The architect's tale: give a house a rich past, and it becomes more than simple shelter - perspective

Residential Architect, April, 2003 by John Connell

The stories buried within buildings are fascinating. Some represent real archaeology, some local history, and all human drama. When we think of a structure as merely an object, we miss the stories and personalities of those who made it. Architecture is the art of designing buildings, but it's also a form of storytelling--and a good story outlasts even bricks and mortar.

John Connell is principal of 2morrow Studios in Warren, Vt.; founder of Yestermorrow Design/Build School; and author of Homing Instinct (McGraw-Hill, 1998). His next book, The Inspired House, will be published in late 2003 by Taunton Press. He will host and contribute to a TV series and a magazine of the same name.