The mother art is Architecture. Without an architecture of our own we have no soul of our own civilization.
Why am I making GIMME SHELTER?
I am an architect.
In 6 years of architecture school & 6 years of architecture practice I never drew a column… NEVER! Zero times.
Say what?! Gasp!
This is a small tragedy. How is something so basic neither taught, nor practiced?
Realizing this motivated me. And so, I drew my first column, the Tuscan Order:
This drawing is the impetus for why I am creating GIMME SHELTER, from Caves to Cathedrals an exploration of Architecture.
Why am I making this? For two reasons: for you & for me
Sounds good, right?!
What is GIMME SHELTER?
GIMME SHELTER is a series about architecture, spanning from Caves to Cathedrals.
Each post will:
ARCH 101: Illuminate an architectural topic — in essay form ( with photos! )
DRAW SOMETHING: a step-by-step drawing exercise
REFURBISH YOUR FEED: Links to the best Architecture accounts to follow for more!
Here is a map of what we will explore:
What is Shelter?
The First Home — a Cave is not a Home
Primitive Architecture
Vernacular Architecture
Early Cities & Settlements
Monumental Architecture
Religious Architecture
Why should you care?
Well, first off — I’m willing to bet you like architecture.
In fact, most people I meet, tell me they like architecture.
However, when I ask in return:
Who is your favorite architect?
What is your favorite building?
The responses are predictable: Frank Lloyd Wright. The Empire State Building.
There’s nothing wrong in those responses. Architecture is slightly out of reach — a bit arcane. You are inside buildings every single day. Yet, you do not know who designed most buildings. Why is that?
Well, the simple answer is that us architects keep to themselves — I like to say “we travel in packs.” It’s odd, but boy is it true.
This makes architecture an insular subject; even though you are surrounded by buildings, you barely know the first thing about architecture.
That is okay! I am here to bridge & unpack the esoteric world of architecture for you. I will draw your attention to the built environment surrounding you. You will learn how to look at buildings, how to think about architecture, and you will like it!
I want to hear from you.
This is more than a newsletter, it is a dialogue. Tell your friends about GIMME SHELTER. Ask me questions about architecture. Send me feedback!
You can find me in many corners of the internet. But, please seek me out on the magnificent, digital plaza that we call, Twitter: @buckthundaz
Be curious,
Michael