In addition to practicing architecture, principal and founder of ROST Architects, Mitchell Rocheleau AIA, searches the world to learn more about the buildings and cities humans have created, from the modern era to pre-history. Through writing, expert interviews, and video documentation, we hope to make our journey available and accessible. Our mission is to understand the environments humans have created throughout history, learn from the successes and failures, and contribute to designing a better future.
Architect Mitchell Rocheleau discusses the importance behind Architecture History. Architecture can provide glimpses into human history, allowing us to understand the evolution and development of the human species. Learn the stories Architecture History tells us, from prehistoric structures to contemporary architecture, we can see what was important to humans at the time.
Read MoreArchitect Mitchell Rocheleau was invited by Josh Cooperman to speak on Convo by Design, a podcast that was created by Josh to “share stories behind design and amplify ideas that make better the way we live, work & play.” The conversation centered around ROST Architects intentions and approach to creating designs for the human experience. Listen to the episode or read the conversation to hear the ideas shared and explored during this thought-provoking conversation.
Read MorePrincipal and Architect of ROST Architects, Mitchell Rocheleau, meets with Thomas Barrie, architect and professor of architecture at North Carolina State University, whose scholarship focuses on architecture's symbolism, ritual use, and cultural significance
Read MoreNotre Dame Cathedral had the power to embed itself into more than just the cityscape. It made its way into the hearts of the people of Paris. When the Cathedral was engulfed in flames on April 15th, 2019, we were reminded that the architecture around us impacts our lives beyond functionality. Principal and Architect of ROST Architects, Mitchell Rocheleau, discusses the history, architecture, and the architectural power of Notre Dame Cathedral.
Read MorePrincipal and Architect of ROST Architects, Mitchell Rocheleau, discusses the significance of The Grand Louvre designed by Architect I.M. Pei, the history of the Louvre, design process, design theory and ideas behind the project.
Read MorePrincipal and Architect of ROST Architects, Mitchell Rocheleau, discusses the importance of The Farnsworth House designed by Architect, Mies van der Rohe and its role in modern architecture, challenging the conventions of the time.
Read MorePrincipal and Architect of ROST Architects, Mitchell Rocheleau, discusses how Louis Kahn developed his architectural philosophy and how this is reflected in his existing designs.
Read MorePrincipal and Architect of ROST Architects, Mitchell Rocheleau, discusses how ROST Architects' design philosophy incorporates the existing landscape and environment of a property into its residential designs, allowing nature to lead the way and providing inhabitants the experience of a reconnection and grounding with the nature that surrounds them.
Read MoreIdentifying how a society's collective psychology is reflected in our current built environment, Principal and Architect of ROST Architects, Mitchell Rocheleau, discusses how we can begin to create an environment that is more conducive to an authentic human experience.
Read MoreReflecting on what a city's layout and its most prominent buildings portray, Principal and Architect of ROST Architects, Mitchell Rocheleau, discusses what impact he believes this has on the values emphasized by a city and how this affects the human experience.
Read MoreInfluenced by travel in European cities, life in North American cities, and authors such as Jane Jacobs, and Danish architect, Jan Gehl, Principal and Architect of ROST Architects, Mitchell Rocheleau, discusses what he believes are characteristics of captivating cities.
Read MoreUnderstanding a culture’s collective psychology/values and deciphering how those ideas manifest in their built environment can help inform how we build cities for the future. Despite the importance of such studies, it is rare to stumble upon someone who writes about the intersection of psychology and the built environment, especially one who expresses ideas clearly and accessibly.
Read MoreThroughout its existence, Venice and its people have had a unifying narrative: the struggle against water. Although the rising sea levels have resulted in death, destruction, and flooding, it has also served a valuable role as the collective antagonist of the Venetian people. It is human nature to band together when faced with a common challenge or adversary. Through necessity and under the constant threat of rising tides, Venetians developed ingenuity, a work ethic, and a common purpose. The bond created by this struggle has been one of the key ingredients to the progress and prosperity of Venice.
Read MoreAmerican artist Edward Hopper spent significant time observing the city and generated a body of work that resonated with the country. He seemed to be drawn to city life, buildings, and infrastructure. Much of his work depicts the relationship between the city, nature, and people.
Read MoreWhy is Central Park important for our generation to understand? Why would a park constructed in the late 1800’s be significant to our contemporary society? Central Park depicted a moment in our civilization when humans experienced a shift and moment of self-awareness regarding our nature as humans and the environment we were creating. In the late 1800s, New Yorkers stopped and questioned the growing and developing city around them.
Read MoreWhy would we be interested in understanding the first settlers of New York City? New York has been a pivotal city in the history of America and the world. One of its ingredients of success lies in the mindset, values, philosophies, and way of life of the people who founded and grew the city. These ideas were manifested in the city's fabric and directly affected the shape of the urban environment.
Read MoreA slow yet palatable transition within the city started around the sixteenth century. The forces of religion that had driven the city started to contend with a new stimulus based on money and profits. The mercantilist and capitalistic philosophies began manifesting in the city's physical form. The town was still firmly rooted in its medieval customs and structures; however, it was clear that things were changing throughout the Western world.
Read MoreIn the early 1960s, like many cities worldwide, Copenhagen began carving out spaces for the automobile by building streets, highways, and parking inside the city. A group of architects and urban designers predicted the detrimental impacts this could have on the form and life of their town. When the city began to fall into economic decline, the local government showed receptivity to the Architects' ideas and began taking action to revitalize the city.
Read MoreThere are many reasons why a city becomes a point of destination. People are attracted to certain cities and travel from all over the world to see them. However, many people have trouble articulating why they enjoy them. They know something about it makes them feel comfortable, but they can't put their finger on it.
Read MoreIn the fifth century, Rome was in steady decline. The empire fell apart due to prolonged outside attacks and the hedonistic, corrupt culture that developed among its leaders and citizens. Life became hollow, brutal, and meaningless. A new religion called Christianity emerged, along with a reimagined way of life. Small ascetic Christian groups began to withdraw from society throughout the Roman Empire. Many of these early groups can be traced to the deserts of northern Egypt.
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