“It’s All About Relationships”
This is a phrase that I have found myself saying over and over regarding many aspects of not only design, but also about business and life in general. And the name HumaNature Architecture is the first illustration of that axiom. Back in 2000, when I was contemplating a name for my new firm, I wanted the name to reflect what my firm was going to be about, so that if one saw only the name, they would have at least some sense of what I do and what values underly my work. So, I was driving in my car, and I knew I wanted the name to reflect my focus and experience in sustainable design, but I also felt very strongly that good interpersonal relationships are absolutely critical to a successful project, whether they be the relationship between the owner and architect, architect and contractor, or any of the myriad others that are involved on even a small project. I had arrived at that understanding after working for 6 previous architecture firms, and witnessing the sometimes devastating effects of poor relationship management, and I was determined to do it differently. In my opinion, good relationships are the grease for the wheels, so to speak, that can allow a project to proceed smoothly, even when there are bumps in the road. But not only is a good relationship important in handling problems, I believe that it creates an additional (well, actually multiplicative) intangible element that elevates the quality of the project when everyone is having fun and getting along. I believe that life is too short to spend any time in conflict. But that is not to say that problems are avoided or overlooked so that we can all get along. I find that, when the relationships are good, problems tend to happen less, and they are far less disruptive in an environment of camaraderie and mutual respect and understanding. So, back to the car...I’m driving and I’m thinking, “OK, ‘Nature’ must be in the name, but what about the human element...human and nature...human, nature...Human Nature Architecture!” It was almost too easy, plus it rolls off of the tongue pretty easily, eh? Then, to emphasize the interrelatedness of Humans and Nature, I ran the words together, dropped one of the “n’s”, and HumaNature Architecture was born! Initially, I regretted the decision to alter the spelling, because I was always having to spell it out for people, and the mail came with it misspelled, and I had to reserve the additional domain names for people who didn’t know how I spell it, but now, with the overwhelming amount of information out there on the web, I am glad that I chose a name that is unique.
The interpersonal aspect of “It’s All About Relationships” (IAAR) is the reason that I have included it under the “Human” page on this site. But it could have easily been placed on the Nature or Architecture pages as well, as it applies there equally well.
In Nature, there exist mathematical patterns, or relationships that define the forms of everything from the atomic composition of elements, to the shape of flowers, fruits and seashells, the proportions of the human body, the arrangement of musical notes, and even the positions and movements of the planets. The ancient philosophers and mathematicians in Egypt, Greece, Central and South America, to name a few, discovered these relationships, and came to believe that they had discovered the “keys to the kingdom” so to speak, and the knowledge of this science became known as Sacred Geometry, being taught in what were known as the mystery schools only to those initiates deemed worthy of such divine and sacred knowledge. Well known examples of Sacred Geometry are the Platonic Solids, so named for their discoverer Plato, the Fibonacci Sequence, and the Golden Mean, made famous in the DaVinci Code. Artists and architects have, for centuries, used these proportions in their creative endeavors, and HumaNature Architecture is founded upon the belief that buildings designed using these relationships are more resonant with Nature and therefore, more peaceful and harmonious for their Human occupants. So, as with Humans, in Nature, “It’s All About Relationships.”
And of course, relationships are extremely important in Architecture. As discussed above, this can be seen in the proportions of ancient classical architecture, as well as Gothic, renaissance and even some modern architecture. But beyond the proportions of rooms, windows, or facades, the relationships of the rooms themselves give another important interpretation of the term. If the layout of the rooms is carefully considered with regard to views, daylight, and flow of daily activities, the occupant experience can be one of grace and ease, and a sense of “rightness” and elegance in the space.
So, it should be clear that relationships are extremely important between Humans, in Nature, and in Architecture. And it is the inspired, synergistic, mutually beneficial relationship between Human and Nature that makes for great Architecture, which is what I aspire to every day. I hope that if possible, we can develop a great relationship that will be inspiring, encouraging and mutually rewarding. And now, as you contemplate your next project, remember that “It’s All About Relationships.”
