The Inner Studio - Riverside Architectural Press

THE INNER STUDIO
where there was particular emphasis, concentration, and clarity, as well
as what is not clear. The listener reflects back not only the ideas, but also
the energy of the ideas.
The goal of this exercise is to have the experience of the project
confirmed by its author. If the project does not sound quite right to its
author, then the designer must clarify his or her ideas again. When the
listener reads back the text of the design desires, it is useful to read it carefully,
circling all the metaphors and poetic phrases. Each of these can be
followed up with a drawing, collage, or model. Every described condition
and setting needs to be drawn after the exercise is over. The next goal of
the exercise is to see if all the ideas can be condensed into a concentrated
and vibrant seed that will grow the project. Usually the listener will be able
to articulate the essence of the project, a repeated phrase or a sensual
condition that may not have been obvious to the designer. This note needs
to be sounded back to the designer for reflection.
The listener may seem to have the less glamorous job in this exercise,
but I always see the listener as the container and enabler of the entire
experience, the one who really holds the experience together. This type
of exchange, when done by students of design, approximates the
dialogue that goes on inside the mind of an experienced designer. But
even with experienced designers, articulating design intentions is liberating
and empowering. In my experience, once the exercise has begun, it
generates tremendous energy.
At the start of a complicated architectural project, I gave this exercise
out to about 20 students and then left the room. A few minutes later I
returned to find the room vibrating with energy, as passionate young
designers described in rich detail projects that were a few minutes old. I
noticed that the temperature in the room had risen–the hearts’ desires
were burning up the place.
EXERCISE: WHAT DO YOU LIKE?
I have always been attracted to traditional Japanese objects because of
the way they balance amenity and materiality and express their making.
What about this is so important? They help me bring this state of appreciation
of materiality and natural process into the world. They are exemplary
without being demanding. I feel a physical sense of satisfaction, as
if I have been nourished by a well-conceived, well-cooked meal. A part
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