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ml
Joined: 10 Feb 2008
Posts: 5
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 Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 2:17 pm Post subject: Architectural Theorist Career Questions |
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Hi all,
I have a BArch and a MDes (from Harvard GSD) in Digital Media. I have practiced architecture for approx. 6.5 years. However, I am now interested in writing about architecture. (I started a Doctorate on a certain architectural topic but was unable to finish due to health)
My question is this: What is the difference between an architectural writer and an architectural theorist? What abount an architectural futurist?
Do I need to go back and get my Doctorate to pursue any of these? I feel that my writings are futurist. Do you have to have a certain degree to be considered an architectural theorist?
Basically, what is the career path of an architectural theorist? How do they make a salary...if they are not a professor?
Any help would be most appreciated. Thank you, ml |
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Landy
Joined: 15 Dec 2005
Posts: 444
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| Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 3:44 pm Post subject: |
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theorist= no matter where you go in the world people recognize you as an architect without ever seeing one building or work done by you.
architectural writer= A writer that devotes his life to writing about built work ignoring the architect that designed it. **the architect not the name of the firm |
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WalkerARCHITECTS
Joined: 25 Sep 2007
Posts: 21
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| Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 4:57 pm Post subject: |
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If you write about architecture you have to speak to three different dimensions of the architectural problem as a theorist, futurist, writer or professor; First is to speak to the physical form givers or constraints of architecture, next, to the intellectual form givers or constraints on the design solution and finally to the emotional or spiritual form givers or constraints on the design problem. Architecture is burdened by rhetoric without this rubric or other structure to keep the discussion grounded in meaningful terms.
Good luck. |
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ml
Joined: 10 Feb 2008
Posts: 5
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| Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:58 pm Post subject: Architectural Theory Career Questions |
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Thank you for such insight!
Where might I look to find a career path for being an architectural writer, futurist and theorist? Do I need a doctorate or can I build my professional reputation through my published work alone?
Also, how can I earn a living? Would I become some sort of consultant in a specialized field or might I be able to earn enough through publishing books, journal articles, exhibitions, etc?
Again, thanks for all the advice,
ml |
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mx2
millennium club
Joined: 18 Jan 2006
Posts: 1967
Location: Miami, Florida
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| Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2008 10:15 pm Post subject: |
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I'm having trouble understanding the question and I think its because one doesn't choose a career as strictly a Theorist mired in Architecture, UNLESS you are truly a professional unearthing metaphysical roots (pun intended)...ie, LeCorbu who wrote, theorized, studied, contemplated, painted and probably dreamt of, hated and loved Architecture all the time.
In other words, one could follow the path of Pevsner and truly delve into historic documentation and footnoting, or perhaps Vincent Scully and pollute the minds of our youth, then maybe dabble in some Colin Rowe and Robert Slutsky-esque ubiquitous abstraction that's as translucent as a brick wall in ruin....and you know what they say about teaching, right?
I personally have deep admiration for journalists who write short novels every week, and novelists who write lifelong journeys in a few short months but nothing beats an epic...
Where am I going with this? I suppose I'm simply beating around the bush to say there is no career following one angle of Architecture (pun not intended) and not to mention that requesting to get paid for ones opinion can be difficult. It's best to pursue your passion as a hobby and then get a job. Otherwise do what the rest of us have done and make your own way...don't ask, just do it. LeCorbusier started his own periodical (or was it quarterly?) named L'Esprit Nouveau whence he wrote many essays, many of them criticisms and observation....translation: The New Spirit.
mx2.5
p.s. sheesh...so many typos to correct. Ha! 
_________________
*Art of Architecture: The conscious use of skill and creative imagination in the production of an aesthetic building.
*Science of Architecture: The calculated use of technical skill and knowledge in the construction of a functional building. |
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Richard Haut
millennium club
Joined: 18 Apr 2004
Posts: 1128
Location: Nice, France
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| Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 1:35 am Post subject: |
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what a peculiar question.
Futurists were violent revolutionaries. (Trying their brand of renewing thought and design, backed by machineguns, might bring you to the attention of Homeland Security - but it will not bring in a regular salary).
as for being a "theorist", the ideas come first: the writing a very distant second.
it is unfortunate that the Thesis was not finished due to ill health. If you are better now, finish it.
if you wish to write and to establish yourself as an architectural writer, then think up topics, articles, critiques, and suggest them to architectural and other journals and newspapers. If they agree, and they like the result, then they will publish it and will pay you (but not much ...).
in that way, you can gradually get more work - eventually maybe even providing regular contributions.
but just one point: if you are into digital media: can't you set up your own means of communication to introduce and to promote yourself and your ideas ?
as the old saying goes: don't give up the day job.
