The Timeless Way of Building

Great human environments are not conceived in one head and pushed out of a factory. They evolve like other life forms. Cities and buildings follow a number of patterns. Different designs are common in different parts of the world. These are "patterns" but not modules. The patterns are adapted to the surroundings and environment to help fulfill human needs. For a building to remain timeless, the architect must be egoless. Otherwise, the building will represent the desires of the designer rather than the people.

The Timeless Way of Building is an elegant describing characteristics and patterns for timeless building. The layout of the text and images adds to pleasure in reading the book.

A "pattern language" helps in design. The language allows one to envision what is being done. The description of the patterns follows a logical order allowing anyone to visualize. One can focus on the proper interaction of people with the patterns. The patterns will be adapted to the various needs. In construction, there should be flexibility to adapt as the need arises. Even afterwards, things should be adapted and built upon as needed.

The best buildings and cities evolve over time. Even the best planner cannot see all the uses of the environment. The more "planning" involved, the more sterile the environment. Even on a small level, the site may just not fit into the "standard" model. Non-modular development is more expensive, but allows for better use of the location. 

Since the book was written in 1979, things have chugged further down the "bad path". I recall a blogger that tried to buy a house in Appleton, Wisconsin. The agent tried to guide him towards houses on the periphery built in the last three decades. These would best maintain their value and had the best school. Only, after living in them, they would fall into the "old house" category. This is not timeless. This is just sprawl. Big arterials separate out development. (You may be able to see the neighbor across the street, but need to walk over a mile to get to a crossing to get to their house.) Today there are many subdivisions that are plopped down. The houses look similar and have little relationship to the land. They tend to be isolated in single-family ghettos. Even the amenities, like playgrounds are created in cookie cutter fashion without regards to the location. (Why is the playground next to the busy street?) While they have new homes, they are sought after. But how will these age? Probably not well. They are not timeless. 

The 99% Invisible City: A Field Guide to the Hidden World of Everyday Design

There are many things in our built environment that we just take for granted. For example, stop signs. Why are they octagons? And why red? Turns out somebody thought that the number of edges was an indication of degree of danger. And red seemed like a good color for stop.

99% Invisible City attempts to explore many of the parts of the built environment that we see every day, yet often don't think about. There are sections on the inflatable "things" at car dealerships. Why are there no more metal fire escapes? Why tall buildings? What happened to all the mail order houses from Sears? There are so many good parts of this book, it is hard to put down. I will definitely check out the podcast