House Thinking (2)

I was enthralled by the HBO miniseries "John Adams" for many reasons, not the least of which is that John Adams was the kind of politician that I most admire -- fiesty, opinionated and as his colleagues suggested during the continental congress "obnoxious and disliked". What a guy! I'd vote for him anyday over any of the choices I have now.

The series also did a fair job of showing the personalities of that part of history in a way let them be very human, which they very much were. But mostly, I liked the way it showed Thomas Jefferson and his penchant for architecture.

It may come as some surprise that interior design was originally done by men, and Jefferson was one of the best. He was obsessed with his home and declared, "Architecture is my delight and putting up, and pulling down, one of my favorite amusements." Jefferson's home, Monticello, is the only American home so honored to be placed on the World Heritage Sites. (p 32).
More importantly, Jefferson understood the idea that we first shape our environements and then they shape us. His entry and hallway, according to Gallagher, were designed to keep some visitors in -- and many others out. His entire home was around the idea that he could control those who entered its spaces simply by the way in which he designed the lighting, the spaces and the furnishings. (pp 31, 32). Perhaps our public spaces could serve better if we understood this approach that our behavior, our attitude -- even our thoughts -- are impacted greatly by our environments.

Too often, good design is compromised by the idea that a room should "look" a certain way. Perhaps it is a better approach to ask of spaces, "Does this room or closet or patio help me be the right self at the right time?" This question, like all many suggested by Gallagher, allows for a new idea that a space will mold and bend us but to what cause? Some rooms inspire. Some depress. Some soothe and some excite. Regardless the function, spaces can impact us in subtle and dramatic ways.