Listeners' Reflections

This is your place to publicly comment on the topics and issues addressed in Speaking of Faith programs. React in a personal way, and put into words what this program meant to you.

Submit Your Reflection about "An Architecture of Decency."

What Really Matters in Shelter (January 5, 2009)
I'd read about Sam Mockbee years ago, and it was great to know that his work is being continued on with such zeal. It's obvious the program serves the students as much as the people they're helping: eliminates a lot of preconceptions and stereotypes.

I'd like to see more of the Mockbee spirit infuse housing in general — since it was excess in terms of housing that got us into the current mess (who really needs a "great room"?). Perhaps if we concentrated on co-creating our housing and pursued a more minimalist approach, we'd all be better off, both spiritually and economically!

W. David Stephenson
Medfield, MA (WBUR, 90.9 FM)

Rural Architecture (December 28, 2008)
This program and the presentation of the Rural Architecture project by Auburn University was, for me, one of the most inspiring presentations in a long time. The entire project combines so many areas needed to heal our world. Students working out of the classroom experiencing giving of themselves, sustainability of products and the reuse of the old, and investigating the history of the area. I am sure there is much more … but for me, the joy of giving of yourself to make life better for others is overwhelming and joyful.

Judith Johnson
Eugene, OR (KOPB, 91.5 FM)

Response to the Responses (December 27, 2008)
This morning's show was a rebroadcast it seems. Having just read a few comments from last year, I see it was well received then. First let me thank 73-year-old Meredith for her comment! At 53, I am just the age that she suggests would bring her down to 'bama to build with 'em. Sounds like a subject for a future Speaking of Faith, older folk still getting our world's act together perhaps.

A little more response to the responses: I agree that the strong element of sustainability in the design is laudable. I thought about it this morning a bit and struggled. I had the conflicting message in my mind that here people were in affordable housing yet the builders foresaw that the level of poverty was such that a near zero budget for maintenance seemed realistic. Then I thought about what maintenance means and I thought of painting.

Can we eliminate painting? Can we rethink painting? In my fair city the subways are plastered with posters seeking litigants damaged by paint. Major bridges are perpetually painted. The responder who used the word "purity" might consider paint. That a brilliant white painted seaside village leaves so much pollution behind cannot be denied. Does modern architecture fully face the conundrum paint presents?

The episode is fine fare for thought. As we await the new year we are all aware of how much things have come to a head, we are undoubtedly in drastic need for new ways to live better. Our dear world has begun to speak back. Here in NY I have faith in love and children and family — but in our leaders, not so much. I am sorry. We also have hope though, and I pray for vision and slow steps. Awhile back someone was saying "don't just do something, stand there." I am sure this too is vision.

Edward Peters
Queens Village, NY (WNYC, 93.9 FM)

First-time Listener (December 27, 2008)
I was on my way to get a cup of coffee this Sunday morning when I tuned into my NPR radio station WBUR. It was the first time I had heard your program. The piece on the 20k house was in progress. When I got home I went online to your website.

A fantastic show!!! I look forward to hearing future shows.

Jay Feinstein
West Roxbury, MA (WBUR, 90.9 FM)

Creative Answers to Deep-rooted Problems (December 27, 2008)
"An Architecture of Decency" was one of the most interesting shows I've listened to on public radio. I just want to thank you for focusing on rural Alabama and the innovative, and special work of Rural Studio. We don't hear very much about the Deep South or the Black Belt.

In direct and indirect ways, this show evoked creative ways to answer deep-rooted problems in America today related to natural resource consumption, racial & economic justice.

Penny Willgerodt
Brooklyn, NY (WNYC, 93.9 FM)

Forsaking Frankness for Social Order (November 24, 2007)
Thank you for addressing the work of the Rural Studio. As a young architect trained at SCI_ARC, one of the foremost avant-garde architectural schools in the U.S., I was exposed to Mockbee's radical approach to architecture very early in my career. He was a poet with forms, a "jeweler of junk," and the iconoclastic materials of the Glass Chapel at Mason's Bend is a great example of the poet juxtaposing the wasteland of consumerism (junkyard windshields) with the "hopeland" of light and faith (like the apse of a church).

However, it seems to me that the work of the Rural Studio (Freear) today is less about these contextual narratives and more about social overtures which I find melancholic of the early Modernist project. I offer a quote from Nicolai Ourouseff, New York Times architecture critic: "Few of today's most influential architects buy into straightforward notions of purity or openness. Having witnessed an older generation's mostly futile quest to effect social change through architecture, they opt for the best next thing: to expose, through their work, the psychic tensions and complexities that their elders sublimated. By bringing warring forces to the surface, they reason, a building will present a franker reading of contemporary life."

To me, this frankness is what Mockbee intuited and communicated in the work he produced and inspired. I hope that legacy reaches the right minds in these times.

