
Interpret or Express?
Exactly how an architect designs – that is, develops a plan and creates a physical object that has visual coherence and impact – can take one of two approaches. The architect can interpret the values and history of the organization in his or her own vocabulary. The results can be brilliant – or disappointing if the architect’s personal vision is out of sync with the organization’s mission, programs, users or the budget. Examples of failures, and successes, of this approach a