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2008 AIA Triangle Design Awards

• Rusty05/05 06:14 PM

  There’s a nice variety of style, scale, and program this year. I’ve been watching the Halle Cultural Arts Center go up… very cool.

• Christopher Triplett05/07 01:29 PM

  Wow, I’m really impressed.

  *the face of pure sarcasm*

  -CJT

• Rusty05/07 04:46 PM

  As always, insightful, humorous and constructive.

  Cheers!

• freshsqueze05/07 04:51 PM

  Hey Christopher,

  We’re all dying to see some of your work, since you *obviously* have a much more refined taste.  Please, enlighten us.

• Christopher Triplett05/07 06:00 PM

  Most pure design is approached from the outside in, and only considers the end user once a rough shell is created.

  Architecture should be approached from the inside out.  And from the perspective of the end occupant.

  (Obviously a commercial interior is different because the shell already exists.  None-the-less, the end occupant is the key element)

  Although the inside out rule doesn’t apply as cleanly to an open air pavilion, a designer still has a responsibility to the end user/occupant.  The Fayetteville Festival Park Performance Pavilion is extremely cold in materials and completely un-integrated into the landscape.

  The Webb Dotti Residence above seems extremely simple from the exterior.  The interior appears to be dictated by the exterior.  The use of two different roof systems suggests a purely aesthetic approach to the roof decision.  The finish materials are just “the usual.” I’m sure someone will say, “you must have a budget,” I reply with, “you can make it smaller.”

  My comment, in general, was pointing out the ‘anti-greatness’ of any these structures.

  Ahem,

  I would be more than happy to demonstrate my work and principles to anyone interested.  Please send me an email and we’ll get together.

  -CJT

  http://ginkotron.com

• Rusty05/08 10:02 AM

  Strong words… I suppose you were already aware of the Festival Park Pavilion’s being located on a former brown field. I don’t know the specifics of how this impacts site design, but I’d imagine that played a pretty significant role in their approach to the landscape.

  I’m unsure what drives you to the conclusion that the interior is dictated by the exterior on the Webb Dotti Residence… without a plan-view, what exactly can we tell from the photos about the interior spaces? I only see one roof system, but perhaps two distinct roof forms. Again, without knowing the program of these spaces, all that we can really tell is that the roof on the lower mass provides cover on both visible entrances.

  I suppose there aren’t any examples of this Architectural Greatness of which you speak in the triangle area at all are there? Pity.

• Christopher Triplett05/08 10:17 AM

  Two roof systems or two roof forms mean the same to me.  Using one roof for an awning or outdoor structure and another for the primary sections of a building makes good sense.  Otherwise stated...one purpose has one roof, another purpose has another roof.  Not half the house is covered in one roof and half is covered in another.

  The space planning of the Webb Dotti house, although not obvious, seems to be at least somewhat dictated by a predetermined exterior.  I could be totally wrong.  Honestly, the space planning could be pure (concealed) magic. 

  Just because the pavilion was built on a field (which was previously cleared by us ‘Umans) doesn’t mean it should look like it’s sitting on top of it.  Sitting on top is what most architecture does, zero integration.  And when something is open air, this “on-topness” is even more apparent.

  There is plenty of great architecture (worthy of honors) in The Triangle.  And there are loads of great architects.  Apply and let dry.

  -CJT

  http://ginkotron.com

• Rusty05/08 03:21 PM

  I’m gonna go out on a limb here, and guess that the reason the Performance Pavilion is floating up above the grade… is so people can see performances from the ground.

• Christopher Triplett05/08 03:55 PM

  Obviously the platform has to be elevated, but that does not mean it cannot be integrated into the landscape in a pseudo-organic way.

  For example, the primary (visual) anchors of the platform and/or awning could flow right into the ground.  There are infinite ways to do this.  But the structure in the photo seems to float on sheet of concrete, as if it’s been lowered right into place and can easily be removed.

  -CJT

  http://ginkotron.com

• Rusty05/08 04:16 PM

  Which is inherently wrong because? It’s not how you or I would do it?

  I’m just skeptical as to the absolute nature of design solutions. There’s nothing inherently wrong with the usage of an elevated base plane to reinforce the separation between the building and the ground… Nor is there anything inherently wrong with the machine in the garden aesthetic some buildings embody.

  Clearly they’re not the right answer to every problem, but we’d be throwing out important pieces of architectural history like the Farnsworth House, Philip Johnson’s Glass House, and Villa Savoye if we were to apply these kinds of blanket judgments across the board…

• Chad05/08 04:33 PM

  I would like to expand upon the ways that Christopher has cited the Pavillion as being a successful design solution.

