Heather Wilson
AIA Oregon EVP/CEO
No one cares about your cool
cri·tique /kriˈtēk/
noun
a detailed analysis and assessment of something, especially a literary, philosophical, or political theory.
verb
evaluate (a theory or practice) in a detailed and analytical way.
"the authors critique the methods and practices used in the research"
I wish there was a better word than “concurrent” to express the duality of a critique. A good critique is both noun and verb – it is a detailed analysis embedded inside an evaluation, an assessment of research. If delivered properly, it is the ultimate reflection; not just a mirror, but one handed to you, freshly cleaned off by a friend. Those who care deeply for one another would never let them leave the house disheveled; it is a deep love that abides at the center of critique, and I look forward to it every year of my professional life around this time. Not to be mistaken for criticism (disapproval expressed by pointing out shortcomings), critique comes from a place of assistance, not adjustment.
It’s design awards season, and I feel like these nuances between words matter during this time. I have enjoyed a privileged seat as an AIA Executive for the past several years, and that is to watch our AIA members grow and develop – sometimes from student to firm principal; and I get to watch their design acumen grow, change, and also develop. I applaud this profession for maintaining the time-honored practice of honest and genuinely respected critique, because it is an enriching experience. It takes a great deal of grit and determination (resilience, even?) to expose yourself to review that way. Our juries deliberate for hours – HOURS - with detailed discussion that teaches me something new about the practice of architecture and the people who choose to participate in it. Every. Single. Time.
I am also encouraged when I watch the discourse that comes with the design awards season. What IS good design? Well, I can tell you what it isn’t: it isn’t decoration. It isn’t art, per se; and it isn’t science, alone. It is a balance; it is a recognition that we can do both, because we know that form follows function. What we seek to dig out, through precedent research, through academic pursuit, through artistic representation, is the truth of the function: what purpose does this serve? It is not enough to be beautiful, where design is concerned. It is not really enough, just to be cool. In fact, I don’t care about your cool, and neither will your jury.
They’ll care about your story; how you solved a problem by marrying art, creativity, materials and expertise into an elegant solution that elevates the practice of architecture somehow; that advances the conversation of how we find the truth in every project to serve. I am especially excited this year because I will be introduced to all of you by way of your entered work, and I simply can’t wait to see it. I am looking forward to seeing what we’ve been able to produce in this extraordinary year, and I hope everyone able will participate. If you have any questions about this years’ process, please do not hesitate to reach out to AIAO Staff. Please keep an eye out for submission deadlines and event updates, and please submit your entries this year!