MTP Architects News

2012-01-20T13:46:00.000-08:00

Ted Pratt labeled the Thomas Edison of Architecture

MTP Architects Founding Principal described as an Innovator with a Heart by Green Building and Design Magazine for his exploration and experimentation in architectural design.

We of MTP Architects wish to thank GBD Magazine for the profile of Ted Pratt in it's current issue. Mr. Pratt was heard to mutter in the halls that they must have gotten him mixed up with someone else but is deeply gratified and wishes to compliment the wonderful staff and writers of GBD Magazine for their interest in the work of the office.

If you wish to read the article and learn more about Ted and the work of the office go here

The Mummers Theater Oklahoma City

2012-01-07T15:45:00.000-08:00

Growing up in Oklahoma City I found one building truly memorable, The Mummers we called it. I'd seen many inspirational buildings before my family moved to Oklahoma but none in Oklahoma City. That is until the Mummers was built. I always looked forward to our family trips to what was left of downtown (urban renewal of the1960s devastated the urban environment) just to see it and when I could drive on my own would make special trips to it so I could walk around and admire the buildings. What an eye opener to a young mind. The building completely upended all notions I had about building design and was an inspiration to a young man not content with what he saw in the city of my adolescence.

I always wondered where the architect, John M. Johansen FAIA,derived inspiration for the idea and design of the theater. I supposed at the time it was building blocks or tinker toys for the assemblage has a vague similarity to those children's toys. But to my surprise I recently discovered it was electronic circuit boards.

What a delight this discovery was for me whose main architectural investigations are about the effect digital technology has on the design of work, home and fun space. For a full and fun explanation by the architect himself go here. For other videos by John Johansen go here.

Parklets in San Francisco

2012-01-07T11:08:00.000-08:00

New urban design or private occupation of public space?

This question was asked recently on a LinkedIn discussion group page. While this blog is focused on digital technology and it's influence on how we live, work and play the idea of diverging momentarily seems reasonable. After all it isn't like I've been burning the ether space with postings as of late.

Upon further reflection it seems that discussions of public space and it's role in our personal lives fits neatly with the idea of play. We all need a place to find repose, relaxation and respite from the daily rush. Whether it is a refuge in our home, a favorite park, town square, piazza or greenway. Here in San Francisco a recent development called the Parklet is receiving considerable national attention as evidenced by this, this and this. I'm convinced that the idea is a wonderful addition to the local urban environment but not everyone is as evidenced by the comments to a Life in the Slow Lane article. What follows is my response to the posed question.

Parklet on Powell Street, San Francisco

I'm not sure how the addition of parklets is a private invasion of public space since all are accessible to the public and not reserved for individual personal or business use. It seems to me that parklets provide benefit for the public by providing a bit of space to stop and relax in a dense urban center. They also provide benefit for business enterprises as well. I haven't seen any analysis of the benefit to business but it must be there given the popularity of the idea.

I see this issue in the context of the Bay Area's long tradition of providing public accessible open space in the midst of a dense urban habitation. In San Francisco there aren't very many places to sit and relax on the street. There are some "public accessible" parks attached to office developments and some restaurants have outdoor seating but not to the degree other international cities may have with piazzas, squares and courtyards. Parklets fit into the urban context here much the same as Golden Gate Park, Golden Gate National Recreational Area and the Embarcadero do. It's merely a matter of scale.

The citizens of San Francisco and the Bay Area have historically valued accessible open space adjacent to the the urban environment starting with Golden Gate Park in the 1860's, the Burnham Plan of 1907 and more recently the addition of the Presidio to the Golden Gate National Recreational Area. Parklets are miniature versions of a piazza or square and a reflection of the values and culture of the city.
Piazza Navona Rome

Some argue that parklets reduce available parking which is true. But the number of parking spots lost is small especially in a city with as well developed transportation systems as the Bay Area enjoys. I would also posit that parklets provide visual and physical relief from the monotony of uninterrupted concrete and parked automobiles. Not only do they provide seating but the added benefit of street plantings in a city with a dearth of both amenities.

Parklets allow citizens to sit, relax and take in the urban environment while shopping, strolling and sightseeing. Parklets provide a convenient respite and alternative to seeking out a public park or square in a city with relatively few of these urban amenities available.

2011-12-17T11:38:00.000-08:00

SEASONS GREETINGS FROM MTP ARCHITECTS

The very best to you and yours from the MTP Architects Team. We wish you a prosperous 2012.

2011-11-06T13:29:00.000-08:00

Digital Technology, Collaboration and Innovation

Technology, collaboration, architecture and people come together in an innovative way to help us better understand the current condition of our lives. But more importantly the confluence of these elements provide the opportunity for us to improve the current situation. In the digital documentary One Millionth Tower High-Rise open source technology, collaboration amongst inhabitants, architects, urban planners and technologists helps residents envision a new future.

