James Hubbell, architect and artist

"One of the gifts of being in the architecture and building fields is the chance to work with and explore different worlds. For example, the opportunity to design for catholic churches, schools in Mexico, married couples, the top of a mountain, northern climates or in dense urban areas.
"We are made up of all these worlds. They are inside us, often buried deep. The process of relating, designing, and then making the vision concrete is a process of exploring and making real, not only the job but ourselves......"

Kyle Bergman from "Continuous Architecture", published in FRIENDS OF KEBYAR Journal, September 1995.

Continuous architecture is an approach to design/build that integrates the design and building process. It encourages the consideration and execution of design ideas during all phases of a building, from conception through construction. Continuous architecture describes a different process than an architect's designing and then building that design from a set of plans and specifications he has prepared. It only occurs when an architect allows the building process to inform the design in full-scale three-dimensional reality. Typically, reactive design is confined to the drafting board and model making. In contrast, continuous architecture describes a process in which fresh ideas are born and are allowed the opportunity to be nurtured and implemented as the building emerges on the site. Making buildings this way has a variety of benefits ranging from a resurgence in the joy of architecture to greater client satisfaction.....

This opportunity to make decisions as the building is erected is an especially powerful tool for the clients who typically do not have as much experience with scale drawings and models. The process facilitates a client's ability to make more informed decisions. Ultimately it enhances the occupants feeling and understanding of the finished space.

A common element in the buildings made in this approach is their eccentric and idiosyncratic nature. The fact that design is considered in the making process affects the spirit of the building.... When visiting a site one can easily distinguish between a building that is mass produced, custom designed in an office or organically created from conception through construction.

The trend in architecture since the turn of the century has been to retreat from legal responsibility. With this loss of responsibility comes a loss of control. Design/build and continuous architecture are attempts to regain the role of responsibility and architectural determination. Continuous architecture requires us to re-evaluate the typical contractual agreement, because the architect not only creates the initial design but remains intimately involved in the making of the building. This process alters the traditional litigious, finger-pointing, tripartite relationship of architect/client/builder,. Instead it creates a hierarchical structure in which the architect is ultimately responsible. It takes a special relationship between the client and designer for this process to work. This relationship requires the client to put a great deal of trust in the architect. Accordingly, the architect must be ultimately responsible for the design, the quality of construction and adherence to the budget. This design philosophy and contractual agreement is not for all projects....

A design is never complete: we just run out of time to finish. Consequently by maximizing the design time there is an enhanced potential for better architecture....

FRIENDS OF KEBYAR
is a non-profit organization promoting organic architecture, carrying on the essence of the tradition of Bruce Goff, Frank Lloyd Wright and others. Kebyar publishes a periodic newsletter and the magazine.