Human beings and their communities are fragile because they are sustainable only within a narrow range of conditions and possibilities. It is the main task of architecture to maintain this range or to create it where it has not existed before. To some extent it is also architecture’s responsibility to expand this range when people require it not only for survival but also to flourish within the demands of change brought on by catastrophic events such as earthquake and tsunami. — lebbeuswoods.wordpress.com

If firmness, utility, and delight are the enduring pinnacles of architectural achievement, then it would appear architecture’s moral destiny is a foregone conclusion. But is it possible that opportunities for valuable cultural insight are being lost out of deference to this legacy? We examine forces, trends, and ideas that enhance the significance of the built environment despite, or due to, their deviant nature. — MAS CONTEXT

Marking the decade since the attacks of September 11, 2001, Lebbeus Woods offers reflections on the context for the tragedy, and the reconstruction's bitter sense of business as usual — domusweb.it

So the summer is here and it's been raining all week in NYC. I'm off to DC for the weekend!
As I promised, photos from the GSAPP 2011 End-of-the-Year Show. Are you excited?

I am particularly proud of all the work everyone at our school produced. Architecture is alive and kicking. — Columbia University GSAPP (Anthony)

Place: Living Room Studio
Time: 12:18 PM

Photos from the final! — Columbia University GSAPP (Anthony)