Hasta La Ideas

This is the fourth post in a series of short interviews with renowned writers about the field of Writing & Commentary, a new category in the Core77 Design Awards.

We spoke to Mark Lamster who writes about architecture, design, and the arts, acts as associate American editor for the Architectural Review, is a contributing editor to Design Observer and Fellow of the Forum for Urban Design, and has written for the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times and The New York Times.

Core77: How important or valuable is it to honor design writing and criticism with an awards program?

Mark Lamster: Awards are important. They raise awareness of the discipline, build a sense of community, encourage and reward new talent, and establish models of what writing can and should do. Also, it’s nice to win.

Which qualities do you most appreciate in writing about design and architecture and what kinds of writing do you hope will surface from this call for entries?

I appreciate writing that has a strong point of view that is expressed clearly. More of that please.

Name two writers, perhaps one historical and one contemporary, that you are influenced or challenged by.

Just two? That’s not quite fair. I’m writing about Philip Johnson, at his best he’s a very challenging critic indeed. Geoff Manaugh has a way of framing things that is alien to me, but which I enjoy.

Tell us about a publication that features writing about visual culture, design, or architecture, that you’re enjoying reading right now.

Both Metropolis (in the USA) and Icon (UK) do an excellent job of telling stories about design.

Visit the Writing & Commentary on the C77DA site to learn more about the category and jury. Entries for the Core77 Design Awards close April 10. Core77 recognizes that many design writers work freelance and if you feel you qualify for special consideration pricing for your entry, contact us at awards@core77.com and let us know.

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