expanding horizons

One of the many goals for my involvement in ERA is to expand my horizons - regionally, architecturally and socially. To that end, we have a series called "ERA @" where we embark together on adventures around town. One of our latest additions is the Rochester Arts First Fridays scene, a downtown open gallery night that changes monthly and is either very cheap or completely free, as well as full of great energy and new faces.

One of the unexpected aspects of this particular outing was that I initially struggled a bit to articulate why certain works resonated with me while other pieces just totally turned me off. In some cases it felt like a mere "matter of taste," while in others it was a deep and meaningful response, yet one that I had to search for ways to describe. This was humbling, as it enlightened me to the experience many Clients may be having with architecture, when they make statements such as "I can't explain why, but I just don't like it." We all got into a great conversation about archi-speak and about the ways that we can help others find the terminology for expressing their emotional responses in ways that will allow us architects to interpret them accurately and improve the design accordingly.

Apparently, I had a great time: 

(many thanks to Just Joe Photo for capturing us and the event in general)