AOU Blog Introduction

I’ve recently been suffering from separation anxiety. Gone are the academic days. You know, the ones that consist of sleeping in, coffee shops, the creative energy that does not require a case of Red Bull, and actually knowing what the weather is like outside. Nevermind the sleep deprivation, working 7 days a week, and no pay, there was a certain level of freedom and free time that allowed one to take interest in intellectual pursuits.

Fast forward to the real world, and to the job that gives you more free time, but leaves you with less brain functionality at the end of the day and over the weekend. I find myself learning more about the ins and outs of how to get a piece of architecture built, yet I feel less intellectually adept everyday.

Thus, the soul searching began. How do I pursue intellectual stimulation to maintain a sense of progress?

First, I picked up a theory book I acquired at the end of my thesis, which has gone unread so far. That was as far as I got.

Then, I attempted to begin a research project in mind since I graduated with varying goals in mind - writing a book, developing a seminar to get into teaching, produce ideas to develop theoretical projects - and I’ve taken a stab at each.  However, none of them keep me engaged, so I’m starting to believe that I’m attempting too daunting of a task.

Now, I’ve always considered starting a blog, but I never thought I was the type. Basically, it all came down to whether I would actually contribute to it?

So today, in the face of doubt I am starting a blog titled Agents Of Urbanism.

*cue applause*

The source of inspiration to take the leap into the world of blogging came from PFblog and his attempt keep himself accountable for maintaining his finances under “external scrutiny.” I too, ask you to keep me intellectually curious about architecture, cities, and the public domain. In return, I hope to provide enough fresh information for stimulation and debate.

A pipe dream for this site, obviously taking years of work, is to become bigger than my own musings. It’s fun to think of the possibility of engaging, educating, and empowering the public to become agents of their environment and involve themselves in the forces shaping their world. I believe that space is defined by the ‘actors’ within it, or lack thereof.

For now I’ll keep it simple, and reunite my curiosity and intellect with the urban condition.

I think you will enjoy the days, weeks, and months to come. I spent a lot of time on the development of ideas for the creation of content before AOU went live. In addition to updates on news and events related to urbanism, I will be developing original content related to my research on the urban condition.

Please come back for updates, and happy blogging.

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