Junto

There is an ongoing debate at P’unk Avenue, recently rekindled by a Design Observer article, regarding the value of giving a client “what they asked for” and giving a client “what’s best for them.” Sometimes the client wins, sometimes the designer wins, but most often there is some sort of harmony. The operative vocabulary: Empathy, Egotism, and Synthesis.

This Junto past featured our first panel discussion. This topic required a broader perspective, one found by combining the experience of an Industrial Designer, Tony Guido, an Architect, Collin Robinson, and an Urban Planner, Scott Page. I had hoped to wing the discussion, but Geoff thought wiser. Preparation was helpful, but brought with it some public engagement anxiety. Nonetheless, the knowledge of our panel and the inquisition of our audience made for a wonderful two hour discussion.

Assertions:

• A “broader view” is necessary to promote sustainability– transcending ego, empathy, designer, and client
• Frank Lloyd Wright was an egotist
• Empathists are oft forgotten
• In urban planning, “creating beauty is a collective responsibility”
• Style has yielded to Process and how you sell [your idea]
• Both empathy and egotism are all about the self

This meager recapitulation holds no candles to the quality of last week’s discussion. We appreciate the knowledge and courage of our panel and look forward to our next gathering in January, details to follow.

Related topics: MINUTES