Quote of the Day

Design by the community and or design by committee that is not a formula for success. Aesthetics can be somewhat subjective. That being said there are I think there some buildings that even within an area of subjectivity one would agree are less than. I think that the concept of demanding higher standards and good design from the developers for the protection of the community is a lot easier said than done. And lets own up to it is elitist. If one could afford or desired only basic shelter with minimal concern as to wether he lived in a limestone or a building clad with aluminum siding would the design committee or the community , or the elitist pay this person the difference in cost between a limestone facade and aluminum siding so he can live in the community according to their somewhat subjective standards. My guess is talk is cheap and as long as it comes out of some else's flesh everyone got an opinion as to how the other person should live or how the other person should build etc. The problem is not just the developers. Developers generally higher architects to design a building. As shocking as it might sound most architects are not necessarily great designers. The developer doesnt tell the architect design me a cheap POS that the community will find offensive. The developer (same as the community, Purchaser and Architect) may or may not recognize what constitutes quality design. Each certainly has their own priorities and values things a bit differently. Most are somewhat motivated by self interest many times defined in terms of making a profit(developer), getting a good deal (purchaser), making a living, pleasing a client, and trying to develop a good design (Architect), how does it effect me economically etc with little feeling as to anyone elses costs (the community). I believe thats where the problem lies. The community is willing to have the developer and the purchaser spend whatever it would take better architect, better materials, higher costs. They are not concerned wether the developer makes a profit or wether the purchaser will be able to afford the Mercedes Building as opposed to the Chevrolet Building. The Community wants all Mercedes Buildings becauase this is a community of people who appreciate Mercedes. Elitists The concept that if more people spoke up developers would somehow come up with better designs i find kind of innocent. I do believe if the purchasers of condominiums understood the value of good design and were willing to pay up for good design and top quality there would be developers and architects that would attempt to provide them with such. I also believe that if the purchasers were not willing to purchase condominiums of low quality design at any price (im mean cheap) those developers would surely be displaced by the market.

Posted by: MRivera at April 3, 2009 5:32 PM

just a note to square drive i think its a good idea instead of brownstoner being a digital rag for negativity they should do some emphasis on development done right show some examples have some with knowledge of design explain the merits of the design why exactly it is good design

the concept of design by government regulation that really sucks
that doesnt sound like it will promote much in the way of design or creativity

Posted by: MRivera at April 3, 2009 5:48 PM