A friend sent me this article by Alex Murrel recently. It’s a thought provoking read that points all the current similarities across fashion, media, art, architecture, and even the human face. It argues that our ever-so globalized world has led everything to become, essentially, the same. And not just the same but bland same.
Remember in Up in the Air when Anna Kendrick’s character reveals her new business approach called GLOCAL? This reminds me of that. The styles that we reflect and work through are losing their vernacular (local) charm, and they are becoming global waves. Is that what it is coming down to? Is that a bad thing?
From Duo Dickson’s article in Common Edge
There’s a portion of the article that focuses on architecture becoming the same. In the grand scheme of things, I would agree. Especially when it comes down to larger scale architecture. Murrel talks about the five-over-one buildings, also called fast-casual architecture or McUrbanism. It’s those boxy mid rise buildings that all look relatively the same. It’s a concrete podium of retail on the bottom, with some sort of wood-framed residential above. Based on the building codes and zoning that are seemingly the same across most of the US, this type of project is the most efficient way to build for developers. Murrel also cites Coby Lefkowitz’s article (I believe this article is behind a paywall, sorry, but go to the link in the photo caption for another option), which dives even deeper into the issue. I urge you to take a look because these clunky boxes are becoming a problem. They don’t reflect any vernacular styles, and they are becoming the bland sameness that is sweeping the world.
Duo Dickinson explains this “architectural pandemic” in shorter, more succinct terms (this article is also not behind a paywall). I think the economic conditions will, indeed, have a big role in this. Money was essentially free for the past 15 years (ridiculously low interest rates), meaning it was much easier for developers to make a profit. But, now that interest rates have risen a great deal, I think developers will be a bit more cautious. It’s a bummer that American consumer sentiment about value and morality couldn’t really move the needle. It’s going to have to be economic conditions. Hopefully something can stop this.