The Architecture Critic: A Survey of Architecture Critics in America

By Al Paulson
Published on August 1, 2001

The
Architecture Critic: A Survey of Architecture Critics in
America,
National Arts Journalism Program at Columbia
University

Anyone who’s taken Humanities 101 knows that one of the ‘lively’
arts is architecture. Indeed, buildings are a fundamental part of
our environment and influence nearly every aspect of our lives. But
when was the last time you read an architecture critique in your
favorite newspaper? Judging by a survey done by the National
Arts Journalism Program at Columbia University,
it’s
probably been awhile. The survey’s results paint a dismal picture
of the country’s appreciation for architecture. While papers may
have several writers on staff covering music, theater, film,
Television and more, there are very few fulltime architecture
critics. This is particularly alarming when you consider the rapid
growth occurring in our cities and outlying areas. We’ve all
experienced the aesthetic void one can feel when standing amid a
cluster of brand new glass and steel office towers. Maybe if we
gave a voice to more architecture critics, we’d have more pleasing
surroundings.
–Al Paulson
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