Toyo Ito in 100 words.

Toyo Ito – On Vortexes

Toyo Ito in summary takes an ethereal almost nebulous approach to architecture. He states that formality is not a boon to architecture but the unstable and more chaotic side of architecture is what truly creates unique spaces.
This chaos is not arbitrary but is the effects of controlled movements. Waves caused by the ideas of the architect.
Toyo Ito also purports that there is no perfect response to a context because the site may change at any time .An architect can only seek to stir the waters of the city to create a vortex. A unique area in the water where forces meet.

On Fathy and Boulding

Fathy//Boulding – The social role of architecture

Here we can see a third approach to architecture and living. This approach is a social one where both Fathy and Boulding make notice of the social roles of the architect and even the world at large.

Social reform is something that both writers say needs to be done before any real improvements in the way we  live can be made. Additionally both writers realize that this is no easy task.

First we see Fathy looking at the role of the architect being wider than just the creation of a single final product that must meet the requirements of building codes and standards. He shows how the actions of the architect have a much wider effect on the ethos of a country.
Consequently he charges architects not only as builders but agents of social change. If this challenge is not accepted Fathy predicts a death in the overall cultural spirit of his home country.

Boulding looks at the social problems of the world in a much greater scope. He views the entire earth as a space ship. As a result the amount of social reform that would have to occur to realize this social model would be vastly different from what people are used to. However it is this reform that Boulding says is required if the Earth and humankind are to be able to continue their existence.

This journey as Boulding puts it is the same wide-angle lens that Fathy uses to view his world

On Kahn and Ito - The metaphysics of Architecure

Kahn//Ito – The metaphysics of architecture

Kahn and Ito both have  metaphysical approach to the issue of spaces and architecture.  The overall idea they are presenting is that architecture is a composition of almost chaotic beauty. The issue of creating space is not according to tenets passed down by history.

A space must be based on its context. This context is what informs Ito that the space known as the ‘tent’ is formed because of its context, the cherry blossom tree. It is also this context that is seen when Kahn states that the nature of space reflects what it, the creation, wants to be.

Both writers’ logics move in a step-by-step fashion. For Ito this is a series of events, one forming the other. Kahn has a explanation that more resembles an evolution of a single thing. However both writers are saying the same thing ‘Space grows out of its context’

Toyo Ito's eastern upbringing gives him a different outlook on life from many westerners as a result many of my colleagues had difficulty in truly understanding what Ito had to say.

Both writers view architecture in a metaphorical sense. Perhaps intangibility is possibly been the ‘beauty’ which builders of times gone by have sought after.

Introverts :10 myths

Myth #1 – Introverts don’t like to talk.
This is not true. Introverts just don’t talk unless they have something to say. They hate small talk. Get an introvert talking about something they are interested in, and they won’t shut up for days.

Myth #2 – Introverts are shy.
Shyness has nothing to do with being an Introvert. Introverts are not necessarily afraid of people. What they need is a reason to interact. They don’t interact for the sake of interacting. If you want to talk to an Introvert, just start talking. Don’t worry about being polite.

Myth #3 – Introverts are rude.
Introverts often don’t see a reason for beating around the bush with social pleasantries. They want everyone to just be real and honest. Unfortunately, this is not acceptable in most settings, so Introverts can feel a lot of pressure to fit in, which they find exhausting.

Myth #4 – Introverts don’t like people.
On the contrary, Introverts intensely value the few friends they have. They can count their close friends on one hand. If you are lucky enough for an introvert to consider you a friend, you probably have a loyal ally for life. Once you have earned their respect as being a person of substance, you’re in.

Myth #5 – Introverts don’t like to go out in public.
Nonsense. Introverts just don’t like to go out in public FOR AS LONG. They also like to avoid the complications that are involved in public activities. They take in data and experiences very quickly, and as a result, don’t need to be there for long to “get it.” They’re ready to go home, recharge, and process it all. In fact, recharging is absolutely crucial for Introverts.

Myth #6 – Introverts always want to be alone.
Introverts are perfectly comfortable with their own thoughts. They think a lot. They daydream. They like to have problems to work on, puzzles to solve. But they can also get incredibly lonely if they don’t have anyone to share their discoveries with. They crave an authentic and sincere connection with ONE PERSON at a time.

Myth #7 – Introverts are weird.
Introverts are often individualists. They don’t follow the crowd. They’d prefer to be valued for their novel ways of living. They think for themselves and because of that, they often challenge the norm. They don’t make most decisions based on what is popular or trendy.

Myth #8 – Introverts are aloof nerds.
Introverts are people who primarily look inward, paying close attention to their thoughts and emotions. It’s not that they are incapable of paying attention to what is going on around them, it’s just that their inner world is much more stimulating and rewarding to them.

Myth #9 – Introverts don’t know how to relax and have fun.
Introverts typically relax at home or in nature, not in busy public places. Introverts are not thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. If there is too much talking and noise going on, they shut down. Their brains are too sensitive to the neurotransmitter called Dopamine. Introverts and Extroverts have different dominant neuro-pathways. Just look it up.

Myth #10 – Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts.
Introverts cannot “fix themselves” and deserve respect for their natural temperament and contributions to the human race. In fact, one study (Silverman, 1986) showed that the percentage of Introverts increases with IQ.