Enduring beauty and usefullness: Why we still judge buildings by Vitruvian Standards
Why should we take note of the writings of the Roman, Vitruvius, who died 2000 years ago? Because his ideas are still startlingly relevant.
Against Disposable Architecture: Moss Wants to Design for the Duration
An important part of our ethos at moss is to avoid design that is disposable.
The Real Potential for Solar Power in the USA
The US probably shouldn’t cover the west in PV panels. But putting a solar power system on your home or business is a GREAT idea. What’s the difference?
Smart Architecture Solves the Political Problem of Gender Neutral Restrooms
Architecture and design of gender neutral bathrooms are here to solve the thornier political issues of the day. Vote for good design on November 3rd.
The Brick that Built our City: Chicago Common
Watch out! You are completely surrounded by Chicago common brick walls. You just didn’t know it yet.
… And Why the Kitchen Work Triangle Doesn’t Work
Today we’d like to kill the idea of the Kitchen Work Triangle as a design tool that is out of date and should be out of our design process.
Why an Open Kitchen is More than A Design Update
At moss, an open kitchen isn’t just an aesthetic choice, it’s a alignment of the house with the way a modern family lives.
Reflexive Architecture: How We Shape the World that Shapes Us
Today we meditate on the cycle nature of design – we shape our environment and then it shapes us – in so many intentional and unintentional ways.
Featuring Chicago: Reebie Storage Warehouse
Reebie Storage Warehouse on Clark is a rare example of Egyptian Revival style and proof that Chicagoans have been overflowing their homes since the 20s.
Boston just said “No Thanks” the 2024 Olympic Bid; Why moss agrees it was a great choice
Boston mayor Martin Walsh has withdrawn his city’s bid for the 2024 Olympics. Here’s why we think that was a smart choice.
Tall Buildings and Balconies: What Makes a Good or Bad Design
In today’s post, we’ll explain why the balconies of the Marina City towers, featured last week, are so great (Hint: its not just because they are half round in shape) and some of the other features of a great tall building balcony.
Featuring Chicago: Marina City
Last week, Marina City, won preliminary landmark status. Eye candy snaps and historical snippets celebrate this great building of Chicago.