  First of all, we should not propose that buildings should ALWAYS integrate into the landscape. Design is not performed in absolutes.
  If indeed “integrating into the landscape” is the goal of a project, then in my opinion a thoughtful way to integrate into the landscape is to disturb it as minimally as possible.

  As an example please see: Lowe’s Pavillion at the NCMA

  Upon first impression one might consider this structure to be rather haughty and out of place. I dissent from that view and see it as a more harmonious integration into the landscape; one that honors the established environment over itself. Honoring the site is a more significant way to integrate with the landscape.... without the structure physically imposing itself on the land creating a superficial and destructive “integration with the landscape.” Having the structure rise out of the ground in a “pseudo-organic” way is definitely an inorganic solution. That solution contradicts the very intent.

  Without knowing anything at all about the program this is why, in my opinion and only from seeing this one photo, the Performance Pavillion is a successful solution: the structure responds to the temporary nature of the music or dance performed there. At the conclusion of a performance the sound and imagery will drift away and leave the setting to return to its prior state.

  As Christopher accurately observed, the building seems as though it “can easily be removed.” An appropriate metaphor for a structure that may desire to tread lightly on its host environment.

• Jedidiah05/08 07:09 PM

  Chris,

  Please define greatness for us.

  Did you go to the awards banquet?  Have you seen all of the 2008 entries?  Have you seen any of these buildings in person or even the presentations that were included with their submission?

• Christopher Triplett05/08 07:42 PM

  My comments relative to the pavilion should not be related to the Lowe’s Pavilion as cited by Chad.  I agree with his comments.  This structure has a purposeful aesthetic lightness, so it looks very natural perched above the landscape. (e.g. tree canopy)

  The pavilion cited in the article plays by completely different rules.  Although it might appear removable, it is heavy overall and anchors itself with a supplanting slab.

  I have seen NONE of these buildings in person.  But I can, from the images displayed, stand by my opinions.  As to presentations, the features of an existing structure are holistically obvious.

  Design should never be dictated by absolutes.  Principles are different than absolutes and even glass houses can be integrated into the Earth.

  My principles on integration are:  Anything constructed for permanence should lend itself to its property.

  -CJT

  http://ginkotron.com

• Jedidiah05/09 09:06 AM

  “I have seen NONE of these buildings in person.  But I can, from the images displayed, stand by my opinions.  As to presentations, the features of an existing structure are holistically obvious.”

  Chris,

  Sorry my friend but these are just the press release photos for each project and therefore show a “snapshot” of each building.  Therefore, FULL opinions cannot be made about these projects unless:

  A - you have seen the project in the flesh (you work three blocks from one of these projects and haven’t seen it?)

  or

  B - you have seen the complete collection of photos for each of the projects.

  “As to presentations, the features of an existing structure are holistically obvious.”

  This sentence makes no sense.  What do the presentations have to do with an existing structure?

  “Anything constructed for permanence should lend itself to its property.”

  Apex, case in point, as Rusty mentioned in his first comment before this became the Ginkotron opinion show.

  Come on buddy, quit throwing around theoretical terms and let’s talk the real world. Next time when the AIA awards banquet is announced (and was open to the public), go see all 80 of the entries and then the presentation of each project.  Then we can talk.

  My email is and I would love to see some “greatness” in my inbox.

• Christopher Triplett05/09 10:21 AM

  I was referring to the two Honor award winners when I said I had not seen them.  I have not commented on any other buildings.

  I can form an opinion based on the photographs I have seen in this article and on the firm websites.

  You asked if I had seen the presentations.  My response was these presentations mean nothing when forming a general assesment of a (any) structure.

  A restatement:

  The Fayetteville Festival Park Performance Pavilion supplants the landscape and appears cold.

  The Webb Dotti Residence, although aesthetically interesting, has no cohesive theme and its exterior appears to dictate its interior.

  -CJT

  http://ginkotron.com

• Jedidiah05/09 10:30 AM

  Chris,

  Your first statement in this thread was -

  “Wow, I’m really impressed. *the face of pure sarcasm*”

  Nothing about that comment was relative to a project.  That was a general, unconstructive, and uninformed statement.

  Awaiting greatness,

  Jed

• Christopher Triplett05/09 10:37 AM

  But look at the explosive discussion following that comment.  I think it ‘worked’.

  -CJT

• Rusty05/12 12:36 PM

  I dunno that I’d call it explosive… but you did most definitely provoke dialog. Even if it was in a Gary Birdsong sort of way.

