"Glocal"

The question of local vs global design is difficult in the context of the interconnedtedness of contemporary society. In Adolf Loos’ 1910 manifesto on Architecture (when the internet was just a twinkle in someone's eye), he paints a vivid yet rigid picture of local design – the scene of a native-built town aside a picturesque lake built by local craftsmen; one in which the architect can only create a discord because his work is not “natural” to the land. To a certain extent, I agree with his argument in the context of a global practice; the idea being that a non-native "global" designer will have difficulties integrating the design into the uniqueness of a "local" place. Take, for example, the back alleys in Seoul, Korea that developed as a result of class differences: 

   

Back Alley in Seoul

Image Source: http://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-back-alley-shops-in-seoul-korea-50506824.html

I would, however, extend the argument for Lefaivre and Mumford’s acceptance of modern technology in fostering regionalism. Given the fact that the global market is here (and here to stay), can we find a balance between this large-scale practice and the regionalism that can invite such character and culture that only those enveloped within it understand enough to foster? For example, contrast the back alleys with a modern high-rise in the same city (Seoul, Korea). I wonder how much the designers know about the city that they are designing in. The same goes for our little student center - how much do we really know about Orangeburg as a place? 

Harim Group Headquarters

Image Source: http://www.di.net/almanac/firms/beck-group-the-architecture/

Perhaps this requires global firms to engage in close dialect with people local to a project site; perhaps this can be balanced by partnering with local architects. Perhaps digital means can serve to increase our understanding of and communication with any certain localities, or perhaps they will be a hindrance – it depends on our use of these tools and the mindset that we accept.