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.
Mitchell Rocheleau of ROST Architects dives into the fascinating story of Central Park's creation, from its inception as a public space for all New Yorkers to its role as a restorative haven and symbol of democratic ideals. Why is Central Park important for our generation to understand? Through collective self-awareness and community intention Central Park's design created an enduring legacy as a place for recreation, social interaction, and civic engagement. Through reconnection with the natural world and exposure to nature in an individual's life, New York was able to make a cultural statement for restorative public space within a city.
The High Line in New York City is an iconic example of urban revitalization, transforming an abandoned industrial rail line into a vibrant, landscaped public park. The High Line story is one of evolution, from its origins as a bustling freight rail line to its decline and eventual rebirth as a symbol of innovative landscape, urban design.
Architect 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.
Principal 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
Principal and Architect of ROST Architects, Mitchell Rocheleau, meets with John Lobell, a professor at Pratt Institute and expert on Louis Kahn, to discuss the architecture and philosophy of Louis Kahn.
Principal 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.
Principal and Architect of ROST Architects, Mitchell Rocheleau, discusses how Louis Kahn developed his architectural philosophy and how this is reflected in his existing designs.
Principal 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.
Identifying 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.
Reflecting 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.
In many modern cities, there seems to be a lack of institutions and structures offering life guidance, emotional development, mental health, spirituality, and helping people find answers to life’s more significant questions.
Influenced 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.
Understanding 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.
American 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.
Why 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.
A 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.
There 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.
At first glance, architecture and psychology may seem to be disparate fields with little in common. Over time, however, I have uncovered ideas that have informed how I think about the built environment and influenced my architectural practice. Most notably, Carl Jung’s conception of the primitive unconscious and the natural world has profoundly impacted my design approach and philosophy.
