Performance Engineering Architecture

Less is more.

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Form follows function.

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Almost all of nature’s elements contain the golden ratio (1:1.618). The golden ratio can be found in nature in everything from the structure of the universe to the human body, clouds to flowers and leaves. Nearly all of the lovely things in the world around us have this ratio.

 

True Architecture is functional art.

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"Although my architecture has won national awards, my post-secondary training and coursework have been primarily focused on the building sciences, engineering of architectural systems, and sustainability in the built environment. As an architecture professional, I’ve dedicated my career to revealing concepts that embody the eventual reality proposed by design.

 

"Unfortunately, some national building design awards programs often elevate those who impress clients and judges with a contrived aesthetic in their designs. By 'contrived aesthetic,' I mean a design or style that feels forced, artificial, or overly deliberate—prioritizing appearance over the functional, contextual, and sustainable realities that good design must address. These designs may captivate an untrained eye but are often needlessly excessive, lacking genuine coherence or purpose.

 

"This approach contrasts with an organic or authentic aesthetic, where beauty arises naturally from the harmony between form, function, and context, without unnecessary embellishment or artifice. This is the essence of true architectural integrity." – Lawrence Bowen

"With a strong foundation in building sciences, engineering, and sustainable architectural systems, I approach design with a commitment to Performance Engineering Architecture and focus on creating concepts that naturally align with the intended built environment.

 

“For me, architecture is not about imposing art without purpose, but allowing it to emerge organically from the harmony of form and function. True architectural beauty is found in designs that seamlessly integrate with their surroundings while delivering perfect functionality."—Lawrence Bowen

 

"It has been said that form follows function. Thus, the best architecture results from function that becomes the creative force behind the form. This is the essence of organic, minimalist design. The built environment has to respond to its natural environment and complement it. For the designer to produce the best architecture, he must successfully address the critical, ever present challenge of dealing with the convergence of art and sciences. The artist arranges all functional elements of the built environment in an aesthetically pleasing manner, while meeting all the practical needs of the inhabitants and users of the creative work."—Lawrence Bowen

"Architecture is the interruption of natural space for an intended purpose. It should have the least amount of impact on its environment. In fact, ideally, it should responsively complement its environment."—Lawrence Bowen

"Light is life. This is literally true with regard to sunlight. Most building designs simply account for light as a practical necessity, while others have light rooted in their core. The best architecture sculpts with light by carving out an appealing interruption of natural space."—Lawrence Bowen

"Architecture is the canvas for the aesthetically pleasing, emotive expression of all aspects of practical living."
—Lawrence Bowen

"The space in which you work and live should have a positive impact on your well-being."
—Lawrence Bowen

"When it comes to architecture, the challenge, in part, is to find the most practical structural solution that reflects the most appeal for its designated environment."
—Lawrence Bowen

“You can make anything beautiful given an unlimited amount of money. But to do it within the limits of economy is different. . . . That is the challenge—to take . . . common, everyday parts and work them into an esthetically pleasing concept.”—Pierre Koenig,
Los Angeles Examiner, July 17, 1960

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"Architecture is about giving form to the places where people live. It is no easier, and no more complicated, than that. There are three keywords here: 'form,' 'place,' and 'life.' As soon as one reflects on these terms, one immediately comprehends that these things are not all that easy.”—Alejandro Aravena, in his foreword to The ArchDaily Guide to Good Architecture

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"If the architect's primary and most important material is human nature ... he will certainly have to cherish and understand it in relation to his work. ... Quite simply, our habits, moods, efficiency, and health are intimately related to our habitations.”—Richard Neutra

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