_________________
Richard Haut has worked with the architectural profession for over 25 years and produces the weekly Richard Haut's Competitions, which has given architects details of many thousands of projects for which they can apply across Britain and Europe. |
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ml
Joined: 10 Feb 2008
Posts: 5
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| Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 11:00 am Post subject: Architectural Theory Career Questions |
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Thank you for your honest comments. By the way, I meant "futurist" like William Mitchell, not the "violent revolutionaries." I'll be more careful with how I use that word to avoid such confusion. Whatever the case, the main points from your comments "hit home".
It is true, I am very passionate about my particular ideas/theories about the future of architecture. In fact, I was researching these during my doctoral work before I became ill. Since then, I have been recovering while writing my first nonfiction architecture book specializing in my subject matter. I am currently looking for a literary agent for publication.
I agree, I need to carve my own path! And yes, digital media is a great way to help me do that. This idea has many possibilities that excite me. I do eat, breath and sleep architecture...but I wonder if having a doctoral degree will also help me succeed, or can I get by without one?
About getting paid - I'm trying to forcast my career, figuring out how to get paid for architectural ideas/theories. What you said about LeCorbu was inspiring...
Thanks again for your opinions. They are most helpful. If anyone else has more to share, please post. I know I would love to read what you have to say.
ml |
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mx2
millennium club
Joined: 18 Jan 2006
Posts: 1967
Location: Miami, Florida
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| Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 11:54 am Post subject: |
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I agree with Richard on this one...there is no such thing as a timid futurist, otherwise you're about as interesting as listening to a weather forecast. Futurists were always great visionaries about how the future OUGHT to be, and not in the most obvious manner either (Utopia in new garb has been overdone). I was thinking more of the classic Sant Elia fascist propoganda or perhaps fantastical Walking City of Herron (Heron? spelling?)
mx2.5
_________________
*Art of Architecture: The conscious use of skill and creative imagination in the production of an aesthetic building.
*Science of Architecture: The calculated use of technical skill and knowledge in the construction of a functional building. |
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csintexas
millennium club
Joined: 06 Feb 2006
Posts: 1776
Location: USA
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| Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 12:33 pm Post subject: |
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I suppose a good writer can make a living writing about all sorts of things. I would think the most important qualification is to be good at it. An advanced degree would be good if you want to teach it though.
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Chris Stewart
Modern Texas Home Project |
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lekizz
millennium club
Joined: 11 Jan 2006
Posts: 1053
Location: UK
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| Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 1:21 pm Post subject: |
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Its a curious question, to ask when one becomes a theorist, as opposed to a 'mere' researcher! I would think that if you wanted to be taken seriously as a theorist you would need an unrivalled expertise in your subject. And respect from your peers via engagement in a variety of established media, otherwise who is it that would listen to you?! The doctorate seems to be a logical way forward. And if I was in your shoes I would want to start getting articles published, in magazines, online etc., to get my 'face' known.
The advice about not giving up your day job is a good one, every person I've come across that fancies themselves as an architectural theorist is also either an academic, in practice or both. There is such a thing as research through design, after all, you could express your theories in physical form! |
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mx2
millennium club
Joined: 18 Jan 2006
Posts: 1967
Location: Miami, Florida
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| Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 6:52 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | There is such a thing as research through design, after all, you could express your theories in physical form! |
That is the ultimate manner in which to prove your point, otherwise its strictly opining...which today one can read 24/7 on blog after blog after blog...
In other words, the fact of the matter is the true source of Architectural Theory comes from the practice of Architecture and encountering problems from which alternate proposals are borne. But it requires being entrenched in the nuts and bolts of the profession and not simply being enthused about the generalizations and glamour often depicted on the glossy covers of ridiculously expensive magazines. It requires understanding the complexities of the realization of ideas...how to actually build what one has imagined within the parameters and regulations of the real world of construction. The great theories of LeCorbu at the time was not simply coincidental to the revolutionizing advent of reinforced concrete. Think about it....
mx2.5
_________________
*Art of Architecture: The conscious use of skill and creative imagination in the production of an aesthetic building.
*Science of Architecture: The calculated use of technical skill and knowledge in the construction of a functional building. |
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Landy
Joined: 15 Dec 2005
Posts: 444
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| Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 3:04 pm Post subject: |
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| all your dilemas get solved by visiting my website www.landymiguel.com "still under construction" theorist and workers are welcomed. |
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