Altieri’s Post

Perceptual Grid - Reflections on our design work - Part 3 In the tranquility of Bastides, where shadows play with ancient stones, I first learned to listen to architecture’s subtle murmur. These early lessons, absorbed while juggling multiple jobs to put myself through school, have stayed with me. Decades later, they influence our current projects, shaped by what we call the 'Perceptual Grid'. This approach helps bridge the past with the present, allowing each space to evolve as it's felt. It's about creating architectural experiences that not only exists in time but also converses with it, reinterpreting tradition for modern times. We hope this post contributes to you finding your joy. Hand Sketch by Howard Chu, Saintes, France 1993

This image is a stark reminder of how, in the shadows of the term "progressive," our architecture has become regressive. Look at the ornate details, the harmonious flow, the sheer presence of The Singer Building, in New York. Built in 1908 and demolished in 1969 to make way for One Liberty Plaza (right). Our ancestors weren't afraid of beauty, of infusing their structures with soul. They understood the language of proportion, of light and shadow. Now, we churn out glass-and-steel boxes, devoid of character, monuments to efficiency over artistry. We call it progress, but is it truly progress when we sacrifice the very elements that elevate our lives? Think of all the old world architecture, not just native to western hemispher, but all across our realm. These weren't just feats of engineering; they were expressions of a culture, a connection to the divine. They whispered stories in stone, sang of aspirations and dreams. Can you imagine our future defined by soulless cubes? Our forefathers were masters not just of aesthetics, but of harness natural and aetheric way of living. They harnessed natural elements, built structures that breathed with the earth, not against it. We, on the other hand, guzzle fossil fuels, choke our cities with smog, and call it development. True progress isn't about blindly chasing the new. It's about learning from the wisdom of the past, about respecting the tapestry of history woven into every brick and beam. It's about asking ourselves: are we building structures that will inspire future generations, or monuments to our own hubris? Food for thought after a long trip in Europe!

Is it time to start paying more attention to the ways in which building design can influence our well-being? 🤔 Sustainable Architecture UAE’s fascinating article explores the field of neuroarchitecture, which aims to integrate principles from neuroscience, psychology and architecture to create spaces that enhance physical and mental well-being. The article dives into some of the key principles of neuroarchitecture, from acoustics and lighting to the use of greenery and furniture. Hit the link in the comments below to take a look. ↓ #construction #builtenvironment #architecture

The Symbiotic Relationship Between Art and Architecture In the vastness of human creativity, art has been intertwined with many disciplines. However, nothing has been more intimate than the fusion of art and architecture. When we look at ancient buildings, we often see art being used as a storytelling medium. Since the dawn of civilization, these two realms, which are frequently perceived as separate entities, have been linked, with one inspiring and shaping the other through the constant influence of form, function, and expression... 👇 Discover the art movements that influenced Architecture, and vice versa.

Fragmentation and Distortion: Diving into the Labyrinth of Architectural Expression In the labyrinth of architectural creativity, the expressive style stands as a monument to emotional and intellectual bravery. Among the various techniques enriching the architect's palette, fragmentation and distortion stand out as tools for redefining reality—transforming buildings into reflections of the soul and boundless imagination. Fragmentation, more than just the division of space, is a visual poetry that unfolds complex narratives in the language of forms and volumes. Each fragment is a word in the poetry of space, collectively composing a visual epic that invites observers and inhabitants on an introspective journey through time and memory, piecing together fragments of experience into a harmonious yet dynamic whole. Distortion, on the other hand, challenges our perceptions and visual comfort. It's a dance between the familiar and the alien, manipulating space and form to push the boundaries of our understanding. Distortion invites us to view the world through a different lens, fostering a dialogue between the spaces we inhabit and the way we interpret them. In distortion, reality is stretched, magnified, or twisted, offering new perspectives that are surprising and often profound. The combination of fragmentation and distortion in expressive architecture is not just an aesthetic exploration but also a philosophical investigation into the essence of space, experience, and existence. Through this prism, buildings transform into living entities that breathe and speak not only to the eyes but also to the soul. #architecture #architecturedesign #expressionism #deconstruction #concept #style #design #fragmentation #distortion #sharpangle #unconventional

