The dilemma of style and an authentic contemporary architectural expression
Many potential clients come to an architect with a specific “style” in mind for their project. Traditional. Tudor. Neo-classical. Colonial. Mid-century Modern. You get the idea.
Most if not all of these styles are steeped in historical forms that at one point were the authentic architectural expression of a specific culture. Unlike us, most of these cultures did not consciously pick from a palette of readily available formal options. In simple terms, the Romans didn’t know they were doing Classical architecture. The Brits didn’t intentionally decide to build in the Tudor style. It was really not until the late 18th century with the advent of the social sciences, most notably archeology, that the issue of style becomes relevant. At the moment that antiquity, for example, became the focus of conscious study and observation, it can be argued that classicism was instantly transformed into neo-classicism. It was, in fact, partly the limitations of a stylistic approach to architecture as it developed through the 18th and 19th centuries that caused the Moderns to search for and find a new architectural expression. There is (insert smirk here… ) a great irony to the current popularity of the Mid-century Modern style.
The ancient Roman architect, Vitruvius asserted in his text, De Architectura, that there are 3 fundamental principles of architecture: durability, functionality, and beauty. He went on to say these are achieved through order, elegance, proper arrangement, appropriate construction, and economic sense. Not one is more important than the other. Not one should be sacrificed for the other. It seems to me that 2000 or so years later these are the values that still make for a significant and authentic architecture.
Where does the issue of “style” fit in all that? Some will say it has no place. I would have to disagree. Maybe all these styles we now get to choose from, rather than being mere fashion, are more like different languages used to tell a story. After all, wouldn’t it be a pity not to be able to read Candide because you don’t speak French or Hamlet because you don’t speak English?
Each of us have the things we love. Embrace your style. But do so with integrity and care.
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