Design does much for both the interior and the exterior of the home (although landscaping will do you one better on the latter), but my initial interest in architecture as a medium of expression and source of enlightenment has not wavered. I've always felt a weird reluctance to come to an understanding with the architecture of homes (Maynard's Mash House the obvious exception), feeling as if I would cross a line of privacy or something of the sort if I tried. However, today, maybe because I'm feeling exploitative, I thought I'd discuss the merits of home architecture. Beginning in the great southwest-
Architect: Daniel Hoffman
This is a small, pueblo-style house in Taos (Zach will quickly remind you the fourth and last city I can remember by name in the GSONM). Zach had the honor and privilege of growing up in Santa Fe, GSONM, where many restrictions were placed on design and architecture of buildings located in the historic district. For those residents of the GSONM, the distinction of integrity hinges on the ability to integrate into the cultural history. Yet, the playful finishes in the adobe and phenomenal incorporation of the landscaping make this building fundamentally intrinsic to the deserts of the GSONM.
On the other side of the world, in Tehran, the Amaj Darman Project makes it evident that residential architecture is sometimes - and this I am going to say with every conviction I can muster, and despite my sensibilities that this is a gorgeous building with no noticeable flaws - simply a rash display of wealth. The sunflowers next to both houses are a nice touch.
Lastly, a quick look to Brazil for the Spring House in Paraty, which instills in me only the conviction of my original point, that perhaps I conjure an overwhelming syllepsis when I delve into the realm of residential architecture. This place deserves to be untouched, even by the critical eye.