• rnb05/13 06:46 AM

  wow- when i googled “ginkotron” the second thing that came up was an add on craig’s list (dated 04.28.08) for “$1000 for referrals resulting in design or design/build work.” that is greatness, hard at work there.

• Christopher Triplett05/13 08:14 AM

  rnb,

  I just underwent an abrubt market and region change.

  That requires some marketing smarty pants.

  

  -CJT

• JZ05/13 08:33 AM

  oh geez.

  Chris, you seem to be very conscious of spatial effects in architecture, yet you’re willing to come out guns blaring on a few glam shots.

  The fundamental difference and the reason photographs belie reality is that they collapse 3 dimensional spatial orchestrations into 2 dimensional formal compositions.  There is NO authentic way to judge space in this manner, only composition. One can, however, make some general assumptions based on experience and training. 

  So, by the way, Chris, what IS your background and training that underpin your bold, principled statements?  You don’t seem to have any of your credentials as part of your marketing strategy up on your website.

• Christopher Triplett05/13 09:39 AM

  There is more than enough information in a decent photograph to develop a mental 3D model.  That does not come easy for all people.  So speak for yourself when you say there is NO way to do that.  Please, speak for yourself at all costs.

  Although I take pride in my varied background of experiences and education, I work with people who have much less.  Their value is in their work, as is mine.  I pass that principle along.

  Clients should be impressed by the job I’m doing.

  -CJT

  http://ginkotron.com

• JZ05/13 09:42 AM

  Ignorance is bliss.

• Jedidiah05/13 09:45 AM

  Chris,

  In your mental 3d model, what does the back of the Halle Cultural Arts Center in Apex look like....

  I’m curious as to how good your mind is.

• Christopher Triplett05/13 09:58 AM

  Obviously one cannot form every last detail from a photograph, but more than enough can be gathered to make comments.

  Otherwise, what’s the point of posting a photograph?  Why not just say:  “Since one cannot gather anything at all from a photograph and no human being is capable of making a 2D photograph into a 3D mental image, we will cease to post photographs of anything with more than 2 dimensions.”

  Challenge me.

  -CJT

• JZ05/13 10:18 AM

  Chris__

  I think what EVERYBODY is trying to say is that your words are very strong and specific.  You have left no room for acknowledging that one cannot fully assess the project and that your comments serve only a provisional purpose. 

  Tone it down man...you’re confidence is way up in everyone’s face and is coming across as rude and arrogant.

  Besides, what you are proclaiming to be design gospel has been presented to the public in a vagarious manner.  Be specific. Present examples, real ones, preferably built projects-- even if they are not your own--that we might be familiar with or can visit and be enlightened.  It is a designer’s job to communicate through their work but must first use words to persuade a potential client that what they are offering is worthy of the substantial investment.  Not only am I confused but unconvinced.

  Its seems you have appointed yourself a design messiah but have not demonstrated your capabilities.

  Feeling Challenged?

• Jedidiah05/13 10:19 AM

  Yeah, photographs are worthless.

  Chris, seriously.  Let’s talk about the positives of these projects and not what you believe to be true about them.  I have now visited 3 of the 6 projects on this list and can tell you that the photographs are only a “snapshot” of the project. 

  You can’t tell what the upstairs looks like at 101 from this photo. 

  You can’t tell what the material make up of the baby store is through this photo. 

  You can’t tell that the back of the Apex building is actually a contemporary addition from this photo.

  If photos were made to be 3d, they would be those 3d posters in the mall.  But they aren’t.  They aren’t intended to be.

  These are all great projects.  Materially, conceptually, and diagrammatically.  How do I know this?  I went to the banquet.  I have seen MULTIPLE photos.  I have visited some of these projects to justify what photos can’t illustrate.

  This isn’t about challenging each other, it’s about the work and snubbing the work from photos (and from the get-go) is about you, not the work.

• Christopher Triplett05/13 10:34 AM

  I only commented on the two Honor Awards winners.  (Even if that initial comment was vague.)

  Actually, I think 101 is a great mix of textures, light play, and materials.  Vernacular Studio (whose work I have seen first hand) maintains a level of simplicity that I appreciate a great deal.  A lot of great design easily gets lost in non-cohesive details.

  I asked for a challenge (as in a design challenge) because you question my abilities.  I have not questioned anyone who has commented here.

  -CJT

• Rusty05/13 10:40 AM

  A Design Challenge.

  Has any of the Newraleigh staff considered the possibility of holding a competition?

• JZ05/13 10:45 AM

  I only question your abilities because you have done such a poor job in communicating any substance while proclaiming such authority. 

  If you’re going to piss all over award winning work, its important to present examples of what you think are successful solutions to similar design problems. 

