LOCUS DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE FROM MEDIOCRITY
We wrote the passage below, and printed it on the back of our Locus construction T-shirts in about 1996. It’s a little rebellious, likely offensive to a whole bunch of people, but it is still relevant to how we practice today. The shirts have started many a conversation with total strangers – from San Francisco to St. Louis to the Twin Cities. We’re not as angry as we used to be, but still fight the mundane – and proudly wear the shirts. The text:
My house is custom. I had my choice of floor plans in either Colonial, Tudor, Mediterranean, or French Provincial. I got the bestselling model with the bonus room. I rely on my realtor to tell me what I should like. I bought my home primarily because I thought it would be easy to sell in five years when I upsize. My new house is just like my last one, only bigger. I always buy the biggest house I can afford. I want my house to be just like my neighbor’s, but not necessarily the same color. My house is the second slightly off white tannish beige colored house on my block. I appreciate the craft of Sheetrock. I often wonder what my neighbors think of my things. I need more space. I like vinyl siding. I want a five digit house number. I don’t settle for anything less than three garages. My lawn thrives in the fertile ground of last year’s cornfield. I like driving my SUV everywhere I have to go. I am afraid of being different.
Think for yourself.