Community at the Core

The Community is apart of the built environment and should play a pivotal role in decision making and needs according to the users inside the buildings we create. In agreement with other posts: it shouldn’t be solely about the client. Focus should be on the betterment of our society as whole and the communities we serve. 

Walter Segal is a fine example of providing for the communities needs and bringing the answer to the affordable housing issue in the hands of the people. He created unique, patented ideas for home owners to build their own homes using simple materials one can buy right off the shelf at a lumber yard. The way Segal laid out the neighborhoods turning the houses to face one another encourages community interaction and closeness that was previously lacking in London. The idea of the house as a module to add or subtract, move, rearrange, divide or open up in a self-build house is a remarkable idea.

Just a thought.... At the same time, if a recession happens again, you need a paycheck to feed your family. You might have to take a job to appease the client and not the community. Will you take that job that may not have your priority of serving the community at its core? Answer most likely is yes. And that’s perfectly fine and the right people will understand and not condemn you for it. Though, in my opinion, if it goes against your principles or ethics you might need to look for a different firm…

In summary, I think it is great we desire to provide and serve the community and we should want to do that. All the while, we should be aware that this isn't always going to be possible every project throughout our careers when a situation is out of our control and basic human needs come into play. It's never just black and white.