Who has control?

 

Habraken argues that the durability of our built environment is because it has constantly changed or adapted. Yet the “style” or “type” does not seem to change much. We still build roads relatively straight, on the surface, or the ground. We still have boulevards and we still have sidewalks. So perhaps change is not the right word, perhaps the right word is enhanced.

 

In dealing with the idea that form determines the game, Habraken is absolutely correct. If we think of the apartment building and the idea that many players must share a single “form,” we are forced to realize those decisions are different than those of just redecorating a single kitchen.

 

I think as it relates to architects and designers in the above example, yes it is important for individual tenants to have ownership of their particular spaces. However, I still think that architect does have the voice of design choices when it comes to the general form and other shared spaces. If all of the tenants of an apartment building decided to make decisions on how to decorate the entry lobby they would never form a decision. I think it is important for the architect or designer to make the decisions because they have the training and can act a mediator of all the parties while managing design intent.  

 

I think this is the proper way of things because people are not trained designers and cannot visualize like we can most often. Yes, there are examples of places in the world where sprawl and organic human expansion have created interesting forms, but most often it is haphazard and not efficient.