Design as Commodity
Intangible concepts such as beauty, strength, honesty are impossible to quantify, measure or inventory, but they are nonetheless recognized to have value. Once the basic necessities of living have been provided for, it is a natural human reaction to look for more in life: to search for meaning, truth, and beauty, to seek out the things that make life worth living and give it value. As countries become more modernized and affluent, their populations increasingly have more disposable income and more choices. People become more sophisticated consumers and demand more quality in the items they buy. Functionality and design are partners in the creation of a successful project. If there is an imbalance in either component, the building fails as architecture. In some projects, due to time or budgetary constraints, more emphasis is put on utility, sacrificing design as the more superfluous of the two. Essentials are provided with less concern for beauty, comfort, or contemplation. The architecture becomes nothing more than a “machine for living”. This is a shortsighted attitude. Design is second only to location in determining desirability. Design fuels demand, and demand creates more emphasis on the importance of design. People recognize the value of good design and are willing to pay more for it. The benefits of good design are evident to all those who experience it. Good design is in tune with its environment. It considers all factors of a place. The application of the principles of feng shui on a world wide level is evidence that people believe that design has an effect on our environment and on ourselves. There is an understanding that good design creates a harmonious relationship between nature and man. Good design need not necessarily be expensive. It is up to architects to be creative within given budget constraints. They must use all tools at their disposal to create architecture that exposes good design to each person in our society. Design is a commodity for the common man. He is in most need of its benefits and most deserving of its pleasures. Good design brings an appreciation of order and beauty to our lives. It provides more than just a place to exist, but a place to live: more than a house, but a home. The ultimate value of good design is the improvement of each person's quality of life.