Philosophy of Approach
The earth is covered with structures to house the billions of people and their work. But still many more must be built.
Even if all structures were beautiful (and most are not), the endless mass of these structures and their high use of energy would lead to ever-increasing
- Loss of nature
- Pollution
- Loss of Beauty
- And poverty, both physical and spiritual
Nevertheless, new buildings must be built and new cities must be planned and developed.
Necessity, in planning and building, now in the future, means compact living – compact working, caused by shortage of space, shortage of energy, shortage of money, shortage of food and clothing and of other necessities of life.
Analysis:
The solving of problems lies in the dissecting of the problem into small components, analysis of the components, the solution of problems within the components and the ensuing reconstruction of the solved details into a harmonious whole.
It is never too late to solve problems, for everything changes, all functions change and deficiencies can be corrected within change.
In planning, flexibility must be provided in the design to accommodate future unknown requirements.
Therefore in this book we shall examine in broad terms the requirements for
- Living
- Working
- Shopping
- Recreation
- Travel
- Gardening (food)
In terms of space, relation to other functions, traffic, heat, light, water etc.
Three Essential Criteria:
In all building it is good to remember the three essential criteria:
- Commodity or accommodation, a good plan, function, flexibility, good use now, good use in future, affordability.
- Stability or safety, climactic protection, good materials, good workmanship, quality, long life of structure, economical construction
- Delight or beauty, tact, good proportion, human scale, harmony with nature, harmony with other buildings, harmony with life style of people, inciting culture, graceful living, pride, upgrading and keeping in good repair.
But, necessity is above everything. (Even the Gods are subject to necessity.)
Necessity, in planning and building, now in the future, means compact living – compact working, caused by shortage of space, shortage of energy, shortage of money, shortage of food and clothing and of other necessities of life.