Site Logo

Life of an Architect

  • about me
  • Questions / Contact
  • F. A. Q.
  • Do you want to be an Architect?
You are here: Home / Architects / The Eyewear of Architects

The Eyewear of Architects

March 3, 2010 by Bob Borson 20 Comments

 .

Architects and eyeglasses

Why do visually impaired architects feel compelled to wear large, structurally pronounced eye wear? There is definitely a look that is assigned to architects:

  • Dress in all black, maybe a little white, and on laundry day monochromatic tones are acceptable (if you are not going out in public)
  • Carry a briefcase but only if it has a shoulder strap (Jack Spade is a good choice)
  • Have on your person at all times an assortment of felt tipped pens (because ballpoint pens are so bourgeois)
  • Wear large, geometric eye glasses
  • If your hair isn’t black, white or silver, consider getting it colored

This is the look and if you have it, people will never ask you what you do for a living – they’ll know.

I have never understood why the rank and file of such a purportedly creative bunch would choose to have their appearance so easily defined. We have been typed and categorized with minimal effort by the public at large. My wife frequently points out that as soon as an architect deviates from this recipe, they are terrible dressers. I used to dispute her opinion but it is becoming harder and harder argue my case when the evidence at her disposal is so readily available.

There is evidence to support that wearing such dominant glasses can help you “brand” your face by making you stand out and be more memorable. Sometimes the eyewear can become so ingrained into your look that this becomes the way you are defined. Use Le Corbusier as an example – it is impossible to think of him without those glasses. Phillip Johnson even had his signature spectacles made based on those worn by Le Corbusier.

I consider architects to be rational radial thinkers. In the simplest of terms, it is because despite having programming and building codes to contend with, our solutions are still partially judged on their aesthetics. As a result, we approach a problem with no set solution and start working and compressing towards the center to find a balance between the function and the form. A little take here, give a little there, back and forth, over and over until the balance that we seek has been found. Do architects take the same approach to selecting their eyewear?

Do architects who choose “architect” glasses consider them sterile and functional or are they a fashion accessory? With today’s modernist architects re-upping to the maxims of “Less is More”, I would have to say the former. Do they consider, hair or eye color? What about the shape of their face? Are the lenses thick so as a result, the frames are structural? How about a color other than black? (Gasp! – I can’t believe I asked that last question…I imagine someone from the AIA is preparing a letter reprimanding me at this very moment).

Most importantly, do they wear them when nobody is looking?

These are not unreasonable questions and if we were talking about actual architecture rather than the look that seems to define architects, I would expect that every architect would consider multiple solutions to all these questions.  Based on the evidence at hand, and I’m not entirely sure of this yet, but if your architect isn’t wearing glasses like these, they probably aren’t very committed.

Cheers,

Bob signature FAIA

Don't EVER quit your job like this....
Under construction ... already?

even better stuff from Life of an Architect

You have to make a decision
Make a Video? Why not...
Painting isn't fun anymore
The Heights: Anatomy of a Skyscraper
Someone wants to buy my house
My First Project: The Best Project Ever Designed That Wasn't
There are no stupid questions
Guess what? I Just Received an 'F'

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Architects, Observations Tagged With: Architects, Architecture and Society, Do you want to be an Architect

Life of an Architect | Bob Borson

  • View lifeofanarchitect’s profile on Facebook
  • View bobborson’s profile on Twitter
  • View bobborson’s profile on Instagram
  • View bborson’s profile on LinkedIn

Trending on Life of an Architect

Do you want to be an Architect?
Modern Wood Rainscreen
Architectural Portfolios
Graphic Standards
Top Ten Reasons to be an Architect
How much money does an architect make?
Ten Cathedrals to see before you die
Architectural Sketching or How to Sketch like Me
Architecture and Math
Best Architectural Websites 2016

Subscribe to our mailing list

* indicates required

Search Life of an Architect

THE 411 ON ME

Small Firms Roundtable Interview with Bob Borson 02
My name is Bob Borson and this is my site. I try and keep things light and share a thing or two about what I think I know ... sometimes I get it wrong but it isn't for a lack of trying

Apparel for Architects

T-Shirts for Architects - Bob Borson

Support for Advice or Guidance

Thanks!
Other Amount:
Project Reference or Support for Questions Answered:

My “Serious” Disclaimer

The complimentary advice provided on ‘Life of an Architect’ is based on an abbreviated examination of the minimal facts given, not the typical extensive (and sometimes exhaustive) analysis I conduct when working with my clients. Therefore, anything you read on this site is not a substitute for actually working with me. Following my casual advice is at your own peril … if you want my undivided attention, I would recommend hiring me. Cheers.

Pages

  • Comment Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Search Results
  • about me
  • Questions?
  • F. A. Q.
  • Do you want to be an Architect?

Archives of Awesomeness

Copyright © 2018 Life of an Architect

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.