.  A local architect said to me, that we needed to tighten our belts and things like college should just not cost so much; he proceeded to tell me how much he paid for college 25 years ago.   Well we do know that austerity measures do not work, it is stimulus which corrects these kinds of crisis – just look at the recent elections in Europe, they have been suffering austerity and want no more of it or to lose their services and rights.

The media has portrayed architects as wealthy folks creating outlandish and extremely contemporary structures.  There are just as many “religious zealots” among architectural communities as in the general population.  It appears to me that the creative and futuristic design artists and architects are being attacked and so they are laying low and maybe, yes, even hiding?

They are worried about every paycheck too and caring for their families….where are the leaders and the risk takers and how do we discover their vision and support their efforts in resolving this crisis, being good stewards of the earth, healing, and progressing?

What do you think?   How do we counterbalance the naysayers and the fearful?  How do we create in crisis?

Related Reading:
Glutton
Thinking Out Loud
Do You Know Your Walk Score?

The other night our chapter of AIA had a tour of the new Hands On Children’s Museum building site.

We were able to see the inside of the completed shell of the building and pat the YEW trees and hear about each activity and space.   The building is LEEDs approved and has Green Globe approval of 4 points.

We were so celebrating all the local community effort which has gone into this project and we’re amazed at how closely Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater and Thurston County (LOTT) all worked together to create this enhancing project.  We know we spent many hours fundraising for admissions fees with SAND IN THE CITY and were amazed at all the donated doors and wood flooring – not to mention the hours and hours of volunteer time by parents and citizens to get this project planned and built.   9 Million to go!

It very much is a whole community project for our children.

The areas are versatile and designed for ages 0 to 10 with a huge outdoor exhibit and staging area.  The LOTT treatment plant is next door and the clear water makes a stream that runs through both projects. Much of the heat and air services are provided by the sewage treatment plant next door to the new museum.

The theme that is celebrated in the new museum is WATER and WOOD.   The flooring is amazing donated hardwood, with inlays of a compass, sea shells, and fish.  The wood flooring is even in the stunning arts lab.   There is a small area for the very smallest with a seashell water bed and toddler climbers.  There are many exhibit areas to explore – with seating close by so parents can observe the exploration from close range and yet be free enough to just let it happen.  There is a tree house, mother log, forest ceiling, tugboat with underwater exploration panels, a Carrot Café,  a build – it and move- it center, a moveable exhibits gallery, and at least 4 more areas I cannot remember.   There are lots of windows to Puget Sound and the rows and rows of sailboats on one side of the working port area.

There is a center climbing area up to the 3rd floor forest with nets and ladders and a slide down (Mom or Dad can be close by the reluctant climber as they have a special 3 story stairs that foundation the structure)

The high point of the whole event for me was the talk given by designer Alisa from the PORTICO design group.   This is a person who loves her work and particularly her work with Children’s Museums.  The care and concern that was designed into these exhibits and her enthusiasm just added star powered energy to this community project.
Thank you for a wonderful evening about a new experience for the children of our community.

Has your whole county rallied around a project for the children in your area that truly stands out? How many volunteers participated in your project?  Looking forward to your links and sharing.

Women's Building

In the 1890s Chicago created a Fair that would dramatically highlight the city and demonstrate where the United States was AT in the world of Industry and Architecture.  This is a very detailed and suspenseful book which one knows is non-fiction and yet reads like a page turner novel.  It is quite interesting.

The Architects in Chicago and the City Council won the contract for the next Exposition in the world.  This is the story about how the major city architects went grand and big and showed what they could do in the world.   During a time of recession and economic depression, the Chicago group and Congress put a lot of people to work and created what was to be known as the White City within the city.

All the little ins & outs and political moves were fascinating to study and see played out.  The amazing detail that Larson put into the book, such as how many nails were used and how many railroad cars it took to haul that many nails to the site, were fascinating.

The controversies that surround such a massive project were spelled out right on the page.  It was reassuring to see that the folks in New York City although called upon to design the fair and landscape the fair, were continually challenged in their feelings of entitlement to be considered the KINGs of the Country.  Chicago came into its own with this project.  (The West Coast folks still know the tyranny of the East Coast crowd)

The book contains a second story of one of the first serial killers H.H. Holmes who was beginning his horrific lifestyle concealed by the fair!  The book is a substantial murder mystery.

I was fascinated by the small vignette about the only woman architect Sophie Hayden who single handedly designed the Women’s Building and then was railroaded by the society women of the day into a massive depression and needed to be hospitalized.  Hayden is still highlighted for her design.

