Reflections by Jay Madden

Reflections

by Jay Madden Architect and Board Trustee of the LBIF

I think LBI celebrates residential architecture with stylistic, innovative and imaginative design that distinguishes it from other east coast shore communities.

Houses tell stories, homes contain memories. Architecture describes art and science, the conditions and concerns that prevail, and the inventions that enable a better quality of life.

Growing up near Philadelphia with its rich history, it is interesting to look back and remember the influences that drew me to this field which allowed me to explore my interest in both art and science.

In high school I became involved in theater productions, with set designs and construction. Those basic building skills developed by helping my uncle fix sailboats and build an addition on LBI. My mom gave me a book of Frank Lloyd Wright’s drawing at my grade school graduation; a book I reference to this day.

I studied architecture at Penn State, and my roommate was Mike Ryan who became a lifelong friend. From childhood on, my summers were spent at my aunt and uncle’s home in Beach Haven Terrace, so Long Beach Island has always been home to me.

This year’s LBIF House Tour is very sentimental for me. Gym Wilson hired me in 1980 and where I interned on LBI. Michael Ryan, Steve Midouhas and I worked together for Gym for many years. When Mike and I began our own practice, Sam Gordon was our first employee.

I think LBI celebrates residential architecture with stylistic, innovative and imaginative design that distinguishes it from other east coast shore communities. Why has LBI been so inventive, taking risks when it comes to homes making dramatic and personal statements? In many ways I attribute it to the storm of 1962 and wiping out the whole island to create a blank slate, a sandy colored canvas to start anew.

Evolving from mid-century modern where “form followed function”, sixties architecture was influenced by a freespirited hippie culture that was

in the air, and the desire for self-expression in all forms of art and design and LBIF was at the core of that. Fortunately these ideas were generously supported by patrons who were themselves hungry for innovation.

I always think back to Charles and Ray Eames and how they defined the design process…a series of intersecting circles… with their ideas as architects and designers as one circle.

The adjacent circles would include their clients’ desires, and third, concerns of society as a whole. They looked to find the sweet spot of all those intersections of the circles and incorporate them into their final project.

Architecture represents to me an opportunity to be an enabler for others to realize and build their dreams, to engage with clients and community to find those sweet spots. What I enjoy most are those initial meetings with people, the design charrette where ideas are developed.

This year because of COVID, Zoom meetings for me intensified this process and invited new opportunities for multi-generations and related consultants such as landscape architects and interior designers to take part in the forming of ideas and plans, and the desire to include others in this very personal process.

This interaction has become more intense and dynamic. I hope the project and the process is fun for everyone involved, and the end result after all the problem solving provides the client with the opportunity to express themselves about who they are from their own perspective.

The core of designing a house is to consider the site in regard to climate and context, function, light, space, energy, material choices, form and color. Today, the reality of new

Charles Eames Case Study House 8

Photo by Carol Highsmith from the Library of Congress

building codes and regulations that mandates the architect to build responsibly is having a significant impact on design.

These requirements demand new aesthetics and creativity to meet the need of flood elevations, the reality of storms and hurricanes with intensified winds, energy consumption, and environmental agendas.

While designers will continue to push the limits, these considerations present all new design challenges for an architect. As you drive up and down the island you only get to see the skin of the homes you pass by regularly. So many special homes are tucked away from view.

For fifty-five years the LBIF House Tour has provided the rare opportunity to invite visitors inside to experience what otherwise you never could and to showcase outstanding architecture and design that inspires.