Harmonizing Spaces: The Art of Architectural Acoustics When we think of architecture, we often envision grand structures looming over cityscapes or beautifully designed interiors that captivate our senses. However, there's an invisible yet powerful element that plays a crucial role in shaping our experience within these spaces - architectural acoustics. https://lnkd.in/gXy38xR3

Why So Many U.S. Government Buildings Are Brutalist The post-World War II era saw a significant expansion of the U.S. bureaucratic state. The federal government's roles and responsibilities grew, leading to the construction of numerous headquarters and administrative buildings. This period of expansion coincided with the peak of the Brutalist movement, resulting in many of these new buildings being designed in this style. The need for large, functional office spaces to accommodate the growing bureaucracy found a fitting solution in Brutalism’s utilitarian and scalable design approach. A significant yet often overlooked influence on the architectural direction of U.S. government buildings was Daniel Patrick Moynihan. As an advisor and later a senator, Moynihan played a crucial role in shaping federal architectural policies. His "Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture," written in 1962, emphasized that federal buildings should convey dignity, enterprise, vigor and stability, which brutalism conveyed to people of the time. While not explicitly advocating for Brutalism, Moynihan's principles supported the creation of monumental and enduring government buildings, which aligned well with the Brutalist aesthetic. His vision helped ensure that government buildings would be seen as symbols of the nation's strength and stability. Brutalism evokes strong opinions. We see merits but definitely appreciate our current era of sleek parametric curves and abundant greenery. https://loom.ly/nV3eWw0 #architecture #design #brutalism

Call for papers 📣 "Urban surfaces: architectural perspectives on public walls" at the Society of Architectural Historians Annual International Conference 2025 (30 April - 4 May, Atlanta, Georgia) How do architectural surfaces contribute to the formation of urban character? What can we learn about urban cultures through the study of surfaces? And how can architectural history contribute to these projects?  Possible themes for papers: • The social lives of building surfaces • Research methods for contemporary and historical surfaces • Heritage and conservation of urban surfaces • Surfaces as communicative devices: semiotics, atmospheres, signage • Facadism, urban branding, and veiling of building surfaces • Inscribing and cleaning surfaces: graffiti, murals, buffing • Surface maintenance: protecting, cleaning, coating • Greenwashing, whitewashing, and critical approaches to surface design technologies Submit an abstract here by 5 June 2024: https://lnkd.in/d4yueZg9. #sah #cfp #urbansurfaces #architecturalhistory

who knew Acoustics could be so interesting? We did; Controlling sounds and acoustics in all environments requires different applications, especially if you aim to maintain or project the sound that shapes that environment. Check out our acoustical system, and shape your environment to an optimal acoustical balance. www.sky-acoustics.com #Architecture #Interiordesign #Design #Acoustics #Acousticlaceilings #Architecturalceilings #Acousticalfacts #Acousticalpanels

Imagine walking down a street where every building tells a story, where architecture meets art in a symphony of colour and creativity. Why should every new building be a canvas for public art? Public art is more than decoration. It's a dialogue between the city and its inhabitants, a way to weave cultural narratives into our daily routes. It turns mundane walks into journeys of discovery, making art accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs. Also it is not just about beautification. Art encourages people to slow down, appreciate their surroundings, and engage with their community. In a world where cities are often critiqued for being impersonal and generic, this is a way to inject personality and uniqueness back into our urban landscapes. Let's not just build spaces where people live and work. Let's create environments where imagination flourishes and community spirit thrives. Imagine the possibilities. Then ask yourself, why not? If you believe in the transformative power of art in public spaces, share your thoughts or tag someone who can make this vision a reality.