About

[6.25.12] Once upon a time I intended construct(ure)s to be a sometimes heady, somewhat theoretical blog combining my multiple loves of old and new buildings, the natural world, and theology/philosophy into one grand mashup. Three years and not a tremendous amount of deep posts later, I found that most things I actually blogged about were much more pedestrian. And I'm ok with that. I like writing about long races I run. I also enjoy posting updates on the various renovation projects my wife Emili and I undertake on our 70+ year old house. For whatever reason, though I enjoy researching and writing the histories and theories of interesting buildings on my way to another Master's degree, I haven't blogged much in this area. Maybe I'll try to write more in coming year. Maybe not. Either way, in light of the disconnect between my old "about" statement and the actual content of this blog, I felt a more accurate statement (if that's what you call this paragraph!) was warranted. I kept the old statement below to remind me why I started the blog in the first place and because its still an accurate statement of what I hope to write about more regularly. Time will tell whether or not this hope bears out...

[6.30.2009]
construct(ure)s is a blog about various characteristics of constructs and structures. By definition constructs are usually conceptual in nature while structures, whether natural or manmade, are typically physical. As a designer of the built environment, avid trail runner, armchair theologian, and historian of our man-made surroundings, I am interested in each of these disciplines in their own right. However I am most intrigued when exploring connections between them. During the later part of 2009 through early 2010 this blog will also record the renovations and remodeling we are undertaking on our 1940s home.

deconstructing the etymology of construct(ure)s

constructure (n) –   

1. that which is constructed or formed; an edifice; a fabric

construct (n) –  

1. something constructed by the mind: as a: a theoretical entity b: a working hypothesis or concept 
2. a product of ideology, history, or social circumstances

structure (n) –

1. something made up of a number of parts that are held or put together in a particular way
2. the way in which parts are arranged or put together to form a whole; makeup
3. the interrelation or arrangement of parts in a complex entity
4. something constructed, such as a building.
5. biology a: the arrangement or formation of the tissues, organs, or other parts of an organism b: an organ or other part of an organism

construct (v) –

1. to make or form by combining or arranging parts or elements
2. to draw (a geometrical figure) with suitable instruments and under specified conditions
3. to set in logical order