Since There Goes the Neighborhood began in January, it's been gratifying to hear from readers about some of the condos I've highlighted in posts. But it’s been decidedly ungratifying to discover some of those readers think I’m a reactionary philistine addicted to negativity. So herewith, responses to some recurring criticisms: I hate new buildings and want everything to stay the same.

"Our lives should be of leisure, playfulness, and bettering our future. So, don’t be the bigot that calls Obama a non-patriot. And don’t be the shallow loud mouth who combats change by calling it ugly." -Christopher Triplett (Full comment here.)

Not at all. Although I love the modesty and history of many of Chicago’s old homes and apartment buildings, I also love the fresh, unique designs found in many of the new condo buildings that have sprouted throughout the city during the last five years. My (admittedly amateur) interest in architecture is what draws my eyes to Chicago’s rich variety of designs and building traditions. In that sense, I am happy to encounter any new building for the stimulation it offers: Why did the architect design the building this way? How does the building integrate the aesthetics of surrounding buildings? It’s this last question that interests me most: the question of continuity. I find myself especially drawn to buildings that balance context and creativity. No one should be impressed with a new building that simply replicates surrounding structures. But a building that consciously places itself into its neighborhood’s context while still carving out its own clear identity ought to be admired. I believe architectural continuity is increasingly hard to find in many of the new buildings popping up in Chicago, at least in my neighborhood (Bucktown). That’s what this blog is about: those new condos that go too far, that disregard all aesthetic context and scream out for attention by only obeying their own rules. (Note: I fully admit my own fallibility and speak only for myself!) Do I want to live in a cookie-cutter subdivision, as one reader assumed? Of course not – that’s why I live in Chicago and not the suburbs. Do I want to live in a neighborhood full of $1 million condos that completely disregard the area’s building traditions? Of course not. My criticisms are superficial. I should go inside of buildings before I judge them.

"You would be surprised about the oddly placed windows if you were to ever experience the space from the inside. Architecture isn’t just about applying an aesthetic to the exterior of a building...but of creating SPACE." -Angelica (Full comment here.)

This is both a fair and an unfair criticism. Fair because it’s obviously superficial to judge a building solely by its exterior (what’s that old cliché about book covers?): No one can fully comprehend a building and its designer’s intentions until moving through it to understand the interplay of light and space, of its interior and exterior. At the same time, however, I don’t have time to pretend I can afford these new condos to schedule a meeting with realtors and tour them. I don’t have time to compare the architect’s design with the final product to ascertain how a developer or client might have altered blueprints to cut costs. But more to the point: As I suggested above, this blog is much more about neighborhoods than it is about individual buildings. In other words, I am more interested in how a new building relates to its surroundings than I am in its aesthetics and internal design logic. Also, I always meant this blog to be driven by photos, not text. I try to avoid sermons (whether positive or negative) at all times, and to keep posts as short as possible. I have appointed myself "town architecture critic," but I don't know anything about design.

"As you have taken up this task of town architectural critic, do you have any works of your own suggesting a prefered or alternate aestheic architects should aspire too? I would really love to see your work because I am searching for such inspiration myself." -Velma Anelo (Full comment here.)

I have appointed myself nothing! Any perception otherwise is the reader’s. That said, I fully admit I have no formal training in architecture, design or construction. What I do have is a stake in my neighborhood, a layman’s interest in Chicago’s architectural history and a camera, computer and internet connection. The fact that I’m a layman informally surveying my neighborhood’s changing architectural landscape should not disqualify me from commenting. I write as a pedestrian gazing at buildings from the outside in – just as the vast majority of Chicagoans experience their city’s buildings. And so while it might yield superficial results, I hold fast to my right to judge a building by what’s visible to those who live near it or pass by it. A few readers implied that only people deeply steeped in architectural theory and history and familiar with an architect’s specific intentions can fully understand a building. This strikes me as an exclusive and undemocratic notion – and one that ultimately defines contemporary architecture as an esoteric pursuit for only the well-educated. I am too negative.

"This project was designed by Studio Dwell, a very talented and professional Chicago-based architecture firm that has won many Chicago and National AIA design awards for their work. I personally like the project very much. Dont be so negative." -Mike (Full comment here.)

This unfortunately has been true, and I thank readers for pushing me to make more constructive comments. One person asked me to post shots of new buildings I find attractive, and I’ll endeavor to do that as much as I do the opposite. From the very beginning, There Goes the Neighborhood has always asked for readers to submit pictures of condos for posting. The offer still stands, whether or not the photographed buildings are in Chicago! Please send all photos and comments to jeremy.gantz[at]methodsreporter.com. Or simply email me with the addresses of new condos you think I should take a look at. Thanks for reading.

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