The Art of Adjustment

I once heard that 70 percent of architecture projects never get built. I am not sure if that is the actual statistic but it makes sense. I’ve worked for many architecture firms and there are always projects sitting around that get worked on here and there. Some finally get going and move into construction drawings and some fade away and end up stored on a computer. Some find their end on a website and a nice model might be hung on as art on the wall.

There are also architecture projects that go through tremendous change and redesign. Many times, these projects get held up in regulatory situations or funding sources fall through. In other cases there is a drastic shift in the economic climate which drives the project towards being unfeasible. Some of the work that I have seen that get sent to the holding tank actually end up becoming much better. Setting a project aside and letting it ‘breathe’ allows more issues to surface and reach eventual resolution.

A perfect example is the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California. World recognized architect Frank Gehry, won a competition to design the project. The first iteration was a series of stacked blocks and a large glass atrium. The new design is one that highlights a timeless work of architecture for a generation. Had that project not landed in hiatus for what I believe was over ten years, the project would never have the opportunity to create such an impact.

The old design would have just been another work from architect Frank Gehry. There is no doubt that Gehry would have become famous in his circle, but the Disney Hall project would have been an average design from the past. The story that we do not hear about is what happened while the concert hall was tabled. During that time, Gehry went on to design and build his most important work, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. Both of those project were of a huge scale which would have sapped many resources away. Gehry was already a fairly established architect by that time, however, two mega projects simultaneously under way would be challenging for any architecture firm. Gehry’s work in Bilbao also allowed his firm to develop the technology needed to create the extremely complicated structure and forms that define his work. In some ways, the project in Bilbao, Spain was the work that became to define Gehry’s architecture philosophy and it took him from a well known architect and made him a superstar that transcended genres.

There have been other major projects that have achieved greater success after delays. In the world of architecture there is an art to the adjustment. That ability to harness patience and develop a view from higher and wider angles allows an architect to understand that delays or changes in various climates can become an asset rather than a liability.

There is a greater advantage when the architect is acting as the project developer and has the choice to retain the site as it exists now and develop it later. The advantage there is that many changes can occur during that time. Regulatory changes can happen that make it possible to build even more. Economic shifts can occur which drives down the cost of construction and subcontractors are more inclined to take on work. This can also make higher quality materials more cost effective and available. Fabricators that perform precision custom work will be looking for more work to ensure they can make payroll.

Like the Disney Hall project, the architect and developer and builder will be continually learning and becoming stronger as a professional. This may be the most important aspect. The designer will be continually evolving with all the contextual issues becoming increasingly exposed and addressed.

in architecture, 70 percent of projects never get built. This sounds like a huge number and something that would discourage even the most stout-worthy practitioner. However, when you have an active practice, there is an enlightenment that I believe most architects encounter. What you find is that the 30 percent that moves on toward construction brings in much needed income and keeps everyone busy. You learn and understand that the 70 percent is extra special. The 70 percent are not failures because much of the factors are beyond ones direct control. The 70 percent are the projects that actually unlocks the treasure chest to your architectural voice. They are the safe places to create and experiment and reverse engineer in model form, on paper, or in the mind. A project under construction does not afford that type of attention.

An additional factor, and one that I have struggled with is the boundary between developer and architect. Developing rental housing always creates limitations. This is because you are designing a project that must work for the tenants. There can be some architectural moves to be made. The location of the project takes on more meaning since high paying tenants in great locations are more inclined to desire living in high design projects where developments in suburban locations must be more reserved. The capacity for high rental income also contributes to buildings of a higher quality.

For example: I am working on a small development now that is fairly reserved. As time moves forward, I have an opportunity to rethink the design and find ways to obtain a higher quality for a reduced price. I also have the opportunity to change the design altogether, especially if another opportunity becomes available. I own the land so I can table the project and work on something else. The current project, a multiple units is more restrictive and relatively tame. The scale of the project is in line with the surrounding context and it plugs in well to the community.

If I decide to stop the project, the existing work that is here already will be preserved; Which is fine. The multi unit project also has a more restrictive height limit at 24 feet. That height limit keeps the work in tune within the existing built environment’s contextual language. The multi unit project also requires a much steeper development and design cost. I can still demolish the existing home and remove all the barriers that exist with a multi unit project. If I chose to build a new house, I can turn up the architecture and create a work that is completely idiosyncratic and focused on the highest level of design. Also, a new single family project, which has reduced regulatory controls allows an increased height limit of 35 feet. The stories still need to be held at two, but the floor to floor dimensions can be much greater allowing an architecture that can create shifting volumetric spaces and complex anomalies. That 35 feet height limit is eleven feet above the height limit required for a multi unit project and much taller than the two story homes that exist here now. The new custom home project would also have the ability to play with architectural form and bulk.

Architecture is a wonderful thing. It comes and it goes and you must learn to flow with it. There is an art to the adjustments and positive aspects when you begin to understand the big picture.