I was thinking earlier this week….most people can only understand the visual aspect of design. But, interestingly enough, the reality is that the most important aspect of design is the functional. Spaces need to work first. They need to support a process and the functional needs of users. And if they look great, then that’s a plus.

Last night, I was fortunate enough to attend a lecture by Ken Wilson, FAIA of Envision that was held at the OSU 4-H Center. Ken is widely recognized for his approach to sustainability and has won numerous design awards for his firm’s magical interior environments. His presentation topic was an overview of the firm’s work for the new world headquarters of the USGBC. Ken is the architect charged with creating a workplace presence for this environmental group that is responsible for the LEED rating system in architecture and design. I was blown away at the level of sophistication that his firm had shown in their consideration of the smallest detail and aspect of the project. They had to work hard to justify energy use, they also worked diligently to evaluate water consumption, and in the end, they also had to work very hard to make the workplace modern, fresh and totally twenty-first century. They evaluated each material with great consideration for the environmental footprint, longevity and performance. As architects and as a society, we will judge the design by its aesthetic characteristics. We are a superficial and visual lot. But the reality is this: our aesthetic sensibilities may change..but the energy use will always be reduced.

Design is so much more rigorous in our hyper-sensitive environment. And we need to slow down and recognize that quick is not always better. Less expensive may be more expensive in the long run. And, the work of the architect is more valuable than what appears on the surface.

We are exceptionally pleased to announce that WSA Studio, in partnership with HKI Associates and OA Spencer Architects, has been awarded the design of a new Africentric Early College K-12 for Columbus City Schools. The project will be the only K-12 school in Columbus City Schools and will provide a new educational environment for the only public African American focused educational curriculum in the United States. The project offers the opportunity to develop a landmark building on an educational campus that will provide state of the art educational opportunities focused on college preparation for many of the exceptional students in the Columbus City School system. Watch for website updates as the design progresses.

Today was the kick off for construction of the new Lancaster OSHP Patrol Post. We are so excited to see yet another project come to fruition. We understand that this project will be a new landmark on SR 33, and will establish a tone for architectural development as Lancaster continues to expand to the west, drawn by the convenience of the new bypass. Watch the construction progress online as we post the construction pictures over the next ten months. Stay tuned.