We at MTP Architects are inspired by this effort funded by the Canadian Film Board as a means to affect positive change in people's lives. Not only is this a wonderful example of collaboration leading to innovation it is a great example of people with" Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose" doing good in the world. Which in some small way this blog tries to explore. Whether it's the design of space to improve our comfort, satisfaction, aspiration, productivity and wellness or technology helping us envision a better future this blog is an attempt to explore the topic.

New posts have been infrequent as of late since we've been "deep in the shed"* exploring new ways of seeing. Our latest design for Brandy Ho Metreon has been an experiment in modes of spatial perception as influenced by light and material. It will open early 2012 and we look forward to presenting our thinking and the results then. We were also approached recently by a Global Energy Company interested in our ideas concerning the design of offices. They've requested our assistance in creating offices that foster collaboration and innovation to help move the company forward in the 21st Century. Much time has been spent gathering information about the company vision, goals and work process prior to starting design and we'll be writing about our process in future posts. Also look for additional posts relating to Innovative Organizations.

For now we hope you enjoy the One Millionth Tower documentary.

2011-10-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

Before the New York Times wrote this Reader Memories of Steve Jobs

We wrote this "Thank You Steve Jobs"

THANK YOU STEVE JOBS

2011-08-26T10:30:00.000-07:00

My first personal computer

W hen MTP started business in 1991 we didn't invest our capital in drafting boards, parallel bars, triangles and the other traditional drafting tools and supplies. We invested in powerful Macintosh computers and learned to model and draft our designs on the computer. We announced our opening with a direct mail ( remember the days of direct mail?) piece, designed and printed by us.

The first Power Mac our first office drafting board

It was Steve Jobs vision and ingenuity that created the digital age as we know it today. It is this digital age that provides the subject matter that this blog is mostly concerned with. Here is a link to the first Macintosh introductory video.

Today's computer

We at MTP Architects thank Steve Jobs for his visionary approach to business and innovation.

Office Design Today

2011-08-24T10:38:00.000-07:00

Why this?

In today's NY Times an article about the current state of office design and the deleterious effect of cubicles. The issues discussed in the article are not new and have been raised in this blog several times such as here and here and here.

Just the same it is good to see this issue raised to a more widely viewed level of discussion and we applaud the Times for printing the opinion.

More from us on this critical issue in future posts.

Instead this?

New Developments in Workspace

2011-08-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

From TheChangeYouWantToSee/Coworking

Coworking is an interesting new development in workspace organization. It's an office condo hybrid which combines shared office space, office services with community. For more about this development go here http://workspacedesignmagazine.com/2011/08/coworking-coast-to-coast/

Modernize Your Home

2011-07-28T11:21:00.000-07:00

MY THREE FAVORITE STRATEGIES

INTRODUCTION

We all seem to have an innate sense about what we like and dislike about a house when we first see one. It may be the roof line, window and door placement, exterior finish and detail, room arrangement and size, lighting, interior finish or any and all of the items that cause us to like or dislike a house. If you ask your self, "What is it I'm looking for in my home?", we will say the neighborhood, number of bedrooms and baths, formal or informal layout, types of living spaces required, garage size and budget. But we usually don’t make decisions based on these criteria alone. Other factors influence us; windows are to small, the yard isn’t right, not enough daylight, kitchen is too small, and so on. But often the same rejected house has the potential to meet all our needs and be acceptable with modifications if the we are willing and able to make them.

Each property has potential to become something better. There are ways of identifying that potential as well. I want to share three of my favorite design strategies that have been successful in helping my clients create their dream homes.

James Turrel

CAPTURE DAYLIGHT

Glass panel allows daylight deep into a space

Daylight in homes, whether direct or ambient, is very useful and can be introduced into a space by several different means. Daylight helps connect us with the outdoors, provide light within for our activities, help reduce electrical and heating usage, provide warmth in winter and make a small room seem larger. There are many ways to bring light into a space the most common being a window. The best kind of window of course is an operable one which brings cool fresh air in and warm stale air out.

Skylights wash this kitchen in daylight

My favorite is a window which also is a door, the French window/door. But there are other ways to introduce direct and ambient light into a space; dormers, skylights and doors with glazing panels can all bring light into a space and allow light to bounce deep into a home. Look for ways to bring natural light into a home that seems dark and small for it will enliven and expand a space or spaces in ways that aren’t always apparent. Ask yourself where can we place skylights or dormers, can doors be modified or replaced with translucent panels, can windows be enlarged? Look for these day lighting opportunities for they will turn a dark space into a light filled one and enhance comfort.

CREATE MOVEMENT


Stairs as well as level and material change

Movement within a space consists of two components, visual and physical. Movement in a home and garden will generate visual interest, define use and designate motion. I believe being physically active is a component of healthful living. In my design work I encourage physical movement with level changes at floors or the incorporation of multiple floors requiring stairs for connection. Stairs are a wonderful opportunity to introduce drama into a space. If there were a single element that adds grace, elegance and sophistication to a home it would be the stair. Of course there is no single element for all the elements of a design work together to create the final experience but a stair is very important. The design of stairs has fascinated people for centuries just think of all the wonderful stair designs you have seen.

