The
Architect’s Rehearsal
Years ago, I
was consulted by a group of realtor investors, on ways to spice up the overall design
of an abandoned multi- housing compound. My clients who came from a non-conservative and fashion
forward backgrounds were finding it hard
to proceed forward with the revamp. Too Utilitarian ! one said, too mainstream and boring ! a fellow added, and too damn awkward looking !, another
concluded. They also intimated that no
architects were ever was commissioned to take charge of the design. Which was
good news to me as there will be no issues with regards to the usual obligatory
professional courtesies between Architects.
While
surveying the houses, I had observed that proportions were indeed off,
structural components were misplaced, workmanship is poor, flow of areas needs improvement, building codes were violated, architectural details were flimsy, sometimes unnecessary and
too nouveau riche. This is a typical
mismanaged design that I have seen before time and time again.
With a pen
and a sketch pad in my hand, I started
to point out and tackle on , one flaw at a time, all the while laying out multiple
and viable options, stating the pros and cons. All the while, trying to figure
out the advise of my presentation Guru,
to look into their eyes with intensity ,
I had to
weigh all the options, cross section it
to see the implications, The data I provided, I hoped helped them with their collective decisions. I had to noose in their varying likes and dislikes and somehow find a common
ground. I also took to expressing my visions
through drawings and presentation. Yes,
Right there while surveying the chaos, I was made to do sketches in discomfort.
In the end,
there was an agreement. Choices were
made from the options that I have presented and rehab work can now proceed.
I suddenly
remembered the importance and the
bearing of my profession. As an Architect, I am expected from a drop of a
hat, to provide information like environmental impact, aesthetics, construction
costs, engineering features, building laws, codes and permits, design effect on
business, construction products,
construction management, History,
and identify their collective needs and requirements.
I was
expecting it to be tedious at first,
but I found it to be second nature to me. Maybe because I have had so
many , many sessions like this, with previous clients, peers, friends, family,
neighbors , even with my own construction group as I discussed to my mason on
the proper ways to “wrist flick” that plaster.
How lucky I
was having those so many uncompensated consultations ! I said to myself… Life is like a series of drills until you hit
those big bangs. Then you will start
reaping what you harvest.
Then their
final instruction….. Submit draft plans, draft estimates and perspectives, and then we will call you, when our funding is sorted
out.
I embraced
myself like before and again, I said to myself, Life is like a series of drills
until you hit those big bangs. Then you
will start reaping what you
harvest.
