The price of architecture by Anca Milut
Working recently on the Shibayama Mansion project and making study models of potential layouts that could lead to the best solutions got me thinking about the price and value of architecture in society today.
It’s been two months since I arrived in Geneto, Kyoto office from London. To my great relief it has been confirmed that no matter where you practice architecture there are far greater similarities then differences and language posts no barriers when it comes to good and innovative design. However, the lack of awareness from society for the need of an architect persists even in the Far East.
In the UK apartment buildings have long been associated with the poor working class. Starting from workhouses, to terraced housing to the current day council estates where space is minimal and living costs are low. Traditionally constructors would build these dwellings using standard, cheap and quick methods. Cities have been shaped this way resulting in the masses of banal architecture we are faced with everyday.
Luckily in the 21st century there are some who realize the need for an architect in making living and working conditions more efficient and more enjoyable. Human nature has always pushed us to strive for more, improve and innovate so it is to be expected to want to enhance everyday experiences, which can be achieved through architecture.
In London, where space is very limited, there is a new wave of apartment buildings for the ever-growing middle class who can afford new homes that are designed by architects. If you can accept and understand from the beginning that you are paying for a premium to have the best of every thing including finishes, design and efficient layouts in your home then there is no other place better suited then an architect design home. Examples include : Central St Giles apartments, The Bramah Chelsea, One Hyde Park (high end)
I hope the Shibayama project will be successful in respect to societies appreciation of the work Geneto will put in to making it the best it can be. It is bound to set a precedent in the office’s portfolio as the biggest project to date and perhaps it can be the beginning to bringing a bit of architectural thinking regarding housing and living in Kyoto.
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GENETO
Anca Milut
It’s been two months since I arrived in Geneto, Kyoto office from London. To my great relief it has been confirmed that no matter where you practice architecture there are far greater similarities then differences and language posts no barriers when it comes to good and innovative design. However, the lack of awareness from society for the need of an architect persists even in the Far East.
In the UK apartment buildings have long been associated with the poor working class. Starting from workhouses, to terraced housing to the current day council estates where space is minimal and living costs are low. Traditionally constructors would build these dwellings using standard, cheap and quick methods. Cities have been shaped this way resulting in the masses of banal architecture we are faced with everyday.
Luckily in the 21st century there are some who realize the need for an architect in making living and working conditions more efficient and more enjoyable. Human nature has always pushed us to strive for more, improve and innovate so it is to be expected to want to enhance everyday experiences, which can be achieved through architecture.
In London, where space is very limited, there is a new wave of apartment buildings for the ever-growing middle class who can afford new homes that are designed by architects. If you can accept and understand from the beginning that you are paying for a premium to have the best of every thing including finishes, design and efficient layouts in your home then there is no other place better suited then an architect design home. Examples include : Central St Giles apartments, The Bramah Chelsea, One Hyde Park (high end)
I hope the Shibayama project will be successful in respect to societies appreciation of the work Geneto will put in to making it the best it can be. It is bound to set a precedent in the office’s portfolio as the biggest project to date and perhaps it can be the beginning to bringing a bit of architectural thinking regarding housing and living in Kyoto.
RELATED ARTICLE ←
GENETO
Anca Milut