Vision and Big Ideas in Architecture

Architects share a common goal: designing the best buildings possible. This goal is rooted in our VISION, the core of our creative process. VISION isn't just about the end result; it's an attitude, a way of approaching problems with openness and creativity. It involves asking tough questions, continually learning, and exploring new solutions.

In Pittsburgh, architects face the challenge of maintaining their VISION amidst rising costs and economic pressures. Despite these challenges, we believe that VISION can still thrive here, allowing us to create innovative designs that enhance the city’s unique character.

The Pittsburgh Perspective

Why Pittsburgh? Despite not being as globally renowned as Milan (my home town) or New York, Pittsburgh offers affordability, friendly people, and ample opportunities. It’s a city with potential, supported by robust businesses, hospitals, and universities. For many of us, it's home—a place where we’ve built our lives and careers.

However, Pittsburgh’s architectural scene has its limitations. We aren’t always at the cutting edge of design, and the profession itself faces significant challenges. There’s a risk that architecture in our region could become purely technical, losing the creative VISION that defines it. The rise of AI and the influence of other professions further threaten our role as visionary designers.

Solutions for a Brighter Future

Yet, we remain optimistic. Pittsburgh architects can continue to use their unique VISION to improve our city. Creativity and innovation will help us overcome challenges and maintain Pittsburgh’s distinct sense of place. Our education equips us to think conceptually and analytically, allowing us to offer clients strong, unexpected solutions.

To navigate economic constraints and maintain VISION, architects must adopt several strategies:

1. Bottom-Up Design: A bottom-up approach means that architects get their hands ALMOST dirty, with a whatever-it-takes approach. This approach involves using conventional materials in unconventional ways to achieve high-end effects. It’s about creativity within constraints.

2. Fight Conventionality by Teaching: Fighting conventionality is important. First of all, architects are not serving their clients’ best interest when their first impulse is to give them just what they are expecting.  There’s no guarantee that just because a solution has worked before that it will continue to work in the future. 

Educating and informing clients and contractors about new methods and techniques is crucial. This involves clear communication and setting realistic expectations about costs and timelines.

3. Fight Conventionality by Designing:  The process of fighting conventionality does not begin and end with client communication. It’s also important to constantly question one’s choices throughout the design process.  Always look for new solutions that provide value and enhance the project experience.

Constantly questioning design choices and exploring new solutions can add value and enhance project experiences. Strategies like preserving existing structures and designing flexible spaces are effective. We also like to keep an open mind in terms of site planning;never take anything for granted and be as creative as possible by presenting multiple strategies to your clients.

4. Collaborate: Working closely with other trades, contractors, and even clients can lead to innovative solutions. Collaboration doesn’t dilute creativity; it enhances it by bringing diverse perspectives to the table.

5. Draw Beautifully! In order to allow clients to understand your VISION, Make people fall in love with your ideas.  Some architects don’t want to show too much for fear of losing the Client. Yet, clear, compelling visuals help clients understand and fall in love with your VISION. Effective communication through design drawings is essential.

We are strongly believers in the MAYA principle: Most Advanced Yet Acceptable. However, we are no bullies either: Architecture IS a service profession, after all.

6. Listen Carefully: Understanding clients’ needs and translating their ideas into architectural language fosters trust and collaboration. It ensures clients are invested in the project, which is crucial for its success, and may help them stretch the budget a little bit.

7. Building Smaller, Building Better: We have lectured on the topic before. Encouraging clients to focus on quality over quantity can lead to more efficient and aesthetically pleasing designs. Smaller, well-designed spaces can meet clients’ needs without unnecessary excess. Instead of adding more space to an existing building, suggest creative ways to make the most of their properties.

8. Be Sustainable: Advocating for green building practices is not only environmentally responsible but also economically beneficial in the long run. Emphasizing the financial advantages of sustainable features can persuade clients to invest in them.

9. Be Nimble: Smaller firms can offer more personalized service and explore innovative strategies due to their lower overhead. This flexibility allows for thorough exploration of design possibilities.

Today’s architectural landscape is becoming richer thanks to innovation, and slowly but steadily thanks to diversity, too. Pittsburgh has the potential to contribute significantly to this global tapestry.

By adopting the strategies highlighted in this class, we can all continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, and save our profession from obsolescence.

At Fisher ARCHitecture, we strive to follow these principles, constantly exploring new ideas and enjoying the process. Though we sometimes fall short, our commitment to these strategies helps us maintain our VISION and continue to create valuable, impactful architecture.

In summary, the future of Pittsburgh’s architecture lies in our ability to adapt, innovate, and stay true to our VISION. By embracing these strategies, we can overcome challenges and create a built environment that reflects the unique character and potential of our city.