  We can’t have a meaningful discussion otherwise.

• David05/13 10:51 AM

  Man 101 is sweet looking but it sure is uncomfortable and loud downstairs.  Lounges should be relaxing but the echo chamber effect is too much.  Too many hard surfaces and bad chairs tgat make it visually appealing but aurally and physically uncomfortable. The lack of a foot rest at the bar is a joke.

• Christopher Triplett05/13 11:05 AM

  I will not be nice to make people happy.  When someone questions me or my work...I question me and my work too.

  David,

  That’s an interesting assessment of 101.  It’s surprising how simple things are overlooked.  It’s also nice to know that good design can be modified with the passage of time to accommodate ‘overlooks’ or changing usability requirements. 

  I wonder how (and if) 101 will make modifications to the environment.  You should post a review in New Raleigh’s Palate area.

  -CJT

• sergio05/30 07:06 AM

  This Christopher guy is full of bs.  He carps over folks’ works but doesn’t have anything substantive that can be as readily viewed as the works he is critiquing.  I looked on his website and don’t see any examples of any work that he has designed.  They should be on a website.  This is the 21st century afterall.

• Christopher Triplett05/30 07:20 AM

  Sergio,

  My work has been influenced by a commercial world over the past few years, sometimes lightly and other times heavily.  As a perfectionist, I cannot commit to showing people my work unless it is my best. Of course, that is not everyone’s decision.

  Furthermore:  Demonstrating a body of work to potential clients is largely preclusionary.  E.g. they expect one’s work for them to be similar to what one has already completed.

  Obviously you’re not offering me any basic human respect given the words you have used.  In fact, you have not even addressed me personally (even further removed from respect).

  If you want to meet with me, so that I might provide some “proof” of my philosophy, intentions, self worth, intelligence, candor, professionalism, and humanity...please get in touch ASAP.

  -CJT

  http://ginkotron.com

• Sergio05/30 10:17 AM

  Christopher,

  You come across as condescending.  I have come across your replies to people’s work before and it’s usually disrespectful—you’ve called work crap before and used sarcasm.  I wasn’t aware those were examples of sarcasm.

  Saying that not displaying examples of your work is preclusionary really undermines the intelligence of those that would even seek out an architect anyway.  If you’re that concerned with people pigeonholing your style into that of your works, you can always put a disclaimer that would read something like, “These works take into account the personal preferences of the clients.” Personally, I’d like to see a portfolio which embodies your style before I would ever take my time to meet you in person.  Great design which manifests itself through many examples can be nothing but impressive.

• Sergio05/30 10:19 AM

  err ... The sentence “I wasn’t aware those were examples of sarcasm” should read:

  “I wasn’t aware those were examples of respect.”

• Christopher Triplett05/30 11:38 AM

  Rude comment to person ≠ Brash comment on work

  It is human nature to think inside the box.  So preventing preclusion by controlling my portfolio is simply considering human nature (not undermining intelligence).

  People come to me because of intrigue and my unexpected approach.

  -CJT

• Sergio05/30 12:29 PM

  “As a perfectionist, I cannot commit to showing people my work unless it is my best.”

  The fact that you haven’t committed to showing anything speaks volumes.

• Arthur05/30 12:32 PM

  Agree with Sergio.

• freshsqueze05/30 12:42 PM

  Perhaps some sort of manifesto is in order?

• Christopher Triplett05/30 12:55 PM

  Sergio, Arthur, freshsqueze:

  As stated a few posts ago, I would be happy to meet with you guys.

  Jedidiah asked that I send him something, and I did.  I would be happy to show all of you some concept boards.

  Please send me an email so I can coordinate that.

  -CJT

  I still don’t know why I’ve been so viscously attacked.  I gave my opinion, that’s it.  Freedom of speech right?  Without fear of being burned at the stake.

• Sergio05/30 01:04 PM

  Christopher,

  Please do.

  Thanks a bunch,

  Sergio

• Christopher Triplett05/30 01:41 PM

  FYI:

  Everyone...I am NOT a certified architect and do NOT market my services as such.  I have spent the past several years of my life in and around construction and design.  I grew up in and around construction and riding shotgun with a savant artist. 

  I do provide finished blueprints and project management.  As needed, I employ third party contractors (freelance architects, draftsman, engineers, et al.)

  Make absolutely no mistake though: 

  I go head to head with anyone.  I’m just good at this shit.

  -CJT

  http://ginkotron.com

• JZ05/30 02:23 PM

  Chris__

  I saw the work that you shared with Jed.  Unfortunately the drawings for the house you have up on your website are illegible.
  I would recommend you produce clearer drawings that reveal rather that conceal your particular unique design skills.

