Throughout her career, the one constant with Ayumi has been her tenacity and cleverness in resolving design problems as perfectly and thoughtfully as possible.

DAMIANO GERACI, ARCHITECT

A Glance Backward: Thesis Reflection

I look at my student work and become nostalgic. At age 27, my thesis statement was a valiant attempt. Rereading this work with my now 55 year-old eyes, it is very academic, idealistic, optimistic and mindful. It is perfectly imperfect, complete with the misspelling of the word “mortgage.” 

My premise is an ambitious formula, rather than a study of compatible behaviors, by which I propose an architectural archetype. I am making the bold assumption that single parents and elderly are defined as homogeneous household types. It is rigid, unforgiving and even contrived.

The unconventional pairing of disparate household and puzzle-making of property ownership is an interesting take on the “tenancy-in-common” construct which is still popular in San Francisco and Berkeley today. My proposal creates an association of similar tenancies.

The sentimentality, early sprouts of my wabi-sabi, may be in my mindfulness of the stages in life (awareness of mortality) in the pairing of property owners. However, the premise is fragile. Though it addresses aging, it does not anticipate the outcome if the single parent takes on a partner, loses a child or if and when the elder passes. If the household doesn’t match the proposed paradigm, are they not allowed to live on the premises? It’s peculiar. Unconventional.

I view it as a good effort—a well-executed submission, supported with data. Symbiotic relationships continue to intrigue me today and I believe I look for that in my relationships, both personal and professional.