(Photo credit: Helene Alonso)
As we approach the end of 2012, I have been reflecting on the state of the world around us and determining my resolutions for 2013. We have seen some dark days this past year. Most recently, Hurricane Sandy and the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School have both, in different ways, shaken us to our core. As I write this, we also continue to wonder if our elected officials in Washington will muster the resolve to turn us back from the so-called "fiscal cliff."
And, so, what can any of us do?
My response is that these events, individually and collectively, serve as a call to action...as citizens and as architects...to work harder and make a difference. Whatever your political leanings, it does seem possible to come together on some basic issues. Discussion is essential, but solutions must be found.
As citizens, we must call upon our elected officials to end the gridlock and resolve the country's fiscal issues. As architects, we must play a larger role in thoughtful analysis of the problem and the application of solutions. Our government could use a good dose of design thinking.
As citizens, we must insist that, without compromising our Second Amendment rights, a solution to the access to assault weapons be found, and as architects, we must continue to find better ways to make our buildings safer and more secure, without compromising our freedoms or destroying our sense of community.
As citizens, we must assist those in need after devastating natural disasters, and as architects, we must find better solutions to building that will not just protect us from future storms, but reinforce our relationship with nature. FXFOWLE has joined the Building Resiliency Task Force organized by the Urban Green Council in New York City to assist in this regard.
The next year holds much promise, but there is much to do. As citizens and architects, we can lead the way.
And, so, what can any of us do?
My response is that these events, individually and collectively, serve as a call to action...as citizens and as architects...to work harder and make a difference. Whatever your political leanings, it does seem possible to come together on some basic issues. Discussion is essential, but solutions must be found.
As citizens, we must call upon our elected officials to end the gridlock and resolve the country's fiscal issues. As architects, we must play a larger role in thoughtful analysis of the problem and the application of solutions. Our government could use a good dose of design thinking.
As citizens, we must insist that, without compromising our Second Amendment rights, a solution to the access to assault weapons be found, and as architects, we must continue to find better ways to make our buildings safer and more secure, without compromising our freedoms or destroying our sense of community.
As citizens, we must assist those in need after devastating natural disasters, and as architects, we must find better solutions to building that will not just protect us from future storms, but reinforce our relationship with nature. FXFOWLE has joined the Building Resiliency Task Force organized by the Urban Green Council in New York City to assist in this regard.
The next year holds much promise, but there is much to do. As citizens and architects, we can lead the way.