Ontario's government is trying something different. So should we.

Architects have always honored and celebrated those in their ranks who successfully land Big Splashy Projects bringing awards and lots of money into their firms. This is a necessary part of 'the business'; payrolls have to be met.

Dependence on these sexy, press-grabbing jobs cannot remain the only impetus we have to seek out projects and make a good living to support our employees and families.

Our knowledge and passions can focus on projects that lift up and sustain our society - our democracy. And our cities and towns must support our efforts to offer good, solid and beautiful designs to 'ordinary people'.

Libraries are only one of the cornerstones of this fragile, mutable social concept we call democracy. Affordable, well designed, truly livable housing is another. 

Here is Inhabitat's reporting on Ontario's proposal:

http://bit.ly/2g5fVv0

Architects and those who pay them play an essential role in developing beautiful, sustainable, mutable solutions to challenges that accompany Ontario's forward thinking plan.‎ 

Ontario Government's Discussion Paper brought forward by Hugo Segal, here:

http://bit.ly/2eYTh8L

Let us hope that in this newly minted world of protectionism, fear of 'the other' and blatant celebration of greed that kudos, recognition and good money can come to those architects who work for the pure pleasure of knowing they have pushed the boundaries of civil discourse through delightful, use able and thoughtful housing design. 

ScrnGrbCrd: Inhabititat.com‎