Urban Discoveries Baltimore

Sir Winston Churchill once said, “We shape our buildings: thereafter they shape us.”  And while that might not be as famous as his tiff with Lady Astor*, it may be just as true.   The environments we choose — be they physical, social, or mental — influence us in ways both small and large.  So, that terrible cubicle you work in isn’t just depressing, it’s depressing you.   And yeah, you should make sure you really like a house before you buy it; pick the wrong one and you’ll suffer for a while.  Fortunately there are people who believe that homes are machines for living and that aesthetics and living well are synonyms.  Fortunately for us those people make sure that Baltimore Architecture Week is open to the public.  After all, it’s their environment too, and they don’t want it to be polluted with your ugly house.  Here are some of the highlights:

• Community Building by Design:  Work from the Neighborhood Design Center, Wednesday, October 14, 6 – 7:30 p.m. at 1401 Hollins Street

This is an open house event for the Neighborhood Design Center, an organization dedicated to providing pro-bono planning and design assistance to low and moderate-income community groups in the Baltimore/Washington area.  This is an opportunity to meet staff, volunteers, and community members, and view projects from the past year; and, most importantly, to learn more about NDC, and how you can become a part of creating positive change in Baltimore.

• Architecture as a Community Experience, Wednesday, October 21, 6 –7 p.m. at the University of Baltimore, Student Center Theater, 21 West Mt. Royal Avenue

This lecture by Rob Brennan, AIA, will focus on architecture’s ability to act as a springboard for educating communities and encouraging social participation to improve a neighborhood’s quality of life.  We’re interested in this if only because it seems to support our thesis so, so well.

• Baltimore Architecture Walkabout, Sunday, October 25, 8:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (departs promptly at 9:00) beginning at the AIABaltimore Gallery, 11 ½ W. Chase Street between Charles and Cathedral Streets  Cost: $10 (proceeds to Baltimore Heritage) Advance payment only to Doris Sharkey, 146 W. Lanvale Street, Baltimore MD 21217, and (410.383.2722.)

This three hour (3 – 4 mile) walking tour of Baltimore highlighting significant architecture in Bolton Hill, Mt. Vernon, and downtown, seems like a lot of fun to us.  Maybe we’re just because we’re suckers for walking tours, but it seems that architecture is best experienced up-close and personally, not briefly witnessed from a car window.  Comfortable shoes and water bottles are recommended.  Pre-registration required and space is limited.

These are just a few (very few) of the many events scheduled.  If you’re at all interested, take a closer look at the complete Baltimore Architecture Week schedule here.
*Lady Nancy Astor: “Sir, if you were my husband, I would give you poison.”
Churchill: “If I were your husband I would take it.”

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