In this economy, it is very hard for many architects to get jobs. On the flip side, it is very hard for people to afford architects. When New York architect John Morefield was fired from his job, he did not just sit around and wait for a new opprotunity to present itself. He put himself out there and offered his expertise in an unconventional way. John set up a stand in a New York farmers market advertising architecture for 5 cents. People could come up to him and ask basic design questions for five cents. While he did not make a ton of money offering his services this way, his name became well known and he was able to get commissions for bigger projects and start to earn a living again. Most of the projects he does are affordable- things the average person can afford who normally would never think to go to an architect for. He would do anything from plans for a house or a larger building to redesiging a thirteen-year-old's bedroom. John took a situation most people would be helpless in and furthered his career.Another story in this journal with the same qualities of helping others is an article about Haiti. While Haiti is not anywhere near ready to start building large projects, architects have begun to make strides in improving the nation. Most Hatians are living in tents at the moment. Many architects have been working on pre-fabricated cottages and more long-term solutions to living. Architects with no jobs have been donating their time to these projects and other similar projects.
Students are also giving their services to Haiti, using the experience as a way to improve a nation and as a learning tool.
Right now, in my architecture clas,s we are designing a boarding school for girls in Haiti. My partner and I are mainly focusing on the protection of the girls and on making school sustainable or envrionmentally friendly. This is an actual design competition, so we are trying to create a situation which would be beneficial for Haiti and for our career, giving our skills to a good cause.
I think John's story provides a valuable lesson that we usually forget. Sometimes you have to take 2 steps back to take 1 step forward. We get so used to a way of life that we can't adapt to big changes. Sometimes you have to let go of your ego and everything you thought you knew to roll with the punches.
ReplyDeleteI love how he borrowed an idea from Peanuts and used it to actually further his career! No, he didn't make much money through his question booth, but getting your name out there is as big of an accomplishment as any in some fields, particularly anything involving some sort of design.
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