Rob Heggen – Feature Article Writer
Habitables is all about making sure we present to you, the reader articles, features, photo galleries and videos of the highest quality, designed to engage you and drive debate. We would describe ourselves as lovers of design, with a real strong focus on architecture. To this end, its my pleasure to introduce a new writer set to grace the pages of Habitables from today – Rob Heggen is an Omaha, Nebraska based Australian web designer, studying architecture design technology full time!
Rob brings to the party a drive and passion for both architecture and technology. Rob has a unique insight into the world of architecture, and has kindly agreed to take us along for the ride as he delves into the world of architecture. From his exploratory learning of all things CAD, and hopefully beyond, we are truly delighted to be able to share on our pages the work of Rob Heggen.
Like any good 21st Century man, Rob can be found at his very own www.robheggen.com blog. For those who prefer there messages shorter and sharper, don’t forget to head on over to Rob’s Twitter account!
Below you will find a brief bio from Rob himself, along with a nice fun Q&A with conducted via email.
Bio
Currently a web design professional by day and an architectural design technology student by night, I run Bondeye, a web and tech consulting company named after my love for the famous Bondi Beach in Australia (where I grew up). I presently live in Omaha, a mid-sized city in the American Midwest. I’m excited to share my love of both architecture and technology through regular guest posts on Habitables.
Rob Heggen: Introductory Q&A
1. What is it about architecture that inspires you?
I guess I’m inspired by the details. The correct proportions, the texture of materials, the direction of light, the way a building can direct you through it without needing a map to follow or way-finding signs. The discovery of these details even if subconsciously keep me coming back for more.
2. Super tall metropolis, or suburban green living?
Isn’t “suburban green” an oxymoron? I’m an urban dweller. I’m not necessarily passionate about living in the constant shadow of skyscrapers but I have fallen in love with the urban centers of Mid-West American cities. Omaha, where I current reside, is very livable without being too dense. I can walk to almost everything I need and enjoy the sun the entire way. There is green space aplenty and many independently owned shops to explore – something the suburbs lack in this part of the U.S.
3. Favourite architect?
Richard Neutra
4. If you could have one notable building pulled down, which would it be and why?
The Tower of Pisa – So none of us ever have to endure another picture of a tourist posed like they are holding it up…
5. What is the most important room in your house?
In my current apartment it’s my home office – on the loft level it’s spacious and open allowing me to see and hear what’s going on in other rooms while retaining privacy – awesome natural light too!
6. Which, if any, buildings would make your ‘bucket list’ of places to visit?
For me I’m more interested in unplanned discovery. I don’t necessarily have to visit the iconic buildings just to say I’ve been there. When I stumble across an amazing piece of architecture that isn’t well known I gain a far greater sense of appreciation for it. If I had to pick one I guess it would be Neutra’s Lovell Health House in Los Angeles as it was the first steel frame with concrete residence in the United States (I’m a bit of a modernism addict).
7. As a web designer by trade, do you think architects and the architecture industry has engaged technology to its fullest ability?
I think this is a great question to explore further in later posts. My general answer is: Yes. When I look at BIM I see an industry that has taken amazing leaps in the development of technology to improve it’s processes and accuracy. I think there is huge potential for improvement in the area of user-response technology, that is, using feedback from the user and the building to improve design and function.
What’s also interesting to think about is how technology has affected the way in which the individual architect works. Has the PC and software like Revit, AutoCAD, etc had a positive or negative impact on the architect and their passion and enjoyment for what they do?
8. Lastly, flash or html 5!?
I find HTML5 to be a far superior solution for displaying rich media and promoting accessibility on the web even in it’s early stage of use. This is especially true when you add JavaScript to the conversation. Unfortunately, it’s wide-spread use will be hindered by older web browsers that are not capable of displaying the content and an inability for all major browsers to adopt a common platform. Unfortunately, once all the older browsers are weeded out, a newer and superior technology to replace HTML5 will no doubt pop up – HTML6??. It’s just like the early CD players that couldn’t play burnt CDs, people eventually upgraded their players but by then there was a newer technology – the iPod… and another $300 to spend.
And there you have it, (almost) everything you could ever want to know about our new features writer Rob Heggen! Rob’s first feature article will be appearing on the site later on today, be sure to check it out!
