6 ms·

I'd argue this is a bit different than your typical suburban HOA restrictions. Cities are shared spaces, and design consistency is pleasing to humans. Beautifu

I'd argue this is a bit different than your typical suburban HOA restrictions. Cities are shared spaces, and design consistency is pleasing to humans. Beautiful architecture and good city planning are obviously subjective, but aesthetically, design consistency creates a sense of harmony, unity, and comfort compared to a disjointed hodgepodge without a cohesive architectural through line. Functionally, it can also promote things like walkability and sustainability, making it a nicer place to live and work and visit. The 99% Invisible podcast recently had an episode about Sante Fe, NM. The city has strict guidelines for architecture and design which have ultimately been a big factor in the city's success as a tourist destination. https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/roman-mars-describes-santa-fe-as-it-is/ https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/roman-mars-describes-...

ok_dad 2y ago
When I see a city with organic development, I feel cozier than with the cities that all look the same and were built all the same. I think the American idea of “unity” in these matters is a bit insane and very exclusionary.
- Starman_Jones 2y ago
  If there's one thing you can say about America, it's that we're nowhere near as independent and individualistic as the rest of the world. New York is tentpole of homogeneity compared to Barcelona or Lyon.
  - shiroiushi 2y ago
    Come to Tokyo if you want to see a city full of radically-different buildings right next to each other. But ask any normal American, and they'll tell you the city is "ugly" because all the buildings don't look the same.
- caseyohara 2y ago
  I meant "unity" the design principle, not the patriotic sense. Reasonable restrictions and a bit of city planning don't preclude organic development, New York is probably the most organic city in the US. I'm not advocating for every city to be completely uniform and same-y and soulless, just cohesive and thoughtful. Cohesive != uniform. https://www.invisionapp.com/defined/unity-principle-design https://www.invisionapp.com/defined/unity-principle-design
  - ok_dad 2y ago
    I think we probably agree mostly. I’m also talking about design. I prefer a less constrained design system for a city, I think it gives life. Trying to control every bit of the look of a place makes it boring and conservative, IMO. In the USA, I also think that design unity is used to get rid of undesirable persons, and keep things a certain way for certain types of people.
- renewiltord 2y ago
  I wonder if this is a cultural thing imported by the original immigrants to the nation or some other factor. The American desire for uniformity is almost German. There needs to be "consistency" and "unity" in design. This is probably why so many houses are all grey and stuff. I much prefer the organic Asian form of things, and I think the US (which is generally quite awesome) would be well improved with that.

ok_dad 2y ago

When I see a city with organic development, I feel cozier than with the cities that all look the same and were built all the same. I think the American idea of “unity” in these matters is a bit insane and very exclusionary.

Starman_Jones 2y ago
If there's one thing you can say about America, it's that we're nowhere near as independent and individualistic as the rest of the world. New York is tentpole of homogeneity compared to Barcelona or Lyon.
- shiroiushi 2y ago
  Come to Tokyo if you want to see a city full of radically-different buildings right next to each other. But ask any normal American, and they'll tell you the city is "ugly" because all the buildings don't look the same.
caseyohara 2y ago
I meant "unity" the design principle, not the patriotic sense. Reasonable restrictions and a bit of city planning don't preclude organic development, New York is probably the most organic city in the US. I'm not advocating for every city to be completely uniform and same-y and soulless, just cohesive and thoughtful. Cohesive != uniform. https://www.invisionapp.com/defined/unity-principle-design https://www.invisionapp.com/defined/unity-principle-design
- ok_dad 2y ago
  I think we probably agree mostly. I’m also talking about design. I prefer a less constrained design system for a city, I think it gives life. Trying to control every bit of the look of a place makes it boring and conservative, IMO. In the USA, I also think that design unity is used to get rid of undesirable persons, and keep things a certain way for certain types of people.
renewiltord 2y ago
I wonder if this is a cultural thing imported by the original immigrants to the nation or some other factor. The American desire for uniformity is almost German. There needs to be "consistency" and "unity" in design. This is probably why so many houses are all grey and stuff. I much prefer the organic Asian form of things, and I think the US (which is generally quite awesome) would be well improved with that.