I’m sitting on my makeshift home studio in front of my machines. On one side is my PC with an architectural proposal on the screen. On the other side is my Mac Pro, used specifically for browsing, social-media’ing and blogging. Two jobs at the same time. Well, you might think that I’m good at juggling stuff. The truth is absolutely not. My mind just wanders a lot.
I’m writing this post because all of this wanderings made me think. Let me share with you an email I’ve received a few months ago (Sept 2011):
Hi there Amer!
I hope you’re doing well. I just came across tendtotravel.com and wanted to tell you I think it’s awesome you’re chosing to spend your money on things that matter to you, namely, travel.
Do you find that travel is helping you become a better architect? I think you could write a killer travel/architecture blog.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Cheers,
Dale
Yes, the email was incredibly short. But I was incredibly stuck too. Thanks to Dale (and everyone else who contributed for that reason), I’ve managed to find myself a niche and relaunched my blog upon doing a successful poll. I am now a newly self-proclaimed ‘Travelling Architect’. You see, having a totally new niche is quite cool to have but to be honest with you, it’s also really hard to materialise since there’s no precedent to follow. It’s fair to say that I do need to be more creative with the articles.
If you follow this blog, you’ll realise that I’ve started to integrate a bit more about architecture into this travel blog. Firstly I’ve started to create a new section – Travel and Architecture, where I share my favourite architectural discoveries during my travels. Secondly I’ve started to compile my list of the Top 5 Cities I’ve visited for Modern and Contemporary Architecture. Thirdly, I’ve started to integrate more of your experiences by offering the chance for you to contribute and share about your favourite buildings you’ve discovered whilst travelling. The first Guest Post by Shaliza entitled All that matters is that one place has been a successful one, having been favorited by the guys at Lonely Planet.
As another initiative, I’ve decided to make a mini make-over again this time by changing the background. Why the background? The reason is simple, despite its clean look I need a stronger image that portrays the image of an architectural travel blog. I’ve thought quite long about this background and I think I might have just found the solution.
I’m also lining up a few more architectural travel related stuff to the drawing board. Hopefully, we could all discover a new thing or two about architecture in our travels. Thanks to Dale, I’ve decided to make TTT a full-blown architectural travel blog. Just need a bit more time. And obviously, figuring out what to write.
You can help me by providing guest post on your favourite buildings worldwide or give me tips just like Dale did. Thanks in advance!
12 comments
Shane says:
Jan 10, 2012
While there is no harm in having a general travel blog, there are a lot of them around at the moment. You made a good point in another post that, knowingly or not, we are all prepared to travel a long way to see a building. About half of the world’s set piece tourist attractions are a building or buildings: Angkor Wat, The Colleseum, Empire State…
I think it is a great idea to tilt your site towards your area of expertise and I’m sure there are a lot of ways you can run with the idea. I’m always a little fascinated when I see the floorplans of new homes and I wonder if it were possible to be able to display the floorplans or blueprints of famous buildings? (Though I guess there could be security implications with this idea).
Amer says:
Jan 11, 2012
Hi Shane, I think its okay to have a general travel blog, after all blogs are meant to be personal and there’s no harm for one to share of their travel experiences to the world. My concern at the moment is how to create good pieces of writing one after another especially on a topic so new to travel blogging. But I guess that’s the fun part of it. But anyway, am really looking forward to finally making this change. Most of my writing so far revolves around the same topic as many travel bloggers write which is about travel generally and not much about architecture. I think that might be a good idea. Might insert one or two plans if its made publicly available!
Angela says:
Jan 12, 2012
A travel/architecture blog is certainly interesting. I’m by no means expert in architecture but trying to understand buildings, their history and their purpose, is one of the most fascinating aspects. There is so much you can write about it, and your point of view of expert will make your blog truly unique.
Amer says:
Jan 13, 2012
Thanks Angela for your support and idea! In truth, I’m not sure whether non-architects would read anything about architecture – who knows they might get bored with all of the terms. But it’s good to know that you’re interested to learn more about architecture of different places. Will definitely try to write up on buildings I’ve visited during my travels.
Meitzeu says:
Jan 12, 2012
Indeed Dale asked a really good question.
mt
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Amer says:
Jan 13, 2012
Hi Meitzeu, thanks for your comment! This architravelblog is certainly something new to me too. I’m glad you liked the architecture of the UK when you visited there. It kinda shows to me that there is potential of having a niche like this!
flipnomad says:
Jan 13, 2012
hi amer, i think the travel blog market focusing on architecture and design is not yet saturated compare to other micro niche in travel blogging and i think you’ll excel on this one because you’re great at it… go for it man! looking forward to see great pictures of buildings and other structures and know the story behind each of them….
Amer says:
Jan 14, 2012
Thanks Flip, am hoping I’ll be able to do it properly
azryKitt says:
Jan 14, 2012
Oho..so that’s the reason.i noticed the concrete background the moment log in here. Very ‘concrete’ reason and strong message. Way to go man!! Somehow,the process,the in-depth review or those observation will make us more appreciate of the architecture,
Amer says:
Jan 14, 2012
Thanks Azry. Let’s hope so too..
Mary says:
Feb 19, 2012
Hi Amer. Tend to Travel is fascinating and commendable. Your expertise and knowledge of architecture will certainly put the different buildings you will showcase in an interesting light. I too am an architect and naturally in my travels, I’m always drawn to the architecture and built environment of the places I visit. I guess it’s inherent among architects to ‘differently’ marvel and gawk at the edifices we finally see in person when we’ve studied them previously. I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Amer says:
Feb 19, 2012
Thanks Mary for your thoughts. I can only agree with your views (I mean architects have similar minds). I just hope I can pull this off. Its going to be a new experience!