Is More, More?

“More and more, more is more”

What ever happened to less is more? Where did we lose this minimalistic mentality of the modern architecture movement and begin indulging in the all you can eat buffet approach to “design”? The modern movement full of simplified forms, lack of ornamentation has come and gone, and along with it is a loss of authenticity or identity. Today we find ourselves in a culture and a society obsessed with accessibility, instant gratification, entitlement. If we see it, we want it, and we want it now. The architecture we once knew has become infected with the regurgitation of ideas and the accumulation of “the new creativity” over time.

            This movement didn’t happen overnight though. Let’s go back to the ideas and values of the modern architecture movement. One aspect that I failed to mention earlier, which I believe to be one of the big consequences, is the importance put on having flexible and open spaces to be filled and/or used as the occupants see fit. Should we have seen this coming? Open and flexible spaces seems like an open invitation for Junkspace to enter. As Koolhaas says “Junkspace is the residue mankind leaves on the planet.” Not only has this Junkspace infested our public spaces, but it’s gone beyond that. It’s become part of our daily life, our domestic life. In todays culture a small, quiet, minimalistic shelter in the woods has lost its appeal to the mega mansions with a backyard full all the attractions any amusement has to offer. Because why have less when you can have more?