Opus 13

While [pair]-ing down in architectural history we begin by pondering an equation still in need of an answer. In respect to residential design, how does the Classical elegance of a Renaissance gem like the Villa Rotunda (1566-1571) added to the streamlined beauty of a Modern machine for living like the Villa Savoye (1928-1929) get answered? Architects have been trying to find “modern” for centuries now. Some apply a literal translation and create classic revivals or mere copies of Modern that do not work either with contemporary ways of living or with the site, technology and natural environment as intended. Others abstract the rules, break them and push for new and exciting ways to create a space for human habitation. The design cycle revolves and returns to favor more restrained, less emotional design. Since the Villa Savoye, residential neighborhoods have sprung up around the globe. These houses fail to answer the equation mentioned above. What should modern residential design look like? What should it be?

Throughout the Modern movement holistic design is again brought to the forefront with many architects not only creating buildings and interiors, but also the furnishings within to carry their design intent throughout. Instead of exploring ways to transpose existing structures as has been done throughout history, these architects are defining new ways of construction and spatial arrangement. Unfortunately, early Modern architecture creates sculpture on the landscape that may or may not work with its site and function as intended. Many buildings turn out to be a celebrating of self instead of a celebration of the happenings within. In addition, architects disregard their surroundings and juxtapose these new structures with more traditional building types without any consideration of adjacent structures, historic elements or community ideals. These missteps in early designs create a misunderstanding between the general public and Modern Architecture - plaguing its simplistic beauty by rendering it inefficient and, thus, eliminating its implementation in residential neighborhoods.

But these Modern ideals were moving in the right direction. Their design intent to correlate a building’s design with its site, technology and function has long since been the logical choice. This was done in ancient times and was somehow lost along the way. Architecture became about its monologue to society. It became about showcasing itself, staking its claim on the landscape and, since Ancient Rome, disregarding the natural environment and its inherent properties available to us. A dialogue needs to be re-established between architecture, the environment and the general public. Education about the ways in which to utilize the natural environment to our advantage instead of shutting ourselves against it will assist in rejuvenating these relationships. A house does not need to be four square walls with a pitched roof, garage and single tree. A home does not have to exist within an endless subdivision that makes cars a necessity.

It is within darkness that we see the light. As our neglect for the world spins out of control, this darkness drives the quest to right our wrongs, this despair promotes action. Meditation causes one to observe their inner-self, question their actions and beliefs and listen to the world around them. What does the world need from us? What do we need from the world? In reality the world needs nothing from us; it existed without us and may again someday. No matter how much destruction we cause, the world will continue to turn, bacteria will continue to grow, plants will adapt, new species will form and the sun will still shine. With or without us. Our shadow currently hangs over the earth as we begin to realize that we need a lot from this world that needs little from us. As populations skyrocket, how do we minimize our impact? We can look to history to guide us. Knowledge exists and it is through collaboration among disciplines that this knowledge will grow.

So what should the modern residence look like? I do not know. The world does not know - we continue to search for that answer. But we do know that it does not look like your current residence, most likely it does not look like your neighbor’s house. It may look like something we’ve yet to see. But it will need to take the above into consideration, be a synthesis of the past, present and future. It will need to return to place where the natural environment is of utmost importance. This has become clear due to our abuse of the world and its consequences. The modern residence will create a place of human scale on the earth for daily functions and way of life. An innate human desire requires it. And we hope the earth can accommodate us so long as we accommodate the earth. This much we know.