Fernando Arias
New York, NY (WNYC, 93.9 FM)

Changed Man (November 23, 2007)
It's been a while since I had one of those "YES!" moments while listening/reading anything. It happened this morning when I was listening to "An Architecture of Decency" while driving to work in downtown Atlanta. On so many fronts, these people have it! An on-the-ground, in-the-trenches education on architecture that provides for one of our most basic needs: shelter. If you don't remember, go back and listen to this show. You'll hear the excitement, the gratitude, and the wonder of what it's like not only to give, but to receive. The story reminds me that it is so easy to go through the day-to-days focusing only on the destination, when it's the journey that makes it all matter. Congratulations to SOF for finding such a remarkable story.

Steve Walsh
Tucker, GA (WABE, 90.1 FM)

Home (November 19, 2007)
The words "western Alabama" first caught my attention and when followed by the description of the work being done in "some of the poorest counties in the nation." I knew the program must be talking about home. Home in this case refers to the area where my parents were raised in Marengo and Monroe counties. To a now not-so-young man with memories of playing "kick the can" with the cousins in the growing dusk at Grandma's house in Thomaston — fond doesn't even begin to describe those memories. Belonging, contentment, acceptance, love.

It is ironic that poverty may indeed have contributed to the preservation of the area's beauty, but it may go unnoticed that it has also contributed to an inner beauty shared by many of its inhabitants. Thoreau's admonition to "simplify" is lived daily here. Those who are fortunate enough to have experienced even a taste of it are truly blessed. Home indeed, and it beckons without ceasing the souls of its sons and daughters.

Gary Brown
Franklin, NC (WCQS, 88.1 FM)

What a Wonderful Program (November 19, 2007)
I was overjoyed to hear your terrific program about the superb work being done through Auburn's Rural Studio project. My son got his architectural degree from Auburn a few years ago, and he did some work at the Rural Studio. It was an eye-opening experience for him. One of the greatest benefits for him was, as Andrew Freer expressed, in grasping the importance of insuring that what they give to the community be what the community will be able to sustain.

I had the great privilege of meeting "Sambo" Mockbee. What a wonderful man who was taken from us all too soon! It was so inspirational to attend his memorial service at the University. To have so many voices tell of the impact he had had on their lives was so very moving. Andrew Freear has seemingly "caught" Sambo's vision and his spirit. I was so touched to hear his descriptions of the work there and of his obvious love for the people of Hale County and of his students.

It is such a shame that it took Sambo's death for the project to get the attention and the funding it deserves, but it is a very fitting memorial to such a truly remarkable man. The project is in good hands.

Alice Martin
Columbus, GA (WJSP, 88.1 FM)

The Masters Would Approve (November 19, 2007)
Christopher Wren, Frank Lloyd Wright and Fay Jones would, I believe, highly approve.

Peter Petite
Charlotte, NC (WFAE, 90.7 FM)

Blessings of Simplicity (November 19, 2007)
I always love listening to Speaking of Faith, but was especially moved by this presentation on "Architecture of Decency"! How refreshing to see the recipients of the buildings so excited with having "enough," and with the ideals of the students to build to help being so economically and environmentally responsible. As we are flooded with reports worldwide of depleting natural resources, climate changes, and irresponsible and excessive living and waste, it is so exciting to see people that do live to honor our world and people.

We don't need more than the love of others and the simple, basic needs to shelter us and provide sustenance. We see so often people who "Have it all": huge houses, millions of dollars, lots of fame, attention and prestige, and yet are still looking for contentment through more. Society is continually accosting us with ads to convince us erroneously that excessive materialism and keeping up with the latest styles is the secret to happiness.

I hope and pray that the work of these people will spread and encourage others to see that peace, joy and contentment can come from responsible simplicity and might lead others to live more simply and responsibly, and peaceably! Thanks again for your wonderful work!

Marcia King
Willowbrook, IL (Listens to SOF Podcast)

Very Ingenious (November 18, 2007)
What a marvelous example of the old American innovative, creative spirit! I wish I were 20 years younger (I am 74). I'd come down to Alabama and help build one of those houses. The carpet house was a wonderful example of thinking outside the box. I especially liked hearing the professor talk about studying the houses built in the 1840s and 1850s to understand how those builders adapted to the climate and conditions as they exist. Now we see one or two McMansion floor plans duplicated all over the country — makes no sense at all.

Meredith Sonderskkov
Philadelphia, PA (WHYY, 91.0 FM)

The Spirit of Rural Studio (November 18, 2007)
Your program on Rural Studio was terrific. I visited the Studio center and many of its projects about five years ago and was blown away by the tremendous work that is being done and by the spirit of everyone involved. You did a great job of conveying that spirit.

