The severely ecological architect William McDonough imitates them with his insistence that any new office building he designs be potentially convertible into housing, since he regards that as the most fundamental use of buildings, for which there will always be a need and which always guides you toward humane design.29 His ingredients? Modest depth, high ceilings, operable windows, massive construction, raised floor rather than dropped ceiling for services, and individually controllable amenities such as window awnings. “It won’t do, any more, to think in terms of cradle-to-grave,” he insists.
...more
