A Place Of My Own Michael Pollan Summary

Building That Special Place

Many different types of architectural buildings and structures take a lot of planning and thought. Although many may not quite understand the complexity of this task, Michael Pollan explains very well what he experienced throughout his process. A Place of My Own by Michael Pollan gives a wonderful depiction on the many intricacies, details, time, energy, and money it takes to build and create that special place one daydreams about in his or her head.

We often focus on the many different materials and products needed to make that special architectural structure. We tend to undermine and dilute the cost and time it takes to be able to follow through and complete such a task. However, the most important thing when

the task comes to mind is placement. “Where is this building going to go?” This question is an afterthought. The first thing a person does is daydream. We can envision the wonderful and unique structure in our head and love every aspect. We get so much drive and determination and fire in our souls to create and figure out what it takes to make this item come from our imagination to paper and then to real life.
Pollan so well explain the process of building a structure and all the different areas that go into play.

“What kind of structure does one want to build?” Daydreaming plays a very large part in this decision. “Is it small?” “Is it large?” Making the structure come to life is where the rubber meets the road. The daydreamer has to consider and determine who they want to be their main architect. In Pollan’s case, Charlie, a college buddy, was the answer to all of his problems; however, he wanted to build it himself. He needed to present a space on paper that fit the site and landscape. It has to flow together and not look out of place. Feng Shui (add something from the book) He wanted a place that worked specifically to meet his needs as a writer and help him to keep and create flow within his

works.
Starting the structure is when everything needs to be figured out and set in stone, literally and figuratively. A lot of concrete and steel makes up the foundation. “Why would somebody use so much concrete and steel for such a small building?” The foundation is the most important part of the entire building. With a faulty foundation, the building itself will turn to ruin. They needed a perfect rectangle to make sure the entire building was square, and they could only use treated wood or else it would rot from moisture. This concept is totally different in the Japanese culture, and they do not have to worry about this issue because of the low humidity. Moisture is not as much of a problem there as it would be in America.
Pollan wanted the look of natural with a side of sophistication, so he used expensive but economic resources for the framing and overall appearance. “What image would one want their ‘hut in the woods’ to portray?” For example, as we have studied so many different types of cultures with architecture, we see the overwhelming differences between each culture and design. It is all about personal preference. They used the method of post-and-beam on parts, and they used a more modern take on building and used a balloon frame. Post-and-beam reminds me a lot of the post-and-lintel structures in Ancient Greece. Although there is more to building than a few columns and crossbeams, the overall concept is very similar. Together, the building has to be constructed perfectly to be able to tie together all of the necessary parts of building this piece of architecture.
As we have learned through different cultures over time, there are many different types of roofs that can be assembled to complete the enclosure of the structure.

Roofs offer the overwhelming feel of comfort and protection. We often thank the Lord for a roof over our head. Roofs represent the impression of completeness or solitude within the home. They have to withstand all types of weather and nature. Pitched and hipped roofs are very common among many different buildings because they slope upward making it to where weather does not affect them. Helm roofs and flat roofs have done their jobs and passed with time. Settling with a gable roof, which is the most common of the pitched roofs, Pollan wanted a roof that represented shelter. The entire building they built was made of cedar shingles, red on the roof and white on the walls. “What type of roof would one want to put on his or her house?” We want our building and roofs to look nice but do their job well.

Lastly, windows were added to complete the construction of the building. Pollan hired a woodworker, Jim, to make and create his windows. When the windows are completed and installed, Pollan could look at his place with satisfaction and fullness. Windows added the final touch to the “hut in the woods.” So the last question is asked, “What windows will one add to complete and ensure that the finished product is

perfect?”
This story by Michael Pollan about his adventure with diving into architecture and taking of the overwhelming process of construction is intriguing and fulfilling. It gives us a pure depiction of every little detail that goes into building that perfect piece of architecture. he found all of the needed people to complete the task, but he also worked hard to make sure it was done in an efficient and complete manner. He used many different “theories” from history that still live today within his work and helps explain what goes best where. Why would a book like this become so influential when we have textbooks full of history and design? I believe an example, not only to follow, but to look up to with respect and awe help us to understand the full reality of architecture the art that it really is.