Movement is not only about stairs though. As I mentioned level changes of only a few inches can add visual interest and define use. Slight changes in level also denote spatial movement. But what if a home is a single story on a fairly flat lot. How can movement be created on single level? One very simple method is to employ a material change at a floor or level to indicate areas of use and passage. An example would be a wood floor at corridors or passages and carpet at living areas. The wood floor creates a path around and through the carpet.

Look for opportunities to encourage movement in the homes you are showing clients. Maybe an existing stair could be improved, level changes introduced in a garden space or something as simple as a change in finish texture on a floor.

CELEBRATE MATERIALS aka CURB APPEAL

The materials we build and finish our homes with should never be forgotten nor under estimated. The materials we incorporate into our homes speak volumes about us. If our homes are an extension of ourselves then the materials we use identify who we are to the world. Just as we are conscious of the clothes we wear so we should be of the materials and finishes of our homes. Used carefully they can convey elegance, sophistication, drama, warmth, playfulness and wit and affect our perceptions in many other ways. Add light whether natural or artificial and they become animated and even more beautiful.

The materials we use don’t have to be expensive but well considered in there use. Paint for instance can be quite inexpensive or expensive depending on its method of application. Even so something as simple as a color of paint can make a large difference in the way a home appears. No matter what the material it can be celebrated by its manner of display and arrangement with other materials. This is true for building materials as well as finish materials. Interesting and beautiful compositions can be made from many or one material. One color of stone can be arranged in an infinite number of patterns. Compositions of patterns add visual interest to the material and the space it is in as effectively as many materials.

Orinda home

Sometimes the opportunity to celebrate materials is outside of the home itself and occurs in the larger context of the street or neighborhood. A good example is this home in Orinda. The original house was sheathed in T-111 plywood siding, both economical and efficient yet nothing else because it was installed with no other finishes or interesting trim. All around the neighborhood were houses that employed a sheathing pattern of two materials. One about halfway up the base and another above to the eaves. Usually done in brick or wood this pattern became the basis for a change in materials at the exterior, wood and stucco that dramatically changed the appearance of the home.

CONCLUSION

Very seldom are we going to find a home that meets all of our stated and unstated
needs, goals and aspirations. This would only occur if we were all the same. Since we aren’t everything we look at initially reflects someone else’s taste and value. But with a little observation many of the homes we view can be made to align with our needs often without extensive expense or time. I hope you find my three favorite strategies helpful, I encourage each one of you to look for others in your home improvement pursuits.

Dramatic Changes in Human Evolution Caused by Technology

2011-04-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

We'd like to share this article in the NY Times about the work of Robert W. Fogel. He has established a link between technology and rapid changes in human evolution a topic that this blog follows with great interest. We hope you find it as enlightening as we do.

INNOVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS - Balancing the Analytical & the Intuitive

2011-02-09T15:14:00.000-08:00

PART 1: INTRODUCTION

The media is all agog with the concept dejour these days. Whether the discussion is politics, education, banking, medicine, design or culture. The word and concept of Innovation is a current fascination of the mainstream and digital media that inevitably rises to the surface of today’s discussions surrounding how we as a country, culture and community can maintain our position of World Economic Leader. It is such a powerful conception a whole industry is dedicated to discussing it. Think Fast Company, Wired, Inc., IEEE Spectrum and even Popular Mechanics. Numerous blogs David Report, Technology Review Feed - Tech Review Top Stories, Next Big Future, Idea Sandbox and conferences such as TED Talks are dedicated to exploring, probing, analyzing and discussing the concept and rightfully so!

Innovative ideas are our country’s competitive edge in the global economy. We need to build on the culture of innovation that has been a strong attribute of our economy since the late 19^th century. Not only do we need more Thomas Edison Menlo Park, New Jersey, GE Global Research, Xerox PARC and MIT Media Labs we need to encourage innovative thinking throughout our culture. Despite China’s enormous economic success, its leaders recognize their culture, politics and bureaucracy discourage fresh ideas breaking through traditional thinking. A case in point is the Chinese attempt to create an “Ivy League” university system, resulting in the realization that a hierarchal culture counterpoints free, challenging and innovative idea exchange. Some sources think that America’s innovative dominance has recently declined for several reasons, including ”deficits, debt, and loss of faith in public institutions”. Others point to restrictive immigration policies, decline of educational institutions and legacy hierarchal organizations. However, business and economic professionals recognize our need to invigorate ideation if we are to retain global leadership and economic growth. It requires that once again the right side of the brain be invited to ”dance” with the left side… balancing the analytical with the intuitive.

