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How to Measure the Quality of Architecture
An Interview with Ron van der Veen
Ron van der Veen is a national leader in higher education design, planning, and residential life. He’s recognized for innovative and sustainable solutions that enrich the social and academic experience of students across the country. Ron has focused his career on understanding and defining the connection between student environments, academic performance, and personal wellness. His projects have garnered more than 30 design awards — demonstrating the power of architecture to produce live/learn communities that become integral to their institutions.
How do you approach sustainable design?
That is somewhat of a silly question, because I would imagine anyone answering this would try to sound very sympathetic towards sustainability. It should be second nature to us as designers. Sort of a simple logic like structural integrity, code compliance, or accessible design regulations. Ha, I’ve never had anyone ask me my approach to those. Let’s just say, I want it to be second nature in all that I do.
What are some of the major constraints and challenges when trying to achieve sustainability?
I hate to sound too moralistic, but I see the major constraints to achieving sustainability being ego and laziness. We just completed a LEED Platinum Certified student housing project on a very modest budget. LEED Platinum meets the highest standards of sustainable certification. I can’t tell you how many times the team could have taken the easy way out and compromised.
How does place influence the design?
Program, place, and imagination are the three main ingredients of the gumbo mix. We start with a deep understanding of program. We develop a profound appreciation for place, everything from geography, to weather patterns, landscape, history, culture, politics, etc. But it would only be building if we responded in a literal manner. Our intuition and imagination are the gumbo spices added to what hopefully turns all of this into art and craft.
