Malcolm Wells

Malcolm Wells: Architect, Author, Artist, and Visionary.

The Back Story: I was reading the classifieds one morning in the 'Commercial Space for Sale' section when I came across a 3 line ad that went something like... Cherry Hill, NJ, Unique underground office space for rent, designed by architect Malcolm Wells Contact Mr...etc.. I called the agent who gave me the address and told me where to find the key.

 
Intrigued I called one of our camera people and we jumped in the van and went to see the property. I didn't know what to expect but I didn't anticipate seeing an empty lot and a pathway disappearing behind a shrub. Being the intrepid explorer that I am.. I sent our cameraman to investigate. Twenty minutes later I'm getting a little nervous, but he reappears looking like he
had some kind of epiphany. Now here's a guy who barely says two words in five minutes talking nonstop about how fantastic the place is and yes it's all below ground level, but it has windows and light, and a courtyard, and it's such a magical space,... and 'I'll be back... I have to take pictures!' That was the birth of the Malcolm Wells project. When I finally tracked down Mr. Wells he told me he was now retired and no longer gave interviews... two weeks later our crew was off to Massachusetts at Malcolm's invitation to visit his Underground Art Gallery.
 
Malcolm Wells: Malcolm say's it best in his own words, "In 1964, after 10 years spent spreading corporate asphalt on America in the name of architecture, I woke up one day to the fact that the earth's surface was made for living plants, not industrial plants. I've been an underground architect ever since. I live on Cape Cod, and I'm writing this in the dry, sunny silence of my Underground Art Gallery".
 
'Earth Covered' is probably a more appropriate terminology for the style of architecture that Mr. Wells has tirelessly advocated for over 35 years. Having lectured at almost every U. S. architectural school and written 20 books on the subject, underground architecture is still virtually unknown. Malcolm's vision may yet have it's day! With global warming on the rise, the energy efficiency of earth covered buildings is a viable alternative to the 'Pathing of America'.
 
Being inside one of Malcolm's, buildings is really a great experience. They are light bright, warm and comfortable. When our crew arrived in Massachusetts it was a brisk fall evening with a hint of early Cape Cod frost in the air. The Underground Art Gallery on the other hand was warm and bright, with the whole building heated by a single tiny wood stove and some very fancy ductwork.
 
 
American Treasure: America's treasure is not only in the natural beauty and resources of the land, but our treasure is also in the people. Malcolm Wells is truly one of our treasures. Business Television Network loves interviewing people who are passionate about the work they do There is a wonderful website that is absolutely loaded with resources about Mr. Wells at; http://www.malcolmwells.com Thank You, 'FM'.
 
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