Thinking like an Architect

One of the things that is most surprising about Duanny’s firm is that there are not planners. They are urban designers and architects, but honestly, don’t know how to do basic planning things. They make neighborhood plans, but do it from an architects point of view.

For instance, there is no one on staff that knows how to use GIS to make maps or do analysis. What’s worse, they do not even have anyone who knows how to look up data on the census. (Looking up data on the census is not tough; I could show someone the basics in 15 minutes). Many do not know the difference between median and average. It is fine if most people don’t know this distinction, but for people trying to ensure residents can buy houses, it is very important.

Another example, when Duanny presented his drawings there was no road on the northern end of the County. There is no road there now, but there is funding to add the road and most people like the idea. Someone at the last public meeting said, Why is there no road. Duanny said, OK I will add it to the drawings. Same thing with a golf course. Someone asked why there is no gold course and Duanny said, I’ll add one to the renderings. Planners are much more deliberate about such decisions.

Meetings are run like an architect would run a meeting. Duanny stands up and talks the whole time. People ask questions. Duanny answers. People that did not get called on did not have a chance to ask questions. I would have at least provided comment cards so these people could ask their questions and get answers later or in writing. Not Duanny.