Richard N. Swett
1 This book is a veritable eye-opener
This is a wonderful, arresting book whose title immediately caught my eye. As someone who studied in Florence and received an MA in art history, I had been aware of the connection
between architecture, politics, and civic engagement. But I had abandoned the field for journalism, having found many of my colleagues to be hopelessly elitist and out of touch with the
reality of most people's lives. Leadership by Design, to my surprise and delight, not only addresses the disconnect between architects and the rest of us, but puts it in a historical context that allows us to see how architects were once vitally involved in politics (resisting slavery,fighting poverty, supporting civil rights) - and how they can regain their stature both as leaders and artists in an age that cries out for honesty and trust. Richard Swett writes convincingly because his professional life has been the embodiment of the architect-public servant. He was not only the only architect to have served in the U.S. Congress in the 20th century, but he also served abroad as a U.S. Ambassador. "I became painfully aware," he writes, "not only how underrepresented my profession was in the political arena but also of how dysfunctional the political environment on Capital Hill had become. There was little comity between the political parties and even less desire to cooperate during political negotiations....Both the world of
architecture and the world of politics, though inextricably intertwined, were suffering the effects
of disengagement from each other in the decision-making processes that affects both worlds."Swett gives architects, and for that matter, all of us, a road-map out of the quagmire, so
we can become more involved in our communities and more aware of the role architecture can play in improving our surroundings. I highly recommend it.
2 Nexus of Design, Leadership and Policy
Ambassador Swett has taken his experience as a designer-leader, and delivered a magnificent volume that tells stories and shares visions. This book should be the launching point for any designer who aspires toward leadership in the public or professional realm. It is the most relevant book exploring the public role of the architect I have read, and will prove to be a thought provoking source of revelation for non-designers.
