Regionalism takes on the world

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BUILD Blog has a wide following and last year, I think, topped one of those silly top 10 lists. Started 'with the intention of providing a communication hub for modern design in the [United States] northwest', it is in that nice, comfy, non-aggressive, regionalist tradition which the US can do so well. It's not exactly Norman Rockwell-homespun, more Graham Morrison-non-iconic.

Still if the preponderance of wine bars, clubs and restaurants in the associated The Modern List  is anything to go by, its compilers have got their typology priorities just about right. The site, of course, has a lot more than that – and it contains rather more promiscuous, nay iconic, design than the aforesaid might suggest. Recently there was a heavily illustrated report of a lecture by a big nob prof from Columbia, plus an evaluation of the cost-benefits of belonging to the American Institute of Architects. The conclusion ran: ' NOT joining the AIA saves a little firm like us about $400 per year.' Anyone for a RIBA cost-benefit ?