Just Because It's Green, Doesn't Make It "Green". /  by Mark Silva

Urban areas should have plots of ground for parks, trees and growing gardens, period. Growing plants on buildings is absurd and not sustainable or wise in any way. Plants grow in the ground. The products required, engineering required, plumbing, mechanical, structural etc needed to accomplish plants on buildings not a sustainable choice at all. The least sustainable thing you could do. The amount of energy, materials/minerals used to accomplish plants on buildings is the opposite of sustainable.

Bikes Are Freedom /  by Mark Silva

Cycling is the term now, but I still call it bike riding, just like when I was a kid. When I was a kid bike riding was like freedom to me. I could travel farther, see more things. Go where I want, when I want (mostly, until the street lights came on). All the things I can see thru these architect’s eyes.

The pack on the front holds my Nikon and two lenses. The dark cylinder is my bluetooth speaker, where I blast my playlist of the moment, don’t care who hears. Bikes are freedom.

Abandoned Dolomite Mine - Anza Borrego Park /  by Mark Silva

The Dolomite Mine Ruins in Anza Borrego State Park date back to the 1930s. Once a Dolomite Marble and Magnesium Calcium Mine, this old structure is an intriguing place to explore. To the lay person, running your hands through the pure white fine powder that is still present to this day, brings to life the rich mineral deposits of ancient and metamorphic rocks overlain by marine sediments. 

Some five million years ago, much of this same landscape lay below sea level, underneath a shallow sea occupying the southeastern corner of California. Natural ebb and flow of sea levels.

IMG_4182.jpeg

BAJAJ BUILDING - Construction Update /  by Mark Silva

Pochel Estate /  by Mark Silva

This uniquely modern house by famous Poway architect Roger Mohling in 1968 is next up to receive a Markitect Makeover

BAJAJ BUILDING - Construction Update /  by Mark Silva

Specialty lighting going in, storefront, and more tile

Mentoring - Student Phone Interview /  by Mark Silva

I’ve had several opportunities to speak with high school and college architecture students. Even if I was the only one to respond to this interview request, this one should resonate with some fundamental information for anyone considering a career in architecture.

Skylark Photography /  by Mark Silva

BAJAJ BUILDING - Construction Update /  by Mark Silva

door frames!

BAJAJ BUILDING - Construction Update /  by Mark Silva

More progress; Stucco & Paint.

Prosperity House - Another Midcentury Modern Reinvention Underway /  by Mark Silva