As I think about the current state of contemporary architecture, I can't help but reflect on the rise of "starchitects" - renowned architects who have gained celebrity status for their eye-catching and innovative designs. Although this trend has brought much attention to the field, it has also given rise to potential drawbacks, particularly when it comes to prioritizing individual style over functionality and context. In some cases, buildings can become unaffordable or unsuitable for their intended users and can disrupt the harmony of their surrounding communities or environments.

This is where the ideas of Douglas Haskell, a prominent architect and critic, come in. In his 1958 essay "Architecture and Popular Taste", Haskell argued that accessibility and popular taste should take precedence in architectural design. Haskell believed that architects should create buildings that are easy to appreciate and understand for everyone, not just a select few. By doing so, they can produce structures that are both beautiful and functional while still meeting the needs and preferences of their users.

Key ideas from his essay are:

1. Architecture should serve the needs and desires of the people who use it, rather than solely reflecting the personal tastes of the architect or the elite.

2. Design should be responsive to the social and cultural context in which it is created, as well as to the natural environment.

3. Good design should be accessible to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status.

4. The use of new materials and technology should not be seen as an end in itself, but rather as a means to achieve better design and greater efficiency.

5. Aesthetics should not be divorced from function; form should follow function.

6. Architects should embrace collaboration and the input of non-experts, such as the users of the buildings they design, to ensure that their work meets the needs of the community.

In this post, we'll delve into how architects can balance the need for ground-breaking and innovative design with considerations for functionality, context, sustainability, and user-centred design. We'll also examine how Haskell's ideas on popular taste and accessibility continue to hold relevance in today's architecture and how they can influence the creation of buildings that are both stunning and accessible to a broad audience. Join me as we explore this intriguing topic in depth!

The Importance of Functionality in Design

According to Douglas Haskell, functionality should always be a top priority in architectural design, and he argues that buildings should be designed to meet the needs of their intended users. Buildings are meant to serve a specific purpose, and their design should reflect that purpose. A building that is not functional may be aesthetically pleasing, but it will not serve its intended purpose effectively.

He also believed that architects should consider popular taste when designing functional buildings. By doing so, architects can create buildings that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical. For example, using materials that are easy to maintain and durable can be a functional design decision that is also influenced by popular taste.

The Seattle Public Library has gained worldwide attention for its unique and unconventional design, However, the library's layout has also been criticized for being confusing and difficult to navigate. In fact, an article was written about the library's layout, pointing out the challenges that users face when trying to find their way around the building. Ouch.

The Role of Context in Design

When designing buildings, it's important to consider the local context. Not only does it ensure that the building fits in with its surroundings, but it also enhances the overall aesthetic of the area. Douglas Haskell believed that architects should be mindful of the local context when designing buildings. This means taking into account the surrounding buildings, the natural environment, and the community's needs.

Take the High Line in New York City, for example. It's a public park built on a former elevated railway line that runs through the Chelsea neighbourhood. The park's design incorporates the original railway structure and features native plants, benches, and walkways. It's a natural oasis in the heart of the city that demonstrates the importance of designing buildings that fit in with their surroundings and enhance the local environment.

Popular taste can also influence contextual design decisions. In many areas, people appreciate buildings that reflect the local architectural heritage. For instance, in historic neighbourhoods, buildings that incorporate traditional architectural elements like brick, stone, or wood facades are often preferred over more modern styles. By incorporating popular tastes into contextual design decisions, architects can create buildings that are not only functional and beautiful, but also culturally relevant to the community.

Sustainability in Design

Sustainability is a critical consideration in architecture because buildings have a major impact on the environment. Douglas Haskell believed architects should focus on sustainability and design buildings that reduce their environmental impact as much as possible.

There are many sustainable design principles and materials that architects can incorporate into their designs. For example, green roofs, which are covered in vegetation, help to reduce heat island effects and can improve air quality. Recycled materials, such as reclaimed wood or metal, can be used to create unique and sustainable designs.

Popular taste can also influence sustainability design decisions, such as the use of natural materials and energy-efficient systems. Many people appreciate buildings that use natural materials like wood or stone, as they provide a sense of warmth and connection to the natural environment. Energy-efficient systems, such as solar panels or geothermal heating, are becoming more popular as people become increasingly aware of the need to reduce their carbon footprint.

User-Centred Design

Designing buildings that work well for their users is key to successful architecture. Architects need to put the needs and experiences of the people who will use their buildings first, whether it's an office building, a museum, or a residential home. Douglas Haskell believed that architecture should prioritize accessibility and the needs of the masses, which includes the building's users.

Some examples of buildings that do this well are the ones that put user experience first. For instance, the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts encourages interaction and exploration of the arts with an open-plan design that lets visitors move around freely. The space also features natural light and great views to create a sense of calm and relaxation.

Ongoing Feedback and Evaluation

Architectural design is a continuous process that involves ongoing feedback and evaluation to ensure that buildings meet the needs of their users. Post-occupancy evaluations and community engagement play a vital role in this process. According to Douglas Haskell, architecture should prioritize popular taste and accessibility. Architects must seek feedback from a diverse group of users to ensure that their buildings meet the needs of the masses.

The American Institute of Architects developed the Feedback Toolkit, which provides architects with a framework for gathering feedback from building users, including surveys, focus groups, and interviews. By engaging with building users and soliciting feedback, architects can identify areas for improvement and make changes to their designs to better meet the needs of their users.

Conclusion

We've talked about the impact of starchitects on contemporary architecture, and some of the potential drawbacks that come with their focus on style over functionality. We've also explored Douglas Haskell's idea that architecture should put popular taste and accessibility first, which is an important consideration for architects to keep in mind.

We've highlighted the importance of designing buildings that are functional and meet the needs of their users, which can be influenced by popular taste. We've also discussed how contextual factors, such as the location of a building, can play a crucial role in its design, and how popular taste can influence these decisions as well. Additionally, we've emphasized the importance of sustainability and user-centred design in architecture, and the benefits of ongoing feedback and evaluation to improve the design process.

Ultimately, architects have a responsibility to take into account the needs of their users and the local context when designing buildings that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. By incorporating Douglas Haskell's ideas about prioritizing popular taste into modern design practices, architects can create buildings that are accessible and attractive to a diverse range of users. It's important for architects to design buildings that not only serve their purpose but also make a positive contribution to the urban environment.