Architects and designers can create environments that foster innovation. MTP Architects’ contributions occur within business, educational, medical, home and restaurant environments. Our design approach is based on the idea that our environments facilitate improved comfort, satisfaction, aspiration, productivity and wellness. By designing safe, non-toxic and well-lit spaces that encourage collaboration, analytical thought, focused concentration, joy and periodic relaxation, we provide some of the critical elements of an innovative life. We are especially attentive to technology and culture and what occurs at the intersection of the two. For the lines that once separated what we do and where we do it continually erode. Technology is dissolving physical barriers or as Thomas Davenport eloquently stated there is “an increasingly porous technology barrier between personal lives and jobs, … employees can often be found doing paid work from home and tending to their personal affairs in the office.” We would add coffee shops, restaurants, airports and plazas to the list. “Digital Natives”, and “Digital Hybrids” appear to be doing quite well without the restraints of spatial hierarchy.

COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS

Tough challenging economic times call for wise and cost effective investments in our physical surroundings. These investments must be thoughtful, inspiring, and prudent as well as contribute to our well being. They need not be expensive or excessive but targeted to achieve specific results. They also need to be mindful of the new type of workers entering the workforce. The Digital Natives may not be old enough but there are many Digital Hybrids in today’s culture. We indeed are at the opposite end of the pendulum arch that so defined (and deflated) the indulgent .com affluence and era of cheap capital. Despite the demise of many of these exuberant experiments, excellent ideas regarding collaboration and playful teamwork in the workplace survive and need reinterpretation with an economy of means.

An environment that supports “Design Thinking”, creative problem solving and innovation need not be out of reach financially. It has more to do with human nature… dreaming of what might be, forming concepts, communicating honestly, and allowing openness and cooperation to transform dreams into reality. Environments balancing playful ideation with focused concentration are critical investments.

The critical point is: Investment in the work environments need not be materially opulent and excessive but knowledgeable and thoughtful. How does one’s environment balance spontaneity and structure, foster well being, insure success?

CONTEXT

In the following series of postings, MTP Architects will draw insight from visionary clients and pertinent professional forums. Our inquisitive participation has resulted in insights and awareness of the attributes of successful, innovative organizations. Our goal first is to share these findings in a clear, simple and brief manner and second, to provide appropriate consulting services to help organizations achieve their goals.

CLIENT LEARNINGS

This introduction and consequent briefs in this series uses and interprets data from our clients and colleagues including:

GARTNER: The Algorithmic Revolution”

LUCENT: “Performance Characteristics of Successful Organizations”

MIT / CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY: “Repose, Rejuvenate, Create”

GARTNER: THE ALGORITHMIC REVOLUTION

Teen Brains on Technology

2011-02-05T14:45:00.000-08:00

Do You Think Teens Should Read More?

We want to share a very interesting article in the New York Times about e-readers and teens. It seems e-readers have increased interest in reading among teens. Surely this must be a positive development for a culture that reads is a culture exposed to a multitude of ideas. For more go here

Digital Natives are discovering the pleasures of reading. Not only reading Harry Potter but Little Women and Hunger Games through e-readers.

We'll be posting more about Culture and Technology very soon in a series focusing on Creativity, Innovation and Culture.

A Critical Tool for Organizational Decision Making

2011-01-28T14:33:00.000-08:00

Over the past decade, MTP Architects’, Director of Strategy, has provided workplace strategy and design services for a renowned “International IT Consulting Firm.” Having developed their global workplace guidelines and Comparative Analysis Matrix for corporate headquarters’ location as well as designed several cutting edge workplace environments, MTP Architects was well poised to apply our strategy tools to represent their needs at their second largest facility located in the Southeastern US. Based on critical criteria specifically developed for them, we provided a comparative analysis of two development projects under consideration.

Proposed Site Plan to Current Facility

The organization’s primary goal was to determine which development approach, a 65,000SF addition to the current facility or a 120,000SF new structure, would meet their goals of efficiency, flexibility and cost effectiveness. MTP Architects' approach to providing our client with objective data upon which to make this critical decision consists of the following:

Establish a “Best Practices” benchmark to compare each option with.

Analyze each option in relation to site orientation, floor plan arrangement, glazing ratio and orientation, shading factor, day lighting potential and building sections.

Compare building efficiencies determined by structural grid, glazing module and core to perimeter dimensions. This became the basis of our “Occupancy Efficiency Studies”

Establish a Comparative Analysis Matrix, rating each approach, including the ideal, against a variety of architectural criteria.

Document actual useable workspace after removing all core elements.

Summarize and Document findings to serve as a clear and objective building tool serving our client’s business objectives and Global Workplace Guidelines.

Our strategic services, whether an independent endeavor or integrated into our design process, is a critical reason why our clients' look to us as trusted advisors for their facility decision processes.

