In mid-flight

INCIDENT:
Denis Darzacq took photographs of dancers in mid-flight in urban settings.

La Chute (The Fall) - Photographs by Denis Darzacq

MORAL:
The harsh nature of the architecture compared to the fluid movements of the dancers creates an opposition between man and building. This opposition forms an interesting dynamic and questions the intent of the created. How do we address issues of function and reflect the inherent nature (biomechanical, psychological, etc) of man, and all within the constraints of materiality? And should we?

Love is pretty powerful

INCIDENT:
This story about a woman and her fiance who is a wounded US Marine can teach all of us a little something about love.

The Triumph of Love

World Press Photo - Wounded US Marine returns home from Iraq to marry

MORAL:
Self-explanatory. Once in awhile a story comes along that is so powerful that it refocuses your perspective on your life and relationships.

Runner's High

INCIDENT:
On Sunday I ran a 5K. The third 5K race of my life. I am not much of a runner but in the past year I have taken up running for fitness and to see what all the fuss is about. Seriously running doesn't really sound like a fun time to me, but I am a competitive person. If I make something a competition or a battle of hardcore-ness I can probably convince myself to do anything. It is an awesome motivator.

Sunday it was drizzling all morning and it was cold. I felt like I wanted to quit after 1.5 miles but I hate losing face in front of others. I pressed on. Then at about the 2 mile mark I finally had that vague feeling that people refer to as the runner's high. All this time I have been running I never experienced it, but for some reason during this race it kicked in. I felt great and I even stepped it up a notch. I had a personal best for the race.

MORAL:
I am proud of myself. Although I am not setting any course records, I really felt great after this race. I never thought I would be a runner and I certainly didn't think that I would enjoy running. But here I am looking forward to the next race and wondering what else I can accomplish that I never thought I could.

“Life's real failure is when you do not realize how close you were to success when you gave up.” - unknown

The Designer's Constant Inquiry

INCIDENT:
Unfortunately they took this little animation off the web. It basically showed two people talking. One person is labeled "designer" and the other person is labeled "not designer." The "not designer" asks the "designer" to design him a website for free because they are friends and because it would be good advertising/marketing for the "designer." The "designer" then asks the "non-designer" what he did for a living. And it turns out the guy is a car salesman. So the "designer" turns it on him and says that the "non-designer" should give him a car for free cause it would be advertising and marketing. Hilarity ensues.

Design me a website for free since we are friends

MORAL:
This is the classic question from friends. People have definitely asked me if I would design their house for free. And while it is a compliment to be asked to designed someones sanctuary, it becomes an insult to ask for those skills that you have developed and refined for free. But I think you get the message from the dialogue above.

Sex Sells

INCIDENT:
People have been using sex in advertising and marketing for a long time. It is not a new concept... just look at the GoDaddy.com commercial from the Superbowl... umm, yeah. And so far we have also seen it work for airlines (Hooters Air), restaurants (also Hooters), and even coffee shops (Cowgirls Espresso). So can it work for architecture? Or even science?

MORAL:
So the argument is that sex sells only when it is a service industry. But I argue that any field can be perceived as a service industry. In architecture you are providing a design service for your clients. In science you are providing society a service. So if we slut it up can we get more money? I am surprised we have gone this far without an answer to this pressing question. Who will step up and test out this brilliant idea??

I am not alone!

INCIDENT:
Happy Slip :: www.happyslip.com

MORAL:
Apparently all Filipino moms are about the same. This vlog hits home almost too much. Welcome to my home life.

An Amazing Man

INCIDENT:
This morning I found out that an amazing colleague died last week. He was diagnosed with cancer just two months ago. He was one of those people that have such an amazing heart and soul that they inspire everyone that they come in contact with.

MORAL:
This man was a very accomplished neuroscientist who left science to join the Lutheran ministry. Aside from our great discussions on neuroscience and architecture, we had wonderful conversations about life, faith, and relationships. I will always remember his optimistic view on life and his incredibly perceptive insights. In his passing we have all lost something special.

In an Instant

INCIDENT:
My friends are now the proud parents of two beautiful little boys. The babies were due in mid-March but they just couldn't wait! So they will be spending the next couple of weeks in the NICU just to be sure everything is okay. I visited them the other day and they are absolutely adorable and healthy.

MORAL:
It is amazing how life can change in an instant. Our level of preparation for foreseeable change makes a huge difference in how it is handled and perceived. Something that could seem so overwhelming and tremendous in scope for one person can be a pure joy for another. It is all a matter of perspective.