RISD President John Maeda talks with Jeff Stein in the November/December 2008 “Hybrid” issue of ArchitectureBoston, a BSA publication. I keep mentioning Maeda, because he keeps making pithy observations. For instance, he tells Stein, “In the field of architecture, the real challenge is how our world of data has changed how we live. Architecture in the future is going to engage much more psychology, much more anthropology, much more of the human condition, and much more of the liberal arts perspective, because the act of living has become a lot more personal.” I imagine that’s why I wanted to become an architect in the first place.

Later in the interview Stein asks Maeda what he means by “humanizing technology.” Maeda says, “Some people say the best solution is high tech; some people say no, go low tech. I believe that the best solution is always less tech. Just enough, which is not usually considered an option.” How true. As someone who enjoys the world-wide web for the connections between people and ideas that technology fosters, but who still draws and drafts by hand, for both the pleasure and freedom craft allows, I’m a long-time believer in less tech.

Towards the end of the interview, Maeda emphasizes the importance of relationships. He says, “I think what has to be designed is what’s been designed forever, which is relationships: between people, between people and their objects, between people and their past…I look at the whole design question as encompassing the design of you own life.” That sounds refreshingly human.

by Katie Hutchison for the House Enthusiast

A little bit over the top, literally and figuratively, this seaside pairing of a Nantucket-style dormer and a widow’s walk is worth noting.

The dog-house dormers that flank the center shed dormer combine to form what is commonly referred to as a Nantucket-style dormer. This combination typically allows for considerably more daylight and living space at the attic level. Recessing the face of the shed dormer from the face of the dog-house dormers helps to differentiate the elements of the dormer, so the overall look isn’t too monolithic. This dormer would be improved if the rake overhang on the dog-house dormers were reduced. Ideally, the crown trim on the rake of the dog-house dormer would wrap across the face of the shed dormer eave and also continue back on the dog-house dormer eave.

The elaborate, Georgian-inspired guard rail on the widow’s walk is an interesting foil to the quiet detail of the original, Georgian, gabled house. Stepped in from the width of the dormer below, the widow’s walk rises in a wedding-cake-like fashion. Together, these stacked, dynamic, roof components add a dramatic flourish to the more restrained house below.

For more information on Nantucket-style dormers see the Drawing Board column I wrote for Fine Homebuilding about designing shed dormers.

by Katie Hutchison for the House Enthusiast

Click on this photo to see it in the note cards/prints gallery.No two drystone wallers would build the same wall. That’s the magic of the medium. This wall is part of the old stone-barn ruin that I wrote about in a previous post. Dan Snow of Vermont writes in the Globe, “A derelict old wall can be restored to its original profile, but even when the same stones are used, it can never be the same wall twice. Every builder will handle the stones differently, resulting in a unique creation every time.” Snow’s book In the Company of Stone first introduced me to his lyrical stone work and poetic prose. I imagine I’ll find his latest book Listening to Stone (from which the Globe essay is adapted) equally engrossing. His is yet another craft I would love to learn. If only it didn’t involve all that heavy lifting…

by Katie Hutchison for the House Enthusiast

At the Maria Baldwin School in Cambridge, MA:

Saturdays through Dec. 20, 2008

Last Saturday, a friend (and fellow RISD alum) and I dropped in on the Design Hive in Cambridge to check out one-of-a-kind design wares. We were delighted to find a wide assortment of unique, quality creations just in time for the holiday season. Located in the cafeteria of the Baldwin School, a short walking distance from Harvard Square, the Hive was buzzing with talent.

I couldn’t resist a hand-crocheted baby hat from Loops created by Alexia Cohen. I was captivated by beautiful, three-foot by four-foot monotype prints of stunning originality by Emily Taranto-Kent. She describes her organic work as "inspired by eastern philosphies and very modern."  Neither Alexia nor Emily has a website yet, not even business cards, but it’s only a matter of time. They’re great examples of the fresh, up-and-coming designers to be discovered at the Hive. Contemporary porcelain pottery from La Tavola Pottery by Michele James Hurley, another RISD alum, was a highlight as was glassware by Titan Glass LLC, unusual steel housewares by Mean & Wroughten, and jewelry by Alessandra Designs. I’m leaving out other apparel and clothing-accessory designers only because I’m fashion impaired; it’s by no means a comment on their work.

The Design Hive is the brainchild of Val Fox, founder of Red Valise, a web-consulting enterprise. She was recently a guest on Fox 25’s “The Look,” talking about the Design Hive. The indie market will continue each of the next six Saturdays 10:00 am- 5:00 pm, featuring 30-50 rotating designers each event. You don’t want to miss it.

by Katie Hutchison for the House Enthusiast

Recommended upcoming New England tours

Nantucket Christmas Stroll Annual Holiday House Tour (Nantucket, MA) Friday, December 5, 2008 11:00 am-4:00 pm (Call for ticket info 508.228.1700.)

New Bedford Preservation Society's Annual Holdiay House Tour (New Bedford, MA) Saturday, December 6, 2008 4:00 pm-8:00 pm and Sunday, December 7, 2008 1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Pilgrim Hall Museum Holiday House Tour (Plymouth, MA) Saturday and Sunday, December 6 & 7, 2008 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Christmas in Salem (Salem, MA) Saturday, December 6, 2008 10:00 am-4:30 pm and Sunday, December 7, 2008 11:30 am-4:30 pm

Stockbridge Holiday House Tour (Stockbridge, MA) Saturday, December 6, 2008 11:00 am-4:00 pm

Newburyport Holiday House Tour (Newburyport, MA) Saturday, December 6, 2008 10:00 am

Westport 22nd Holiday House Tour (Westport, CT) Sunday, December 7, 2008 11:00 am-4:00 pm

Bristol Home for the Holiday House Tour (Bristol, RI) Saturday, December 13, 2008 12:00 pm-5:00 pm

Woodbury 14th Anniversary Holiday House Tour (Woodbury, CT) Saturday, December 13, 2008 10:00 am- 4:00 pm

Woodstock Holiday House Tour (Woodstock, VT) Saturday, December 13, 2008 10:00 am-4:00 pm