A Better World Through Architecture

Posted by: Nate Berg

26 January 2009 - 10:00am

Architect Wes Jones argues that architecture is "an argument for a better world". But the general public doesn't understand how. Neither do most architects, writes Christopher Hume.

"A building isn't just a building, declares the Los Angeles architect, author and academic, but an argument for the better world that has yet to be created, a proposal, suggestion, or model."

"But architecture is also an economic and bureaucratic exercise, subject to the pressures of time, money and rules as much as gravity and climate."

"'Architecture constitutes most of the environment we live in,' Jones points out. 'Architecture gains its right to impose on us by accepting this responsibility.'"

"But, he adds, 'North American culture isn't attuned to the possibilities of what architecture can do.' Alas, neither are many North American architects."

Full Story: Architecture as argument for creating better world

Source: The Toronto Star, January 23, 2009

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A Better Post-Apocalyptic World Through Architecture

Submitted by Charles Siegel on Mon, 01/26/2009 - 14:16.

Jones's fascination with corrugated steel walls, shipping containers and exposed structures bring a post-apocalyptic edge to his projects. ... "I'm building a vernacular for a world that doesn't yet exist," says Jones. Not now, perhaps, but soon.

Creating this self-consciously artsy post-apocalyptic edge is just the opposite of building a better world.

Charles Siegel