Some of the new and innovative take aways of the fair for me, were the arrival of the FERRIS WHEEL into our lives – we were, of course, competing with the Eiffel Tower in Paris.   Shredded Wheat, clean and pure drinking water  for the public, and  Public Electric Lighting  were also on display.  The way we do landscaping and city parks was radically changed from the exposition onward in our history and was greatly influenced my Olmstead’s group (Did Central Park in NYC and Vanderbilt Estate)

Some of the other fascinating details were the attendance records and how they played out in the depression.  The attempts to deal with the garbage created and the amazing weather conditions that had to be endured.   How many humans it took to build these temporary structures and how quickly the whole park / white city disappeared when the exposition concluded.

I think though it was not an event so full of the future, in reading this story I would say it was a shout out to the end of how architecture had always been done and it was a tribute to Roman style and beauty.  It is very poignant to me that while the Big Boys were working on the fair and new upstart was coming onto the scene in Chicago who would turn out to be part of the future of design – Frank Lloyd Wright.

I think one will find this book difficult to put down.   It is a well written study full of details and success.

Have you read a book recently that pointed to the future of architecture?  Please share it with us in the comments section.

Other Books You might enjoy:

The Architect by Barclay (Amazon)
 The Architects Enigma 

Tioga Pass, CA 9,945 ft. to the top From Tom’s Cascades Sierra Cycling Tour 2011

We have completed 2 full years of writing for the Biking Architect and have reached a Summit.  As the primary writer, I have decided I need to put my energies in 2012 into launching my Wise Ears, Professional Listening Services business. As fun as writing here is and making so many new and Green discoveries, there are folks who are doing this full time with full funding and they are making a difference.   I invite you to subscribe to their work and endeavors to keep you in the GREEN.

Brightworks Sustainability Advisors whose job it is to educate and keep people informed. I read every word they put out, it is so good.

SIGHTLINE Daily or Weekly Newsletter  are fabulous updates about everything that is happening in the Pacific Northwest to do with the environment.  Alan During keeps his staff investigating local trends and actions along with writing about all the politics and movements in the area.

So I will not say goodbye, because when cycling season starts again, I am sure we will have some more news and tours to share…and of course when I can afford a new bicycle you will be the first to know!

I am not stopping or quitting, I just need to earn a living so am off to Wise Ears and Listening.

Oh, by the way, I just listened to a young fellow practice his presentation material for Microsoft and he got in….You just may need my services more as a listener!  Come on Over…Check us out.

Thank you for your continued support – you are appreciated.

Patricia

I just would like to share several moments of gratitude with you that have come my way:

The first is that 10 years ago the local people would only hire the BIG BOYS with HUGE firms to do the local work.   Now much of that work is having energy and sustainability problems which are causing financial problems to the local folks.   Our design, work, efforts, and knowledge are looking better and better as we know and understand the local communities and their needs and budgets at an intimate level.  We are continuously learning new skills, products and ideas.  I am thankful that they need us now and that we can contribute to making the buildings a beautiful asset to our own communities.

I am reading a social psychology book right now that I am thankful was referred to me along with Steve Jobs biography.   I think the book Situations Matter will make a difference in assisting me in planning and making my work more effective to my community.   I am thankful that I was referred to this fun, easy to read study and can share it with you.

I am thankful my cycling group is looking at 2012 and making some plans for adventures and trips that will keep me in shape and close to the environment I so love to enjoy.

And then I wanted to refer you to a great post about Sustainability and words of support for each of us trying to make the world a better place….I thought this Brightworks  Rejuvenation post was so worth the read.

How about you are you thankful for the start of a new year?  Are you reading something you think we should all add to our list and is helpful to our work?  Any great conferences or learning credits catch your eye?  Looking forward to reading what you want to say.

Our friends Lauren and Joel’s Grandfather was the Santa on this Album Cover!

Wishing each and every one of you a very Happy Holiday Season and a very Green, Energy Efficient and Sustainable New Year!

“Christmas in the Northwest” by Brenda White. Brenda White had the opportunity to submit music for a project that would benefit Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. The song she wrote, very simply entitled “Christmas in the Northwest”, became the theme for the project, an endeavor that has benefited countless children throughout the Pacific Northwest.

The album is available from Amazon.

A special thank you to all the folks who come by to read regularly and we will be back on January 5th, 2012 – Happy New Year!

The Tree Of Life

The Tree of Life is an enthralling arts film which held me captive from the first whispers through the 2 hours and 20 minutes of playing time. It drew my husband in to come and sit and watch it even though he missed the first 30 minutes.

I heard about The Tree of Life months ago on Sam Juliano’s Monday Morning Diary on Wonders in the Dark and I was so drawn to his descriptions that I wanted to see it. It was playing in the big City at an art’s theater but not anywhere close. I attempted to get the local cinema to run it and had 35 folks call the theatre to ask for a showing.

It came out on DVD about Thanksgiving time in the USA, and I put in an order with my mailbox delivery group. I was not disappointed when it arrived and I was very happy to have been able to watch it a number of times. I think it would be spectacular on the big screen – although if you sat next to a noisy eater one would miss much of the opening of the movie – one’s own chewing would interfere with the whispers of sound that are so dramatic and enhancing.