"We Are All Cyborgs Now"

2011-01-28T09:54:00.000-08:00

As Amber Case states "technology is changing us...will these machines ultimately connect or conquer us? In this presentation Ms Case posits that the distance between individual and community will decrease bringing about unprecedented rapid learning and communication.

"She's a digital native. She's from the future. She's come back to help us figure out how to think."

Kris Krug, in Fast Company

TED Talks Amber Case Video

We find studies such as this enlightening to our investigations of the digital realm and the effect digital technologies are having on the design of our communities, offices and homes.

We will be posting more of our research in regard to this question with attention given to innovative organizations very soon.

Teen Brains and Technology

2011-01-17T09:28:00.000-08:00

We want to share this report from PBS Newshour contributor, Miles O'Brien. His report is directly related to our recent posting The Human Paradigm.

Unlearning to Collaborate

2010-12-02T11:59:00.000-08:00

Unlearning to Collaborate is a wonderful blog posting written by our colleague Randy Deutsch. We think what he has to say is applicable to everyone regardless of profession or vocation. We hope you find Randy's thoughts useful.

DIFFA Event 2010

2010-11-23T15:55:00.000-08:00

For the second consecutive year we were asked to design a table for DIFFA's Dining by Design San Francisco. What follows is an explanation of our inspiration and concept.

Honored Guest:

Thank you for supporting DIFFA’s Dining by Design and joining the effort to find a cure for AIDS/HIV. Your table represents a concept of survival and renewal. The table chronicles California natural and human history, as well as life's elegance and complexity through the rings, of a Claro or California Walnut. The tree's beauty, as told in the grain, records times of plenty, lean and man's interventions in the natural realm. Both the hope and the irony of a tree’s inherent beauty, as expressed in its grain, is due to its very struggle to survive times of drought, nourishment, storm and calm.

The tree from which your table is created also played a role in the human history of California. For it is a tree unto which early French settlers grafted limbs of French Walnut. Its survival and bounty is due to both nature’s cycles and man’s intelligence. This, in many regards, parallels our search to manage and cure HIV. The settlers strengthened the weaker French Walnut, whose fruits were rich and delicious, by grafting it’s branches to the stronger California Walnut whose fruit was less than desirable but possessed a well-adapted root

structure. Man and nature team, resulting in a hearty California Walnut tree that yields a bounty of delicious fruit!

The design of your table is a collaboration among many that celebrates the memory of the bond between humans and nature, the beauty of trees and the story of hope and survival they teach.

The Information Tsunami

2010-11-15T09:59:00.000-08:00

This third and final installment of our discussion of Design, Architecture and Algorithms will briefly look at how space was organized in our recent past and how those assumptions have been challenged and are evolving.

Remnants of the Analog

Hierarchal spatial organization remains, like recent ruins, the physical manifestation of the now historic analogue world. They are rapidly becoming functionally obsolete in the home, community and at work.

Before we simply dismiss the entire 20^th century, we must remember its daring innovations, solutions and brilliant “Digital Immigrants”. They created the structure that enables and sustains today’s “Digital Natives”.

Moon walking Astronaut

And now, infant 21^st Century technologies are creating new structures, rapidly replacing the old.

OUR NEW WORLD PARADIGM

String Theory Illustrated

CHANGE IS CONSTANT

CHANGE IS PROFOUND

CHANGE IS RAPID

STRUCTURED CHAOS

TSUNAMI WAVES OF INFORMATION

FILTERING "GENIUS" IS REQUIRED

DEMANDING COLLABORATION / IDEA EXCHANGE

CREATING A COMMUNITY OF TRUST

HIERARCHY

The Newtonian view of the universe is one where all is ordered, like a huge, precision machine. Based on this hierarchal model, we organized our homes, communities and places of work. This is reflected in family and organizational structure which appears to be radically / rapidly changing on a daily basis.

QUANTUM PHYSICS

The study of quantum physics is providing a compelling, if not unsettling, awareness of our true reality: our essence, our connectivity is both ordered and chaotic, balancing spontaneous collisions and matter to wave to energy transformations that our very observance makes real! Life systems are actually random: the ultimate key to our existence and survival? Technology in our infant 21^st century is paralleling the chaotic nature of our reality and, ironically, forcing us to create new ways to learn, understand and order all that bombards us.

We see new visions of architecture and design reinterpret past givens as technology allows brave, new forms. Here at MTP Architects, we strive to understand these new forces on a very human level as we design our structures and interiors.

Marchfirst

A built environment need not be static and repetitious but dynamic and varied: a container that enables the dynamics of change, structured chaos, to be harvested, its yield beneficial to all.

Brandy Ho's Westfield

Credits:

Feb 27, 2010 Economist;

Oct 28, 2006 Economist, back cover; ; Feb 27, 2010 Economist, Fred Rieber, The Economist - Oct 7th pg 76, Oct 28th back cover, Nov. 18th pg 12, Metropolis Nov.2006 pg 65

Innovative Thinkers

2010-11-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

We'd like to share an article posted on the Harvard Business Review concerning the mind of a "designer". The article touches on many of the same topics posted on this blog. If we had our way we would substitute "innovative thinker" for "designer".

