architecture is a non-zero-sum game
nonzero\architecture is a full-service architecture, planning and design firm located in Los Angeles. Officially founded in 2004, it builds on an established team, with some of its members having worked together for over a decade.
nonzero\architecture is interested in the potential of architecture to enrich and enhance people's lives. Whether at home, at work, at leisure or in the civic realm, the human desire for the beauty and functionality of their surroundings remains. Based on an awareness of historical evolution and broader culture, the studio attempts to find contemporary architectural solutions to the challenges of today's built environment.
The creation of beautiful and inspiring spaces and structures is a primary aspiration of the firm. At the same time, economic realities and our limited natural resources demand a thoughtful and conscious approach to design and construction.
Innovative strategies aim to make the most out of any given budget, and to conserve materials and energy at every practical level. Sustainability and the preservation of building substance, financial and material resources are integral parts of the firm's designs. Nonetheless, mere practicality also demands the added application of creative and artistic ideas to transcend building into architecture.
The team of nonzero\architecture and its principal believe that the interests of owners, users and the public at large need to converge for a project to become truly successful.
"The founders of game theory [...] made a basic distinction between 'zero-sum' games and 'non-zero-sum' games. In zero-sum games, the fortunes of the players are inversely related. In tennis, in chess, in boxing, one contestant's gain is the other's loss. In non-zero-sum games, one player's gain needn't be bad news for the other(s). Indeed, in highly non-zero-sum games the players' interests overlap entirely".
Robert Wright, "NONZERO: The logic of human destiny" Pantheon Books, New York, 2000
