Being a recent transplant to Austin, TX I have noticed that there is a substantial amount of new residential construction here. Amazingly, I have noticed that almost every new structure is modern. While I am extremely happy with this finding the more I am here I notice that the vast majority of these new, modern structures are aesthetically homogenous, There is almost no varity in "style" or material choice. The houses, probably due to square footage requirements by the client and lack of lot space, end up being very tall and are cladded with galvalume, employ tall skinny windows (mimicking the tall, skinny structure), and usually includeds a slatted wood fence ala nelson bench.
There are two sides of me that fights with this discovery (jeckyl ... hyde),
Number One: The artist in me says...
These houses should not be homogenous. Each house should have it's own unique qualities utilizing architecture as personal expression and an art form and should cater to individual clients' personal taste. Has the nelson bench fence become the modern day white picked fence?
Number Two: The modernist in me says:
These houses SHOULD be homogenous. The more experience builders get with specific methods of construction specific to modernism, the more likely modernism will succeed with it's age old program of "modernism for the masses." From what I have understood, building modern is often more expensive due to the lack of experience of the builders' to build these types of structures. As with anything else, mass production (either in the literal sense or in the sense that many are being built) should reduce cost. The more this tyoe of structure becomes standard, the less it will cost. But will it be just another tract home by tomorrow?
Which side of me is "right?" One, two, both, none?
I'm not sure...
Hello Whitespike! What part of Austin are you living in? I'm somewhat central. I too have noticed the same thing you have. I tend to like it so far... but could see a problem with it in the future. The thing I love about Austin is the variety of house styles. I have heard something about a ban on the more modern styles in certain neighborhoods though. Have you scoped out any good vintage places lately? Austin Moder and Room Service are both pretty good!
There are
many factors that dictate the shape and size of a residence (or any other building); the tall and narrow house may be the response to unavoidable economic, zoning, and/or real estate issues. That said, there are many kinds of "modern" just as there are many kinds of fish, or trucks, or movies: to each its own reason for being.
I like to compare the residence to other consumer choices and to other kinds of manufactured objects. Should we expect every Chevy or Ford sedan to be a unique and individual response to its owners lifestyle ? How much would the maker have to charge for such cars ?
Is it "natural" for each oak tree in a grove to take on a unique form and color, with a different leaf shape from all its neighbors ? Isn't it enough that each occupies an individual and unique piece of real estate, while (it is hoped) relating gracefully to its neighbors and providing the appropriate amount of space and privacy to its inhabitants ?
I am ignoring the obvious problems with the thoughtlessly and cheaply arranged groups of identical houses that at one time passed for "neighborhoods" in America and elsewhere. But the corrective for that is not necessarily the random and willful "variety" that now characterizes newer developments . . .is it ?
Hi
I like Austin and had a...
Hi
I like Austin and had a great time there for the Lone Star Roundup last year. Its amazing how proud the people are of the river, and the city in general. Could you post some pictures online, so we could see this typical house you speak of?
Have you seen Jessie Lee Miller yet. She is a Patsy Cline like singer, and sooo good. See the web link! very talented!
http://collect.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=bandprofile.listAllShows...
good idea
I will try and take some photos this weekend. i will do my best to post them, as i am having to borrow computer time from friends as I wait for my connection.
SDR - point well taken. However, even old photographs of Neutra and Koenig homes reveal their love for certain materials coupled with their talent for making many of their structures pleasantly individualistic despite of a repetitive material palette.
I am not saying this does not exist at all here. There are a few homes that have been pleasantly suprising. However, most of them look a lot alike ,,, for better or for worse ,,,,
how would you like to live...
how would you like to live in a phony
country french world or english country and now Tuscan ... that is what Oklahoma city and Tulsa are all about ...
The original houses that were built were great in the early 90's but every jackleg builder started building in that style and now they are like field mice . but to be fair I must say they sell and that is what the public wants
I would give anything to see some good modern houses.
Side trip...
I ned to think a bit more about what you've written before I comment but whitespike, I envy Austin is an awesome city. So much to do there. Be sure to go eat at Ranch 616 on Nueces, should be fairly close to your neighborhood. And have some fish tacos for me at Guero's
Don't get me wrong. I grew...
Don't get me wrong. I grew up in a town where there are virtually no modernist structures. The few that exist there were built back in the day and most of them have been disgustingly updated. There is no modern new construction there at all.
I love Austin for many reasons, and its ability to embrace modernism is one of the main reasons I have found myself here. I am completely thankful for what is going on here. BUT - having seen many of them by now, the question at hand has been raised in a couple of friendly conversations that I have been a part of lately. I was basically wondering the general attitude about this topic on this forum, being that I respect so many of your insights.
I don't feel compelled to embrace either attitude on the subject. I feel there is some legitimacy on both fronts. The artist in me can see the need for self expression, but the modernist in me values the ability to mass produce (again not in the literal sense a la prefab, but just in that they are producing many structures with similar methods) houses and its potential to streamline the process of building modern in this area ... possibly making modernism within reach of the creative class.
And at the same time, making a home a personal expression of yourself is largely based on the things you fill it with and surround it with. Many of us successfully express ourselves in pre-existing structures every day. So, perhaps this tendency to expect every little detail to be customized to your/my own personal tastes is a bit much. I, for one, could be satisfied that a modernist structure could even become a viable option. Very satisfied.
For those with extremely deep pockets this is not even a worry. I guess beggars cannot always be choosers - at least not with every fine detail.
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