How to identify good architecture for architects and non-architects alike.

Learning about the theory of architecture at university was a source of frustration to me. Too much abstraction and too little concrete examples how to identify truly good architecture reliably. We were surely shown enough examples of seemingly good architecture to create our own, vague feeling or taste, but I was missing the tools to convey the key points to others, especially those not familiar with the subject. But exactly that communication is the main job of an architect. At the end of the day, our buildings are used by mostly non-architects. Only by understanding our built environment we can have a dialogue which leads us ultimately to better architecture.

What I mean with truly thinking about architecture is not judging the book by its cover. Understanding how it works and understanding the decisions which led to the final design.

A lack of this knowledge on the other hand creates carelessness and depreciation of architecture and a worse environment for us all.

What is good architecture and how can we define it?

Can the understanding of good architecture help us produce better quality and increase acceptance of our built environment?

In an attempt to deliver such an approach, I borrow a concept of a known person in the field of product design. Dieter Rams is known as an icon of design and influence to Apple products of the last decades. But how can we transform his “10 principles of good product design” and utilize it as a blueprint for judging good architecture. Design is how something works. Reducing design to the looks of objects and products is a known mistake we make. The field of architecture deals with the same misconceptions.

Try to use these principles as a checklist to judge architecture by yourself.

Good architecture is innovative

Innovation in architecture can be manifold. Technological changes like a change of construction technique or material are equally sources of innovation as the challenges and changes of the social and economic status quo. Even different policies and building regulations can foster innovation. Good architecture needs to be innovative.

Good architecture makes a building useful

Buildings are constructed to be used. Buildings serve a certain purpose. The layout of the floor plan should enhance these functions, give space when needed and be efficient when possible. Inhabitants, users or visitors rely on the safety and usefulness of the building, accessibility makes buildings better for everyone.

Good architecture is aesthetic

Cities are nothing but a collection of buildings and this built environment has measurable effects on us. Therefore the aesthetics are an essential part of the overall quality of the architecture. Especially when we spent vast amounts of our time in and around those structures.

Good architecture makes a building understandable

A building needs to communicate its main features and functions clearly to its user or observer. Access from the outside and circulation on the inside are probably the most important of those features and need to be easily understood by anyone. Good architecture makes them look natural and self-explanatory.

Good architecture is unobtrusive

Every building is an addition to and a product of its context with a long lasting and profound impact nevertheless. It provides space for an intended purpose but should give way and foster alternative uses.

Good architecture is honest

The structure does not imply more than it is. Nothing essential is hidden or obstructed. Materials are used in their purest form.

Good architecture is long-lasting

Architecture is resource-intensive and often permanent therefore it needs to be long lasting and structural sound.

Good architecture is thorough down to the last detail

Details make or break a design concept. Every details needs to be considered, nothing may be left to chance. Care for detailing is respecting the design and materials.

Good architecture is environmentally friendly

Construction is material intensive, a considerate use therefor inevitable. Primary energy content of materials and energy consumption during operation are part of a life cycle approach which factors in the impact at demolition, recycle or reuse. Bringing down the amount of energy needed during the whole life cycle is the goal.

Good architecture is as little architecture as possible

Reduction in shapes and forms concentrate energy and effort towards the essentials. Nothing is unnecessary or distracting.