HIGH CHAPARRAL RESIDENCE

2010-10-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

We have been collaborating with a family who asked us to transform their tract house into a sustainable home at one with the environment and expressive of their values and vision. Their charge was to design in harmony with the California high chaparral setting and provide a contemporary spatial arrangement suitable to their life style.

Front of Home

After an intense series of focus group sessions and visioning with the family we developed alternate design concepts. These concepts were tested against benchmarks that addressed the family vision, goals, schedule and budget.

The resulting design playfully juxtaposes forms representing the original footprint and new additions. References to the original home are expressed with pitched roofs and salvaged brick. The cubic new wings provide enlarged bedrooms for the family and roof areas for photovoltaic panels. A central atrium denoted by a channel glass slab provides natural ventilation and brings daylight deep into the interior.

Overview showing overhangs and shading

Structures at one with the desert incorporate deep shade with natural ventilation. Shading of interior spaces is accomplished with deep overhangs of forms, decks and roof. Clerestories provide indirect day lighting and ventilation. Indoor and outdoor spaces flow seamlessly together allowing the family to experience the outdoors as integral living space.

Atrium

The interior space is intended to foster graceful flow, easy maintenance and uncluttered elements. The home is designed with ground floor public rooms and the second floor reserved for family privacy. Areas are set aside as frames for the display of family heirlooms and provide contrast to modern furnishings. Adjacent restrooms and attached decks intentionally separate private areas on the upper level from one another. All spaces open to the light filled atrium and connecting stairs reinforcing the concept of spatial interconnection.

MTP Architects mentioned on Fangalicious

2010-10-25T16:47:00.000-07:00

We value and appreciate the creative process no matter where it occurs.

Our friend, restauranteur and blogger Kathy Fang shares her newest creations with us. Recently she created a special off menu item for us and gave us a shout out on her blog.

Five Spice Fish with Sweet Potato Hash

Kathy Fang's Five Spice Fish

with Sweet Potato Hash

What do you think?

The Evolution of (MTP) Architects

2010-10-13T10:42:00.000-07:00

A remarkable confluence of forces is upon the architecture and design community. They force us to reexamine, reevaluate, restate and rethink the premise of our practices. On one hand, traditional professional services and markets are experiencing “disruption” due to social, economic and technological factors.

On the other hand, “Design Thinking”, an architect’s holistic and lateral reasoning skills, i.e. our creative processes are becoming more and more in vogue especially among business management theorists.

Organizations are discovering that design processes involve somewhat childlike perceptions that enable awareness of emerging trends, innovative ideas and, better yet, fresh questions to pose. The innovation envelope is pushed further by examination of behavior, asking questions, development of alternative solutions, refinement and reevaluation before the selection of a solution(s).

This is what we all do as architects/designers seeking solutions to questions. It is our belief that our creative skills can be harnessed for other endeavors. Or as Mark Dziersk stated in a Fast Company article “…apply design methodologies to any of life’s situations.”

Recently, a global company seeking solutions in a non-traditional manner approached us. Our strategic work, presentations, discussions and thinking patterns had piqued the interest of principals who presented an unusual request. Could we use our skills of observation, analysis and documentation within the context of architecture and urban design to identify opportunity?

Naively we said why not.

Consequently, we’ve been asked to observe with fresh, unbiased eyes, and comment upon the potential urban, economic and social aspects of several emerging sports venues. This brief is from a venture capital firm mind you.

We believe this is a great example of the evolving application of the architects’ creative process applied to a new, yet related, field of opportunity. Architecture is indeed a great field of study and applicable to so many interesting venues so let’s toast our “Design Thinking!”

The Human Paradigm

2010-08-17T11:57:00.000-07:00

Are we currently witnessing a major milestone in human evolution?

Are Post Millennials and their future offspring “newly evolved beings” (Gene Hall, President, Gartner)?

Are we at a transformative moment in human evolution as profound as the dawn of abstract thinking and syntax?

Marc Prensky, renowned writer & lecturer, suggests that having grown up with the tools and toys of the Digital Age, ie: Video Games, young, post millennial kids may have physically different brains!

“Children raised with the computer
think differently from the rest of us.
They develop hypertext minds. They
leap around as if the cognitive structures
were parallel, not sequential” (M. Prensky)

As Charles Darwin may have observed 150 years ago “Is natural selection underway?”

Are the “Digital Haves” of the First World evolving differently from the “Digital Have Nots” of the third world?

Or is Humanity so connected that the point is moot?

