What does built-in cabinetry have to do with architecture?.There is always a practical answer to the program of a room so that “one’s sense of well-being takes priority over any theoretical concerns.” One way to investigate this is to learn how to design furniture and built-in cabinetwork to enhance the program.  For many students, this exercise is eye opening, especially in the early years of their architecture studies.

Architectural Education: about conceptual diagraming. I cannot count the number times I’ve listened to colleagues and former professors of mine promote the idea that learning about architecture begins by confronting Architecture (yes, with a capital A) with one’s prejudices about what constitutes a building.  While I often question this pedagogical approach, especially as a way to initiate students to architecture—possibly denying their “suburban” autobiography—I favor that any learning about architecture (yes, with a lower-case a) should be, first and foremost, about finding a strong ethic, method of self-reflection, and empathy toward creating an art form based on space making.

What does the choice of furniture have to do with architecture? In recent years, I have proposed a loft renovation project for my second-year architecture studio students, with an emphasis on interior design principles that extend to the selection of furniture and the detailing of cabinetwork.