Front porches often act as catalysts for expanding ourselves outwards towards interaction with others to whom we might not have any other ties, as we form relationships for the sake of knowing one more person, without planned benefit for either party. This leads to (among many other things) the exchange of information -- news, education, aid -- and building of community through the crossing of personal paths: knowing of and relating to others positively. Front porches are a step (albeit small) towards giving up the fear of unplanned interaction which an enclosed lifestyle instills in us.
Just as one of the many functions of a front porch is to serve as a place of congregation, this website will serve as a forum for thoughts (loosely) regarding our ever-growing built environment and the ways in which it influences our lives, particularly relating to the varied locations and backgrounds/interests of contributors.
Some future topics-in-the-works include borders and security design, "anarchitecture," architecture as marketing, and improvised design.
1 comment:
Downtown Charleston's residential areas are swell places complete with a multitude of porches, ranging from front and back porches to side porches indicative of traditional Charleston architecture (large, multi-story, & shotgun-ish). I live on James Island in a neighborhood of cookie-cutter duplexes and triplexes with nary a single porch. My neighborhood depresses me and I have met one neighbor...coincidence?
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