There's a compelling article titled 'Making Architecture Easy' that delves into the realm of architectural styles.

It takes a stand on the ongoing debate between traditional and modernist approaches in architecture.

The article suggests that architecture should be about being accessible and appealing to everyone rather than sticking strictly to traditional or modernist rules.

Here's the gist:

The argument between traditionalists and modernists in architecture boils down to the styles we choose. Some people just want fewer eyesores and more variety beyond modern or old-school styles.

The crew, including the author, is all for finding a balance and promoting architectural styles that speak to a broad audience.

It's not about sticking to traditional styles - it's about creating welcoming and universally loved architecture.

The text also introduces a thought-provoking concept of 'oldism' to classify styles by age, challenging the traditional view of 'traditionalism' in architecture.

It explores how traditionalists seek architectural styles with specific features rather than just old ones and introduces 'goodism' to highlight styles that define good architecture.

It discusses the shift towards more complex art in the twentieth century and how this impacts various art forms, emphasizing the need to delve deeper into this trend.

The author expresses concerns about the increasing complexity of architecture and why ensuring accessibility in architecture matters.

The text delves into the distinctions between private and public arts, exceptional and everyday arts, and what makes something stand out versus blend in across literature, music, and architecture.

It also touches on how intricate architectural styles might pose challenges with accessibility and how artistic choices influence public spaces.

The case for easy styles can be likened to discussing music.

Atonality in music, emerging in the 20th century, uses all chromatic scale notes, even those that clash.

This trend makes modern classical music more challenging to grasp compared to older classical and popular/folk music.

Most music enthusiasts agree that atonal music can be good or bad, but it's generally harder to appreciate.

Atonal music is rarely seen in classical concerts or popular music, except in film soundtracks for creating tension.

Imagine if atonal music blasted through towns.

Most of it wouldn't be by gifted composers but by commercial producers, making it uninteresting.

This unsettling sound would fill streets, making public spaces uncomfortable.

Creating tension.

People would avoid cities, even suburbs, and value the quiet countryside.

Think of tonality in music, like easiness in architecture - they both influence how we feel.

​Experience the full argument as written by Samuel Hughes, a research fellow at the University of Oxford and head of housing at the Centre for Policy Studies.

And have a triumphant rest of your week,
The A-Team

P.S. - Would you like to see what our ARDA Jury deemed architecturally pleasing? Visit ResidentialDesignAwards and click 2024 Winners.