Too much science fiction? O.K. Let’s take a few steps back and check into what we architects and designers, observe through our clients. Fred Rieber, MTP Architects, first heard the term “Digital Native, Digital Immigrant”, while attending a Gartner ITEXPO Symposium in Cannes, France, 2006. The intent of the invitation was to translate the IT affects of the new digital world to the more human nature of design and architecture: our homes, offices and communities. Drawing insight from the ITEXPO, we explored how IT insights translate into architectural vision, impacting all aspects of our modern lives.

Based on what we have read, heard, observed and experienced, our definitions of generational patterns take on a slightly different tone from Prensky’s in that our Digital Natives are post millennial (born after 2000 AD) and we introduce a third generational type: Digital Hybrid.

Our HUMAN PARADIGMS are as follows:

“DIGITAL NATIVES” are the truly native speakers of the digital language and the genesis of its culture. We observe them as youthful multi taskers, intuitively digital and fearless in their approach to life. They also possess a need for mentoring and context but only respond to those who speak their “language”.

“DIGITAL IMMIGRANTS” must learn the new language but will always retain their “accent”(M. Prensky). We observe them as being born in the analogue world, facing fear in our digital one but always offering the wisdom of rich experiences and context.

“DIGITAL NATIVE / IMMIGRANT HYBRID” is our definition of a transitional paradigm describing Generation Y / Millennials. They were not born in the digital world but with youthful bravado, thoroughly embrace it. We observe them as transitional generations employing transitional technologies, clearing the way for the “natives”.

We differentiate DIGITAL HYBRIDS from DIGITAL NATIVES, our youngest children because, for them the promise of emerging technologies is more and more intuitive and less linear. This parallels the cognitive nature of their evolving young brains resulting in a perceived inert ability to embrace it. It’s almost as if they are born with this ability!

Early use of digital technology required a left-brain, linear and analytical approach to “commanding” the computer, effectively shutting down right brain participation. A digital immigrant would refer to the intuitive nature of conversation, writing, sketching… natural syntax. But as digital technology evolves, the right brain is more and more engaged. Syntax is occurring between man and machine! Both analytical thinking and intuition result in imaginative, innovative paradigm shifts. It’s often the artist who envisions the future. In employing digital tools to create his innovative photographic collages, artist Michael Davidson invites our subconscious participation in seeing our reality in fresh new ways. Let the right and left-brain dance!

SARCOPHAGUS by MichaelDavidsonFineArt.com

As Gartner observed at ITEXPO Cannes 2006, it is the intersection of the intuitive tool employed by intuitive Man that will profoundly affect every aspect of our lives.

Next Discussion: THE INFORMATION TSUNAMI

Credits: Oct 28, 2006 Economist, back cover; Feb 27, 2010 Economist; Feb 27, 2010 Economist, Fred Rieber, The Economist - Oct 7th pg 76, Oct 28th back cover, Nov. 18th pg 12, Metropolis Nov.2006 pg 65

M M M MY G G G GENERATION !!!

2010-08-04T10:33:00.001-07:00

Hopefully, the overly hyped discussion of generational definitions, differences and incompatibilities will soon run its course. Historically, “Generational” issues are an inherent part of our human development. The bravura and impatience of youth is tempered by wisdom and insight of elders. The current discussion implies a generational tension exists that adversely affects the ability of the groups to work together.

Throughout mankind’s history, inventive breakthroughs have significantly affected the relationships between generations…. to name a few:

FIRE, WHEEL, PRINTING PRESS, HORSELESS CARRIAGE and FLIGHT…

oh, let’s not forget,

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY.

It might be instructive to apply the fashionable generational labels: Vet, Traditionalist, Boomer, Generation X & Y and Millennials to our ancestors of 100 years ago when we leapt from the 19^th into the 20^th century: Civil War Vets and their offspring, the Boomers, Generation X & Y totally embracing the fruits on the Industrial Revolution the cotton

gin, McCormick Reapers and whale oil lamps while the Millennials (or in their case: Centurians) are born into an age with the wireless, electric lighting, indoor plumbing and the intuitive ability to

drive the horseless carriage. In spite of these different experiences the various generations at the last turn of the century worked remarkably well together.

After all, we are enjoying the fruits of their labor!

We at MTP Architects have observed through a variety of our client types, residential through workplace, that the most profound influence affecting how we think, work, live and play is rapidly emerging technologies, not abrasive generational silos!

We have written a brief, serialized discourse,

SHAPING HOME, COMMUNITY AND WORKPLACE; Design, Architecture and Algorithms,

based on our observation and learning to provoke thought and conversation.

INTRODUCTION

Design, Architecture and Algorithms

Architectural solutions set the stage upon which we engage our lives both public and private. Beyond providing the basic need of a roof over our head architecture can fulfill our spirit, aesthetics and perception.

Today we find ourselves confronted by a data deluge that individuals and organizations alike must find a way to cope with. This data deluge is a result of digital technologies that are profoundly changing the way in which we think, work, live and play. We all are aware of the stimulating as well as debilitating effects of technology.

