Trusting the Architect

It occurred to me this evening as I was pondering my progress that the dwelling I am now working on is significantly different from the one that I thought I was creating when I first set out.

I knew that the only safe place to construct anything sturdy was going to be in Melbourne, a city which nurtures and feeds my soul in a way that no other place does. However when I left sunny Queensland to return home I had a very particular structure in mind. What I now realise is that that structure, worthy and all that it was, was appealing because the design and composition had been interpreted by me as semi-traditional and, most of all, acceptable. Acceptable to all the same people and institutions which I have, in my own twisted way, answered to all my life. I guess what I am trying to say is that, even though it had a more modern and edgy design than most, I had mistakenly visualized a plan that was still basically safe. And that could be taken on a number of levels.

What I realise now is that I had completely misunderstood the architect's intention and vision. The renovation and restoration that she had in mind was far more adventurous and thorough than I had been prepared to buy into. Furthermore, if I can embrace the scope of her vision I will end up with a dwelling that is far more authentically me than anything that my meddling would create. I do understand that this is going to involve a certain amount of risk. There are going to be a lot of people who will not be happy with the end result. It is going to be different, unusual, perhaps even outlandish and will probably not blend in very well.

However, what it will be is a truly safe and comfortable place for me to be, and this in turn will make it a safer and more enriching place for the people who come and visit there. After all, what is the point of renovating if not to invite others in to share the space.