OVERVIEW

August in Atlanta is hot, so what better month to celebrate our sizzling passion for porches?  As you’ll hear, this space and place are more complex than you might imagine.  This platform plays the role of architectural element, environmental medium, status symbol, memory maker, and even a place for race relations.

Jim Strickland is founder of Historical Concepts, an architecture firm believing strongly in the prominence and provenance of the porch.  Jim joins Gene in the studio to recall personal moments of porch life, the architectural importance of the porch, and the dialogue that design creates on, off and about the porch.

Jocelyn Donlon likes porches so much she wrote the book on them.  Swinging in Place: Porch Life in Southern Culture, examines everything from childhood games to courtship to gossip with neighbors.  Donlon, via phone from Japan, talks about the significance of the porch to our everyday life and gives a nice comparison to other traditions around the world including the Japanese porch, the engawa. Donlon’s grandmother’s porch, one of a white woman in a black neighborhood, was not only a place where the author grew up and enjoyed life, but it was also inspiration for the book.

As Chair of Emory University’s Department of Environmental Studies, Uriel Kitron is no stranger to the insects we see, hear and swat while playing on the porch.  Kitron gives a warm and educational review that ranges from the dangers of disease in mosquitos to the romance of the firefly, all in the context of the urban environment and with historical scientific footnotes.

Kicking back with an iced tea or a cold beer, watching the world go by, and just enjoying the breeze is all part of porch life. It’s hard to talk about porches without talking about rocking chairs. Thought to have been invented by Benjamin Franklin, the rocking chair has enjoyed many famous aficionados.  From masters of literature like Mark Twain to Presidents such as John F. Kennedy, the rocker has kept on rocking.

But, it’s the imagination, creativity and ingenuity of designer Kathleen Oscadal that has us impressed.  Oscadal created the Sawa Chair, part rocking chair part porch swing, as an expression of her belief that it is okay to be ourselves. Oscadal’s human quality, personality and charm shine through in both her design and in our interview.

The “Passion for Porches” is available now on iTunes.  While you’re there, please rate and review us.  Thank you.  Enjoy!