tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post3022321049890943254..comments2023-10-02T08:28:06.724-05:00Comments on Ecology of Absence: Want a Robinson in Your Historic District?Michael R. Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17262548806079447404noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-26017899137860114942009-10-12T11:34:34.257-05:002009-10-12T11:34:34.257-05:00Made the change.Made the change.Michael R. Allenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17262548806079447404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-58343330923229393842009-10-12T09:54:36.351-05:002009-10-12T09:54:36.351-05:00You are right, ezbngreen. Whether or not Mr. Robi...You are right, ezbngreen. Whether or not Mr. Robinson is an architect is not Michael's point -- it's mine. My issue is that it's intellectually dishonest to refer to him as an architect when, in fact, he is not. The nuance is oft understandably misunderstood by laymen but Michael (especially when gently reminded) has an obligation (at least to his reputation) to correct the mistake. I like Michael and respect his work on behalf of our community and the built environment but it leaves me questioning his accuracy in general when this stands uncorrected.<br /><br />That said, the more high-caliber modern design, the better. I am glad to hear people clamoring for more thoughtful design (modern or more traditional) in our built environment -- whether in a historic district or not. One need only look as far as Kansas City, MO to see how we fall short in contemporary modern infill int he context of a historic midwestern city. They have been getting it done there with fervor and I would like to figure out why we (and I look at the development community) can't seem to go in that direction. Is it a matter of basic community values or just a perceived lack of market? <br /><br />Mr. Robinson needs to be applauded as much for being a developer willing to work against the proverbial stream as for being a contemporary designer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-54517228020737284202009-10-11T11:12:28.272-05:002009-10-11T11:12:28.272-05:00Architect or no architect I am pretty sure that Mi...Architect or no architect I am pretty sure that Michael was primarily discussing the obsurd restrictions to "alternative" modern design within historic districts. While playing historic preservationist and architect is key to keeping the the existing historic fabric of these neighborhoods it is an outright insult to the craftspeople that built them 100+ years ago when such horrid "mock historic" buildings are the only thing cultural resources and some older historic district standards plan on accepting! Bring on quality modern construction!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-79708664645238633542009-10-08T15:21:47.346-05:002009-10-08T15:21:47.346-05:00Chris said: "Who cares if he's an archite...Chris said: "Who cares if he's an architect or not if he designs cool houses?"<br /><br />How about those who spent years in an accredited architecture program, served years of internship servitude, passed a series of rigorous and expensive exams, are required to take continuing education courses every year and are held to a higher legal and financial liability for their effort? It is not only expensive to become but to BE an architect and that is a distinction that should not be bandied about -- even if inadvertently -- by those or about those who haven't earned it. The title Architect has a legal definition and is rightfully a protected title and there are legal penalties for misuse.<br /><br />Can you tell I am a licensed architect?<br /><br />Look, many jurisdictions do not require an architect to design single-family dwellings so Mr. Robinson has every right to draw and have built anything he likes. As a matter of fact, I personally like his designs and encourage progressive modern design at every turn. It just bore correcting since the post above says "Architect Anthony Robinson." In this instance he did not misrepresent himself (though perhaps to Mr. Allen he did) but in the interest of integrity it must be corrected so as not to mislead anyone seeking him out for services for which he is not qualified. A talented residential designer for sure, but an architect he is not.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-69629546369752923762009-10-08T14:38:51.041-05:002009-10-08T14:38:51.041-05:00I noticed this house the other day as I was on McP...I noticed this house the other day as I was on McPherson visiting a friend. I like the style, but the scale is not quite right with the other houses on the block. Mr. Robinson, Architect or not, has forward looking style, but I think the Garcia House by Mike Killeen on Miami is a better example: http://www.killeenstudio.com/Garcia-Miami.phpLisaShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08891381138208838189noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-72344402438461720762009-10-08T13:12:44.657-05:002009-10-08T13:12:44.657-05:00Anonymous,
Who cares if he's an architect or ...Anonymous,<br /><br />Who cares if he's an architect or not if he designs cool houses?Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08064334959354090683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-11176466039443198472009-10-08T11:51:23.198-05:002009-10-08T11:51:23.198-05:00Robinson.
We have no unique new construction, ex...Robinson. <br /><br />We have no unique new construction, except the few like these.Doug Duckworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15684467055184767166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-56434872450213229902009-10-08T10:22:32.414-05:002009-10-08T10:22:32.414-05:00Not only would I love to have a "Robinson&quo...Not only would I love to have a "Robinson" next to my historic home, I would love to own one! That is a beautiful home and fits in well with the historic properties adjacent to it. Much better than the Pyramid built homes if you ask me.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05621466355045703573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-56273544911558996642009-10-08T08:41:41.601-05:002009-10-08T08:41:41.601-05:00Thanks for highlighting the trends of infill in ou...Thanks for highlighting the trends of infill in our city. Having traveled extensively throughout the country, I've made two observations:<br />1) Our historic residential architecture is among the very best in the country. We easily trump at least 90% of the country with our historic building stock.<br /><br />2) Our new construction (with a few exceptions) is among the worst.<br /><br />Cities like Cleveland, Philly and Milwaukee (not to mention Chicago, NYC) have embraced sleek, modern residential styles while St. Louis developers have clung to boring, "safe" imitations that insult St. Louis' rich legacy as a metropolis of extraordinary architectural standards.<br /><br />I hope contemporary designs such as the Robinson, EcoUrban Homes, and a smattering of other innovative styles prevail over the schlocky faux-historic crap that dots otherwise handsome neighborhoods across our city. A funky mix of styles, materials and ages do not detract from the built environment, but rather enhance it.STLgasmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13637030307305896833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-13754638105926235202009-10-07T23:09:27.233-05:002009-10-07T23:09:27.233-05:00Just a note: Mr. Robinson is not an architect.Just a note: Mr. Robinson is not an architect.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com