Against Pseudo-Productivity - Engaging Cal Newport on AI, Shallow Work, and the Case for Institutional Knowledge in Architectural Practice
The Succession Crisis: Why Architecture Firms Can't Scale Knowledge
Architecture firms flourish under visionary founders and flounder in the next generation because we have failed to articulate what we know. Other design disciplines - engineering, UX, music - developed systematic pedagogies to transmit expert judgment. Architecture chose mystification. The result: knowledge dies with masters, firms struggle to scale, and each generation rediscovers principles intuitively rather than building on explicit foundations.
Humid Air and Hard Truths: Thoughts on Architecture for the Tropics (Revised)
Tropical architecture once thrived on passive strategies like natural ventilation, perfectly suited for hot, humid climates. But in today's crowded cities, where heat, pollution, and pests rule, these methods fall short. As buildings turn to energy-hungry air conditioning, we find ourselves in a cycle of rising discomfort and poor air quality. The question now is: how do we blend timeless wisdom with modern innovation to create spaces that truly work for us?