The photography is amazing from all the flow of water to the birds in flight, and the videos of nature play out in lovely fashion as the movie captures a young boy’s life and energies.

There were several moments when I remembered 2001 a Space Odyssey.

If we humans are 98% energy in the form of water, then the metaphors and symbolism in this movie are not only dramatically beautiful but they emphasize the connections of all of life. One wonders how the author and director could have put so much creativity and honesty into a depiction of life – how could all that flow from one person? Outstanding movie, this THE TREE OF LIFE.

Netflix says about this film:

The Tree of LIFE. Brad Pitt and Sean Penn star in Terrence Malick’s 1950s adventure about a confused man named Jack, who sets off on a journey to understand the true nature of the world. Growing up in the Midwest with two brothers, Jack has always been torn between his mother’s guidance to approach everything he encounters with an open heart and his father’s advice to look after his own interests. Now, Jack must find a way to regain purpose and perspective.

I understand that this film has been nominated for a number of awards already. I joyfully give it a 5 ladybug rating and hope all of you will make the opportunity to see this film. It is rated PG-13. I have added it to my book group’s list for the spring discussion and will recommend it to my own family. This student of life and philosophy thoroughly enjoyed this movie.

Do you have a movie to recommend for an award? Do you often watch arts movies? Are you drawn to creative expression?

Related Reading:
The Tree of Life (WondersInTheDark)
Creation
Temple Grandin
The Element

If you purchase anything from Amazon or Powell’s or Google Ads, I will receive a few beans in my bucket. No one paid me or provided any compensation for reviewing this movie and I rented the movie on my own.

If you enjoyed reading here you might enjoy reading at my other sites The Biking Architect and Wise Ears also.

After the Run

I did not do the Seattle Marathon (in the pouring rain storm) this year, nor have I done it in the past.  But I did do the Turkey Trot in San Jose with 21,000 other folks.   2 of my daughters joined me and we took our canned goods for the Second Harvest Food Bank.

I came in 901 in just about my best time and that was #17 for my age group for the 10K.  My daughters did very well too, but feel the slow down at the finish line did not give them a very accurate reading for their time. We had a great time and it was great fun to do as a family event.

My neighbors were in Long Island, New York and 9 of their family members walked or ran the Turkey Trot near Flushing Meadows.   They thought it was a fabulous way to celebrate Thanksgiving with the family too.

Upper Berry Creek Falls

Before Thanksgiving we spent some time walking other parts of the San Francisco area.  This time we headed for the Hills.   Our first day long hike was at Berry Creek Falls Loop at Big Basin Redwoods State Park;   a marvelous day and another good time with family.

Down the Steps

On Black Friday we avoided shopping and once again ventured out into the wilderness and fresh air.

North Peak at Mount Diablo State Park was a strenuous day hike we shared with a number of families that day.

View of Mt Diablo North Peak from Mt Olympia

We were cautioned to watch for Poison Oak and rattlesnakes – and to leave the Banana Slugs alone (Not a problem for those of us from Washington State rain forest!)

View from the Top of Mt Diablo North Peak

I can highly recommend this as a good way to spend your family time together.  None of us overate and that was a boon to our time together also.

Have you ever thought about Turkey Trotting?  Changing the old traditions?

Constructing the Dome

Dome Interior

Lifting the Dome Into Place

Completed Dome

The photographs show the translucent roof element being hoisted in place a top the tower.

What design element has challenged your thinking?

Here we are at Thanksgiving time in the USA and the frenzy of wanting and Shiny Objects is all around us as though it is part of the air pressure and atmospheric reality.

I am drawing back to thinking about President Roosevelt’s (FDR) moving speech about the 4 Freedoms during the Great Depression.

FDR’s 4 Freedoms:

Freedom of Speech
Freedom of Worship
Freedom from Fear
Freedom from Want

The American Artist Normal Rockwell was so moved by this speech he did 4 paintings to express these freedoms and they toured the country giving hope to all who gave them witness.

I would just like to say that FDR’s and Rockwell’s word WANT was less about the current LUST for things and money and more about the freedom of being relieved of this wanting burden and having the basic things that we need.

There is coziness to his family scene but not a great many doodads and decorations.  The family pictured is grateful for the food, which they are about to receive and be filled and renewed.  There is no “perfect” wine choice in evidence and no brine paste or froofah!   It is just basic thanks giving and freedom from want.

I am hoping that we will celebrate Thanksgiving this year with a freedom from want… at least a freedom from lusting after things and perfection  – the insignificant.

Maybe we could take a look at the basic wants of our lives and search for meaning and value instead?

What does Freedom for Want mean to you?

Happy Thanksgiving to all celebrating in the USA!