{"id":755922,"date":"2024-09-18T07:40:40","date_gmt":"2024-09-18T06:40:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/?p=755922"},"modified":"2024-09-18T11:28:59","modified_gmt":"2024-09-18T10:28:59","slug":"the-quest-for-sexy-architecture-is-harming-architects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/news\/opinion\/the-quest-for-sexy-architecture-is-harming-architects","title":{"rendered":"The quest for sexy architecture is harming architects"},"content":{"rendered":"

We architects place a high value on aesthetics. We often obsess over intricate details, forms and skylines, and pat each other on the back by circulating highly curated images of our creations. It\u2019s nothing new and, unfortunately, we live in a world where a sexy image of our last project is highly likely to help convince a new client to take a gamble and appoint us as their architect.<\/p>\n

But placing looks so highly on the pedestal is a toxic mentality for us to have, and one we should all try to shake. I point no fingers for this fault as deep down I also wish for my own projects to be featured in magazines and showcased as \u2018beautiful\u2019. This is something I am actively trying to reshape, as the quest for aesthetic brilliance glosses over the truth that moral responsibility extends far beyond artistic expression.<\/p>\n

The fire at Grenfell Tower was a horrific event that served as a grim reminder of where priorities should lie. The recent phase two report<\/a> of the inquiry and articles by the likes of the Guardian<\/em>\u2019s Oliver Wainwright<\/a> have provoked another round of soul-searching.<\/p>\n

Tied together with the recent criticisms on the Stirling Prize shortlist being boring, I\u2019m now wondering whether we as a profession have neglected the ordinary and essential aspects of our profession in pursuit of the glamorous. I\u2019m becoming more convinced that an obsession with making sexy architecture is doing more harm than good.<\/p>\n

There is a more mundane side to architecture that we are all familiar with, and building regulations is part of that. Of course, making buildings beautiful, and adding something positive to the visual landscape is an important part of our responsibility. But I would say that making buildings safe is where our true moral responsibility resides. It\u2019s not the stuff of headlines nor of elegantly printed monographs. But without it, the most beautiful building is nothing more than a dangerous and deadly fa\u00e7ade.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re all a little architecturally narcissistic<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

One reason we may shun the ordinary for the sexy is that humility is needed to embrace this aspect of architecture. We\u2019re all brought up on legends of the lone architectural genius and are encouraged to shout about how brilliant we are to get on in our careers. It\u2019s no surprise that we\u2019re all a little architecturally narcissistic.<\/p>\n

Indeed, when I was a student, I used to question the ambition of executive architects. I wondered why they didn\u2019t want to be the big name, winning all the accolades and awards. I understand now that they, and others like them, are more important to the project than starchitect napkin artists, and almost certainly more in touch with what \u2018architecture\u2019 is in the modern day.<\/p>\n

The problem is that, like everyone else, I continue to idolise the sexy: the manicured published images, the high-profile awards \u2013 and the praise from my peers. Perhaps we can all continue to enjoy these things as long as we take them with a healthy pinch of salt.<\/p>\n

A recalibration of architectural success is not about abandoning aesthetics but placing the unsexy on the same level as good looks and high levels of sustainability. Instead of lauding sexy architecture or putting visually striking buildings on a pedestal, let\u2019s start celebrating architects for their role in promoting safety, functionality, and climate resilience. Returning to the three principles of Vitruvius, we need to pay a lot more attention to firmitas and utilitas.<\/p>\n

Toko Andrews is an associate at Tunbridge Wells-based Kaner Olette Architects and associate lecturer at the University for the Creative Arts<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We architects place a high value on aesthetics. We often obsess over intricate details, forms and skylines, and pat each other on the back by circulating highly curated images of our creations. It\u2019s nothing new and, unfortunately, we live in a world where a sexy image of our last project is highly likely to help …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10162,"featured_media":756033,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"categories":[745],"tags":[76654,73595,3147,76949,100989],"yoast_head":"\nThe quest for sexy architecture is harming architects<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"To improve the state of architecture we need to drop the obsession with good-looking buildings and get the basics right, says Toko Andrews\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/news\/opinion\/the-quest-for-sexy-architecture-is-harming-architects\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" 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