I'm a fan of good design. Of all kinds.
Interior design. Landscape design. Urban design. Architecture. Graphic design.
Design is creation with intent and purpose.
What is created embodies the purpose of the designer, and effects the environment around it accordingly.
Where we live affects how we live.
- If we have a six foot fence, we're less likely to get to know our neighbours. Because we're less likely to see them.
- If we have a 300 square meter house, we're more likely to buy more stuff. Because we have the space.
- If we have a double garage, we're more likely to have two cars. And probably even more likely to keep more junk.
- If we live close to work, we're more likely to walk or bike.
And we haven't even thought about how the inside of our house is designed and laid out, and how that affects the way we live together.
Design matters. Because it changes us.
What is the purpose behind your house?
Most of the houses being built seem to be built to-spec, not built for people. The purpose lies somewhere between making money for the developer, and looking appealing to the market, which really means the same thing.
The purpose isn't to build a home that is good for the people who will live there. It's to build a home that looks like what people want, so we can sell it at a good price.
Build a Good Home vs Get a Good Price
While we might strive for both, I suspect the latter is the priority for most people in the business of designing our new subdivisions.