Quality of Life, Quality of Place
EVERYTHING HAS ITS TIME and for Houston, the desire for "quality of life" and "quality of place" seems to have found its time in the minds and discourse of the public, the politicians, the decision-makers and the media. Perhaps we, as architects, should claim some small victory that after years of voicing these very virtues, someone's listening. Whatever the impetus, fear of lost economic opportunities, reaction to the negative press about our city or the real belief that better solutions to how and where we live are possible, the realization is here that not all of the negative images of Houston are hype. This realization has provided the opportunity and the determination by many in our community to act.
Regardless of the motivation, people from diverse backgrounds and interests are coming together with the commitment to create change. The Quality of Life Coalition has formalized its agenda to be a champion for change. Its mission is to be the catalyst for mobilizing the public and government to fund and implement initiatives to change the visual image of Houston and to support community amenities intended to improve both quality of life and quality of place for Houstonians.
The Coalition's agenda focuses on four specific areas -- trees and landscaping, parks and bayous, billboards and signage, and litter and graffiti -- as the keys to improving the visual perception of our city and to enhance the quality and quantity of community amenities. AIA Houston has been a leader in promoting these efforts for many years, as have many of our other partners concerned with the quality of our built and natural environments. AIA Houston has endorsed and supports the Coalition's efforts and welcomes the commitment and leadership that this group of citizens brings to these endeavors.
The efforts of the Center for Houston's Future and the Quality of Life Coalition have initiated the public discourse and created the moment for the citizens of Houston to focus on their quality of life and question their own expectations of quality of place. The dialogue has been initiated and to be successful must be institutionalized in the media and on the agendas of our leaders. We, as citizens of Houston, are presented with the opportunity to become a city and a region that embraces continued public awareness and public discourse of the issues affecting our quality of life and quality of place.
To effectively address "quality of life" and "quality of place" for the citizens of Houston, the lack of implementation of regional planning strategies in our eight-county area must become a subject of the public discourse. Economic and population growth over the next ten to fifteen years will seriously test, if not break, our existing infrastructures and further erode the current quality of life for the citizens of this region. Will we have the public and political will to create change and effectively address the implementation of regional planning and policies?
The R/UDAT envisioned by AIA Houston (President's Letter May 2001) seeks to explore this issue of how to implement regional planning decisions involving our eight county area. The current public discourse initiated by the Quality of Life Coalition concerning the visual perception of Houston and the public awareness of "quality of life" could form the basis for future "grassroots" public discourse and awareness of regional planning issues such as mobility, air quality, open space, safe water and affordable housing. Public awareness and discussion of these regional issues and viable alternatives and opportunities help shape the public and political will, empower politicians to act in the interests of the region, and allow for regional policies to follow.
See below for an article by Marie Hoke, AIA, Director for Education. Marie provides valuable leadership in the development of AIA Houston's public education programs. Be sure to read about her plans and responsibilities as a member "On the Board."
Ray Leiker, AIA
"On The Board" - of Directors, That Is
Marie Hoke, AIA, Director for Education
A concept I learned in architecture school has become increasingly relevant to me over time and has influenced my desire to participate in the programs sponsored by the committee I chair, in the Board position I occupy and in the AIA Houston Chapter as a whole.
The idea of "making something your own" has broader meaning to me now than it did in second year design studio. As committee chair of Architecture is Fun, I frequently speak to eight-, nine- and ten-year-olds about defining their career paths for themselves, not letting the stereotypes they hear about architects dissuade them from considering this profession as a viable career choice. As often as I get questions about "how much money can I make, can I afford a Dodge Viper?" I also get expressions of wonderment from kids looking at a model or photographs of a project under construction.
Of course, the practice of architecture is not all joy and wonderment but recognizing its potential for such is a critical first step. Becoming knowledgeable about the profession is also as important as keeping it fun. An eight-year-old understands that being an architect is "hard work."
The projects and programs sponsored by the Architecture is Fun committee and the Michael Meyers committee demonstrate the commitment and respect that area students, teachers, parents and community leaders have for our profession. Teacher workshops, exercises like Box City, MFAH Family Day programs and competitions like Michael Meyers help make the lessons of architecture accessible to all those interested.
Not all participants in our programs want to become architects but at least they can be informed about the broader issues of being a good citizen, being aware of their environment and taking the opportunity to help shape it -- if not as an architect, then perhaps as a client.
