about

The activities of Studio Rome span the distance between design (problem solving, decision-making, organization of resources, etc.) and research (information gathering, hypothesis making and testing, question asking).  They are two sides to the same coin, both necessary, but not to be confused with one another. Design is about limiting the possibilities to the very specific, although good design leaves room for flexible use and modification over time. Research is about overcoming limits, especially preconceptions, and expanding horizons.  Often when an architect’s services are not required by the market he or she turns to research as a way to pass the time, to keep busy and in practice. This is true also when an architect has too much work and finds it becoming rote;  research then helps break the routine. Studio Rome, for better or for worse, was founded in the region of the world with most architects per capita and fewest design commissions, and during a time of economic recession, so research is a big component of its mission.

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Contact Arch. Tom Rankin