When it comes to architecture, there are a few qualities that are non-negotiable when it comes to defining what is good design. These are a great way to reflect on what makes good design, while also giving you a guideline to ascertain if your own designs feature the qualities on the following list.
- Sustainable
Let’s be real – it is hard to do sustainability properly. However, when done right, the buildings we design and create can have a positive effect on our environment. The onus is on architects and designers to do right thing and consider the impacts of their designs, before taking the steps to remedy any negative effects.
- Accessible
There’s no point designing things ground-breaking projects if not everyone can access them. Designs need to be accessed by everybody to have any point of impact, so architects need to go above and beyond minimum standards to create designs that don’t just fulfil expectations but exceed them.
- Functional
Why create something that looks nice when you cannot even use it? At its core, design should be functional above all else. This can be hard to achieve, but what makes the greatest designs the best is that they combine aesthetics with an unwavering dedication to function.
- Enduring
There’s a tough balance to strike between innovation and tradition. It is essential that design has genuine longevity, both structurally and aesthetically. We need to be able to appreciate the design as much as we do now in 20 years’ time.
- Affordable
An architect often deals with the one per cent of society – clientele with cash, ideas and space to burn. While creating extravagant architecture is easy, generating designs that are affordable while still hitting all key points is not so simple. However, creating a sound affordable solution is not impossible without a commitment to innovation and quality design.
