Introduction
According to the saying, a farmer knows better than to soil his own well water. We expect those working close to the land over generations to understand how natural systems work, and what the effects of their choices have on their livestock, their fields, and even the larger watershed. However, in our own lives, we are often unaware of the complex impacts our actions have on our property, our neighbors, and the environment. How then may we employ the wisdom of the farmer in our approach to design? As a team, we must determine what we need to know to make the best informed decisions. The following is a discussion of the steps we propose to take with our clients, in the pursuit of a mutually lasting satisfaction with what we build.
FOURFOLD ARCHITECTURE is founded on the view that conscientious Design when understood as a partner of Building, provides an essential pathway to Dwelling, or the opportunity for humans to make a sustainable place for themselves in the world. Dwelling by its ancient meaning is the building of things and providing for sustenance in ways that cherish and protect, preserve and care for both what is within a structure, and without. Dwelling, therefore, is a way of life that results from good stewardship, and is rewarded by a rich appreciation of purpose and place. If the aim of building is dwelling, then as architects we endeavor to help our clients understand the implications of design alternatives and decisions not only upon their own personal space, but the greater physical and social context of any project.
According to the saying, a farmer knows better than to soil his own well water. We expect those working close to the land over generations to understand how natural systems work, and what the effects of their choices have on their livestock, their fields, and even the larger watershed. However, in our own lives, we are often unaware of the complex impacts our actions have on our property, our neighbors, and the environment. How then may we employ the wisdom of the farmer in our approach to design? As a team, we must determine what we need to know to make the best informed decisions. The following is a discussion of the steps we propose to take with our clients, in the pursuit of a mutually lasting satisfaction with what we build.
FOURFOLD ARCHITECTURE is founded on the view that conscientious Design when understood as a partner of Building, provides an essential pathway to Dwelling, or the opportunity for humans to make a sustainable place for themselves in the world. Dwelling by its ancient meaning is the building of things and providing for sustenance in ways that cherish and protect, preserve and care for both what is within a structure, and without. Dwelling, therefore, is a way of life that results from good stewardship, and is rewarded by a rich appreciation of purpose and place. If the aim of building is dwelling, then as architects we endeavor to help our clients understand the implications of design alternatives and decisions not only upon their own personal space, but the greater physical and social context of any project.
