At a recent Pecha Kucha event hosted by the Monona Terrace and the Frank Lloyd Wright lecture series, 9 Madison area architects spoke on what architecture means to them.

Pecha Kucha is a Japanese word meaning “chit-chat.”  It is a presentation style in which 20 slides are shown for 20 seconds each (six minutes and 40 seconds in total). The format, which keeps presentations concise and fast-paced, powers multiple-speaker events called PechaKucha Nights.  There are now PPechaKucha Nights (PKNs) in over 534 cities across the globe.   Click this link for more info on our recent PKN.

“Architecture is a hazardous blend of omnipotence and impotence” – Rem Koolhaas

The Nov. 21, 2013 PKN event theme was based on this quote.  Rem Koolhaas is one of the world’s most influential architects.  I took from that, my presentation message.  And so it goes….

Architecture is Hazardous.

Architects often find themselves in the most precarious of situations, and then we wonder how we got there.  I’d like to share with you the series of events that got me here (in a pit) while researching the varying roles for architects in public service.

This is the side of architecture that I call “architect unseen.”

I know how I got here ……..

…. but I’m not exaclty sure how I got here.  My current role as Project Manger for the City of Monona, WI is never dull.  No two days are ever the same.  I’ve heard that life as I know it is strikingly parallel to that of Leslie Knope on a regular TV comedy series.  Is this what it’s come to?

Stay tuned for “Architect is hazardous, part 2” ….  and find out how I went from a pit to Parks and Rec.