Louis Berney
Baltimore, MD (WYPR, 88.9 FM)

Auburn Pride (November 18, 2007)
More than any winning football season or new building on the main campus or record number of graduates, the Rural Studio has made me the most proud to be a graduate of Auburn University. This program is the pure embodiment of the Auburn creed and the mission of the University. Thank you so much for such a well-produced, beautiful program.

John T. Brown, Jr.
Atlanta, GA (WABE, 90.1 FM)

Thankfulness Equals Sustainability (November 18, 2007)
Speaking of Faith has become my "church". This is the only place where I find a true connection to spirituality that, to me, represents an actual manifestation of faith and values. This show in particular caught my ear because my husband is building a small 14X18 foot cabin using recycled materials that he found in dumpsters or by helping with demolition projects over the last year. It is a slower and more laborious action, but when we nail in these old pieces of wood, we are also nailing a built-in history into our small space and contemplating who handled these pieces before us. It's shocking to see what is freely tossed into landfills without regard. Yet I'm thankful to hear that more young people are learning to find merit and excitement in resources that have long been thought of as trash in our over-consumptive society.

Michelle Meyer
Red Wing, MN (KNOW, 91.1 FM)

Will It Stay Beautiful? (November 18, 2007)
Beautiful landscape with poverty living. Your wonderful home constructions will maintain their surroundings for now. Bless you for that. What happens if richer people move in because they also find the land beautiful — And build their homes? And build their offices and industries?

They also want a place to shop. Malls. Wider roads means cutting down 100-year-old trees, and strip clearing. That's what happened to north Georgia and even my own neighborhood. What a shame poverty kept the land beautiful. At least it seems that way. I've lived in and around Atlanta since 1956. Seen it happen over and over.

Barbara Fahrnbauer
Newman, GA (WJSP, 88.1 FM)

Architecture for Humanity (November 18, 2007)
Thank you for bringing the Rural Studio and Architecture of Decency to your listeners. Another organization that may interest your listeners is Architecture for Humanity.

Gayle DeBruyn
Grand Rapids, MI (WUOM, 104.1 FM)

Wow! If Only... (November 18, 2007)
Wow! If only I were young enough to start over! The Rural Studio work has inspired me more than any person or work has done in a long time. Just back from seeing the Guggenheim in Barcelona, my sense of awe was heightened not as much by that wonder, as by the work of the Rural Studio young men and women in rural Alabama. A win-win concept in every aspect. I shall continue to dream of working with such a team. Whenever I look at any discarded object in the future, I am inspired to think, "What would the brilliant thinkers of the Rural Studio do with this?"

Maggie Kivlen
Savannah, GA (WYPR, 91.1 FM)

Creating a Real Heaven (November 17, 2007)
I can't remember the last time I was so uplifted by a story of our present-time young people. The work of building homes from materials normally discarded and interacting with the community is a marriage that creates a real "heaven." I loved this program and am so glad I was awake at 7:00 a.m. to hear it. The editing/non-editing flow of the interviews totally kept me involved and can only believe that anyone who hears this program will be as moved as I was. Thank you, and thanks to all who participate not only in Speaking of Faith but those who make it possible for those of faith to work to the good of those in need.

Carolyn Cornell
New York, NY (WNYC, 93.9 FM)

Never Forget the Toil and Squalor (November 17, 2007)
I just listened to the show on West Alabama and the architectural solutions to development. There was a comment made that the white antebellum houses were very well built, long lasting, and ecologically efficient — that the community did not have to look too far back in terms of design for good living and that even the Romans and Greeks had designed appropriate living space. However, we should also realize that only hundreds of people lived in such accommodations in the antebellum South and in ancient times. Millions lived in absolute squalor. As Nero commented when the Golden House of Nero was completed (with over 170 rooms), "now I can finally live like a human being". With "progress," the poor and near poor can now have a higher standard of living made available and I would thank those involved in empowering the community to strive for higher standards, but we need to remember the tilted nature of the past and never forget that a lot of sweat and toil is needed to sustain high standards across the spectrum of our society.

Raul Tabora
Glenmont, NY (WNYC, 93.9 FM)

Rural Poverty Project (November 15, 2007)
I like your show very much and, as a native Alabamian, I especially enjoyed the recent report on the Rural Studio projects in Alabama. I thought you might be interested in doing a show on The Rural Poverty Project that has been undertaken by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. The organization identified the 20 poorest counties in America and made a commitment to help change those counties over a 20-year period. Amazing things have been done in many of these counties already. These 20 counties include counties that are predominantly Native American, Hispanic, African American, and Caucasian. It's a project that touches many states.

Philip Wise
Lubbock, TX (XM Radio)

Cover Song (November 15, 2007)
You included The Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter" in your piece, but I would suggest that you should find Kathy Mattea's version on her CD Right out of Nowhere. I heard her and her band perform this live about a year ago, and it would have been perfect for your show. As always, your show is amazing and thanks so much for this work.

Janet Jayne
Bristol, VA (Listens to SOF OnDemand)