Quality
#TraditionalBuildings
2023-05-06The ultimate objective in construction is always quality, but what precisely does that entail?
Some contend that quality hinges on the materials used, their intrinsic excellence, or the meticulousness with which they are assembled. Others perceive quality as an aesthetic consideration, a manifestation of tastefulness and style. For some, quality is synonymous with practicality, spatial efficiency, or innovative solutions. However, the consensus is that genuine quality is synonymous with longevity.
The structures that have consistently embodied this principle are traditional ones, particularly rural buildings. These humble structures, originally born out of necessity, have now attained a status of uniqueness. It’s no coincidence that they are often transformed into luxury residences today. They weren’t constructed with top-tier materials, their spatial layouts are not inherently suited to contemporary lifestyles, and their “beauty” arises not from deliberate design but from the resourceful application of construction techniques of their time. Nevertheless, they are all profoundly contextual. In this context lies their true quality, and their value endures over time. While materials, spatial arrangements, and techniques may evolve rapidly, being inherently linked to a specific context remains immutable.
The genuine value of a building lies in this context. Everyone has their own criteria for defining when a building can be considered contextualized. In my view, it’s any structure with a compelling story to tell, one that can be succinctly articulated, motivates every decision made during its construction, has the context as its co-protagonist alongside its users, and, upon careful consideration, makes perfect sense. Part of this narrative involves the materials chosen and the rationale behind those choices. Even though we understand that the qualities of these materials may become outdated, it doesn’t mean we should disregard them. Today, we have the luxury of selecting from globally available materials that are best suited to the specific contextual challenges. Increasingly, for various reasons, wood is emerging as a viable option.
However, a traditional building doesn’t persist merely due to the materials used; it endures because there’s a compelling reason not to demolish it. It is an integral part of the context.
This fundamental concept also optimizes resources because listening to the context is more cost-effective than attempting to impose change, and efficiency naturally emerges rather than being forced. Our predecessors didn’t adopt this approach for personal glory; they did so because it made sense.