• Christopher Triplett05/30 02:30 PM

  JZ,

  I wouldn’t feel comfortable throwing completed plans out to just anyone...would you?

  However, I would most definitely take someone through a digital tour, go over the plans face to face, etc.  I don’t intend to conceal anything.

  -CJT

• JZ05/30 02:42 PM

  No Chris, you’re wrong...a good designer knows the difference between a contract document and a set of legible concept plans, elevations and sections.  I feel very comfortable and do share concept plans with any interested party.  Of course, I would get my client’s permission which is something you have not suggested is the reason for veiling your work. Got clients? Got experience?  Stop being so evasive yet so quick to proclaim your sage-like mastery of the eternal truths of architectural space.  Anyone can talk all day long...but show us you can walk the walk.

  All you’ve proven to me is that you have NO experience and NO proper training. 

  So pick you’re poison...show us the goods or perpetuate the impression you’ve left us with.

• Sergio05/30 02:49 PM

  That is what I am thinking.

  I am still waiting on this ‘greatness’ in my inbox.  It’s not here.  All I have gotten so far is Christopher saying he wants to talk to me on the phone. 

  He is very evasive.  I don’t understand this secrecy.

• Christopher Triplett05/30 04:09 PM

  So, I have returned to the office.  Because I was away from my primary machine, Sergio never received a file.  I explained that to him in an email. 

  JZ,

  I think your decision to show people design you have completed is perfectly fine.  I respect your decision to do so.  However, in my case, just as BMW would rather not send over a complete 3D assembly of its 2009 lineup out to the competition...I would rather not send over an lengthy and expensive set to anyone who did not need them.

  I believed the concept board I sent to Jedidiah was appropriate and a design oriented person should gather quite a bit of information from it.  If someone needs more detailed information, I would like to take care of that face to face.  So, that’s my decision.

  Absolutely, I have clients.  Absolutely I have experience.  And I can sew!

  Everything that has been discussed here, I would discuss in person.  Every comment made, I would make in person.  If you all are not convicted enough to speak with me or meet with me, then you are most certainly not worth an ounce of my time or effort. 

  So, as expected...I will not send anything else out!  And I do not care what any of you think.

  I am not evasive or secretive.  Period.

  Come and see me, I think you’ll like me anyway

• p.b.rogers05/30 04:13 PM

  what a whackjob

• Christopher Triplett05/30 04:15 PM

  Ole’ P.B.

  Would you say that to my face?

  -CJT

• JZ05/30 08:37 PM

  excuses, excuses.

  you are so full of it, chris.

  get the hell off the boards.

• Christopher Triplett05/30 09:22 PM

  JZ,

  I don’t know what else you want.  What do you want?  All you do is throw stones.  I have not questioned YOU once.

  So don’t you dare tell me what to do.  You can bring yourself into my domain and say that to my face.  Would you?

  My office address is listed VERY clearly on my website.

  I want to show you my work.  I’m just not going to send it out to everyone that asks.  That’s that. Meet me in the middle.  And...you bring your work with you.

  

  -CJT

  http://ginkotron.com

• Sergio05/31 12:50 AM

  Here is what our “architectural prodigy” replied to me with my email.  He wanted me to post it.

  “If you can’t speak to me on the phone, then you can forget seeing anything. 

  I really don’t care what you think about that.  Post this email for all I care.  I do not have to prove myself or my work to anyone…and definitely not a completely “unknown” person who will not even give me a phone number.

  Christopher Triplett”

  Christopher,

  You have barked up the wrong tree.  I am contacting the Better Business Bureau.

• JZ05/31 07:28 AM

  I would love for others to have a better understanding of my background.

  http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonzellweger

  Many projects noted in my profile are local and can be visited.  One can also visit the Clearscapes website, http://www.clearscapes.com , if they are interested as well as some of the work is posted there.

  Chris, the point here is that you have put yourself in a very awkward way because of your zealot-like proclamations.  I’m done going out of my way to help you see how you’ve done this to yourself.  Its become a massive waste of energy and I feel like I’ve put myself on the stage at a Jerry Springer episode.

  I’m done.

• Christopher Triplett05/31 08:06 AM

  John,

  I am not in an awkward position, so that awkwardness must only been in your head.

  I have been familiar with Clearscapes and your work for some time now.  I appreciate your methods and details.  413 Glenwood, although small, is a great example.  Particularly, it creates a really nice outdoor space through the use of the awning and privacy walls.

  I only wish we could be acquainted face to face in a professional/social forum.

  I wish you the best JZ.

  -CJT

  htt://ginkotron.com

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