But are we sensitive to how individuals embrace technology?

Is digital technology responsible for a “newly evolved being” (Gene Hall, President, Gartner)?

Digital technology affects our lives in less apparent but no less profound ways. We have observed a merging of many formally discrete aspects of daily life.

Some examples include the home office, coffee shop within the office, coffee shop as office and the restaurant community table.

We believe that in addition to meeting physical project needs, schedule and economies design solutions must embrace and respond to both the psychological and sociological implications of emerging technologies in order to enrich and enhance our life experiences.

As architects and designers, we are trained to keenly observe our environment. Our design processes must be ever more mindful of our evolving homes, community and workplace realities.

Our profession serves as agents that empower “real estate” to transform an investment liability into asset. In other words, a house becomes a HOME, a workplace becomes a collaborative VILLAGE, and a community becomes a container within which the DYNAMICS of CHANGE can occur.

Families are nurtured, businesses innovate and prosper, and communities interact.

Architecture, a response to our shared human need for shelter, becomes a transformative force!

Next Discussion: THE HUMAN PARADIGM

Credits:
(Carsten Roth Architekt – Hamburg, Germany
Feb 27, 2010 Economist

Oct 28, 2006 Economist, back cover)

NOTES ON LIGHT

2009-05-21T16:17:00.001-07:00

Brandy Ho's Exterior, originally uploaded by mtparchitects.

Can it be over a year since the opening of the Brandy Ho's Castro restaurant? After the first flush of excitement came the anticipation of what would happen as the economy headed south. The neighborhood was delightfully receptive and supportive at the opening. Would this be enough to get the establishment off the ground and sustainable? Will the customers keep coming? Is there enough seating and will the take out and delivery business remain strong? And what about the aesthetics? How will customers respond to a white box with another box inside?

Although the economy is still very slow and we aren't spending like we did in the past the restaurant is a success and the owners very happy with their decision to take a chance. At least that's what I'm told. If you know otherwise please let me know. I promise you won't be accused of elder abuse.

As for that box in a box design concept ......... the jury is out on that one I suspect. I only know that my clients were delighted with the concept when presented and are just as enthusiastic now. Which was/is the point. I strive to increase client success.

Time has allowed me the opportunity to think about some design aspects which I feel strongly about. It seems to me as a form maker and modeler of space that light allows the ordinary to become extraordinary. By light I mean the presence and absence of luminosity. We see light by it's absence. Figures are flat and nondescript if fully lit in the round. It's the gradation of light that informs us of a form's dimension, shape, texture, weight and mass.

Shadows add interest, anticipation, yearning and resolution. The shadows allow contemplation, meditation and reflection.

Elegant New Space Designed by Millard T. Pratt Architects

2008-02-19T14:05:00.000-08:00

14 February 2008 San Francisco, CA: Build a better pot sticker and the world will beat a path to your door. Such was the case this past weekend when Brandy Ho's-- the legendary Hunan Restaurant from San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood -- opened its new, and instantly iconic, restaurant in the City's Castro district with a memorable bash for a delicious crowd and an unending supply of Brandy Ho's award-winning cuisine. The standing-room only crowd included San Francisco District 8 Supervisor Bevan Dufty, Alex Randolph of Mayor Gavin Newsom's Office, Anna Damiani from California Assemblyman Mark Leno's Office, San Francisco Port Commissioner Rodney Ong, MUMC President Stephan H. Adams, Castro location Manager Jimmy Lam and architect Millard (Ted) Pratt whose firm, MTP Architects, designed the interiors. As if a good omen, coming as the opening did on the auspicious second day of the Lunar/Chinese New Year, the new Brandy Ho's received its first review, a rave from Gloss Magazine which enthused that "Brandy Ho's Hunan Food is the fiercest Chinese restaurant to catwalk the Castro in years! "This is a dream come true," said Brandy Ho, name-sake and founder of the brand. "We are so proud to be a part of this community, and moved by the warm welcome you have given us." Pratt's firm, MTP Architects, has created an entirely new interior at the Castro Brandy Ho's. The dining area, which seats 50, boasts laminated flooring, bench, walls and ceiling of Brazilian cherry. The simply delineated, soft-lit eating area acts as a backdrop to the cuisine and was designed to encourage a contemplative dining experience. In tune with the urbane feel of the interior, deliveries (for which Brandy Ho's is legend) are handled through a separate entrance so as not to disturb in-restaurant diners. In keeping with environmental concerns, the restrooms are fitted out with energy-saving lighting and water fixtures, including an automatic faucet activated by the body-heat of a person¹s hands.
"Our main goal is to be the best that we can be," said Jack Ho, Brandy's brother. When people eat at our restaurant, we want them to say we are the best in The City. Hunan is simple, spicy, down-home cuisine that uses the most natural flavors and hottest spices in all of Chinese cooking. We love it --- and people do best, the things they love best." For reservations call(415) 252-8000.