Urbanity - Summer 2008 - (Page 39)

Ruminating on Architecture It’s true that architectural design is evolving in step with sustainability trends. That said, and although Michael Jantzen may be a visionary, and a design genius, he may have failed to take into consideration that the rest of us aren’t quite there. That is if there’s any there there. Take the Wind Shaped Pavilion; I think he must have gotten the idea from a Rubik’s Cube®. Built on a central pivot, each level spins around with the wind. It behooves one to carefully consider geographical location in this instance. A house like this in, say Japan, southern Florida, the gulf coast, or tornado alley—which has recently become the tornado super highway, would without a doubt present big wind issues. Of course there is another way to look at it—an E-ticket ride in the comfort of your own living room? Apply a little imagination to that dynamic and see what you come up with. It’s a clever design to be sure, but is it practical, and will it sell? I’m not buying it. Home to me is slightly more substantial and a bit less dizzying. Made of fabric from a kit that apparently includes a wind turbine, and the Wind Shaped Pavilion lays claims to the color. Another feature of The Wind Pavilion is this, as the wind turns the habitat changes; head for what was an office yesterday and today you might find yourself in the kitchen, or a bathroom—could elicit a chuckle or two when a dotty aunt comes to visit. I guess I sort of get it. Who doesn’t enjoy an ever changing view? Who wouldn’t want an abode that from day to day is never the same shape. Minute to minute if the wind is stiff. Whether or not this little feature turns out to be sustainable is yet to be determined; big wind issues notwithstanding. Not to dis Mr. Jantzen unduly, he’s well known and well respected, and we should all be fortunate enough to actualize our dreams. And the Wind Shaped Pavilion is curiously appealing on some deep, limbic level. So why mention it? For the health of the planet, and the survival of all species, the big blue marble is going green. Mr. Jantzen said in a recent interview, “I see sustainability becoming the norm very quickly.” The Wind Pavilion is hailed as sustainable; it turns in the wind and generates electricity. M. Jantzen’s Wind Shaped Pavilion may surprise me and, who knows? We could see the hillsides dotted with them. Is it a serious attempt at addressing the issue? The green issue is still being debated, but it seems if one believed in the seriousness of the issue enough to, ostensibly, lend his name and talent to it—all things being equal, we would rightly expect a serious effort. If this passes as serious effort—we’re probably already chest deep and don’t know it. I’m skeptical. I don’t think this bird will fly; of course the market will be the final arbiter. Mr. Jantzen, if your motives are sincere I apologize for the strafing I just gave you, but at this writing you’re suspect. 39 Contact your Lifestyle Concierge at 800.940.3612 for more information, or to complain about cynical writers. urbanity Summer 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Urbanity - Summer 2008

Urbanity - Summer 2008 Contents Editorial Destinations / Travel Zany Mad Wacky Nuts The Palate Eye of the Beholder Plaza Sweet Where’d You Get That? Hale Fellows Well Met Ah The Good Old Days Ruminating On Architecture The Wearing Care & Feeding of the Body Beautiful

Urbanity - Summer 2008

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