Defining Good Architecture

Architects like to blather on about "good design" and "great architecture" often without being able to explain what makes it good or great. Too often what we really mean is that a project is novel or innovative in a way that calls attention to the building (and the architect.) What we should do is define good architecture in terms that mean something to the consumers of architecture -- those that live, work, play and worship in our buildings.

At Blue Ridge Architects, we've developed a list of characteristics that we believe constitutes "good architecture." The list is a work-in-progress and we would appreciate your feedback and comments. Over the next weeks we will highlight each of the following values. Stay tuned.

At Blue Ridge Architects we believe architecture should be:

• Lasting
• Meaningful 
• Authentic
• Site-specific
• Progressive
• Well-crafted
• Simple
• Sustainable
• Functional
• Affordable