4 ms·

I'd ask, in any area, why does your form trump my function?

• lmm 10y ago
  There is no clear sharp line between the two; form has always been part of the function of architecture. What your house looks like affects the rest of your community; therefore there is a democratic process that gives them input.
• JamesLeonis 10y ago
  Tourism. I lived near a small historic town with many buildings standing since the 1850s. Tourism is a HUGE industry that brings in dollars to local businesses. It's in the town's interest to preserve that income, so they mandate color and style codes for new buildings as well as restoring older buildings. This is complemented with many folksy festivals and re-enactments as part of drawing in tourist dollars. When people balk at these codes, and they do all the time, there are several other larger and modern cities nearby where they aren't restricted in any design sense.
  • hx87 10y ago
    As long as the codes are written by people who know their architecture and architectural history 100%, I am completely comfortable with that. It's just that I've had far too many experiences with historical preservation codes written by amateurs with limited knowledge of architectural history who effectively ban any attempts at making a building more airtight and efficient while letting aesthetic travesties like asphalt shingle roofing and poorly proportioned window trim stand.
    • JamesLeonis 10y ago
      This I understand. I can tell you that this little town is maintained by both historical and design professionals, and new buildings (and renovations to a practical extent) have all the modern conveniences and safety while preserving the historic aesthetic.