Archispeak

In this episode we have a conversation about Cormac's exciting new adventure as an adjunct faculty member at Lawrence Technical University. We discuss the nuances and challenges of teaching architecture, the importance of understanding the 'why' behind architectural tasks, and the often under-appreciated value of PhDs in the field. Cormac also shares his practical approach to mentoring and the significance of maintaining a holistic perspective in design. 

Episode Links:

• Lawrence Technological University College of Architecture + Design

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Join us as we dive into Cormac's continued architectural summer adventures. This time he’s exploring the East Coast, Prince Edward Island, and visiting one of his favorite architects in Nova Scotia.

Today he tells us about his visits to iconic sites such as Yale's Louis Kahn buildings and Eero Saarinen's hockey arena. Hear about his surprise anniversary trip to Anne of Green Gables locations, and a fanboy moment meeting renowned architect Brian MacKay-Lyons. Along the way, absorb insights into regional architecture, family history research at the Canadian Immigration Museum, and vibrant street life in Quebec City.

Tune in for another episode of Cormac’s architectural travel tales!

Episode Links:

• Cormac’s Quebec City post on Instagram
• Lunenburg: UNESCO World Heritage Center
• MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple:
• Two-Hulls House
• Sliding House
• Shobac Campus

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Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

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In this episode, we discuss pen refills and alignment OCD, the significance of what makes some architecture lovable (e.g. the Farnsworth House), a review of the book '100 Buildings' by Thom Mayne, exploring its relevance and the impact of past architectural precedents on modern practices, a deep dive into why certain buildings are preserved with immense dedication (e.g. Fallingwater), while others are overlooked, and more.

Episode Links:

• Louis Sullivan’s Wainright Building is for sale (Archpaper)
• Wainright Building (ArchDaily)
• Book: 100 Buildings 1900-2000 by Thom Mayne and Eui-Sung Yi (Amazon)
• Marilyn Moedinger’s tweet

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Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

Support Archispeak by making a donation.

In this episode, we talk about our experiences with punch lists. What are they? Who should be creating them? Why do they exist? We also talk about the practice of architecture being an adhocracy, what that means, and wonder if there’s any way our profession can change.

Episode Links

• TRXL podcast 158: ‘AEC is an Adhocracy’, with Andy Robert and Mercedes Carriquiry

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Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

Support Archispeak by making a donation.

Evan is jealous. Cormac recently went on a road trip with special guest Angelo Pirali to explore many (yes many!) remarkable architectural landmarks, and they’re here today to share about it.

Key highlights include visits to Cranbrook, the Farnsworth House, Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic homes and buildings (including Taliesn and Johnson Wax), Millennium Park, and much more. The discussion revolves around Angelo and Cormac’s intention of studying these places “from idea to execution”.

From historic masterpieces to contemporary projects, this journey provides deep insights into the essence of experiencing architecture.

Links and Trip Itinerary (no, we didn’t talk about all of these):

Day 1:

• Ford House Visitor Center (SmithGroup)
• Edith and Edsel Ford House (Albert Kahn)
• Smith House (FLW)
• Cranbrook (the Saarinen boys)
• Affleck House (FLW)
• Tour of downtown Detroit / Grosse Pointes

Day 2:

• The Rookery (Burnham and Root / FLW)
• The Monadnock Building
• Chicago Institute of Art (Renzo Addition)
• Pritzker Pavilion (Gehry)
• Apple Store (Foster)
• Chicago Tribune Bldg (Howell’s & Hood)
• Glessner House (HH Richardson)
• Stroll down Prairie Ave.
• Robie House (FLW)

Day 3:

• Fabyan Windmill (?)
• Farnsworth House (Mies)
• Unity Temple (FLW)
• FLW House and Studio
• Oak Park Tour
• Poetry Foundation (Ronan)
• 860-880 Lake Shore (Mies)
• 900-910 Lake Shore (Mies)
• Peoples Gas Pavilion (Studio Gang)

Day 4:

• Kenosha Lighthouse
• Pritzker Military Museum and Library (Jahn)
• SC Johnson headquarters and labs (FLW)
• Fortenza Hall and Commons (Foster)
• Wingspan (Johnson House) (FLW)
• Wind Point Lighthouse
• Milwaukee Museum of Art (Calatrava)
• Milwaukee War Memorial (Saarinen)
• Curtain House (Johnson Schmaling)
• Marquette University campus walk
• Church of the Gesu
• Saint Joan of Arc Chapel
• Farmers and Merchant Bank (Sullivan)

Day 5:

• The hidden Robert M. Lamp House (FLW)
• First Unitarian Meeting House (FLW)
• Taliesin
• Hillside School/Theater
• Romeo and Juliet Windmill Tower
• Tan-y-Deri House (Wrights sisters house)
• Midway Barn

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Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

Support Archispeak by making a donation.

In this episode, join Evan and Cormac as they reminisce about unique road trips, discuss the importance of taking time off, and share plans for exciting summer adventures. Discover why it's essential to leave the office, explore new destinations, and enrich your life with meaningful experiences.

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Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

Support Archispeak by making a donation.

Join us in this episode as we recount our time at the 2024 AIA Conference on Architecture recently held in Washington DC. We highlight the travel, keynote speakers, the expo hall, the incredible museums, and the architectural community.

Episode Links:

• Mecanoo and OTJ Architects complete renovation of Mies van der Rohe's Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Library
• Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (the other Smithsonian air and apace museum)
• Eero Saarinen's Revolutionary Design of the Dulles Airport
• Smithsonian Institution, National Portrait Gallery (Architizer)
• Phil Freelon and the Creation of the National Museum of African American History and Culture
• National Museum of African American History and Culture (Wikipedia)
• Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey house
• National Museum of the US Army
• Arthur C. Brooks (Wikipedia)
• Evan Troxel on Instagram
• Cormac Phalen on Instagram

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Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

Support Archispeak by making a donation.

Archispeak welcomes Scott Selzer, CEO of StruXure, and Scott Smith, CEO of Bromic Heating, to discuss the evolution, current state, and innovations in building products, specifically focusing on outdoor heaters and pergolas.

In this episode we talk about these building products in both residential and commercial projects and how they enhance outdoor living spaces.

Scott and Scott share their unique journeys, product innovations, the role of technology, sustainability practices, and the importance of integrating designs early in the planning process.

Learn more about how to transform outdoor spaces into functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing environments in this Archispeak University episode!

Episode Links:

• Bromic website
• Eclipse heaters
• Bromic heater Revit and CAD files
• Design service with a heating expert
• StruXure website

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Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

Support Archispeak by making a donation.

In this episode, we use a critical analysis of Radiohead’s ‘In Rainbows’ album as a jumping-off point to discuss the parallels between creating music and buildings, including the management of client expectations, budget constraints, and the value of documenting the design process.

Episode Links:

• Dissect podcast: Radiohead’s ‘In Rainbows’
• In Rainbows: From the Basement (YouTube)

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Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

Support Archispeak by making a donation.

Cormac is on a new project. In this episode we explore the complexities of working with historic buildings and the nuances of adaptive reuse projects. We discuss the importance of accurate documentation, the impact of technology in documenting existing conditions, and the implications of design decisions on future use of the building through the negotiation between preserving history and accommodating modern needs.

Episode Links:

• Liberty Island (Wikipedia)

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Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

Support Archispeak by making a donation.