League of Extraordinary Injustices

The League of Extraordinary InJustices

Scarcity as a result of economics implies that the results of various periods of architectural design is in direct correlation. It seems plausible that in times of economic surplus, ‘Starchitects’ flourished. The stylized forms, iconic gestures of grandeur, and egotistical self-assurances of talent or credibility spans across the world in places deemed worthy of their creations. (worthy is the alternate term I’m going to use for wealthy in this case) Such building typologies weren’t a necessity but a mark of gratification for some that would have the chance to experience the structures often.

Economic ‘booms’ have long been great times for architects and builders. An economic boom means that people can afford to hire an architect and builder to produce an idea. These ideas, for the most part, have benefitted the worthy, often in ways that are hoped to trickle down to the less fortunate in order to create some sort of benefit for them. This is not always the case and because of the reliance of economic surpluses to grown design, economic downturns stall out the industry, as in 09 when I graduated.

I believe that a reliance on the ability to design great architecture only when the money is there has slowed down the advancement of a type of architecture that works for everyone. I’m not against the grand building designs that gain great recognition from our peers, garner awards for innovation or creativity, but I revel in the achievements that little know architects are making with building designs that do not depend on the well being of the economy and the availability of its ‘worthy’ to fund such endeavors.

Designers, such as the Rural Studio at Auburn University, have embraced the theory of designing with a purpose for ‘everyone’. Though coined the “RURAL” Studio, I think that many of its design practices and approach to design with the materials available can be applied in many other areas of the industry. The idea of scarcity to me, invokes a need to build with readily available materials that are affected by the rollercoaster we call the economy. Scarcity happens when these material cost make it almost impossible to design or build when money is not in surplus. We often overlook the ability to reuse deconstructed materials and spaces, but in actuality, our “Brand New is Better” mindset hinders us from approaching architecture that could influence a complete Architecture Movement for the People.

Roundwood House- Rural Studio

 Butterfly House- Rural Studio