Stair for a private residence

Here is a an addition to a  contemporary residence that is just finishing up.

The minimalist courtyard's feature is this aluminum stair.  Beyond are the wood entrance doors with metal panels.  The deck above is for a jacuzzi and summer kitchen that overlooks the Lake Worth golf course and the intracoastal.

What do architects do?

Architects create designs for buildings that synthesize functional requirements with building systems to create beauty in their environment.  


 Functional requirements can be described as

• The size of the spaces needed.
• The use of the spaces and what will be needed within them to accomplish the intended use.
• The relationship, hierarchy and sequence of the spaces.

 
Building systems are

• Structural components and cladding or the parts of the building that hold it up and contain the spaces.  They are the components that comprise and support the floors, walls and  roof.
• The mechanical systems are the heating ventilating and air conditioning systems as well as any equipment needed for the function of the building.
• Electrical systems deliver and manage power for illumination and equipment. 
• Plumbing components distribute fresh water and remove waste water from the building.  

 
Beauty is accomplished when 

• The architect creates spaces whose size and relationship are a pleasure to experience.  

• The spaces are thoughtfully articulated both internally and externally.   The way we define a space is in many respects as important as the space itself.  

• The exterior of a building or its image needs to inspire or move us.  The image or impression is one of the most important ways a structure is judged though it is not indicative of whether it is a successful building.

Design Sketches- 2000-2001

I keep sketchbooks where I explore ideas not related to specific commissions.

These are sketches for an ocean city.  In the plan sketches above I was  trying to explore ideas about power generating turbines.  At the time these were done I was looking alot at skeletal structures for formal inspiration. Calatrava has found inspiration there.  The shapes found in nature are far more complex and interesting than what man makes.

 















Seems like every time I go to Miami it leaves me thinking about
high-rise structures.

Its liberating to see what you can come up with when their are no constraints.

This was a sketch for a rain forest hotel.  Again no client or  program just an image drawing.

Another image sketch

Travel Sketches

New Orleans 

Venice

Taking the time to sketch a place makes you remember it more completely. 

 Villa Capra, Vicenza Italy

From this overlook you could see all of Vicenza.  As I looked at the city,  writhing in its medieval skin,  my view of time would never be the same.