The sin of monotony

The monotonous architect not only outputs the same design on every project but also uses same forms, same features and same thought, Most often, he ignores thought altogether

Monotony is a common sin of the architect. I experience these copy and paste units along the highway home. They are almost guaranteed on every town along the way.

While these shops may not have been created by architects, I have been approached by many clients that want the same units making me cringe every time.😬😬,

I just can’t help but wonder if we could re-think commercial units to have unique faces that are more interesting visually even for the budget constrained.

Monotony is actually deadly, If you were asked to fill a jerrycan and empty it over and over… for 20 hours straight, you may go insane!

Design of Estates usually suffer the same problem. A monotonous design lacks variation, visual interest to the viewer.

But why do we continue to do this?

Simply because Copy, paste is easy! Thought on the other hand is hard work. It requires dedication to understanding principles of design and dedication to applying them.

"The virtue of art lies in detachment, in sequestering one object from the embarrassing variety." Emerson. That is what a monotonous architect fails to do, he does not detach one thought or feature from another, they are all expressed in the same manner.

How to cure monotony

1. Replenish your tool kit!
   We avoid monotony in architecture by multiplying our powers of design. A pianist uses the entire spectrum of keys to create harmony. Likewise, try different techniques.
   In this video, I share a unique presentation technique that can enhances your presentations

2. Get your principles right!
   Forget everything else but not the basics.

   Just remember, If everything is important, then nothing really is.

   We must create a sense of hierarchy, emphasizing one or more things from the embarrassing majority.

3. Learn from Nature

   Nature in her wealth gives us endless variety; man with his limitations is often monotonous.

   Where as the “idle” rich has many options over the poverty-stricken man, Education alone can be the greatest equalizer.

   All you need in this information age is the desire to learn, the organizations of the natural things under water, on land and in the heavens.

   This understanding alone can improve your approach to design greatly.

Note: “Be natural”or, “stay Authentic” is bad advice for the student.

It is common to hear advice that you need to be natural and authentic in your designs but leads us often to being monotonous.

In nature, plants grow into the improved variety that we enjoy.

Yes, Be natural--but improve your natural gifts until you have approached the ideal, for we must strive after idealized nature in living and in the making of architecture.

If you wish to expand your design ability and are willing to invest your time in acquiring a valuable skill, you can join a free class here

-Namara Allan