The New Rural Studio

I came across an article in Architect Magazine called “The New Rural Studio“. I was a bit taken aback by their designs and social theory. The designs coming out of Hale County, Alabama are more urban than I would expect from a “new rural” studio. I won’t fault them for designing houses anyone can afford, I just wish that they didn’t look like anyone could afford them.

In many ways, the concept that this new rural studio isn’t new at all. This is just an extension of the old “workers’ houses” that Tom Wolfe described in From Bauhaus to Our House. However, instead of putting them in the city, they are now sticking them in the country. I appreciate that these groups want to alleviate the effects of poverty, but it seems that the better way to reduce the effects of poverty is to reduce poverty through innovative ways of expanding the rural economy.

I hope that you will work with me to create innovative solutions for expanding the rural economy.  Please send include your ideas in our comments section or contact me directly.

Equestrian Retirement Communities

You can find the print article here.  Here is an example that there aren’t any age limits to equestrian sports. Do you think that we could combine an equestrian community with a retirement community for active seniors. Let me know what you think.