In order to reflect upon the year, let us start at the beginning. Although January 2019 was a rocky month for the U.S. amid the government shutting down, that didn't stop the architecture community from staying busy during the month. From defining a thesis, architecture sales, pondering over rhetorical questions and saying goodbye to a legendary woman, here is a list of stories featured on Archinect during the month of January.

Government Shutdown and Other Things Closing

↑ A Conversation with Rusty Long, State Architect, Furloughed by the Government Shutdown

Many were affected by the government shutdown. Hearing its impact from a state architect painted an interesting picture as to how political architecture can get. 

↑ Construction work on partly built Mexico City International Airport officially suspended

Mexico City's International Airport made headlines with its construction plans. However, the $13 billion infrastructure project may never have its shining moment.

↑ Goodbye to "A Daily Dose of Architecture"; Hello to "A Daily Dose of Architecture Books"

When one site closes, another one opens. At least this was the case for John Hill's architecture blog that provided insight into the profession since 1999. 

↑ MOCA to close its Pacific Design Center satellite

MOCA's satellite location in West Hollywood provided an array of architecture and design exhibitions for more than 20 years. Its closing made many Angelenos realize just how important the site was for LA Architecture and its community. 

What's a Thesis?

↑ "Thesis Review" With Luciano Menghini, Winner of the Woods Bagot Prize

Luciano Menghini of SCI-Arc uses his thesis to highlight The Museum of the Twentieth Century in Berlin. But what exactly does that mean? According to Menghini, the answers lie in corridors.

↑ A Thesis Hidden in the Shadows; A Conversation with Zack Matthews

The GSD graduate used his thesis as an opportunity to shed light on public space and its relations with social media and the distorted perspectives it creates. Matthews used Caravaggio’s Seven Works of Mercy as inspiration to showcase his research.

↑ Navigating Memes, Selfies, and the Post-Digital Landscape with Mackenzie Muhonen

Mackenzie Muhonen of MIT uses the public's obsession with imagery in a digital world to highlight its relationship to how architecture is now being experienced. She uses this as a launch pad to discuss what an architect's role is in a post-digital world. 

Architecture's Rising Academics and a Faux Architecture Student

↑ From Collaborative Performances to Immersive Environments, Bryony Roberts Explores Alternate Forms of Practice

The New York-based architect chats with Archinect and discusses her approach to social design through experimentation and projects driven by the community. She also sheds light on her obsession with discourse.

↑ Architects. Educators. Sisters. The Boston-Based Duo French 2D Discusses How Blending Practice and Academia Through Exploration Creates Community and Change

January was merely beginning for the two sisters whose passions for academia and practice led them to becoming one of the most talked-about studios for the year. Together they chatted with Archinect to discuss the importance of architectural autonomy and pushing the boundaries of what it means to run a practice.

↑ A Tale of Many Cities with Rosalyne Shieh and Troy Schaum of SCHAUM/SHIEH

Archinect connected with the New York/Houston-based duo as they discuss their work, academic influences, and the importance of using design as an igniter for discussion. Their focus on urban design projects highlights their passion for presenting actualized work or intense speculation.

↑ Extra Extra: Kanye, the SCI-Arc Dropout

This mysterious visit from controversial artist Kanye West was merely one of the many moments where he inserted himself into places unexpectedly. However, what was more questionable was the entourage he brought along for the visit. 

Architecture for sale!

↑ Megapenthouse at Stern-designed 220 Central Park South sells for $238M, now the most expensive home sold in the U.S.

Who wouldn't want to purchase a megapenthouse for $238M? Despite its hefty price range, this wasn't the only property buyer Ken Griffin purchased during that time. You know what they say, you can never have enough penthouses.

↑ The Chrysler Building is up for sale, but what is its real value?

With news of the Chrysler Building being up for sale, it's hard to imagine the exact worth of the famed Art Deco property. However, at $1.8 billion, not including the land it's built on, many wonder if sentimental value is enough to make the purchase worth it. [Note: Although, two months later the building was finally sold for $150M]

↑ Safe from demolition, Richard Neutra's Chuey House seeks "preservation-minded buyer"

Like with most historic homes built by famed architects, many worry if it will escape the clutches of demolition. Despite the historical value of famous properties, homes like the Chuey House are deeply rooted to its location that potential buyers will have to succumb to. 

↑ Avant-garde architectural group Archigram sells archive to Hong Kong museum for £1.8 million

The archived works of famous architecture firms sell for a pretty penny, Archigram's collection is no exception. The M+ Museum in Hong Kong saw the value of these projects and purchased it for their new exhibit.

Was That a Rhetorical Question?

↑ WeWork is making moves, should other co-working spaces be worried?

At the start of 2019, WeWork made headlines with their repositioning and "re-focus" towards what the company could become. However, did their name change really initiate a positive outcome for the company in the long run?

↑ Can the government really tell us what's beautiful? The UK government attempts to put beauty first in order to solve building issues 

Who says architecture isn't political? According to the UK's "Building Better, Building Beautiful" Commission, the government aimed to solve the housing crisis, but sadly it turned into an entertaining set of discussions debated by parliament.

Thank you Florence Knoll Basset

↑ Modern office pioneer Florence Knoll Basset passes away at 101

Late in January, the architecture and design community said farewell to American designer Florence Knoll Bassett. Her influence within the legendary furniture company Knoll was merely one of the many moments she helped change modern architecture and design.