Integrity of
Place- The Case for Progressive Contextualism
ALTUS
Architecture + Design is a firm that focuses on creating places for
living that reflect the identity of the Client and are inseparable from
their context or site. As a full-services architecture and
interior design firm the work that we develop with our clients extends
the ideals and issues of the project through to a level of craft.
We believe in the refinement of human scale, the celebration of light,
the intrinsic characteristics of materials and excellence of execution
culminating in work of lasting integrity.
The classic role of the architect who develops a “unique and custom”
design for an individual client in a particular place often leads to a
formulaic methodology with predictable “signature” results of an
individual style attributable to the architect, with the client
succumbing to the will of the architect. It is the belief of this
firm, that in this period of maturing Modernism, advancing
technology and emerging green design, that one must understand the
qualities and issues present in all great architecture over time.
For it is these issues of design integrity that can be made unique in
each project. The homes on this site are an exploration of such
issues that
result in progressive contextualism - a belief in place making that
allows each project to express an individual identity while evoking
intangible experiential qualities.
First among these issues is the celebration of the site and the gifts
of the land. Each individual location has a sense of place and
identity that should be amplified, whether it is on a lakefront site or
8 floors above the city. Thoughtful placement and composition of
the aspects of the house on the site, with the integration of landscape
design allows the project to be a natural extension of that
place. Indoor and outdoor spaces merge, integrating the living
experience with the site.
Equally important to the creation of architecture is the capture and
development of natural light. Great residential architecture
seeks to celebrate the rituals of the day, and light is the spiritual
food that nourishes the soul, transforming these experiences.
Understanding the path of the sun, one can compose the spaces within
and outside the home with natural light, enriching the experiential
qualities of space and creating a sense of place.
What is unique in residential design is the exploration of spatial
dynamics with a human scale. Creating a sequence of events
through a space allows one’s senses to become engaged, creating a
visceral experience. I believe in narrow houses that draw in
natural light and sculpt spaces inside and out. Developing
compressing and releasing spaces creates dynamics of intimacy and
openness, nurturing a relationship with the place.
The most identifiable aspect of architecture and perceived value of
design is the quality of materials. Beyond cost, each
material we select to build with has intrinsic qualities that evoke
characteristics of solidity, plasticity, texture and color, while also
absorbing or transmitting light. An exploration of these
qualities transforms the experience of each house and conveys a
relationship with the craft of building.
The understanding of these issues has resulted in the projects depicted
here. Each project is unique - a reflection of its specific
location and owner’s identity, balancing what is timeless and
progressive, and evoking memorable experiences.
Thank you for
the opportunity to present this work to you as an invitation to
consider the potential of your project. You are welcome to
contact our firm with questions or requests for references and service
options.
