(One person’s simple observations, Dr. Phil, or both. However you see this post, its origin came out of current personal ramblings on human potential and was sparked by recent interactions in the studio.)
It seems most of us bring to our studio experience… [scratch that] Most of us bring to life a somewhat naïve psychological attitude in our expectation that our lives and relationships will be simple. And more importantly we bring the expectation that they should be simple. We believe that others in our studio unnecessarily complicate our lives and the processes we are involved in. And if they would only change their attitudes and habits, our work would be much simpler and the goals we are trying to achieve more attainable. If only they preferred email like we do, if only they would stay after 5:30pm to socialize like we do, if only they would be as concerned about the design as we are, if only they communicated the same way we do…
Now certainly, a “well oiled” team, once you experience it, is something to behold. But, the process for making great architecture, the care, attention and love of our work, asks for some appreciation for its complexity. “Well oiled” may truly equate to “magical.” This is true of the studio. As each team coalesces, members bring his or her current stuff along with them. What was one’s stuff on the last project is another’s for this project. Each person is a changing and evolving entity, flexing their spirit in varying degrees. Some need coddling to bring forth their ideas. Others, seemingly dominating the project spew forth idea after idea. How can we accommodate this mess?
I am sure we can agree, that it seems at least, a life lived fully is not without its moments of darkness, and periods of foolishness. These problems, many times, though gut wrenching when they happen, are not only most often temporary, but sometimes-mere illusions we’ve created for ourselves. Remember Senior Prom? The choice of a partner to attend the Senior Prom was for many an anxious time. How much of an impact did your choice in Senior Prom date impact the long line of your life? (Those who had a memorably and traumatic Senior Prom need not respond.)
From this perspective, the problems that make us victims are actually not outside of us, caused by others, but concocted by our own minds. As the old man is often quoted, “I’m an old man with lots of troubles, many of which never happened.” So, enjoy the prom already and know that, well, that date may just not work out. Life is complex. And so are people. And so is the process of making great architecture.
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