To the clever observer it has become apparent that the architectural landscape in Dallas has taken a turn for the worse. Ignorant influences have allowed our city to become a wasteland of trite and archaic moirés. Edifices, that are nothing more than facades of some distant juvenile memory, betray themselves as thieves of a dead ethos. The weak and disposable construction won’t even support these masks, denying them a graceful decline. They will litter the streets and haunt our conscience. They will writhe in agony for many years until released from their shameful existence. There are private citizens who build houses with in hopes of being better than their neighbors instead of expressing some glint of individuality, while others are too ignorant to recognize their own depravity. This blind attitude can be expected of petty individuals, but even corporate and municipal entities have turned their back on their responsibilities of maintaining the environment placed in their custody. Instead, they wish to fornicate with a selfish idolatry and leave their children a legacy of wanton powerlust. Though a few bright spots of creativity, ingenuity and truth in the now can be seen (if sought), our city is at the event horizon, the edge of the void, the point of no return. It is in this vein that we, the Dallas Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, present to you Retrospect 2000, a look at Dallas architecture on these days of June 16 – July 16 at North Park Center. Some of what you see is good. Some is not. Can you tell the difference…

awards

• AIA Dallas Chapter – Retrospect Poster Competition – 2000