Last weekend I had the opportunity to dive into one of my favorite design magazines: Metropolis. The beauty of Metropolis is that it transcends boundaries. It is not just an architecture magazine but covers all aspects of design.
The March 20 issue asks the question, "What is good design now?" From this profound question, he lists ten virtues that are difficult to argue with. For architects, this list makes a great checklist as you go through the design process:
1. Durable
The problem with sustainable design is that it's easier said than done. Unfortunately, greenwashing and marketing spin are often substitutes for real change.
Architects can no longer hide. The word is out. The buildings we design and the energy they require produce more carbon dioxide than cars. Yes, the auto manufacturers we all complain about have less influence than architects and their clients. It's time to do the right thing.
2. Accessible
What good design is if it's only available to some people. Here in America, detailed codes dictate that our built environment be accessible to people with disabilities. It is often necessary to look beyond these minimum standards.
3. Functional
This should be the simplest attribute of good design, but it is often difficult to achieve. Apple makes products that look great, but at their core, they succeed by providing easy-to-use hardware and software that outperforms the competition.
4. Well made.
Architects do not build anything. Our say in building construction is limited to the set of instructions we provide. After all, the people who actually build it have little or no real interaction with the architect. This means our instructions are better, and just as importantly, easier to understand.
5. Emotionally resonant
People rarely forget the feeling of walking into the Pantheon in Rome. Now compare this to the homogeneity found in much of our suburban development.
Not every building can be a Pantheon, but every design should be an attempt to stir the senses.
6. Durable
Buildings require longevity both structurally and aesthetically. Innovation is important, but you don't want a design that's dated before the last coat of paint dries.
The time frame of the bearing is uncertain. There is no doubt that the Pantheon (126 AD) is durable. Is Gehry's Guggenheim (1997) in Bilbao?
7. Socially beneficial
Whether you like it or not, all architecture is public architecture. Builders have a responsibility to look both inside and outside the walls of their buildings to see what we can do to help.
8. Beautiful
Beauty is subjective, right?
9. Ergonomic
Buildings should relate to the scale of the people who live in them. Often this idea is lost in the array of 3D computer modeling technologies that architects use these days. Stop and take a step back. Place a person in this model. Even if they are digital.
10. Affordability
It is one of the most difficult for architects. The reason is simple. Architects usually get clients by waiting for the phone to ring. Someone with money, land and maintenance wants our services. This client type represents a small segment of society, yet comprises almost all of an architect's clients.
Creating affordable architecture is more difficult. It involves entrepreneurship on the part of the architect. An upfront investment to create an affordable solution that the public can afford.
So now that we've covered good design, how about great design? Great design is hard to quantify. Maybe there is no list!
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