Word on the street is, you’re not supposed to write about how much you loved playing with legos in your grad school application essay. Because everyone does it. It’s cliche.

But now the temptation to do so is officially upped…with Lego’s new Architecture series.

Of course, like the wise people they are, they’re starting the series with six Frank Lloyd Wright sets, including the Guggenheim and Fallingwater.

Check it out:

OMG

I’m reading a book called The Most Beautiful House in the World by Witold Rybczynski. Interspersed with his retelling of building himself a shed for his boat, he relates a history of architectural practice.

This is interesting because I am learning at the GSD, if nothing else, that we are being trained to practice architecture in a particular kind of way. I constantly find myself questioning the pedagogy. I wonder if it at all fits in with the kind of architect I want to be.

I am a big fan of vernacular architecture, or, more accurately, of “primitive” yet effective built solutions to mitigate certain climate conditions. I have read Architecture without Architects a few times. In a nutshell, this is my observation: how did these so-called “primative” people build such beautiful and useful buildings, and if that knowledge, talent, and skill exists, then why do so many so-called highly trained and educated architects of our era build such ugly pieces of trash? Some famous starchitects build things that look as though a monster has chewed its way through metropolis and then puked it all up.

(Do you know who I’m talking about? Can you think of several famous contemporary architects of whom I might be speaking?)

And so, imagine my delight when I came across the following footnote in The Most Beautiful House in the World:

The two giants of late-nineteenth-century American architecture, Louis Sullivan and HH Richarson, both studied at the Beaux-Arts, but without completing the degree requirements. The great Victorian architect Edwin Lutyens studied at an art school for only two years, did not finish the course, and two years later established his practice, at the precocious age of twenty. Not one of the three best-known architects of the twentieth century – Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Le Corbusier – recieved a formal architectural education.

I just received this cheery email from the AIAS:

Despite some recent positive news about the economy, it is expected that the economic recession will last until the end of this year and perhaps into 2010 and beyond. Some economists believe that the unemployment rate will continue to rise and will not begin to decline until the end of 2011. The situation is most dire for recent college architecture graduates. It is common knowledge that employment in firms is generally not presently available and is a condition which could remain for some time. While it is true that some companies are hiring there are not enough opportunities for the thousands of graduates seeking jobs.

In the short run, you may be forced to take a job that is not ideal or one that does not include working directly in an architecture firm. No matter the course you take, it is critical to remain connected to the architecture profession. It is important to maintain your skills and knowledge so that you are fully employable in the future.

To assist you with planning your future, the AIAS has published numerous tips and tools. The subjects include:

1. Internship Issues
2. Developing Your Professional Skills
3. Community Service and Volunteerism
4. Additional Relevant Work Experiences
5. Preparing for the Future
6. Taking Care of Your Personal Economic Conditions

Read about it.

Join us for the 2009 Honor Award Gala
Thursday, June 4, 2009

VIP Reception: 6:00 pm
General Reception: 7:00 pm
Dinner & Award Program: 7:45 pm
Black-tie attire

Celebrate the leaders championing the charge for a greener tomorrow at the National Building Museum’s 2009 Honor Award Gala: A Salute to Visionaries in Sustainability.

On Thursday, June 4, the National Building Museum will honor leaders in sustainability who have significantly improved the built environment through their vision and achievements in green building and design. This year’s Honor Award recipients are:

S. Richard Fedrizzi and the U.S. Green Building Council in recognition of 15 years of unparalleled leadership in the promotion of sustainable building practices.

Mayor Richard M. Daley and the City of Chicago in recognition of a historic commitment to planning a vibrant, healthy, and sustainable urban environment.

Majora Carter in recognition of her pioneering vision and advocacy to create sustainable urban environments, and her ability to unite stakeholders in partnerships across the public and private sectors.

Louis R. Chênevert and United Technologies in recognition of their commitment to improving the energy efficiency of buildings and development of sustainable communities.

Collectively, these visionary leaders have had an extraordinary impact on the greening of America’s built environment. This year’s Honor Award gala will be attended by corporate, government, and association leaders from around the country; we hope you will join us.

Visit the 2009 Honor Award: Visionaries in Sustainability web page to purchase tickets, for information about sponsorship, and to learn more about the honorees.

For more information, contact Tasha Passarelle at 202.272.2448, ext. 3112 or tpassarelle@nbm.org