about haiku for architecture

haiku [hahy-koo]: traditional form of poetry spoken in one breath

architecture [ahr-ki-tek-cher]: the deliberate creation of place

haiku for architecture [hahy-koo | fawr | ahr-ki-tek-cher]: the expression of place in a single breath

haiku is an ancient form of Japanese poetry that is typically associated with the five-seven-five rhythm of syllables. this syllable count, however, isn't really the point of haiku, as many of us have been lead to believe. the essence of haiku is to express an idea, or paint a picture, in a single breath. while traditional haiku is based in nature it typically references physical surroundings rather than emotions, as much western poetry does. this factor lead to the realization that architecture may be a perfect subject for haiku. as an architect it is important to be aware of your surroundings. with the pace of life it seems this awareness has become something that must be a conscious decision, as our attention seems to be constantly diverted to the places we need to go and the people we need to see.

some of us have taken vacations and day trips with the express purpose of being aware of our surrounds, sketchbook in hand, spending hours at a time watching how the sun moves through a space, feeling the texture of the materials, and observing every detail, to truly understand a place, what it's made of and how it's put together. it is unfortunate that these times of keen awareness take up so little time considering the fact that we are "someplace" all the time. the cubicle at work, or the hall in school may not be the Sagrada Familia, but surely, even there, we should still be aware of the space we inhabit, regardless of how banal it may seem. we don't always have time to sit with a sketchbook and record every detail. it is here, in modern times, with our modern schedules that this ancient form of expression, the haiku, can merge.

haiku for architecture is an 'a for architecture' project, with the goal of encouraging everyone to explore, be aware of , and appreciate their own physical surroundings, both built and natural, finding the beauty and uniqueness of their place, and expressing it, simply.

see more a for architecture projects here.