Learning from Great Minds

After discussions based on critical regionalism with Michael, what it is and how it came to be, the group assembled in one of the lecture theaters for a presentation. Perhaps presentation is too dry a term to describe the experience that we were enveloped by in that room; mind-blowing spectacle of architectural and sociopolitical genius! . . . may be better suited.

Paul Pholeros took our minds on a journey through his impressive body of dealing with detrimental housing conditions for the underprivileged citizens of the world to which many of the luxuries that we take for granted (running water, medical care, etc.) are not available. Most of the communities Paul has helped, live in Aboriginal (native Australians) communities in the expansive desert of Australia's interior. We have been continually reminded of architects here practicing 'architecture with a little a.' What they mean in saying this is that they are not designing flashy look-at-me buildings, but instead, responsibly upholding the values that architect's are tasked with maintaining (public health, safety, & welfare) and allowing the design of said buildings to follow suit. Having explained this turn of phrase, I have also described Paul Pholeros' architectural practice. He cooperatively devised a plan with a partner in medicine that continues to raise the survival rate of Aboriginals all over Australia through simple analysis, maintenance, and small amounts of construction of plumbing systems.

Through a separate project in Nepal, he has turned lives around by building outhouses that also allow for a cooking stove to function off of the methane produced from the waste. This may not seem like much, but it is so inspiring to meet a character of such humble, selfless stature.

I must point out though that Paul stressed the importance in finishing our studies and gaining a lofty amount of practical knowledge in the field before ever attempting to delve into his line of work. I found this a very amicable move since so many young adults could be entranced by these words of humble deeds with plans to immediately embark on their on journey to save the world when in reality, one can do so much more help by taking the time to learn the skills by which they may adequately provide that help.

And so with that we all headed up the street from Sydney Uni to a Vietnamese restaurant where we were joined by our other professor, Adrian Parr, and her artist friends/relatives as well as Brian Zulaikha; a partner at a well known local architecture firm called Tonkin Zulaikha Greer. Our guests were impressed and everyone left filled and happy. This trip continues to pay dividends back to us.